The Cycle as a Vital Sign The Wholesome Lotus explained that the menstrual cycle is considered the fifth vital sign and serves as a "report card" for the body's overall health. They elaborated that various factors, such as circadian rhythm disruptions often seen in individuals with PCOS, can significantly influence the cycle, impacting other bodily rhythms like cortisol and melatonin. This interconnectedness highlights that everything done daily can impact the cycle and, consequently, fertility.
Egg Quantity vs. Quality Brooke Harmer raised a question about how female fertility can be fluid if women are born with a finite number of eggs. The Wholesome Lotus clarified that while the quantity of eggs (reflected by AMH levels) cannot be changed, the quality of eggs can be significantly impacted. They emphasized that a woman who is ovulating and menstruating regularly has a chance to conceive, provided the quality of both the egg and sperm are good.
Improving Egg Quality The Wholesome Lotus stated that it takes a minimum of 3 to 3.5 months, or even longer, to improve egg quality, as this is the time eggs need to mature and benefit from nutrients and a healthier lifestyle. They highlighted the importance of balanced exercise, better sleep, reduced stress, and a positive mindset, explaining that egg cells require significant energy reserves, and the body prioritizes survival over reproduction if it is depleted.
Signs of Egg Quality and Hormonal Balance The Wholesome Lotus noted that egg quality is difficult to measure directly through labs, with the best indicator being how eggs fertilize during IVF. They suggested that overall vitality, sleep quality, and regulated nervous system function are indirect signs of the body's reserves, which can reflect egg quality. While ovulation indicates hormonal capacity, it does not guarantee good egg quality; hormonal imbalances, such as high FSH or issues with the luteal phase, could signify underlying egg issues.
Chinese Medicine Modalities for Fertility The Wholesome Lotus described Chinese medicine as a complex but harmonious system that uses modalities like Chinese herbs and acupuncture to create balance and optimize the body's self-healing environment. They explained that Chinese herbs act like a "pharmacy" to adjust the body's chemistry (heat, moisture), while acupuncture mechanically and electronically stimulates meridians—the body's circuitry—to regulate "chi" or life force vitality, which in turn impacts the nervous system and overall bodily functions, including hormones and energy production.
Restrictions and Food Recommendations in Chinese Medicine The Wholesome Lotus clarified that acupuncture has no restrictions and can even help with breastfeeding by improving milk production. However, they recommend avoiding Chinese herbs during pregnancy and breastfeeding to prevent potential impact on the baby or interference with conventional medications, such as those used in IVF. For postpartum women, they emphasized focusing on food, recommending bone broth, animal protein (like beef or beef liver after two months postpartum), and beets to replenish "chi" and blood lost during childbirth. They also advised incorporating warming foods rather than too much raw food, as warming foods support the body's internal warmth.
Supplement Recommendations for Egg Quality The Wholesome Lotus endorsed CoQ10 as a staple supplement for most of their patients to support egg quality, especially for older individuals, though they noted it might not be a first choice for very young and healthy individuals. They also highlighted the importance of Vitamin D, suggesting a level of around 50, and magnesium (around 300mg/day) for general health. The Wholesome Lotus highly recommended the prenatal vitamin from Needed for its comprehensive nutrient profile and stressed the importance of checking nutrient levels through functional providers, noting that Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to miscarriages and unexplained infertility.
Supporting Fertility Over 35 The Wholesome Lotus noted that while 35 is relatively young, for individuals over this age, focus should be on protecting mitochondria and increasing antioxidant intake to support energy production. They also emphasized addressing psycho-emotional energy leaks, suggesting the importance of healthy boundaries, energy protection, and nervous system regulation through practices like breath work and HeartMath Institute's heart-brain coherence techniques. Maintaining adaptability in the nervous system through practices like meditation can help preserve energy and promote a more youthful state.
Nervous System as Foundation for Fertility Brooke Harmer summarized that the nervous system is foundational to egg quality and fertility, and that understanding health through the lens of Chinese medicine can be highly beneficial for a fertility journey. The Wholesome Lotus affirmed this, adding that the nervous system also impacts hormones and digestion.
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