Investigating the relationship between dietary habits and psychosocial parameters with ovarian reserve tests in infertile patients

PURPOSE: Infertility is a disease with multiple factors, including medical, psychosocial, and economic aspects. In a study conducted by the World Health Organization on infertile couples, it was reported that 37% of infertile couples in developed countries have female factor infertility. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the effects of nutritional habits and psychosocial parameters on ovarian reserve tests in women diagnosed with infertility MATERIALS AND METHODS: This thesis study, planned as a prospective survey, was conducted on women diagnosed with infertility who applied to Adnan Menderes University between December 2022 and February 2024. In the study, patients were administered a 12-item, 35-sub-item nutrition habits questionnaire, the 21-question Beck Depression Inventory, and the 21-question Beck Anxiety Scale. The results of basal serum FSH, basal serum E2, AMH, and antral follicle count have been examined in patients to assess ovarian reserve. The relationship between these parameters has been investigated. The study was conducted under the auspices of the healthcare institution with patient consent considered. The research data were evaluated using the SPSS 21.0 (Statistical Package fort he Social Sciences) statistical program. The suitability of continuous variables to normal distribution was investigated using visual (histograms and probability plots) and analytical methods (Kolmogorov-Smirnov/Shapiro-Wilk tests). Descriptive statistics of the study were presented using number (n), percentage (%), mean, standard deviation (SD), median, minimum, and maximum. The Mann Whitney U Test was used for comparing continuous variables that did not exhibit parametric properties in independent groups. The Spearman Test was used for the correlation of continuous variables that did not exhibit parametric properties. Statistical significance was determined by a p-value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: In our study investigating the relationship between dietary habits and psychosocial parameters with ovarian reserve tests in infertile patients, dietary habits were assessed in terms of food variety and frequency of consumption. An easily accessible food variety questionnaire was selected for the study. We found that significant results were obtained for certain food groups, but these groups did not show significant relationships with each other. Eggs, cheese, snacks, and fruits were among the foods that yielded significant results, but they couldn't be categorized under the same umbrella. It was determined that consumption of individual food groups affects one or at most two ovarian reserve tests. There was a statistically significant relationship found between bread consumption and Estradiol (E2) levels (p:0,039), with patients consuming bread more frequently showing statistically higher E2 levels. However, no statistically significant results were found between bread consumption and other ovarian reserve tests. Statistically significant relationships were found between fresh fruit juice (p:0,011), meat (p:0,004), snacks (p:0,049), and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, with patients consuming these foods more frequently showing statistically higher AMH levels. No relationship was found between these foods and other ovarian reserve tests. Results from anxiety levels measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory suggested that anxiety levels could affect ovarian reserve independently of depressive mood. Patients scoring higher on the Beck Anxiety Inventory showed statistically lower AMH (p:0,024) and Antral Follicle Count (AFS)(p:0,040) values. However, results from the Beck Depression Inventory were not statistically correlated with any ovarian reserve test. Patients consuming eggs (p:0,023), fresh fruit juice (p:0,040), and snacks (p:0,035) more frequently showed statistically lower scores on the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Similarly, patients consuming eggs (p:0,018), fresh fruit (p:0,021), and snacks (p:0,009) more frequently showed statistically lower scores on the Beck Depression Inventory, whereas cheese consumption showed statistically higher scores. These findings indicate that although these foods do not belong to the same food type, they can still have different statistical outcomes within the same food category. In conclusion, maintaining a balanced and moderate diet that affects both physical and mental health positively could contribute to improving mood and supporting the diagnosis and treatment process of infertility. Initiatives aimed at improving psychosocial well-being may lead to healthier and more productive outcomes during infertility treatment.