Alpha lipoic acid in obstetrics and gynecology

Alpha lipoic acid ( ALA) is a natural antioxidant  and it increases the effectiveness of glutation by % 30-70. ALA has been used in patients with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control and reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Policytic ovary syndrome affects % 10 of reproductive age women and is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, amerorrhea and anovulation.

Recent evidence shows that oxidative stress is increased in PCOS women because of increased production of free radicals. Alpha lipoic acid and myoinositol combination reduces insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemi in PCOS patients.

In vitro follicular development and maturation are affected by many factors and oxidative stress seems to have a pivotal role. ALA increases follicular antioxidant capacity , decreases reactive oxygen species. Oxidative phosphorilation and ATP production in the follicle is impaired in older patient. ALA helps the treatment of infertil patients and increases the sucess rate of IVF treatment.

ALA and NAC ( acetyl cystein ) are being used for decreasing pelvic pain in endometriosis cases.

ALA decreases inflamation , by this way it decreases infection of amniotic membranes. It is used for prevention of premature rupture of membrane in pregnant women.