Egg Quality, Ovarian Reserve and Photobiomodulation
Unlocking New Hope for Fertility: The Power of Red Light Therapy for Ovarian Health
At Solasta, we’re always on the lookout for the latest advances in fertility support, especially those that are safe, non-invasive, and backed by solid science. The newest research on photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as red light therapy, is turning heads in the world of reproductive medicine. Here’s how this gentle, targeted light treatment could help women facing the challenges of ovarian aging.
What Is Photobiomodulation (PBM) and Why Does It Matter for Fertility?
Photobiomodulation, or PBM/Red Light Therapy, uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and boost energy production within tissues. In the context of fertility, PBM is showing remarkable promise for improving ovarian function, especially for women over 35 who may be experiencing age-related declines in egg quality and hormone balance.
What Did the Latest Research Show?
A groundbreaking 2024 study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology investigated the effects of PBM on naturally aging ovaries in mice. The mice were treated over 2 months and the results were impressive:
Restored Hormone Levels: Treatment with laser photobiomodulation led to significant improvements in key fertility markers. Estradiol (E2) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, both vital for ovarian health rose, while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which typically increases with age, dropped.
More Healthy Follicles: The number of primordial and growing follicles increased, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy ovarian reserve and improving the chances of conception.
Reduced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: PBM helped lower oxidative stress markers and chronic inflammation in the ovaries, both of which are major contributors to ovarian aging.
Enhanced Mitochondrial Function: By boosting mitochondrial activity, PBM increased cellular energy (ATP) production, giving the ovaries the “fuel” they need to function optimally.
Improved Angiogenesis and Cell Survival: The therapy also promoted blood vessel formation and reduced cell death, further supporting ovarian health.
These benefits weren’t just seen in animal models. Human granulosa cells (the “caretaker” cells that support egg development) have shown increased viability, hormone secretion, and reduced oxidative stress after laser PBM treatment in human trials.
Key Percentage Increases
AMH levels: Increased by ~50% in aged mice treated with laser PBM compared to untreated aged controls.
Estradiol (E2): Rose by ~30% in the PBM laser group.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Reduced by ~40% in treated mice.
Primordial follicles: Treated mice had 2.5× more primordial follicles than untreated aged mice.
Statistically Significant Results
All reported improvements were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05), including:
Hormonal changes (AMH, E2, FSH)
Follicle counts (primordial and growing follicles)
Mitochondrial metrics (ATP production, membrane potential)
Oxidative stress reduction (MDA ↓30%, GSH ↑25%)
Apoptosis reduction (TUNEL+ cells ↓35%)
Photobiomodulation and Ovarian Health
More healthy follicles = increase in conception rates
Were There Any Surprising Findings?
One of the most interesting discoveries was the dose-specific effect: a lower dose of PBM showed only modest benefits, while the higher dose delivered robust improvements in ovarian function. This suggests that getting the dose right is key for optimal results.
Another exciting insight was the shift in immune cell activity within the ovary itself. PBM increased the presence of anti-inflammatory cells (macrophages) while reducing pro-inflammatory ones, creating a healthier environment for egg development.
How Could This Translate to Human Fertility Treatments?
While these results are from animal studies, the implications for human fertility are promising and reassuringly the recommended protocols are already in use at our clinic.
Why Choose Solasta for Fertility Support?
Unlike traditional fertility treatments that rely on hormonal stimulation, laser PBM offers a gentle, drug-free approach to improving ovarian function. By addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, three key drivers of ovarian aging Low Level Laser Therapy helps “recharge” the reproductive system, which may give more women a better chance at conception, whether naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies.
If you’re curious about how PBM could support your fertility journey, Solasta is here to help. Reach out to learn more about our evidence-based red light therapy protocols and take the next step toward your family-building goals.
Ready to recharge your fertility? Contact Solasta today to discover how red light therapy can make a difference for you.
A Note on Animal vs. Human Studies
The exciting results described above, including restored hormone levels, increased ovarian follicle counts, and enhanced mitochondrial function originate from animal studies, specifically research conducted in mice. While these findings are promising and provide strong mechanistic insights, it’s important to note that human trials are necessary to confirm whether similar benefits occur in women.
However, emerging human research is already showing positive signals. Recent clinical case series and prospective studies have demonstrated that red and near-infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) can improve fertility outcomes and reproductive health in women, especially those struggling with unexplained or age-related infertility. Notably, these studies have reported improved live birth rates, higher quality embryos, and enhanced implantation rates following PBM treatment.
Mechanistically, human studies also support the idea that PBM may boost fertility by increasing the production of key growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). For example, laboratory studies using human granulosa cells - the cells that support egg development - show that PBM significantly increases VEGF production and activates pathways involved in follicle growth and vascularization. Additionally, in clinical settings, PBM has been shown to improve blood supply to reproductive tissues by upregulating VEGF, which is essential for healthy ovarian function and successful embryo implantation.
Bottom Line?
While the most dramatic results come from animal models, human studies are beginning to validate these findings, showing that PBM can increase VEGF and other beneficial factors, leading to improved fertility outcomes.
