REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 360°: ADDRESSING THE TRIPLE THREAT THROUGH INTEGRATIVE SCIENCE

The reproductive and women’s health domains are influenced by three interconnected dimensions: pharmacological factors, psychological factors, and non-pharmacological factors. This review compiles available evidence on these domains to investigate their impact on human reproduction. Some pharmacological factors have a positive or negative impact on physiologic functions. For example, endocrine disruptors and fertility enhancement drugs have both positive and negative effects. Reproductive health can also suffer from pharmacological treatments which are meant to aid reproductive health. While hormonal contraceptives and treatments for PCOS have had favorable impacts on reproductive health, there is concerning evidence suggesting prolonged exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors is negatively impacting our fertility. Overall health plays a critical role in reproductive function, and it includes the psychological dimension. There is a connection between depression, anxiety, stress and infertility, postpartum disorders, as well as menstrual irregulations. Such psychological ailments also impact the help- seeking behavior and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services. Non-pharmacological changes to one’s lifestyle which include counseling and physical training hold additional value by improving fertility, lessening menstrual discomfort, and augmenting sexual function. These strategies are gaining appreciation in the under-resourced and high burden areas as they do not require pharmacological interventions. The review illustrates the gaps within reproductive healthcare systems. Coordinated care considers medication, social support, and other therapeutic approaches on a case-by-case basis to optimize effectiveness. This holistic strategy appears to be helpful in overcoming multisystem persistent reproductive health issues in a durable and patient-centered way.

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