If you came from the pill, could it affect ovulation?
“After-pill amenorrhea can be frustrating for those who want to get pregnant shortly after stopping their contraceptive pill. Most studies report transient delays in a return to fertility, which usually range from two to six months after strike. What I see is that hormonal contraceptives can mask other causes of anovulation, such as PCOS, ovarian insufficiency or hypothalamic amenorrhea, and those things take time to evaluate and treat. In general, most women who discontinue the birth control pill will become pregnant within a year if they try to conceive. ” – Kalea
“Hormonal birth control pills contain synthetic forms of the hormones produced by the ovaries and work by stopping ovulation. Once you get rid of it, you need to start ovulating again. For some, however, it can take up to three months for cycles to return to normal. A 2018 study found that 87% of people became pregnant within 12 months of stopping the pill. If you have not started ovulating after three months, it could be a sign that there may be an underlying problem, and you should have it examined by a doctor. ” – Helen
What can you eat to support healthy eggs?
“A Mediterranean-style diet is often recommended for couples who want to improve egg quality and optimize fertility. I recommend a Mediterranean diet for my patients trying to conceive for the first time, as well as those using fertility treatments like IUI or IVF. Try to emphasize the consumption of fruits and vegetables – eat the rainbow and ideally also include some fermented vegetables. And make sure you eat plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory, support cell membranes, stabilize blood sugar and even improve fertility by maintaining healthy blood viscosity (which ensures good blood flow to the uterus). Also focus on vitamin B6 and folate food sources – think of leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, beans, chicken and turkey, which are crucial for optimal fertility, and eat lots of fiber from vegetables and whole grains to keep the gut moving and blood sugar balanced. ”- Kalea
What about supplements?
“There are so many supplements out there that contain nutrients in amounts that will not have much of an impact. It is also helpful to understand why you are not ovulating so that you know which supplements to take and which you do not need. For example, if you have PCOS, studies have shown that inositol can help regulate ovulation, but you need to take 4,000 mg to be effective. If you are planning to get pregnant, you will need to take a daily folic acid supplement as well as eat high-folate foods. You have to take 400mg of folic acid every day before you are pregnant and until you are 12 weeks pregnant. ” – Jodie Relfregistered dietitian, PCOS specialist and brand ambassador for MyOva
“Anyone who is actively trying to conceive, or wants to get pregnant soon, should supplement folic acid and vitamin D. Different brands of prenatal supplements contain different nutrients, so you may want to look for a supplement that contains zinc, CoQ10 and vitamin “To support ovulation. If you do not eat two 140g servings of oily fish a week, you may want to consider taking a daily 450mg EPA / DHA omega-3 fatty acid supplement to promote ovulation.” – Helen
Is there anything else that can help?
“Acupuncture is great for helping to regulate ovulation and studies have confirmed that women with PCOS who receive regular acupuncture do see improvements in ovulation. Exercise is also an excellent form of therapy, as are stress management techniques – both of which are often overlooked but incredibly beneficial. If you are struggling to regulate your cycle and are experiencing anovulatory cycles, then consider making positive lifestyle changes first and perhaps working with a dietitian who specializes in fertility. If you still feel you are struggling after making lifestyle changes, you may benefit from talking to your family doctor about other treatment options. Medications such as Clomid and Letrozole can help stimulate ovulation, although it has side effects and is much more effective when combined with lifestyle changes. – Jodie
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