To the woman who has been waiting, hoping, and longing for that positive pregnancy test—I see you. Whether you've been trying for a few months, a year, or even longer, the journey can feel incredibly isolating and disheartening. The feelings of disappointment, frustration, and heartache are real, and I want you to know you are not alone.

I have worked with countless women who have been in your shoes, and I know how exhausting it can be to put everything into your fertility journey and not see the results you're hoping for. But, please, don’t lose hope! There *are* answers, and there *are* steps you can take to help uncover what might be standing in the way of your dream of becoming a mother and growing your family!

You Don’t Have to Wait: Take Action Early

Often, we’re told to wait at least a year before seeking help. But you don’t have to wait that long to start getting answers. There’s so much value in early testing that can help you understand what’s happening with your body and how to optimize it for fertility. 

Here’s where I recommend starting:

Basics: I’m not going to go into detail here, because I have already so many times in my lasts posts, but make sure you are nourished, eating protein rich meals, addressing your stressors, getting sleep, daily sunlight and movement. Check out this blog post for more info on that!

Sperm Analysis: Male factor infertility accounts for nearly 50% of fertility struggles. It's often overlooked, but it’s crucial to rule out any issues on this front. Testing can give you clarity and may guide your next steps.

Comprehensive Blood Tests: Understanding your body on a deeper level begins with testing. Consider the following: You could do these through your primary doc or work with a functional practitioner such as myself!

• CBC (Complete Blood Count) and CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel): These tests give a basic overview of your general health and metabolic function.
• Full Thyroid Panel: Your thyroid plays a significant role in fertility, and even slight imbalances can make it harder to conceive.
• The "Full Monty" blood panel: focuses on key markers like iron (serum ferritin, transferrin, TIBC), copper (ceruloplasmin, serum copper), magnesium (RBC magnesium), and vitamins A and D. These values provide insight into how well your body is using and recycling iron, which can impact fertility, inflammation, and other aspects of well-being.
• Fasting Insulin & CRP (C-Reactive Protein): These markers give insight into inflammation and blood sugar regulation—two critical factors for a healthy reproductive system.

HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis): Minerals are the foundation of your body’s biochemistry. If they’re out of balance, your body might not be prioritizing fertility. HTMA can help reveal hidden deficiencies and guide your nutritional approach.

Addressing Gut Health: If you’re experiencing digestive issues or have any major gut symptoms, this could be playing a bigger role than you think. Your gut health affects nutrient absorption, hormone balance, and overall well-being. You could also have underlying infections or imbalances in your gut which impact stress and inflammation on the body—all of which are key to fertility.

Hormone Testing: To dig deeper into hormone levels, the DUTCH test offers a detailed look at your hormone balance, including cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and androgens. Unlike standard blood tests, the DUTCH test captures a more comprehensive picture, helping you understand how your hormones are functioning throughout your cycle.

The Value of Testing

Going through these steps may seem overwhelming, but the value they provide is immense. These tests can give you critical insights into *why* your body might not be prioritizing fertility right now. With the right information, you can make targeted changes—whether that’s optimizing nutrition, improving hormones, or addressing inflammation.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

I know it can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to navigate this journey on your own. There is support, and I am here to guide you. By understanding what your body needs to thrive, you can create an environment where fertility is prioritized, and you can get pregnant faster!

I offer all these tests to my 1:1 clients to get to the bottom of why they aren’t getting pregnant. If that sounds like you and you want to know more, book a free consult here!  

-Kylie