Supplements Taken Before IVF Cycle

In November we met with our RE who wanted me to start taking supplements. He was concerned about my egg quality and egg reserve wanting us to have the best chance for our upcoming IVF cycle.

Even if I was getting the proper nutrition daily, he felt that I needed to use supplements to increase my chances.

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I took these supplements 30 days before our IVF cycle. 1-2 weeks into taking all the supplements, I felt super sick with stomach cramps. A few hours after taking my dinner pills I would feel sick. In tears crying because I was so sick of not feeling myself. With the help of the nurses at the fertility clinic we pin pointed it to Co-Q10. During that time I also switched to a more basic diet and that seemed to help.

The majority of these supplements help with egg quality. There are several on this list that can help men as well.

**If a man/woman changes their diet/adds supplements it takes up to 3 months for it to start helping with egg or sperm quality.

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Myo-Insitol 750mg

A substance from the B complex family. It acts as an insulin-sensitizing agent (promotes proper use of insulin in the body) which helps healthy ovarian function, egg quality and menstrual cycle regularity. This is a supplement that is to be taken 3x a day (says so on the bottle).

This study suggests taking over a period of time. After 14 weeks women had an increase on ovarian function for those that have polycystic ovaries.

This article suggests women who have PCOS will benefit from taking this supplement.

Co-Q10 400mg

Is a nutrient that supports heart function and promotes energy production in cells (ATP synthesis), and also functions as an antioxidant. It has been shown to improve egg quality, and sperm health, by getting rid of the free radicals found in our body.

This article talks about how Ubiquinol (a form of Co-Q10) can improve overall chances of getting pregnant.

L-Arginine 1000mg

An amino acid that aids in the synthesis of proteins, the production of creatine phosphate (needed to produce ATP), and the synthesis of nitric oxide (secondary messenger involved in blood flow).

One article suggests that this amino acid can help with blood flow to the reproductive organs. Increasing nitric oxide levels can reduce inflammation which can interfere with implantation while in males can increase sperm production.

DHA 1000mg

Stands for docosahexaenoic acid, and is also known as an Omega-3 fatty acid. While it is found in some prenatal vitamins its beneficial for neurological health. There seems to be greater health benefits when it’s paired with EPA.

This article said DHA can help with hormone regulation and overall sperm health.

Vitamin E 400 IU

Promotes healthy immune system and brain function, it acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin E can help men with sperm mobility, and quality, while in women can increase overall health of the eggs.

Vitamin C 500 mg

An antioxidant that helps support the immune system, and involved in collagen formation (joint health). Vitamin C can aid with hormone regulation, sperm health helps egg quality, and plays an important roll in regulating menstrual cycles.

DHEA 25 mg

Dehydroepiandrosterone (say that 5x fast!) are ketones, and ketones are the chemical make up of hormones. DHEA is an androgen hormone that gets converted to testosterone in women. Essential in the female body mainly to help with the development and production of healthy eggs.

DHEA helps with women who have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Please take this only with the supervision of your doctor. This is a hormone and could cause more imbalances if you aren’t careful.

Vitamin D 1000 IU

Vitamin D regulates cell growth, and create much needed sex hormones. Those that are deficient in vitamin D could potentially have PMS, PCOS, and infertility. This study at Yale on infertile women suggested that women with PCOS had a deficiency in Vitamin D. If you do need to supplement, then supplement with Vitamin D-3 because most D supplements end up not having enough actual Vitamin D in them.

Maca Root 525mg

Maca root is an herb and is used for energy and stamina, and the endocrine system. While maca helps both men and women, it does not contain any hormones, it helps progesterone and Estrogen in women. Best taken before 3pm as it can interfere with your sleep schedule.

Dexamethasone 0.5 mg

A steroid that supports ovarian response. When used with stimulating drugs (IVF) your ovaries are more receptive. Unfortunately there isn’t a lot of research whether it is good or bad during IVF.

Disclaimer: These medications are supposed to help with fertility related issues. Please talk to your Reproductive Endocrinologist/doctor about any/all of them before starting to take any of these supplements.

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