How commonly used medications can cause infertility

A new research study has revealed that even short term use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Asprin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen can prevent ovulation and cause infertility. The research suggests this is because these over-the-counter medications can decrease progesterone production, a hormone that is essential for the body to trigger ovulation. This impact is temporary, but this new knowledge is vital for both women who are trying to conceive and those who are not.

For those trying to conceive even one infertile cycle can be seen as a setback to their hope for a planned pregnancy, and if a woman is dealing with pain every month then it might not just be one cycle she’s missing. For those not looking to conceive – low progesterone and a lack of ovulation in even one cycle can impact your mood, energy levels, sex drive and cause you to have an early period. A lack of progesterone can show up as sleep problems, hair loss and PMS. Essentially, the kind of drugs we all keep in our bathroom cabinet and often think very little of taking, can be sabotaging out hormonal balance!

This is major news and it might have you thinking about how other medications you like to keep on hand could be causing similar hormonal havoc.

Alternatives to NSAIDs that won’t harm your fertility

I’ve discussed before how you might stock a natural medicine cabinet that provides easy and effective alternatives to NSAIDs for period cramps and pain. If most of your painkiller consumptions comes around your period then I’ve also discussed other natural cures for this discomfort. If you suffer with pre-menstrual headaches I have outlined a way to address this with diet changes. Magnesium deficiency can also be at the root of migraines.

The impact of other medications on your fertility

I’d like to talk you through how other commonly-used medications might be worth reconsidering for more than very rare use if you want to support your hormones and your health. Plus provide you with some ideas for natural treatment alternatives.

The birth control pill

Hormonal contraceptives prevent ovulation by replacing your body’s natural hormones with a stream of synthetic hormones that flatten out the cycle to make it a one-note experience. These synthetic hormones do not act like our own hormones in that they actually produce a biological state much like menopause. Similarly to NSAIDs – you won’t be producing progesterone when using these birth control methods. The birth control pill may suppress symptoms of hormonal health issues like PCOS or endometriosis, but it does not treat the root cause and so the problems will inevitably return once you come off. One of the biggest myths about the Pill is that it “protects” your fertility, when in reality, it is harming your hormones.

I have helped hundreds of women transition off the Pill with a tried-and-tested formula. There are many natural alternatives to successfully avoid pregnancy. If you are using the Pill for a hormonal health issue, you’re in the right place as you are obviously seeking alternatives! I developed the FLO Hormone Balance Program to help – with endometriosis, PCOS, and more.

Antibiotics

Antibiotic treatments kill off the good bacteria along with the bad and disrupt your all-important microbiome. One set of healthful and helpful gut bacteria, more specifically certain bacterial genes, called the estrobolome, produce an essential enzyme that helps metabolize estrogen. Your gut or microbiome therefore is part of the elimination system that is vital in ushering hormones out of the body. This process, when working efficiently, plays an essential role in perfect hormonal balance (I’ve previously discussed this in more detail). Essentially, over-use of antibiotics can lead you to estrogen dominance, a source of many hormonal health issues. I interviewed Dr Raphel Kellman – the man who discovered the microbiome – here.

Many women use antibiotics mostly for urinary tract infections and yeast infections. There’s no need for this! These medications make the problem worse over time and create a vicious cycle. I have shared my preferred natural alternative treatments.

Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you!  You can do this – the science of your body is on your side!

to your FLO,

Alisa

Good things come in threes:

I want to hear from you!

First, are you trying to conceive?

Second, have you successfully used natural treatments for cramps or headaches?

Third, everyone you know is hormonal – spread a little good ovary karma and share this article on social 😉

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Whether you are just starting to think about having a baby, or have already tried naturally or have been trying with IVF, our Fertile FLO Program will help improve your chances of conception.

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