AI and Hormones: A New Era for IVF and Women’s Fertility Health

Hormones are central to reproductive wellbeing, and the integration of AI with hormonal science is helping clinicians make more accurate decisions during procedures like in vitro fertilisation (IVF). With fertility treatment costs high and cycles often limited, getting the best result from each attempt is essential—and AI is making that possible.

Using AI to Personalise IVF Treatment

During IVF, the ovaries are stimulated with hormones to grow follicles—the sacs that contain eggs. Clinicians monitor the growth of these follicles using ultrasound to determine the best moment to trigger ovulation. Traditionally, this decision is based on rule-of-thumb estimates, using only the size of the largest follicles.

However, a recent study led by Dr. Abbara has shown how AI can offer far more precise insights. The technology was used to identify which sized follicles are most likely to yield an egg. Results revealed that cycles with more follicles in the optimal size range led to improved egg retrieval and increased live birth rates.

“In future, AI will guide clinicians with a decision-support system to recommend the ideal time to trigger ovulation,” Dr. Abbara explained. “This could help us maximise outcomes with every IVF cycle.”

AI’s Broader Role in Reproductive Endocrinology

Dr. Abbara’s team is also exploring how AI can improve diagnosis and treatment for other hormonal conditions. For instance, menstrual disturbances often indicate anovulation (failure to release an egg), but diagnosis and medication selection can be tricky.

AI is now being trained to interpret large datasets of menstrual and hormonal patterns to identify the most effective treatments for restoring ovulation. “This approach can help us personalise treatments, make more informed choices, and reduce trial-and-error in fertility care,” he said.

Kisspeptin: The Game-Changer for Safer IVF

One of the standout breakthroughs in reproductive endocrinology is the study of kisspeptin, a naturally occurring protein essential for fertility. According to Dr. Abbara’s research, kisspeptin could make IVF significantly safer.

Overstimulation of the ovaries during IVF can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)—a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. To avoid this, clinicians often reduce hormone doses or delay embryo transfer, sometimes compromising the chances of success.

However, kisspeptin reduces the risk of OHSS without sacrificing fertility outcomes. “This could simplify IVF protocols, improve safety, and potentially boost pregnancy rates,” he said. The next step: clinical trials to prove its superiority over current medications.

AMH: A Key Hormone in Diagnosing PCOS

Dr. Abbara is also leading research into anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which plays a vital role in understanding polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). AMH reflects a woman’s ovarian reserve—the number of follicles remaining in the ovaries.

Women with PCOS often have elevated AMH levels due to the abundance of follicles. “Our research shows that the higher the AMH, the more likely PCOS features are present,” he explained. While AMH alone is not yet enough for diagnosis, it’s becoming a core part of new clinical guidelines.

In the future, AMH could potentially be used as a standalone marker to diagnose PCOS, although menstrual history and other indicators are still critical.

Bridging the Gap in Women’s Health Research

Despite the strides being made, Dr. Abbara stressed that women’s health has long been underfunded and under-researched. “We must do more to improve care and dedicate resources to research focused on women’s unique health needs,” he said.

Initiatives like the UK Government’s Women’s Health Strategy are pushing to close this gap. Dr. Abbara believes men in medicine must also play an active role—mentoring female colleagues, advocating for funding, and challenging outdated biases in clinical research.

“Women’s health must be at the forefront of medical innovation,” he said. “Through AI, hormonal science, and a renewed commitment to equity, we have the power to reshape the future of fertility and wellbeing.”

As AI continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of the delicate interplay between hormones and reproductive success. With passionate experts like Dr. Abbara leading the charge, the future of fertility care looks smarter, safer, and more inclusive than ever.

Reference: https://www.sunflowerhospital.in/how-ai-is-shaping-the-future-of-ivf-and-fertility-treatments/