iVillage logo
Pregnancy & Baby 
Advertisement
Topics
iVillage shopping

Hot stuff
Newsletters
Sign up for FREE!




 
Promotions

Oestrogen's role in fertility

by Peg Plumbo

question
What role does oestrogen play in the first half of your cycle prior to ovulation? Can low oestrogen levels affect whether or not you will conceive? Are there natural herbs that can be taken to help raise your oestrogen level?

answer
Oestrogen definitely plays a role in fertility. Oestrogen is the dominant hormone in the first half of the menstrual cycle and continues to play a part throughout the second half as well.

If a woman is deficient in oestrogen, as she may be during her peri-menopausal period, symptoms such as hot flushes, headaches, night sweats and vaginal dryness may occur. If the oestrogen level is low, the normal feedback mechanisms of the hypothalamus and pituitary do not function. The lining of the uterus is scant and not hospitable to a pregnancy. Ovulation may not occur at all.

Natural remedies such as tofu and yams have some oestrogenic qualities, but there has not been much medical literature published on their benefits.

If you suspect an infertility problem, I would recommend that you start noting cervical mucus changes, taking your basal body temperature and noting cervical position changes. Such information is provided in a book called "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. It is an excellent resource.

I wish you well and do seek expert help if you suspect a problem.

Delicious     Digg     reddit     Facebook     StumbleUpon
iVillage Features

iVillage Competitions

Playhouse Disney Competition


Message Boards