Natural Support for female infertility aims to relax and de-stress a woman’s body, balance hormones, nourish and tone the uterus and create optimum fertility and resilience for the whole body.
Life begins at conception
The days and weeks following conception form a critical window within which the nutritional environment of the uterus sets the ‘tempo’ for foetal growth.
But nothing more clearly illustrates the continuity between the new life within the uterurs and the baby that will become than the fact that the quality of nutrition during these nine months produces lifelong effects on the brain, kidneys and heart; determines the risk of degenerative disease; and profoundly influences the quality of life that persists through adulthood and into old age.
Supplements for female fertility
Natural support for female infertility includes the use of specific key nutrients to optimise a woman’s health for potential conception to occur.
Many of these supplements listed below may be found in a good quality preconception formula, although in some instances, women may be guided by their health care practitioner to take higher amounts of individual supplements.
- Folate supplementation is routinely recommended prior to and during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is testimony to the growing support for preconception nutrient supplementation. Folate reduces the risk of congenital diseases such as spina bifida and may prevent miscarriages. Many common household foodstuffs are now also fortified with this nutrient. Folate is essential for the formation of genetic material (DNA, RNA). Supplementation of 400mgs of folic acid per day in early pregnancy may reduce the incidence of neural tube defects by 48-80%. Discuss with your healthcare provider the most suitable form of folate to take i.e. folic acid, folinic acid or 5-MTHFR form.
- Vitamin B6 has been found to increase progesterone levels and inhibit the excessive production of prolactin.
- Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in DNA/RNA (nucleic acid synthesis) and hence, healthy cell replication.
- Vitamin C is necessary for egg maturation, helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress at time of conception and implantation.
- Vitamin D is necessary thyroid health, immune health, and for foetal development, birth weight, skeletal and teeth development.
- Vitamin E is important for oestrogen regulation, uterine circulation and for conditions such as PCOS and amenorrhoea.
- Vitamin K helps prevent haemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
- Choline is also important to help prevent neural tube defects and for foetal brain development.
- Inositol including D-chiro inositol and myoinositiol- has been shown to help restore normal ovulation, increase fertilisation rates, prevent spina bifida defects, lower testosterone and improve insulin sensitivity – a great supplement for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – PCOS.
- Coenzme Q10 is critical for egg quality, protection from oxidative stress during conception and implantation. This supplement as a natural treatment for female infertility is a must! The older you are the more you will need to take.
- Alpha-Lipoice acid is another potent antioxidant which helps protect against oxidative stress at time of conception and implantation.
- Chromium may with blood sugar control and therefore weight management which may be contributing to underlying causes of a lack of ovulation as seen in PCOS.
- Iodine is necessary for healthy thyroid gland function and the development of the baby’s nervous system. Many countries routinely provide iodine supplements for the duration of the pregnancy.
- Other minerals such as zinc, selenium, manganese, molybdenum, iron, potassium and silica are also important for female fertility.
More detailed information can be found in my book Making Babies – The Holistic IVF Diet Guide.
NB. For best results, try these recommended supplements for a period of three months. These supplements are best taken under the care and guidance of your healthcare practitioner.
Herbs for female fertility
Natural support for female infertility also includes the use of important herbs to correct hormone imbalances for potential conception to occur.
- Chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus) can enhance progesterone levels which lengthen the menstrual cycle and enhances the function of the corpus luteum, improving the environment in the uterus for the fertilised ovum (egg). Chaste tree has also been shown to improve fertility due to its effects on decreasing oestrogen and androgens which, when elevated, are responsible for ovulation-free cycles. Chaste tree is useful for high prolactin because it stimulates the proper functioning of the pituitary gland, which controls the hormones. In summary, chaste tree helps to: – Regulates periods – Restarts periods which have stopped – Helps with heavy bleeding – Increases the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen by balancing excess oestrogen.
- Kelp/Bladderwrack is a herb traditionally used to treat an underactive thyroid gland. It contains high amounts of iodine which may be responsible for stimulating production of thyroid hormones.
- Other herbs often prescribed by practitioners include Shatavari, Dong Quai, False Unicorn Root and adrenal herbs such as Withania and Siberian Ginseng.
- For any auto-immune issues, the herbs, Rehmania and Hemidesmus may be prescribed by your health care practitioner.
More detailed information can be found in my book Making Babies – The Holistic IVF Diet Guide
NB. You should not take any of the above herbs if you are taking the oral contraceptive pill, fertility drugs, HRT or any other hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a registered, experienced practitioner.
More natural support for female infertility
Natural treatment for female infertility also needs to include regular exercise, stress management and other therapies as listed below.
- The introduction of a regular exercise program to improve fitness and maintain a healthy weight is important, as is addressing other lifestyle factors such as stress management.
- Homoeopathic medicines prescribed by your homeopath or naturopath can have positive effects on your fertility.
- Acupuncture can help balance hormones and facilitate the free flow of energy through the body.
- Aromatherapy can assist and support the reproductive system, and gently contribute to rebalancing your hormones.
Refer to my page, Natural Support for Male Infertility for more information in regards to male reproductive health.
Always consult a registered practitioner.
Making Babies – The Holistic IVF Diet Guide
My book provides essential information on preconception and diet during your IVF cycle, nutritional medicine and emotional support during your fertility and IVF journey. Find out how you can support yourself and your partner to maximise your chances of success – providing a combination of my professional knowledge and personal experience.
Also available is the IVF Diet Cookbook and Guided Meditation for IVF Success. If you want to learn how best to improve egg quality, sperm health and to maximise your chances of IVF success, these resources are a must-have! For more information, see my book page: ivfdiet