CoQ10 and Infertility in Women, Can It Really Help?
I started taking CoQ10 as a way to optimize my health while preparing to conceive, focusing on supporting egg quality and overall reproductive health. But is it truly effective in increasing the chances of conceiving? Let’s unpack the data and what it means exactly.
CoQ10: What we know
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like compound that plays a crucial role in energy production within cells.
It seems to have some antioxidant activity.
Commonly used in conditions like heart failure or migraine headaches.
Many medications like -statins (cholesterol-lowering) and -sartans (blood pressure-lowering), can further deplete CoQ10.
Certain medical conditions can lead to CoQ10 deficiency.
What does the research say?
Researchers aren’t completely sure yet whether taking CoQ10 by mouth actually helps women who are doing fertility treatments like IVF (in-vitro fertilization). Some small studies show that women who took CoQ10 before their fertility treatment were about twice as likely to get pregnant compared to those who didn’t take it.
However, CoQ10 didn’t seem to change the chances of having a miscarriage or a live birth. In other words, it may help with getting pregnant, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re more likely to carry the baby to term or deliver successfully.
Multiple other studies have shown Coq10 to be possibly effective in heart failure, nerve pain in people with diabetes, migraine in adults, and much more.
Things to Keep in Mind
Typical dosing is between 100 mg and 400 mg/day, but it is condition-specific.
Your body absorbs and uses CoQ10 more efficiently when dosing is split rather than a single daily dose.
If you’re undergoing fertility treatments or taking hormone therapy, consult with your local physician and have them check for medication interactions first.
Your Pharmacist’s Takeaway
Overall, the results are encouraging but still preliminary. This simply means CoQ10 looks promising for improving egg quality and pregnancy chances in women with fertility challenges, but more high-quality research is needed to confirm how much it truly helps. So yes, I will continue to take it as part of my overall wellness routine!
In health,
Dr. A
Disclaimer: I’m a licensed pharmacist, but this post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Everyone’s health needs are unique — please consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any supplement, medication, or treatment plan.