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How Not Getting Enough Sleep May Affect Your Fertility

February 6, 2023

How Not Getting Enough Sleep May Affect Your Fertility

As you likely know, certain lifestyle factors can weigh on your ability to conceive. If you’re underweight or overweight, follow a poor diet, smoke, drink, abstain from physical activity and generally are in poor health you could be impacting your fertility in a negative way. But what about something as simple as sleep? Can sleep affect your fertility? And if so, how? Let’s dive in!

Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of Americans don’t get enough sleep. If you’re one of them, and you’re also concerned about your fertility, here’s information that may surprise you:

  • In both men and women, the same part of the brain that regulates sleep-wake hormones (such as melatonin and cortisol) also triggers the daily release of reproductive hormones.
  • The hormones that trigger ovulation in women and sperm maturation in men may be linked to the body’s sleep-wake cycle. For example, if you are a woman, long-term sleep deprivation can directly affect the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) – the hormone that triggers ovulation as part of the regulation of your menstrual cycle. The resulting irregularity of menstruation may mean that it takes longer for you to become pregnant.

Importance of the quality of the sleep when trying to conceive

The importance of sleep is not only tied to the number of hours, but also to the quality of sleep: waking up frequently during the night disrupts the normal sleep cycle, which includes a deep sleep stage during which the body restores itself. Consistent poor-quality sleep can contribute to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Weight gain
  • Hormone imbalance

all of which can lead to fertility problems.

What else connects sleep and fertility?

Long-term lack of sleep can disrupt more than your hormonal balance. It can affect your fertility indirectly too.

Studies show that Obstructive Sleep Apnea is more commonly seen in infertile women and increases the odds that a woman will be infertile. More studies need to be done and we still have a lot to learn about how exactly sleep disorders may affect infertility. Even so, the results suggest that women can add infertility to the long list of health reasons to get help when they can’t fall or stay asleep.

Five suggestions for improved sleep

Stick to a sleep schedule

Do not schedule more than eight hours for sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is at least seven hours. Most people do not need more than eight hours in bed to be well rested. Go to bed at the same time every day and get up at the same time, even on weekends. Being consistent will strengthen your body’s sleep-wake rhythm. If you do not fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to bed, leave your bedroom and do something relaxing. Read or listen to soothing music. Go back to bed when you are tired. Repeat as needed, but continue to maintain your sleep and wake-up rhythms.

Pay attention to what you eat and drink

Do not go to bed hungry or full. Especially avoid heavy or large meals within a couple of hours before bedtime. Discomfort could keep you awake. Also be careful with nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine take hours to wear off and can interfere with sleep. And even if alcohol makes you sleepy at first, it can disrupt sleep later in the night.

Create a restful environment

Keep your room cool, dark and quiet. Light in the evening can make it difficult to fall asleep. Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens just before bedtime. Consider using blackout blinds, earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs. Calming activities before bed, such as taking a bath or using relaxation techniques, can promote sleep.

Include physical activity in your daily routine

Regular physical activity can promote better sleep. However, avoid being active too close to bedtime. Spending time outside every day might be helpful, too. Try going out for an hour or more out in the sunlight each day. 

Manage worries

Try to sort out your worries or concerns before you go to bed. Write down what is on your mind and set it aside for tomorrow. Stress management can help. Start with the basics, like getting organized, setting priorities, and delegating tasks. Meditation can also relieve anxiety.

You’re now familiar with at least some ways to get more and better sleep. Try them! And remember, if your sleep and fertility problems continue, it may be time to talk to your doctor to find out if an underlying medical condition may be a factor.

While we work hard to bring you the most accurate and relevant information available on fertility, it’s important to remember that each person’s journey is unique. The guidance provided here is intended for general knowledge and may not directly apply to your situation. Fertility challenges should always be discussed with a licensed medical professional who can offer personalized advice tailored to your individual health history and needs.

Beyond medical treatments, there are many ways to support your fertility naturally. Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep can all play important roles in optimizing your fertility health. Simple changes such as managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or meditation and prioritizing quality sleep can improve overall well-being and contribute to a more balanced approach to fertility. However, always consult a fertility specialist to get professional advice and recommendations suited to your personal circumstances. Your health and fertility are complex and unique, and professional guidance is essential to ensure you are on the right path for your body and your goals.

How stress can affect your ability to get pregnant

January 25, 2023

Learn about the effect of stress on your fertility

Infertility’s effect on your relationships

Infertility can affect relationships with family and friends, cause financial difficulties, affect the relationship between partners, and negatively affect the couple’s sexual relationship. In short, infertility can cause stress affecting your ability to get pregnant.

But does this stress have an impact on fertility? Is it a fact that you can be infertile due to stress? Let’s dive in!

how stress

The Research Behind Stress and Fertility

Alpha-amylase

Researchers have long been trying to figure out exactly how stress limits fertility. A study published in the Journal Fertility and Sterility found that women with high levels of alpha-amylase, an enzyme that correlates with stress, have a harder time getting pregnant. In this study, saliva samples were collected from 274 women over six menstrual cycles (or until they became pregnant). It showed that the women with the highest levels of alpha-amylase during their first menstrual cycle were 12% less likely to become pregnant than women with lower levels of the enzyme.

Cortisol

Another Emory School of Medicine study, conducted by Sarah Berga, MD, found that women who had not ovulated for more than 6 months had high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. The same brain regions that can regulate hormones needed for ovulation also respond to stress hormones such as cortisol. Of these women, seven of the eight participants who received stress management therapy began ovulating again, compared to only two of eight participants who did not receive therapy. The same link between stress and fertility exists in men, in whom high levels of stress can reduce testosterone production, so both partners may be affected by stress.

Depression & Anxiety

Finally, a study in Taiwan found that 40% of participants who received treatment for infertility were diagnosed with depression or anxiety. Other researchers have found that women struggling with infertility are affected by anxiety and depression at the same rate as women diagnosed with HIV or cancer. Since infertility is a real medical problem with a significant impact on lives, it is not surprising that it can cause the same anxiety as other serious medical problems.

Many researchers have also pointed out that most women who cannot conceive have physical reasons, but this is not always the case. Regardless, the woman feels more and more stress over time. So even if a physical cause is medically treated, it is possible that high stress levels make conception difficult.

Does stress actually affect the ability to get pregnant?

While it’s unlikely that stress alone can cause infertility, stress interferes with a woman’s ability to get pregnant. Research has shown that women with a history of depression are twice as likely to experience infertility. Anxiety also can prolong the time needed to achieve pregnancy.

Stress can affect the part of your brain (the hypothalamus) that regulates your hormones, which in turn regulate your menstrual cycle. If stress takes a toll on your body, then it could mean you ovulate later than usual, or not at all (stress-induced anovulation).

If you’re stressed, your cervical mucus may indicate that something’s not right. Rather than noticing increased wetness as you approach ovulation, you might find patches of wetness interspersed with dry days. It’s as if your body is trying to ovulate but the stress continues to delay it.

Being very stressed for a long time may make it harder to conceive. But trying for a baby can also be stressful in itself. In general, it makes sense to take steps to reduce stress while you’re trying for a baby, if only for your own peace of mind.

Does stress affect the ability to get pregnant?

Yes, and no.

The American Psychological Association notes that “psychological factors–while important–are secondary to biological ones.” Another leading authority on fertility research, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine explains that “even though infertility is very stressful, there isn’t any proof that stress causes infertility.”

A review of over 50 studies in Fertility and Sterility noted that, in men:

“Although some trends have been identified, larger-scale studies that adequately control all confounding variables are needed before conclusions can be made about the relationship between stress, psychotropic agents, and male infertility.”

A 2015 study in Nature Reviews Urology notes a similar sentiment.

If you have a stressful job or work long hours, you can stop beating yourself up about it. How you react to stress—whether channeling it into exercise or unhealthy habits like overeating—plays a bigger role.

What about everyday stressors/unhealthy habits?

There is some evidence that everyday stressors can have an impact on your chances of getting pregnant. Most experts, however, believe that this isn’t due directly to the stress, but from the unhealthy habits that most people turn to when they’re stressed out.

These may include:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking
  • Overeating
  • Avoiding sex
  • Neglecting to exercise

Unhealthy habits affect both women and men when it comes to fertility.

5 tips to reduce stress when trying to get pregnant

If you are currently struggling with infertility, or just stress in general, there are many ways to reduce it! Give one of the following options a try:

Learn

Educate yourself about the normal responses to infertility. Talk to other people going through infertility. Understand your medical condition and ask about treatment options.

Communicate

Talk to your partner about your feelings and needs, and allow your partner to feel and cope differently. Talk about your differences and avoid conflict. Keep communicating with family and friends to avoid isolating yourself. Understand that you can talk about your situation without going into details and tell others how they can support you.

Stay active/exercise

Doing activities you enjoy or exercising lightly can help release endorphins and serotonin, both of which improve your mood. Try moderate exercises such as swimming or walking. Even just setting aside time to do your favorite activities can relieve stress. 

Meditation or yoga

Meditating can help clear your mind and relax your body. Not into sitting still? Try doing an hour of yoga a few times a week. Hatha yoga specifically focuses on breath and movement, without concentrating on mediation specifically. Both meditation and yoga can reduce stress hormones.

Deal with sexual stress

Sexual stress is common among couples with infertility, mostly because couples feel that this is an obligation or a duty rather than a fun activity. Couples can deal with this in several ways, including taking a break from baby-making, distinguishing between work and fun sex, and learning sensual contact that doesn’t lead to pregnancy.

how stress

Best diet when trying to get pregnant

December 26, 2022
Greek Salad is a part of mediterranean diet known to help when trying to get pregnant

What Role Does a Healthy Diet Have?

If you’re trying to conceive, it’s important to understand the role of nutrition in fertility. A healthy diet can play a crucial role in boosting your chances of getting pregnant naturally. From key nutrients to foods that promote hormonal balance, this article will guide you through the best diet to optimize your reproductive health.

Understanding the Role of Nutrition in Fertility

When it comes to fertility, maintaining a healthy weight is essential. Being underweight or overweight can interfere with regular ovulation and menstrual cycles, making it harder to conceive. Additionally, certain nutrients play a vital role in supporting reproductive health. By focusing on a balanced diet that includes these nutrients, you can improve your chances of getting pregnant naturally.

Did you know that the impact of nutrition on fertility goes beyond just maintaining a healthy weight? It’s true! Your diet can directly affect your reproductive system and hormonal balance, which are crucial factors in conception. Let’s explore some key nutrients and foods that can boost your reproductive health.

Key Nutrients That Boost Reproductive Health

1. Folic acid: This nutrient is crucial for neural tube development in the early stages of pregnancy. It is important to include foods rich in folic acid, such as leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains, in your diet. Folic acid not only supports the development of your baby’s spine, but it also plays a role in ovulation and egg quality.

2. Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which may impact fertility. Make sure to include iron-rich foods like lean meats, poultry, seafood, and dark leafy vegetables in your meals. Iron is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen to your reproductive organs.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats are beneficial for fertility and fetal development. Include fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and trout in your diet, along with plant-based sources like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids help regulate hormone production and reduce inflammation, creating an optimal environment for conception.

Foods to Include for Optimal Hormonal Balance

Maintaining hormonal balance is crucial for fertility. There are certain foods that can help regulate hormones naturally:

1. Cruciferous vegetables: Include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts in your meals, as these vegetables contain compounds that support hormone metabolism. They help your body break down and eliminate excess estrogen, promoting a healthy hormonal balance.

2. Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support hormonal balance. Add a variety of berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries to your diet. These delicious fruits not only provide essential nutrients but also contribute to overall reproductive health.

3. Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, and nuts are excellent sources of healthy fats that aid in hormone production and balance. These fats are essential for the synthesis of hormones and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, both of which are crucial for fertility.

The Impact of Processed Foods on Fertility

Processed foods, such as sugary snacks, refined grains, and processed meats, should be minimized in your diet. These foods are often high in trans fats, added sugars, and artificial additives, which can negatively affect fertility. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods that provide essential nutrients instead.

By avoiding processed foods and focusing on a diet rich in nutrient-dense whole foods, you can optimize your fertility and increase your chances of conceiving naturally.

Greek Salad is a part of me Mediterranean diet known to be the best when trying to get pregnant

Supplements That May Enhance Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

In addition to a healthy diet, certain supplements may enhance your fertility:

  1. Coenzyme Q10: This antioxidant supports egg quality and may improve chances of conception. It helps protect the eggs from oxidative stress and age-related decline.
  2. Vitamin D: Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for reproductive health. Consider getting your levels tested and supplement if necessary. Vitamin D plays a role in hormone regulation and supports the development of healthy eggs.
  3. Probiotics: A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall health, including fertility. Consider including probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or taking a quality probiotic supplement. A balanced gut microbiome promotes optimal nutrient absorption and supports a healthy immune system, both of which are important for fertility.

Common Dietary Myths About Getting Pregnant Debunked

1. Myth: Eating pineapple core can increase your chances of implantation. Reality: There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. While pineapple is a nutritious fruit, consuming it alone will not significantly impact your chances of getting pregnant.

2. Myth: Consuming large amounts of dairy products can improve fertility. Reality: While dairy products can be part of a balanced diet, there is no direct evidence linking them to enhanced fertility. It’s important to focus on a variety of nutrient-rich foods rather than relying solely on dairy for fertility benefits.

3. Myth: Eating yams can increase the likelihood of conceiving twins. Reality: This myth may be based on observations in certain regions, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The occurrence of twins is primarily determined by genetics and not specific foods.

In conclusion, adopting a healthy diet that includes key nutrients, supports hormonal balance, and avoids processed foods can significantly improve your chances of getting pregnant naturally. Additionally, incorporating certain supplements may enhance fertility. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance on optimizing your nutrition for fertility.

Getting Pregnant after 30, 35 or even 40

December 5, 2022

Uncover all the information you need about getting pregnant at a late age

The relevance of age

According to research over the last 40 years, a healthy 30 year old woman has about a 20% chance of getting pregnant each month. A healthy, ovulatory 40-year-old woman’s chance per month is 5% (1,6). The decline is slow and steady up until the age of about 35. After that the decline becomes steeper. These ranges and time frames have been established through multiple studies and have been consistent for the last 30+ years. Getting pregnant after 40 the decline in fertility is attributed to depletion of ovarian oocyte (eggs) reserve and is determined by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.(2).

how to get pregnant after 40
How likely is to get pregnant at certain age

What makes it hard to get pregnant after 35 or 40?

Although your changes of getting pregnant after 35 or 40 are decreasing, there are good news. Age at conception does have bearing on time to pregnancy in a healthy, ovulatory woman. In general, fecundity (a woman’s physiological ability to have a child) is reported as age ranges because it is difficult to correlate a specific age to a specific chance of success. There are also factors that can affect reproductive aging. These include other medical conditions that can have an effect such as endometriosis, fibroids, genetic conditions (errors in number of chromosomes), environmental influences, obesity, smoking, thyroid gland dysfunction, history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and ovulatory dysfunction, to name a few (2,3).

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, it is the most common form of ovulatory ovarian dysfunction.  The pathology of PCOS makes ovulation irregular and unpredictable, making the timing of intercourse for conception difficult and mostly trying to get pregnant after 40.

There could also be issues with male fertility such as erectile dysfunction and sperm quality issues. Male evaluation initially consists of a semen analysis and potentially other endocrine blood testing to evaluate any severe sperm abnormality.

How can fertility specialist can help to conceive after 35 or 40?

Most of the factors other than extreme reproductive age are usually treatable. When you start you journey to get pregnant after 40, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation of both you and your partner (if applicable). We test your ovarian reserve to gauge likelihood of adequate number of eggs produced per cycle, prolactin levels since the elevated levels can affect regularity of ovulation, and PCOS testing. If there are any positive findings, we can offer prescription medications or supplements beneficial for conception (5).

There are supplements that both partners can take that have been shown to be beneficial for conception and getting pregnant after 40.  Lifestyle modification and diet changes (such as following the Mediterranean diet) can also positively impact your chances to get pregnant after 40. Controlling your stress and regular moderate exercise also confer benefits (3,4).

The journey

Getting pregnant after 40 years old, especially in the face of infertility challenges, is a complex and emotional journey that many individuals and couples find themselves navigating. The desire for parenthood does not diminish with age, and the longing to conceive and welcome a child into one’s life remains strong. While fertility may decline with age, it’s essential to acknowledge that getting pregnant after 40 is not impossible, and there are various avenues to explore on this remarkable path.

In the midst of infertility concerns, it is crucial to seek expert guidance and remain informed about the available options. Fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the use of donor eggs, have proven to be successful for many individuals in their 40s, offering renewed hope and possibilities. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can positively impact fertility, no matter one’s age.

Moreover, the importance of emotional support cannot be overstated. The emotional toll of facing infertility and the challenges of getting pregnant after 40 can be overwhelming. Finding a support network, whether through friends, family, or support groups, is crucial in navigating the ups and downs of this journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while getting pregnant after 40 may present unique challenges, it is a goal within reach for many. Infertility should not be a deterrent, but rather a call to explore the many available options and seek professional advice. With perseverance, emotional support, and the right approach, individuals can overcome obstacles and realize their dreams of parenthood even at an age when conventional wisdom might suggest otherwise.

Please click the link below for a consultation with an experienced Reproductive Endocrinologist. You can also follow us on Facebook or return to our website for updated information about your fertility journey.

References

1.   Menken J, Trussell J, Larsen U. Age and infertility.  Science. 1986;233:1389-1394.

2.   Utting, D., & Bewley, S. (2011). Family planning and age-related reproductive risk. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, 13(1), 35–41. https://doi.org/10.1576/TOAG.13.1.35.27639

3.   Collins GG, Rossi BV. The impact of lifestyle modifications, diet, and vitamin supplementation on natural fertility. Fertil Res Pract. 2015 Jul 25;1:11. doi: 10.1186/s40738-015-0003-4. PMID: 28620516; PMCID: PMC5424364.

4.   Dimitrios Karayiannis, Meropi D Kontogianni, Christina Mendorou, Minas Mastrominas, Nikos Yiannakouris. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and IVF success rate among non-obese women attempting fertility. Human Reproduction, 2018; DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey003

5.   Unfer, V., Nestler, J. E., Kamenov, Z. A., Prapas, N., & Facchinetti, F. (2016). Effects of Inositol(s) in Women with PCOS: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. International journal of endocrinology, 2016, 1849162. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/1849162

6. Sozou PD, Hartshorne GM (2012) Time to Pregnancy: A Computational Method for Using the Duration of Non-Conception for Predicting Conception. PLOS ONE 7(10): e46544. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0046544

how to get pregnant after 40

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

November 14, 2022
Menstrual Cycle

Learn everything you need to know about your menstrual cycle

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

Written By Fertility Cloud Specialist and Head Nurse Svetlana Izrailevsky, BSN, RN.

What is a menstrual cycle? 

In reality, a menstrual cycle consists of 3 broad categories of cycles:  Ovarian (follicular) cycle, Endometrial lining cycle, and Cervical mucus development cycle.  It is important to understand that these cycles are taking place in tandem, and in relationship to each other.  That means that what happens in one of these cycles will affect the developments in the other ones.  

What is a Normal Cycle Length?

First, lets review the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle:

FSH – FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries. FSH levels in women change throughout the menstrual cycle, with the highest levels happening just before an egg is released by the ovary. This is known as ovulation.

LH – LH helps control the menstrual cycle. It also triggers the release of an egg from the ovary. This is known as ovulation. LH levels quickly rise just before ovulation.

Estradiol, also called E2, is the main estrogen in nonpregnant females of childbearing age. It’s mostly made in the ovaries and is important for uterine lining development.

Progesterone is a hormone that’s made mainly by the ovaries. Each month, progesterone prepares your uterus for pregnancy. During a normal menstrual cycle, an ovary releases an egg and your progesterone levels begin to rise. Progesterone makes the lining of your uterus grow thicker so that a fertilized egg can attach (implant) inside of the uterus and grow into a baby. If you don’t become pregnant, your progesterone levels will fall. The lining of your uterus will become thinner again. When your uterus starts to get rid of the extra blood and tissue, your menstrual period will begin.  If you become pregnant, progesterone levels will continue to rise to about 10 times higher than usual to support the pregnancy.

3 main time frames of the cycle:

menstrual cycle
menstrual cycle
menstrual cycle
menstrual cycle
menstrual cycle
These different cycles communicate via hormone messengers. For example, when the egg inside the follicle is mature, it sends a signal to the pituitary gland via the increased levels of Estradiol hormone. This stimulates the rise in LH hormone levels which finishes the maturation of the egg and allows it to break out of the follicle–ovulate. At the same time, Progesterone level rises to support the uterine lining and the uterine lining undergoes a transformation where the receptors for the embryo become activated and stand ready.

The connection between different menstrual cycles

menstrual cycle

menstrual cycle

LET’S LOOK AT SOME COMMON QUESTIONS THAT COME UP

What is the best time to get pregnant during my cycle? What should I be doing to maximize the potential for conceiving?

When we are speaking of a regular 28-30 day cycle, your fertility window is between cycle day 10-15.  We would recommend intercourse every other day starting on cycle day 10.  Once you note your LH surge by using ovulation predictor kits, you should have intercourse daily on the day of the LH peak/surge and the subsequent 2 days.  

Please remember that LH hormone stays elevated for a very short time, just about 24 hours so we do not recommend that you keep checking your LH after you see the peak.  

Male partners, if applicable, should do ejeculation every 2-3 days starting with your cycle day 1.  We would like to have the freshest sperm sample available for insemination.  Please do not hold off on regular ejaculation because that increases the number of dead and dying sperm in the sperm sample that will be produced for the insemination.

Wait!  What if my menstrual cycle is not regular?

For some patients, the cycles are regular and predictable, but long.  It is possible to have a regular ovulatory cycle with the overall length of 35 days, for example.  However, there are also women who have irregular ovulatory cycles due to ovarian dysfunction.  This dysfunction is usually related to improper hormone levels of Estradiol and FSH.

What does the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) do again?

FSH – FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries. FSH levels in women change throughout the menstrual cycle, with the highest levels happening just before an egg is released by the ovary. This is known as ovulation.  

How Estradiol helps my menstrual cycle?

Estradiol, also called E2, is the main estrogen in nonpregnant females of childbearing age. It’s mostly made in the ovaries and is important for uterine lining development.  As you can see in the diagram above, Estradiol rises slowly before ovulation and stays elevated for a period of about 7 days after the ovulation.  This is so that there is no ovarian follicular recruitment happening during the period of potential fertilization and implantation.   Elevated levels of Estradiol can interfere with production of FSH so if the Estradiol levels are high at the beginning of the cycle it impacts the regular growth and development of the follicles. 

Estradiol can be elevated as a result of conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or presence of elevated levels of BPA in the system. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics. It is a part in various products including shatterproof windows, eyewear, water bottles, and epoxy resins that coat some metal food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa/index.cfm.  

What about Ovidrel?

Ovidrel, also known as chorionic gonadotropin (r-hCG), is a recombinant form of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. It is created using recombinant DNA technology, which allows for the production of a biologically identical hormone to the one produced naturally by the human body.

I ovulated 2 days past normal ovulation days, does that mean my menstrual cycle will start two days later than expected?

The next menstrual cycle will start once the Progesterone and Estradiol levels fall, if there is no conception.  They typically occur 10-14 days after ovulation occurs.  If you ovulate 2 days later than you usually do, your menses mostly likely will be 2 days late.

I have been taking Progesterone to support my uterine lining.  Will that impact my menses?

Yes!  If you are taking Progesterone, you are not likely to start menses even if you are not pregnant. Take a home pregnancy test, and if it is negative stop taking the Progesterone. You can expect your menses 2-5 days after stopping the medication.  Some patients may begin spotting even before stopping Progesterone.  The spotting/bleeding you will get after the Progesterone may be a little heavier than your usual menses and the first day of bleeding will count as cycle day 1 for next treatment.

It was my first time taking Clomid, is it normal that I expect menses to be delayed even with negative HPT?

Clomid does not directly impact the length of menses.  However, it does help regulate the ovulatory process so your menstrual cycle will look different.  For some patients, cycles are a bit shorter and for others they are longer as Clomid works to increase production of FSH hormone.

What does LH hormone timing look like in the cycle?

LH rises slowly only a few days before ovulation and then has a sharp rise known as LH peak or surge, 24-36 hours before ovulation.  It only stays elevated for about 24 hours and then drops sharply.  It does not begin to rise again with the start of the menses, at least not right away.

Can Geritol directly regulate my menstrual cycle?

No, Geritol cannot directly regulate your menstrual cycle. However, by contributing to overall health, it could indirectly influence your cycle.

menstrual cycle