Helpful supplements and vitamins for a woman's fertility

While modern medicine offers mothers-to-be a long list of prescriptions, you can also find valuable suggestions from alternative medicine. Here is a select list of supplements that doctors of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncturists, and naturopaths recommend for reproductive health, along with a simple explanation of the supplements' benefits.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, infertility results from stagnation (specifically qi stagnation), hormone imbalance, and stress.

The typical recommendation includes acupuncture to offset stagnation and promote blood flow to the reproductive organs, a healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding the damp and cold. Eliminating damp foods, such as milk, alcohol and butter, is also usually recommended.

Many Western doctors, including reproductive endocrinologists recommend using advanced reproductive techniques with traditional Chinese Medicine such as acupuncture, and studies show some improvement in select cases.

Please note that the following list does not constitute medical advice and all supplements should be taken in consultation with your doctor.

Also, please note that should you become pregnant, many of these listed supplements are not safe for you to continue taking or there have not been studies regarding their safety during foetal development. Therefore, you should stop taking the supplements immediately upon finding out you're pregnant.

The only exception to this is if your medical doctor has deemed that it is safe for you to continue taking your supplements during your pregnancy.

Here is a list of supplements that traditional Chinese medicine often recommends to improve a woman's fertility. But, be sure to note that many of these things should not be taken once you become pregnant as they can have serious negative effects.

1. B Vitamin Complex: these vitamins affect the luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone as well.
2. Bee Propolis: a plant material and bee material from hives, 500 mg is the usual recommended dose. This material is helpful for inflammation and autoimmune issues, particularly in endometriosis patients. However, do not use this during pregnancy.
3. Castor oil packs: these are suggested for promoting circulation in reproductive organs, particularly for endometriosis patients and women with uterine fibroids, or cysts. However, do not use them during pregnancy.
4. Chasteberry/Vitex: these supplements improve ovulation and hormonal balance. But they are unsafe for pregnant women.
5. Co-Enzyme (Q10): not all clinicians agree that this is a helpful supplement, but many women have had success using it in combination with other supplements. The daily recommended dosage is 100-200 mg. However, do not use this during pregnancy.
6. D Vitamins: most doctors agree that this is a useful supplement to boost fertility. The daily recommended dose is 100-200 mg. However, pregnant women can get sufficient dosage within their prenatal multivitamin so once you're pregnant do not take any additional dosage.
7. DHEA: not all clinicians agree that this is a helpful supplement, but many women have had success using it in combination with other supplements. The recommended daily dosage is 75 mg. However, do not use this during pregnancy.
8. Dong Quai root: this herb is used to assist in circulation and cleansing. It's very helpful for patients with endometriosis or uterine fibroids. However, do not use this during pregnancy.
9. Evening Primrose Oil: this oil can help with balancing hormones, including the hormone-like prostaglandins. However, do not use this during pregnancy.
10. Folic acid: this supplement helps with ovulation, which is very important to development of foetus.
11. L-arginine: this amino acid is said to help with circulation in the uterus and ovaries. However, do not use this during pregnancy.
12. Omega 3 Vitamins: these vitamins can help with inflammation and promote fertility. You may take these safely during pregnancy, but you should consult your doctor for dosage.
13. Maca: this root helps to balance hormones
14. Red Clover: this herb helps to purify and nourish, contains a great deal of phytoestrogens and aids in uterine tissue growth. However, do not use this during pregnancy.

If you're looking for more natural ways to help increase your fertility, try the supplements in this list.

But, if you decide to use any of them, be sure to consult your doctor before you start taking them. That way you and your doctor can go over all of these supplements' effects and you can learn which could work best for you.