Metabolomic Profile of Sex Steroid Hormones in Women with Infertility: New Perspectives in Reproductive Medicine

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the metabolomic profile of sex steroid hormones in women with infertility to identify unique metabolic markers that aid in diagnosis and enhance treatment. Materials and methods. The study involved 60 women with infertility, divided into two groups: 30 women with early reproductive age infertility (Group I) and 30 women with late reproductive age infertility (Group II). The control group included 30 healthy women. A comprehensive clinical-laboratory analysis was conducted, including hormonal screening and instrumental methods such as ultrasound. Highly sensitive methods — liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry — were used for metabolomic analysis. Results. The study revealed significant differences in the metabolomic profile of steroid hormones between groups: a 25% increase in estrogen metabolites in women with infertility indicates an imbalance affecting ovulation and reproductive func- tion. Progesterone metabolite levels were elevated by 15%, which may indicate issues with the luteal phase and implantation. A 20% decrease in testosterone levels suggests impaired ovarian function and reduced fertility. ROC analysis demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy of the model for predicting infertility (AUC=0.82), highlighting the importance of metabolomic markers in diagnosis. Conclusion. The results indicate the importance of hormonal metabolic pathways in the development of infertility. Metabolomic analysis can serve as an early indicator of hormonal imbalances, allowing for personalized therapeutic strategies. The identification of specific metabolites, such as 2-hydroxyestrone and dehydroepiandrosterone, could form the basis for the development of early diagnostic methods.