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Fertility Health: Reasons Why You May Not Be Ovulating

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist
July 25, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

For women trying to conceive, anovulation or not ovulating is extremely frustrating! In a normal monthly menstrual cycle, a woman releases an egg from the ovary in preparation for potential fertilization. Yet, a lot of women share with us, they don’t test positive on OPK’s (ovulation predictor kits) or see a temperature shift on their fertility chart. Why do women skip ovulation? This article explores reasons why you may not be ovulating and what you can do about them.

Several Reasons For Anovulation

Stress

If you’re dealing with high stress, it can affect your ovulation pattern. While the effects of stress on the hormonal systems are profound, it, in particular, affects the LH (luteinizing hormone) surge from the pituitary gland that stimulates ovulation.

What to do: Try therapies like massage, aromatherapy, nervine herbs and guided meditation. Our guide Stress and Your Fertility will teach you more.

Lack of Sleep

A lack of sleep can cause FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels to drop, affecting the ability of the ovaries to release an egg. (FSH levels tend to be the highest right before ovulation.) If you struggle with sleep, do your best to improve nighttime habits.

A few tips: Keep a regular bedtime and avoid electronics use in the evening. Try natural sleep remedies like Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia L.). If you work a swing shift, keep daytime sleep a priority.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is estimated to cause more than 75% of cases of anovulatory infertility. Higher androgen levels and insulin resistance (common in PCOS) disrupt the menstrual cycle and the ability to ovulate.

The good news: While it takes time to see results (6-12 months), PCOS ovulation problems are very responsive to consistent dietary and lifestyle changes, such as those explained in our guide How To Reduce the Damaging Effects of PCOS on Fertility Through Diet and Herbs.

Perimenopause

It’s estimated that about 20% of women going through perimenopause have anovulatory cycles, caused by natural hormone shifts. Keep in mind that many women going through perimenopause have ovulatory cycles too.

What to do: Monitoring ovulation is especially important for trying to conceive in the perimenopausal years. Learn more: Achieving Pregnancy During Perimenopause.

Very Low Body Weight/ History of Eating Disorders

Malnutrition and a lack of body fat directly impact reproductive hormones, the menstrual cycle and ovulation, and can lead to infertility.

The good news: Women who are affected can recover! If you’re going through this, follow a Fertility Diet. Seek outside nutritional and psychological counseling when needed. It’s ok to ask for help!

Recently Gaining or Losing Significant Weight

Any dramatic change in body weight (even if it’s positive) can be a shock to the system. If too much or extreme levels of exercise are the reason for extreme weight loss, normal ovulation and menstruation can stop.

What to do: Slow, consistent weight loss or gain is the goal and can help prevent menstrual changes and anovulation. Switching to low impact exercise can help you get the benefits of exercise without the fertility drawbacks. Learn more: Is Exercise Good or Bad For Fertility?

Stopping Hormonal Birth Control, Recent Pregnancy, or Miscarriage

Each of these events can stop or disrupt regular ovulation. It can take time – 6 months to a year – for some women to rebalance.

What to do: Do your best to stay patient if you’re going through this. A Fertility Consultation can be a good choice if you’re frustrated and unsure where to begin.

Breastfeeding

Nursing increases prolactin levels, naturally inhibiting ovulation. Women who are breastfeeding (especially on demand) often experience an absent cycle along with lack of ovulation.

What to do: As a woman breastfeeds less or weans, the cycle usually returns along with regular ovulation. Note: Some women still ovulate and menstruate while breastfeeding.

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Hormonal changes caused by POF lead to irregular or absent cycles along with early menopause changes.

A few tips: If you’re unsure, a medical fertility work-up/testing can provide more information. If you know you have POF, we offer resources for support (see below).

Pituitary or Thyroid Gland Disorder

Fertility problems related to thyroid or pituitary dysfunction can cause anovulatory and irregular menstrual cycles.

What to do: Work with a healthcare provider who can test, diagnose and even treat health issues of the thyroid and pituitary.

Find the Cause of Anovulation and Address It

If you skip a month or two of ovulation, it may be nothing to be concerned about. However, if ovulation is consistently absent or irregular, review all of the possible anovulation causes to see where you may be experiencing a challenge. Many types of anovulation can be overcome or improved with dietary changes and natural therapies. Yet, other types may require a medical approach or a combination of medical and natural therapies. Each woman is different. A good plan must cater to a woman’s specific needs and challenges.

Even if ovulation is not regular, there may still be opportunities to conceive. Being diligent about ovulation detection offers the best chance for planning timed intercourse. Find an effective Fertility Charting technique that works for you, and stick with it. Continue taking steps to address your specific anovulation causes. We’re here if you need support or have more questions.

Learn more:
5 Simple Ways to Promote Regular Ovulation
Nurturing Yourself and Your Fertility with POF

References

  • Kornelliussen, I. (2012, Dec.). How Stress Affects Conception. Retrieved from: http://sciencenordic.com/how-stress-affects-conception
  • How Lack of Sleep is Hurting Your Fertility. (2018). Retrieved from: https://www.rrc.com/how-lack-of-sleep-is-hurting-your-fertility/
  • Hunter, M. and Sterrett, J. (2000, Sept.). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: It’s Not Just Infertility. American Family Physician. 1;62(5):1079-1088. Retrieved from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0901/p1079.html
  • Stress & Infertility: Naturopathic Fertility Care (2018). Retrieved from:
    https://www.whitelotusclinic.ca/fertility/stress-and-infertility/
  • Perkins, S. (2017, Aug.). Symptoms When You Do Not Ovulate From Perimenopause. Retrieved from: https://www.livestrong.com/article/67002-symptoms-not-ovulate-perimenopause/

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About the Author

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist

Sarah has worked in the field of natural foods and herbalism for over 20 years. She's the Co-Author of "Healthy Healing" with over 1 million copies sold, a Certified Herbalist, and a health and wellness consultant. Sarah Graduated from the Professional Herbal Studies program at East West School of Herbology, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from St. Mary's College. Working with women on their journey to wellness is her passion and she loves to share what she has been blessed to learn from naturopaths and other herbalists over the years.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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This is how I make my salad every week. Love love love this salad. 

I think the key to a good salad is lots of little treasures throughout the salad. 

Let me know if you are going to give it a try and what you think of it!

👇 If you would like to learn more about eating for fertility and join the 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. Type FIVE in the comments below and I will send you the link 👇

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Juicing is the easiest way to get more veggies and fruits into your diet. 

The key I have found to be consistent with juicing is to batch juice. 

Every 3 days I make a big batch of juice so for the next 3 days all I have to do is reach in the fridge and my juice is ready to go. 

Do you juice? What's your go-to recipe?

naturalfertilityinfo

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Lowering cortisol levels is important for ovulation and healthy hormone production. 

When the body has high levels of cortisone the reproductive system will be the first system that stops getting resources. 

Take daily steps to help reduce stress and lower chronic stress. 

Some of my favorite stress reducing activities are: 
💗 Meditation 
💗 Massage 
💗 Exercise 
💗 EFT 
💗 Breathwork 
💗 Therapeutic essential oils such as lavender 
💗 Therapy 
💗 Hot baths 
💗 Nature walks 
💗 Earthing 
💗 Kick boxing 
💗 Mediation 

:) What is your favorite way to release stress? #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 29

Open
🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age.

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility.

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days.

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now.

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI.

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇
#fertility #fertilityjourney

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 28

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How To Eat Healthier For Your Fertility 🍌🍇🍉🥒🥕

Nutrition can make a big difference when you are wanting to prepare for pregnancy, support hormonal health or overcome fertility issues. 

But it can sometimes be hard to start new habits. 

One of my favorite ways to make lasting dietary changes is to focus on what you can add instead of only the things you shouldn’t be eating.

There are 5 specific things I have my clients add to their current diets every day. 

🍌What they found after about 21 days of eating this way, they started to not only crave healthier foods, their body was giving them positive feedback through lighter cycles, better digestion, clearer skin and more energy. ⚡

While eating healthy is something you will need to do for the rest of your life, doing a challenge like this helps to give you a great jump start. 

👇 If you would like to learn more about the Important 5 and start a 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. Type DIET in the comments below and I will send you the link 👇

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It can be confusing to figure out what is beneficial to eat when experiencing PCOS..... 

Here is how I simplify it.  Type PCOS in the comments if you would like a link to all my PCOS resources. 👇

naturalfertilityinfo

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Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 27

Open
I love hearing others share their experiences on the Fertility Cleanse. 

Mamijanini shares her experiences on her fertility journey over on TT. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 26

Open
🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 26

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Mar 25

Open
When a couple is preparing for fertility, it is a good idea for both to cleanse the body of toxins, chemicals, and excess hormones.

The chemicals, pesticides, and toxins in our environment are having a huge impact on male fertility. 

In the last 50 years, sperm counts have been cut in half.

Fertility Cleansing for men is a big step in the right direction. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 25

Open
How To Eat Healthier For Your Fertility 🍌🍇🍉🥒🥕

Nutrition can make a big difference when you are wanting to prepare for pregnancy, support hormonal health or overcome fertility issues.

But it can sometimes be hard to start new habits.

One of my favorite ways to make lasting dietary changes is to focus on what you can add instead of only the things you shouldn’t be eating.

There are 5 specific things I have my clients add to their current diets every day.

🍌What they found after about 21 days of eating this way, they started to not only crave healthier foods, their body was giving them positive feedback through lighter cycles, better digestion, clearer skin and more energy. ⚡

While eating healthy is something you will need to do for the rest of your life, doing a challenge like this helps to give you a great jump start.

👇 If you would like to learn more about the Important 5 and start a 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. Type DIET in the comments below and I will send you the link 👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 24

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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Mar 24

Open
🚩The good news is that each of these red flags can be fixed through lifestyle upgrades and natural therapies! 

Type ‘STEPS’ in the comments below if you want to learn which steps are most important for fertility and hormone health. Let’s turn those red flags green. 💚

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 23

Open
🌱Learn how to balance your HORMONES naturally 👇

Here are 3 practical and affect ways to support your hormonal health.

One of the keys to see the best results is to stay consistent and learn as much about your body as you can.

1️⃣ Use liver supporting herbs

Herbs such as milk thistle have been shown to help the liver in it's natural ability to get rid of toxins and chemicals in the body.

This can make a big difference when it comes to hormone balance.

2️⃣ Do the Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

Support the body in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones by doing a fertility cleanse.

3️⃣ Stop using skin care and cleaning products that contain hormone mimicking chemicals

Xenohormones mimic estrogen in the body and can cause imbalance.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 23

Open
Should men do a Fertility Cleanse as well? 💪

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.
It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*
2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*
3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*
4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*
5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

This tea is one of two teas in our Fertility Cleanse Kit. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

What tea are you drinking today??

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"
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