Fertility

This month's health topic presented by Dr. Laura Hoffmann, Naturopathic Doctor is all about fertility.

TRACKING YOUR CYCLE

If you are trying to conceive, it is important to get familiar with your menstrual cycle and the fluctuations.

Tracking your cycle on an app can be really helpful to know if you have regular length cycles, and can help with ruling out other conditions.

Tracking cervical mucous and/or basal body temperature is helpful to assess ovulation and your fertile window, which increases the probability of conception.

An ovum is viable for 10-24 hours after release, and sperm can last for 1-7 days depending on the environment.

SUPPLEMENTS

Unsure which supplements you should be on when trying to conceive?

In someone who is otherwise healthy (no underlying hormonal concerns of other medical conditions), the following are fairly standard supplements:

• Prenatal Multi-Vitamin
• Vitamin D (depending on lab work)
• Omega-3
• Iron (depends on lab work)

To know which brands and your specific dosing, talk to a Naturopathic Doctor or someone on your health care team.

NUTRITION

Nutrition when trying to conceive is very important.  In general, the following foods should be eaten on a regular basis:

• 3 servings of protein
• 3 servings of green leafy vegetables
• 2-3 servings of fruit
• 2 servings of legumes
• 3 servings of whole grains

Reduce processed foods and sweetened drinks (pop, fruit juice).

Ensure your fruits and vegetables are washed thoroughly before eating helps to reduce the amount of pesticides that may be on the surface.

COMMON CAUSES OF DIFFICULTY CONCEIVING

If you have been trying to conceive with no success, it may be worthwhile to have an assessment to ensure there is no underlying medical condition.

• Common causes of difficulty conceiving can be:
• PCOS
• Endometriosis
• Thyroid conditions
• Ovarian insufficiency
• Luteal phase defects
• Immune dysfunction

Blood work and assessments are needed to help with diagnosis of these conditions.

For more information, or to schedule a consult with Dr. Laura Hoffmann, ND, please contact us:

📞 519-662-4441

📲 nhwc.ca

#fertility #naturopathicmedicine #naturopath #wilmot #newhamburg