The results of an early study has shown rapamycin may possibly extend the lifespan of the ovary and thereby delaying menopause while also extending the lifespan of the woman and improving her health and quality of life. The goal of researchers is to stop ovaries from aging 20% thereby prolonging fertility and delaying the onset of menopause. As ovaries release eggs continuously, women usually lose about 50 eggs every month, with just one reaching ovulation. This decreases as they age.
Early findings have found that using rapamycin can reduce the number of eggs being released, thereby decreasing the aging of the ovaries.
Other mechanisms of action are the following technical postulations:
1. Inhibition of mTOR pathway:
Rapamycin is a potent inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. This pathway plays a crucial role in cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism, including in ovarian follicles.
2. Primordial follicle activation:
The mTOR pathway is involved in the activation of primordial follicles, which are the dormant pool of oocytes in the ovary. By inhibiting mTOR, rapamycin may slow down or prevent the activation of these follicles, potentially preserving the ovarian reserve.
3. Follicular development:
Rapamycin may interfere with the later stages of follicular development by reducing granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis, which are essential for oocyte maturation.
4. Ovulation:
The drug might affect the ovulation process by altering the hormonal balance necessary for follicle rupture and egg release.
5. Luteinization:
Rapamycin could potentially inhibit the formation and function of the corpus luteum, which is crucial for maintaining early pregnancy.
6. Endometrial effects:
The drug may affect endometrial receptivity by altering its growth and vascularization, potentially making implantation less likely.
7. Oocyte quality:
Long-term use of rapamycin might impact oocyte quality by affecting mitochondrial function and energy metabolism within the egg cells.
8. Hormone production:
Rapamycin could potentially interfere with the production and secretion of reproductive hormones from the ovaries and pituitary gland.
9. Autophagy regulation:
The drug's effects on cellular autophagy may influence follicular atresia rates, potentially prolonging the lifespan of follicles due to lack of development.
10. Oxidative stress:
Rapamycin's antioxidant properties might protect ovarian cells from oxidative damage, potentially slowing age-related decline in fertility.
11. Inflammatory modulation:
As an immunosuppressant, rapamycin may alter the inflammatory environment within the ovaries, which could affect follicular development and ovulation.
12. Vascularization:
The drug might influence ovarian and uterine blood vessel formation, potentially affecting the delivery of hormones and nutrients necessary for reproduction.
It's important to note that while these mechanisms suggest potential anti-fertility effects, the use of rapamycin for this purpose is not currently approved or recommended. Therefore, more clinical trials are necessitated to conclude its safety and efficacy.
Ref :
https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jul/22/drug-women-fertility-study-rapamycin 
