Endocrine Disrupting Compounds

Endocrine Disrupting Compounds and Fertility

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Fertility

Endocrine disrupting compounds or chemicals (EDCs), may contribute to various reproductive health and fertility issues. As we’ll discuss in this article, EDCs may contribute to endometriosis, worsen symptoms of PCOS, and negatively impact male fertility. Endocrine disruptors are found in various sources — in the plastic bottles you drink from, in your favorite cosmetics, and in the cleaning products that …

understanding Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: What is OHSS?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication associated with assisted reproductive therapy (ART). It most often occurs in women who take hormone medications to stimulate egg development in their ovaries. OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) can cause the ovaries to swell and become painful. It’s diagnosed based on a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. While …

AMH Levels and Fertility

What is AMH and How Does it Impact Fertility?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Endometriosis, Fertility, Preconception & Fertility

If you are struggling with fertility issues, you’ve probably had your AMH tested, especially if you are over 35. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels give clues about reproductive health, ovarian function, and success with fertility treatments.  This article will cover everything you need to know about AMH levels and fertility. Plus, I’ll cover how to improve AMH levels naturally with nutrition, …

Lab Work You Need While Trying to Conceive

Lab Work You Need When Trying To Conceive

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Lab Testing, Preconception & Fertility

With rising rates of fertility challenges, more women are taking time and energy to prepare their bodies for pregnancy. Optimizing your health beforehand improves your chances of conception, a healthy pregnancy, and a healthy baby. An important part of pregnancy preparation is lab work for trying to conceive.  Taking a thorough look at nutrition and health markers helps identify areas …

can you get pregnant during perimenopause

Can I Get Pregnant During Perimenopause?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Preconception & Fertility

I’ll jump straight to the point: yes, some women can get pregnant during perimenopause, but others will have a hard time becoming or staying pregnant because of. Perimenopause encompasses the years leading up to menopause or the cessation of your period for at least 12 months. During perimenopause, hormonal shifts cause irregular menstrual cycles, making it more difficult to predict …

AMH, PCOS, and Infertility

The Connection Between AMH, PCOS, and Infertility

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Balancing Your Hormones, Endometriosis, Fertility, PCOS

AMH, or Anti-Mullerian Hormone, can be a useful marker in evaluating those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility. While it does have utility, it also has limitations. But what is AMH and why might your doctor order it? The quick and simple answer is, AMH can give you information about the number of eggs you have. Low levels can …

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Am I Pregnant? When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Preconception & Fertility, Pregnancy

The anticipation of finding out whether you are pregnant or not can be overwhelming. Whether planning a pregnancy or hoping to avoid one, your body sometimes tells you something’s up before you can test. Pregnancy symptoms can start as early as two weeks after conception, and many women experience at least some of them before they take a pregnancy test. …

hypothyroidism and pregnancy

Can I Get Pregnant With Hypothyroidism?

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, Preconception & Fertility, Thyroid, Thyroid & Hormone Balance

Undiagnosed or poorly managed hypothyroidism is a major reason for infertility, but you can take steps now to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. Thyroid hormones are also involved in the regulation of your menstrual cycle. When …

how to get pregnant with PCOS

Getting Pregnant With PCOS

Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: Fertility, PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reason for anovulatory infertility1 (when an egg isn’t released from the ovaries). But having PCOS doesn’t mean that you can’t get pregnant. PCOS could make it harder to conceive because lack of ovulation is at the core of this condition. Without any egg for sperm to fertilize, there can be no pregnancy, …