Why is Nobody Talking about Fertility, POMC and the Sun?

How POMC Impacts Your Fertility (and Why You Might Be Running Low)

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right to boost your fertility, but something still seems off? Here’s the thing: it might not be about nutrition or exercise this time. The secret lies in something far simpler: the light around you and a special hormone called POMC.

Part II - POMC - The Magic Cake Mix for Fertility Wellness

POMC: The Body’s 'Master Molecule'

POMC (Proopiomelanocortin) is a mouthful, but it’s super important when it comes to fertility. Think of POMC like a master ingredient in a recipe that the body uses to make other crucial hormones. These hormones help control things like your metabolism, mood, and, yes, your fertility. Imagine POMC as the "starter dough" for bread—you can turn it into many different types of delicious baked goods (or, in this case, hormones) depending on what the body needs.

How Your Body Makes POMC (Hint: It’s Got to Do with Sunshine!)

Here’s where it gets interesting: your body makes POMC when it’s exposed to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) light. It's kind of like how plants need sunlight to grow. You’ve probably heard about getting enough vitamin D from sunlight, right? Well, POMC works in a similar way. When UV light hits your skin, it kickstarts the process that makes this essential molecule. Think of it as your body's internal solar panel – it needs light to power up all those hormones.

The POMC-Fertility Connection

So why is POMC so important for fertility? It's all about how POMC regulates key hormones. Once POMC is made, it breaks down into several smaller hormones that affect things like your stress levels, metabolism, and appetite. And all of these factors have a direct impact on your reproductive health. When POMC levels are balanced, your body has the right "recipe" to support a healthy hormonal environment, making it easier for you to conceive.

POMC, Leptin, and Why You Feel Full at the Beach

But wait, POMC does more than just regulate fertility. Have you ever spent a whole day at the beach and noticed you didn’t feel very hungry? That’s POMC at work! It has a special connection with a hormone called leptin, which controls our appetite and tells our brain when we're full. When POMC levels are high, leptin can do its job better, making us feel fuller for longer. So, when you’re out soaking up the sunlight, your body produces more POMC, helping you stay satisfied and less focused on food.

POMC and the 'Sunshine Addiction'

Here’s another cool fact: POMC also releases endorphins—those feel-good chemicals in your brain. Ever notice how being in the sun just makes you feel happier? That’s because endorphins create a natural high, making you feel good and even a little “addicted” to sunlight. Our ancestors, who spent most of their days outdoors, relied on this natural mechanism to stay healthy. Today, with our indoor lifestyles, many of us are missing out on that regular dose of natural sunlight, leading to low POMC levels and all the health issues that come with it.

Why Are So Many Women Running Low on POMC?

Here's the kicker: many women today have low POMC levels, and one of the main reasons is a lack of UV light exposure. Thanks to modern lifestyles, we spend a lot of time indoors—whether it's at work, home, or school. Even when we're outside, we often slather on sunscreen or wear clothing that blocks UV light. While it's essential to protect your skin, this can limit the UV exposure your body needs to make POMC.

Think of it like having a car battery that’s gone flat because it hasn’t been driven in ages. POMC is that spark you need to “jumpstart” your fertility, and sunlight is the jumper cable that makes it happen.

No UV = No POMC = Fertility Struggles

When your body doesn’t get enough UV light, it can't produce adequate levels of POMC. And with low POMC, your body may struggle to regulate the hormones necessary for a healthy reproductive system. It's like trying to bake bread without the starter dough—it just won't turn out right.

How to 'Jumpstart' Your POMC Production

So, how do you get more POMC? It’s simple: start by making sunlight a part of your daily routine. Spending time outdoors, especially in the morning when UV light is most gentle, can naturally boost POMC production. Think of it like plugging in your phone to charge each day; your body needs that sunlight to recharge its hormonal balance.

A Quick Note on Sun Exposure: To get the most out of sunlight, aim for short, sensible periods of sun exposure without sunscreen, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when UV rays are less intense. This allows your skin to absorb the necessary light to produce POMC without the risk of sun damage. A few minutes a day can make a big difference! Of course, it's important to avoid sunburn but here’s another ‘fun fact’ - being exposed to red light and NIR at sunrise can reduce the negative effects of the sun on skin - isn’t that crazy? It’s like nature gave us some built in sunscreen (as long as we’re up early to go hunt and gather!). ;)

To sum it up: POMC is your body's master molecule for making the hormones that support fertility. Without enough sunlight (specifically UV light), your body can't produce the POMC it needs, and that can throw your reproductive health off balance.

So, the next time you step outside, think of it as giving your body a vital dose of energy, helping to keep that ‘starter dough’ of hormones working in your favor. Our ancestors didn’t need to think twice about it—they were outside all day, soaking up natural light and keeping their POMC levels in check. (No they were not frying themselves in direct sun all day - they were in and out of caves, in woodland and shade too). While we might not live exactly like our ancestors, adding some sun to your daily routine can help jumpstart those essential processes your body needs.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as getting outside and soaking up that glorious sunshine—safely, of course!

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