Note: "Healthflow Naturopathic

+1 587-315-3950

target location: Mount Royal

But serves Mission, Altadore, Britannia, South Calgary, Oakridge, Lakeview Village

Focus: Naturopathic Medicine for Reproductive health

 - PCOS, Fertility, Fibroids, Endometriosis,
 - natural hormone balance
 - reproductive BPH, Impotance
 - Holistic, endocrine, syndrome
 - post-partum
 - blood sugar

Naturopath
holistic health clinic
wellness
prevent
counsel
hormone
whole body

For those seeking natural approaches to enhance fertility or complement existing treatment...

Help optimize their reproductive health in a balanced and sustainable way

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) identify the root causes of fertility issues and create individualized plans to support reproductive health.

Details about the treatment:

Root Cause Focused  ●   Personalized Natural Treatments  ●  Trusted Calgary Care

Conditions treated both for women and men's reproductive health

Woman’s health (PMS, infertility, endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS, menopause, etc.)
Men’s health (Impotence, BPH, Prostatitis, etc)

What To Expect
All treatments are complimentary to the therapies given by other healthcare professionals. A collaborative and team approach is taken with you and other health care providers with regards to your care, including pharmaceutical prescriptions.

Typically in the first year, clients will come in every 4 to 8 weeks for treatment, depending on the condition. As your body strengthens and begins to heal on its own, visits will become less frequent. The ultimate goal is to eventually to have you come in once or twice a year for check-ups.

In cases of chronic and severe conditions, it is important to understand it often takes years to manifest. Reversing the process can happen fast, but it will take time for your body to strengthen and heal. This is done through cellular detoxification, psychoneuroimmunology and mind-body medicine, allowing your body to reach its full healing potential.

Your first visit will be a one-hour session where we go through your health concerns, medical history, previous treatments and any necessary physical exams. We will discuss lab results and/or if there is a need to do further testing. If there is time, we will begin immediately with treatments (laser, home care, diet, etc.) and remedies (nutraceuticals, herbs, homeopathies).

Follow-ups are typically 30mins to 1 hr in length and focus on supporting you with treatments and remedies.

Along with core medical training, Naturopathic Doctors use:

Nutrition
Herbal Medicine
Homeopathy
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Lifestyle Counselling
Physical Medicine
Acupuncture

Approach:

It's important that we highlight that the treatments are complementary to any traditional treatment the patient might be undergoing.

Book a free 15 minute phone consult with a naturopathic doctor to see if naturopathy is the right fit for you before booking an initial 1 hour session.

combined with traditional medical interventions for fertility

Useful content snippet - do not use the content in this section verbatim- borrow liberally but do not plagiarize:

Naturopaths play a role in a multidisciplinary approach to infertility

provide whole-body supporting natural healing mechanisms

Naturopathic medicine supports reproductive health by using a holistic approach, focusing on hormonal balance, nutrition, stress reduction, and detoxification to address underlying causes of fertility issues, improve egg/sperm quality, regulate cycles, and create an optimal environment for conception, often integrating natural therapies like herbs, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes alongside conventional care.

Naturopathic medicine can help optimize sperm motility, morphology, overall counts, and DNA fragmentation rates.  On the female side, Naturopathy can help by regulating your menstrual cycle, it can help balance the nuances of the cycle, we also think it can help with egg quality.  Our Naturopathic doctor combines acupuncture, lifestyle changes and supplements to improve or optimize fertility in both men and women.

Relevant statistics

Infertility affects approximately one in six couples of reproductive age. Many women use traditional, complementary and integrative medicine to improve their chances of conceiving. (study published on ScienceDirect)

"

Naturopathic medicine supports reproductive health by using a holistic approach, focusing on hormonal balance, nutrition, stress reduction, and detoxification to address underlying causes of fertility issues, improve egg/sperm quality, regulate cycles, and create an optimal environment for conception, often integrating natural therapies like herbs, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes alongside conventional care.
Key Ways Naturopathy Helps
Hormonal Balancing: Addresses conditions like PCOS and endometriosis with diets, herbal medicine (e.g., Chasteberry), and therapies to balance hormones crucial for ovulation.
Nutritional Support: Emphasizes whole foods, vitamins (like folic acid, antioxidants), and minerals to improve egg quality, sperm health, and overall reproductive function.
Stress Management: Uses mindfulness, yoga, breathwork, and acupuncture to reduce stress, which can disrupt reproductive hormones (HPA axis) and negatively impact fertility.
Improved Egg & Sperm Quality: Antioxidants, specific nutrients (zinc, CoQ10), and lifestyle changes (avoiding toxins, hot tubs) can enhance both egg and sperm health.
Detoxification: Supports the body's natural detoxification to remove endocrine-disrupting toxins from plastics, pesticides, and household products that interfere with hormones.
Acupuncture: Increases blood flow to reproductive organs, balances hormones, reduces inflammation, and can improve IUI/IVF success rates.
Lifestyle Guidance: Provides personalized advice on sleep, exercise, and reducing harmful substances (alcohol, smoking).
Integration with Conventional Care: Works alongside fertility treatments (like IVF/IUI) by addressing root causes and managing emotional stress, with about half of patients combining both approaches.
Common Conditions Addressed
Infertility (female & male)
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Endometriosis
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Poor Egg/Sperm Quality

Naturopathy helps reproductive health by using personalized plans with diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes to address root causes, balance hormones, improve egg/sperm quality, and reduce stress, often working alongside conventional treatments to create an optimal environment for conception and healthy pregnancy for both men and women. Therapies include optimizing nutrition (folate, zinc, omega-3s), herbal medicine (Vitex), stress reduction, acupuncture, and detox, supporting overall vitality for fertility.
Key Naturopathic Approaches:
Diet & Nutrition: Focuses on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods (leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, seeds) while reducing processed items, sugar, and excessive caffeine/alcohol to balance hormones and boost egg/sperm health.
Herbal Medicine: Uses specific herbs (like Vitex for cycle regulation) to support hormonal balance and ovulation, prescribed by a professional to avoid interactions.
Lifestyle Modifications: Emphasizes stress management (yoga, mindfulness), adequate sleep, and regular exercise to improve reproductive function.
Supplements: Recommends targeted vitamins and minerals (like folic acid, zinc) to address deficiencies, guided by professional oversight.
Acupuncture: May be used to enhance blood flow to reproductive organs, reduce inflammation, and balance hormones.
Detoxification: Protocols aim to eliminate toxins that can disrupt hormonal balance and liver function.
For Men:
Naturopathy can also optimize sperm health, improving motility, count, and morphology through diet, targeted nutrients, and avoiding heat/toxins.
Collaboration with Conventional Care:
Naturopaths often work with fertility specialists (endocrinologists) to integrate natural support with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF, creating a comprehensive plan.
Benefits:
Addresses underlying health issues impacting fertility.
Supports hormonal balance and egg/sperm quality.
Manages stress, a key factor in conception.
Creates foundational health for a strong pregnancy

In Canada, approximately one in six couples (about 16%) experiences infertility, a rate which has been increasing in recent decades.

Managing PCOS naturally involves a holistic approach focusing on diet, exercise, stress reduction, and targeted supplements to improve insulin sensitivity, balance hormones, and regulate cycles, with key strategies including low-glycemic eating (whole foods, fiber, lean protein), regular activity, good sleep, mindfulness, and herbs like cinnamon or inositol, always alongside consulting a healthcare provider.
Dietary Changes
Focus on Whole Foods: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lean proteins (like in the Mediterranean diet).
Low-Glycemic: Choose complex carbs (whole grains, legumes, veggies) to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Increase Fiber: Lentils, avocados, broccoli, and pears improve digestion and blood sugar.
Boost Magnesium & Iron: Foods like spinach, almonds, and cashews help with inflammation and menstrual pain; iron helps with heavy bleeding.
Limit Refined Carbs & Sugar: Reduce processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined sugars.
Consider Caffeine: Reduce coffee; green tea may help insulin resistance.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Regular Exercise: Helps lower blood sugar, manage weight, and improve insulin resistance. Aim for 150-300 mins moderate activity weekly.
Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to lower cortisol, as stress worsens PCOS.
Prioritize Sleep: Aim for adequate rest to avoid increased risks of weight gain and insulin resistance.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Even modest weight loss can restore ovulation and improve insulin/androgen levels.
Supplements & Herbs (Consult a Doctor)
Inositol: Supports hormone regulation and ovulation.
Berberine & Chromium: Can improve insulin sensitivity.
Cinnamon & Curcumin: May help glycemic control and inflammation.
Omega-3s: Essential fatty acids that can help with oxidative damage.
Other Considerations
Support Gut Health: Probiotics and fermented foods (yogurt, kefir) can help.
Minimize Endocrine Disruptors: Use natural personal care products and avoid plastic.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas.

How Naturopathy can help with Fertility

What are Fertility Issues?
How Natruopathy can help with FertilityInfertility is technically the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 6 months if you’re over 35 years old or after 1 year if you’re under 35 years old.  That being said, fertility issues can exist long before this time frame has gone by.  If your cycles are irregular, if your cycles are really short, if you have lots of spotting before your period, these are some potential reasons to check in before 6-12 months has gone by.

How can Naturopathic Medicine Help With Fertility Issues?
Naturopathic medicine can help optimize sperm motility, morphology, overall counts, and DNA fragmentation rates.  On the female side, Naturopathy can help by regulating your menstrual cycle, it can help balance the nuances of the cycle, we also think it can help with egg quality.  Our Naturopathic doctor combines acupuncture, lifestyle changes and supplements to improve or optimize fertility in both men and women.

When Should Naturopathy Be Considered For Fertility Issues?
Some patients come to see the Naturopathic doctor before they even start trying to conceive and others who wait until they’re into their third IVF or third miscarriage – so anytime is a good time!

Can Naturopathy Be Combined with Traditional Medical Interventions For Fertility?
Absolutely!  About 50% of our fertility patients at Rebalance are also seeing reproductive endocrinologists at fertility clinics – these 2 approaches work really well together.

Success Rates for Naturopathy Treatment For Fertility?
Unfortunately, we don’t have actual success rates because every person receiving care is in a different situation – age, diagnois (or lack there of) and stage of pharmaceutical treatment protocols. However, studies show that acupuncture can improve Fertility and it makes very good sense that hormonal imbalances (and Fertility) can be influenced by lifestyle changes and supplements.

Tips For Increasing Fertility Naturally On Your Own (ie diet, stress etc)
An easy thing to start doing right away is increasing your consumption of fruits & vegetables.  Antioxidants are the most important factor in both egg and sperm health and the best source is our fruits & veggies! Also, try to engage in activities that reduce your stress levels. Stress can negatively impact our hormones.

What are the real benefits to Naturopathic care – 100 days before conception
Ensuring that your body is in optimal health and ready to conceive is vital for every body.
The fertility journey is different for every person but there are some key things that remain important for everyone.

Ensuring that your body is in optimal health and ready to conceive is vital for every body. In an an initial preconception appointment we will discuss the significance of diet and nutrition as well as how supplements can be helpful during this time.

Herbal medicine may also be recommended in order to prepare the body for conception as well as to support menstural irregularities and conditions that may get in the way of a conception.

Follow up consultations will discuss the initial treatment and see how things have been going. This is also a great opportunity to discuss cycle tracking and look at other questions that may arise around when you may be ovulating, mucous changes, and other symptoms related to hormonal changes.

Preconception support along with pregnancy care are great first step in ensuring that you are supported and aim to achieve the best outcomes for a healthy pregnancy.

How Georgia and her practice of Naturopathic care can support you  in the 100 days before conception

Ensuring your vitamin and mineral profile is optimal

– Especially important after long term pill use

– Supporting preconception diet – focussing on foods that create optimal fertility.

– Individualised plans based on the needs of each woman. PCOS, pill depletion etc.

Supporting and balancing hormones

– Aiming to support regular cycles

– Using herbal medicine to support regularity and healthy cycles

– Diet with focus on blood sugar support

Fertility education

– Learning to keep track of cycles

– Understanding signs of fertility

Managing stress and anxiety around conception and pregnancy

– Herbal medicine and mineral supplements to support nervous system

– Lifestyle practises

Getting the body ready for Assisted Reproductive Treatments (ART) like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Helping to support modern medicine.

6 Ways Naturopathic Medicine Can Help You Boost Fertility Naturally
Oct 24
Written By Guest User
For individuals and heterosexual couples who have had the misfortune of being labeled as “infertile,” or for those struggling with getting pregnant, naturopathic medicine has a lot to offer. Let’s discuss natural ways to boost fertility and 6 key points on how naturopathic medicine helps with infertility.

Conventional medicine offers the gold standard in diagnostics, but the only treatment offered by conventional docs is typically uses expensive drugs and surgical procedures to aide in conception. In Los Angeles one round of IVF (in-vitro fertilization) is likely to cost a couple $24,000, with a success rate of only 4-18% per treatment!

At Wagner Integrative Health I utilize similar fertility diagnostics, to conventional MD’s, but I also offer treatment options that are less invasive and holistic. These treatments can be applied prior to utilizing treatments like IVF, often eliminating the need for this costly and invasive therapeutics/procedures. My treatments, and those of most naturopathic doctors, are individually tailored using natural medicines (western botanicals and supplements) and dietary & lifestyle changes. I incorporate the beneficial aspects of modern medicinal practices to complement a natural therapeutic approach to achieve a healthy conception, pregnancy and birth. In this article we’ll cover steps towards achieving optimal fertility, tests that should be ordered by your doctor (or naturopathic doctor), and an ideal supplement regiment for fertility and pregnancy.

#1. The first, and most important step in optimizing fertility is ensuring that you are trying around the right time of the month.

Here are some simple things to do to enhance timing:

Look for signs of ovulation: signs of ovulation include change in cervical mucus (stretchy), twinges/cramps near the ovaries (lower sides of your abdomen), mild increase in PMS for 24 hours, increased libido, and a dip then a steady rise in temperature.

Not everyone ovulates on day 14, best to find your rhythm either by charting basal body temperatures or via other signs of ovulation.

A positive ovulation predictor kit (OPK) means ovulation within the next 24 hours.

Once released, the egg lives only about 12-24 hours depending on age/quality.

Sperm can live in fertile mucus for 2-5 days.

Best to have sex just before ovulation and the day of ovulation.

If proper timing has already been established and a conception is not achieved in 6-12 months, both partners should have a thorough work-up to make sure there aren’t any particular blockades that are affecting their fertility. Although females are more likely to explore the cause of the infertility, up to 24% of infertility is due to male factors and 28% remains unknown, so it really is important to have both partners evaluated.

When couples, or individuals, come to me for fertility healthcare they typically have already had a work-up from their primary care practitioner. I look for any health concerns that may have been undiscovered by these practitioners. These additional steps can be through further laboratory testing or by gathering important information regarding diet, stress, sleep, exercise, etc all which affect fertility.

In my practice I would say that approximately 30% of infertility comes from stress and “trying too hard.” Stress plays a role in reproduction because reproductive hormones are inhibited by stress. This is an important point so let me repeat this again. Reproductive hormones are inhibited by stress. Not only can the stress hormone, cortisol, suppress ovulation and reduce sperm count, but it can also interfere with implantation of the embryo and if high enough can by the cause of a miscarriage.

Further lifestyle factors are also highly important, such as maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a whole foods diet, moderate exercise, and drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.

#2. Labs for females

Finally let’s give an overview of labs that should be covered for both individuals. For the female factor we want to look at:

Baseline labs: liver, kidney, electrolytes, immune function, anemia panel, thyroid panel, and Vitamin D levels.

Baseline: uterine and ovary health (via blood work and imaging), including measuring levels of estrogen and progesterone at the appropriate time in their cycle.

Adrenal health (if there has been prolonged stress).

Undiscovered Autoimmunity.

Food allergy testing.

Potentially heavy metal testing, if there is a concern over increased exposure

#3. Supplements for females

Supplements I recommend for women include:

Essential Fatty Acids

Multi-Vitamin with folate (Pure Encapsulations, Thorne, Raw Vitamin Code)

Probiotic

The list of supplements recommended online (by other practitioners and bloggers) can be quite long and cumbersome, and not all are necessary, safe, or needed for everyone. Since my doctorate is in conventional and alternative medicine I am well educated on what each individual needs, or more importantly (sometimes) what they don’t need.

#4. Labs for males

For the Male Factor:

Baseline labs: liver, kidney, electrolytes, immune function, sperm analysis

If the sperm analysis comes back less than ideal a hormone panel should be ordered as well

#5. Lifestyle factors to consider for men

Additional lifestyle factors that are important to consider for men are:

Stop smoking – damages sperm, decreases count, decreases libido, worsens morphology, slows motility

Decrease alcohol – more than 2 drinks/day can decrease count and decrease libido

No drugs/marijuana/steroids – decreases everything

Keep a healthy weight – excess fat increases estrogen and decreases testosterone which decreases sperm count

Avoid heat on the boys – no hot tubs/baths/saunas, no laptops on the lap, no cell phones in the front pocket, no biking, no tight underwear

No lubricants for sex unless specifically for making babies such as pre-seed. KY and other petroleum based lubricants stop/slow motility and change a healthy pH for sperm.

#6. Supplements for men

A baseline of supplements I recommend for most males participating in conception are:

Multi-Vitamin

Fish oil

Vitamin C

Zinc

Same advice for men in this category: The list of supplements recommended online (by other practitioners and bloggers) can be quite long and cumbersome, and not all are necessary, safe, or needed for everyone. Since my doctorate is in conventional and alternative medicine I am well educated on what each individual needs, or more importantly (sometimes) what they don’t need.

So, in general I am looking for areas of concern that should be addressed, treating to relieve these symptoms (or lab values), and building foundational health habits. Ideally I will work with someone for 3-6 months before they want to conceive, since both the eggs and sperm are made close to 3 months before they are “utilized” for fertility. It’s important to know that there are additional answers and treatment options for fertility, but equally just as important to relax and be calm about this process. I can treat a lot of the causes of infertility, with enough time and commitment, but the only person who can decrease that detrimental stress hormone is you.

Naturopathic Treatment for Infertility
If you and your partner are struggling to have a baby, you are not alone. One in eight couples in the United States has difficulty getting or staying pregnant.1 Fertility challenges often take substantial physical, emotional, and financial tolls. Between endless doctor visits, prescription medications, hormone injections, and constant lab tests, trying to have a baby can feel like an exhausting, mechanical process.

Infertility is defined as trying to conceive for one year (or six months after age 35) with no success, and it affects both men and women. Some data2 suggests that infertility is on the rise.

Some couples will consider assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination, and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). While these approaches can be effective, they are financially out of reach for many families. Treatment success for procedures like IVF ranges between 13 percent and 36 percent for women over 35.3

Couples and individuals trying to conceive may also be concerned about the long-term risks4 of ART for the baby’s health. With so many variables, some patients choose to explore other options.

Why Some Women Struggle to Get Pregnant
Although some couples receive a diagnosis from conventional doctors, many have “unexplained infertility.” Fertility challenges can be caused by poor sperm health, poor egg quality, hormonal imbalances (including cycle abnormalities), obesity, and more. A number of root causes are linked to lifestyle and environmental factors, and NDs are trained to look for and uncover these underlying issues.

Safe, natural, and effective lifestyle modifications and therapies can address these problems, strengthen your overall health, and improve your chances of getting pregnant. Because of their rigorous training in clinical nutrition, lifestyle counseling, botanical medicine, and more, naturopathic doctors are experts at engaging and empowering patients to make lifestyle changes proven to improve health outcomes.

Naturopathic Doctors Help Patients Conceive Naturally
Many couples prioritize their health before starting fertility treatments for the best chance of having a baby. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained to optimize patients’ health for and beyond conception. They have helped countless men and women resolve fertility challenges to conceive easily, safely, and cost effectively. Avoiding invasive interventions when possible, NDs guide couples in enhancing fertility and maintaining a healthy, happy pregnancy.

Identifying Underlying Causes of Infertility
Naturopathic doctors begin by assessing the couple’s overall health and well-being. Initial appointments include a detailed family history and medical history, as well as a discussion on diet, physical activity, environmental exposures, sleep patterns, and psychoemotional stressors for both partners. Women can expect a conversation about their menstrual cycle and any strategies they’ve tried in attempts to conceive. An ND may order bloodwork, imaging tests, and nutritional labs. They will dig deeper if tests uncover red flags.

Pre-Conception Care
Proper preconception care has been shown to enhance fertility and lead to healthier outcomes, both for couples conceiving naturally and those using ART. NDs encourage couples to spend a few months preparing for conception. During this time, NDs work with patients to optimize health, focusing on these primary aspects:

Underlying health conditions, such as obesity in both men5 and women6
Optimize diet and nutrition
Manage stress
Incorporate comprehensive micronutrient support
Optimize intercourse timing through education about the menstrual cycle
Improving Egg Quality
Doctor examines couple at fertility check-up
Poor egg quality is a common underlying cause of fertility obstacles. Egg quality declines naturally with age, and sometimes prematurely. In both cases, it’s essential to understand the reason for the decline. Causes can be nutritional, hormonal, or both. For nutritional cases, supplementation with antioxidants such as melatonin,7 vitamins such as DHEA,8 and other plant-based antioxidants9 can help improve egg quality. Hormonal irregularities affecting egg quality and ovulation include endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Naturopathic medicine has many different remedies to help women address these imbalances, including the use of botanical therapies.

Better Sperm Health
Sperm production, quality, and motility are often at the heart of male fertility challenges. While individual recommendations are tailored, naturopathic doctors help support sperm health through lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and limited alcohol consumption. NDs will recommend specific changes to a patient’s diet and nutrition, including supplementation with micronutrients such as zinc10, L-carnitine,11 CoQ1012, and antioxidants such as selenium, when necessary.13

Enhancing Clinical Care with Tender Loving Care
The journey to pregnancy can feel like a physical and emotional rollercoaster. Naturopathic doctors support patients with counseling throughout the process. Psychological support and sympathetic counseling are elements of clinical care shown to improve pregnancy success rates.

What are Fertility Issues?
How Natruopathy can help with FertilityInfertility is technically the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 6 months if you’re over 35 years old or after 1 year if you’re under 35 years old.  That being said, fertility issues can exist long before this time frame has gone by.  If your cycles are irregular, if your cycles are really short, if you have lots of spotting before your period, these are some potential reasons to check in before 6-12 months has gone by.

How can Naturopathic Medicine Help With Fertility Issues?
Naturopathic medicine can help optimize sperm motility, morphology, overall counts, and DNA fragmentation rates.  On the female side, Naturopathy can help by regulating your menstrual cycle, it can help balance the nuances of the cycle, we also think it can help with egg quality.  Our Naturopathic doctor combines acupuncture, lifestyle changes and supplements to improve or optimize fertility in both men and women.

When Should Naturopathy Be Considered For Fertility Issues?
Some patients come to see the Naturopathic doctor before they even start trying to conceive and others who wait until they’re into their third IVF or third miscarriage – so anytime is a good time!

Can Naturopathy Be Combined with Traditional Medical Interventions For Fertility?
Absolutely!  About 50% of our fertility patients at Rebalance are also seeing reproductive endocrinologists at fertility clinics – these 2 approaches work really well together.

Success Rates for Naturopathy Treatment For Fertility?
Unfortunately, we don’t have actual success rates because every person receiving care is in a different situation – age, diagnois (or lack there of) and stage of pharmaceutical treatment protocols. However, studies show that acupuncture can improve Fertility and it makes very good sense that hormonal imbalances (and Fertility) can be influenced by lifestyle changes and supplements.

Tips For Increasing Fertility Naturally On Your Own (ie diet, stress etc)
An easy thing to start doing right away is increasing your consumption of fruits & vegetables.  Antioxidants are the most important factor in both egg and sperm health and the best source is our fruits & veggies! Also, try to engage in activities that reduce your stress levels. Stress can negatively impact our hormones.

If you would like to book a consultation to see our Naturopathic Doctor, contact us today. We’d love to be able to help you

6 Keys to Naturopathy Unlocking your Fertility
Have you been longing to start a family but facing unexpected hurdles on your fertility journey? If so, you're not alone. The path to conception can be complex and emotional, but there's hope. Naturopathic medicine offers a holistic approach to fertility that addresses the root causes of reproductive issues, providing support and guidance every step of the way.

Understanding Naturopathy and Fertility
Naturopathic medicine is founded on the principle of treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – to achieve optimal health and wellness. A healthy body is a fertile body so when it comes to fertility, naturopaths take a comprehensive approach to your whole health, focusing on identifying and addressing underlying imbalances that may be impacting reproductive health.

How Naturopaths Can Help
Personalised Treatment Plans: Your fertility journey is unique. A naturopath will take the time to understand your medical history, lifestyle factors, and specific fertility concerns to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. A naturopathy can help with natural conception or support to complement assisted reproductive treatments.

Nutritional Guidance: Nutrition plays a crucial role in fertility. A naturopath can assess your current diet and provide nutritional guidance to support hormonal balance, optimise egg and sperm quality, maximise your chances for a trouble-free pregnancy and provide all the nutrients necessary for the healthy new baby that you are dreaming about.

Herbal Medicine: Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to support reproductive health. A personalised herbal prescription can be very effective to regulate menstrual cycles, support ovulation, and enhance fertility. Herbs work best when they are prescribed with your unique challenges in mind. A qualified Naturopath uses professional quality herbal extracts and has the knowledge needed to make sure that there are no adverse interactions or contraindications between the herbs prescribed and any of your pharmaceutical medications or medical treatments.

Creating a Fertile Environment: This is such an important area for supporting fertility. Environmental toxins can interfere with fertility by disrupting hormone production and impairing reproductive function. Your household cleaning products, cosmetics, personal care products and fragrances are potentially reducing your fertility! Naturopaths can help you to reduce toxin exposure, find safer options and support the body's natural detoxification pathways, promoting a healthier environment for conception.

Stress Management: Stress can have a significant impact on fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and affecting reproductive function. A Naturopath will help you identify and manage stress. Herbal medicine, diet and nutritional supplements have a role to play here but your mindset, sleep habits, exercise, relationships, and work habits are also potentially impacting your fertility.  A naturopath can help you understand how and create a plan to manage stress.

Addressing Underlying Health Conditions: Naturopaths take a holistic approach to fertility by addressing underlying health conditions that may contribute to infertility. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or thyroid disorders have clear impacts on fertility. These conditions often require medical assessment and treatment, and we are happy to work alongside your medical team. Other less obvious healthy challenges may be indirectly affecting your chances of falling and staying pregnant. It makes sense to maximise your mental health, gut health and digestion, immune function, and oral before you get pregnant. By addressing your overall health and root causes, naturopaths can improve fertility outcomes and enhance overall well-being.

Integrative Approach
Naturopathic medicine complements conventional fertility treatments. Naturopaths are happy to work collaboratively with fertility specialists and other healthcare providers to provide integrated care, maximising the chances of conception and supporting a healthy pregnancy.

If you're struggling to conceive, consider incorporating naturopathic medicine into your fertility journey. By addressing the root causes of infertility, optimising reproductive health, and providing personalised support, naturopaths can help you unlock your fertility potential and realise your dream of starting a family. Reach out to a qualified naturopath today to begin your journey towards parenthood with confidence and hope.

How to Get Pregnant with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that may affect your fertility. Up to 50% of people with this condition don’t know it. Effective treatment is available, and there are steps to take to improve your chances of pregnancy if you have PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal condition that tampers with more than just your fertility, but you might first receive a diagnosis when you’re trying to get pregnant. This is because it’s a common — and treatable — cause of infertility in women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), up to 12% of women in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant because of untreated PCOS. In reality, this number might be bigger because almost 50% of women with this syndrome don’t know they have it or are not diagnosed correctly.

Having PCOS doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. It just might be a bit trickier, and you may need extra help. There is plenty that you can do at home and with medical treatment to keep PCOS symptoms at bay and raise your chances for a healthy pregnancy.

First steps
Getting pregnant with PCOS involves some of the same steps that women without PCOS should take for a healthy pregnancy.

Have your weight and body mass index (BMI) measured by your doctor. Your BMI shows whether you have a healthy body weight and how much of your body composition is fat. If you are carrying extra weight, talk to your doctor about how much weight you need to lose before you get pregnant.
Start a healthy diet and exercise plan. Get into the habit of choosing healthier food choices and being more active.
Use an ovulation calendar or app to track when you have your period. This helps you make a better guess about which days of the month you are more likely to get pregnant.
Check your blood sugar levels. See your doctor to make sure your blood sugar levels are balanced. Your blood sugar levels are important in getting pregnant, having a healthy pregnancy, and even in your baby’s future health.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight has been linked to PCOS, but many women who have this condition are not overweight at all. Still, if you are carrying extra weight, you may improve your fertility and reduce other PCOS symptoms by losing just 5% of your weight.

Exercise daily by going for a walk and getting in your steps. Use a standing desk rather than sitting down while you’re working. Lift light weights while watching TV, as building more muscle helps bring down PCOS symptoms and improves your health.

Eat for health
Any woman who is trying to get pregnant needs to have the right levels of nutrients. Switch out sugary foods, simple carbs, and unhealthy fats for healthier choices, including:

fresh and cooked fruit and vegetables
whole grains like brown rice, oats, and barley
beans and lentils
chicken
fish
Certain vitamins and minerals are important for a healthy pregnancy and a growing baby. Ask your doctor about the best supplements for you. Supplements that may help fertility include:

folic acid (vitamin B9)
vitamin B6
vitamin B12
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
coenzyme Q10
Balance blood sugar levels
Your doctor will test your blood sugar levels if you’re having trouble getting pregnant. PCOS sometimes leads to high blood sugar levels or type 2 diabetes. This may cause fertility problems.

This happens because PCOS may change how your body uses insulin. This important hormone moves sugar (glucose) out of the blood and into the muscles and cells where it is burned for energy. PCOS makes your body less sensitive to insulin — making it harder for it to do its job.

Balancing your blood sugar levels may help you get pregnant. Eat a healthy diet with more fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Getting plenty of daily exercise and strength training can also help your body use insulin better.

In some cases, your doctor might recommend medications to help balance your blood sugar levels. A common type 2 diabetes drug called metformin (or Glucophage) makes your body use insulin better to help lower high blood sugar. This can also help you get pregnant with PCOS.

You might need to take metformin in low doses and only temporarily, depending on your blood sugar levels. For best results, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly along with taking any prescribed medications to help you get pregnant.

If you have high blood sugar levels or type 2 diabetes, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels with a home monitor every day.

Your doctor will check your blood sugar levels with tests, including:

random blood sugar test
overnight fasting blood sugar test
oral glucose tolerance tests (after fasting and drinking a sugary drink)
hemoglobin A1C test (checks your blood sugar levels for the last two to three months)
Medications
If you have PCOS your body might make more of both the male hormone testosterone and the female hormone estrogen. Too much (or too little) of these hormones can make it tricky to get pregnant. Your doctor might recommend prescription medications to help balance your hormones.

Medications to help you get pregnant with PCOS include:

metformin to balance insulin levels
clomiphene citrate (or Clomid) to help balance estrogen levels
birth control pills to balance estrogen and testosterone levels (before beginning fertility treatment)
fertility medications to jump-start the ovaries to send out more eggs
Fertility help
You may need in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to help you get pregnant with PCOS. Your fertility doctor will give you a checkup that may include more blood tests, ultrasounds scans, and a physical exam.

IVF is a process that can take months or even years whether you have PCOS or not. However, medical research shows that women with PCOS have a high success rate of getting pregnant with IVF treatment.

Some clinical studies found that women with PCOS who took birth control pills before the IVF treatment had better results. You may also need other mediations to help balance hormones and get your body ready for the IVF treatment.

For all women, the first step in IVF treatment is to eat a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise to reach a healthy weight. Women with PCOS who are a healthy weight are twice as likely to get pregnant with IVF than women with PCOS who are obese.

Before exploring IVF, your doctor might suggest a less-costly alternative called intrauterine insemination (IUI). This process increases the chance of pregnancy because it directly injects a high concentration of sperm closer to the egg.

PCOS symptoms and complications
PCOS may make it harder to get pregnant because it can impact your menstruation cycle (your monthly period). Symptoms include:

too few menstrual periods
having your period for longer than usual
not getting your period
very heavy periods
higher levels of male hormones like testosterone
acne breakouts
getting facial hair and extra hair in other places
small cysts or bundles of fluid in the ovaries
fewer eggs released from the ovaries
If you don’t get treated for PCOS, it also raises your risk for other health conditions, like:

type 2 diabetes
sleep apnea (snoring)
heart disease
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
stroke
No one knows why some women get PCOS. Nothing you did — or didn’t do— caused you to have this condition. But getting an early diagnosis and treatment along with making other lifestyle changes may help you get pregnant and prevent health complications from PCOS.

Chances of getting pregnant with PCOS
If you are trying to get pregnant with PCOS, you may only need treatment with medications. A medical study found that almost 80% of women with PCOS treated with the drug clomiphene citrate successfully ovulated. Out of these, half of the women got pregnant naturally within six period cycles.

If medications don’t help you get pregnant, your doctor may recommend IVF treatments. Most women with PCOS have a 20% to 40% chance of getting pregnant with IVF treatment. Women who are 35 years old and older or who are overweight have a lower chance of getting pregnant.

Takeaway
You can get pregnant with PCOS. You will likely need to have moderate weight, balance your blood sugar levels, and treat other PCOS symptoms with healthy lifestyle changes and medications.

In some cases, fertility medications alone will help you get pregnant. If that doesn’t work, you may need IVF treatment.

But regardless of what treatment you explore, don’t lose hope. Success rates are optimistic. In time you may be smiling, positive pregnancy test in hand.