CoQ10 and Fertility
CoQ10 and Fertility: What Every Woman Trying to Conceive Should Know
If you’ve been researching ways to support your fertility naturally, CoQ10 has probably come up, and for good reason. It’s one of the most well-researched supplements for egg quality, and we recommend it to many of our patients at The Oldershaw Clinic. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is CoQ10?
CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is a natural compound found in every cell of your body. It plays a central role in energy production, specifically inside the mitochondria, which are the tiny powerhouses that fuel your cells. Think of CoQ10 as the energy that keeps your cells running efficiently.
When it comes to fertility, CoQ10 matters most because of what it does for your eggs. The egg cell has a higher concentration of mitochondria than almost any other cell in the body, because it needs enormous amounts of energy to mature, fertilize, and develop into a healthy embryo. CoQ10 directly supports that process.
What is CoQ10 good for?
CoQ10 supports heart health, energy levels, and cellular function throughout the body. But for women trying to conceive, the benefits are particularly meaningful.
For egg quality and embryo development:
CoQ10 fuels the energy-intensive process of egg maturation. That same energy carries the embryo through the first 7–10 days of development, from fertilization all the way through implantation. It also supports the normal replication of chromosomes, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
For women over 35:
CoQ10 levels in the body naturally decline starting in your 20s. By the time many women are actively trying to conceive, their cells may not be producing enough on their own. Research shows that CoQ10 supplementation has a particularly positive impact on pregnancy success in women over 35.
The many benefits of CoQ10:
- Promotes healthy eggs
- Improves embryo quality
- Helps prevent chromosomal defects
- Supports more successful pregnancies
Taking extra CoQ10 is particularly helpful in situations where the quality of the eggs may already be compromised, including:
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Endometriosis
- Painful or irregular periods
Best sources of CoQ10:
While our bodies do make CoQ10, natural production decreases with age. CoQ10 is available in food from sources like fatty fish, organ meats, and whole grains. However, the amount reasonably sourced from food is often insufficient to maintain optimal levels for fertility. Supplements can provide the levels needed to promote fertility and a healthy pregnancy.
There are many forms of CoQ10 available, but only a few are easy for the body to absorb. CoQ10 is fat-soluble, and the best-absorbed CoQ10 has been manufactured into tiny droplets, or “micronized,” to increase surface area for optimal absorption. When choosing a CoQ10 product, look for one that is micronized and easy for the body to absorb.
In our clinic, we recommend NeoQ10 by Theralogix. Research shows this CoQ10 to be well absorbed, it is widely used by IVF clinics, and cost-effective.
You can order Neo Q10 directly from Theralogix and receive a 15% discount using our PRC code: 194610
Click here to order NeoQ10 by Theralogix →
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How Much CoQ10 Should I Take for Fertility?
Dosage depends on your individual situation, but here are the general guidelines we use in our clinic:
NeoQ10 by Theralogix (125 mg): 2–3 capsules daily
If you have diminished ovarian reserve or are preparing for IVF, higher doses are often recommended. We encourage you to discuss your specific dosage with your health care provider.
Should I Take CoQ10 in the Morning or at Night?
Because CoQ10 is fat-soluble, it’s best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains some fat. Most women find it easiest to split the dose – taking some with breakfast and some with dinner – rather than all at once. There’s no strong evidence that morning vs. evening makes a significant difference, so the most important thing is consistency: take it with food, every day.
How Long Do You Need to Take CoQ10 Before It Works?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is that it requires a little patience. Eggs take approximately 3–4 months to mature prior to ovulation, so the full benefits of CoQ10 supplementation show up after about 3–4 months of consistent use. That means the best time to start is now, even if your fertility treatment or IVF cycle feels far away.
The good news is that while you’re waiting for those fertility benefits to kick in, CoQ10 is supporting the health of every cell in your body. The benefits are cumulative and continue to grow over time.
When Should I Stop Taking CoQ10 for Fertility?
Once you become pregnant, you can reduce your CoQ10 dose or discontinue it. CoQ10 provides valuable support to all your cells during pregnancy. We suggest talking with your practitioner before stopping any supplement, but in most cases, you can taper down once a healthy pregnancy is confirmed.
CoQ10 Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
CoQ10 is powerful, but it works best as part of a comprehensive approach to fertility. At The Oldershaw Clinic, we combine targeted supplementation with acupuncture, nutrition guidance, and lab diagnostics to give your body the best possible foundation for conception and a healthy pregnancy.
Shop our clinic-recommended supplements anytime. When you’re ready for a plan built just for you, we’d love to meet you.
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You don’t have to figure this out alone, we’re here to help.
Leslie Oldershaw L.Ac, FABORM
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Fellow, Acupuncture Board of Reproductive Medicine
Leslie Oldershaw brings over 30 years of leadership and expertise blending Eastern and Western medicine to support women’s health. Since founding The Oldershaw Clinic in 1995, she has helped women navigate fertility, hormonal transitions, perimenopause, menopause, and healthy aging with integrative, personalized care focused on vitality and lifelong wellness.
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