can you get pregnant during perimenopause

Can I Get Pregnant During Perimenopause?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

I’ll jump straight to the point: yes, some women can get pregnant during perimenopause, but others will have a hard time becoming or staying pregnant because of. Perimenopause encompasses the years leading up to menopause or the cessation of your period for at least 12 months. During perimenopause, hormonal shifts cause irregular menstrual cycles, making it more difficult to predict …

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Am I Pregnant? When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Preconception & Fertility, Pregnancy Leave a Comment

The anticipation of finding out whether you are pregnant or not can be overwhelming. Whether planning a pregnancy or hoping to avoid one, your body sometimes tells you something’s up before you can test. Pregnancy symptoms can start as early as two weeks after conception, and many women experience at least some of them before they take a pregnancy test. …

hypothyroidism and pregnancy

Can I Get Pregnant With Hypothyroidism?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Preconception & Fertility, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance Leave a Comment

Undiagnosed or poorly managed hypothyroidism is a major reason for infertility, but you can take steps now to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. Thyroid hormones are also involved in the regulation of your menstrual cycle. When …

inositol for fertility

Inositol Fertility Benefits

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, PCOS, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

Inositol is one of my favorite supplements for fertility. It’s a nutrient closely related to the B vitamins, and it’s especially helpful for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because it helps regulate insulin levels. Nearly one in ten women of childbearing age has PCOS, and it’s one of the most common causes of fertility problems. PCOS is characterized by insulin resistance, …

Fertility Supplements for Women

Best Fertility Supplements for Women

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Fertility, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

There’s no way around it—discussing fertility is delicate. For some, the journey is simple; for others, it’s a very sensitive topic because the journey hasn’t been as easy. So it’s frustrating when I see marketing for fertility supplements that target couples struggling to conceive that aren’t backed by science. Fertility is multi-dimensional. Some of it is absolutely in our control, …

Inositol Supplements for PCOS

Why Inositol Should be Part of Your Plan for PCOS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: PCOS, Preconception & Fertility, Thyroid & Hormone Balance Leave a Comment

Millions of women are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—up to 20 percent worldwide. And often I hear from patients and readers looking for options in managing their PCOS. This is one reason why supplements like inositol are growing in popularity. Inositol, often called vitamin B8 (although it’s actually not a vitamin because the body can make it), is found …

n-acetylcysteine health benefits

14 Health Benefits of NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Gut-Hormone Connection, PCOS, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) has a list of health benefits longer than its name! While NAC might not be as well known as other nutrients I’ve discussed, it is definitely one worth getting on your radar.  From detoxification, to brain health, to heart health, to fertility, NAC is a jack of all trades, and it’s a supplement I regularly recommend to my …

What Role Does Diet Play in Male Infertility

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

We tend to emphasize what a mother eats; after all, she is the one who carries the child, and what she eats directly nourishes the developing baby. However, there is growing awareness about the role preconception nutrition plays for men, too.  The foods men choose during the preconception period directly influence their overall wellness and metabolic health. And poor metabolic …

Ways to Increase Male Fertility

4 Simple Ways to Increase Male Fertility

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Preconception & Fertility Leave a Comment

Fertility struggles are not just a woman’s issue. New research suggests that up to 50% of infertility cases may be due to male factor issues, which is higher than previously thought.  In fact, male fertility rates have plummeted over the last decades, with average global sperm counts declining by 62% since the 1970s. Acknowledging and understanding the role that male …