Contributed by freelance writer.
While some women can conceive without any problems, others are not so lucky. Those in the latter group can attest to the frustration and disappointment associated with trying different procedures to no avail. Not surprisingly, the stress of being unable to conceive often worsens the situation.
Female hormone imbalance
Doctors have recently discovered that having female hormone imbalance significantly affects a woman’s ability to conceive. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body whose main duties include regulating the reproductive system and influencing other processes in the body.
The primary sex hormones in women are estrogen and progesterone. These two are mainly produced by the ovaries although other body tissues supply small amounts. In healthy women, estrogen and progesterone exist in proper amounts and ratios, helping to maintain reproductive health.
Female hormone imbalance occurs when the delicate balance between these two hormones is altered. This can be due to a variety of causes, including endocrine disorders, drug use (including oral contraceptives and cancer medicines), perimenopause and other lifestyle factors such as sleep deprivation, stress, poor diet, obesity and lack of exercise.
Since both estrogen and progesterone play a key role in regulating a woman’s menstrual cycle, a hormonal imbalance directly affects her fertility. This then makes it hard for her to conceive. In most cases, female hormone imbalance can be treated using medication supplemented by changes in the woman’s diet and overall lifestyle.
Restoring balance
Nowadays, medical practitioners are raising awareness on the important role that fitness plays in achieving optimal hormone balance in the body. The simplest way to keep fit is through exercising. Regular exercise is especially invaluable for overweight or obese women. This is because keeping fit helps the body to break down and burn excess fat, allowing a woman to achieve her ideal weight and balancing her female hormones in the process.
Additionally, exercising boosts the woman’s libido, increasing her chances of conceiving. As she sheds more weight, she becomes more confident and happy with her appearance. Exercises also trigger the release of endorphins in the body. These are special chemicals that assist in combating stress and aiding relaxation, both crucial components when it comes to conception.
Furthermore, a fitness routine strengthens core body muscles, helping it to get ready for the strains of pregnancy, labor and delivery. This means that a fit woman is less likely to develop complications during pregnancy and while giving birth. In order to reap the most benefit, women are advised to incorporate a variety of exercises into their daily schedules.
A fitness regime has to be complemented with a balanced diet. Women who are having trouble conceiving need to cut back on refined carbohydrates and sugars. These unhealthy foods provide empty calories and increase harmful cholesterol in the body. They should be replaced with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and vegetable proteins. Dairy products such as cheese, whole milk and cream ought to be taken in moderation.
In addition to keeping fit, women who are trying to conceive need to avoid alcohol and smoking, as these substances often have a negative impact on their fertility.
Aparna says
The information here is quite invaluable for people who have trouble conceiving after many years of trial and not to say the level of disappointment and negativity that comes with it. Although I am happy to hear about how exercise is invaluable for overweight and obese women, I would be extremely pleased if there was more information available how women who are underweight like me can enhance their body image, build their confidence and aim to gain a few pounds to balance their fertility.
I feel quite lost while searching for information for people who are petite by nature and not choice, have their hormones in balance, have regular periods but feel cornered when specialists seem to think only those who suffer from anorexia are underweight.
Perspectives need a drastic change!