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

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

Perimenopause is a transitional time that’s pretty wild in its own right, with hormonal changes similar to a roller coaster and major changes to your cycle. Balanced hormones are, of course, key to successfully becoming pregnant and it’s certainly reasonable to wonder whether it’s possible to get pregnant during perimenopause. The short answer is oh yes. 

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

A few years ago, the keto diet was all the rage—a high-fat, low-carb way to shed pounds quickly. While it’s lost a bit of its luster, as all diet trends do, interest in the keto diet remains. Specifically, those hoping to become parents wonder whether following this way of eating could support fertility. Is a diet high in fat and low in carbs the answer? It’s possible. Here’s what to know about the keto diet and whether it might help support fertility.

Read More

When you’re pregnant, of course, you’re told to limit your caffeine consumption. But what about when you’re trying to conceive? Can too much caffeine affect your chances of conception as a couple? It's a good idea to cut back—which means you need to be really clear about sneaky sources of caffeine in your diet.

Read More

Here at Beli, we’re staunch advocates of supporting male fertility in anticipation of fatherhood. In fact, our men’s prenatal vitamin, Beli Vitality for Men, is actually our flagship product. Today, we’re diving into the obvious and unexpected benefits of prenatal vitamins for men, starting with what actually happens when you start taking them.

Read More

Forbes Health recently reviewed our men's prenatal vitamins and we love author Leigh Weingus' take: "Beli Men Vitality Multivitamins first caught my eye because while I often see supplements that claim to improve fertility outcomes for women, I rarely see the same thing for men." We hear you, Leigh! Check out the full review here and read on for some highlights.

Read More

Everyone responds to supplementation (not to mention pregnancy!) differently, which is one reason that how you feel isn’t a clue into whether or not your prenatal vitamin is actually working. Instead, you need to be confident about the prenatal vitamin itself, and there are a few things you’ll want to look for.

Read More

We’re back with our second post in our “It Starts With The Sperm” mini series on the key roles sperm plays in conception, pregnancy and baby, and this time, we’re talking DNA. When it comes to male fertility, it’s not enough to have a high sperm count and top marks for motility and morphology. Without low levels of DNA fragmentation, a man’s fertility—along with his ability to successfully conceive with a partner—is affected.

Read More

In this three-part mini series, we’re covering all the ways sperm seals the deal for a healthy conception, pregnancy and baby, with a deep dive into three key functions. First up is how a man’s sperm affects placental development. Spoiler: sperm carries what amounts to the architect’s rendering of the placenta, so it’s no small thing!

Read More

PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. Supplementing with ingredients proven to support women with PCOS can help increase your chances, and so can speaking with your doctor and dietician.

Read More

There’s an essential connection between our minds and our bodies, and when we neglect one, it inevitably catches up with us through the other. For women becoming mothers especially, the body-mind connection is worth paying close attention to. Here's how prenatal vitamins can help.

Read More

The role of a prenatal vitamin is to support the healthy growth and development of growing babies, and minimizing the risk of birth defects is front and center. But can your prenatal vitamins really reduce the risk of birth defects? Absolutely!

Read More

You think you know, but when it comes to male fertility and sperm health specifically, you probably have no idea. Here at Beli, we’ve had an education-first approach to male fertility since day one and today we’re breaking down fact from fiction, sperm edition. Let’s see how you do!

Read More

Between responsibilities at home and at work, commitments that just keep piling up, and a mile-long to-do list, sex may be on your mind, but only in a vague, wouldn’t-that-be-nice kind of way. It's normal! But men hoping to become fathers might be stressing that a waning sex drive is signaling a problem with their fertility (spoiler: not necessarily). Still, it’s true that a man’s fertility and his libido are linked, so let’s hop into all the details, including 4 ways to rev up that sex drive.

Read More

Medical science tells it like it is–a man’s health and his fertility are undeniably linked. But what role do genetics play in the fertility factor? It's a good question! In today's post, we're taking a deep dive into exactly how genetics affect male fertility.

Read More

Time and time again, men are an afterthought in the fertility conversation, and it’s setting couples up to fail. In light of recent research confirming–again–that sperm counts around the world are indeed declining, Beli wants to lead the charge. Join us, and let’s make March men’s fertility awareness month.

Read More

Knowing all the facts about sperm doesn’t just make you positively lethal on trivia night, it actually puts you in prime position to optimize your chances of a healthy conception, pregnancy and baby. So let’s get to it, with these 10 facts about sperm that will (probably) blow your mind.

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

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 2023.

Read More

Beli for Women has all the current nutrient recommendations for prenatal vitamins, including choline, vitamin D, folate, magnesium, and iodine. All the right ingredients, in all the right amounts. But it does beg the question, how exactly does Beli fit everything into just three capsules?

Read More

Getting your ducks in a row at least three months before you hope to conceive can help nourish your fertility in preparation of everything to come. That’s where a high-quality prenatal vitamin for you both comes in. Our guide walks you through all the behind-the-scenes benefits during your first three months on Beli.

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

Perimenopause is a transitional time that’s pretty wild in its own right, with hormonal changes similar to a roller coaster and major changes to your cycle. Balanced hormones are, of course, key to successfully becoming pregnant and it’s certainly reasonable to wonder whether it’s possible to get pregnant during perimenopause. The short answer is oh yes. 

Read More

A few years ago, the keto diet was all the rage—a high-fat, low-carb way to shed pounds quickly. While it’s lost a bit of its luster, as all diet trends do, interest in the keto diet remains. Specifically, those hoping to become parents wonder whether following this way of eating could support fertility. Is a diet high in fat and low in carbs the answer? It’s possible. Here’s what to know about the keto diet and whether it might help support fertility.

Read More

When you’re pregnant, of course, you’re told to limit your caffeine consumption. But what about when you’re trying to conceive? Can too much caffeine affect your chances of conception as a couple? It's a good idea to cut back—which means you need to be really clear about sneaky sources of caffeine in your diet.

Read More

Many new mothers are seriously drained. The popular term is postnatal depletion, the combination of hormonal, physical and emotional depletion that’s incredibly common for women following the birth of their babies.  Here’s what to understand about postnatal depletion and its effects on breastfeeding + 4 easy tips to help avoid postnatal depletion.

Read More

Turns out, you really can have too much of a good thing, and nutrient overload during pregnancy is a prime example—particularly if you add a daily prenatal vitamin to the supplements you’re already taking. Here’s why excess nutrients are problematic during pregnancy, and what you can do to keep things balanced.

Read More

The heat and humidity on these endless summer days can be hard to beat, and believe us when we say it’s even harder when you’re pregnant. The good news—you can do this! And we can help with these four not-so-obvious tips to beat the summer heat during pregnancy.

Read More

Everyone responds to supplementation (not to mention pregnancy!) differently, which is one reason that how you feel isn’t a clue into whether or not your prenatal vitamin is actually working. Instead, you need to be confident about the prenatal vitamin itself, and there are a few things you’ll want to look for.

Read More

Up to 90% of pregnant women will end up with stretch marks—call it a maternity souvenir. That’s why the internet is full of creams and lotions and potions that promise to prevent these completely harmless but largely undesirable scars. By and large, stretch mark prevention products are largely anecdotal (and definitely unproven). But what about collagen?

Read More

You may know all the ways collagen benefits you before, during and after pregnancy, but there are a handful of little best practices that can actually make or break the experience. In the interest of ensuring that you’re really reaping the benefits, we’re highlighting three mistakes you’re (probably) making with prenatal collagen.

Read More

PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. Supplementing with ingredients proven to support women with PCOS can help increase your chances, and so can speaking with your doctor and dietician.

Read More

Pregnancy is a time to get really particular about what you’re ingesting. From the cleanest prenatal vitamin you can find to ten months of minimal caffeine and zero sushi, you’re taking precautions. And rightfully so! So what does that mean for your favorite collagen supplement? Can you take collagen while you’re pregnant? You certainly can—with caveats.

Read More

Learning that you’re about to become a mother is truly life-changing news, and it's always helpful to have an immediate next step or two. Start checking things off this little list, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthy and minimally stressful pregnancy.

Read More

The role of a prenatal vitamin is to support the healthy growth and development of growing babies, and minimizing the risk of birth defects is front and center. But can your prenatal vitamins really reduce the risk of birth defects? Absolutely!

Read More

Think about good nutrition, and protein is generally front and center. It’s the macronutrient behind so many essential processes and functions in the body, from building and repairing muscle and bone to whipping up hormones and enzymes. And the importance of protein only increases during and after pregnancy. Here's why.

Read More

Beli for Women has all the current nutrient recommendations for prenatal vitamins, including choline, vitamin D, folate, magnesium, and iodine. All the right ingredients, in all the right amounts. But it does beg the question, how exactly does Beli fit everything into just three capsules?

Read More