Fertility and Conception
I want to talk to you about fertility. Fertility is a complicated subject. It is dependent on so many factors. This is why it is often hard to get pregnant.
I understand you
I struggled with infertility for years until I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. I felt as though it was my fault and something was wrong with my body. Do you feel that way?
Let’s explore this topic together and let me help you get some answers. I will focus mostly on female reproduction. There is a mention of male factors here and there.
First, what is the definition of infertility?
The basic definition is based upon the age of a woman. If you are under 35, then it is one year without conception. If you are over 35, then it is 6 months without conception
You need testing if you have a hormone imbalance! Take my QUIZ to see if you have a hormone imbalance and what to do next.
Types of Infertility
If you are trying to conceive (TTC) then there are two main types of infertility.
Structural causes such as a blocked fallopian tube, poor sperm count and quality, endometriosis implants..
Hormonal causes such as PCOS, hypothalamic dysfunction, endometriosis, diabetes, etc.
The workup for infertility addresses these types to FIND THE UNDERLYING CAUSE.
The Basics
There are 4 phases to a menstrual cycle:
• Menstrual phase: days 1 to 5
• Follicular phase (pre-egg release): days 6 to 13
• Ovulation phase (egg release window): days 14 to 16
• Luteal phase (post egg release): days 17 to 28
The days are approximate because every women is different. These phases must work in harmony to produce a normal cycle which is 21 to 35 days. If your cycle is not in this range or you have non-menstrual bleeding then you likely have a hormone imbalance.
How do I boost my Fertility?
Getting pregnant can be a frustrating, lonely journey. I know, I hear ya sister. It is hard to know what to do with the vast information out there. But I can help you focus on the things that WORK. I am an OB GYN and have been counseling women for years on how to get pregnant naturally.
Cycle Syncing: Eat for Cycle
There are certain nutrients you need depending on what phase you are in your cycle. Optimizing your nutrition will give you regular periods and boost your fertility (1).
Essentially, you need to eat food that is nutrient-dense for that part of your cycle. You should also do certain exercises based upon your cycle phase as well. More
Track Ovulation
• You can use an app like INFLO
• You can use ovulation predictor kits, my favorite ones are by Modern Fertility.
• You can get a day 21 progesterone level drawn.
Minimize Environmental Toxins
•Switch to clean beauty and household products.
•Use an app like Think Dirty to check your products.Check out my podcast episode with Megan Mikkelsen on how to live TOXIN FREE
Have Sex During Ovulation Window
Specific Cycle-Syncing Exercise
Add Herbs to Boost Fertility
Maca Powder (1tsp) daily taken before, during, and just after ovulation will boost estrogen.
Shatarvi is an adaptogen that can boost LH production which is needed for ovulation. LH surges cause egg release. Can be taken in the first half of the cycle.
Minimize Alcohol and Caffeine
Limit caffeine intake to one cup or less. Once pregnant, you must limit it to no more than 2 cups/day. So good to start this habit now.
Both caffeine and alcohol tax the liver and therefore estrogen metabolism is affected. If estrogen becomes excessive then estrogen dominance can occur and infertility results.
Related Reading
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Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is caused by a hormone imbalance. It can lead to associated health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and infertility. Treatment with vitamin-like substances called inositols has shown some promising results. Read on […]
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