Are your hormones impacting your fertility? Make this quiz your starting point

Hormonal imbalance is surprisingly common, and if you’re currently TTC (trying to conceive), you might be worrying whether your hormones are more of a hindrance than a help right now.

Trying to figure it all out at home? We always recommend getting medical advice over doom-scrolling and self-diagnosing, but checking your symptoms over before making an appointment can help you kick start the process, and give you an idea of where to turn to for powerful support.

For this one, we’re partnering with Ladywell – a fab supplement brand for hormone health. With their top-grade formulas for fertility, PMS, PCOS, egg health and irregular periods as well as postpartum recovery and perimenopause (all formulated by experts in women’s hormonal health) they understand the importance of a supported and balanced menstrual cycle as an absolute baseline for fertility.

Before we dive in, TRB readers can get 20% off their order with code: RIBBON20

Hormones and fertility – what’s the link?

Experts reckon that 80% of people with ovaries suffer from some form of hormonal imbalance. It is also estimated that 70% are unaware of conditions like PCOS that may have manifested as a result – meaning that many women live with these imbalances, without even realizing it.

And when it comes to hormones and fertility, each one needs to work together in harmony for everything to go smoothly. That includes regulating your menstrual cycle, and other important processes in your body.

Here are just a few of the conditions that can occur as a result of hormone imbalance – all of which can impact your fertility;

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): This one-in-ten condition can occur as a result of raised levels of testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH). These hormones affect how your ovaries work, leading to irregular ovulation and poor egg quality.
• Hyperthyroidism: This condition can disrupt your body’s rhythm, causing elevated levels of the protein SHBG and the hormone prolactin. This can impact your ability to ovulate, as well as disrupt the implantation process.
  
• POI (Premature Ovarian Insufficiency): This condition happens when the ovaries stop working as they should before the age of 40, and causes very low estrogen levels, irregular periods and challenges in conceiving.

Hormone imbalance quiz

There’s no single test to diagnose a hormone imbalance. But understanding what these hormonal imbalances can look like in terms of symptoms can help you start to rule out conditions that can impact fertility, and make plans for support, treatment and next steps. 

1. Dealing with irregular periods? Have your periods changed?

Irregular periods or changes in your period can occur occasionally, but if you’ve noticed any ongoing trends or recent sudden changes – take note. Irregular ovulation can cause irregular periods and can make trying to conceive harder.

2. Experiencing weight gain?

There is a link between unexplained weight gain and PCOS, both of which can make getting pregnant trickier.

3. Any digestive issues?

Your gut is essential for regulating your estrogen balance, so if you’re experiencing symptoms of an unhealthy gut, this could be a clue that this process has been disrupted. It’s also worth noting that fertility-impacting conditions like PCOS and endometriosis can often cause symptoms like bloating.

4. Having trouble sleeping?

Hormonal changes can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. Feeling irritable and less able to relax at night has been connected to low levels of progesterone.

5. Are recurrent skin problems an issue for you?

Persistent oily skin or acne can occur in those with PCOS, due to an increase in androgens (male hormones). Got dry and itchy skin? This symptom has been linked to hyperthyroidism.

6. Noticed any hair changes?

Also known as hirsutism, excessive hair growth is another PCOS symptom caused by an increased level of androgens. On the other hand, hair that feels thinner than usual or just feels more dry and lackluster is often considered a sign of low thyroid hormone levels.

7. Experiencing vaginal dryness? 

Vaginal dryness occurs as a result of low levels of estrogen, the hormone that is almost entirely responsible for vaginal lubrication. This drop in estrogen can occur monthly during your menstrual cycle but is associated with perimenopause and POI if longer term.

8. Struggling with mood changes during your cycle?

According to the experts at Ladywell, PMS can actually be considered a sign of an underlying hormonal issue. As many as three in four women say they get PMS symptoms, and even mild ones can be signs of an imbalance in the body.

9. Feeling sweaty at night?

Hot flashes and night sweats are common in perimenopause, and (in some cases) during your menstrual cycle. This is because hormonal changes can make it harder for your brain to regulate your body temperature properly. Perimenopause can start as early as your mid-thirties, and can make getting pregnant more challenging.

10. Dealing with low energy and brain fog?

Feeling ‘foggy’ and chronically low on energy are connected with adrenal dysfunction, a stress-related condition that stems from long-term elevation of adrenal hormone levels. Adrenal dysfunction can have a negative effect on DHEA, the key hormone looking after the production of sex hormones.

11. Got low libido?

Research suggests that hormonal imbalances are the cause of 70% of low libido cases. Feeling like you’ve lost your sex drive can occur as a result of cortisol spikes or lower estrogen and testosterone levels commonly associated with perimenopause. 

Can supplements to balance hormones really help?

If you do suspect things might be a little out of whack and fertility is a concern, the experts at Ladywell recommend supplementing daily to support your hormones and relieve the above symptoms.

They swear by science-backed ingredients that are great for natural support. Here are some of the key ingredients to know.

• Black Cohosh – Promotes a strong, healthy uterine lining which is crucial to getting and staying pregnant.
• Chasteberry – Decreases levels of prolactin, which in turn balances out estrogen and progesterone. It reduces PMS and menopausal symptoms as well as heavy periods and has been used as an infertility treatment for women.
• Shavatari – Helps regulate your cycle, balance hormones, and boosts egg quality and follicular development.
• Dong Quai – Used for menstrual cramps, PMS, menopausal symptoms and to manage infertility.
• Ginfort – A powerful ginger root extract, clinically proven to relieve symptoms of PMS. 
• Saffron – Relieves PMS symptoms and increases libido. Some studies even show a 50% decrease in the severity of PMS and cycle-linked depression symptoms, when taken consistently for two cycles.
• Ashwagandha – Works to improve fertility by balancing hormones and reducing oxidative stress, which in turn enhances egg quality and increases chances of conception. Also, its fab natural stress-relieving properties can help deal with the all-too-common anxiety around getting pregnant.

Ready to take the first step towards supporting your baseline fertility health? Head over to Ladywell for targeted hormonal support and supplements to balance hormones, and get 20% off with the code: RIBBON20.

Their Daily Hormone Balance Capsules are formulated with 15 powerful, plant-based ingredients that target even the most stubborn hormonal symptoms. Prefer powders? Ladywell’s Daily Hormone Balance Latte Mix is their highest potency enhanced bioavailability powder – and we’ve heard it tastes delicious, too!