In my virtual practice, I’ve worked with many women living with endometriosis and navigating their fertility journey. While it’s not without its challenges, Naturopathy and nutritional medicine provide holistic options to optimise fertility outcomes and improve your chances of IVF success, alongside conventional treatment.
Endometriosis is a complex chronic condition, and while research is ongoing; hormonal, genetic, immune, environmental and lifestyle factors are involved. Up to 50% of infertile women have been found to have endometriosis, and a 2024 review found 44% of unexplained infertility cases were attributed to undiagnosed endometriosis.
Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or with IVF, we have options to maximise your outcomes. In my clinical experience, these are four key areas I have found to benefit most:
1. Calming Inflammation (the fire)
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition, and when your body is unable to keep inflammation in check, fertility and egg quality are affected. Think of inflammation like ‘a fire’, and our goal is calming the flames.
Here’s where to start:
• Follow an Anti-Inflammatory diet: A Mediterranean-style diet—full of vegetables, legumes, fish, olive oil, and nuts—is ideal
• Supplements: Quality fish oil (they’re not all the same!), herbal medicines and Palmitoylethanolamide (also known as ‘PEA’)
• Stress management: Ongoing stress adds fuel to the fire. Chronic stress is an accelerant for inflammatory processes in the body.
2. Nourish & Optimise Egg Quality
Endometriosis can reduce both egg quality and egg count, but while egg number can’t be changed, lifestyle and environmental factors can improve egg quality. The eggs developing now are influenced by your current habits, with diet, blood sugar balance, and toxin exposure all affecting outcomes alongside age.
Here’s where we can start:
• Increase Antioxidant-rich foods: Berries, leafy greens, colourful vegetables, nuts and seeds. These foods help counter oxidative stress which occur as a result of endo, and protects the DNA of your eggs.
• Evidence-based supplements: Research supports using Co enzyme Q10, NAD+ (a Vitamin B3 derivative), Omega-3 fats, Vitamin D, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to support egg health.
• Balanced blood sugar: Making sure your meals contain quality protein, fibre, and healthy fats, which helps stabilise blood sugar levels and support hormonal balance.
Your egg quality is a changeable factor within your control. Remember, if you’re trying to get pregnant with IVF, you need to start working on this well before your egg retrieval (minimum 90 days).
3. Gut health and the microbiome
Many women with endo experience untoward digestive symptoms, from loose stools to constipation, multiple food sensitivities and bloating (commonly referred to as endo belly). The research has shown potential links with disturbed gut microbiome in women with endometriosis. Your gut health and your immune system are intimately linked.
Here’s what we can do:
• Adequate dietary fibre: 20-30g is the recommended daily intake for women. Nourish your gut microbiome with prebiotic fibres from vegetables and fruits (especially onion, garlic, leek and artichoke) to encourage the growth of good gut bacteria.
• Track daily bowel symptoms: and refer for further testing. Rule out coaleic disease or gluten intolerance and consider gut microbiome testing.
• Diet diary: to identify individual food triggers
4. Support Hormonal Balance
Endometriosis lesions depend on oestrogen for growth, but this doesn’t always mean you have high levels — blood testing this hormone on day 2 of your cycle can confirm. In endometriosis, oestrogen and histamine can drive each other in a cycle, worsening symptoms. Histamine is a chemical in the body released after injury or allergic reaction.
The hormone progesterone helps by calming our mast cells (responsible for releasing histamine), and supporting its clearance. If histamine is a factor for you, you might notice allergic-like symptoms that vary throughout your cycle.
If oestrogen is high, we can:
• Improve oestrogen clearance via the liver and bowels. Oestrogen is processed via the liver first, and then requires adequate dietary fibre to remove it via the bowels.
• Optimise ovulation: which naturally promotes progesterone production (oestrogens natural ‘counter’ hormone)
• Reduce the body’s toxic load: say goodbye to plastics, and limit EDC’s (endocrine disrupting chemicals) in toiletries and personal care items as much as possible.
Gentle next steps
It’s important to remember that there is no “quick-fix” for endo, and surgery alone doesn’t address the whole picture. Optimising fertility with endo requires the support of a multi-modality health care team, and I am quietly confident that after working together to create a personalised plan, we can improve your fertility outcomes and overall quality of life. Book a free Fertility Clarity Call here and get started today.
Author:
Corinne Leach
The Gentle Naturopath
Please note: this blog does not replace medical advice, and you should always seek personalised care. The Gentle Naturopath is a collaborative naturopathic clinic and we work alongside medical professionals for the best patient care.
References
1. Pessoa de Farias Rodrigues, M., Lima Vilarino, F., de Souza Barbeiro Munhoz, A. et al. Clinical aspects and the quality of life among women with endometriosis and infertility: a cross-sectional study. BMC Women’s Health 20, 124 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-020-00987-7
2. Van Gestel, H., Bafort, C., Meuleman, C., Tomassetti, C., & Vanhie, A. (2024). The prevalence of endometriosis in unexplained infertility: a systematic review. Reproductive biomedicine online, 49(3), 103848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103848
No two fertility journeys are the same. Everyone arrives to their first appointment with a different set of circumstances, medical histories, emotional needs and personal goals. That’s why personalised care isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Fertility is complex, and so are you
Fertility treatment involves many variables including, hormone levels, egg quality, sperm health, medical conditions, past interventions, timing, lifestyle and more. These factors can interact in complex ways and look different for every person or couple.
Take, for example, a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Her treatment plan will likely be very different from someone with low ovarian reserve. Similarly, a same-sex couple exploring donor options will have their own unique considerations. There’s no standard route, and nor should there be.
Evidence and empathy working together
Personalisation isn’t just about adjusting hormone doses or choosing between IVF, ICSI or IUI. It’s also about taking the time to listen, to understand what matters most to you, such as your values, goals and emotional readiness.
Some prefer to start with the least invasive options. Others feel time is critical and want to move straight to more advanced treatment. Both approaches are valid. What matters is that your choices are respected and your care is guided by both clinical insight and genuine understanding.
Better outcomes through tailored pathways
Research consistently shows that tailoring fertility treatment to the individual leads to better outcomes. This could mean selecting a stimulation protocol that aligns with your egg reserve, recommending targeted tests to uncover hidden factors, or adjusting the timing of treatment to suit your life.
Fertility care shouldn’t take over your world, it should fit into it. It’s about getting the details right. The right treatment, at the right time, for the right person.
When every step is personalised, you get the best possible chance of success.
More than one path to parenthood
Many people assume fertility treatment means IVF. Personalisation starts with exploring all the options. For some, ovulation induction or IUI may be the most effective and least invasive place to start. For others, IVF, with or without genetic testing, might be the right path based on their specific circumstances. For single parents by choice and same-sex couples, donor eggs, sperm or embryos may be part of the journey.
Care that builds confidence
Fertility treatment can feel overwhelming. There are decisions to make, information to process and emotions to navigate. When you know your care has been designed specifically for you, it builds trust in the process and confidence in the plan.
Personalisation at Create Fertility
At Create Fertility, we bring together advanced reproductive science and deeply personalised care. We understand that no two patients are the same, which is why every treatment plan is designed around the individual, their medical profile, personal circumstances and emotional needs.
Whether that means starting with less invasive options like ovulation induction, or progressing to IVF with advanced genetic testing, we focus on what’s right for you. Because your fertility treatment isn’t just about science, it’s about you.
Author:
Dr Scott Pearce
Create Health
Create Fertility
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting 10-20% of women, though it is estimated that 70% remain undiagnosed. At the 2023 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) conference in Copenhagen, new guidelines were presented, offering important insights into diagnosing and managing PCOS, especially for those struggling with fertility.
What is PCOS and How Does It Impact Fertility?
PCOS is characterized by anovulation (lack of ovulation), high androgen levels (leading to symptoms like acne and excessive hair growth), and insulin resistance. It is a leading cause of anovulation-related infertility. Women with PCOS often have irregular menstrual cycles, making it difficult to track ovulation. Additionally, they may face challenges when trying to conceive, though fertility outcomes are often positive with the right treatment.
Recent updates emphasize that PCOS can affect women of all body types—not just those with a higher body mass index. This reinforces the importance of early detection and regular monitoring to prevent long-term complications like diabetes and heart disease.
Diagnosing PCOS
Diagnosis in women post-puberty requires two of the following three criteria:
• Irregular menstrual cycles (less than 21 or more than 35 days apart, or fewer than 8 cycles per year)
• Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (e.g., acne, excess hair growth, or elevated testosterone)
• Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound or elevated Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels
The AMH test is a valuable diagnostic tool, as women with PCOS often have high AMH levels, reflecting a higher ovarian reserve. This can be helpful when assessing fertility potential, as women with PCOS typically have more eggs available for IVF or egg freezing.
Fertility and Treatment Options
For women with PCOS who are trying to conceive, the focus is on restoring ovulation. Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, are crucial for managing the condition and improving fertility. Weight loss, even modest, can help regulate ovulation and increase the chances of conception without other interventions.
If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, simple fertility treatments like oral letrozole can help induce ovulation. Letrozole is effective, with a low risk profile and minimal side effects. In cases where letrozole is unsuccessful, gonadotropin injections (used in IVF) can be administered at lower doses to stimulate ovulation. However, this approach increases the risk of multiple pregnancies.
For women who do not respond to medication, ovarian drilling—a surgical procedure that helps restore ovulation by reducing androgens and improving insulin sensitivity—can be considered. IVF is also an option for women with good ovarian reserve, as PCOS often results in a larger number of eggs available for fertilization.
Managing Insulin Resistance and Hormonal Imbalance
In addition to fertility treatments, managing insulin resistance with medications like metformin can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve ovulation. Metformin lowers insulin levels, which can reduce androgen production and help restore hormonal balance. However, it is typically prescribed for women who are overweight or obese. For those who cannot tolerate metformin, inositol may be considered, though it has not been shown to be as effective for improving ovulation.
For women who are not yet trying to conceive, oral contraceptives are commonly used to regulate menstrual cycles and manage hyperandrogenism symptoms like acne and excessive hair growth.
Pregnancy Considerations
PCOS-related pregnancies can have higher risks, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. Therefore, women with PCOS who become pregnant should be closely monitored throughout their pregnancy. However, with proper care, most women with PCOS will go on to have healthy pregnancies.
Conclusion
While PCOS can pose challenges for women trying to conceive, it is important to know that fertility outcomes are generally positive. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and appropriate treatment can greatly improve fertility and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. Women with PCOS should feel reassured that with the right support and treatment, pregnancy is very achievable. For those not trying to conceive, contraception options should be discussed, as ovulation can occur without a period.
Ultimately, the key to managing PCOS and improving fertility is a personalized treatment plan that addresses both the hormonal imbalances and lifestyle factors that impact reproductive health.
More information available at Life Fertility
The cycle of life: fertility deserves to be part of it
Life moves in cycles. Some are daily, some monthly, some marked by seasons and life stages. Fertility is no different — it is part of the natural cycle of life.
Yet too often, fertility has been treated as something clinical, hidden, or even taboo. At bébé bloom, we believe this cycle deserves visibility, dignity, and care. Fertility isn’t separate from health; it belongs within the bigger picture of how we understand and care for our bodies.
Why fertility should be visible
When conversations around fertility are hidden, women often feel isolated or uncertain about what their bodies are telling them. Understanding your cycle is more than just knowing when you might conceive. It’s about recognising how your hormones shift, how ovulation works, and how this affects your overall wellbeing.
Just as we talk about periods, menopause, nutrition, and exercise, fertility belongs in the same everyday conversations. Normalising this helps break down stigma and makes support more accessible.
Beyond trying to conceive
Fertility is often only talked about in the context of pregnancy planning. But your cycle matters regardless of whether you’re actively trying to conceive. Tracking ovulation can:
- Provide insight into hormonal health
- Help identify irregularities that may need medical support
- Empower women with knowledge about their bodies at every stage of life
When fertility is viewed as part of general health, not just reproduction, it opens the door to better care and confidence.
Tools that support clarity
We know fertility can feel complicated. That’s why our TGA-listed ovulation and pregnancy tests are designed to make things clearer, not harder.
Semi-quantitative ovulation tests track your Luteinising Hormone (LH) surge with accuracy, showing when you’re most fertile.
Pregnancy tests — including early detection — give results you can trust.
And because we know how much weight a single line can hold, we’re here to help you see the line. At bébé bloom, you are not alone in this journey — we’re with you, every step of the way.
All our kits are plastic-free where it matters, recyclable where it counts, and created by women who have walked this journey themselves. Because when you understand your cycle, you can approach fertility with calm, clarity, and confidence.
Fertility as part of everyday health
We believe fertility care should be as accessible as any other health product. You shouldn’t have to search hidden pharmacy aisles or late-night online forums to find answers. Instead, fertility tools should sit alongside everyday wellbeing — visible, supportive, and stigma-free.
That’s why we’re proud to join the Australian Fertility Summit this November: to show how fertility can become visible, accessible, and celebrated as part of everyday health.
Because fertility isn’t separate — it’s part of the natural cycle of life.
www.bebebloom.com.au
Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance regarding your fertility, reproductive health, or use of diagnostic tools. For clinical accuracy data or questions about our products, please contact the manufacturer directly.
