Beli Prenatals are HSA/FSA eligible!

What Does it Mean to Balance Your Hormones for Fertility?

Anyone looking to boost fertility has hormones on the brain. And that makes sense. These chemical messengers regulate various systems and bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, temperature regulation, and yes, fertility. Too much or too little of different hormones, or a system that’s out of sync, can have serious consequences that could affect any aspect of your health – mentally, physically, and emotionally. Usually, the body does a good job of producing the right amount of hormone required for a specific process. But the hormonal environment is sensitive, and lifestyle habits can have a surprising impact. If you suspect your system is a little out of whack and you’re planning for a baby, here’s what it means to balance your hormones for fertility.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • A hormonal imbalance is what happens when the body is producing too much or too little, or the production process itself is out of sync.
  • Hormonal balance is critical for healthy reproductive cycles in both women and men.
  • Hormonal imbalances are a leading cause of infertility in women, and the culprit behind certain conditions, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Some hormonal imbalances can be resolved with lifestyle changes, but many aren’t affected by what we do.
  • If you’re hoping to improve fertility by balancing your hormones, the best approached is following all the steps of a healthy lifestyle.

Fertility Hormones in a Nutshell

Specific hormones have specific roles in the body, and that includes managing fertility. If you’re actively trying to conceive, you’re likely already familiar with the hormones in play. Let’s review:

  • FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone. This is one of the most important hormones for fertility, along with LH, because it stimulates ovarian follicle maturation to prepare them for ovulation.
  • LH, or luteinizing hormone, also has a direct hand in controlling the menstrual cycle and triggering ovulation. LH peaks 12 to 24 hours before ovulation.
  • AMH, or anti-mullerian hormone. Think of this hormone as a nanny of sorts – it’s responsible for maintaining your body’s immature eggs. OBGYNs and fertility doctors may use an AMH test to assess your ovarian reserve, or how many eggs you have left.
  • Progesterone. This is the main pro-gestational steroid hormone in the female body, and it affects everything from menstruation to pregnancy to the growing baby. Progestin is an artificial form of this hormone.
  • Prolactin. Yes, this is the hormone responsible for lactation, but elevated levels can cause issues like irregular periods, infertility, and erectile dysfunction in men.

Not only does your body need the right ratio of these hormones to ensure optimal fertility health, the timing of their release needs to be spot on, too. If anything isn’t working as it should, conception and pregnancy can become very difficult. And it’s more common than you’d think. Hormonal imbalances are the leading cause of infertility in women.

When you realize how critical hormones are for fertility health, that starts to make sense. Hormones that aren’t directly tied to fertility can even play a role. Since female reproductive organs are closely connected to both the thyroid and adrenal glands, thyroid imbalances can also affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant. It’s actually considered one of the biggest causes of hormonal imbalances in women, along with PCOS.

Causes of Hormonal Imbalance

balancing-hormones-for-fertility-beli-baby

So, what’s really going on here? How do hormones suddenly go off the rails? Actually, hormonal fluctuations happen over the course of our lifetimes, so aging is one culprit. But there are a number of other causes, including:

  • Genetics
  • Medications
  • Eating disorders
  • Food allergies
  • Poor nutrition
  • Stress
  • Exposure to certain chemicals
  • Injury or trauma
  • Specific health conditions, like type 1 and type 2 diabetes hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism, which create a pretty vicious cycle because they’re initially caused by hormonal imbalances and then end up contributing to that scenario 

Signs & Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

While these will vary depending on which hormone (or hormones) are out of balance, there are some things that signal problems with fertility hormones specifically. Irregularities with your cycle, spotting, acne that’s new or worse than usual, facial hair or male-pattern body hair, hair loss, extreme mood swings, and unexplained weight gain can all be a sign that something’s up. 

Word to the wise – avoid the self-diagnosis here. If you’ve been trying for a baby for 12 months (six months if you’re over 35), or your cycles are all over the map, or you have PCOS or a thyroid condition, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor for some testing. It’s also wise if you’re thinking about egg freezing.

Can You Balance Hormones Naturally?

Some hormonal imbalances can be resolved with lifestyle changes, but it’s also true that there are very few things we can do that really impact hormone production and balance – good or bad. Body weight is a big exception. Body fat cells, AKA adipocytes, produce and store estrogen and they influence hormones secreted in other endocrine organs. In other words, too much or too little body fat is going to be an issue. Women with extremely low body fat may have problems with their menstrual cycle, even losing it completely. Both women and men with a BMI that exceeds 30 are more likely to have elevated estrogen levels. This kind of estrogen dominance in men is a big contributor to infertility, leading to abnormal sperm and lower testosterone. It also has a trickle-down effect. Chronically low levels of testosterone affect function in the testes, so means all the hormones being produced are likewise out of balance.

But beyond maintaining a healthy weight, there are few other things worth trying. As it happens, they go hand-in-hand with the whole healthy weight thing. Yes, we’re talking about eating a nutrient-rich diet, getting regular exercise, reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors, managing stress, and taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin – your basic pillars of fertility stuff. 

Quick word on prenatals – remember that they’re not all created equal. Part of what Beli considered during the formulation stage of our women’s and men’s prenatal vitamins was hormonal balance.

Vitamin D (surprise, it’s actually a hormone) plays a key role for hormonal balance because of its influence on other hormones. That’s why it’s recommended for women dealing with premenstrual syndrome. Folate is another well-researched nutrient for balancing hormones, specifically because of its ability to raise progesterone, promote ovulation, and reduce hot flashes.

You’ll find both in Beli for Women, along with other science-backed ingredients handpicked to support and promote fertility. And that’s because hormonal balance is a key consideration during preconception care, which is an important window for prioritizing the health of hopeful parents-to-be.

The Bottom Line

Experts agree that prioritizing a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important ways to support your fertility and, yes, promote hormonal balance. But if your system feels out of whack, remember, hormonal imbalances aren’t your fault and it’s very unlikely that you’ve done something to trigger them.

The best advice is simple – commit to all the components of a healthy lifestyle and speak to your doctor if you’ve got a hunch that something’s not right. And if you’ve got hormones on the brain because you’re thinking about a baby, don’t wait to start those prenatal vitamins!

Additional Resources

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

We’re thrilled to introduce Beli Women Preconception, a complementary fertility supplement designed to support fertility health by promoting egg quality, supporting ovulation, balancing hormones, regulating your cycle and helping to manage symptoms of both PCOS and PMS.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

Read More

Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, lays the foundation for reproductive health.

Read More

Is there anything unsexier than scheduled, pressure-ridden, trying-like-hell-to-conceive sex? But good news. We’ve found handy workarounds and tricks of the trade, so forget the basal temperature chart for a second and read on for four ways to keep things hot when you’re TTC.

Read More

Just as women’s bodies need to be prepared for pregnancy, men’s bodies need to be ready to contribute healthy sperm for conception. Nutrients are the foundation that support the normal structure and function of sperm and men's fertility health. Taking Beli’s male prenatal supplement is a proactive way to strategically fuel your body to optimize fertility contributing to your overall chances of conceiving and supporting a healthy pregnancy.  

Read More

Diet has been suggested to have an influence on the quality and function of human sperm. More specifically, the results of a randomised trial have shown that including nuts as a component of a regular diet improved the quality and function of human sperm.

Read More

A shot to the balls may be played for laughs on screen, but testicular impacts really aren’t a joke. Worse case scenario, getting hit in the balls can affect fertility thanks to complications like sexual dysfunction, low testosterone and other issues. Let's discuss.

Read More

With the New Year upon us, there are all kinds of articles and videos making the rounds with predictions of the Zodiac signs most likely to get pregnant in 2024. But here at Beli, we take a much more scientific approach to conception. Here are the top eight things people will do to get pregnant in 2024.

Read More

Research shows that the overall health of both biological parents during the preconception window plays a huge role in everything from conception to pregnancy health to the lifetime health of their baby. Luckily, there are simple steps you can both take to improve your health together.

Read More

When it comes to becoming parents, good habits really will take you where you want to go. Now, new science is giving us insight into exactly how long it takes to form those good habits. We're breaking down all the ways you can build healthy habits to boost your chances of conception. Think of it as life-hacking, but for grown-ups.

Read More

Preparing for a baby means doing everything in your power to nourish your fertility health. If you’re totally on board but wondering what that actually means, we’re breaking down the do’s and don’ts for planning a pregnancy.

Read More

Somewhere between the “let’s have a baby!” conversation and seeing those two pink lines, you’re going to end up researching prenatal vitamins. And trust us when we say you’re going to have a ton of options to wade through. Consider this your handy guide to the best prenatal vitamins for men and women in 2024.

Read More

Here at Beli, we’re working hard to raise awareness of the important role men play in the baby-making equation, which brings us to today’s topic of men’s preconception health and specifically, sperm health. Knowing what you’re working with can save you a lot of time, but is at-home sperm testing considered an important part of men’s preconception health? Let’s break it down.

Read More

Most births occur between June and early November. Count back nine months, and you’ll see that places most conceptions in the fall and winter. So what’s the deal? Is it the cold weather, all the festivities, or something else driving us between the sheets? That ugly sweater is pretty cute, but you can chalk this up to reproductive seasonality. Here’s what that means, why it matters, and what to do to use it to your advantage.

Read More

There’s a certain magic to the holiday season, whether you’re all-in on the decorations and the family time or a self-proclaimed Scrooge from mid-November to the New Year. But when you’re trying to conceive, it can be a challenging time.  We’re sharing five tips for managing the holidays when you’re trying to conceive.

Read More

Everyone knows that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. But what about before you’re pregnant, during the trying-to-conceive stage? There’s no evidence that the occasional drink—i.e. one or two a week—is going to torpedo your chances of parenthood. But it is true that the more you drink, the greater the likelihood it will have an effect on your health. Here’s what the research says about alcohol and your fertility.

Read More

You’re clear on the mechanics of making a baby, but how much do you really know about conception and fertility? There are a lot of wild stories, downright falsehoods and notions that are actually rooted in a kernel of truth out there. In the interest of sticking to the facts, we’re debunking 15 of the most common myths about conception and fertility.

Read More

When you’re knocking boots in an effort to get knocked up, timing is everything. Your best chance of conceiving is during the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle—when you ovulate. The key is figuring out exactly when that happens. Fortunately, you have a few ways of detecting ovulation. Here’s what to know about understanding ovulation and timing sex for pregnancy.

Read More

You have big plans for parenthood in 2024, which means this is the time to start laying the groundwork for everything to come. While so much of conception is beyond our control, there are actionable steps you and your partner can take right now to support and nourish your fertility.

Read More

Is there anything worse than the two-week wait? All the listicles out there sensibly advise keeping busy and journaling and talking it out, but we’re sharing more specific recommendations collected from the Beli community. Read on for seven tips for surviving the two-week wait without losing your mind.

Read More

Heard the one about ice baths and testosterone? Spoiler: there's little to no research behind that idea. Here’s what to know about cold plunges and male fertility, according to the research, plus where you should really focus your efforts if you’re trying to improve sperm health.

Read More

As a society, we’re an impatient bunch, and that applies to pregnancy, too. The second you decide it’s time to try for a baby, you’re ready to see those two pink lines. If you’ve recently tossed the birth control and you’re wondering how long it should take to get pregnant, here's what to know.

Read More

Jimmy Fallon. Hugh Jackman. Mark Zuckerberg. Keith Urban. Gordon Ramsey. Kyle Busch. Besides immediate name recognition, what else do these men have in common? They’ve all struggled with infertility issues—and it’s something they’re all talking about publicly. Here's why that matters.

Read More

There’s a persistent misconception that a woman’s egg quality is largely untouchable—you get what you get, and the rest is out of your hands. But for women actively planning on becoming mothers, there are a handful of best practices that can go a very long way. So, can you improve egg quality in 90 days?

Read More

Can weight loss improve your fertility? That depends on what you read. In today’s post, we’re running through all the latest data on weight loss and fertility, and clarifying why the focus should be less on pounds lost and more on prioritizing habits that support your health as a whole.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

We’re thrilled to introduce Beli Women Preconception, a complementary fertility supplement designed to support fertility health by promoting egg quality, supporting ovulation, balancing hormones, regulating your cycle and helping to manage symptoms of both PCOS and PMS.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

With the New Year upon us, there are all kinds of articles and videos making the rounds with predictions of the Zodiac signs most likely to get pregnant in 2024. But here at Beli, we take a much more scientific approach to conception. Here are the top eight things people will do to get pregnant in 2024.

Read More

Research shows that the overall health of both biological parents during the preconception window plays a huge role in everything from conception to pregnancy health to the lifetime health of their baby. Luckily, there are simple steps you can both take to improve your health together.

Read More

Preparing for a baby means doing everything in your power to nourish your fertility health. If you’re totally on board but wondering what that actually means, we’re breaking down the do’s and don’ts for planning a pregnancy.

Read More

There’s a certain magic to the holiday season, whether you’re all-in on the decorations and the family time or a self-proclaimed Scrooge from mid-November to the New Year. But when you’re trying to conceive, it can be a challenging time.  We’re sharing five tips for managing the holidays when you’re trying to conceive.

Read More

Everyone knows that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. But what about before you’re pregnant, during the trying-to-conceive stage? There’s no evidence that the occasional drink—i.e. one or two a week—is going to torpedo your chances of parenthood. But it is true that the more you drink, the greater the likelihood it will have an effect on your health. Here’s what the research says about alcohol and your fertility.

Read More

You’re clear on the mechanics of making a baby, but how much do you really know about conception and fertility? There are a lot of wild stories, downright falsehoods and notions that are actually rooted in a kernel of truth out there. In the interest of sticking to the facts, we’re debunking 15 of the most common myths about conception and fertility.

Read More

When you’re knocking boots in an effort to get knocked up, timing is everything. Your best chance of conceiving is during the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle—when you ovulate. The key is figuring out exactly when that happens. Fortunately, you have a few ways of detecting ovulation. Here’s what to know about understanding ovulation and timing sex for pregnancy.

Read More

You have big plans for parenthood in 2024, which means this is the time to start laying the groundwork for everything to come. While so much of conception is beyond our control, there are actionable steps you and your partner can take right now to support and nourish your fertility.

Read More

Welcome to our little corner of common fertility and pregnancy terms! We know that jargon can be overwhelming, so consider this your very own baby-making dictionary. Here, confusing medical terms transform into easy-to-understand facts that help you confidently navigate your family planning journey. 

Read More

Is there anything worse than the two-week wait? All the listicles out there sensibly advise keeping busy and journaling and talking it out, but we’re sharing more specific recommendations collected from the Beli community. Read on for seven tips for surviving the two-week wait without losing your mind.

Read More

As a society, we’re an impatient bunch, and that applies to pregnancy, too. The second you decide it’s time to try for a baby, you’re ready to see those two pink lines. If you’ve recently tossed the birth control and you’re wondering how long it should take to get pregnant, here's what to know.

Read More

There’s a persistent misconception that a woman’s egg quality is largely untouchable—you get what you get, and the rest is out of your hands. But for women actively planning on becoming mothers, there are a handful of best practices that can go a very long way. So, can you improve egg quality in 90 days?

Read More

Can weight loss improve your fertility? That depends on what you read. In today’s post, we’re running through all the latest data on weight loss and fertility, and clarifying why the focus should be less on pounds lost and more on prioritizing habits that support your health as a whole.

Read More