In recent years, NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) has garnered attention for its promising role in anti-aging and cellular repair. But beyond the headlines about youthful skin and longevity, a lesser-known benefit is emerging—its potential to support ovarian health, particularly in women facing Premature Ovarian Aging or Insufficiency (POI).

Could NMN be a game-changer in the battle against early reproductive aging? Let’s explore the science behind it and what current research is beginning to reveal.

NMN plays a significant role in improving premature ovarian insufficiency. It can enhance mitochondrial function, boost antioxidant capacity, promote DNA repair, and improve overall ovarian function, offering new hope for interventions in POI and women's reproductive health.


1. Increasing NAD⁺ Levels

NMN is a direct precursor of NAD⁺, a crucial molecule involved in cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and the regulation of gene expression.

In individuals with premature ovarian insufficiency, NAD⁺ levels are significantly reduced, leading to a decline in ovarian function. Supplementing with NMN can rapidly boost NAD⁺ levels and help restore cellular metabolic vitality.


2. Activating Longevity Proteins (Sirtuins)

NMN activates the sirtuin family of proteins (such as SIRT1 and SIRT3) by increasing NAD⁺ levels. These proteins play a vital role in maintaining ovarian function.

SIRT1: Involved in follicle development and ovulation, it helps inhibit ovarian cell apoptosis and protects ovarian reserve function.

SIRT3: Improves mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress-induced damage to ovarian cells.


3. Improving Mitochondrial Function

Premature ovarian insufficiency is closely related to the decline in mitochondrial function. NMN enhances mitochondrial bioenergetics by increasing NAD⁺ levels, improving ATP production efficiency.

Improving mitochondrial function helps reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreasing oxidative stress-induced damage to ovarian cells and slowing down ovarian aging.


4. Reducing Oxidative Stress

In patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, oxidative stress levels are elevated, leading to follicular DNA damage and cell apoptosis.

NMN activates antioxidant pathways such as Nrf2, enhancing the antioxidant capacity of ovarian cells and reducing free radical damage to ovarian tissues.


5. Regulating Inflammatory Response

Chronic inflammation is one of the key triggers of premature ovarian insufficiency. NMN can inhibit inflammation signaling pathways such as NF-κB, reducing the levels of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissues (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6).

Reducing inflammation helps protect the ovarian microenvironment, promoting follicular development and hormone secretion.


6. Promoting Ovarian Cell Repair and Regeneration

NMN enhances NAD⁺ levels, activating DNA repair enzymes (such as PARP1) to promote the repair of DNA damage in ovarian cells.

By improving the ovarian microenvironment, NMN supports follicular development and hormone secretion, helping restore ovarian function.


7. Regulating Hormone Levels

Premature ovarian insufficiency is often accompanied by a decline in estrogen levels. NMN improves ovarian function, promoting the synthesis and secretion of estrogen, helping alleviate menopause symptoms.

Restoring estrogen levels supports the maintenance of female reproductive health and overall physiological function.


8. Experimental Evidence

A study published on November 26, 2024, in the Journal of Ovarian Research investigated the effects of NMN using a POI rat model. The rats were divided into control, POI, and NMN intervention groups, and relevant indicators were measured; in vitro experiments were conducted to induce pyroptosis and treatment.

The results showed that NMN improved blood hormone levels in POI rats, increased follicle count, and enhanced ovarian reserve function. In vitro experiments indicated that NMN could elevate NAD⁺ levels and inhibit the expression of pyroptosis-related factors such as NLRP3. The study concluded that NMN can protect against ovarian damage caused by ovarian dysfunction in female rats.