Fertility can be a challenging and extremely personal topic. While Chiropractic is frequently recommended when experiencing fertility concerns, I am a huge fan of providing resources and support. Can Chiropractic care help? Sure, but as usual, it’s best when paired with other resources and recommendations. Here are some basics:

MOVEMENT:

Movement balances insulin levels, helps hormone function, aids in sleep and improves your mood. Striving for 30 minutes a day is ideal and first thing in the morning is great! Cortisol (what increases with stress, whether it’s exercise or life induced) should be highest first thing in the morning. If you are struggling with hormones or thyroid issues, high intensity workouts can further stress your system. Great alternatives can be weight lifting or strength training!

REST:

Sleep is your time to rest, recover and naturally get into cycle with certain hormones. Hormones are the fun little conductors that tell your body what to do and are needed for every single part of the fertility process. The goal is your commonly recommended 8 hours, but also try to stay within a window. Try to get to bed and wake up around the same time everyday. When you do climb into bed, try to really focus on some diaphragmatic breathing. Intentionally breathing into the ribs and focusing on breath can help get us out of the sympathetic state (fight or flight) that our busy days tend to propel us into. Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) by focusing on breath work and the positives from your day.

CHIROPRACTIC:

While I’m not a fan of saying that Chiropractic “fixes” anything, I am a fan of how bodywork can help calm the nervous system. When done properly, you should leave a Chiropractic appointment feeling relaxed, empowered and supported. I AM a huge fan of building a great support team. Finding your people can be hugely helpful and the right Chiropractor should be able to point you in the direction of other great providers to help you build the community and support group that you need!

FOOD, GUT HEALTH,  HOME CHANGES and HORMONE TESTING:

THESE are the absolute game changers. Finding the right practitioner to test/ make recommendations can make a huge difference in your fertility. The right provider can supply you with knowledge, understanding and a plan to help address any potential underlying causes such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, gut issues and potential toxins that might be contributing to fertility concerns. A great Functional Medicine Doctor that uses TESTING to look into the details can be the absolute best resource!

Great Resources:

It Starts with the Egg by Rebecca Fett

Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden

Beyond the Pill by Jolene Brighten

Functional Medicine Doctors

Cycle Charting and Learning About Your Cycle:

The Fifth Vital Sign by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack

Taking Charge of your Fertility by Toni Weschler