Gut health & Fertility: Why it matters and how to improve it
Why Gut Health is Crucial for Fertility
Have you ever considered that your digestive issues might be affecting your ability to get pregnant?
Gut health is one of the most overlooked aspects of fertility in my opinion, yet it plays a foundational role in hormone balance, inflammation, and nutrient absorption - three key factors in reproductive health.
The gut is now considered a full-fledged endocrine organ, meaning it directly interacts with hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and insulin. If your gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can disrupt these hormones, making it harder for your body to support a healthy menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
I personally struggled with gut issues before I worked on my gut, and I still consciously support my gut on a regular basis, especially when it started feel off about a year postpartum. I also work with a lot of clients who struggle with gut issues (& fertility challenges), and through our work together, they see huge strides in their gut health. However, I think its worth noting that sometimes if we have dealt with gut issues for SO long, they can sometimes become our “norm” and we can sometimes not even think about them as being an issue. So its important to check in with yourself to see if maybe this is you.
Why Our Hormones Are Often Not the Problem
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Don’t shoot the messenger.” Well, I think this applies to our hormones. Often, it’s not the hormones themselves that are the issue. Instead, it’s the environment in which they’re working that’s making it hard for them to function properly.
Our bodies are incredibly smart. They’re constantly checking in to see if things are “safe” and adjusting accordingly, especially when it comes to reproduction. But if we’re underfed, overworked, stressed, dealing with infections, nutrient deficiencies, or if our gut is out of whack, we’re going to see some downstream effects on our hormones.
How the Gut Affects Hormones
Here’s where it gets interesting: there’s something called the gut-brain-ovary axis. It’s a communication line between your gut, nervous system, and reproductive organs. And it’s a two-way street. Your microbiome can send signals to your brain, telling it about stress, inflammation, or poor digestion - all of which can affect your sex hormones. At the same time, your nervous system can send information to your gut, which can disrupt your microbiome.
This kind of disruption can show up in all kinds of ways, like irregular cycles, thyroid dysfunction, infertility, PCOS, and more. Ideally, our gut microbiome should be in a harmonious, symbiotic state. But unfortunately, dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome) is common in today’s world. Dysbiosis can lead to issues like leaky gut, inflammation, a weakened immune system, and poor digestion.
What’s more, these gut imbalances can be tied to a variety of reproductive issues. For example, if H. Pylori is present, this has been correlated with unexplained infertility, as the antibodies may interfere with sperm progression. Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, has been associated with an increase in chronic inflammation which has been associated with low progesterone, and certain bacteria strains and bile acids have been connected to conditions like Hashimoto’s (which, by the way, has strong links to infertility).
Research also shows links between gut dysbiosis and the following hormone & fertility issues:
PCOS and/or ovulation dysfunction
Endometriosis
Pregnancy complications
Thyroid disorders (e.g. Hashimotos, hypothyroidism)
Vaginal infections (e.g. BV)
Regulation of estrogen levels (e.g. estrogen dominance and low estrogen)
Metabolic issues (e.g. high insulin)
So if you can relate to any of the above, I highly recommend checking in on your gut.
additional signs of gut issues:
Constipation or loose stools
Chronic belching and gas
Bloating, stomach aches
Skin issues
Fatigue
Autoimmune disease
Food sensitivities
How to Improve Gut Health for Fertility
Instead of following every gut health trend or protocol, the key is to take a comprehensive approach. Here’s how you can start:
Step 1: Test, Don’t Guess
If you’ve been struggling with fertility and suspect gut imbalances, testing is your friend. In my practice, I use the GI Map to look at gut bacteria, pathogens, and inflammation markers to get clear answers.
Step 2: Feed your gut, love on your gut:
Colorful vegetables for fiber and antioxidants
Cruciferous veggies!
Probiotic foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir
Prebiotic foods like onions, garlic, leeks
Resistant starches, like cooked/cooled potatoes.
Bone broth and collagen to help repair the gut lining.
Stay hydrated and add minerals/electrolytes for better digestion.
Step 3: Reduce Gut Stressors
Limit processed foods and inflammatory oils (like seed oils and refined sugars).
Address food sensitivities without going overboard on restrictions.
Balance blood sugar by pairing carbs with protein and fat.
Make sure you’re having daily bowel movements (a sinking, snake-like stool is ideal!).
Excess toxin load. The more we need to detox, the more overwhelmed are system will be.
Step 4: Support the Nervous System
Stress directly impacts gut health and hormones, so supporting your nervous system is key:
Practice deep breathing and mindfulness to switch your body into a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state.
Avoid over-exercising if your body is already stressed.
Prioritize restful sleep and a consistent bedtime routine.
I also love bodywork for gut health, especially if you tend towards SIBO and constipation or just general stagnation. So things like yoga, lymphatic massage, walking, acupuncture, chiropractic.
Final Thoughts: A Balanced Approach to Gut Health & Fertility
A lot of women are told to just “eat clean” or follow an intense parasite gut protocol. But the truth is, real healing goes deeper than that. Gut health is a crucial piece of the fertility puzzle. When you address it properly, it can help restore hormone balance, improve egg quality, and support a healthy pregnancy.
I know the world of fertility advice can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do this alone. If you are wondering if your gut health is impacting your fertility, let’s figure out what’s going on with your body and create a personalized plan to support you - and, ultimately, your fertility. Book a free call here.
