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 …
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. …
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 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, …
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, …
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 (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 …
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 …
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 …