The earliest studies with vitamin B6 demonstrated that aside from its role as a co-factor in many bioenergetic processes, this vitamin also seemed to have a role as a dopamine agonist, with resulting lowering of prolactin levels. Elevated prolactin is now known to play a crucial role in both male and female infertility, but especially the latter. Anti-prolactin interventions with drugs such as bromocriptine have shown great promise in treating female infertility in conditions such as the the “Female Athlete Triad” (FAT), which is a reversible form of early-onset menopause often seen in competitive female athletes and linked to the hyperactivation of the HPA axis in such athletes. For the record, the male version of FAT also exists, yet it is less studied and when encountered, it is often treated with testosterone injections and/or aromatase inhibitors. In addition, studies have shown that vitamin B6 may be one of the main endogenous (functional) glucocorticoid antagonists and this effect has been used to explain the effectiveness of vitamin B6 in treating cleft palate in children – a condition known to be triggered by maternal stress during pregnancy. In other words, vitamin B6 has anti-estrogenic/anti-prolactin, pro-dopamine, and anti-cortisol effects. The combination of these effects suggest that vitamin B6 may be “non-steroidal hormone”, and a possible treatment for female infertility whether triggered by menopause, stress, diet or of iatrogenic origin. The study below found that vitamin B6 plays a key role in activating so-called primordial follicles, which is the first step in producing mature eggs (ova), capable of fertilization and implantation. A decline in the number of active primordial follicles is well-known feature of menopause, which suggests that vitamin B6 therapy may be a viable option for either delaying or preventing menopause, or reversing already established menopause, with the last currently thought by mainstream medicine to not be possible.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-025-01882-1
Vitamin B6 Boosts Primordial Follicle Activation via PI3K/Akt
“…In recent years, the scientific community has been captivated by the intricate dance of hormones and biological signaling pathways that regulate female reproductive health. Among the various vitamins that play crucial roles, Vitamin B6 has emerged as a key player that could potentially stimulate the development of primordial follicles in the ovaries. A recent study led by Wen et al. highlights the remarkable bioactive roles of Vitamin B6, revealing not just its significance in metabolic processes but also its interaction with critical signaling pathways, notably the PI3K/Akt pathway. This research provides fresh insights that could reshape our understanding of female fertility and ovarian function. The study, published in the Journal of Ovarian Research, systematically investigates how Vitamin B6 contributes to the activation of primordial follicles, which are the earliest stage of ovarian follicles responsible for female fertility. Much like a seed that requires the right conditions to germinate, primordial follicles lie dormant in the ovaries until hormonal signals trigger their development into mature ova. The findings suggest that Vitamin B6 serves as one of those key signals that can boost this critical developmental phase.”
“…Moreover, the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway in follicle activation cannot be overstated. This signaling cascade is intricately involved in cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, and apoptosis, making it a pivotal focus in understanding ovarian biology. Vitamin B6 is shown to initiate this signaling pathway, thereby orchestrating a series of cellular events that lead to the resumption of follicular growth. Given that a decline in ovarian reserve and functionality poses a challenge for many women seeking to conceive, this finding holds profound implications for reproductive endocrinology. Further analysis presented in the study amplifies the relevance of Vitamin B6 beyond mere activation; it suggests that this vitamin might influence the overall health of the ovarian microenvironment. The authors postulate that adequate levels of Vitamin B6 could promote the nutritional status of oocytes, improve overall folliculogenesis, and potentially enhance oocyte quality. This intricate relationship between nutrition and reproductive biology underscores the need for integrated approaches to fertility treatment, merging dietary support with conventional medical strategies.”
