Although fertility does decline with age, it’s not the case that fertility falls off a cliff once you’re 35. You actually have more control than you may think. Egg health can be improved through nutrition and lifestyle interventions, which can boost your fertility naturally – even after 35. An egg can be healthier three months down the line, even though you’re technically three months older.

Why three months? Because an egg has a life cycle of 90 days. If you’re able to conceive, the egg that was successfully implanted will have taken three months to mature. This is the window of opportunity to positively impact egg health. In the 90 days prior to an egg maturing, it can be influenced by various factors (some good, some bad).

Supporting Your Fertility into Older Age

Age is far from the only factor that can affect egg quality. Your nutrition and lifestyle have a big role to play too. Here are some key areas to focus on: 

Balance Your Hormones
Hormone imbalance is one of the biggest culprits of poor egg health. When your hormones are out of whack, it can affect your cycle and throw ovulation off track. Nutrition and lifestyle can offer a natural approach to balancing hormones and increasing your chances of conception.

Eat A Nutritious Diet
Eating nutrient-dense foods that support good health is a must for improving egg health. If you currently have nutrient deficiencies, there’s a good chance that this is one of the pieces of the puzzle that can be addressed. Beyond this, we also want to make sure that your nutrition is supporting balanced blood sugar and gut health – both of which can affect your fertility too. This is where a qualified professional like myself can help you to fill in gaps in your nutrition and optimise your diet to support fertility.

Support Your Mitochondria
Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, play an indispensable role in the functioning of all cells, including eggs. These microscopic structures are responsible for generating the majority of the cell’s supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which serves as a crucial source of energy. This energy is vital for healthy eggs, supporting their growth, division, and ultimately, their ability to be fertilised. Additionally, mitochondria are fundamental in maintaining the intracellular pH levels, a factor that is critical for egg fertilisation and the early stages of embryo development.

As we get older, our mitochondria – the powerhouses of our cells – don’t work as well. This drop in efficiency is a big reason why many believe fertility problems are mainly due to aging. Poor mitochondrial function can lower egg quality and affect fertility. Yet, it’s key to remember that our lifestyle, especially what we eat, can impact the health of our mitochondria. Eating foods rich in nutrients like Coenzyme Q10, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Magnesium helps keep our mitochondria and therefore our fertility in better shape. Additionally, in some cases, extra supplements such as B vitamins and antioxidants may be suggested to support mitochondrial function, offering a way to potentially boost fertility.

Improve Gut Health
Supporting your gut health is an aspect frequently neglected in discussions about fertility, yet there exists a profound connection between the microorganisms residing in your gut and your reproductive capabilities. The gut is home to a diverse community of bacteria that thrive on prebiotic fibre. These fibres, when broken down, yield short-chain fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy gut environment.

Among these short-chain fatty acids, butyrate stands out for its particularly beneficial effects on fertility. Research has shown that butyrate can play a significant role in safeguarding the quality of both egg and sperm by providing protection against cellular damage. This protection is vital for ensuring the health and viability of these reproductive cells, thereby enhancing fertility.

Improve Blood Flow
Getting enough oxygen to your ovaries is key for healthy egg production. Oxygen-rich blood helps eggs develop properly, which is crucial for fertility. Drinking lots of mineral-rich water throughout the day and regular exercise can boost blood flow to your ovaries, helping keep them healthy. Fertility massages and acupuncture are also great ways to improve circulation to your ovaries and the whole reproductive system.

Reduce Your Exposure to Toxins
Exposure to toxins significantly contributes to low-quality eggs. These toxins are everywhere – from beauty products containing endocrine disruptors to medications and scented candles. Heating up food in plastics also introduces toxins into our system. The more you’re exposed to these harmful substances, the greater the burden on your liver. Moreover, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and trans fats add to your toxic load. 

Reduce Stress
Stress, an inevitable part of life, has a significant impact on fertility, notably affecting the health of eggs. The link between stress and reproductive health is complex, involving a cascade of hormonal reactions that can lead to decreased egg quality and irregular ovulation cycles. Taking steps to reduce your stress levels becomes crucial in enhancing egg health. Engaging in stress-reduction activities such as yoga, meditation, or even regular exercise can significantly contribute to improving your overall reproductive health. This is particularly important for individuals who are experiencing irregular ovulation patterns, as managing stress can help stabilise these cycles, thereby increasing the chances of conception.

DUTCH Test: Insight into Egg Quality
One valuable tool that can provide deeper insights into your egg quality is the DUTCH test. This detailed analysis measures a variety of biomarkers, including:

  • Sex Hormones: The DUTCH test evaluates levels of sex hormones such as Oestrogen and progesterone. Low levels of these hormones can indicate poorer egg quality.
  • Organic Acids and Oxidative Markers: These markers can reveal underlying metabolic issues and nutrient deficiencies that might be affecting fertility. Elevated oxidative stress can damage eggs, leading to reduced fertility.
  • Glutathione and Melatonin: Both of these are powerful antioxidants. Glutathione helps combat oxidative stress and detoxify the body, while melatonin supports egg maturation and protects eggs from oxidative damage.

By analysing these components, the DUTCH test provides a comprehensive picture of your hormonal health and overall egg quality. This can guide targeted nutritional and lifestyle interventions to enhance your fertility.

I hope this blog post gives you hope that you can still boost your fertility even if you’re over the age of 35. There’s so much that we can do to optimise egg health and improve your chances of success. This includes looking at what may be affecting egg health and using a natural approach to addressing them.

If you’d like to chat about how I can support your fertility journey or learn more about the benefits of the DUTCH test, you can contact me here.