Need ovulation support? Your first 3 steps.
For too long the period has been the star of the show. If you’re not ovulating, or not ovulating regularly, these are your first steps to take.
1. Chinese Herbal Medicine
A 2015 report investigated the effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on ovulation rates. The meta-analysis showed an 18% increased chance of improved ovulation with Chinese herbs, when compared to other conventional medical therapy in women with previously anovulatory cycles.
Take action:
Find a practitioner qualified to dispense a Chinese herbal formula specifically for you. TCM herbs are prescribed for each individual, meaning that two women may present for ovulation support and be prescribed two very different formulas.
2. Address your stress
Perceived or real stress can interfere with our reproductive hormones, delaying or ceasing ovulation. It’s been theorised this is an evolutionary survival mechanism, essentially our body making sure we are safe when we have babies.
Take action:
Spending time actively bringing the body out of a state of stress activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). When we switch on our PNS, our body sends resources to our reproductive system. What switches off that stress response? Consider;
meditation
acupuncture
massage
yin yoga
Experiment, try different things, find what works for you and what you can incorporate into your life regularly. The key is that the message you are sending to your body, is that there is no threat and you are safe.
3. Consider your vitamin C
Vitamin C, or more specifically a form of vitamin C called ascorbic acid plays a role in supporting regular ovulation. Ascorbic acid excretion declines immediately before ovulation and increases again shortly after. Researchers speculate this reflects an uptake of ascorbic acid into the ovary about to ovulate. Bonus – vitamin C is important for egg quality too.
Take action
Vitamin C through food is a great option, but if you want to get serious about your intake, consider a quality vitamin C supplement. A note - not all supplements are not created equal. Working with a practitioner will ensure quality, the best form of the supplement and correct dosage for your unique body.
Not sure if you’re ovulating? Read the complete guide to identifying ovulation and your fertile days here