Starting a fertility journey can feel overwhelming, especially with all the factors that play into hormone health and conception. Here are 8 helpful steps you can take to find the answers you need!
7 Steps to start your fertility journey off on the right foot
Rule Out Underlying Conditions Like Endometriosis and PCOS
First things first, it’s essential to identify (and address) any underlying conditions like endometriosis or PCOS. Both of these can affect fertility and disrupt your natural cycle. Keep an eye out for painful or irregular periods, as these are common signs that something might need extra attention. If your hormones are out of balance, we need to get them back on track asap.
Check your Thyroid
Hormones are all about balance, and thyroid health is critical to that balance. While many doctors only check TSH levels, this doesn’t provide the full picture. For a complete understanding of your thyroid health, request a full thyroid panel, including Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and antibodies. This way, you can see if your thyroid is functioning at its best and identify any issues that might be impacting your fertility.
Check Sperm Quality—It Takes Two!
Let’s not forget that conception takes two! While it’s easy to focus on female fertility, male fertility is just as important. Getting a sperm quality check for your partner can give a clear picture of both partners’ reproductive health. Don’t overlook this step—sperm quality is impacted by factors like lifestyle, diet, and exposure to environmental toxins, which are all addressable. They even have mail in options now!
Assess and Remove Toxin Exposures
Toxins are lurking everywhere, and these hidden disruptors can affect hormone balance and overall health. Take a closer look at your laundry detergents, cleaning products, makeup, and personal care items. Swap out anything with harsh chemicals for more natural, non-toxic alternatives. Think of it as creating a clean, healthy environment for you and your future little one.
Evaluate Your Diet
A balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins is crucial for hormone health. Low-protein or low-calorie diets can disrupt hormones and lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can significantly impact your cycle and fertility. Focus on whole foods, high protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables to fuel your body.
Check Iron and Vitamin D Levels
Both iron and Vitamin D play a big role in hormone function and fertility. Iron supports healthy blood flow and energy levels, while Vitamin D impacts reproductive hormones directly. Deficiencies can contribute to fertility issues, so it’s important to get these levels tested and supplement if needed. Simply ask your doctor for an anemia panel and add on Vit D.
Track Your Hormones with Targeted Testing
Hormone balance is a big piece of the fertility puzzle, and understanding your hormone levels can provide invaluable insights. Here’s what to request:
Day 3 of your cycle: FSH, LH, and estradiol levels give an indication of ovarian reserve and hormone balance.
Days 18–24 of your cycle: Progesterone should be tested to check if levels are high enough to support pregnancy. Low progesterone can make conception harder, so knowing these levels can help you address any gaps.
Dutch Hormone Panel: This test is the holy grail of hormones testing and it gives you a complete road map of insight into your cycle. You simply use urinalysis throughout your entire cycle so we can see what is happening every step of the way and also how you are detoxing and processing your hormones.
You can learn more about the labs we offer at https://www.getmedicinetree.com/specialty-labs.
Find a Holistic Fertility Specialist
Getting yourself healthy and hormonally balanced should always be top priority. Find a Holistic Fertility Doctor that can take the stress of navigating this off of your shoulders. Even if you intend to do Assisted Fertility, it is best to take some time to get as hormonally ready and nourished as you can to increase your chances of success in a IUI’s or IVF. Dr. Roper here at the medicine tree can help.
Taking Your Next Steps
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with each step, you’re empowering yourself with knowledge and action. Each of these areas—underlying health conditions, thyroid, toxins, diet, key nutrients, and hormones—can make a real difference when they’re dialed in.
With a well-rounded approach, you’re setting up a strong foundation for a healthy, supportive environment for conception. We'd be honored to support you along the way, start by requesting a consultation with Dr. Roper right here.
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