Fertility is multi-faceted and there are many ways naturopathic medicine can support you. Fertility optimization can begin before you are actively trying to conceive, but is also available to those who are trying, those who are trying without success, and those pursuing other fertility treatments such as IUI or IVF. At Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine, here are some things we can discuss with you:
Antioxidants – What are antioxidants and how can they help in fertility? Oxidation is a normal process that occurs in the body yet can cause damage to cells including DNA and proteins. When an individual has oxidative stress, there is an imbalance between oxidation reactions and the antioxidants in the body - this oxidative stress causes damage to cells and is linked to aging and various disease states. Antioxidants help fight this oxidative damage, slowing and preventing aging and damage to the cells. This is important to consider in sperm and egg quality, especially as we age.
Correct nutrient deficiencies – There are various nutrients that are required for hormone production and fertility optimization. Various factors can contribute to deficiencies such as genetics, inflammation, diet, and gut health. Often, gut health is explored in further detail as what we eat and how we absorb nutrients can have a big impact on our overall health.
Address hormone imbalances – Did you know that your bloodwork can tell us a lot? We review your current lab results and we can requisition for additional testing as needed to provide further insight into your overall fertility picture. Sex hormones, adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones and more all play an important role in how successful you are on your fertility journey.
Optimize health – Some foundations to overall health are helping manage and lower stress, improving sleep and energy levels, improving and supporting gut health, and regulating hormones and cycles. These things are often less thought of for fertility support, but the overall health of the body has a huge impact. Optimizing your health can also be a great way to ensure your body is as healthy as possible prior to pregnancy and is always something we highly encourage for patients regardless of where you are on your health journey.
Regulate menstrual cycle - Fertility can become increasingly difficult when your cycle is not regular. One of the most important ways a naturopathic doctor can help support fertility is by balancing your menstrual cycle. This can be accomplished through diet changes, nutraceuticals, lifestyle changes, and acupuncture support.
Regulate ovulation – Ovulation plays a major role in fertility. It can be difficult to understand how to monitor ovulation or even how to stimulate ovulation, but through balancing hormones, regulating your cycle, and correcting nutrient deficiencies we can dig deep and determine if you are ovulating and how regular your ovulation is. Ovulation is particularly important for individuals diagnosed with PCOS - a condition naturopathic doctors are very familiar with and can provide support for.
Fertility treatment support – Sometimes the fertility journey can become overwhelming - there is a lot of information to understand and a lot of supports to manage. At Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine, we believe in collaboration and we want to work alongside your medical team as you seek out treatments such as IUI or IVF, helping you optimize your body for the best chance in a positive outcome. For example, we can provide acupuncture support pre- and post-fertility treatment.
Disclaimer: This content is subject to change. The information is intended to inform and educate; it does not replace the medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.