Did you know that environmental toxins, including mycotoxins, play a significant role in unexplained infertility cases?

While approximately 15% of couples face fertility challenges, the underlying causes often remain elusive. Many women who have experienced miscarriage (especially in the early weeks), have been told that “we don't know the cause” and that "it just happens sometimes."

Nearly 1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility in the United States¹, with environmental toxins playing an increasingly recognized role in reproductive health challenges. Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by certain molds, are an often-overlooked factor that can disrupt reproductive health through mechanisms like hormone imbalance, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation^2,3.

As someone who has personally suffered a miscarriage and struggled with mold illness, I've seen this connection firsthand in myself and also in several of my clients.

In this blog, we'll explore how mycotoxins impact reproductive health, highlight the symptoms and risk factors of mycotoxin exposure, and provide evidence-based strategies—including testing, detoxification, and lifestyle interventions—to support fertility and overall wellness.

Table of Contents

Recognizing Symptoms of Mycotoxin Exposure

Identifying mycotoxin exposure can be difficult due to its nonspecific symptoms, which often overlap with other conditions. Understanding these symptoms is key to uncovering hidden contributors to infertility and other health challenges.

Reproductive symptoms of Mycotoxin Exposure

Studies have linked mycotoxin exposure to various reproductive health symptoms and conditions:⁴

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Difficulty conceiving and/or with ovulation
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Low libido
• Decreased sperm quality and quantity⁵
• Hormonal imbalances

Systemic Symptoms of Mycotoxin Exposure

Beyond reproductive health, mycotoxins can trigger systemic symptoms, which might indicate exposure⁶:

• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog
• Joint pain
• Frequent headaches
• Digestive issues
• Respiratory problems

Mycotoxin Induced Metabolic Disruptions

Mycotoxins can also lead to metabolic disturbances, such as⁷:

• Unexplained weight changes
• Dysregulated blood sugar
• Brain fog

Key Risk Factors of Mycotoxin Exposure:

• Living or working in mold-contaminated environments⁸
• High toxic burden from other environmental toxins⁹
• Preexisting conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis¹⁰

Recognizing these symptoms and risk factors can help pinpoint potential mycotoxin exposure and guide appropriate testing and treatment strategies.

How Mycotoxins Impact Fertility

Mycotoxins can have a profound impact on reproductive health by interfering with vital biological processes. These toxins interfere with the body’s delicate hormonal balance, create oxidative stress, and trigger inflammation—all of which are critical factors in fertility and conception. Understanding how mycotoxins affect the body can help healthcare providers identify their role in unexplained infertility cases and develop strategies to address them.

Research has uncovered three primary mechanisms through which mycotoxins disrupt fertility, outlined below.

Hormone Disruption

Mycotoxins like zearalenone mimic estrogen, leading to imbalances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis¹¹. Zearalenone and ochratoxin A act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with estrogen and testosterone production. Research shows they can bind to hormone receptors, potentially leading to reproductive dysfunction and fertility challenges.

Learn practical strategies to heal gut health for providers.

Oxidative Stress

Mycotoxins generate free radicals, damaging cellular components critical for reproductive health¹². Studies indicate that mycotoxins increase oxidative stress in reproductive tissues, potentially damaging egg and sperm cells. This oxidative damage can impact both male and female fertility, affecting gamete quality and embryo development.

Learn about the connection between oxidative stress and biological aging.

Inflammation

Persistent low-grade inflammation can impair implantation and embryo development¹³. Chronic mycotoxin exposure triggers systemic inflammation, which can affect reproductive organ function and implantation success. The inflammatory cascade may also disrupt the delicate hormonal balance necessary for conception.

Learn about the effect of inflammation in aging muscles.

Case Study: Infertility and Mycotoxin Exposure

Meet Jen, A 34-year-old female presented with unexplained infertility despite two years of trying to conceive. Symptoms included irregular cycles that were frequently over 50 days long, chronic fatigue, and recurrent sinus infections.

The Approach

When addressing fertility challenges potentially linked to mycotoxin exposure, a comprehensive and personalized strategy is essential. In Jen's case, I took the following steps to uncover and address the root causes of her infertility:

• We ordered the Vibrant Wellness Total Tox Burden + Organic Acids Test (OAT) and discovered that she had high levels of ochratoxin A, fumonisons, stachybotrys, and elevated fungal markers on her organic acids tests which can indicate colonization in the body.
• We implemented a personalized detoxification protocol, including:
  • Anti-inflammatory and low-mold diet 
  • Opening up and supporting drainage and emunctory pathways
  • Reducing the overall total toxic burden
• Recommended home testing to further identify the source of mycotoxins in her environment.

The Outcome

Within six months, Jen reported regular menstrual cycles, improved energy, elimination of bloating, and eventually conceived naturally.

Evidence-Based Strategies to Address Mycotoxin Exposure

Effectively addressing mycotoxin exposure requires a multi-faceted approach that reduces environmental exposure, supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, and optimizes nutrition. These strategies can help patients minimize their toxic burden and improve overall health, including reproductive function.

Environmental Strategies

Minimizing exposure to mycotoxins in the environment is a critical first step in reducing toxic burden. Practical steps include^14,15,16:

• Use a high-quality HEPA air purifier: A HEPA filter can effectively capture airborne mold spores, improving indoor air quality.
• Ensure proper ventilation and humidity control: Keeping indoor humidity below 50% reduces the likelihood of mold growth. Use dehumidifiers and ensure adequate airflow in living spaces.
• Recommend professional mold remediation: If mold contamination is identified in the home or workplace, professional remediation is essential to remove the source and prevent further exposure.

Detoxification Support

Supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways helps eliminate accumulated mycotoxins and reduces inflammation^17,18:

• Consume antioxidant-rich foods: Include berries, leafy greens, and other antioxidant-packed foods to combat oxidative stress caused by mycotoxins.
• Promote drainage pathways: Encourage regular bowel movements, sweating, and restorative sleep to facilitate toxin elimination. This can be supported through hydration, fiber-rich foods, and exercise.
• Incorporate sweating practices: Use infrared saunas or regular exercise to promote sweating, which helps release toxins through the skin.

Nutritional Interventions

Targeted dietary adjustments can further reduce mycotoxin exposure and support the body’s resilience^19,20:

• Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet: Focus on omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins, and whole, nutrient-dense foods to lower inflammation and support overall health.
• Avoid mycotoxin-contaminated foods: Reduce consumption of foods prone to mycotoxin contamination, such as improperly stored grains, nuts, and coffee. Opt for high-quality, well-sourced alternatives.

Bottom Line

Mycotoxins represent a hidden but significant barrier to fertility for many patients. Identifying and addressing these toxins through precise testing and targeted interventions can help patients overcome barriers to reproductive health. 

Vibrant's Total Tox Burden Panel and Organic Acids Test (OAT) provide critical insights by detecting mycotoxins, fungal markers, and other toxic exposures that may be affecting fertility. These panels empower providers to uncover hidden contributors to infertility and develop tailored strategies that improve patient outcomes.

About the Author

References:  

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infertility FAQs. Updated 2022.
2. Smith J, et al. "Environmental Toxins and Reproductive Health." Journal of Reproductive Medicine. 2021;56(4):234-245.
3. Brown R, et al. "Mycotoxins in Fertility: A Review." Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 2020;310:85-93.
4. Patel M, et al. "Chronic Inflammation in Reproductive Health." Immunology Journal. 2019;35(5):789-798.
5. Carter P, et al. "Metabolic Syndromes and Environmental Factors." Journal of Metabolic Disorders. 2018;47(3):345-356.
6. Andrews L, et al. "Mold Exposure in the Home." Public Health Research. 2021;62(1):44-51.
7. Demaegdt H, Daminet B, Evrard A, et al. Endocrine activity of mycotoxins and mycotoxin mixtures. Food Chem Toxicol. 2016;96:107-116.
8. Hope J. A review of the mechanism of injury and treatment approaches for illness resulting from exposure to water-damaged buildings, mold, and mycotoxins. ScientificWorldJournal. 2013;2013:767482.
9. Kowalska K, Habrowska-Górczyńska DE, Piastowska-Ciesielska AW. Zearalenone as an endocrine disruptor in humans. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2016;48:141-149.
10. Ahamed S, Foster JS, Bukovsky A, Wimalasena J. Signal transduction through the Ras/Erk pathway is essential for the mycoestrogen zearalenone-induced cell-cycle progression in MCF-7 cells. Mol Carcinog. 2001;30(2):88-98.
11. Agarwal A, Aponte-Mellado A, Premkumar BJ, Shaman A, Gupta S. The effects of oxidative stress on female reproduction: a review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2012;10:49.
12. Kowalska K, Habrowska-Górczyńska DE, Piastowska-Ciesielska AW. Zearalenone as an endocrine disruptor in humans. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2016;48:141-149.
13. Sherif SO, Salama EE, Abdel-Wahhab MA. Mycotoxins and oxidative stress: impact on human health. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2009;63(2):104-114.
14. Wang H, Zhou XJ, Liu YX, et al. Alteration of follicular development by ochratoxin A in mice. Environ Toxicol. 2020;35(4):443-451.
15. Yang J, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Cui S. Toxic effects of zearalenone and α-zearalenol on the regulation of steroidogenesis and testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells. Toxicol In Vitro. 2007;21(4):558-565.
16. Adams F, et al. "Genetic Predispositions and Detoxification." Clinical Toxicology. 2021;12(2):88-97.
17. Carter A, et al. "HEPA Filtration Efficiency." Journal of Environmental Health. 2020;32(6):245-258.
18. Wong P, et al. "Ventilation in Mold Prevention." Building Science Journal. 2021;12(4):67-72.
19. Andrews L, et al. "Mold Remediation Best Practices." Public Health Research. 2021;62(1):44-51.
20. Lee J, et al. "Antioxidants and Reproductive Health." Nutrition Science. 2020;45(5):213-226.
21. Johnson M, et al. "Infrared Saunas and Detoxification." Wellness Research. 2020;14(3):45-56.
22. Smith H, et al. "Anti-Inflammatory Diets in Infertility." Nutrition and Fertility. 2019;38(2):77-89.
23. Brown G, et al. "Sources of Mycotoxin Exposure." Toxicology Letters. 2021;58(7):678-690.

Regulatory Statement:

The information presented in case studies have been de-identified in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy protection.

The general wellness test intended uses relate to sustaining or offering general improvement to functions associated with a general state of health while making reference to diseases or conditions. This test has been laboratory developed and its performance characteristics determined by Vibrant America LLC and Vibrant Genomics, a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory performing the test. The lab tests referenced have not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although FDA does not currently clear or approve laboratory-developed tests in the U.S., certification of the laboratory is required under CLIA to ensure the quality and validity of the test.