Embarking on your fertility journey can be an emotional experience, filled with its share of highs and lows. If you have just started trying or it’s taking longer than expected, please don’t lose hope in your body. There is a lot you can do to supercharge your fertility – whether you are still trying or seeking fertility treatment.
There are many different factors impacting fertility and why you may be finding it difficult to conceive. I am here to offer more insight, hope and confidence within yourself and your body. We all have our own unique fertility journeys, but you don’t have to walk this path alone.
Let’s delve into what impacts fertility from thyroid troubles to hormonal imbalances, genetic plot twists, microbiome wonders, insulin resistance, environmental influences and the lowdown on what's cookin' on your plate, we're breaking it all down. So, grab a seat, maybe a cup of tea, and let's chat about how these factors play a crucial role in your fertility journey & what tests you need to understand the ‘why’. Time to stop labelling it ‘infertility’ and start seeking answers.
Thyroid Health
The thyroid, a small butterfly shape gland that sits within your neck, plays a major role in maintaining hormonal balance, metabolic function, and disruptions in its function can significantly impact ovulation and fertility. Often the only test performed to evaluate thyroid function is TSH. TSH is not a thyroid hormone and is not enough to properly evaluate whether a thyroid condition is impacting your fertility. TSH is simply looking at the communication between the brain and the thyroid. We need to look far deeper including thyroid hormones (T4, T3, rT3) and thyroid antibodies (TPO Ab, TgAb).
How does your thyroid impact fertility?
Conditions such as hypothyroidism or thyroid autoimmunity, like Hashimoto's disease, often lead to irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, high prolactin and challenges in conceiving due to altered hormones. Furthermore, thyroid antibodies associated with autoimmune thyroid disorders can introduce additional complexities, including impacting implantation and increasing the risk of early pregnancy loss.
If you have or suspect that you have a thyroid condition, check out this blog post discussing an integrative approach healing your thyroid
Hormonal Influences
Conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, high prolactin levels, and low progesterone can impact reproductive health. PCOS for example, is characterised by elevated androgens driven by insulin resistance, inflammation and/or adrenal imbalances. It often results in irregular, anovulatory cycles, low progesterone and alterations in oestrogen. Holistically, to improve fertility with PCOS we need to improve the underlying cause (such as insulin resistance, adrenal influences) and correct hormone balance. Endometriosis on the other hand is a complex inflammatory condition and the inflammation and endo lesions can impact fertility. Reducing inflammation and improving hormone balance while addressing the gut and immune pathways is often needed. High levels of inflammation can impact sperm motility and implantation.
PCOS and Endo are more complex reproductive concerns but other more simple hormone imbalances can still impact fertility, such as high prolactin levels (often driven up by the thyroid or medications), low progesterone production and altered oestrogen levels. Stress, diet and environmental factors can play a huge role in altering these hormones so sometimes a few key diet and lifestyle changes is all you need. Other times, we may need to bring in selective herbal and nutraceuticals to re-balance.
Genetic Mutations
There are certain genetic mutations may affect fertility such as MTHFR gene mutations & Hemochromatosis. Often these are impacted by our epigenetics (the impact of diet and environmental factors on our gene expression). If I suspect a genetic predisposition is playing a part, I often look towards comprehensive genetic testing such as the 3x4 gene test.
To learn more about MTHFR, check out this blog here
Microbiome Dysbiosis
The intricate and dynamic microbial communities residing in the our microbiome, particularly the gut and reproductive tract, have gained significant attention for their potential influence on fertility. Disruptions in the delicate balance of these microbial ecosystems, known as dysbiosis, have been associated with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and altered fertility outcomes. Microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and harmful metabolites such as endotoxins produced by pathogenic overgrowths, have been implicated in immune regulation, hormonal balance, insulin resistance and inflammatory responses, all of which are integral to the intricate processes of conception and implantation. Interestingly, this is for both partners are pathogenic overgrowths can impact sperm due to the inflammation and oxidative damage caused.
If you have Endometriosis or IBS-like symptoms, addressing the health of your gut is an important aspect in preconception and fertility support. As part of our fertility pathology testing, we often utilise comprehensive microbiome and vaginal microbiome testing to determine potential overgrowths impacting fertility and conception outcomes.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance, often associated with conditions like PCOS, can disrupt hormonal balance and affect fertility. Disruptions in insulin signalling pathways can lead to elevated androgen levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and anovulation, consequently impacting fertility. Insulin resistance is further implicated in the disruption of the delicate interplay between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries, crucial for the regulation of reproductive hormones (brain-ovarian communication).
Insulin also exerts direct effects on the ovaries, influencing follicular development and oocyte quality and due to triggering elevated androgens, high insulin can impact the maturation of viable ova. Additionally, insulin resistance is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which may further contribute to reproductive challenges.
Addressing insulin resistance and balancing blood sugars is a key part of optimising fertility. We often utilise specific nutritional and herbal medicines to improve insulin sensitivity (such as the well loved Myo-Inositol) alongside dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Improving insulin sensitivity is not just about the foods we eat, it’s also addressing chronic stress & supporting the adrenals.
Dietary Choices:
Embracing a wholesome, nutrient-dense diet can have huge positive impacts on reproductive health & fertility. Essential micronutrients such as zinc, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the regulation of hormonal balance, support egg and sperm health, and aid in the development of a healthy uterine environment. Incorporating a colourful array of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides a rich source of antioxidants, vital for neutralizing oxidative stress and promoting cellular health. Additionally, emphasizing organic, locally sourced, and minimally processed foods can limit exposure to potentially harmful substances and pesticides, fostering a more supportive environment for conception. Adequate calories and macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats and protein is essential to allow your body to feel safe enough to ovulate and conceive.
ility Foods here
Read my blog on Fertility foods
Environmental Exposures
All of these topics deserve their own blog post because they are all important but I am particularly passionate about living a low-tox life for improved fertility. Fertility rates in both men and women is declining and we know from studies environmental toxins and EMF radiation is playing a huge role. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in everyday products such as skincare, make-up as well as foods sprayed with pesticides, plastics, and air pollutants have all been associated with disrupting our reproductive hormones, thyroid and leading to menstrual irregularities, and diminished fertility. These toxins can affect the production, release, transport, metabolism, and elimination of our reproductive hormones, making it a very important topic to address.
Moreover, certain chemicals have been linked to oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially damaging reproductive tissues, and compromising sperm and egg quality.
Adopting a low-tox approach to reduce environmental toxin exposures involves choosing organic produce, minimizing the use of plastic products, selecting non-toxic household cleaners, drinking filtered water, swapping to non-toxic skincare, using an air-purifier and being mindful of work-place exposures.
Stress and Emotional Well-Being
Another very important factor in fertility is stress. Unfortunately, as time passes, stress rises with the challenges of conceiving. I have spoken to many women who said once they stopped trying and went on a holiday, they fell pregnant. Now I’m not saying it’s always that simple (but a great excuse to enjoy some time away, right?).
Chronic stress, whether it’s emotional, physical (exercising too much, working too hard, not getting enough sleep) or biological (pathogenic overgrowths, environmental toxins etc.), can have profound effects on reproductive hormones, impacting ovulation, hormone levels, thyroid function and even blood sugar levels. It can also impact sperm in men.
The body is smart, and it won’t want to reproduce when you are stressed. We live in a modern world but our stress response has not evolved to understand the difference between work stress and stress from being in a famine or being chased by a tiger.
A few things you can do today – adopt a daily routine to help your stress response. This could be breath work, meditation, taking a slow walk along the beach or in the forest. Find something that makes you relax. Something else you can prioritise is your sleep. Set yourself a sleep routine, turn your phone off and pop some blue light blocking glasses on. Your melatonin will thank you later!
Initial Fertility Pathology Testing Recommended:
Hormones: LH, FSH, Oestradiol, Testosterone, DHEAs, SHBG, Prolactin, fasting insulin, AM cortisol
*Test on day 2 or 3 of your cycle and seek a practitioner who knows how to properly interpret hormone pathology based on optimal values.
Thyroid: TSH, T4, T3, rT3, Thyroid antibodies (TPO Ab, TgAb)
General Health Markers: FBC, LFT, Kidney/electrolyte, CRP, Lipids, homocysteine
Nutrients: Iron studies, B12, folate, vitamin D, Copper, zinc
Genetic: Basic genetic screening for MTHFR. You can also do a more comprehensive genetic screen.
Additional Comprehensive testing we offer in clinic (depending on the individual presentation):
- Complete microbiome mapping
- Vaginal microbiome map
- Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA): evaluate for heavy metals/mineral balance
- Genetic testing
- DUTCH test (comprehensive hormone panel)
Your journey is unique, and we are here to walk alongside you, offering understanding and guidance every step of the way.
Book a free call with Allison to see how we can support you holistically throughout your fertility journey
Who is Allison?
Allison is the owner of Sunstone Naturopathy, offering Naturopathic support specialising in the intricacies of reproductive hormones, fertility, skin conditions, thyroid disorders, and gut health.
Her passion for holistic wellness is driven by a profound belief in the body's innate capacity to heal itself when provided with the right tools and guidance. Allison's approach is a harmonious fusion of evidence-based medicine, functional labs, and a deep understanding of the healing power of nature.
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