If you are trying to conceive and you’re over 35, you’re certainly not alone. The number of women who enter motherhood after age 35 has been on the rise for decades. Although many women are delaying pregnancy until well into their 30s and early 40s, it is important to understand how age impacts your fertility. Learn about the connection between age and fertility and explore the top 5 nutrients for fertility after age 35.*
Fertility After 35
Although many women have successful pregnancies in their mid-thirties and beyond, it may take a little extra time. Egg quantity and quality are two huge factors of fertility – and unfortunately, both naturally decrease with age.
But don’t worry – your dream of a growing family may still be on the horizon, even after age 35. Practicing a healthy diet and lifestyle for fertility is key. There are also specific nutrients to consider that may help support healthy egg quality and overall fertility.*
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s important for fertility.* Research shows that women trying to conceive naturally who have healthy vitamin D levels have a better chance of getting pregnant, and several studies have linked a healthy vitamin D level (>30 ng/mL) with higher pregnancy rates*
Talk with your healthcare provider to find out how much vitamin D you need each day.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant produced in the body, and it plays a crucial role in energy production inside your body’s cells.* But, CoQ10 levels naturally decrease with age. Oocytes (egg cells) are the largest cell in a woman’s body, and they require a lot of energy to mature properly. So, adequate levels of CoQ10 can help support healthy egg quality and fertility in women in their mid-thirties and beyond.*
- Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural hormone made by the pineal gland. It regulates circadian rhythm, your body’s sleep/wake cycle, and helps support healthy sleep patterns.* Melatonin may also support fertility as an antioxidant.* Antioxidants are like bodyguards in your body – they protect your cells and keep them healthy.* Research suggests that healthy melatonin levels in the ovary may support healthy egg quality.*
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Your adrenal glands produce a natural hormone called DHEA that your body can convert to androgens (testosterone) or estrogens. Like CoQ10, DHEA levels also naturally decline with age.
The way DHEA works to support ovarian health isn’t completely understood, but research suggests it may help support healthy ovarian function and egg quality.*
DHEA should be taken only with a doctor’s recommendation. Ask your healthcare team if DHEA may be beneficial for you.
- Inositols
Inositols are B-vitamin-like nutrients that are found in some foods, like beans, grains, and nuts, and they’re also made within the body. These nutrients help your body use insulin efficiently, which helps support healthy blood sugar, insulin, and hormone levels.* They’re also involved in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) signaling and can help support egg quality in women trying to conceive.*
While advances in fertility practices have made it possible for so many more women to achieve a healthy pregnancy and enter motherhood, it’s still important to understand the impact of age on your fertility. Making healthy diet and lifestyle choices, and including fertility-focused nutrients in your daily routine can help support your fertility as you try to conceive.*