Infertility and Cardiovascular Health
摘要
Infertility is increasingly recognized not only as a reproductive concern but also as a marker of broader systemic health, particularly cardiovascular risk. Emerging evidence suggests that infertility itself, regardless of etiology, may signal underlying vascular, metabolic, or endocrine dysfunction that predisposes individuals to later-life cardiovascular risk. Additionally, several infertility-associated conditions—such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis—are linked to heightened CVD risk through shared mechanisms including chronic inflammation, dyslipidemia, hormonal dysregulation, and early estrogen deficiency. This chapter examines the mechanisms underlying these associations, highlighting evidence from clinical and epidemiologic studies. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the potential link between infertility treatment and later-life cardiovascular disease. These insights highlight the importance of incorporating long-term cardiovascular health monitoring and risk assessment into the care of individuals with infertility.