How to Balance Hormones Before Pregnancy
Hormones play a key role in the reproductive system, and if you’re trying to get pregnant, you may be concerned about your hormonal health. If you were previously on hormonal birth control for an extended period of time or are still recovering from a previous pregnancy, your hormones may be imbalanced, which could affect your ability to conceive.
In this guide, we’ll explore the link between hormonal imbalance and fertility. We’ll also provide practical fertility tips to help you balance hormones for pregnancy.
Introduction to Balancing Hormones
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone all help regulate your reproductive system. When these hormones are in balance, you’ll experience regular ovulation and menstrual periods, making it easier to get pregnant.
It’s important to note that your hormonal needs may change throughout your fertility journey. For example, the hormones necessary to conceive will differ from those necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
Stage 1: Preparing for Conceiving
Hormonal imbalances can interrupt your menstrual cycle and cause issues with ovulation. If you are planning on conceiving in the near future, it will be helpful to understand what causes hormonal imbalance and how to balance hormones for conceiving.
Understanding Hormonal Imbalances
So, what is a hormonal imbalance? This condition happens when the body produces too much or too little specific hormones. It can prevent certain systems from functioning properly, particularly the reproductive system.
The body also goes through very intense hormonal changes during pregnancy to support the growth of the fetus. In particular, the body starts producing human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, or hCG, a hormone that is only produced during pregnancy. Estrogen levels also increase dramatically during this time.
Common Causes of Hormonal Imbalances
There are several possible causes of hormonal imbalances. These include:
Medication side effects: Some medications, such as those used to treat cancer, can cause hormonal imbalance as a side effect.
Preventing Hormonal Imbalances
There are steps you can take to keep your hormones in check before conceiving. Here’s how to balance hormones for pregnancy naturally.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of veggies and protein to support your endocrine system.
- Limit consumption of sugar and unhealthy fats, which can negatively affect hormone production.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
- Avoid foods and cosmetics that contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Stage 2: Preconception
As you plan to conceive in the near future, it’s important to be aware of potential hormonal imbalances. Here’s how to identify whether or not you have a hormonal imbalance and how to balance your hormones before pregnancy.
This is also a good time to start tracking your cycles and any symptoms of ovulation. Becoming familiar with your body’s signals will help you understand your most fertile time of the month to try to conceive.
Recognizing Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances can look different in each person; you may not have any symptoms at all. However, there are a few common telltale signs:
- Irregular menstrual cycles that vary in length and timing
- Fatigue
- Rapid mood swings
- Increase in acne or other skin changes
Hormonal imbalances often interfere with your menstrual cycle, which makes it difficult to track ovulation and conceive.
Diagnosing Hormonal Imbalance
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, tracking your menstrual cycle with a calendar or app can be a helpful first step to identifying irregular patterns or symptoms. A healthcare provider can confirm a hormonal imbalance by:
- Reviewing your health history
- Conducting a physical exam
- Discussing your symptoms
- Ordering lab tests (i.e., checking your estrogen, testosterone, cortisol or thyroid levels align with additional tests like glucose or insulin tolerance tests)
It's important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms such as hot flashes, weight changes, fatigue, irregular periods, mood swings, acne, or difficulty tolerating temperature changes. Early diagnosis and treatment can help address these symptoms effectively.
Treatment Options for Hormonal Imbalance
If you have a hormone imbalance, there are treatment options available. You can also make certain lifestyle changes to help rebalance your hormones as you prepare for pregnancy, such as:
Stage 3: Actively Trying to Conceive
Hormone balance is key when you’re actively trying to conceive. A regular menstrual cycle makes it easier to track your ovulation and time intercourse effectively.
How to Balance Hormones While Actively Trying
Taking vitamin supplements can help you keep your hormones balanced while you’re trying to conceive. In particular, prenatal vitamins help maintain a healthy hormone balance for conception. Taking omega-3s and probiotics can also help with female hormone production.
During this time, you can use ovulation predictor kits to measure your basal body temperature and track your cycle. This will help you identify when your most fertile window is.
Lifestyle Modifications for Fertility
If you haven’t already, now is the time to make the lifestyle changes necessary for hormone balance. Here are some fertility lifestyle tips to consider implementing:
- Add moderate exercise to your weekly routine to help you manage stress and balance hormones.
- Discontinue the use of any herbs or supplements that could be dangerous during pregnancy.
- Continue to avoid toxins and eat a healthy diet.
- Focus on getting plenty of rest and maintaining a healthy sleep cycle.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you’re struggling to conceive and think you may be experiencing a hormonal imbalance, don’t wait too long to seek medical attention. Here are some signs you should talk to a professional about your fertility concerns.
- You’ve been trying to conceive for six to 12 months without any results.
- You experience severely irregular or painful periods.
- You go through severe mood swings before or during your period.
- You have signs of PCOS, such as acne, excess hair growth, or unexplained weight gain.
Your healthcare provider will help you accurately diagnose your hormone imbalance and any other underlying conditions. They will also recommend appropriate fertility treatments and help you manage any uncomfortable symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
The Bottom Line
Hormone imbalances can cause irregular periods, making it more challenging to conceive. However, lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, getting a good night’s sleep, and managing your stress levels can all help you rebalance your hormones. Add Needed’s fertility supplements for women to your daily routine to support prenatal hormone balance.
FAQs
How can I balance my hormones to get pregnant naturally?
Lifestyle changes can help you balance your hormones as you try to conceive. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals can all help your body regulate its hormone production.
Do prenatal vitamins help balance hormones for pregnancy?
Yes, prenatal vitamins can help balance your hormones when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. These vitamins contain essential nutrients that help the endocrine system function properly for hormone balance.
Can hormonal imbalance prevent pregnancy?
Yes, if your hormones are not in balance, it can negatively interfere with your menstrual cycle, making it more difficult to get pregnant. When your menstrual cycle is irregular, it is difficult to accurately calculate your ovulation window and conceive.
What are the best ways to rebalance hormones for conception?
If you plan to conceive, committing to a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet, exercise routine, and regular sleep cycle can all help rebalance your hormones. Adding prenatal vitamin supplements to your routine can support this process.
