For many women aspiring to conceive, egg quality is a primary concern. The widespread notion that egg quality deteriorates significantly after the age of 40 often adds to their worries. However, did you know that age isn’t the only factor at play? The environment in which an egg matures significantly influences its quality. By optimizing this environment with essential nutrients, it’s possible to nurture healthy eggs, regardless of age. Explore this article to understand the nuances of egg quality and fertility, and discover effective strategies to enhance them. And for those who’ve been told their ovarian reserve is a thing of the past, check my article on restoring your cycle and reclaiming ovarian function, even post-menopause.

1. Ovarian Reserve

The ovarian reserve reflects the quantity and health of a woman’s remaining eggs. While age undeniably plays a role, several factors can influence the decline in both egg quantity and quality:

• • Aging Ovaries: With age, there’s a natural reduction in the number and quality of eggs.

  • Pituitary Gland Dysfunctions: The pituitary gland produces hormones like FSH and LH, which regulate ovarian function. Any imbalance or dysfunction can negatively affect the ovarian reserve.

  • Autoimmune Disorders: Some autoimmune diseases can mistakenly target the ovaries, diminishing their function and affecting the ovarian reserve.

  • Genetic Factors: Conditions like Turner Syndrome can lead to a reduced ovarian reserve early in life.

  • Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Toxins, certain medications, and habits like smoking can hasten the decline in egg quality and quantity.

  • Cancer Treatments: Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can severely impact ovarian function, reducing the number and quality of eggs.

  Recognizing the underlying cause of a reduced ovarian reserve is essential. Each cause may necessitate a different natural remedy. Rather than self-prescribing supplements, it’s useful to seek expert guidance. 

2. The Role of AMH in Assessing Fertility

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by cells within the ovaries. It serves as an indicator of a woman’s ovarian reserve. Higher AMH levels suggest a larger number of remaining eggs, while lower levels indicate a reduced reserve. 

3. Low AMH Levels and Fertility

A low AMH level and poor egg quality is can be distressing for women eager to conceive. Yet, many women with low AMH have successfully become pregnant. There are promising methods available to potentially enhance egg quality and improve fertility chances.

4. Supplements and Nutrients to Improve AMH and Egg Quality

• CoQ10 (Ubiquinol): Supports egg health by reducing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function in oocytes.
• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): May improve ovarian reserve and egg quality, especially in women with diminished ovarian reserve. Studies have shown up to 2x rise in AMH after 3-month DHEA supplementation.
• Myo-Inositol: Improves insulin sensitivity and support healthy ovarian function, especially in PCOS management.
• Melatonin: Has antioxidant properties that might protect eggs from oxidative stress.
• L-Arginine: May improve blood flow to the ovaries and enhance ovarian response.
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): An antioxidant that can also support healthy insulin levels.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): Helps protect eggs from oxidative stress.
• Resveratrol: Found in grapes and red wine, this antioxidant might benefit ovarian health.
• PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone): Supports mitochondrial health, crucial for egg quality.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Can reduce inflammation and potentially support egg health.
• Vitamin D: Plays a role in reproductive health and hormone balance.
• Folates (not folic acid!): Crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division. While folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, I advise caution. Many individuals, especially those exploring fertility solutions, may not metabolize synthetic folic acid efficiently. Instead, I recommend opting for natural folate supplements, such as methyl-folate, for better efficacy.
• Zinc: An essential mineral for fertility and reproductive health. Many women are low in Zinc and supplementation is extremely useful
• Selenium: An antioxidant that supports overall reproductive health.
• Vitamin E: Has antioxidant properties that might protect egg cells.
• Vitamin C: Supports immune function and reproductive health.
• B Vitamins: Especially B6 and B12, crucial for cellular health and DNA synthesis.
• Magnesium: Supports numerous enzymatic reactions and might benefit reproductive health.
• Iron: Essential for red blood cell production and might support ovarian health. If you are low on iron, consider also checking your vitamin A levels, if they are low or low-range then iron is not released in proper amounts from liver rather then low.
• Beta-Carotene and vitamin A: Beta-Carotene can be converted into Vitamin A in the body, supporting reproductive health, but for many this process doesn’t go as efficient, and it’s better to supplement directly with vitamin A.

5. Peptides

• Growth Hormone and Growth Hormone-Stimulating Supplements and Peptides: to enhance the responsiveness of follicles to FSH, especially in IVF cycles.

6. Herbal Supplements

Before delving deeper, it’s crucial to exercise caution when considering herbal supplements. Various herbs can have distinct effects on hormonal balances. For example, while Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) and Black Cohosh are both traditionally hailed as fertility enhancers, they exert contrasting influences on hormones. I strongly advise scheduling a consultation with me prior to starting any herbal regimen. In collaboration, we can craft a strategy tailored to your specific needs, optimizing your reproductive health outcomes.

• Maca: Maca is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. It supports body system to produce the right amount of hormones. 
• Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): Often used to regulate menstrual cycles and support reproductive health. Vitex acts on the pituitary gland, leading to an increase in some hormones (like LH) and decrease in others (like FSH and prolactin).
• Royal Jelly: Royal Jelly contains a unique fatty acid, 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid (10-HDA), which may have estrogenic effects, supporting hormonal balance. It’s also rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals that can support overall reproductive health.
• Dong Quai: Used for menstrual and reproductive health. Dong Quai is often referred to as the “female ginseng.” It contains phytoestrogens, which can help balance estrogen levels in the body. It improves blood flow to the pelvic area, supporting a healthy menstrual cycle.
• Red Clover: Red Clover is rich in isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens. These compounds can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially helping to balance hormone levels, especially in peri-menopausal  women.
• Ashwagandha: As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps the body cope with stress by regulating cortisol levels. It’s also believed to support thyroid function and may have a balancing effect on testosterone and progesterone levels.
• Rhodiola Rosea: Another adaptogenic herb, Rhodiola Rosea, is believed to enhance the body’s resistance to stress. It may also support thyroid function, improve immune function, and increase antioxidant levels in the body which support ovarian health.
• Black Cohosh: Traditionally used for menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Black Cohosh has been shown to balance high LH/FSH levels in PCOS. It has also estrogenic properties, might help in reducing hot flashes, mood disturbances, and other estrogen-deficiency symptoms.
• Shatavari: An Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support female reproductive health. Shatavari is considered a tonic for the female reproductive system. It’s believed to regulate hormonal balance, improve follicular maturity, and increase cervical mucous. It may also stimulate the production of prolactin, which can enhance lactation.
• Castor Oil Packs: Castor oil packs have been traditionally used to enhance circulation and promote healing in the pelvic area. By applying a cloth soaked in castor oil to the abdomen, it can help detoxify the reproductive organs and boost ovarian health. It’s recommended to use the pack for about 30-60 minutes, a few times a week, especially before ovulation.

• Raspberry Leaf: Raspberry leaf, often hailed as a “uterine tonic,” is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is believed to strengthen the uterine lining, making it beneficial for women trying to conceive. Additionally, raspberry leaf is known to enhance blood flow to the pelvic area, further supporting reproductive health.