NAC has shown positive effects on parameters of both male and female infertility.
NAC may improve sperm health and quality (e.g., motility, concentration, morphology, volume) in infertile men, likely through reductions in oxidative stress in the testicular tissue and semen. However, NAC hasn’t consistently been found to influence hormones involved in male fertility (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin).[1]
In women with infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), NAC may reduce testosterone and increase follicle stimulating hormone levels.[2] Compared to placebo, NAC seems to increase pregnancy and ovulation rates, but not when compared to metformin (a medication commonly used in PCOS).[3]
References
- ^Zhou Z, Cui Y, Zhang X, Zhang YThe role of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) orally daily on the sperm parameters and serum hormones in idiopathic infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Andrologia.(2021 Mar)
- ^Zahra Shahveghar Asl, Karim Parastouei, Eslam EskandariThe effects of N-acetylcysteine on ovulation and sex hormones profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysisBr J Nutr.(2023 Jan 4)
- ^Song Y, Wang H, Huang H, Zhu ZComparison of the efficacy between NAC and metformin in treating PCOS patients: a meta-analysis.Gynecol Endocrinol.(2020-Mar)