How should women in perimenopause or menopause think about fertility as a health marker?

Even if past the point of safe pregnancy, menstrual cycles in perimenopause still offer a window into hormonal health. The age one enters menopause can impact long-term reproductive health, and past cycle characteristics can inform current cellular health. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or augmentation can be beneficial at various stages to mitigate symptoms and offer protective benefits against cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, and bone loss.

What is the impact of environmental plastics and microplastics on female fertility?

Microplastics can accumulate in the ovaries, negatively impacting ovarian function. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics are associated with worse IVF outcomes, lower live birth rates, and longer time to pregnancy, contributing to an overall inflammatory burden in the body.

Does having a successful pregnancy make it easier to get pregnant again later?

Data from the 'Time to Conceive' study shows a protective benefit: women who previously had a child with the same partner statistically have an 18-20% chance of pregnancy per month up to age 37, which is higher than for those trying for the first time. However, age still impacts fertility for both partners, and secondary infertility is a reality.

What testing is recommended after recurrent pregnancy loss?

After two pregnancy losses, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary, including blood tests, a semen analysis with sperm fragmentation, and a uterine and tubal evaluation. This moves away from the outdated standard of waiting for three losses before intervention.

Why does Dr. Crawford advocate for all women to get an AMH test, even without an infertility diagnosis?

An AMH test (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) measures ovarian reserve, indicating egg count, for around $79. Despite ACOG recommendations, knowing one's AMH level can provide crucial information about a woman's reproductive timeline and potential underlying health issues (like autoimmune disease or insulin resistance) that impact fertility and can be addressed proactively.

How does hormonal birth control affect future fertility?

Overall, hormonal birth control (including the pill and IUDs) does not increase infertility rates. However, the pill masks underlying issues like PCOS and prevents ovulation, so stopping 3-6 months before trying to conceive allows for cycle tracking. Progesterone IUDs can thin the endometrial lining, so removing them six months prior to conception is advised.

What are the core lifestyle factors that women can control to improve fertility and egg quality?

Dr. Crawford emphasizes five non-negotiables: sleep (7-9 hours to reduce inflammation and support hormone release), stress management, building skeletal muscle (to reverse insulin resistance), diet (anti-inflammatory, high fiber, whole foods), and toxin avoidance (plastics, endocrine disruptors). These can significantly lower inflammatory burden and improve fertility outcomes for both partners.

Should women avoid NSAIDs like Advil or ibuprofen if they are trying to get pregnant?

Yes, NSAIDs should be avoided around the time of ovulation. Acute inflammation is necessary for a follicle to rupture and release an egg; NSAIDs can inhibit this process. They are generally safe to take only during menstruation for cramping.

What is the impact of cannabis use on fertility for both men and women?

Cannabis is significantly detrimental to fertility. For men, it harms sperm production, quality, and DNA, leading to higher miscarriage rates for their partners. For women, it can decrease egg retrieval yields by 25% and fertilization rates by 28%, and also increase miscarriage rates. THC directly crosses the placenta, posing risks in pregnancy.

Are GLP-1 agonists, commonly used for weight loss, beneficial for fertility, especially for conditions like endometriosis?

GLP-1 agonists are very effective for PCOS and insulin resistance. Clinically, they show promise in reducing inflammation in patients with endometriosis or unexplained infertility, even at low doses and independent of significant weight loss. This anti-inflammatory effect may improve IVF outcomes, but more definitive data is needed.

What are the risks associated with advanced paternal age (over 50) for offspring?

After age 50, there's an increased risk of autism, autosomal dominant new mutations (like dwarfism), and mental health conditions such as schizophrenia in offspring. While the overall increase is still small, banking sperm younger is recommended if possible. Lifestyle factors like cannabis, nicotine, and excess heat should be avoided to protect sperm quality in the 90 days prior to conception.

How does biotin supplementation interfere with hormone testing?

Taking biotin supplements of 300 micrograms or more for at least seven days can interfere with lab assays for steroid hormones (estradiol, progesterone, hCG, TSH, testosterone). Biotin binds to the steroid assay, leading to inaccurate and falsely read results, rather than a genuine change in hormone levels in the body.

What foods are recommended for a 'fertility diet'?

A fertility diet prioritizes high-fiber foods, abundant fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain carbohydrates over refined or ultra-processed foods. Quality protein, including increased plant-based protein, and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (from nuts, olive oil, fish, flax seeds) are crucial, as cholesterol forms the backbone of steroid hormones needed for progesterone production.

Key Moments

How Women Can Improve Their Fertility & Hormone Health | Dr. Natalie Crawford

Andrew Huberman

Science & Technology10 min read157 min video

Apr 13, 2026|9,321 views|384|42

andrew huberman huberman lab podcast huberman podcast dr. andrew huberman neuroscience huberman lab andrew huberman podcast the huberman lab podcast science podcast natalie crawford obgyn fertility

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TL;DR

Women's fertility and hormone health, far from being solely about pregnancy, are crucial indicators of overall longevity and metabolic well-being, yet a simple $79 AMH test that offers vital reproductive timeline knowledge is often withheld by doctors, forcing women to navigate critical health decisions in ignorance.

Key Insights

Fertility is a vital health marker: Infertility correlates with increased risks of metabolic syndrome, cancer, heart attack, stroke, and early death, often serving as an early warning sign of chronic inflammation or insulin resistance.

AMH testing for all women: The American College of OB/GYN advises against routine AMH testing unless infertility is established, but Dr. Crawford strongly recommends it for all women interested in their reproductive future, as it costs only $79 and provides crucial information about egg reserve, even if it doesn't predict immediate pregnancy success.

Age-related fertility decline is significant but not absolute: While natural pregnancy rates drop from ~20% per month at age 30 to ~3% at age 40+, previous successful pregnancy with the same partner shows a protective benefit, maintaining 18-20% chance up to age 37, yet secondary infertility is a recognized and often unexpected challenge.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during perimenopause and menopause, or even beyond, is beneficial: Unlike previous restrictive views, starting HRT can protect cardiovascular health, reduce Alzheimer's risk, and support bone density, with Dr. Crawford advocating for hormone augmentation to optimal levels rather than strict 'replacement' after severe depletion.

Cannabis use is highly detrimental to fertility: Prior cannabis use in men is linked to lower sperm counts and quality, and in women, it can decrease retrieved eggs by 25% and fertilization rates by 28%, significantly increasing miscarriage risk, making its avoidance a critical factor for optimal fertility outcomes.

Select supplements, like CoQ10, Vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids, show robust data for improving reproductive outcomes: While the field debates some lifestyle and supplement interventions, these universally recommended supplements support mitochondrial health and provide essential nutrients for egg and sperm quality, with 1-3mg of melatonin also showing benefit for egg quality in some cases.

Infertility is a critical warning sign for broader health issues, not just a reproductive problem

Dismissing infertility solely as a challenge to getting pregnant overlooks its profound implications for a woman's overall health and longevity. Dr. Crawford emphasizes that infertility often acts as an early indicator of underlying systemic issues such as chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, or metabolic dysfunction. These conditions are not benign; they significantly increase the risk for serious long-term health outcomes, including metabolic syndrome, various cancers, heart attack, stroke, and even premature mortality. This perspective reframes fertility not just as a biological function for reproduction, but as a crucial barometer of cellular and metabolic health throughout a woman's life. Rather than waiting for explicit 'failure,' a proactive approach to understanding and optimizing hormonal and reproductive health can serve as a powerful preventive measure, allowing women to address foundational health issues before they manifest as more severe diseases in later life. This urgent call to view fertility through a broader health lens underscores the need for early dialogue and intervention, moving beyond the traditional, reactive medical framework.

The $79 secret: Why every woman should get an AMH test, despite current medical guidelines

Dr. Crawford passionately advocates for every woman to undergo an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test, a simple blood test that reveals the approximate number of eggs remaining in her ovarian reserve. Despite its low cost of around $79, the American College of OB/GYN currently advises against this test unless a woman has already experienced infertility, citing potential stress from a low result. However, Dr. Crawford argues this stance is deeply flawed and paternalistic. Knowing one's AMH level provides invaluable information about her reproductive timeline, helping her make informed decisions about family planning, egg freezing, or addressing underlying health conditions that might be contributing to a low AMH, such as autoimmune disease or insulin resistance. For instance, a 30-year-old with a low AMH might have the same immediate monthly pregnancy chance as one with a normal AMH, but her window for building a family will be significantly shorter, and she would yield fewer eggs in an IVF cycle. This knowledge enables proactive intervention, allowing women to slow the rate of egg loss (if linked to inflammation) or adjust their life plans, ensuring they aren't forced into decisions by time alone, but rather by informed choice. This push challenges an antiquated medical approach that often prioritizes avoidance of perceived stress over patient autonomy and essential health data.

Beyond age: Understanding the nuanced decline in egg quality and ovarian reserve

While chronological age is a primary driver of fertility decline, the biological reality involves two distinct processes: diminishing ovarian reserve (quantity of eggs) and decreasing egg quality (genetic integrity and cellular competency). Women are born with a finite egg supply, which steadily depletes over time, with fewer eggs released from the 'vault' each month as a woman ages. AMH levels offer an approximation of this reserve. However, egg quality, a more critical factor, refers to the egg's genetic normalcy and the health of its mitochondria – the energy powerhouses exclusively passed to the embryo. As eggs sit in the ovary, frozen in metaphase for decades, they accumulate wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., a 40-year-old's eggs have spent 40 years in this state). Metabolic health, including chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, further exacerbates this decline, damaging mitochondrial function and the delicate spindles holding chromosomes. While age is a strong proxy for egg quality, improving metabolic health through lifestyle can mitigate some of these effects. The challenge lies in the absence of a direct test for egg quality, forcing reliance on age and indirect markers, underscoring the importance of optimizing cellular health across the lifespan, especially during the 60 days prior to conception. This dual assault on egg quantity and quality highlights the multifaceted nature of female reproductive aging and the limited scope of current testing in fully capturing a woman's fertility potential.

Debunking the myth: Egg freezing does not deplete your ovarian reserve

A common misconception among women is that undergoing an egg-freezing cycle will prematurely deplete their ovarian reserve, leading to earlier menopause. Dr. Crawford unequivocally clarifies that this is false. In a natural cycle, a 'cohort' of eggs leaves the ovarian 'vault' each month, but only one typically matures and ovulates, while the rest are naturally lost. During an egg-freezing or IVF cycle, hormonal stimulation leverages this natural process by encouraging more of that month's cohort of eggs to mature simultaneously, rather than drawing from future egg reserves. Essentially, these procedures rescue eggs that would otherwise be lost, maximizing the potential from that specific monthly cohort. Therefore, freezing eggs does not accelerate menopause or reduce the total number of eggs available in the long term; it simply makes the most of the eggs a woman would lose anyway, preserving them for future use. This crucial understanding empowers women to make informed decisions about fertility preservation without fear of compromising their future fertility.

Cannabis and nicotine: Behavioral toxins with profound negative impacts on fertility

Dr. Crawford delivers a stark warning about the detrimental effects of cannabis and nicotine on both male and female fertility, citing them as significant 'behavioral toxins.' For men, cannabis severely impairs sperm production, quantity, and quality, leading to higher rates of DNA fragmentation and, consequently, increased miscarriage rates in their female partners. Clinically, Dr. Crawford observes a strong correlation between male cannabis use and IVF embryo development issues, particularly when embryos fail at the day three male developmental stage. For women, cannabis use significantly impacts egg quality and ovarian function, demonstrably decreasing the number of eggs retrieved during IVF by 25% and reducing fertilization rates by 28%, all while elevating miscarriage risks. The active ingredient, THC, crosses the placenta directly, posing risks during pregnancy. Nicotine, whether from smoking or oral pouches, also negatively affects ovulation and egg quality, with cigarette smoking being directly linked to earlier menopause and fewer eggs. These substances interfere with fundamental hormonal responses and cellular health, making their avoidance a top priority for anyone seeking optimal fertility and reproductive outcomes. Despite social narratives, the scientific data underscores that these substances have no advantageous role in optimizing the body for conception or healthy pregnancy.

Sleep, stress, muscle: The non-negotiables for optimal reproductive health

Optimizing fertility and hormone health extends far beyond medical interventions, relying heavily on fundamental lifestyle practices that Dr. Crawford terms the 'five non-negotiables': sleep, stress, muscle (exercise), food, and toxins. Adequate sleep (7-9 hours, ideally 7.5 hours for women, especially during the luteal phase) is critical for hormone regulation, as gonadotropins (FSH, LH) are released in the early morning. Poor sleep elevates cellular and oxidative stress, impacting egg and sperm quality and doubling infertility rates. Melatonin supplementation (1-3mg 30 minutes before bed) can enhance egg quality by combating oxidative stress. Chronic stress directly contributes to insulin resistance, a major disruptor of hormonal balance. Building skeletal muscle is lauded as a top mechanism for reversing insulin resistance and bolstering overall hormonal health. These interlinked factors contribute to an inflammatory burden that undermines reproductive function. By consistently prioritizing quality sleep, effective stress management, and regular strength training, individuals can significantly reduce chronic inflammation and create a more resilient physiological environment conducive to optimal fertility, regardless of their immediate reproductive goals or age. This holistic approach empowers individuals with tangible control over their health, often yielding noticeable improvements in overall well-being alongside fertility.

Dietary choices: Cultivating an anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich foundation for fertility

The 'food' non-negotiable for fertility emphasizes an anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich dietary pattern. Dr. Crawford highlights the essential role of a gut microbiome, hormone health, and insulin sensitivity. Diets high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, rich in fiber, are crucial. Limiting ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and certain non-nutritive sweeteners is advised. While quality protein is important, incorporating more plant-based protein can increase fiber intake compared to a standard American diet. Healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids from nuts, olive oil, fish, and seeds, are indispensable; cholesterol is the backbone of steroid hormones, and insufficient intake can impair progesterone production, vital for implantation. Red meat consumption, while controversial, may be inflammatory for some individuals, with studies linking higher intake to poorer IVF outcomes. Experimenting with temporary elimination diets (e.g., gluten, dairy, red meat) can help individuals identify specific food sensitivities that contribute to inflammation. The overarching principle is to prioritize nutrient-dense, whole foods that support metabolic and cellular health, fostering an internal environment resilient to inflammation, rather than relying on quick fixes. This mindful approach to nutrition, combined with the other non-negotiables, allows individuals to become scientists of their own bodies, discerning what truly optimizes their well-being.

Environmental factors: Mitigating microplastic and endocrine disruptor exposure

Beyond behavioral choices and diet, environmental toxins, particularly microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pose a significant threat to fertility and hormone health. Microplastics can accumulate in the ovaries, directly impairing ovarian function, while EDCs (found in many plastics and scented products) are linked to worse IVF outcomes, lower live birth rates, and longer times to conception. Dr. Crawford cautions against the 'all or nothing' mentality, advocating for realistic toxin avoidance focused on frequent exposures. Key recommendations include choosing 'fragrance-free' (not just unscented) products for home and personal care to avoid phthalates, and being mindful of BPA exposure from thermal paper receipts. While avoiding every toxin is impossible, reducing the 'inflammatory burden' from daily, high-frequency exposures empowers individuals to make conscious choices. This awareness extends to products like certain essential oils (lavender, tea tree, evening primrose) that possess endocrine-disrupting properties. Recognizing the cumulative impact of these environmental factors on cellular health and hormone signaling is crucial for building a body resilient enough to support optimal reproductive function.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Supplements

●Products

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●Drugs & Medications

●Studies Cited

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Optimizing Female Fertility & Hormone Health

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Get an AMH test to assess ovarian reserve regardless of infertility diagnosis, even if self-ordered (cost ~ $79).

Track ovulation (not just periods) to identify early signs of ovulation disorders like a short luteal phase.

Stop hormonal birth control (pills) 3-6 months before trying to conceive to re-establish natural cycle tracking.

Remove progesterone IUDs at least 6 months before trying to conceive to allow endometrial lining to rebuild.

Prioritize 7-9 hours of consistent, high-quality sleep nightly (especially during luteal phase).

Consider low-dose melatonin (1-3mg) 30 minutes before bed if chronic inflammation is suspected or during IVF.

Supplement with CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and folic acid (prenatal) during 'trimester zero' (60 days prior to conception).

For sperm health, consider L-Carnitine, Zinc, and Selenium 90 days prior to conception.

Cultivate a lifestyle that reduces chronic inflammation, including anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise (especially muscle building), and stress management.

Eat a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; prioritize quality protein sources, including plant-based.

Incorporate healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (nuts, olive oil, fish, algae, chia, flax) for hormone production.

Experiment with a temporary, restrictive clean eating pattern (eliminate gluten, dairy, red meat) to identify food sensitivities, then reintroduce them systematically.

Look for 'fragrance-free' rather than 'unscented' products to avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Wear gloves when handling thermal paper receipts if frequently exposed (e.g., in certain jobs).

Bank sperm at a younger age if delayed parenthood is anticipated, especially for men over 50.

Avoid This

Do not wait for an infertility diagnosis to get an AMH test or fertility evaluation.

Avoid NSAIDs (Advil, ibuprofen, Aleve) around the time of ovulation if trying to conceive, as they can prevent egg release.

Do not take high-dose biotin supplements (300 micrograms+) for at least 7 days before hormone lab tests, as it can cause inaccurate results.

Completely avoid cannabis (in any form) for both partners when trying to conceive due to significant detrimental effects on sperm, eggs, fertilization, and miscarriage rates.

Avoid nicotine (in any form) if trying to get pregnant due to its detrimental effects on egg count, quality, sperm, and hormonal response.

Do not get Depo-Provera shots if planning pregnancy within the next two years.

Avoid cold plunges during the time of conception, as they are potent inhibitors of the acute inflammation needed for ovulation.

Do not delay seeking fertility evaluation if you are over 35 and have been trying for 6 months, or if you've had two or more pregnancy losses.

Do not assume that having been pregnant before guarantees an easy subsequent pregnancy.

Avoid 'unscented' products, which may contain masking fragrances that act as endocrine disruptors; opt for 'fragrance-free' instead.

Common Questions

Fertility is a sign of good hormonal, cellular, and metabolic health. Infertility is often an early warning sign of underlying issues such as chronic inflammation or insulin resistance, which increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, cancer, heart attack, stroke, and early mortality.

Topics

Health & Longevity Human Performance Mindset & Self-Improvement Endocrine Disruptors Lifestyle Factors Female Fertility Hormone Health Infertility Treatment Medicine & Clinical Egg Quality Ovarian Reserve Prenatal Care

Mentioned in this video

Books

The Fertility Formula: Take Control of Your Reproductive Future

Dr. Natalie Crawford's new book that focuses on reproductive health, hormone health, and their impact on female wellbeing in the short and long term.

People

Andrew Huberman

Host of the Huberman Lab podcast and professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine.

Natalie Crawford

Double board-certified physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, fertility, and reproductive health, and guest on the podcast.

Rhonda Patrick

Scientist who has highlighted the concern over microplastics due to their ability to enter various tissues.

Organizations

Stanford School of Medicine

Academic institution where Andrew Huberman is a professor.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Professional organization that currently advises against AMH testing unless a woman has infertility, a stance critiqued by Dr. Crawford.

American Society For Reproductive Medicine

Professional organization whose attempts to get fertility treatment and preservation covered are often opposed by groups pushing for 'restorative reproductive medicine'.

Products

David

Protein bars with 20g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g sugar, available in various flavors.

8 Sleep Pod 5

A smart mattress cover with cooling, heating, and sleep tracking capabilities, featuring an AI engine that learns sleep patterns and adjusts bed temperature for optimal sleep.

Platelet-Rich Plasma

A therapy that involves injecting plasma, either into the uterine cavity (intrauterine PRP) for implantation failure or into the ovaries (ovarian PRP) for low ovarian reserve or age-related fertility, with intrauterine PRP showing more promise and being less invasive.

Teflon

A non-stick coating that Dr. Crawford eliminated from her kitchen due to studies on PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals) and their impact on health.

Companies

BetterHelp

Online platform offering professional therapy with licensed therapists.

LabCorp

A lab that can perform AMH tests, which individuals can order directly if their doctor will not.

Function Health

An online platform where an AMH test can be checked.

Studies & Research

Women's Health Initiative

A study whose fear-based tactics previously caused hormone replacement therapy to be frowned upon for menopausal women.

Time to Conceive

A large cohort study on natural fertility in women 30 and older without a history of infertility, which provided data on age-related impact on fertility.

Earth Study

One of the biggest cohort studies looking at different environmental compounds, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and their impact on reproductive health, showing worse IVF outcomes with higher EDC levels.

Concepts

Restorative Reproductive Medicine

A movement focused on teaching women cycle tracking and addressing root causes of infertility, but often includes opposition to IVF on ethical grounds.

Phthalates

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in scented products, which can negatively impact fertility.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals

Chemicals found in plastics and scented products (like phthalates, lavender, tea tree oil, evening primrose) that can disrupt hormone function, prolong time to pregnancy, and worsen IVF and sperm outcomes; quantity and frequency of exposure are key.

Bisphenol A

A top endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure found in thermal paper (receipts), posing a high risk for frequent exposure.

Locations

Austin

City where many tech companies offer fertility benefits, including egg freezing, to their employees.

Drugs & Medications

Clomid

An oral medication used to stimulate ovulation, mentioned as one tool in the fertility toolbox.

Depo-Provera

A high-dose intramuscular progesterone shot that can prevent ovulation for an extended period (up to 18 months from a single dose), making it unsuitable for those planning pregnancy within two years.

Advil

An NSAID that can prevent a follicle from rupturing, thus inhibiting ovulation if taken around the time of ovulation.

Aleve

An NSAID that can prevent a follicle from rupturing, thus inhibiting ovulation if taken around the time of ovulation.

Nicotine

Detrimental to fertility, smoking specifically decreases egg count and quality; oral nicotine also impacts sperm counts and hormonal responses.

GLP-1 agonists

Medications that are powerful for PCOS and insulin resistance, and are now showing intriguing potential for reducing chronic inflammation in endometriosis and unexplained infertility, even at low doses independent of weight loss.

Human Growth Hormone

Used experimentally in fertility clinics to improve egg quality, embryo development, and maturity effects during IVF cycles, particularly when typical outcomes are not met.

Software & Apps

Intrauterine insemination

A fertility treatment where sperm is directly inserted into the uterus, mentioned as an option for conception.

Red light therapy

A therapy gaining acceptance for its potential anti-inflammatory benefits and positive impact on mitochondrial health and vision, discussed in the context of improving ovulation patterns and potentially egg quality.

Supplements

Melatonin

A hormone supplemented at low doses (1-3mg) before bed can improve fertility outcomes and egg quality, especially in cases of chronic inflammation.

Curcumin

A potent anti-inflammatory compound, generally not recommended in high-dose supplement form for fertility, but fine for cooking.

NAD

Discussed as potentially advantageous in animal data for unexplained infertility due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but human data is still emerging.

NMN

Discussed as potentially advantageous in animal data for unexplained infertility due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but human data is still emerging.

CoQ10

A supplement with robust human data showing benefits for reproductive outcomes, recommended during 'trimester zero' (60 days before conception) but stopped during pregnancy due to lack of data.

L-Carnitine

Recommended for supporting sperm health, particularly during 'trimester zero'.

Prenatal vitamin

Recommended for 'trimester zero' to provide essential nutrients for pregnancy, including folic acid.

Folic Acid

An essential nutrient included in prenatal vitamins, important for pregnancy.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Recommended for optimizing fertility outcomes, especially during 'trimester zero'.

Vitamin D

Recommended for optimizing fertility outcomes, especially during 'trimester zero'.

Zinc

Can have benefits for sperm health.

Selenium

Can have benefits for sperm health.

N-Acetylcysteine

A supplement that can be beneficial for endometriosis or chronic inflammatory disease.

Cannabis

Considered highly detrimental to both male (sperm production, quality, DNA fragmentation) and female fertility (egg quantity, fertilization rates, miscarriage rates), and its use during pregnancy poses risks due to THC crossing the placenta.

Biotin

Supplementation above 300 micrograms for seven days can bind to lab tests for steroid hormones (estradiol, progesterone, hCG, TSH, testosterone), leading to inaccurate results.

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