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A lab portal can make a deeply personal fertility journey feel reduced to a string of abbreviations and reference ranges. Yet bloodwork can offer meaningful clues when it is timed correctly, interpreted in context, and held with compassion. This guide to fertility bloodwork will help you understand what common tests may reveal, which questions to ask, and how to support your whole body alongside medical care.

After more than 30 years of helping women and couples navigate fertility challenges, I have learned that no single number tells the full story. I also understand this personally: I struggled with infertility before becoming a mother. Whether you are trying naturally, living with irregular cycles, preparing for IVF, grieving a loss, or wondering why pregnancy has not happened yet, you deserve clear information and care that sees more than a diagnosis.

Why Fertility Bloodwork Is More Than a Checklist

Fertility bloodwork usually assesses hormones related to ovulation, ovarian reserve, thyroid function, metabolism, and sometimes inflammation or nutrient status. It can help your physician identify patterns worth investigating, such as absent ovulation, thyroid imbalance, elevated prolactin, insulin resistance, or signs that ovarian reserve may be lower than expected.

But testing is a snapshot, not a verdict. Hormones naturally shift across the menstrual cycle, and lab ranges are broad. A value that falls within a laboratory’s “normal” range may still deserve a closer look when paired with your cycle history, symptoms, age, ultrasound findings, sperm health, medications, sleep, stress, and prior pregnancy history.

This is where whole-person care matters. In my practice, we respect the diagnostic value of conventional testing while also asking: How is your energy? Are you eating enough protein and nourishing fats? Is your digestion working well? Are you sleeping? Do you feel chronically rushed, depleted, or disconnected from your body? Fertility is not separate from the rest of you.

A Guide to Fertility Bloodwork by Cycle Timing

Timing can change the meaning of a result. Ask the clinician ordering your labs what day of your cycle they prefer and whether you need to fast, avoid supplements, or schedule the draw at a particular time of day.

Early-cycle testing

Many fertility evaluations begin around cycle day 2, 3, or 4, with day 1 being the first day of full menstrual flow. Common early-cycle tests include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sometimes anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH).

FSH and estradiol are often read together. FSH helps signal the ovaries to recruit follicles, while estradiol is a form of estrogen produced by developing follicles. An elevated early-cycle estradiol level can sometimes suppress FSH, making an FSH result look more reassuring than it truly is. This is one reason a thoughtful interpretation matters.

AMH is often used as one marker of ovarian reserve, or the estimated remaining pool of recruitable eggs. It can usually be drawn on any cycle day. AMH does not measure egg quality, guarantee how quickly you will conceive, or define your ability to become a parent. Age, overall health, embryo genetics, sperm factors, and many other variables all matter.

LH may provide useful context, particularly for those with irregular or infrequent periods. A pattern of elevated LH relative to FSH may occur with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though PCOS is not diagnosed by one blood test alone.

Mid-luteal progesterone

Progesterone rises after ovulation and helps prepare the uterine lining for implantation. A progesterone blood test is often ordered about seven days after ovulation, not automatically on “day 21.” Day 21 only fits a person with a reliable 28-day cycle and ovulation near day 14.

If your cycles vary, tracking ovulation with basal body temperature, cervical mucus, or ovulation predictor kits can help identify a more appropriate testing window. A single progesterone value may suggest that ovulation occurred, but it cannot fully assess luteal-phase health. The timing of the draw and your individual cycle pattern are essential.

Other Labs That May Affect Fertility

A personalized evaluation may include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, thyroid antibodies, prolactin, vitamin D, complete blood count, iron studies, hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, testosterone, DHEA-S, or 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Your clinician may recommend additional testing based on your symptoms and history.

Thyroid health deserves careful attention because thyroid hormones influence menstrual regularity, ovulation, energy, temperature regulation, and early pregnancy. Prolactin is another hormone that can interfere with ovulation when elevated. Stress, certain medications, breast stimulation, and the timing of the blood draw can sometimes affect it, so an abnormal result may need to be repeated.

For women with PCOS symptoms, elevated blood sugar or insulin can be part of the picture even when glucose alone appears normal. Supporting metabolic health can improve cycle regularity and overall well-being, but the right plan depends on your body, medical history, and nutritional needs. Extreme dieting is rarely the answer for a body trying to create new life.

When there have been recurrent miscarriages, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, or repeated IVF disappointments, additional evaluation may be appropriate. Your reproductive endocrinologist or physician can advise on evidence-based testing. The goal is not to chase every possible lab, but to investigate wisely and avoid missing meaningful patterns.

How to Read Results Without Spiraling

When you receive lab results, pause before searching every flagged value online. A flagged result is an invitation for a conversation, not proof that something is permanently wrong. Conversely, “normal” results do not mean your concerns are imaginary or that no support is needed.

Bring these questions to your appointment: What does this value mean for my specific cycle and history? Was the test drawn at the right time? Should it be repeated? What other information do we need, such as an ultrasound, semen analysis, or ovulation tracking? What can I do now to support my health while we investigate?

If you have a male partner or are using sperm from a known donor, remember that fertility is a shared equation. Semen analysis is a basic and valuable part of many fertility evaluations. Sperm concentration, movement, shape, and DNA integrity can all influence conception and embryo development. Both partners deserve care, nourishment, and a plan.

Supporting Your Body While You Seek Answers

Bloodwork may guide medical decisions, but your daily foundations help create the conditions in which hormones can communicate well. Start gently. Build balanced meals around protein, colorful plants, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated, and avoid skipping meals if it leaves you shaky, ravenous, or exhausted later in the day.

Movement should feel supportive rather than punishing. Walking, restorative yoga, strength training tailored to your energy, and simple acupressure practices can support circulation, mood, and body trust. If intense exercise disrupts your cycle or leaves you depleted, that is useful information to bring to your care team.

Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, functional medicine, fertility nutrition, and lifestyle support may be integrated thoughtfully alongside conventional fertility treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at patterns such as blood flow, stress response, sleep, digestion, temperature, and menstrual symptoms, rather than viewing a hormone result in isolation. Herbs and supplements should always be individualized and reviewed for safety, especially when you are taking fertility medications, anticoagulants, thyroid medication, or are pregnant.

Please do not use this article to diagnose yourself or change prescribed medication. Partner with your physician, particularly for abnormal thyroid, prolactin, glucose, or other significant results. Integrative care works best when it complements appropriate medical evaluation.

A Compassionate Next Step

There is real care in gathering data, but there is also wisdom in remembering that you are not a lab report. You may need practical medical answers, emotional support, nourishment, rest, and someone experienced to help connect the dots. That is not asking for too much. It is honoring the profound dream you carry.

If you are local to San Jose, in-clinic support may offer hands-on personalized care. Wherever you are, my individual consultations and Boosting Fertility Naturally™ self-guided program can help you create a grounded plan that honors both science and your body’s innate wisdom. You can also explore the free 15-minute Q&A and Fertility Tips Walk & Talks available through my website.

Sometimes the most revealing question is not simply, “What is my AMH?” but “What is my body asking me to understand before the next step?” Ready for personalized guidance? Download my Free Fertility Handbook and begin meeting your fertility journey with more knowledge, nourishment, and hope.

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack and please go to my website.

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

A cycle that feels unpredictable can make trying to conceive feel like a monthly guessing game. If you are wondering how to support ovulation naturally, begin with this gentle truth: your body is not a problem to solve. It is a wise, responsive system that often needs more safety, nourishment, information, and individualized support than a one-size-fits-all plan can offer.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. It relies on a delicate conversation between the brain, thyroid, adrenal system, ovaries, metabolism, circulation, and emotional well-being. When one area is under strain, the cycle may shift. That does not mean you have done anything wrong. It means your body may be asking for deeper care.

In more than 30 years of fertility practice, and through my own experience overcoming infertility, I have seen that small, steady changes can create meaningful shifts in how a woman understands and supports her cycle. Natural fertility care is not about forcing ovulation. It is about helping create the conditions in which your body can do what it is designed to do.

Care begins with knowing your cycle

Before adding supplements, changing your diet, or following the latest fertility trend, learn what your cycle is telling you. Cycle tracking can reveal whether you appear to be ovulating, when your fertile window may be, and what patterns deserve a closer look.

Cervical mucus is one useful sign. As estrogen rises before ovulation, many women notice clear, slippery, stretchy fluid, often compared to egg whites. Basal body temperature tracking can confirm that ovulation likely occurred after the fact, because progesterone causes a sustained temperature rise. Ovulation predictor kits can identify a rise in luteinizing hormone, although a positive test does not always confirm that an egg was released, particularly for some women with PCOS.

Tracking is not meant to turn your life into a science project. Let it be an act of listening. Record the first day of full menstrual flow, changes in cervical mucus, temperatures if you choose to take them, sleep, stress, and symptoms such as acne, spotting, or pelvic pain. Bring this information to your Acupuncturist - Chinese Medicine Doctor, OB-GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, or fertility practitioner. It can help guide appropriate testing and personalized care.

If cycles are consistently shorter than 21 days, longer than 35 days, absent for three months or more when you are not pregnant, or accompanied by severe pain or very heavy bleeding, please seek medical evaluation. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea, elevated prolactin, endometriosis, and diminished ovarian reserve deserve thoughtful attention.

How to support ovulation naturally through food

Your ovaries do not function in isolation from the rest of your body. Ovulation requires energy, healthy blood-sugar signaling, adequate protein, essential fats, and micronutrients. Restrictive dieting, skipping meals, and chronic under-fueling can be especially disruptive for some women, even when the intention is to “eat clean.”

Aim for consistent, satisfying meals built around protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, colorful produce, and nourishing fats. Remember to eat warm cooked foods to help them digest easier to build strong blood and qi. A breakfast of eggs with vegetables and avocado, or Greek yogurt with berries, chia seeds, and nuts, may offer steadier energy than coffee and a pastry. At lunch and dinner, think of a balanced plate: protein such as fish, poultry, tofu, beans, or lentils; vegetables; a carbohydrate such as sweet potato, quinoa, brown rice, or fruit; and a source of healthy fat.

Blood-sugar stability matters because repeated spikes and crashes can influence insulin, inflammation, and reproductive hormones. This is particularly relevant for women with PCOS, but balanced meals support every fertility journey. You do not need perfection. You need enough nourishment, often enough, for your body to trust that resources are available.

Some nutrients are especially relevant to preconception health, including folate, iron, vitamin D, omega-3 fats, choline, iodine, zinc, and selenium. Yet the right supplement plan depends on your medical history, diet, medications, lab work, and fertility diagnosis. More is not always better. High doses of certain supplements or herbs can be inappropriate when you are taking medications, preparing for IVF, or managing conditions such as thyroid disease. Personalized guidance is a form of self-respect.

Restore the rhythm of rest and movement

The body reads chronic stress, intense exercise without enough recovery, and poor sleep as signals that resources may be scarce. Stress alone does not explain every ovulation challenge, and no woman should be blamed for her fertility struggle. Still, supporting your nervous system can be a meaningful part of whole-body fertility care.

Start with what is realistic. A 10-minute walk after dinner, gentle yoga, breathwork, time outdoors, a restorative bath, prayer, journaling, or a regular bedtime can help shift the body toward greater regulation. You can try my Qiyoga at home self care videos CLICK HERE. Movement supports circulation, mood, insulin sensitivity, and connection to your body. But if you are exhausted, underweight, losing periods, or recovering from intense training, more exercise may not be the answer. In those circumstances, reducing intensity and increasing nourishment may be more supportive.

Sleep is also a fertility foundation. Try to create a consistent sleep window, dim lights in the evening, and avoid scrolling through fertility forums when your nervous system needs rest. There is a difference between being informed and being flooded. Protecting your peace is not giving up. It is caring for the woman who is carrying this hope.

Support circulation, connection, and the whole person

Traditional Chinese Medicine has long viewed fertility through the lens of blood flow, vitality, stress patterns, digestion, and the smooth movement of qi, or life energy. In clinical practice, acupuncture and acupressure may be used as part of an integrative plan to support relaxation, circulation, sleep, and cycle awareness. Research on acupuncture and fertility is still evolving, so I encourage women to view it as supportive care rather than a promise or substitute for appropriate medical evaluation.

Gentle abdominal massage, warm cooked meals, adequate hydration, and avoiding constant exposure to cold can also fit beautifully within a Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired approach. However, the right recommendations vary. For example, a woman with signs of inflammation, heavy bleeding, or endometriosis may need a different plan than someone whose cycles are absent after under-eating or over-exercising.

Herbal medicine can be powerful, which is exactly why it should be individualized. Please do not combine multiple fertility herbs based on social media advice. A qualified practitioner can consider your cycle pattern, hormone labs, diagnosis, medications, and whether you are trying naturally or receiving fertility treatment.

Compassion belongs in your fertility plan

There can be a quiet grief in seeing another negative pregnancy test, watching friends announce pregnancies, or wondering why your body is not following the timeline you imagined. You may feel hopeful one day and deeply tired the next. Both feelings can be true.

I have mentioned listening to Michael Sealy on YouTube or Pura Rasa. I also personally enjoy Grace Prayer. All calming meditative guided healing on YouTube.

Please do not measure your worth by your cycle length, an ovulation strip, an AMH number, or the number of months you have been trying. Fertility challenges can be physically demanding, financially stressful, and emotionally isolating. You deserve care that sees all of you, not just your lab values.

For some women, ovulation support includes advocating for more answers: a semen analysis for a partner, thyroid testing, evaluation for PCOS, assessment of painful periods, or a conversation about recurrent miscarriage. Fertility is a couple’s journey when there is a partner involved, and sperm health matters too. A whole-body approach looks beyond the ovary to the full picture.

A gentle next step

Choose one supportive practice this week: eat a protein-rich breakfast, begin simple cycle tracking, go to bed 30 minutes earlier, or schedule a conversation with a trusted provider. Small actions become powerful when they are repeated with love instead of fear.

I have walked this path personally and have had the honor of helping women and couples find clearer answers and renewed hope for over three decades. Whether you are navigating irregular ovulation, PCOS, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, low ovarian reserve, IVF support, or recurrent loss, your story deserves an individualized plan.

Ready for personalized guidance?

Sometimes the question is not simply whether you are ovulating. It is what your unique cycle may be trying to tell you about egg quality, hormones, inflammation, stress, nourishment, or the next most loving step forward.

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack.

Download my Free Fertility Handbook for a nurturing starting point and practical guidance for your fertility journey. You can also explore a free 15-minute Q&A or Free Fertility Tips Walk & Talks through Fertility Whisperer™. For those seeking deeper support, in-clinic care in San Jose, individual consultations where permitted, and the Boosting Fertility Naturally™ self-guided program offer different ways to receive care.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

Wonderful Success Stories from this past WEEK.

I share three inspiring fertility success stories from my clinic this week, including a patient who conceived after seven years of trying with just one acupuncture session on ovulation day. I explain how improving blood flow, reducing inflammation through a Mediterranean diet, and detoxing with my Kitchari Detox Soup can boost fertility naturally, and I emphasize the importance of relaxation and continued care through the first trimester. #drshastaericson #fertilityisnaturaltrustnature #fertilityjourney #fertilitywhisperer

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. I offer free 15 min Q and A, an Online BFN program and in clinic programs (all available on my website). If you or anyone you know is struggling with infertility, please share this Substack.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

Wonderful Story for Encouraging Those of You Who Are Struggling. Increasing the flow of blood and hormones while relaxing the body with acupuncture is powerful. I have witnessed stories like this multiple times over the years and always encourage my patients to come in around and on ovulation as much as possible. The downregulation of acupuncture into the parasympathetic nervous system (the fertile state) is very important. With acupuncture the neurotransmitters released from the brain do this and the needles are categorized as a type II medical device. and from my perspective, act like little micro surgical tools to encourage the flow of blood and hormones.

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be on assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack. I offer free 15 minute Q & A, an Online Course and In Clinic Programs all available on my website.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO INSPIRING STORY FOR STRENGTH AND HOPE. MULTIPLE MISCARRRIAGES WITH HIGH FSH AND LOW AMH AT NEARLY 16 WEEKS NOW WITH A BABY BOY.

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of service to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack. I offer a Free Fertility Handbook free 15 minute Q & A, an Online program, in clinic and Fertility Walk and Talks on YouTube. please visit my site for the details.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Share Fertility Whisperer's Substack

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

https://www.fertilitywhisperer.com/

A wonderful patient of mine has shared this amazing functional medicine membership telehealth group. They recently have started accepting some insurance as well.

I believe in using integrative medicine and utilizing the best of East and West. You may like this group as my patient has. She utilized my Chinese Medicine and Parsley Health for additional Functional Medicine in assisting her with getting pregnant and having a healthy baby), and we are now preparing her for baby number 2.

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack. I offer in clinic, online program and free 15 min Q & A.

Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

The two-week wait can make every sensation feel significant. Whether you are trying naturally, preparing for an embryo transfer, or recovering from another disappointing cycle, you deserve support that honors both the science and the tender emotional reality of this moment. Understanding how acupuncture supports implantation naturally can help you make grounded choices without placing the entire weight of your hopes on any single treatment.

Implantation is a beautifully complex conversation between an embryo, the uterine lining, hormones, immune signals, circulation, and the nervous system. Acupuncture cannot guarantee pregnancy or implantation. What it can do, as part of thoughtful, individualized fertility care, is support the conditions in which your body may be better prepared to receive and nourish new life.

How acupuncture supports implantation naturally

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, implantation support is not approached as a one-size-fits-all protocol. We look at the whole landscape: the quality and length of your cycle, menstrual blood flow, sleep, digestion, stress load, energy, temperature, medication history, and fertility diagnosis. A person with endometriosis may need a different approach than someone with PCOS, diminished ovarian reserve, recurrent loss, or unexplained infertility.

From an evidence-informed perspective, acupuncture is often used to encourage relaxation, support pelvic blood flow, and help regulate the stress response. These areas matter because the reproductive system does not operate separately from the rest of the body. When you are depleted, undernourished, inflamed, or constantly bracing for bad news, your body receives a very different set of signals than when it has consistent nourishment, rest, and safety.

Supporting circulation to the pelvis

Healthy blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, including to the uterus and ovaries. In Chinese medicine, we also assess whether there are signs of blood stagnation, such as painful periods, dark flow with clots, fixed pelvic pain, or a history of endometriosis. Acupuncture may be chosen to support smooth circulation and ease pelvic tension.

This does not mean that more treatment is always better. Timing, your diagnosis, the medications you are taking, and whether you are in a natural, medicated, or IVF cycle all guide the plan. A fertility-trained acupuncturist should coordinate care thoughtfully and encourage you to remain in communication with your reproductive endocrinologist or OB-GYN.

Calming the nervous system

Fertility stress is not your fault, and you cannot simply “relax your way” into pregnancy. Still, chronic stress can affect sleep, appetite, digestion, inflammation, and hormonal signaling. Many patients describe acupuncture as a protected hour where their shoulders finally soften and their mind becomes quieter.

That calmer state is meaningful. Acupuncture may support the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the rest-and-digest response. When paired with gentle breathing, restorative yoga, prayer or meditation, and realistic boundaries around fertility research, it can help create more steadiness during a time that so often feels beyond your control.

Creating a more balanced whole-body environment

Implantation is not only about the uterus. Thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, nutrient status, digestion, inflammatory patterns, and sleep can all influence fertility health. This is why I do not focus on acupuncture alone. In my more than 30 years of clinical practice, I have seen the greatest shifts when treatment is woven into a broader plan that nourishes the whole person.

For some people, that plan may include fertility-focused nutrition, functional medicine testing when appropriate, carefully selected supplements, herbal medicine, movement, and acupressure. Herbs and supplements should never be added casually, especially around an embryo transfer or when you are taking fertility medications. What is supportive in one phase of a cycle may not be right in another.

A gentle implantation-support routine at home

Your daily choices do not need to be perfect to be powerful. Begin with a few consistent practices that help your body feel nourished rather than managed.

Prioritize regular meals with protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, colorful vegetables, and nourishing fats. Skipping meals and relying on caffeine to push through exhaustion can make blood sugar and stress patterns more difficult to stabilize. Warm, easy-to-digest meals are often especially comforting after ovulation, though your plan should reflect your individual needs and medical history.

Protect sleep as much as you can. A simple evening rhythm - dimmer lights, a warm shower, gentle stretching, and a phone outside the bedroom - can be more helpful than another late-night search for implantation symptoms. Consider a short daily walk as well. Movement supports circulation and can offer emotional relief without placing your body under intense physical strain.

You might also place one hand over your lower belly and one over your heart for several slow breaths. This is not a treatment for infertility. It is a small act of self-compassion, a way of reminding your body that it does not have to carry this journey in isolation.

What acupuncture for implantation can and cannot do

I want to be clear and hopeful at the same time. Acupuncture is a supportive therapy, not a replacement for medical evaluation or treatment. If you have blocked tubes, severe male-factor infertility, recurrent miscarriage, significant fibroids, or a known genetic concern, you may need specialized medical care alongside holistic support.

It also depends on timing. Some people benefit from beginning acupuncture several months before trying to conceive or starting IVF, allowing time to address cycle regularity, stress, digestion, and vitality. Others come in shortly before a transfer and want support during an emotionally intense window. Both are valid, but the goals and expectations should be different.

I understand the ache behind the question, “What else can I do?” I struggled with infertility myself before becoming a mother, and that experience changed how I care for patients. You are not a set of lab values, a failed cycle, or a diagnosis. You are a whole person carrying a deep dream of family, and you deserve care that makes room for both evidence and hope.

A personalized path is often the missing piece

The most useful fertility plan is one that responds to your body. Your menstrual history may reveal clues about uterine lining support. Your digestion and energy may point toward nutrient absorption or blood sugar concerns. Your partner’s health, including sperm factors, belongs in the conversation too.

At Fertility Whisperer™, I bring together acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, fertility nutrition, lifestyle medicine, yoga and acupressure, and functional medicine principles to help patients understand their own fertility landscape. In-clinic care is available in San Jose, while education and select consultations can provide support more broadly where permitted.

And sometimes the next question is not simply whether acupuncture can support implantation. It is this: what has your body been trying to tell you through your cycles, symptoms, energy, and previous fertility experiences that has not yet been fully heard?

I help infertile women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies! If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack. I offer Free 15 minute Q & A, YouTube Fertility Tips Walk & Talks, A Free Fertility Handbook and an Online Boosting Fertility Naturally Program.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

Click Here to view this super cute clothing line one of my patients is wearing and it looks so pretty and comfortable, I wanted to share with all of you.

Happy Summer!

Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

If you have been told that age, AMH, or a disappointing IVF cycle is the whole story, food can feel almost too simple to matter. Yet the best foods for egg quality can be a meaningful part of supporting the cellular health, hormone balance, circulation, and steady energy your body needs as it prepares for conception. They are not a promise or a replacement for medical care. They are a daily way to offer your body the nourishment and loving attention it deserves.

I know how tender this season can be. I experienced infertility myself, and over more than 30 years of helping patients, I have seen how exhausting it is to track every cycle, search every study, and wonder whether you missed something. My approach is never to blame you or ask you to eat perfectly. It is to help you create a foundation that supports your whole fertile self.

What “egg quality” really means

Egg quality is a common phrase, but it is not a single lab value you can fix with one smoothie or supplement. It generally refers to an egg’s ability to mature, be fertilized, and support healthy early development. Age influences egg quality, and so can factors such as inflammation, blood-sugar regulation, nutrient status, oxidative stress, sleep, thyroid health, and certain medical conditions.

The developing follicle has a long preparation period, often discussed as roughly three months. That gives nutrition a practical role: what you eat consistently in the months before trying to conceive or beginning an IVF cycle may help create a more supportive environment. Traditional Chinese Medicine also views fertility through the lens of nourishment, blood flow, digestion, and the body’s vital reserves. Functional medicine asks a related question: what might be draining your capacity to heal and thrive?

The best foods for egg quality to eat regularly

Rather than chasing a rigid fertility diet, aim for colorful, satisfying meals built from whole foods. The following choices provide nutrients associated with antioxidant protection, healthy fats, mitochondrial function, and balanced blood sugar.

1. Deeply colored berries and citrus

Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, oranges, grapefruit, and kiwi bring vitamin C and plant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Add berries to plain Greek yogurt or chia pudding, or have citrus alongside iron-rich plant foods to support iron absorption.

2. Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables

Spinach, kale, arugula, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage offer folate, vitamin C, and a wide range of phytonutrients. Folate is especially essential before pregnancy because it supports early neural-tube development. If raw salads leave you bloated or chilled, gently sauteing greens in olive oil can be a more nourishing choice for digestion.

3. Eggs, beans, and lentils

Eggs provide choline, protein, selenium, and other nutrients that support preconception health. Lentils, black beans, chickpeas, and other legumes offer plant protein, fiber, folate, iron, and slow-burning carbohydrates. These are especially helpful when you need steadier energy and fewer blood-sugar swings.

4. Omega-3-rich fish

Salmon, sardines, trout, anchovies, and herring provide omega-3 fats, including DHA and EPA, along with protein and vitamin D. Choose lower-mercury fish and enjoy it a couple of times each week if it fits your preferences and medical guidance. If you do not eat fish, walnuts, chia, flax, and hemp seeds are valuable plant sources, though they do not provide DHA and EPA in the same amounts.

5. Extra-virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds

Healthy fats are building blocks for hormones and help meals feel satisfying. Olive oil, avocado, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and tahini are simple ways to include vitamin E, minerals, and anti-inflammatory fats. A drizzle of olive oil on vegetables is not an indulgence. It can help your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients.

6. Slow, fiber-rich carbohydrates

Quinoa, oats, brown rice, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and beans support a more gradual rise in blood sugar than highly refined grains and sweets. This matters for everyone, and it can be particularly meaningful for those with PCOS, insulin resistance, or irregular ovulation. The goal is not to fear carbohydrates. It is to pair quality carbohydrates with protein, fat, and fiber so your body feels safe and steadily fueled.

7. Protein at breakfast

A fertility-supportive breakfast is often less about one miracle food and more about avoiding the blood-sugar roller coaster that can follow pastries, sweetened coffee drinks, or cereal alone. Try eggs with sauteed greens and sweet potato, plain yogurt with berries and walnuts, or a savory bowl of lentils, avocado, and vegetables. Notice which breakfast leaves you clear-headed and comfortably full through the morning.

8. Iron- and zinc-containing foods

Iron and zinc are involved in ovulation, oxygen delivery, and cellular repair. Include foods such as lentils, beans, pumpkin seeds, oysters, poultry, lean red meat if you eat it, and dark leafy greens. Heavy periods, a vegetarian or vegan diet, digestive conditions, and past low ferritin can change your needs, so testing and individualized guidance are wiser than guessing with high-dose iron.

9. Full-fat, unsweetened dairy or nourishing alternatives

For people who tolerate dairy, plain yogurt, kefir, and cottage cheese can provide protein, calcium, iodine, and probiotics. If dairy does not agree with you, choose an unsweetened fortified alternative and look elsewhere for protein and iodine. There is no universal fertility food plan. Your digestion, culture, ethics, budget, and medical history all matter.

10. Colorful herbs, spices, and teas

Ginger, turmeric used in cooking, cinnamon, garlic, and fresh herbs add flavor and protective plant compounds without making meals complicated. In Chinese medicine, warm cooked meals and aromatic spices are often used thoughtfully to support digestion and circulation. Herbal formulas can be helpful in the right circumstances, but they should be personalized, especially when you are using fertility medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.

A simple way to build your plate

At most meals, begin with a palm-sized portion of protein, then add a generous portion of colorful vegetables, a fiber-rich carbohydrate, and a source of nourishing fat. This creates more stability than trying to survive on salads, juices, or restrictive cleanses. Your fertility journey needs enough food, not less food.

For example, lunch might be a salmon and quinoa bowl with roasted broccoli, avocado, and lemon-olive oil dressing. Dinner could be lentil soup with kale, a side of roasted sweet potato, and pumpkin seeds. These meals are not glamorous, but consistency is often more powerful than perfection.

Hydration belongs here, too. Water, mineral water, broths, and unsweetened teas can support digestion and circulation. Caffeine does not need to be a source of panic, but keep it moderate and consider what it does to your sleep, anxiety, and appetite. Alcohol is another area where personalized guidance matters when you are trying to conceive or preparing for treatment.

Remember, fertility happens in a state of passion - heat… In TCM nutrition we believe eating more warm cooked foods and avoiding cold fluids helps this combustion happen. I usually recommend a Mediterranean (organic seasonal foods) in the Zone friendly quantities (Read The Zone, and A Week in the Zone books) for blood sugar stabilizing zone recipes.

What food cannot tell you on its own

Nutrition is powerful, but it cannot answer every fertility question. If you are facing diminished ovarian reserve, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage, irregular cycles, male-factor infertility, or repeated IVF disappointment, you deserve care that looks beyond a grocery list. Labs, cycle patterns, inflammation, digestion, stress physiology, sperm health, sleep, movement, acupuncture, and emotional support may all deserve attention.

This is where compassion becomes practical. You do not have to earn fertility support by doing everything flawlessly. Start with one or two changes that feel sustainable, such as adding protein to breakfast and preparing vegetables with dinner. Let that be an act of self-trust, not another test you can fail.

In my clinical work, I combine evidence-informed nutrition with acupuncture, herbal medicine when appropriate, functional medicine, lifestyle guidance, yoga, acupressure, and the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Whether you are trying naturally or alongside reproductive care, a personalized plan can help identify the patterns that a general food list cannot see.

Here is a chart showing foods that help build blood and are good for building egg quality & quantity.

I help infertile women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If you or anyone you know is suffering please share this Substack. I offer free 15 min Q & A’s on my website.

Shasta Ericson D.A.O.M.

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

When you have been tracking cycles, changing your diet, or facing another month of waiting, the word “inflammation” can feel like one more problem to solve. But learning how to reduce inflammation for fertility is not about achieving a perfect body or following a restrictive plan. It is about gently creating conditions in which your hormones, digestion, circulation, immune system, and reproductive organs can communicate more harmoniously.

Inflammation is a normal and necessary part of healing. Your body uses it to fight infection and repair injury. The concern is persistent, low-grade inflammation, which may be influenced by chronic stress, blood-sugar swings, poor sleep, digestive imbalances, environmental exposures, untreated medical conditions, and certain inflammatory conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS. Fertility is never a simple inflammation equation, but reducing the burdens your body is carrying can be a meaningful part of whole-body preconception care.

I know the longing behind this work personally. I struggled with infertility before becoming a mother, and for more than 30 years I have helped women and couples look beyond a single lab value or diagnosis to understand the fuller story their bodies may be telling. You deserve care that honors both the science and the tenderness of this chapter.

How to Reduce Inflammation for Fertility With Food

A fertility-supportive way of eating does not need to be punishing. In fact, overly restrictive diets can add stress, reduce nutrient intake, and make an already emotional journey harder. The goal is consistent nourishment that supports steadier blood sugar, a diverse gut microbiome, and the nutrients involved in ovulation, egg development, sperm health, and implantation.

Build most meals around colorful vegetables, fruit, beans or lentils if they work well for you, whole grains, quality protein, and nourishing fats. Think salmon with roasted vegetables and quinoa, or a warm lentil soup with greens and olive oil. Berries, leafy greens, citrus, cooked tomatoes, herbs, nuts, seeds, and extra-virgin olive oil offer a rich range of protective plant compounds.

Protein matters more than many people realize. Including it at breakfast and throughout the day may help reduce the blood-sugar peaks and crashes that can aggravate inflammation for some people. Eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, tempeh, Greek yogurt, beans, and lentils can all have a place, depending on your preferences and medical needs.

It can also be helpful to notice, without judgment, what is crowding out nourishment. Frequent sugary drinks, highly processed snack foods, excessive alcohol, and foods that leave you feeling bloated, exhausted, or achy may be worth reducing. You do not have to eliminate every enjoyable food. A calm, well-fed nervous system is part of fertility care too.

Support the Gut Without Guesswork

Much of the immune system is connected to the digestive tract. Constipation, chronic diarrhea, reflux, food reactions, or ongoing bloating are not simply inconveniences to ignore when you are preparing for pregnancy. They are useful clues.

Start with basics: adequate water, fiber added gradually, regular meals, and fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi if tolerated. If symptoms are persistent or significant, personalized testing and clinical guidance may be more useful than trying supplement after supplement. The right approach depends on your history, medications, nutrient status, and whether conditions such as celiac disease, thyroid disease, or inflammatory bowel disease have been evaluated.

Restore the Rhythms That Calm Inflammation

Your body does not separate emotional stress from physical stress as neatly as we wish it would. A demanding job, grief after a loss, an intense exercise routine, irregular sleep, and fertility treatment appointments can all add to the same internal load. This is not your fault, and it does not mean stress caused your fertility challenge. It means your nervous system deserves support alongside your reproductive care.

Sleep is one of the most practical places to begin. Aim for a regular bedtime and waking time, a darker and cooler bedroom, and a gentle wind-down ritual that tells your body the day is complete. Even ten minutes of stretching, prayer, slow breathing, journaling, or a warm bath can become a powerful cue for rest.

Movement should leave you feeling more grounded, not depleted. Walking, gentle strength training, yoga, swimming, and cycling can support circulation, mood, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation. If you are already exhausted, missing periods, or recovering from an IVF retrieval, more intensity is not always better. Your body may be asking for restoration rather than another challenge.

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a beautiful lens here. From this perspective, fertility is supported by abundant Qi and Blood, smooth circulation, and a regulated nervous system. Acupuncture, individualized herbal medicine when appropriate, yoga, and acupressure may be used to encourage relaxation, circulation, sleep, and overall balance. These therapies are not replacements for medical evaluation or fertility treatment when needed. They can be thoughtful partners within an integrative plan.

Look for the Root Causes That Need Attention

There is no single “anti-inflammatory” protocol that fits every fertility journey. Someone with PCOS may benefit from focused blood-sugar support. A person with endometriosis may need coordinated care for pelvic pain and inflammatory symptoms. Those with recurrent miscarriage, thyroid concerns, poor ovarian reserve, male-factor infertility, or unexplained infertility each deserve an individualized assessment rather than generic advice. Inflammation can lead to blood stagnation which causes many fertility related problems including endometriosis and the above mentioned issues.

Ask your medical team whether any symptoms or history point to conditions needing further evaluation. Depending on your situation, this may include thyroid health, insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune concerns, pelvic infection, sleep apnea, or gastrointestinal conditions. Functional medicine can add another layer by exploring patterns in nutrition, digestion, stress physiology, environmental exposures, and metabolic health.

Be thoughtful with supplements. Omega-3 fats, vitamin D, prenatal nutrients, magnesium, probiotics, and antioxidant support can be helpful in certain circumstances, but they are not automatically right for everyone. Quality, dosage, timing, medication interactions, pregnancy safety, and your treatment plan all matter. If you are undergoing IVF, using prescription medication, or have a medical diagnosis, coordinate supplements and herbs with qualified professionals who understand fertility care.

A Gentle Seven-Day Starting Practice

Rather than changing everything at once, choose one supportive practice for the next week. Make a protein-rich breakfast. Add two colors of produce to lunch and dinner. Take a ten-minute walk after a meal. Put your phone away thirty minutes before bed. Schedule a moment to breathe with one hand over your heart and one over your lower abdomen.

These small choices are not trivial. They are daily messages of care to a body that may have felt scrutinized, rushed, or betrayed. Compassion is not separate from your plan. It is part of the plan.

If you run cold, please consider eating mostly warm and cooked vegetables and food, like soups, stews, porridges and stir fries.

I also recommend the Zone Diet - all organic (blood sugar stabilizing diet is a very good guide for keeping the high glycemic foods (which increase your inflammation) in check.

Personalized Fertility Care Makes Room for Your Whole Story

After three decades in practice, I have seen that the most meaningful plans begin with listening. Your cycle, lab work, digestion, sleep, emotional landscape, previous pregnancies, fertility treatments, partner’s health, and personal goals all matter. Some people need a clear nutrition structure; others need support getting out of the cycle of restriction and fear. Some benefit from acupuncture and bodywork, while others need focused functional medicine guidance, herbs, or lifestyle coaching alongside reproductive endocrinology care.

At Fertility Whisperer™, I bring these pieces together with respect for your unique path. In-clinic care in San Jose and personalized guidance through appropriate telehealth options can help you identify practical next steps without losing sight of the deeper healing work. Whether you are trying naturally, preparing for IVF, or seeking support after disappointment, you do not have to carry every decision alone.

There is also a mystery worth holding with hope: when your body begins receiving more consistent nourishment, rest, circulation, and compassionate attention, what other patterns may start to reveal themselves? Sometimes the next helpful clue is not found in doing more, but in finally understanding what your body has been asking for.

Ready for personalized guidance? Download the Free Fertility Handbook for nurturing, practical next steps, and explore the Free 15-Minute Q&A and Free Fertility Tips Walk & Talks available on the Fertility Whisperer™ website. Let this be a gentle beginning: a way of listening more closely to the wisdom already living within you. If you are not local to me I offer an online and/or virtual Boosting Fertility Naturally Program.

I help struggling women who are experiencing great despair get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

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You may have conceived your first child without much difficulty, or perhaps with help that you hoped you would not need again. Now, month after month, you are waiting for a positive pregnancy test that does not come. Acupuncture for secondary infertility offers a gentle, whole-body way to explore what may have changed and support your fertility journey with greater care, clarity, and compassion.

Secondary infertility can feel especially isolating. You may love your child deeply while grieving the family you still hope to grow. You may also feel confused by comments like, “At least you have one.” Your longing is valid. Your body deserves thoughtful attention, not blame.

What secondary infertility can reveal

Secondary infertility generally means difficulty becoming pregnant or carrying a pregnancy after having previously conceived. For women under 35, an evaluation is often recommended after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse without pregnancy. For those 35 and older, after six months is a common guideline. If cycles are very irregular, periods are absent, there is a history of recurrent loss, endometriosis, pelvic surgery, or known male-factor concerns, it can make sense to seek support sooner.

A prior pregnancy tells us your body has conceived before. It does not necessarily tell us what is happening now. Fertility can change with age, postpartum depletion, sleep disruption, stress, thyroid shifts, changes in ovarian reserve, inflammation, insulin resistance, endometriosis, uterine factors, sperm health, or simply the cumulative demands of caring for a family while trying again.

This is why I do not see secondary infertility as one single problem to fix. I see it as an invitation to look beneath the surface. In my more than 30 years of clinical practice, and through my own experience overcoming infertility, I have learned that the most helpful plans are personal. They consider your cycle, health history, lab work, emotional load, nourishment, partnership, and the care you have already received.

How acupuncture for secondary infertility may help

Acupuncture is a core part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a medical system that has long considered fertility in the context of the entire person. From a modern perspective, research suggests acupuncture may influence nervous-system regulation, blood flow, pain perception, and stress-related physiology. These are meaningful areas to address when someone is trying to conceive, though acupuncture is not a guarantee of pregnancy and should not replace appropriate medical evaluation.

In practice, treatment may be used to support more regular ovulation, ease painful or heavy periods, improve sleep, reduce tension, and help you feel more grounded during an emotionally demanding process. For someone with endometriosis symptoms, for example, reducing pelvic pain and supporting inflammation-conscious habits may be an important part of a broader plan. For someone with polycystic ovary syndrome, the focus may include cycle regularity, blood-sugar balance, movement, and stress resilience.

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses its own diagnostic framework. I may assess patterns involving circulation, nourishment, warmth, stress response, digestion, and constitutional vitality. Your pulse, tongue, menstrual flow, cervical mucus, sleep, energy, and mood all offer useful clues. This does not replace reproductive endocrinology or gynecologic care. It adds another lens, one that asks how your whole system is functioning.

A calmer nervous system is not a small thing

When you have been trying for months or years, stress advice can sound dismissive. You cannot simply relax your way into pregnancy, and no caring practitioner should suggest otherwise. Yet chronic stress can affect sleep, appetite, digestion, libido, and the experience of your cycle. It can also make fertility treatment feel like a second full-time job.

Acupuncture appointments can create protected space to exhale. Many patients describe feeling calmer, sleeping more deeply, or reconnecting with a sense of trust in their body. Those changes alone do not explain every fertility outcome, but they matter. Your emotional well-being is not separate from your fertility care.

What a personalized fertility plan may include

Acupuncture tends to work best as part of a thoughtful, integrated plan rather than as a stand-alone, one-size-fits-all intervention. The frequency of treatment depends on your history, goals, cycle pattern, and whether you are trying naturally or preparing for assisted reproductive care. Some people begin with weekly visits for several months, then adjust as their cycles and treatment needs evolve.

Alongside acupuncture, I often consider functional medicine principles, fertility nutrition, lifestyle medicine, yoga, acupressure, and, when appropriate, individualized Chinese herbal medicine and supplement guidance. Every recommendation should be matched to your health history and coordinated carefully with your medical team, especially if you are using fertility medications or preparing for IVF.

There are a few nourishing places you can begin now:

• Track your cycle with curiosity, not judgment. Notice cycle length, ovulation signs, bleeding patterns, pain, sleep, and mood.

• Build steady meals around protein, colorful plants, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support stable energy and blood-sugar balance.

• Protect a small daily restoration practice. Ten minutes of walking, breathing, gentle yoga, prayer, journaling, or acupressure can be more sustainable than an ambitious routine you cannot maintain.

• Ask for a complete evaluation for both partners. Sperm health is part of the fertility picture, and you should not have to carry the entire burden alone.

Small steps become powerful when they are consistent. They also give us valuable information about how your body responds.

When medical testing and acupuncture belong together

An integrative approach is not about choosing natural care instead of conventional medicine. It is about using the right tools at the right time. A fertility evaluation may include confirmation of ovulation, ovarian reserve testing, thyroid and metabolic screening, uterine and tubal assessment, and semen analysis. The details depend on your age, history, and symptoms.

If you are already working with an OB-GYN or reproductive endocrinologist, acupuncture can often be a supportive companion to that care. Some people seek treatment while trying naturally. Others use it before or during IVF to help support their overall well-being, sleep, digestion, stress levels, and readiness for treatment. Safety matters: always tell your acupuncturist about medications, supplements, pregnancy status, bleeding disorders, and fertility treatment plans.

A qualified fertility-focused acupuncturist should be willing to work alongside your medical providers, not discourage needed testing or make promises that no one can honestly make. Hope is not the same as certainty. Real hope is having a plan, being listened to, and knowing there are still supportive next steps available.

The question beneath “Why isn’t this working?”

Often, the question I hear is not only, “Why am I not pregnant yet?” It is, “What happened to my body?” That question deserves tenderness. Your body has not failed you. It may be asking for deeper nourishment, better information, more time, targeted care, or support for factors that were never fully addressed.

There can also be hidden pieces that deserve a closer look: egg quality, sperm health, implantation, inflammation, thyroid function, recurrent miscarriage patterns, or the way stress and depletion have accumulated after pregnancy and parenting. You do not need to solve all of this alone, and you do not need to wait until you feel completely depleted to ask for help.

Ready for personalized guidance?

If secondary infertility has left you feeling discouraged, I invite you to download the Free Fertility Handbook CLICK HERE. . It is designed to help you understand your next supportive steps and leads you to a FREE 15-minute Fertility Call, where we can begin exploring what kind of care may fit your journey. You can also join my Free Fertility Tips Walk & Talks for gentle education and encouragement.

Whether you are local to San Jose for in-clinic care or seeking support through the Boosting Fertility Naturally™ self-guided program or a consultation where permitted, there is room for a plan that honors both science and your inner wisdom. Sometimes the next answer is not more pressure, but the right question: what might your cycle be trying to tell us?

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

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I have been encouraging many of my patients to do things that calm their mind and sooth their spirit, as the struggle of infertility is one of the hardest things anyone can go through. I have recommended MICHAEL SEALY YouTube hypnosis channel, listening to chants or music, prayer, meditation and here is a guided meditation specifically for Fertility. Click CLICK HERE FOR FERTILITY GUIDED MEDITATION.. Fertility for the Soul MULTIPLE FERTILITY MEDITATIONS & AFFIRMATIONS.

I have made a flowing meditation for boosting fertility HERE.

I also have made Qiyoga for Sress Reducation At Home Movement Meditation Exercise HERE. Please feel free to Subsribe to My Fertility Whisperer YouTube Channel HERE for my few times a week Daily Fertility Tips Walk & Talks.

I hope you will find all of these helpful along your journey to grow your family.

I help infertile women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack. I offer free 15 minute Q & A for new possible patients

I will be offering a virtual online Boosting Fertility Naturally Program - CLICK HERE. If you wish to share my services with your friends and family that may not live in the Bay Area.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

Share Fertility Whisperer's Substack

I learned about this organ meat seasoning company while watching Mondays with Michael ) one of my amazing teachers, Dr. Michael Gaeta’s weekly zoom show at 10 PST CLICK HERE TO VIEW PLUCK'S SEASONINGS.

When it comes to fertility, what you feed your body matters. Healthy eggs, sperm, hormones, and a growing baby all require a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein.

One of the most nutrient-dense foods available is organ meat. Organ meats are rich in nutrients that support overall health and fertility, including iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin A, and essential amino acids.

The challenge is that many people don’t enjoy eating liver or other organ meats. That’s why I love the concept behind Eat Pluck seasonings. They combine grass-fed organ meats with delicious seasonings, making it easy to add nutrient density to meals without the strong taste that many people dislike.

Simply sprinkle it on eggs, vegetables, soups, meats, or other favorite dishes to give your body an extra nutritional boost.

Remember, fertility isn’t just about getting pregnant—it’s about creating the healthiest environment possible for conception, pregnancy, and a healthy baby.

For more daily fertility education, success stories, and natural fertility tips, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Fertility Whisperer. Join me for my Daily Walk & Talks, where I share simple, practical ways to boost fertility naturally and support your journey to building the family of your dreams. I offer free 15 minute A & A for new patients appoints available on my website if you wish for your friends to inquire into if I can assist them.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson, D.A.O.M.
The Fertility Whisperer™
Way of Wellness Healthcare Inc.

Follow along at www.fertilitywhisperer.com

Subscribe to Dr. Shasta’s on talk and walks tips on boosting fertility on YouTube.

That’s why I recently launched my YouTube channel, Fertility Whisperer where I share Daily Walk & Talks on fertility, hormone balance, pregnancy, IVF support, nutrition, acupuncture, natural health, and inspiring patient success stories.

My goal is to provide practical information, hope, and encouragement for those navigating one of life’s most emotional journeys.

Here is a hour Yoga & Acupressure for Fertility I made with Fairhaven Health that has many of the acupressure points I use in the clinic and can be utilized as a self care program at home: Yoga & Acupressure for Fertility with Dr. Shasta Ericson. 45 minute Video.

When Donor Eggs or Donor Sperm May Be the Right Choice

One of my newest videos discusses a topic that can be emotionally difficult but incredibly empowering: the use of donor eggs and donor sperm.

Many couples initially struggle with the idea of using donor eggs or donor sperm because they worry about genetics and whether the child will truly feel like their own. These feelings are completely understandable.

What many people don’t realize is that genetics are only part of the story.

The rapidly growing field of epigenetics demonstrates that gene expression is profoundly influenced by the environment surrounding the developing baby. The mother’s nutrition, stress levels, sleep quality, toxin exposure, inflammation levels, and overall health all influence how genes are expressed throughout pregnancy and beyond.

In many ways, the womb becomes the baby’s first environment and plays an extraordinary role in shaping development.

Families created through donor eggs or donor sperm are built through love, intention, commitment, and the willingness to welcome a child into the world. I have had the privilege of seeing many beautiful families created through these pathways, and they are every bit as meaningful and loving as any other family.

🎥 Watch the video here: CLICK HERE.
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Hidden Endometriosis: One of the Most Overlooked Causes of Infertility and Miscarriage

Another important topic I discuss on my channel is endometriosis.

Endometriosis is far more common than many people realize and may be present even when classic symptoms are absent. While painful periods can be a clue, some women with significant endometriosis have very few symptoms at all.

Endometriosis has been associated with:

• Infertility

• Recurrent miscarriage

• Failed IVF cycles

• Poor embryo implantation

• Chronic pelvic inflammation

• Pelvic pain

For patients experiencing unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, it may be important to investigate whether hidden inflammation is contributing to their fertility challenges.

One tool that may help identify underlying inflammatory patterns associated with endometriosis is the BCL6 test, which can sometimes uncover issues that are not obvious through routine fertility evaluations.

By identifying and addressing underlying inflammation, many women may improve their chances of achieving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

🎥 Watch the video here: CLICK HERE.

How a Simple Kitchari Cleanse Supported IVF Success—and a Natural Pregnancy Afterwards

One of my favorite patient success stories involves a woman who incorporated many of the principles I teach in my Boosting Fertility Naturally Program.

As part of her preparation, she used a gentle Kitchari-based detox program, focused on nourishing whole foods, reducing inflammation, supporting digestion, and creating a healthier foundation before IVF treatment.

She went on to have a successful IVF pregnancy and a healthy baby.

But the story didn’t end there.

After continuing many of the healthy lifestyle habits she had developed, she later returned and conceived a second child naturally. Both pregnancies progressed beautifully, and her story serves as a powerful reminder that fertility is influenced by far more than age alone.

When we support the body’s natural healing processes, remarkable things can happen.

🎥 Watch the video here: CLICK HERE.

Losing Weight, Improving Fertility, and Conceiving Naturally

Another inspiring success story features a woman who joined my Boosting Fertility Naturally Program and committed herself to making meaningful lifestyle changes.

Within the first month, she lost five pounds while following the program’s dietary recommendations and incorporating Kitchari detox soup into her routine.

Her focus wasn’t simply weight loss.

She was working toward creating a healthier internal environment that could support conception.

After only three acupuncture treatments and implementing these nutritional changes, she conceived naturally.

She continued many of the healthy habits she had established throughout her pregnancy journey and went on to enjoy a successful outcome.

Stories like these remind us that fertility is often influenced by multiple factors working together:

• Nutrition

• Hormone balance

• Inflammation

• Stress reduction

• Acupuncture

• Sleep quality

• Metabolic health

• Emotional well-being

Sometimes small, consistent changes create extraordinary results.

🎥 Watch the video here: CLICK HERE.

Follow Fertility Whisperer on YouTube

If you are trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, navigating recurrent miscarriage, addressing endometriosis, struggling with low AMH, PCOS, diminished ovarian reserve, or simply wanting to optimize your fertility, I invite you to join me.

On my YouTube channel, I share Daily Walk & Talks, fertility education, patient success stories, holistic health strategies, and practical tools that may help support your fertility journey.

👉 Subscribe to Fertility Whisperer:
[INSERT CHANNEL LINK]

Ready for More Personalized Support?

I am also excited to be launching my Boosting Fertility Naturally Program, designed to help women and couples identify hidden fertility obstacles and create a personalized roadmap toward healthier fertility.

See Dr. Shasta perform Acupuncture for fertility here.

For those who would like individual guidance, I also offer a complimentary 15-minute Fertility Q&A.

Schedule your free consultation at:

fertilitywhisperer.com

No matter where you are on your fertility journey, there is always hope. Please subscribe to my Youtube and share with your contacts. Thanks for all of your inspiration and support.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature.

Dr. Shasta Ericson D.A.O.M.

Holistic Fertility Specialist

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, and for many, the journey to conception involves more than medical testing and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF. Increasingly, patients and clinicians are exploring integrative care, combining conventional medicine with evidence-informed complementary therapies. Among the most studied of these is acupuncture, a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practiced for more than 2,000 years.

Today, acupuncture is not viewed simply as an “alternative” therapy, but as a supportive physiological intervention that may influence hormonal regulation, blood flow, stress response, and reproductive function. While research findings are mixed and nuanced, a growing body of clinical evidence suggests acupuncture can play a valuable adjunct role in fertility treatment and natural conception efforts.

Understanding Fertility Challenges

Before discussing acupuncture’s benefits, it’s important to understand the complexity of infertility. Infertility is generally defined as failure to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (6 months for women over 35). Causes include:

• Ovulatory dysfunction (e.g., PCOS)

• Hormonal imbalance

• Poor egg quality

• Thin endometrial lining

• Tubal blockage

• Male factor infertility

• Unexplained infertility

• Stress-related reproductive dysfunction

Because fertility depends on multiple biological systems such as endocrine, vascular, neurological, and immune, therapies that influence several of these simultaneously may provide benefit. This is where acupuncture comes in.

How Acupuncture Works in the Body

Modern research shows acupuncture is not simply symbolic “energy balancing.” Needle stimulation triggers measurable neurochemical and vascular responses.

Acupuncture stimulates nerves that influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, the hormonal system governing ovulation and menstrual cycles. Studies show acupuncture might trigger release of neurotransmitters, stimulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and influence ovulation and menstrual regularity.

Additionally, acupuncture may affect endogenous opioid peptides such as beta-endorphin, which modulate reproductive hormones. In IVF patients, acupuncture has been shown to increase estradiol and progesterone levels, hormones essential for implantation.

Why does this matter? Many infertility conditions, especially PCOS and irregular cycles, involve hormonal miscommunication rather than structural damage. Acupuncture helps regulate signaling rather than replace it.

Improved Blood Flow to the Uterus and Ovaries

A receptive uterine lining requires strong circulation. Several studies show acupuncture increases uterine and ovarian blood flow by reducing sympathetic nervous system activity.

Research also indicates acupuncture can improve endometrial thickness, enhance endometrial receptivity, and improve implantation environment.

Why does this matter? Many IVF failures are implantation failures not fertilization failures. Improving uterine blood flow directly targets this problem.

Stress Reduction and Cortisol Regulation

Infertility itself is a major psychological stressor, and stress alters reproductive hormones. Elevated cortisol can suppress ovulation and implantation. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces biological stress responses. It also promotes relaxation and lowers anxiety.

Why does this matter? Even in medically unexplained infertility, stress hormones can impair fertility. Addressing the brain-ovary connection may restore function.

Immune and Inflammatory Modulation

Successful implantation requires a carefully balanced immune response, neither overactive nor suppressed. Acupuncture might regulate inflammatory markers, improve uterine immune environment, and support embryo implantation. This mechanism is especially relevant in recurrent implantation failure or recurrent miscarriage.

Does Acupuncture Improve Fertility Outcomes?

Research on acupuncture and fertility spans natural conception and IVF support. Results vary, but patterns have emerged.

Many patients use acupuncture alongside IVF to improve success rates. A large meta-analysis of ART patients found acupuncture improved:

• Clinical pregnancy rate

• Live birth rate

• Fertilization rate

Another review reported improved biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates compared with control groups. Additional systematic reviews suggest acupuncture may increase clinical pregnancy rates in IVF-ET cycles. However, not all studies agree. A major randomized clinical trial found no significant difference in live birth rates between acupuncture and sham acupuncture.The consensus in reproductive medicine is not that acupuncture replaces IVF but that it may enhance outcomes for some patients, particularly when multiple physiological factors are involved.

Research also supports acupuncture for hormonal and ovulatory conditions.

Acupuncture might improve menstrual regularity in PCOS, improve pregnancy rates compared with no treatment in some trials, and improve fertility outcomes overall in women with infertility. It may also reduce pregnancy loss risk in certain populations.

Why Results Are Mixed in Research

You may notice conflicting studies, some positive, some neutral. This happens because acupuncture is highly protocol dependent. Key variables include:

• Number of treatments

• Timing in menstrual cycle

• Duration of therapy

• Practitioner skill

• Patient diagnosis

• Combination with IVF medications

Research suggests better outcomes with longer treatment durations (3+ months and 20+ sessions). Short-term acupuncture (such as only day-of embryo transfer) is less likely to show benefit explaining why some trials fail to find differences.

Based on current literature and clinical practice patterns, acupuncture shows the most promise in:

Hormonal Disorders

• PCOS

• Irregular ovulation

• Luteal phase defects

Uterine Lining Issues

• Thin endometrium

• Recurrent implantation failure

Stress-Related Infertility

• Unexplained infertility

• High cortisol patterns

IVF Support

• Preparing uterine receptivity

• Reducing anxiety

• Supporting implantation

What a Fertility Acupuncture Plan Looks Like

Unlike one-time treatments, fertility acupuncture is structured and cyclical. A typical plan might look something like this:

Months 1–3 (Preparation Phase)

• 1–2 sessions weekly

• Cycle regulation

• Hormonal balancing

• Blood flow improvement

Ovulation Phase

• Timing-specific treatments

• Ovulatory support

IVF Cycles

• Before stimulation

• During stimulation

• Around transfer

• Post-transfer support

The goal is not instant conception but rather optimizing the reproductive environment.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by trained practitioners, with minimal side effects reported in fertility studies.

The scientific takeaway is not that acupuncture guarantees pregnancy, but that acupuncture supports physiology that supports fertility. Some patients conceive naturally after treatment.
Some experience improved IVF outcomes. Some see no change. But because fertility is multifactorial, a therapy that simultaneously affects hormones, blood flow, inflammation, and stress may be clinically valuable, especially in integrative reproductive care.

Acupuncture sits at a unique intersection between ancient medicine and modern reproductive science. Research suggests it may:

• Regulate reproductive hormones

• Improve uterine blood flow

• Enhance endometrial receptivity

• Reduce stress hormones

• Support IVF outcomes

• Improve ovulatory function

While not a replacement for medical fertility treatment, acupuncture increasingly serves as a complementary therapy aimed at optimizing the body’s readiness for conception. For patients navigating infertility, often an emotional and physically complex journey, acupuncture offers something medicine sometimes cannot; a systemic approach that treats the whole person, not just the reproductive organ. And in fertility care, restoring balance often matters as much as correcting pathology.

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack. I offer free 15 min q and A for new patients online

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Doctor

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO THE CARDS. My friend and teacher, Dr. East, created these cards and I think they are beautiful. VIEW BEAUTIFUL BABY PHOTOS.

Description

The Fertility Manifestation Card Set is a serene companion for your journey to motherhood, featuring 50 inspirational cards across 10 themes such as Hope, Love, and Resilience. Each card blends uplifting quotes with tranquil imagery, designed to inspire, comfort, and support you. Perfect for daily reflection or as a thoughtful gift, this kit nurtures a positive mindset and emotional well-being on the path to becoming a mother.

*Free shipping! Available only in the United States. At this time, international shipping is not available.*

Number of Cards: 50

Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.0 x 4.0 inches

Why use the Fertility Manifestation Cards for Aspiring Moms:

Welcome to a gentle embrace of your motherhood journey, a path adorned with hope, love, and the profound strength within you. The Meditation Kit for Aspiring Moms has been meticulously crafted to guide, inspire, and support you as you navigate the beautiful, complex journey toward motherhood. With 50 elegantly designed cards, each piece in this kit is a whisper of encouragement, a beacon of light illuminating your path with positivity and peace.

What is Included:

50 Inspirational Cards: Dive into a collection of 50 beautifully designed cards, each a testament to the power of positive thinking and the strength of your spirit. These cards are divided into 10 life-affirming themes, ensuring a comprehensive embrace of the qualities that nurture and support your fertility journey.

10 Empowering Themes: The kit encompasses 10 themes, each chosen for its resonance with the motherhood journey—Abundance, Belief, Contentment, Creativity, Gratitude, Hope, Joy, Love, Resilience, and Trust. Each theme is a pillar on which to build your inner sanctuary of peace and optimism.

Thoughtfully Curated Quotes: Within each theme, find four cards graced with quotes that have been carefully selected to inspire and uplift. These quotes serve as gentle reminders of your inner strength, the beauty of your journey, and the endless possibilities that await.

Theme Word Card for Meditation: Each theme is anchored by a special card featuring just the theme word, set against a backdrop of serene and inspiring imagery. This card is designed for meditation and reflection, helping you to center your thoughts and intentions around the positive energy each word represents.

Beautiful, Soothing Imagery: Every card is a visual retreat, featuring calming and beautiful images that complement the messages of hope and resilience. These images are not just backgrounds; they are integral parts of the inspiration, crafted to enhance your meditation and reflection experience.

Why Choose the Meditation Kit for Aspiring Moms?

Support Your Emotional Well-being: Navigating the path to motherhood can be filled with ups and downs. This kit is designed to be a source of comfort, offering a peaceful respite from the stresses and strains that can accompany this journey.

Foster a Positive Mindset: Immerse yourself in the uplifting energy of each card, fostering a mindset of hope, gratitude, and belief. A positive outlook is a powerful ally on your journey to conception.

Versatile Use: Whether you begin your day with a moment of reflection, end your evening with a meditative focus, or simply seek a source of inspiration throughout your day, these cards are a versatile tool in your journey.

A Meaningful Gift: Whether for yourself or a loved one embarking on the journey to motherhood, the Meditation Kit for Aspiring Moms is a thoughtful and meaningful gift. It’s an expression of love, support, and belief in the journey ahead.

Embrace this chapter of your life with an open heart, supported by the Meditation Kit for Aspiring Moms. Let each card be a step on your path to motherhood, infused with positivity, love, and the power of your own resilience. Your journey is unique, your strength is limitless, and your capacity for love knows no bounds. Welcome to your journey of hope and transformation.

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack. I offer free 15 minute Q and A on my online calendar for new patients if would like to inquire more into how I may be able to help.

P.S. TWO MORE CONCEPTIONS THIS PAST WEEK…

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Shasta Ericson, DAOM

Holistic Fertility Doctor

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

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The Benefits of Gua Sha: Ancient Technique, Modern Science

The Science-Backed Benefits of Gua Sha — and How It May Support Fertility

For centuries, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have used Gua Sha to promote circulation, healing, and balance in the body. Once primarily used as a therapeutic body treatment, it has now become widely recognized in wellness, skincare, sports medicine, and holistic healthcare.

But beyond the viral beauty trends, modern research is beginning to explain why Gua Sha may be effective. Studies suggest it influences multiple physiological systems at once, including circulation, fascia, lymphatic drainage, inflammation, and nervous system regulation.

What Is Gua Sha?

“Gua” means “to scrape,” while “Sha” refers to the temporary redness that can appear after treatment. A practitioner glides a smooth-edged tool across lubricated skin using repeated strokes along muscles or acupuncture meridians.

Modern research suggests Gua Sha acts as a form of mechanical signaling therapy, meaning the stimulation of the skin and connective tissue creates downstream biological effects throughout the body.

Improves Circulation and Microcirculation

One of the most well-documented benefits of Gua Sha is its ability to increase circulation. Studies have shown significant increases in local microcirculation after treatment, which may help improve oxygen delivery, nutrient transport, tissue repair, and waste removal.

Improved circulation may contribute to:

• Faster muscle recovery

• Reduced soreness and tension

• Healthier tissue metabolism

• Improved skin vitality

• Enhanced healing responses

Reduces Pain and Fascial Restriction

Traditionally used for musculoskeletal pain, Gua Sha has also been shown to help reduce muscle tension and improve mobility. Research suggests the scraping motion may loosen fascial adhesions, stimulate connective tissue, and improve flexibility and range of motion.

Supports Lymphatic Drainage and Reduces Puffiness

Facial Gua Sha has become popular for its sculpting and de-puffing effects. Gentle strokes help encourage lymphatic drainage, reducing fluid retention and improving circulation to the skin.

Helps Regulate Inflammation and the Nervous System

The temporary redness produced during treatment is believed to trigger controlled healing and anti-inflammatory responses in the body. Research also suggests Gua Sha may help regulate stress responses and promote relaxation through nervous system modulation.

Many patients report:

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Improved sleep

• Better relaxation

• Enhanced overall well-being

How Gua Sha May Support Fertility and Infertility Care

Because fertility is deeply connected to circulation, hormone balance, stress regulation, inflammation, and healthy tissue function, therapies like Gua Sha may also provide supportive benefits during fertility treatment.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, improving the smooth flow of Qi and blood is considered essential for reproductive health. By helping increase circulation and reduce stagnation, Gua Sha may support overall pelvic blood flow, relaxation, and nervous system balance — all of which are important factors for reproductive wellness.

Potential fertility-supportive benefits may include:

• Supporting healthy circulation throughout the body

• Reducing stress-related nervous system dysregulation

• Promoting relaxation and parasympathetic (“rest and heal”) activity

• Helping reduce muscular and fascial tension patterns that may contribute to pelvic restriction

• Supporting overall wellness during fertility treatments such as acupuncture, IVF, or natural conception efforts

When combined with acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicine, and functional fertility care, Gua Sha may serve as an additional supportive therapy to help optimize the body’s healing environment.

Final Thoughts

Gua Sha is no longer viewed simply as an ancient wellness ritual. Research increasingly supports its role as a therapy that may influence circulation, connective tissue, inflammation, lymphatic flow, and nervous system regulation simultaneously.

Its ability to activate multiple healing systems at once may help explain why this thousands-year-old therapy continues to find a place in modern medicine, aesthetics, rehabilitation, wellness — and increasingly, integrative fertility care.

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Doctor

SEE FERTILITY MIRACLES HERE.

This is very exciting and informative information, which is why I treat men too! As it turns out, while it is not the only contributor, sperm delivers the critical paternal genetic and epigenetic blueprints that predominantly drive the architectural building and specialized functions of the fetal placenta. [1 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9716072/), 2 (https://belibaby.com/blogs/resources/it-starts-with-the-sperm-placental-development?srsltid=AfmBOoq6JF3l4fUnssAtaogY9LBV0tponAoJP9rKOiztXqCdjFuz92rZ)]

The Role of Paternal Genes

• Genetic dominance: Through a phenomenon called genomic imprinting, certain genes inherited from the father are “switched on” while the corresponding maternal genes are silenced. Studies highlight that these paternally expressed genes—such as the growth-promoting Igf2 gene—are the primary drivers of placental growth, determining how aggressively the placenta invades the uterus and extracts nutrients.[1 (https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/battle-of-the-sexes-begins-in-womb-as-father-and-mothers-genes-tussle-over-nutrition), 2 (https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/news/20130812/dads-genes-build-placentas-study-shows), 3 (https://naturalwomanhood.org/dad-preconception-health/), 4 (https://belibaby.com/blogs/resources/it-starts-with-the-sperm-placental-development?srsltid=AfmBOoq6JF3l4fUnssAtaogY9LBV0tponAoJP9rKOiztXqCdjFuz92rZ), 5 (https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/battle-of-the-sexes-begins-in-womb-as-father-and-mothers-genes-tussle-over-nutrition)]

• Evolutionary balance: Researchers note an evolutionary “tug-of-war” in the womb. While paternal genes act to maximize the extraction of maternal resources for fetal growth, maternal genes in the placenta act to limit nutrient supply to prevent the fetus from becoming too large to safely carry and birth. [1 (https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/battle-of-the-sexes-begins-in-womb-as-father-and-mothers-genes-tussle-over-nutrition), 2 (https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/battle-of-the-sexes-begins-in-womb-as-father-and-mothers-genes-tussle-over-nutrition)]

• Research backing: Pioneering studies, including landmark research from Cornell University (https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2013/08/dad-s-genes-build-placentas-study-shows), confirm that paternally derived genes dictate the development of extra-embryonic tissues like the placenta, while maternal genes predominantly focus on programming the embryo proper. [1 (https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1308998110), 2 (https://www.jtgga.org/pdf/a5223c9c-50f0-490d-b293-6a74c2af8d3b/articles/12817/JTGGA-192-196.pdf), 3 (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.30.503982.full), 4 (https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2013/08/dad-s-genes-build-placentas-study-shows), 5 (https://belibaby.com/blogs/resources/it-starts-with-the-sperm-placental-development?srsltid=AfmBOoq6JF3l4fUnssAtaogY9LBV0tponAoJP9rKOiztXqCdjFuz92rZ)]

Why Sperm Health Matters

Because the sperm provides the foundational instructions for this temporary organ, its health before conception is crucial. If sperm DNA is oxidatively damaged or fragmented, it can lead to complications such as poor placental formation, intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, or miscarriage. [1 (

), 2 (https://wenatal.com/blogs/wenatal/why-sperm-health-matters-and-how-to-boost-male-fertility?srsltid=AfmBOorDi9-_Ahjw7EkjKx-2CFMwB_7hawmPfLGlGlE3dcEuBMGGlnr1), 3 (https://kirstenmooring.com/sperm-health-and-pregnancy-outcomes-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think), 4 (https://belibaby.com/blogs/resources/it-starts-with-the-sperm-placental-development?srsltid=AfmBOoq6JF3l4fUnssAtaogY9LBV0tponAoJP9rKOiztXqCdjFuz92rZ)]

You can explore more about how paternal genes influence fetal development on the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences platform or dive into the broader biological implications reviewed by the National Institutes of Health (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9716072/). [1 (https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2013/08/dad-s-genes-build-placentas-study-shows)]

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. I treat men too!

If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Substack.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Fertility Doctor

Successful Fertility Video Stories with Dr. Shasta Ericson

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Wonderful Information Come out More and More about the benefits of Acupuncture for Improving Fertility. I have had four pregnancies in past three weeks. Holistic medicine and acupuncture work. Click HERE TO WATCH DR. HUBERMAN ACUPUNCTURE IMPROVES FERTILITY

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO AND WRITTEN STORIES OF SUCCESS FROM THE FERTILITY WHISPERER:)

Dr. Huberman recommends reading an excellent review titled: “Acupuncture and herbal medicine for female infertility: An overview of systematic reviews”
Published in Integrative Medicine Research (2021) by Jang Won Lee et al.

Click HERE for the study Dr. Huberman mentions:Acupuncture and herbal medicine for female infertility: An overview of systematic reviews In regard to studies using acupuncture, there is no “shame” acupuncture, there is no placebo acupuncture. They can’t use the same standards of testing when testing acupuncture for this reason. This is why the studies have never been very robust. However, with nearly 2500 years of empiricial data of effectiveness of acupuncture and nearly one billion people utilizing it globally, it stands the test of time and those who utilize it know how effective it is. Just helping the lymphatic system and interstial fluids, hormones and blood flow alone helps the body restore it’s homeostasis and harmonizes the natural healthy state of the body and restores ones innate fertility.

According to Dr. Huberman, acupuncture enhances male and female fertility and increases live birth through both chemical and mechanical pathways- helping support hormonal balance while also improving circulation and blood flow to the reproductive organs, which positively influences fertility and live birth outcomes.

Dr. Andrew Huberman says acupuncture improves fertility and hormones in both men and women alike. It may improve pregnancy and live birth outcomes. Acupuncture can help through mechanical pathways, including circulation to the male and female reproductive organs, helping ‘clear out the plumbing’ for healthier eggs and sperm, which may increase the probability of fertilization.

Acupuncture can also operate at the chemical level, impacting hormones so that they are not too high nor too low, and helping regulate FSH during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, as well as improving blood flow and the health of the ovary itself and other aspects of the female reproductive axis.

On the male side, acupuncture has been shown to improve semen volume, sperm quality, sperm motility, and other fertility parameters, in large part through changes in the neural pathways that innervate the tissues and vasculature of the scrotum and testicles. As we know, temperature regulation of the scrotum and testicles is vital for healthy sperm production and sperm quality.

In addition, there is good data suggesting acupuncture may help support healthy testosterone production and the hormones involved in sperm production in males. This is distinct from applying testosterone from an exogenous source. Rather, acupuncture may help support endogenous testosterone production and enhanced spermatogenesis.

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please share this Article and my Website.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Natural Fertility Doctor

www.fertilitywhisperer.com

Joy is new life, new family, new legacy of unconditional love. Two women (one I have been working with for years, and was struggling with endometriosis) and the other came to me with low egg quantity and quality where the doctors couldn’t retrieve any eggs. I assisted her in regulating her cycle, which than gave her the ability to retrieve good eggs and then achieved only one quality embryo and first try with ivf transfer worked! They are both very exstatic and filled with joy:)

The other I helped balance her hormones last year which brought her cycle back to a normal 28 days, and she is now happily in her second trimester!

These are good examples of Age Trumps blood tests. Getting the body back to a good normal menstrual cycle primes the body for the innate fertility women have. If. blood test comes back low AMH or high FSH is doesn’t override the age of the woman as nature has it’s own season of fertility. It may be just that the woman is out of balance with the cycles and rythms of nature. Same can be said for the men. It is important to always doa good sperm analysis with the partner and do DNA fragmentation testing as well.

Regarding endometriosis, it is important if there are frequest miscarriages and implantation failure to rule out endometriosis. There is a Blood test BCL6 can should also be done along with the other tests and scans. The woman above took Lupron for two months before her transfer and this time get success!

It is an honor to be a part of this miraculous adventure of helping to bring life and joy into this world. Thank you to those of you who have given me the oppportunity.

I help women get pregnant, stay pregnant and have healthy babies. If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you. know, please share this Substack.

Fertility is Natural, Trust Nature

Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM

Holistic Medicine Doctor

www.fertilitywhisperer.com