Our Blog
Fertility Journey
As a healthcare provider, my passion lies in empowering individuals on their journey to health and wellness. Today, I want to share my personal experience with fertility, focusing on the role of natural medicine, supplements, vitamins, and hormone replacement therapy, particularly with progesterone. My hope is to inspire and support others who are navigating similar challenges in their reproductive health.
My husband and I had no issues getting pregnant with our first son. I was 31 years old when we became pregnant with our son. I was 33 when we started trying for the second. At the time, I felt like this was still young! I tried not to stress for the first 3 months. No ovulation testing, no pressure to be in the bedroom, this is fun right! But looking back, I was going through an extremely stressful situation at work. 12 Nurse practitioners were laid off at Christmas. I was the smallest I have ever been. I was intermittent fasting and not getting enough calories in during the day. My first OB appointment was 3 months in and the first piece of advice- gain weight, stop fasting. I also made a decision to not exercise as much (which I regret but more on this later!).
Around 3 months in, I started taking ovulation strips. These were once a cycle for a few days to try and target when I was ovulating. No luck! The mental and physical exhaustion was setting up. My husband did not understand how stressful this was at the time. I then decided to track my hormones daily through urine testing. What I found after 2-3 months of data, was that I was having appropriate hormone rises before ovulation and during ovulation. I was ovulating but then my progesterone would rise then crash suddenly. I would have months when I would ovulate 14 days in but others when I would not ovulate until 21 days in. I would then start a new cycle after 26-28 days in. I brought this to my OB, who listened. I must credit him because he spent 45 minutes with me reviewing the data. What we found was something called “short lute al phase”. In other words, I was not maintaining progesterone levels for long enough. This felt like we were breaking ground. I was starting to have hope.
6 months in, we started oral progesterone for 2 months then moved towards a medication (Femara) to help me ovulate at 14 days and then have a long enough lute al phase to carry a baby. Still no positive test 3 months into this. At this point, I had to reach to natural medicine. I was already on a good dose of Folic acid. I started a supplement that included Chaste berry, L-Arginine, and green tea. I thought there was no way this would work. Surely, I was getting enough nutrition through my diet. The next month, we got pregnant! Nearly a year of trying. Of course, we were anxious for the first 3 months but everything went well and we have a health 2 year old, that we cannot imagine life without. The journey was brutal—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. But it was worth the outcome and the wait. I do wish I would have tried natural medicine and hormone testing earlier on. This is how we can help!
There is a rise in infertility. WHO estimates 1 in 6 women have problems. You know these numbers have to be higher. We want to help and have the resources and time to do this.
The Importance of Hormonal Balance
Exploring Natural Medicine
In my quest for answers, I turned to natural medicine. I discovered various supplements and vitamins that support reproductive health, including:
- Folic Acid: Essential for DNA synthesis and crucial during conception and early pregnancy. Also helps infertility for people with MTHFR gene (50% of the population!)
- Vitamin D: Plays a vital role in hormone production and regulation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, they can improve overall reproductive function.
- Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that may support implantation and early pregnancy.
Progesterone Therapy: A Key to Success
During my pursuit of holistic fertility solutions, I also learned about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, specifically progesterone. Progesterone plays a critical role in the menstrual cycle and establishing a supportive environment for conception. For those facing hormonal imbalances, introducing progesterone can be a game changer. If you have low T or E, prescribing ointment during infertility can help.
The Holistic Approach: Lifestyle Matters
Encouraging Others to Take Charge of Their Health
As I reflect on my journey, I feel a profound sense of purpose in sharing this message with others. Natural medicine, coupled with hormonal support, can provide a holistic pathway to improved fertility and well-being.
If you’re on a similar journey, I encourage you to book an appointment with Seraphin. We are here to partner with your OB/fertility clinic and to take the extra time to dive into your health and what we can potentially offer.
Conclusion: Your Wellness Journey Starts Here
Navigating the path to fertility doesn’t have to be a lonely road. As a healthcare provider, my goal is to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking guidance on natural medicine, hormone replacement therapy, or lifestyle changes, I am here to help you create a personalized plan that aligns with your health goals.