International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

A new fertility treatment may be developed as scientists have discovered a means to stimulate sex hormones.

Researchers from Imperial College London found that injecting women with the hormone kisspeptin - a product of the KISS-1 gene and regulator of reproductive function - can address infertility.

It was shown to lead to the release of hormones that control the menstrual cycle, with the team noting that the study is the first of its kind.

Dr Waljit Dhillo of Imperial College London commented: "This is a very exciting result and suggests that kisspeptin treatment could restore reproductive function in women with low sex hormone levels."

The specialist added that future investigations will focus on the best means to administer kisspeptin, in a bid to develop a therapy for infertility.

A recent review by the British Fertility Society concluded that the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine alongside IVF does not increase a woman's chances of getting pregnant.

Posted by Alexandra George