Investigators discovered that negative mental health issues in female firefighters could lead to decreased levels of an important hormone linked to ovarian health.
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, in collaboration with fire service associates and other researchers nationwide as part of the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study, revealed a connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and diminished levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). AMH is a key indicator of ovarian reserve in women firefighters.
The term ovarian reserve refers to the number of viable eggs present in a woman’s ovaries that have the potential to be fertilized. This measure provides insight into a woman’s fertility and capability to conceive.
According to Michelle Valenti, MPH, the lead author and a doctoral student in epidemiology at the Zuckerman College of Public Health, “These results underscore the detrimental impact mental health issues can have on overall health, particularly regarding reproductive health.”
The study titled “Evaluating the Effect of Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels Among Women Firefighters,” has been published in the Journal of Women’s Health.
Firefighters often face intense stress and traumatic experiences, along with exposure to hazardous chemicals, resulting in a higher rate of PTSD compared to the general populace. Previous studies indicated that female firefighters exhibit lower AMH levels than their non-firefighter counterparts, but the underlying reasons were unclear.
The research team, which included members from the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research at the Zuckerman College, determined if anxiety, depression, or PTSD influenced AMH levels. They discovered that clinical diagnoses of PTSD and anxiety corresponded with decreases of 66% and 33% in AMH levels, respectively.
These results shed light on a potential way negative mental health conditions may lead to negative reproductive health outcomes. More research is required to find potential intervention strategies.
According to Capt. Caitlin St. Clair from the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, “The significance of this AMH study within the broader scope of the FFCCS is crucial for caring for all firefighters. These results give fire departments crucial evidence to create programs aimed at reducing stress and enhancing the lives of female firefighters.”
The Women Firefighter Study, part of the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study, seeks to identify the causes of stress, cancer, and negative reproductive health effects among women firefighters to facilitate effective intervention strategies.
“This study highlights the strength of the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study Women Firefighter Study in assessing factors that contribute to adverse gynecological conditions,” stated Valenti. “The success of the Women Firefighter Study relies on our dedicated fire service partners who have been advocates for research on female firefighters.”
Co-authors from the Zuckerman College of Public Health include senior author Jeff Burgess, MD, MPH, a professor and director of the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and a member of the BIO5 Institute; Leslie Farland, ScD, an associate professor and BIO5 Institute member; Yiwen Liu, PhD, an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics; program administrator Sean Beitel for firefighter research; research technician Jordan Baker; and graduate student Kaiwen Huang.
Alongside St. Clair, additional fire service research contributors include Capt. John Gulotta from the Tucson Fire Department, Capt. Jamie Kolar, Derek Urwin, PhD, from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and several other firefighters.
This study received funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency under award numbers EMW-2015-FP-00213 and EMW-2019-FP-00526.
