My opinion, regarding a 50-year-old problem
I just read Prof. Ugo Bardi’s notes, in “the Seneca effect”, regarding the worrisome diminution of human male’s sperm counts, and his declaration, “Human sperm count is rapidly declining:that may lead to a fast demise of the homo sapiens species”, on May 5 •
The Seneca Effect | Ugo Bardi | Substack
As usual, I agree with Dr Bardi, but it occurs to me that there is a simple reason for the problem and that once diagnosed, therapy (if necessary) will be easy.
SPERM COUNTS FALLING IN HUMANS
A progressive reduction in fertility rates was first noted in frogs, in the 1960s and it was concluded that habitat pollution with xenoestrogens was to blame, but it was soon evident that the average “normal” sperm count in humans (initially, 80 – 120 million /ML) was also diminishing, progressively – the accepted average was lowered to 60 million, then to 40 million per cc and eventually, urologists could be heard to exclaim nonchalantly, “oh you don’t really need more than 20 million or so”.
The human males’ burgeoning difficulty was initially, also blamed on Xenoestrogens, especially bisphenols in plastic water bottles and retail store receipts: but it is more likely that the progressive reduction in sperm count, seen in humans, is the result of a heightened prevalence of stress-related intracellular hypothyroidism (low T3 syndrome), as a result of rising societal anxiety.
Note AI’s response, re. the relationship of sperm count to thyroid function: specifically, to hypothyroidism
AI says, “Hypothyroidism, (an underactive thyroid), can negatively impact male fertility by affecting sperm production, quality, and overall reproductive health. Specifically, it can lead to lower sperm counts, reduced sperm motility (movement), and even sperm morphological abnormalities.”
AI continues, “Hypothyroidism can decrease the production of key hormones like TSH, FSH, and LH, which are crucial for sperm development and production in the testes.”
Regarding lowered sperm quality, it says: “The thyroid gland plays a role in maintaining the proper environment for sperm development, and a lack of thyroid hormone can lead to poor sperm morphology (shape) and reduced sperm motility. “
Further, AI remarks on the impact of hypothyroidism on Testosterone: “Hypothyroidism can reduce testosterone levels, which are essential for male sexual function and sperm production.” and re. Sperm Transit Time, it says: “One study suggests that hypothyroidism can increase the sperm transit time through the epididymis, which can further impact sperm production and quality.”
Also, re. “Other Reproductive Concerns”, it says “Beyond sperm count and quality, hypothyroidism can also contribute to other reproductive issues like erectile dysfunction and low libido”.
Hyperthyroidism (High T3) on the other hand, causes an increase in the hormones, resulting in more, and more viable, sperm.
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