What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (often shortened to CoQ10 and pronounced co-Q-ten) is a very common supplement taken not only by women undergoing egg freezing, but for a myriad of different conditions. This agent is not only a popular supplement but is a vital contributor to the way that our cells produce energy and survive. As part of its function, CoQ10 soaks up oxygen free radicals, which are produced during a cell’s daily activity. These free radicals, if not stopped, can damage other molecules and structures in a cell, chiefly DNA and mitochondria.
DNA damage is the central issue behind the degradation and loss of eggs with age.
Every cell in our body accumulates defects in DNA with time. Unlike virtually every other cell in a woman’s body, which gets recycled and replenished over the span of weeks to months, eggs are present throughout a woman’s life. Hence, the chance of DNA damage and abnormal chromosomes (one of the 46 packets of DNA in our cells) increases with a woman’s age.
This decline in the quality and quantity of eggs is the chief reason why egg freezing is so effective. Egg freezing allows a woman to extract numerous eggs in one or more cycles which can be frozen for later use. Using eggs frozen at a younger age typically means a higher chance of pregnancy than if she were to use her eggs at an older age.
What benefits does CoQ10 have on egg freezing?
CoQ10 has been studied extensively in women undergoing stimulation for egg freezing with a generally beneficial effect.
Several retrospective studies have indicated that CoQ10 improves follicle size, follicle number, and the number of mature eggs.
At least one study has even indicated that CoQ10 leads to a greater number of high-quality embryos. The best studies though are randomized, controlled trials (RCTs), and those done on CoQ10 showed improved mitochondrial function and lower rates of chromosomal abnormalities (aka aneuploidy) in women taking the supplement. It should be noted that the majority of these studies looked at older women who are especially vulnerable to aneuploidy in their eggs. While younger women (less than 35 years of age) may still benefit from coenzyme Q10, the data is unclear for this age group.
In general, CoQ10 is a very benign supplement with side-effects typically limited to mild nausea or appetite loss. Furthermore, these side-effects are rare.
The recommended dosage of CoQ10 is 600mg taken for 1-2 months before an egg freezing cycle to achieve the best possible benefit.
Overall, CoQ10 offers significant benefits for egg quality and health. Weighing in the rare and mild side effects, a patient using this supplement before egg freezing definitely stands to gain far, far more than to lose.
Alexander M. Kotlyar, MD, FACOG is a board-certified specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). Dr. Kotlyar completed medical school at Dartmouth and his residency at the Cleveland Clinic. He completed his fellowship at the Yale University School of Medicine, where his research won awards from the ASRM. Throughout his training, Dr. Kotlyar published numerous research articles, review papers, and book chapters on topics as varied as pubertal development, endometriosis and robotic gynecologic surgery.
Learn more about Genesis Fertility and Reproductive Medicine’s egg freezing practice on Freeze.
