Disrupted Circadian Rhythms and Neuroendocrine Function in Fertility

The physiological and mental impact of impaired fertility is recognized by the National Institute of Health, who identified fertility status as an overall marker of health. Reduced fertility is often linked with other physiological or genetic conditions, and precise alignment of physiological processes is essential to maintaining reproductive success. Reproductive function is closely linked with the circadian system, where studies in both humans and rodent research models have demonstrated that neuroendocrine mechanisms are sensitive to circadian disruption. Circadian rhythms throughout the body synchronize reproductive tissue function to the time of day by aligning hormone release with increased target tissue sensitivity to hormones. This chapter will review the current understanding of the neuroendocrine circuit regulating male and female fertility, and how light and genetic disruption of circadian rhythms impairs fertility.