Fertility Support
- Dr. Aidanne
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
A Personalized, Root-Cause Approach to Reproductive Health
I love working with partners who are looking to grow their family, whether they are in the pre-contemplative stage of conception or have been trying for some time.
Naturopathic medicine has a lot to offer couples when it comes to optimizing reproductive function in order to improve your chances of conceiving naturally or support the outcome of assisted reproductive technologies.
If you or a loved one is at the stage in life where they are ready to start a family, you know that this meaningful & hopeful time can also be emotionally challenging, especially if things don’t go as planned. The path to parenthood is not always linear, and it's common to experience a mixture of emotions along the way.
If you’re looking for a health care partner to support you through the whole process, let’s chat!
According to the CDC, nearly 14% of women aged 15 to 49 are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying. (1) This 12-month laps is the point during delayed conception where infertility is officially diagnosed. Additionally, nearly 1 in every 3-5 cases of infertility can be attributed to the male partner. (2)
Among women, ovulatory dysfunction is the single most common cause of infertility. (3) This is something we can work on once we understand what is at the root of the problem.
Common Causes of Infertility in Women
Ovulatory Disorders
Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalances, stress-induced hypothalamic dysfunction, etc. can all affect ovulation. Irregular or absent cycles often point to underlying hormonal issues that need to be addressed to restore fertility.
Endometriosis
This condition involves the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, which can trigger inflammation, pelvic pain, and adhesions that affect reproductive anatomy and egg quality. To learn more about endometriosis, please see my article on this topic here.
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
A woman is born with all the eggs she'll have in life, and age-related decline in both egg quality and quantity can affect the potential for conception.
Essential Testing Before Trying to Conceive
If you are ready to conceive, establishing a baseline to screen for endocrine or hormone imbalances, blood sugar problems, and ovarian function can be helpful.
The following is a common but not exhaustive list:
Thyroid Function
Serum Hormones: to provide insight into cycle regulation, possible PCOS, and ovulation
AntiMullerian Hormone (AMH): as this is a marker of ovarian reserve.
Markers of Blood Sugar Regulation: to screen for imbalances that can interfere with ovulation and increase miscarriage risk.
Nutrient Status: including Vitamin D, Iron, B12, Folate and Zinc as these can become deficient during pregnancy. Vitamin D also supports health of the ovaries.
Don’t Overlook Male Fertility
Infertility is not just a women’s issue! We must keep in mind that male factors contribute to nearly 10-35% of infertility cases. It’s crucial to evaluate male fertility with a semen analysis that looks at (4):
Sperm count
Motility
Morphology
Volume and pH
Male fertility can be influenced by oxidative stress, environmental exposures, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle factors such as overweight, tobacco use, cannabis use, heat to the scrotum, and alcohol intake. (4) In my practice, I tailor treatments including antioxidant therapy, targeted nutritional support (such as CoQ10, zinc, and selenium), and lifestyle counseling to the needs of the couple sitting in front of me.
Evidence-Based Lifestyle Foundations for Fertility
1. The Mediterranean Diet
Rich in whole grains, legumes, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean protein, this anti-inflammatory dietary pattern has been shown to improve fertility outcomes in both women and men. See my article here to learn more!
2. Smoking Cessation & Alcohol Moderation
Cigarette smoking negatively impacts egg and sperm quality, while alcohol can disrupt hormone balance and impair ovulation and implantation.
3. Regular, Moderate Exercise
Exercise supports insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and mental health—all of which impact reproductive health. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.
4. Minimizing Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
Substances like BPA, phthalates, and pesticides can interfere with hormone signaling. To reduce exposure:
Follow EWG guidelines for choosing low-toxin personal care and household products
Avoid microwaving food in plastic
Choose organic produce when possible
Use glass or stainless steel for food storage
5. Sleep & Stress Management
Chronic stress and poor sleep can elevate cortisol and disrupt ovulation and sperm production. Incorporating stress management techniques, breath work, and regimented sleep hygiene routines are essential for hormone regulation.
Botanicals & Nutritional Supplementation
Beyond the benefits to fertility outcomes gained from lifestyle and dietary changes, certain botanicals and targeted nutrients have been shown in the literature and clinically to improve fertility & assisted reproductive outcomes.
These therapeutic options are tailored to the individual, and could include omega 3-fatty acids, melatonin, antioxidants, vitamins D, A, E, B12, any many, many more.
References:
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/common
Szmidt MK, Granda D, Madej D, Sicinska E, Kaluza J. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Women and Reproductive Health across the Lifespan: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2131. Published 2023 Apr 28. doi:10.3390/nu15092131
Baroutis D, Kalampokas T, Katsianou E, et al. The Role of the Mediterranean Diet in Assisted Reproduction: A Literature Review. Nutrients. 2024;16(16):2807. Published 2024 Aug 22. doi:10.3390/nu16162807
Hart RJ. Nutritional supplements and IVF: an evidence-based approach. Reprod Biomed Online. 2024;48(3):103770.
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