More women than ever are trying to conceive over the age of 40, that is a fact. In most developed countries the world over, we are finding that women have more freedoms and equalities than past times. There is no denying this is wonderful. This gives us the freedom to focus on career goals, travel, making our creative dreams a possibility, rather than feeling like we have to have children right away in our 20’s. We are no longer as stuck as we once were, but what about that nagging fear of fertility decline as we age? In this article, we’ll be discussing what happens to women’s fertility as we reach the age of 40 and how to prepare for conception over 40. We’ll go over medical options as well as natural methods to support the body, such as cleansing and a fertility-specific diet, working towards improving uterine and egg health and cervical mucus production.
I hear the doubt daily, “Should I have waited so long to have children?” I find that women over 40 come to us with a huge amount of fear surrounding their fertility journey. Where does this fear stem from? Society? Media? Science? Where? As long as humans have existed, there have been deep emotions, opinions, the “right and wrong” ways to do just about everything in life. So why would we expect it to be any different for those desiring to have children over 40? I am not here to pick sides, but I do think it is very important to be realistic and to listen to your gut. When has any decision that started off in fear been a step in the right direction? Let your journey begin with confidence and belief in your body. If you doubt your body or the health of your future child to begin with, how can you expect to be successful? Even if you don’t succeed, at least you will know you gave it your best shot.
I figure that if you are reading this article, you are all in, ready to have a child over the age of 40. Because of that, I am not here to list statistics on the likelihood of conception for women over 40, or the risks to mother and child. You can find that information elsewhere. We are here to let you know the importance of smart preparation. There are important key areas that need to be focused on. These key areas can help to give you and your baby the best chance at a healthy first 9 months in the womb and beyond!
Understanding Female Fertility for Women 40 and Over
What happens to my fertility as I age?
The Menstrual Cycle: Menarche to the Beginning of Climacteric
Menarche is the beginning of the childbearing years, when the first menstruation begins. Climacteric is the long phase in which hormone production and ovarian function declines, allowing the body to adapt to the natural changes in which menstruation ends. Menopause occurs within the climacteric years of a woman’s life. Climacteric lasts for about 15-20 years, typically beginning at the age of 40.
The Menstrual Cycle in the Childbearing Years of a Healthy Woman
Approximate age of 11-40 years
In very simple terms the hypothalamus produces GnRH (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone) which signals to the pituitary to produce LH luteinizing hormone and FSH follicle stimulating hormone. The release of GnRH is pulsatile in women with regular menstrual cycles. This normal pulsatile release of GnRH signals some of the follicles in the ovary to begin maturing and for the ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone. This estrogen/progesterone signal is recognized by the pituitary gland. As the follicles begin maturing, they release and increase the hormone estrogen over time. The rising estrogen level signals the pituitary gland to curb release of FSH.
In a normal functioning follicle, the estrogen levels rise and signal the pituitary gland to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH). LH signals the follicle to open and release the mature egg; this is ovulation.
Ovulation is followed by the luteal phase. With LH present, the corpus luteum begins to secrete increasing quantities of progesterone and fairly constant levels of estrogen.
The endometrium is now influenced by progesterone, causing it to develop and to be capable of nourishing a developing embryo.
If fertilization does not occur, the decline of the hormones causes the endometrium to shed, which is dependent on hormones at all times for its health, maintenance, and development. When estrogen reaches a low-enough point the hypothalamus releases GnRH and the cycle starts over again.
This cycle lasts on average 28 days, though it may vary some from woman to woman.
The Menstrual Cycle in the Climacteric and Menopause Years of a Healthy Woman
Approximate age of 40-60 years for climacteric, age 40-55 for menopause, with menopause occurring within the climacteric years.
Now this may seem very confusing because most of us have very little education on what happens during “the change of life” a woman goes through as fertility declines. Most women begin the natural phase known as climacteric around the age of 40. Remember this is what is supposed to happen, it is part of the natural processes of life. At this time, the menstrual cycle length begins to shorten from about 28 days to around 26 days, this is because the ovaries begin to lose their ability to produce mature follicles, estrogen and progesterone. Cycle length may be different for each woman; these numbers are just averages.
Over the next many years, the decline in hormone release and mature follicle production causes even more menstrual cycle changes. Cycles may become shorter, longer, or the cycle may be skipped. Ovulation may or may not occur during any given cycle as a woman approaches menopause. Menopause is confirmed once a woman has not had her menstrual cycle for at least one full year, and is between the ages of 40-55. Menopause may take 1-7 years to complete. The changing hormone levels continue until climacteric is complete, which may last until around the age of 60.
There are 3 distinct phases of change for women in the climacteric phase of life.
Phase 1 Perimenopause: 2 to 8 years leading up to cessation of menstruation
- Menstrual cycles become irregular
- Hormone levels change
- It is still possible to conceive naturally and carry a baby to term
- Doctor’s may suggest medical assistance options like Clomid, IUI or IVF
Phase 2 Menopause: Defined by absence of menstruation for one year. Doctor’s may also use certain hormone testing to indicate menopause, they are as follows:
- Elevated FSH level between 60 to 100mL/L on two tests done at least 1 month apart may indicate menopause
- LH level greater than 50mIU/L and estradiol less than 50pg/mL
- Some reproductive endocrinologists are willing to do IVF with an egg donor for women in menopause
Phase 3 Post-menopause: the first stage typically lasts about 4 years of continued physical symptoms of hormonal changes, with the second stage lasting for years until all symptoms of hormonal changes end. This last stage is different for each woman, but usually ends by age 58-60.
The human female body is designed to go through these changes very slowly over time. Sudden change in a short period of time may cause more severe symptoms in the body. This great shift in fertility, though it is long and drawn out, may produce many unwanted physical symptoms including:
- Muscles of the vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries atrophy
- Muscles in the pelvic floor and surrounding supportive tissues lose tone
- Lack of cervical mucus
- Bone mass declines
- Metabolic rate slows down
- Breast shape, firmness, and size changes
- Hot flashes
- Mood changes, depression, insomnia, and anxiety
- Mild incontinence due to weakening and shrinking of pelvic tissues
- Heart palpitations
Though these symptoms can be uncomfortable, this process is completely natural and is what is supposed to happen to the body. It is a “rite of passage”. I know, this may not be comforting to hear, but it is the truth. Researchers out of The University of Western Australia compiled case studies and reports showing that some cultures that are not Westernized – Indigenous Australians, as well as women in Japan and Europe – tend not to report severe symptoms of menopause and are often not medically managed. Menopause is not a disease that needs to be treated, but in the United States we have come to believe it does.
Knowing what is happening to your body gives you an advantage. It helps you to know key areas you need to focus on to give yourself the best possible chance at a healthy pregnancy.
Preparing for Conception Over 40
Healthy fertility over 40 is probably going to take a bit more effort on your part. It is vital you eat well, exercise regularly, reduce poor lifestyle choices, and consider seeing a fertility specialist. If you have been trying to get pregnant for over 6 months, it is important to see a doctor. Having a full hormone test panel run will help you to know where your hormone levels are at and what hormones may need to be supported. Seeing a doctor can help you to know if there are other fertility issues that may be hindering conception and pregnancy as well.
Because of normal life changes, women over 40 need to focus on the following key areas:
Tools for your fertility tool box!
- Improving egg health
- Improving uterine health
- Supporting hormonal balance
- Strengthening pelvic floor muscles
- Supporting cervical mucus production
- Managing stress
- Timing ovulation and sexual intercourse
In addition, typically the older we are, the more time we have been exposed to the negative effects of stress, environmental toxins, poor dietary and lifestyle habits. These can contribute to fertility issues which may decrease healthy fertility at all ages, but especially for women over 40.
Medical Options
If you have been trying for a child naturally for 6 months or longer with no success, it is time to get in to see a doctor. Many women over the age of 40 will find they have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). This is completely natural and normal. Regardless of what your test results are, a natural therapy plan may greatly increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. It does not matter if you are going for IUI or IVF or using a donor egg, simple natural preparation can still be done. A natural therapy plan may increase your chances of a successful medical procedure as well.
What will your medical options be if you find out you do have low ovarian reserve? Depending what your ovarian reserve is determined as, they may suggest Clomid to stimulate ovulation, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or an egg donor (if your reserve is extremely low), or suggest hormonal medications. If you are planning to do any of the medical options I just mentioned, you can still follow a natural therapy plan prior to beginning any hormonal medications for those procedures. For example, you could prepare naturally for an upcoming IVF. We always encourage couples to continue eating well and exercising through any type of fertility plan, regardless if it is natural or medical.
Natural Therapy Plan for Women Trying to Conceive Over 40
Note: If you have been diagnosed with a fertility issue please also see one of our guides related to that particular issue.
There are many key areas that need to be focused on. I am briefly going to cover each of them below. At the bottom of each section is a link to more information specific to that subject.
Fertility Diet
The single most important thing you can do, if you do not already eat a whole food diet, is switch to one! I have seen the most dramatic improvement in egg health through diet changes alone, specifically by switching to a nutrient dense fertility diet that includes fertility superfoods like spirulina, maca, and royal jelly. Also, supplementing with key nutrients such as antioxidants, CoQ10 Ubiquinol, and folic acid have been shown to increase egg health.
Exercise
If you are not sweating regularly, your body is not going to be able to detoxify itself! Sweating helps the body to remove excess toxins, especially xenohormones, which are human-made chemical toxins shown to cause hormonal imbalance through endocrine system disruption. Exercise also helps to reduce fat in the body, quell depression, increase a sense of wellbeing, and increase stamina and strength for the hard work of labor and early motherhood!
Most toxins are stored in our liver, kidneys, and fat cells. If you plan on breastfeeding your baby, it is important to try to cleanse toxins from your body as much as possible prior to conception and breastfeeding. Your body will use fat stores during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which go directly to your baby; exercise is an essential way to cleanse the body of toxins in preparation for pregnancy!
Great Ideas for Exercise:
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Be sure you are exercising for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.
- Kegel Exercise
Learn to make Kegels a part of your daily routine! What are Kegels? Daily Kegels strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles repeatedly will help to keep the reproductive organs in place, support vaginal, cervical and uterine strength, as well as help to prevent uterine prolapse and incontinence after childbirth and post-menopause.
Fertility Cleansing
Women over 40 have had more time to be exposed to environmental toxins and are more likely to have an accumulation of toxins in the body. If there are poor diet and lifestyle choices involved, such as drinking alcohol or smoking, being sedentary, etc., there is an even greater need for fertility cleansing prior trying to conceive.
The number one complaint we get from women over 40 is that fertility cleansing requires the couple to take one month off of trying to conceive. We understand that it can feel as though time is running out and that one cycle may be your missed opportunity for conception. Stop and think about this for a minute: Do you want to give your baby the best chance at a healthy beginning? Your body will use fat stores during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which go directly to your baby; regular exercise and cleansing is an essential way to rid the body of toxins in preparation for pregnancy!
Improve Egg Health
Egg health and count begins to dramatically decline on average around the age of 37-40. It is imperative you work to preserve and increase your egg health now. We suggest working on this for at least 3 months prior to beginning to try to conceive, whether naturally, through IUI or IVF. The cycle of an egg in preparation for ovulation is around 90 days. This is why we suggest taking 3 months to focus on increasing the health of your eggs.
To help improve egg health, we like to focus on increasing circulation, boosting nutritional levels and supporting hormonal balance with fertility superfoods and vital nutrients.
Key tips for improving egg health:
- Eat a fertility diet
- Exercise
- Fertility Superfoods like maca, royal jelly and green foods
- Fertility cleansing
- Stress reduction
- Key nutrient supplementation with a whole food multivitamin, antioxidant blend, CoQ10 Ubiquinol, & L-Arginine
Promising research on CoQ10 alone, in Fertility and Sterility, has shown:
- Supplementation of 600 mg of CoQ10 daily by older women improved both egg quality and fertilization rates.
- CoQ10 supplementation on mid-aged female mice resulted in more pregnancies and more babies per litter. Dr. Robert Casper and colleagues at Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute “found that when CoQ10 was given to 52-week-old mice – about mid-age for a mouse – their eggs appeared to rejuvenate. There were significantly more egg follicles in the old mice treated with the CoQ10…”
Improve Uterine Health
Due to the gradual changes in hormone levels after the age of 40, the uterus slowly begins to lose muscle tone. All women need to have a strong uterus for pregnancy and the hard work of labor. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, it is even more important to work to improve uterine health. We already discussed how Kegel exercise can help to improve and preserve muscle tone of the pelvic floor muscles and uterus. Fertility massage and castor oil packs done externally over the lower abdomen helps to strengthen the uterus, improve hormonal balance, detoxify the tissues of the reproductive organs and surrounding tissues, and increase circulation to the reproductive organs. There are also specific herbs that have a direct action on uterine tone.
Key tips for improving uterine health:
- Daily fertility yoga, walking, and Kegels
- Fertility massage
- Castor Oil packs
- Herbs
Cervical Mucus
Cervical mucus production naturally declines with hormonal changes as well. It is important to support healthy cervical mucus production over the age of 40. For women that have low or no cervical fluid, it is harder for the sperm to reach the awaiting egg for conception.
Key tips for supporting cervical mucus production:
- Drink plenty of clean, filtered water daily, about 8 full glasses
- Take a complete omega essential fatty acid supplement daily
- Consider herbs that support cervical mucus production
When having sexual intercourse, use a sperm-friendly lubricant if CM is scant. This will help get the sperm where they need to go!
Manage Stress
Stress boosts levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, which inhibits the body’s main sex hormone GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) and subsequently suppresses ovulation, sexual activity, hormone balance and even sperm count. As you may recall from earlier in this guide, GnRH, produced in the hypothalamus, signals the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH, which then signals the ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone. GnRH is also the hormone responsible for prolactin secretion. When the release of GnRH is inhibited even if due to stress, testosterone, estrogens, and libido can be suppressed resulting in decreased fertility.
The key – Reduce Stress! Find a practice that can help you release stress and teach you how to react to stressors differently – in the words of Natural Fertility Info. Founder Hethir Rodriguez, “… because sisters, stress in the world is not going to disappear, but we do have control over how our bodies react to it.”
Chart Your Cycle
If you do not already chart your cycle, begin now. I know I said I wouldn’t throw any statistics out there, but let’s be realistic, women over 40 only have about a 5% chance per cycle of conceiving. If you do not have your timing down, it is going to be extremely difficult to get pregnant.
You have a 6-day window to get pregnant, with only 2 peak days. So, begin trying to conceive 3 days prior to ovulation, the day of ovulation and 2 days after that. If your male partner has low sperm count or poor sperm health, try to have sex only on the day of ovulation. Abstaining from sexual intercourse for the days prior to ovulation will help to build up his sperm count.
Most women ovulate 2 weeks before menstruation begins. Charting helps you to know if and when you may be ovulating, which will help you to know when to try to conceive.
Support Hormonal Balance
The entire menstrual cycle relies on hormonal balance. Ovulation, conception, and a healthy pregnancy cannot occur without hormonal balance! We know that hormone changes occur as we age, if hormone levels specific to fertility are too high or too low, it may prevent conception or cause miscarriage.
Key hormones to learn about and support for a healthy pregnancy:
- Estradiol (E2)
- Progesterone
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
You may find that as you age, your changing hormone levels may interfere with conception or maintaining pregnancy. It is imperative to support the endocrine system at this time, as it is responsible for hormonal balance. We find that most women over 40 will need to support hormonal balance in some way. We like to utilize herbs and specific herbal formulas to help women encourage fertile hormone levels. Here are some herbs to consider:
- FertiliCare Phase 1 & 2 (a liquid herbal blend)
- Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)
- Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
- Shatavari(Asparagus racemosus)
Other Important Considerations
Your Male Partner
We have focused so much on you, but what about your male partner? If he is also over 40, it is a good idea to get him in for some testing to determine sperm count and quality. There are many great natural ways to support healthy male fertility, you can learn about them here…
Support
Make sure you have a support network to help you out. Having a baby over 40 may bring more challenges and opinions from others, having a solid support network is going to give you more confidence and provide a cushion for days that may be tough!
Summary
Conception, pregnancy, and having a healthy child over 40 is possible. Having a natural therapy plan in place may increase your chances of success by improving egg health, maximizing uterine health, and maintaining hormonal balance. Natural therapies take time to be effective, we suggest you give yourself 3 months to implement a natural fertility therapy plan prior to beginning to try to conceive. This will give you the best possible chance at success.
Continue your natural fertility therapy plan throughout the time you are trying for natural conception. If you are planning on trying medicated cycles to achieve pregnancy such as Clomid, HRT, IUI or IVF, please discontinue any herbs or supplements you have been taking to improve your fertility.
Here is a quick summary of important key tips for preparing for conception over 40:
1. Eat a nutrient dense fertility diet, which will contribute to improving fertility overall.
2. Improve your egg health, uterine health and pelvic floor muscles with diet, exercise, herbs, and supplements.
3. Support hormonal balance with stress management, herbs, and supplements.
4. Support cervical mucus production by staying hydrated, supplementing with omega EFAs, herbs and possibly using a sperm-friendly natural lubricant during intercourse.
5. Learn to chart your cycle so you can correctly time ovulation and sexual intercourse.
- Hoffmann, David , FNIMH, AHG, (2003) Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine, Healing Arts Press: Rochester, Vermont.
- Romm, Aviva (2010) Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, Churchill Livingstone: St. Louis, Missouri.
- Fertility After Age 40 – IVF in the 40s. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.advancedfertility.com/fertility-after-age-40-ivf.htm
- Jones, E.K., Jurgenson, J.R., Katsenellenbogen, J.M. and Thompson, S. C. (2012). Menopause and the influence of culture: another gap for Indigenous Australian women?. BMC Womens Health. 2012; 12: 43. doi: 10.1186/1472-6874-12-43. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3554544/
- urstein, E., Perumalsamy, A., Bentov, Y., Esfandiari, N., Jurisicova, A., & Casper, R. (2009). Co-enzyme Q10 supplementation improves ovarian response and mitochondrial function in aged mice. Fertility and Sterility, 92(3). doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.07.121 Retrieved from https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(09)01557-X/fulltext
Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000’s of women on their journey to Motherhood.
Hello, I am 44 and have been trying to get pregnant for >2 years, last year had 3 miscarriages, Went to see an RE, he told us we have no chance to have a baby naturally, then after me asking, told me there is no way to improve my eggs health. I am abit overweight atm, after the last loss, I just kind of went into comfort mode. My FSH is bad, it was 17, and my AMG? he said is .2 🙁 I’m taking coq10, r-fraction ala, whole food vitamins, among a few other, what will help get my ovaries happier again? Have read abit on chaste berry, maca, and shatavari but not sure what to take or if I should? I have regular 25 day cycles. HSG also shows my right tube has blockage, Advice so welcome. TY
Dear Aerisa,
I’m sorry for what you’ve been through and heard from your doctor! We feel strongly that there are ways to support the body on a cellular level, and eggs are cells. While it is true that women are born with all the eggs we have through our fertile years, and that they are exposed to all of the toxins the rest of our body is during this time, there is still a possibility of supporting cellular and egg health. That said, each of us is very different and to what degree we can support egg health is unknown. We and our medical advisory panel feel that it’s better to try safe natural therapies to support egg health, and to modify one’s diet and lifestyle, rather than do nothing at all.
That said, the tips in this very guide are worth considering. Learn about and talk to an Acupuncturist who understands female fertility. Know that with one healthy fallopian tube, conception can still happen when ovulation occurs from the ovary on the side of that tube. So, consider also learning how to detect ovulation: http://natural-fertility-info.com/guide-to-fertility-charting.html. We can’t control the egg ovulated each cycle, but the body helps the ovary release the strongest one.
With that, it is also okay to think about all of the avenues to help you become a parent. While this can be hard, when you are ready, there may be alternative methods to helping you conceive, such as IVF or an egg donor.
I want you to have and find hope! I hope you find some tools that help you feel positive and as though you’re doing all that you can as you keep moving forward.
Congratulations Annie!.49 and pregnant naturally. You give us all hope.Our mascot!
Thank you so much for this wonderful and informative article! I happened to stumble on your website about five months ago, and I have gradually making changes to my lifestyle like reducing stress by saying no to burdens that are not mine to carry nor able to ease and adding a regular exercise routine into my schedule. I also added more superfoods into my diet. I also have been mindful of getting enough sleep and rest. And staying hopeful in prayer for GOD to enable me to conceive one of these days. Oh I also started charting my cycle. I just turned 40. I had two miscarriages over a year ago. Thank you so much for all your helpful information that empowers me to know what to do. No fear
Hello, I’m 46 and two weeks ago I took climid (50mg) for 5 days. This past Thursday my doctor check for follicles and found two maturely developed follicles ( 15mm & 22 mm). The next day I received my shot of HCG and 24-36 hours my doctor did the insemination.
What can I do to improve my odds of implantation and a successful pregnancy?
What an exciting time Kathleen!
Implantation in early pregnancy can be supported through the use of uterine calming herbs. Learn the best ways to support implantation with herbs, pineapple and more in our guide Implantation Support for Early Pregnancy.
I’m 46 yrs old trying to get pregnant, i have 2 sons 19 and 20 and 1 miscarriage 5 yrs ago.
Dear Sylvia,
I am sorry for your loss. Do you have a regular cycle and know exactly when you ovulate each month? Have you explored fertility testing to help identify what may be standing in the way of conception?
This is the very guide we offer as a starting point for women over 40 wishing to support their fertility naturally. I hope some of the tips resonate with you.
I am 49 years old and want to have a baby. Is there a possibility of having a baby naturally? I stopped menstruating when i was 47years old.
Dear Elaine,
I can not know this for you! To conceive naturally takes many aspects of hormonal balance and fertility health to be in balance. Working with a practitioner, medical or natural or both, will be best as you learn your options for becoming a mother.
My very best!
I am 52 years old, I do not have menstruation anymore. but it will be possible to conceive naturally?
Dear Madeleine,
I can not know for certain, but I must be honest and share that natural conception is unlikely. It will be best to work with a specialist, a reproductive endocrinologist, to learn of chances with assisted reproductive technologies.
Dear Sir,
I am interested to have an issue after crossing years now.I have an issue of female child since 14 years .Now i am facing problem in conception. My ovulation date fails so for which when I go through the mix with my husband it fails.Can you suggest how can I return back my fertility power and pregnancy?Pl.help in this regard.I have taken CLOMID 50 AND 100 6months.But no result.I am suffering from oligomenorrhoea,scanty flow 1st 2 days nil and scanty flow another 3 days.What can I do? I have tested my hormones.They show normal including TSH..
THANKS,WITH REGARDS,
SAHAILA BALA
Dear Sahaila,
Thank you for reaching out to us. I am sorry you are faced with this challenge. May I know how old you are?
it is very important to prevent all forms of emotional stress in other to improve egg production
Hello,
I need your advice.
I’m 49. I will start my Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for a frozen embryo transfer (donated embryo) in few weeks.
I forgot to use your product of Milk Thistle Seed Extract earlier to clean my body. Is it still safe if I use it now until before I start my HRT?
Thank you.
Dear Mei,
If you are not on any medication, Milk Thistle seed can be used. You may also appreciate the tips we share in our guide 5 Steps to Preparing for a Frozen Embryo Transfer.
My very best!
I am 40 years old. My husband’s sperm is less active and I just did IVF in January. 8 eggs, 2 embryos transferred. in March by ultrasound I was told there are no fetus in the sac then I had to have D&C after. Really sad. i have regular period and i don’t drink or smoke. I eat well but not do exercises much. The doctor said it is because my age. And if using donated egg, my chance will increase to 70%. My husband and I decided to have IVF again after three four months. I heard that some women have to try three times or more. right now i can only hope. May i know what kind of product can help to improve the quality of eggs? Thanks.
Dear Qi,
I am very sorry!
It is going to be helpful to go to our guides How to Increase Your IVF Success Rate Naturally and The Men’s Guide to Preparing for IVF. Both guides will highlight products to learn more about for you and your husband.
My best as you prepare!
Hello, I’m 44 years old. I did ( IVF ) ( Intracytoplasmic sperm injection ) for 5 ova and the result was 3 female Down syndrome. One female with chromosome disorder and one healthy female.
The question is ; Based on this, a normal pregnancy does it will be abnormal (Down Syndrome) ?
Dear Fatima,
Please ask this of your healthcare provider. I truly can not know the answer for you. Do take care!
Hi am 43 this year. Just had an IVF done. Was on a high dosage of hormone to stimulate my eggs. Had 6 eggs retrieved, 2 fertilised but they stopped growing on day 2. Dr told me that I am old and likely of being pregnant is almost 0. I feel devastated. Am wondering what product is best to improve my egg cells? I am now making myself less stress, going for morning works and eating more vegetables. Is there anything more I can do to help me to conceive naturally?
Dear Renee,
I am so sorry! I just wish there was a better way for the medical community to be honest, yet offer hope because no one truly can quantifies a woman’s chances of being able to conceive. They/we simply can’t know…
Nonetheless, this very guide is designed to help you know more than just what could be taken, but also about the importance of diet and lifestyle to naturally support egg health. Do go back through it for tips!
Consider also learning more about how Acupuncture can enhance fertility.
If you are still unsure of where to begin, or how to proceed, please consider working one on one with our fertility herbalist who can lay out an entire natural fertility program for you based on your specific fertility health needs through a Fertility Consultation.
Hi I’m 45. I’ve been reading so much of falling pregnant naturally at my age, and have been to so many specialist and I’m really confused. Specialists have told me I have no chance, and with treatment there’s a 2% chance of me falling pregnant. I have a regular cycle, I’m vegetarian and walk regularly. My blood tests are perfect and my last gyno visit showed that I have millions of eggs. Could my problem be psychological?
I’m really inspired by Annie’s story…
Dear Zaira,
That is so interesting! What is the rationale for the specialist telling you have no chance? Why do they say that?
While we do know mental health plays a role in conception efforts, I can not say the reason you have yet to conceive is psychological. If you feel it may be, do help yourself mentally and emotionally! There are many tools to learn about and consider trying, some of which are:
4 Steps to Creating Affirmations for a Positively Fe
Top 10 Mind and Body Therapies to Help With Fertility Stress
Mindfulness & The Fertility Connection – An Interview with Buffy Trupp
Circle + Bloom Natural Cycle for Fertility Mind-Body Program
Think about fertility testing for your partner/husband if you have not already done that. He is 50% of the equation. Track your cycle so that you know exactly when you ovulate and can maximize chances of conception. Eat well and exercise daily as well!
I am not a doctor but yes, as long as you are still ovulating there is a chance you can get pregnant. You may want to go and get some tests done by your doctor to check hormone levels but 45 is definitely not too old.
Hi,
Im 49 and 6 weeks pregnant.WHat I did was take herbs, vitex and maca and changed my eating habits and lifestyle. over the moon.!
Congratulations Annie! What wonderful news!
Hi Annie, can you give us your hints on what you changed in your eating habits and lifestyle please.
This is an impressive article. Information is a powerful tool to get prepared. Diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle allow women to have a successful full-term pregnancy into their 40’s. Fortunately, many successful career women “planned” on having children ln their 40’s and have done all the right things for several years to get their body tuned up to be “ready” to have children. When a woman is ready, mentally and physically to have a child, there is no more joyful event in life. Anything we do to help, makes us feel their joy as well.
You are so kind Kathy! Yes, fortunately many women do prepare!
I am 43 years old and got married 6 months ago. We desperately want to have a child of our own, but I am afraid I may be starting menopause. My periods have become irregular, going from about every 4 weeks to every 6 weeks. Is there anything I can do to turn this around and increase my chance of pregnancy?
Dear Annie,
This very guide contains tips to learn more about and consider. I also think my guide Female Fertility Health: Balancing Hormones in Premenopause will be helpful for you. Chances of conception are still possible. Charting your cycle or tracking for ovulation are key so you don’t miss a fertile window moving forward. There are many ways to support healthy fertility in the guides I’ve shared. I hope they are helpful!
Hi I am 43 also. I met my husband when i was 41. He and I have been trying for 2 years with feritilty treatment. I have had 5 IUI’s because i could not afford IVF. The 1st, 3rd, 4rth were failures. The second IUI worked but the baby died due to a chromasonal error. The 5th IUI worked and I am currently 8 weeks pregnant with my first child. I chose to seek fertility treatment because i have PCOS. It is hard to get pregnant in your 40’s and harder when you have PCOS. Do not give up get help and put your faith in god. If it does not work with fertility treatment it was not ment to be. If you don’t try then you will regret it the rest of your life. If you are having a period you can conceive.
I’M 48 AND AM A MOTHER OF 3 GROWN CHILDEN, AND DESPERATELY SEEKING PREGNANCY HELP NOW… MY CYCLE IS REGULAR AND I JUST BEGAN TRACKING TO SEE IF I AM HAVING ANY DIFICULTIES MY PARTNER HAS NO CHILDREN AND IT IS IMPAIRATIVE WE BECOME PARENTS TOGETHER, ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANKS
Dear Joaquina,
If you detect ovulation, do be sure to try to conceive the two days prior and day of for sure. The tips in this very guide are worth considering as well.
My best!
I just got to know about your site and products through a sister inlaw. However I am interested in getting more from your products.
I am 48 and trying to get pregnant. I am currently having changes with my cycle.some times two months in between.
My husband and I are worried and I will like to try your products.
What will I do
Dear Theresa,
We know that menstrual cycles naturally become less regular as women age into their late 40s. This is normal although I understand the concern when one wish to conceive. The natural therapies shared in this guide could be considered, but consider what is share in this female fertility health guide as well.
The Fertilica brand products and many others are available from the Natural Fertility Shop if interested in purchasing.
Yes,I am interested in Fertilica Brand products .How do make purchase.
I want my menses restored so that I can become pregnant.
Dear Theresa,
Fertilica brand products are available from the Natural Fertility Shop (click that link).
Can a women in the age of 48 be preganant.?Is it possible. Can you please help in this regard as we are desperately want a baby. Ours is a late marriage . Got married at the age of 47.
Dear Sarita,
I want to be positive… anything is possible! I also have to be realistic and share that natural pregnancy at age 48 may be challenging. I truly do not know! If there are no known fertility health issues, egg health support is perhaps where to focus your energy. If you have known fertility health issues, things may not be as easy and it’d be time to enlist a care team to help you. You may also combine natural and medical approaches and that is fine.
My best and you try!
I too am 48 and my partner has NO children although I still have my cycle, and we’ve only been trying for a month(smile) I do desperately want to be pregnant now. I am going to try naturally until the new year. I wish you ALL THE BEST..
Hi
I am 42 and also am trying for a second child.I had a stillborn at 26wks and 3 miscarriages (2015 and 2016).Was with the specialist a day ago and he prescribed isofolic.Someone had mentioned that i also use VitaminE. Do i go with the specialist or add the Vitamines to the isofolic.Please help me!
Dear Geraldine,
I am so sorry to hear of all you have been through!
Do you perhaps mean Inofolic, the folic acid/myo-inositol supplement? If so, then vitamin E can be taken with both folic acid and myo-inositol. It may be best to at the very least call into the specialists office to ask a nurse if this would be okay.
I’m 40 years old now. I had try for 3 years to get pregnant. I have normal AF 28 days. Had 1 miscarriage(5wk) and failed IVF. During my IVF treatment, I find out that I have 2 fibroid. Which product should I have for me to get pregnant?
Dear Susie,
I am sorry to hear of all you’ve been through!
It may be best to focus on uterine health as a place to start, as whether you try to conceive naturally or through another IVF, a healthy uterus is important for healthy implantation and pregnancy.
Consider learning natural way to support a healthy uterine environment from our guide The Best Natural Remedies for Uterine Fibroids….
If you are still unsure of where to begin, or how to proceed, please consider working one on one with our fertility herbalist who can lay out an entire natural fertility program for you based on your specific fertility health needs. This is offered through a Fertility Consultation. Learn more and book a Fertility Consultation here...
out of the 6days fertility window,which days should i have sex to have a male child .
Thank you
Dear Udalla,
Your male partner’s sperm makes that decision for you… the day of the fertile window does not. There is nothing you can do naturally or take to influence the sex of your baby.
Hello, I am turning 43 shortly. I still have regular cycles. I have done IUI and IVF. There is nothing wrong with either my husbands sperm or my eggs. However, we can seem to be successful in starting our family. I’ve done acupuncture, and been taking supplements but I don’t know where to turn next. I would love to speak with someone if you think this is possible.
Dear Marese,
We would be happy to work with you! The very best way to receive a full plan designed specifically for your fertility health needs is to have a Fertility Consultation.
Through a Fertility Consultation, you will submit your comprehensive intake form, including information about your fertility history, your 3 detailed questions and overall goal for your fertility and within 5 business days one of our Master Herbalists will review, layout and explain each step of your consultation. Once completed, your Fertility Consultation will be emailed to you as a PDF and you get a live link to an audio recording to save and review as often as you need. You also receive the opportunity to continue your relationship with your herbalist through follow-up email correspondence for a few weeks after receiving your consultation, with any questions you may have regarding your consultation.
To learn more or book a Fertility Consultation click on this link…
Hello, I’m 45 turning 46 next month. I’ve had regular cycles my entire life until the age of 41. I’m married and my husband and I want to have a family. I went to the doctor recently and was just told due to my hormone levels it’s not likely I can conceive with out seeing a fertility specialist. I’m heartbroken. I found your site after finding a video of yours in YouTube. Before even getting my medical lab report I began taking herbs that have been suggested by your herbalist as well as Dr. Axe. I would love to speak to one of your herbalist to get some help as well as to help me to understand if I’ve waited to late to conceive naturally.
Thank you.
Hello Melody!
We would be more than happy to work with you! Our herbalists work one on one with clients and provide a full plan designed specifically for your fertility health needs through a Fertility Consultation. There is an email or phone option.
I hope that this guide has offered you hope. We believe 41 is not too late to try to conceive! We look forward to working more with you.
I am 46 and would like to become pregnant. Please give me the full diet and all other information.
Hello Annette!
Do consider the tips in this very guide!
While we do not create daily meal plans, we can guide you in the right direction on good choices (the specifics of the Fertility Diet) and the best herbs, nutritional supplements and natural therapies through our Fertility Consultation program. Learn more or book a Fertility Consultation here…
Thank you so much for this information. I am 41 years ans married for 6years now. I have been trying to conceive after fibroid surgery in 2012 to no avail and my menses dose not flow, its just drops but after reading your very educative and informed article, am enlightened
Hello Ijeoma!
I am thankful this is helpful!
You may also find our guide Importance of Natural Uterus Support After Fibroid Removal helpful.
useful
I am 44 years old and still trying to conceive. I am thinking 8f registering in a fertility hospital here in Georgie.
But while am at that can your tell me what supplement or supplements I can get online that will help boost my eggs, improve my uterine, cervical health, hormones and general well being while trying to conceive?
Dear Constance,
This guide I hope was helpful! Do revisit the tips here. There is not just one supplement that covers all you are asking for really… there are likely to be many to consider learning more about. Some foundational natural fertility boosters might help you feel proactive. Consider giving them a try too.
If you are still unsure of where to begin, or how to proceed, please consider working one on one with our fertility herbalist who can lay out an entire natural fertility program for you based on your specific fertility health needs. This is offered through a Fertility Consultation. Learn more and book a Fertility Consultation here…
I am 43 TTC first child doctors says I everything is good to TTC. I had a myomectomy 4 yrs ago. Period is regular I get nights sweats a few days before my period. I started taking my bbt every morning and I use a ovulation microscope. Is there anything I can do help my chances. Thanks.
Dear Sarah,
The tips in the very guide can be considered. Are you actively trying to conceive during your fertile days? I wonder too if your partner has had fertility testing? Statistics show that 40% of fertility issues are related to female infertility, 40% are related to male infertility and 20% are due to an issue with both.
I hope you feel the tools in this guide are doable!
Help me to conceive.
Dear Juliah,
We are more than happy to work with you! The very best way to receive a full plan designed specifically for your fertility health needs is to have a Fertility Consultation.
Through a Fertility Consultation, you will submit your comprehensive intake form, including information about your fertility history, your 3 detailed questions and overall goal for your fertility and within 5 business days one of our Master Herbalists will review, layout and explain each step of your consultation. To learn more or book a Fertility Consultation click on this link: http://www.naturalfertilityshop.com/product-p/fc2.htm
Good day Madam
I am 45 was trying to conceive naturally for almost two years I was taking the vitabiotic supplements for two months but I did not fall pregnant. I want to try eat natural food but I can’t afford it to purchase all the foods. You are talking about maca, where can I find it in Namibia
Dear Iyaloo,
It is okay to purchase organic whatever foods you can. Focus on purchasing organic or grass-fed meat and dairy, then the
“Dirty Dozen” fruits and vegetables (thin skinned fruits like berries, apples, pears, etc.). Do what you can!
I am not certain where in Namibia that Maca can be purchased, but the Natural Fertility Shop can ship Fertilica Maca to Namibia. For ordering support, please contact the Natural Fertility Shop.
Hi Iyaloo, i am from South Africa , also trying to conceive at the age of 41, i believe you guys have a dischem in namibia, you will be able to find maca at Dischem or you can buy online from Dischem or Faithful to Nature.
Good day. I am 42 years and i have been trying to conceive for the past 6 years. Currently I am using maca, royal yell , folic Acid multivitamins, to improve my egg quality.
For my uterus: Vitex, Don Qui, FertileXX and fertility massage
For my liver: Milk thirstle.
I would like to know if this combination is good for me. I was operated 3 times as a result of Fibroids, and after the operation my tubes were blocked. My hormones are not balance and my Gyno told me that the only solution is egg donor as I’m no ovulating. Will these products do a miracle for me. Please advise I’m stress
Dear Ndapewa,
I am sorry to hear of the challenges you are faced with!
Each of the herbs and natural therapies being used are wonderful and offer many fertility health benefits, but I need to be honest and share that I can not know if they alone are all you will need in order to conceive naturally. We have seen success from our programs and I do want you to have hope! Keep up your hard work! I also need to help you be realistic and know that all you are battling is complex.
Moving forward, consider taking time to learn more about Systemic Enzyme Therapy, which could be added to your program. Do also work to eat as healthy and clean of a diet as you can. I share more here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/daily-tips-for-uterine-fibroids.html and work to manage your stress. Emotional health is as important as physical health while on this journey. What tools do you have to help you manage stress?
I hope all of this is helpful information and helps you keep moving forward!