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Integrative Fertility (Expert Forum)
Effect of Gemfibrozil on fertility
Answered by
John H. Kim, M.D. - Women's Health, Gynecology, Acupuncture, Integrative Medicine, REI, Mind/Body Medicine, ReproductiveMedicine, IntegrativeFertility, Herbal Medicine, infertility, menopause
John H. Kim, M.D.
Los Altos - CA
This forum is for questions and support regarding an integrative approach to healing that combines the best practices in complementary and conventional medicine. Topics include: Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Mind/Body Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fertility, Stress and Fertility, Body Weight and Fertility, Environmental Contaminants and Fertility, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Fibroids, Endometriosis, Hormone Imbalances, Menopause.
Effect of Gemfibrozil on fertility
by Glenda306, Jul 16, 2008 09:37PM
My husband started on Gemfibrozil to lower his cholesterol at the beginning of the year. On 2/14/08 we found out we were pregnant, but miscarried about 5 weeks later. We have been trying again since May, but I recently discovered that Gemfibrozil (and similar meds) may cause male infertility or reduced fertility. Is this accurate? If so, how long would it take for the medicine to clear his system and his fertility to return? We have 3 healthy kids and have had 2 m/c (2003 & 2008).
Thanks for your assistance.
Thanks for your assistance.
Doctor's Answer
by John H. Kim, M.D., Jul 23, 2008 05:47PM
, Jul 23, 2008 05:47PMTo: Glenda306
This is from Reprotox:
Reproductive parameters were not compromised in adult rats treated with this agent, although in males given about 17 times the average daily human dose, there was a questionable decrease in fertility (3). Although uncommon, gemfibrozil is occasionally associated with impotence and decreased libido (4,5). In vitro studies using rat tissues have reported that gemfibrozil and other inducers of hepatic peroxisome proliferation may alter the steroidogenic function of Leydig cells (7). However, the relevance of these findings for the clinical use of this agent is unknown.
So it is not clear in humans that it would have an effect on male fertility.
Reproductive parameters were not compromised in adult rats treated with this agent, although in males given about 17 times the average daily human dose, there was a questionable decrease in fertility (3). Although uncommon, gemfibrozil is occasionally associated with impotence and decreased libido (4,5). In vitro studies using rat tissues have reported that gemfibrozil and other inducers of hepatic peroxisome proliferation may alter the steroidogenic function of Leydig cells (7). However, the relevance of these findings for the clinical use of this agent is unknown.
So it is not clear in humans that it would have an effect on male fertility.
Member Comments (2)
by Glenda306, Jul 23, 2008 10:28PM
To: John H. Kim, M.D.
Thanks for the reply. My husband has decided to go off the Gemfibrozil until we conceive again (just in case).
