In a Leadership Role as a Female? Why I Want You to Optimize and Protect Your Fertility Now (Even If You Don’t Want Kids)
As a woman in a leadership role, you’re likely used to juggling big responsibilities, solving complex problems, and leading your team to success. You’re focused, ambitious, and building a legacy. But, real talk: have you thought about your fertility lately? Even if kids aren’t on your radar—or you’re unsure if they ever will be—protecting and optimizing your fertility now is one of the best investments you can make in your overall health.
Here’s why.
Fertility Is a Key Indicator of Health
Fertility isn’t just about having kids—it’s a window into your body’s overall well-being. Hormonal imbalances, stress, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic inflammation can all impact your reproductive system. When we focus on fertility health, we’re really addressing the root causes of these broader health challenges. Optimizing your fertility means optimizing you. And whether or not you want kids, balancing hormones now will support future you- in perimenopause, menopause and beyond. Anovulatory cycles are becoming a more and more common concern I’m seeing in my practice, and this is a red flag for overall wellness. If you aren’t ovulating, it’s your body telling you something isn’t quite right, not only that, but if you’re not ovulating regularly, you’re missing out on one of the most supportive hormones for the luteal phase- progesterone. This amazing hormone is calming, helps with restful sleep, clear & radiant skin, and more!
Did you know that you may not be ovulating even if you have regular, predictable periods? Whether you’re on the TTC (trying to conceive) track, or simply interested in getting to know your body better, tracking basal body temperature (BBT) via oral thermometer or device like TempDrop (affiliate link for 10% off!) can give you key insights about your hormone health. Look for the sustained rise in basal body temperature to indicate that ovulation was strong & healthy. Pair this with signs of ovulatory cervical fluid to really hone in on your specific state of ovulation.
Time Is a Factor
While fertility doesn’t simply drop off a cliff the moment we turn 35 like we’re led to believe, it is finite. Modern medicine offers options like egg freezing, however these technologies are only part of the story. The quality of your eggs—and your ability to conceive naturally—can decline with age (or more accurately put- exposure to toxins, stress, and oxidative stress). Even if you’re not planning to have kids, keeping your options open means taking steps now to preserve your fertility for the future. By optimizing your fertility now (read: hormone health, nutrient status, and overall wellness), you’re making your life easier if you do decide to bring a baby into the world, no matter the route you take.
Leadership and Stress: The Silent Threat
High-powered roles often mean long hours, high stakes, and constant pressure. This stress can wreak havoc on your hormones, menstrual cycle, and overall reproductive health, if we don’t keep it in check. Taking proactive steps to manage stress and support your body’s resilience can help you stay at the top of your game while also protecting your fertility. Stress also wreaks havoc on your later hormonal years, whether you feel it now or not. As we move towards perimenopause and then menopause, the body shifts from hormone production from ovaries to adrenal glands. If your adrenal glands are already waving the white flag from being chronically ignored, then they won’t have much juice to give you during this transition, which can lead to a rocky hormonal road. While I’d love for you to live a lovely stress-free life, I know that’s just not realistic. When stress can’t be avoided with my clients, I like to focus on building resilience- in body, mind and spirit. This is where adaptogenic herbs tailored to your needs can be especially helpful for keeping you in balance and supporting your hormones now and in the future.
How to Start Optimizing Your Fertility
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight to support your fertility. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Here are a few:
Nutrition: Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods that support hormone balance. Think leafy greens, healthy fats, and plenty of protein. And NO MEAL SKIPPING! Skipping meals can signal the body that there’s even more stress happening, messing up your metabolism in the short and long term.
Optimize your Emunctories (routes of elimination): an old adage of naturopathic medicine is “give the body what it needs, help it take out the trash, and get out of the way!”. Emunctories are the routes of elimination / taking out the trash (ex: urine, stool, sweat, etc.). Optimizing these routes helps keep your body (and hormones!) in balance, so toxins aren’t recirculating, causing disruption on your systems. Getting good fiber, drinking enough water, and sweating or moving every day are easy ways to support your emunctories. Magnesium is a common supplement leveraged for bowel regularity as well. Opt for magnesium glycinate for added calming benefits or magnesium oxide or citrate if you need more powerful bowel support.
Stress Management: Incorporate daily practices like meditation, yoga, or even a simple walk outside to introduce some peace into your day. Nervous system support is the foundation of any stress management program and supports overall wellness & resilience. I often recommend Yoga with Adrienne for an entry-level yoga practice that is fun and supportive.
Sleep: Quality sleep is non-negotiable for hormone regulation and overall health. Be devoted to getting to bed at a regular time (ideally by 10 p.m.), in a cool environment and total darkness. If you find yourself waking regularly at the same time during the night, check the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) clock for clues on what areas of your health might need some support. This is something I talk about with clients a LOT and love diving into not just the physical aspect of the TCM clock, but also the emotional clues it provides.
Testing: Work with a practitioner to check your hormone levels, nutrient status, and overall health markers. We can glean so much information from simple blood tests, done at the appropriate time of your menstrual cycle. Testing vs. guessing helps us craft a plan specifically tailored to you and your needs, saving you time and money (who doesn’t love that!?).
Your Legacy, Your Choice
Whether or not you want children isn’t the point. What’s important is that you partner with yourself to give yourself the freedom to choose. Protecting your fertility isn’t just about reproduction; it’s about honoring your body, your future, and the amazing life you’re building as a leader.
Taking the time to focus on this now is an act of self-care that your future self will thank you for.
— Dr. Ashley 🌿
Want to learn more about optimizing your fertility and overall health? Schedule your free consult here. Let’s build the foundation for your best life, together.