Thoughts about fertility preparation
At Tendwell, we use cutting edge science and take an integrative medicine or functional medicine approach to health. When I work with clients desiring fertility, I tend to look at a lot of labwork in the beginning. Some of my favorites being: CBC w/diff, CMP, vitamin D, vitamin B12, homocysteine, MTHFR, CoQ10, Omega 3/6 levels, iron, ferritin, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, and a full thyroid panel. We also get very specific hormone testing: day 3: estrogen, FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, DHEA-S, SHBG, AMH and day 21: progesterone levels. Though most research at this point uses serum hormone testing, sometimes patients will benefit from urine and salivary testing via a DUTCH test. Looking at hormone levels can give us some important information as we make your personalized plan for fertility optimization. Does your menstrual cycle tend to be a classic 28-day cycle? Or is it a bit shorter or longer? Tracking your menstrual cycle provides valuable information. We may tweak timing of hormonal testing based on this information.
The 120 days before conception are essential--for both partners involved. Why not take 6 months or even a year to get into balance? Let's bathe your cells in quality nutrients and help your mitochondria function at their highest level. The egg cells or oocytes have the highest amount of mitochondria compared with any other cells in the entire body. Oocytes depend on energy produced by mitochondria, which requires CoQ10, iron and other select nutrients. Some supplements that have been helpful in my fertility practice: CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Resveratrol and L-carnitine. Using a functional medicine framework, we determine specific dosing unique to addressing the root causes of each patient’s barriers to conception.
Looking for toxic exposures can also be of interest. I recommend starting with self-care and home products. Get clean and unscented products. Ditch all perfumes and scented candles in the home. Get rid of plastics (cutting boards, containers even if labeled BPA-free). These can be sources of endocrine disruptors which make an impact on our hormonal function. A gentle reminder that “clean” has no smell. @environmentaltoxinsnerd
Stress and cortisol have a significant impact on our fertility. The negative pressure stress puts on fertility is known to many in functional medicine as the “cortisol steal.” When stressed, sex hormone production is essentially put on hold as your body prioritizes the production of cortisol. Stress is unavoidable. It may even be stressful thinking about this concept! Small practices can make a big impact. Take time to relax, unwind, and connect to what is really important to you. Journal. Breathe. Stretch. Sleep >7 hours a night. Make time for light exercise…really heavy or intense exercise can cause cortisol to surge. Speak with friends who uplift your spirit. Read for pleasure.
Work with a clinician who listens to you and will counsel you about nutrients that are beneficial and specific to you. There is a lot of noise out there. Make sure you are working with someone who is truly knowledgeable and educated. My experience working with women for over 13 years has helped shaped my practice. The focus of functional medicine is the future of all medicine. It is how all medicine should be practiced, IMHO!!
