Top 5 Supplements for Fertility After 35
If you are trying to conceive and you’re over 35, you’re not alone.
The age at which women are having children has been steadily rising over the last few decades. This is especially true in large metro areas of the United States, including the San Francisco Bay Area.
What does this mean for your fertility?
Your Fertility After 35
Even though you may not feel any different, once you hit your mid-to-late thirties, the quantity and quality of your eggs declines. This means that it may take longer for you to get pregnant. It also means your risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications increases.
A decline in egg quality increases the chance of chromosomal abnormalities, which can result in miscarriage or genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18, and others.
The good news is most women over 35 can conceive and deliver healthy babies.
Practicing a healthy diet and lifestyle for fertility is key. There are also specific nutrients to consider that may improve egg quality and potentially improve your chances.
Top 5 Supplements for Fertility After 35:
1. Vitamin D, 5000 IUs daily
- Supports healthy egg maturation
- Improves implantation rates
- Lowers risk of miscarriage
- Recommended: D3 5000 by Metagenics
Vitamin D is important for fertility. Research shows that women who have higher vitamin D levels have a better chance of natural pregnancy. Several studies have linked normal vitamin D levels with higher IVF pregnancy rates and lower miscarriage rates.
It is important to take vitamin D while you are trying to conceive and continue once you are pregnant. Many women need more than the 600-1,000 IUs found in most prenatal vitamins. Getting your vitamin D levels checked is a great place to start. Many women find they benefit from taking 5,000 IUs daily.
2. CoQ10, 600 mg daily
- Supports the energy production that powers the egg
- Improves egg maturation and embryo quality
- Helps chromosomes to replicate normally
- Recommended: NeoQ10 by Theralogix
- Recommended: Q-Evail by Designs For Health
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant produced in the body, and it plays a crucial role in energy production inside our cells. This energy helps eggs to mature properly. Once fertilized, significant energy is needed to support the healthy growth of the embryo.
A lack of energy can lead to poor fertilization and early miscarriage.
CoQ10 supplementation for 60 days before IVF has been shown to improve embryo quality and ovarian response to stimulating drugs, along with better pregnancy outcomes.
3. Melatonin, 3 mg at bedtime
- Antioxidant – prevents or slows damage to cells
- Supports better sleep
- Improves hormonal balance
- Increases quality of both eggs and embryos
Melatonin is an antioxidant that can prevent or slow down damage to the cells. It regulates our 24-hour circadian rhythm, the body’s ‘built-in’ sleep/wake cycle. Many people take melatonin to help them sleep better at night. Melatonin helps to regulate the pituitary gland, which also regulates the production of reproductive hormones.
4. Inositol, 3g daily
- Regulates blood sugars
- Increases ovarian response to stimulation
- Improves quality of both eggs and embryos
- Treats PCOS
- Recommended: Ovasitol by Theralogix, Sensitol by Designs for Health
Inositols regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. Specifically, they help our bodies metabolize sugar by helping our cells use insulin better. Blood sugar issues are a leading cause of hormonal imbalance and can create havoc on one’s fertility. Studies have shown that inositol improves egg and embryo quality and can increase pregnancy rates.
5. DHEA, 25 mg, 3 x day
- Supports adrenal and ovarian function
- Improves both number and quality of eggs
Your adrenal glands produce the natural hormone, DHEA. Once produced, your body converts DHEA to either androgens (testosterone) or estrogens.
DHEA may benefit fertility by improving ovarian function in women who previously responded poorly to IVF. The way DHEA works to improve ovarian response isn’t completely understood. Studies show that taking a DHEA supplement for at least 6 weeks before IVF may increase pregnancy and live birth rate and decrease miscarriage rate in women with poor ovarian function.
DHEA is best used only during IVF cycles and should be taken with a doctor’s recommendation.
It is important to understand the impact of age on your fertility.
Making healthy diet and lifestyle choices, and taking certain nutrients, can improve your chances for success.
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, we can answer your questions and help you get scheduled for your first appointment. Call today 510-595-1175!
Please visit our protocol page here to learn more about our recommend vitamins and supplements.
Leslie Oldershaw, L.Ac.
Medical Director
Fertility Acupuncturist East Bay
510-595-1175
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