FERTILITY
You're empowering yourself with knowledge and resources to enhance your fertility
Women may experience fertility issues due to various factors. These include hormonal imbalances, ovarian disorders, uterine abnormalities, and age-related declines in egg quality. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and thyroid disorders can also affect fertility. Emotional stress, lifestyle factors such as smoking or excessive alcohol intake, and certain medications can further complicate fertility. For some women, fertility challenges can be emotionally distressing, impacting self-esteem and relationships. We're here to support you every step of the way and help you navigate through any fertility challenges you may be facing.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS FOR FERTILITY SUPPORT
FOR HER:
​
-
Difficulty Conceiving: Trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if you're over 35) without success may warrant fertility support.
-
Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Consistently irregular menstrual cycles, including absent periods or very short or long cycles, can indicate underlying fertility issues.
-
Painful Periods: Severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) or pelvic pain may be a sign of conditions like endometriosis, which can affect fertility.
-
Previous Pregnancy Loss: Experiencing recurrent miscarriages or pregnancy losses may indicate the need for fertility evaluation and support.
-
Hormonal Imbalances: Symptoms like acne, excessive facial or body hair (hirsutism), or irregular ovulation can suggest hormonal imbalances affecting fertility.
-
Age: Women over 35 or men over 40 may experience declining fertility and may benefit from fertility evaluation and support.
-
Underlying Medical Conditions: Preexisting medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or diabetes can affect fertility and may require support.
-
History of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Previous pelvic infections can cause scarring and damage to reproductive organs, impacting fertility.
-
Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, or extreme underweight can negatively affect fertility and may require support.
-
Stress and Emotional Strain: The emotional toll of infertility, including feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression, may indicate the need for emotional support and counseling.
​
FOR HIM:
​
-
Low sperm count: A semen analysis showing a low sperm count (oligospermia) or absence of sperm (azoospermia) may indicate fertility issues.
-
Abnormal sperm morphology: Sperm with abnormal shape or size (teratozoospermia) can affect fertility and may require support.
-
Reduced sperm motility: Poor sperm movement or motility (asthenozoospermia) can hinder sperm's ability to reach and fertilize the egg.
-
Sexual dysfunction: Conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation may impact fertility and warrant evaluation and support.
-
Testicular abnormalities: Swelling, pain, or lumps in the testicles may indicate underlying conditions affecting sperm production and fertility.
-
Hormonal imbalances: Symptoms like decreased libido, fatigue, or gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) may suggest hormonal imbalances affecting fertility.
-
Underlying medical conditions: Preexisting conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome can impact fertility and may require support.
-
Lifestyle factors: Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity, or exposure to environmental toxins can negatively affect sperm quality and fertility.
-
Recurrent infections or illnesses: Chronic infections or illnesses affecting the reproductive system, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or urinary tract infections (UTIs), may require treatment and support.
-
Emotional distress: Stress, anxiety, or depression related to fertility concerns can impact sexual function and fertility and may require emotional support and counseling.
HOW HERBAL MEDICINE CAN HELP
-
Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus): Chasteberry has shown promise in regulating menstrual cycles and improving hormonal balance, particularly in women with irregular periods or luteal phase defects.
-
Maca (Lepidium meyenii): Maca root may improve fertility by balancing hormone levels, enhancing libido, and supporting reproductive health in both men and women.
-
Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Ginseng has been shown to improve sperm count, motility, and morphology in men, as well as support ovarian function and hormone balance in women
-
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover contains isoflavones that may mimic estrogen in the body, potentially supporting fertility by regulating menstrual cycles and improving hormonal balance in women.
-
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens): Saw palmetto has been studied for its potential to improve prostate health in men, which may indirectly support fertility by enhancing sperm quality and reducing inflammation in the reproductive system.
-
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Cinnamon has antioxidant properties and may help regulate insulin levels, which can benefit fertility by improving ovulation and menstrual regularity, particularly in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
-
Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo biloba has been studied for its antioxidant properties, which may help improve blood circulation, enhance reproductive health, and support male fertility by promoting sperm quality and motility.
-
Evening Primrose Oil: Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that may help regulate hormones and improve cervical mucus production, potentially supporting fertility in women by enhancing ovulation and conception.
HOW NUTRITION CAN HELP
FOR HER:
​
-
Folate-Rich Foods: Leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains are high in folate, a B vitamin that supports ovulation and may improve fertility.
-
Iron-Rich Foods: Lean meats, lentils, and fortified cereals provide iron, which is essential for healthy ovulation and menstrual cycles.
-
Calcium-Rich Foods: Dairy products, tofu, and leafy greens are good sources of calcium, which supports reproductive health and hormone balance.
-
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that may improve fertility by reducing oxidative stress.
-
Folic Acid Supplements: Taking folic acid supplements before conception and during early pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects and support fertility.
-
Vitamin D Supplements: In regions with limited sunlight, vitamin D supplements may be necessary to ensure optimal fertility and reproductive health.
-
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements: Fish oil supplements or algae-based omega-3 supplements can provide essential fatty acids that support hormone balance and fertility.
​​
FOR HIM:
-
Foods Rich in Antioxidants: Berries, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens are high in antioxidants, which can help protect sperm from oxidative damage and improve sperm quality.
-
Zinc-Rich Foods: Foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, and lentils are rich in zinc, a mineral essential for sperm production and motility.
-
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty fish (such as salmon and sardines), flaxseeds, and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve sperm quality and motility.
-
Vitamin D: Fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and sunlight exposure can help increase vitamin D levels, which may enhance sperm count and motility.
-
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Supplements: CoQ10 is an antioxidant that may improve sperm quality and function.​
“I recently had an iridology session with Sofia. Firstly I found Sofia to be very professional & informative. She was able to pin point where my diet was lacking nutrients and was able to offer advise on my overall health which was tailored to me. I have since implemented this advise and am feeling much better , more energy & less stressed . I would highly recommend Sophia & iridology . Thank you Sophia .”
​
Jillian Barret, CARLOW
