Category Archives: fertility expert

ABORM, Emotional Support, Fertility Diet, fertility expert, Hormones

Unlocking Fertility: Proven Tips for Conception Success

Posted on by Lindsay Goodwin
How to conceiving naturally with these tips from a reproductive medicine expert. Lindsay Goodwin, Garnet Moon Denver.

Unlocking Fertility: Proven Tips for Conception Success

Trying to conceive can be an emotional and challenging journey for many couples. However, understanding your body and making the right lifestyle choices can increase your chances of getting pregnant right from the start! As an expert in Reproductive Medicine and prenatal Care for over a decade, we have tips from a professional source.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss essential fertility tips, including the foods you should eat to prepare your womb and the hormones you need to examine. Whether you’re a couple trying to conceive, new parents considering expanding your family, or someone experiencing infertility, this guide is tailored for you.

Know Your Cycle

Understanding your menstrual cycle is the first step toward enhancing your fertility. Your cycle can provide critical insights into your fertile window—when conception is most likely to occur.

  • Track Your Cycle: Use apps or digital trackers to monitor your menstrual cycle. Knowing its length and phases helps you identify your ovulation period. You must also use BBT charting (basal body temperature) in your tracking. Not using BBT is a crucial step to pinpointing ovulation and learning more about your cycle.
  • Identify Ovulation: During your cycle, ovulation typically occurs around days 14-16. Look for physical signs such as changes in cervical mucus and slight increases in basal body temperature.
  • Regularity Matters: If your periods are irregular, consulting with a healthcare provider might help rule out underlying issues that could impact fertility.
Regulate Menstrual Cycle Naturally. Garnet Moon Denver - The Best Women's Health Clinic in Denver.

What Hormones to Check

Hormonal balance plays a crucial role in fertility. Specific hormones must be within the proper range to support ovulation and implantation. Certain hormones are tested on days 3-4 of your cycle, while others are tested after ovulation.

Testing hormones at specific times in your cycle is the only accurate way to know the facts of the correct data on your hormone levels.

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): High levels of FSH can indicate reduced ovarian reserve. Testing this hormone can give insights into your egg health and premature menopause.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): A surge in LH triggers ovulation. Tracking this hormone helps pinpoint the most fertile days and when you will ovulate, as well as hormonal imbalances like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
  • Progesterone: This hormone supports the uterine lining for implantation. Low levels can indicate issues with maintaining a pregnancy, as well as irregular ovulation. This hormone must be tested on day 21 of your cycle or 7 days post ovulation to get an accurate read for ovulation purposes.
  • Thyroid Hormones (TSH, T3, T4): Imbalances in thyroid hormones can affect menstrual cycles and fertility. It is crucial to examine all three of these hormones.

The Fertile Mindset

Stress and emotional well-being significantly impact fertility. Adopting a positive and proactive mindset can make a difference.

  • Mind-Body Connection: Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
  • Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, or join fertility support groups to share experiences and advice.
  • Counseling & Coaching: Finding someone who specializes in coaching and therapy for emotions that come along with a fertility journey can help address the anxiety and stress that often accompany the journey of trying to conceive.

Foods to Eat to Prepare Your Womb

Nutrition is a cornerstone of fertility. Eating the right foods can prepare your body for pregnancy and improve your reproductive health.

  • Leafy Greens: Rich in folate, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens support cellular function and help prevent neural tube defects in early pregnancy. Eat cooked organic veggies. Raw veggies create a cold womb space and lack blood flow to the reproductive powerhouse.
  • Whole Grains: Foods like quinoa, brown rice, and oats provide essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, crucial for hormone regulation.
  • Healthy Fats: Incorporate avocado, nuts, seeds, and oily fish like salmon into your diet. These foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support hormonal balance and reduce inflammation. 40% of your diet should be healthy fats when trying to conceive.
  • Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, beans, and legumes provide high-quality protein for egg health and embryo development.
  • Fruits and Vegetables: A colorful variety of fruits and vegetables supply antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that protect your cells from damage.
Fertile diet to boost healthy conception. Garnet Moon Denver and Lindsay Goodwin Fertility Expert.

Fertility Tips

In addition to understanding your cycle and eating the right foods, consider these additional fertility tips:

  • Stay Active: Regular, moderate exercise can improve circulation and overall health, but avoid excessive high-intensity workouts that can disrupt ovulation.
  • Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: High consumption of caffeine and alcohol can negatively affect fertility. Moderation is key. Both alcohol and caffeine contribute to estrogen dominance, which is the number one cause of infertility. 
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking has been shown to reduce fertility and harm eggs and sperm. Quitting can significantly improve your chances of conception.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Both underweight and overweight conditions can affect hormone levels and ovulation. Aim for a balanced diet and regular exercise to achieve a healthy weight.

Conception Tips From An Expert

Every couple’s fertility journey is unique, but these general pieces of advice can help guide you:

  • Timing is Everything: Have intercourse during the fertile window, which is typically a few days before and after ovulation. Having intercourse every 2-3 days is best so you do not feel so stressed around your fertile window; enjoy intimacy with your partner rather than feel pressured around the ovulation window.
  • Seek Professional Help: If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if you’re over 35), schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist or begin preparing your body before conception with an expert in reproductive medicine like Lindsay Goodwin at Garnet Moon.
  • Stay Educated: Continue learning about fertility and reproductive health to make informed decisions.

Unlocking your fertility potential involves understanding your body, making healthy lifestyle choices, and maintaining a fertile mindset. By following these tips and making informed decisions, you’re taking proactive steps toward achieving your dream of starting or expanding your family.

Ready to take the next step in your fertility journey?

Schedule a Fertility Consultation Today! Our team of experts is here to support you every step of the way.

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Want to learn more? Are you in the Denver or Colorado area? I offer consultations in Denver or in Parker, CO at Rocky Mountain Fertility Center or Virtually. You can book a consultation to learn how I can assist with fertility, hormones, and reproductive health. 

ABORM, fertility expert, Fertility Testing, Hormones, Menstrual Cycle

When To Test Progesterone for Conception

Posted on by Lindsay Goodwin
When to test progesterone for conception. Garnet Moon Denver.

The Crucial Timing of Progesterone Testing for Conception.

Embarking on the journey to a healthy pregnancy can often feel like a complex puzzle! Among the many pieces that need to fit precisely together, understanding the role of progesterone and the timing of its testing is pivotal. This knowledge can empower those on their fertility tracking journey, potentially becoming a game-changer in achieving a healthy pregnancy. 

Progesterone, a key hormone in the reproductive cycle, plays a crucial role in allowing conception and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Its levels and timing offer invaluable insights into fertility health. Here, we’ll explore why progesterone testing is essential and pinpoint the optimal time for this crucial fertility hormone testing.

Understanding Progesterone’s Role in Conception.

Progesterone is often referred to as the “pregnancy hormone.” After ovulation, it prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy, making it thick enough to nourish and support a fertilized egg. If fertilization doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation. However, if a pregnancy is achieved, progesterone levels should remain high to support the growing fetus. Progesterone is an important fertility marker for ovulation to occur and if ovuation did in fact occur in the cycle.

When to Test Your Progesterone.

For those trying to conceive, timing is everything, especially when it comes to hormone testing. The most widely recommended time to test your progesterone levels is on day 21 of your cycle or seven days post-ovulation. This timing is based on a typical 28-day cycle, where ovulation occurs around days 14-16. 

Testing seven days post-ovulation is crucial because it aligns with the mid-luteal phase of your cycle when progesterone production peaks if ovulation has occurred. The mid-luteal phase is the period between ovulation and the start of your next period. This test aims to confirm whether ovulation has happened by measuring the progesterone level in your body. High levels indicate a successful ovulation, which is a positive sign for those trying to get pregnant.

Why Accurate Timing Matters.

Knowing whether you’re ovulating is vital for anyone trying to conceive. An ovulation test can tell you if you’re about to ovulate, but a progesterone test confirms whether you have ovulated. This distinction is crucial because it helps pinpoint any issues with ovulation that could make conception difficult.

Furthermore, understanding your progesterone levels can help your licensed healthcare provider decide the next steps in your fertility journey. If your progesterone levels are low, it might indicate a need for supplementation or further investigation into your ovulatory cycles and further hormonal testing.

How to Ensure Accurate Progesterone Testing.

To ensure the most accurate results from your progesterone test, consider tracking your ovulation through basal body temperature (BBT) charting, using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK), or at-home hormonal testing kits like Proov. These methods can provide reassurance, helping you accurately identify your ovulation day and determine the best day for progesterone testing. You can also opt to work with a licensed healthcare provider who can assist you in ordering hormonal tests and then go over your results with you, further boosting your confidence in your fertility journey to success. 

The Takeaway.

In the quest for conception, knowledge is power! Understanding the role of progesterone and the critical timing of its testing can significantly enhance your chances of a successful pregnancy. If you’re tracking your fertility, consider discussing progesterone testing with your licensed healthcare provider to gain deeper insights into your reproductive health.

Remember, every woman’s cycle is unique. While day 21 is a guideline, the most accurate timing for progesterone testing is seven days post-ovulation, based on your personal cycle length and ovulation day. The right knowledge about your reproductive health is a significant step toward unlocking the door to healthy conception, making you feel more equiped in your fertility journey!

Need help with your fertility journey?

Book a complimentary fertility discovery virtual session with me to learn more about how I can help you get the success rates you deserve. It is your turn to be a mom! 

Book your fertility discovery call

Want to learn more? Are you in the Denver or Colorado area? I offer consultations in Denver or in Parker, CO at Rocky Mountain Fertility Center or Virtually. You can book a consultation to learn how I can assist with fertility, hormones, and reproductive health. 

Book now
Energy Healing, Fertility Acupuncture, fertility expert, IVF Success Stories, Pregnancy Support

Enhance Your Fertility Journey with Healing Crystals

Posted on by Lindsay Goodwin
rose quartz for fertility. mother stone. garnet Moon Denver best fertility expert. highest success rates for healthy pregnancy.

Are you looking for alternatives to enhance your fertility journey?

If so, you might want to explore some of the powers of crystals and stones. As a fertility expert in reproductive medicine and spiritual fertility, I have seen the magic that these natural substances can bring to your efforts of conception. In this blog post, I will share two of my favorite stones for fertility treatments and healing. By incorporating these gems into your life, you will get closer to manifesting your miracle baby into your physical world. Fertility Crystals: Enhance Your Fertile Success | Denver’s Best Fertility Expert.

Rose Quartz

This pink crystal is known as the mother stone because it can open your heart chakra. This, in turn, unlocks your ability to receive love from your spirit baby. By placing rose quartz in your baby’s room, you create a space infused with your future child’s energies. Using this stone in your meditations and visualizations can be highly effective in aligning you with your baby’s spirit. Rose quartz can also support you at different stages of your fertility and pregnancy, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.

Rainbow Moonstone

A beautiful stone has been cherished for centuries for its ability to connect with feminine energy and womb space. As a mother stone, the rainbow moonstone symbolizes family, magic, and miracles. During fertility treatments, you can carry a rainbow moonstone with you or place it near your bed to enhance your capacity for manifestation. Additionally, this stone is believed to harmonize your menstrual cycle and offer emotional support during the ups and downs of trying to conceive.

If you are curious about incorporating crystals into your fertility journey, choosing the stones that resonate with you the most is essential.

Other stones supporting your fertility efforts include clear quartz, garnet, and carnelian. Before starting to use crystals, make sure to cleanse them in saltwater and charge them under the sun or moonlight. Regular cleansing and recharging will help you maintain the optimal energy of the stones.

Fertility journeys can be emotionally, physically, and spiritually draining. That is why exploring the healing powers of crystals and stones can be a valuable tool to support your efforts. Rose quartz and rainbow moonstone are two mother stones that can help you tap into your heart and womb space and infuse your environment with the energies of your spirit baby. Give them a try and see how the magic of crystals can enhance the miracle of life.

Need help with your fertility journey?

Book a complimentary fertility discovery virtual session with me to learn more about how I can help you get the success rates you deserve. It is your turn to be a mom! 

Book your fertility discovery call

Want to learn more? Are you in the Denver or Colorado area? I offer consultations in Denver or in Parker, CO at Rocky Mountain Fertility Center or Virtually. You can book a consultation to learn how I can assist with fertility, hormones, and reproductive health. ABORM certified acupuncture in Denver. Fertility Crystals: Enhance Your Fertile Success | Denver’s Best Fertility Expert. 

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ABORM, fertility acupuncture denver, Fertility Diet, fertility expert, Women's Health

What Is The Best Form of Folate to Take?

Posted on by Lindsay Goodwin

Why not all prenatals are created equal. 

We all know that good nutrition is essential for a healthy pregnancy. But did you know that the weeks before and at the start of your pregnancy are some of the most crucial? That’s why it’s essential to start taking prenatal vitamins well before you conceive. Of all the dietary supplements, folate is arguably the most important. However, not all folate supplements are created equal. In this post, we’ll explore why methylated folate is the best type of folate to take for maximum benefit in the lead-up to conceiving and throughout your pregnancy. Investing in the best form of folate to take during your preparation for conception makes such a huge impact in your health and baby’s health! 

The Importance of Methylated Folate: A Key Factor for Preconception and Pregnancy.

  • When preparing for conception and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, one vitamin stands out above the rest: methylated folate. Experts recommend taking this crucial vitamin for 3-6 months before trying to conceive and continuing throughout pregnancy.
  • Not all folate is created equal. Many people can only absorb folate if it is in its methylated form. This means that folic acid, a synthetic vitamin, may not be as effective as “methylated folate,” which occurs naturally.
  • By prioritizing the correct form of folate, you can optimize your chances of conception and promote the well-being of both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy.

Here’s Why.

One in three women has a gene variant that impacts how they convert folate, which makes folic acid fortification less ideal.

This variation means some women require a more bioavailable form of folate, such as methylated folate, that they can more readily use to support their baby’s growth and development. Without this bioavailable form, it’s difficult for the body to convert folic acid into the active form of the vitamin that provides its many benefits.

Methylated folate is the active folate that your body can use immediately and efficiently. It helps promote healthy brain and spinal cord development and supports your baby’s growth and development.

Methylated folate is, therefore, the recommended type of folate to take for maximum benefit if you’re trying to conceive.

Discovering the MTHFR Gene: Understanding its Significance in Folate Processing.

  • The MTHFR gene, short for Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, plays a crucial role in instructing your body to produce the MTHFR enzyme, which aids in processing folate. Inherited genetically from both parents, the combination of genes determines your specific variant.
  • Why is this important, you ask? Well, a specific gene variant, MTHFR C677T (and sometimes, its accomplice A1298C), can disrupt the conversion of the MTHFR enzyme and consequently affect how the body processes folate.
  • But just how common is this MTHFR gene variant? Around 1 in 3 women are found to have this specific gene variant. However, studies suggest that the prevalence of this variant differs among various racial groups. For instance, research shows that up to 70% of Caucasian Americans may possess this variant, while only 30% of African Americans offer the same.

So, What Are The Key Takeaways? Investing in the Best Prenatal Vitamin | Garnet Moon Fertility Center.

First, it’s crucial to note that not all folate supplements are the same. While both folic acid and methylated folate are B9 vitamins, your body can process methylated folate more efficiently, making it a superior choice for your health and your baby’s development.

Secondly, it’s crucial to understand that one in three women has a gene variant that impacts how they convert folate. This means that for many women, methylated folate is the better option.

Lastly, it’s crucial to understand that investing in the best prenatal vitamin with methylated folate is a proactive step towards your baby’s healthy growth and development. To maximize its benefits, it’s recommended to start taking a supplement with methylated folate at least 6 months before trying to conceive and continue throughout pregnancy.

Methylated folate is the active, bioavailable form that your body can use immediately and efficiently. It’s not just about promoting healthy brain and spinal cord development, it’s about supporting the growth and development of your baby and reducing the risk of miscarriage. 

So, whether you’re trying to conceive or are already pregnant, choosing a high-quality prenatal vitamin with methylated folate will give your baby the best start. Always talk with your licensed health provider if you have questions on supplements relating to your health or medical conditions.

FH Pro for Women. Egg quality, preconception preparation. Get pregnant naturally. Garnet Moon Denver. Best Fertility Expert Denver.

Where Can I Find a High Quality Prenatal?

One of my favorite prenatal supplements with methylated folate B9 vitamin is from Fairhaven Health. FH Pro for Women is not only a prenatal but also increases egg quality for a healthier pregnancy from the very start to reduce miscarriage. (FH Pro is not recommended for women who are currently pregnant). Investing in the Best Prenatal Vitamin | Garnet Moon Fertility Center.

ORDER HERE

Want to learn more? Are you in the Denver or Colorado area? I offer consultations in Denver or in Parker, CO at Rocky Mountain Fertility Center or Virtually. You can book a consultation to learn how I can assist with fertility, hormones, and reproductive health. ABORM certified acupuncture in Denver.

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acupuncture and fertility, Fertility Acupuncture, Fertility Diet, fertility expert, Women's Health

How Do I Boost My Egg Quality?

Posted on by Lindsay Goodwin
Higher IVF and FET success rates. Nest clinic in Denver for fertility.
About Lindsay Wellbody

Higher Fertility Fertilization Rates: Blood Supply & Circulation.

Why Blood Supply & Healthy Oxygen Levels Matter For Fertility Success. Also, discover why eggs from follicles with optimal blood supply and oxygen levels have higher fertilization rates in both natural conception and IVF.  

THE GM FERTILITY METHOD

The Role of Blood Flow & Oxygenation in Fertility.

Blood flow and oxygen are essential for healthy ovaries and egg production. The better the blood flow to the ovaries, the higher egg quality and the higher embryo quality, which contributes to more successful pregnancies. Studies have shown that eggs from follicles with optimal blood supply and oxygen levels have higher fertilization rates in both natural conception and IVF cycles. This indicates that blood flow may be essential in successful fertility outcomes.

It is also possible that some women may not be producing enough viable eggs due to poor quality of the ovarian environment, which can lead to decreased fertilization rates or diminished egg quality (DOR). Various factors, including aging, genetics, lifestyle choices, or hormonal imbalances, can cause poor ovarian health. A decrease in ovarian health can lead to difficulty conceiving naturally and lower success rates with assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as IVF.

Once the egg is fertilized from an environment with optimal blood supply & oxygen, then the embryo has a better chance of developing into a viable pregnancy.

How Can We Increase Egg Quality?

Aging is a significant factor in egg quality, so it is essential to take steps early on to ensure your fertility remains intact over time. Women can boost their egg count with supplements such as CoQ10, melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D3. 

But, it is crucial to note you should discuss any supplements or additions to your healthcare routine with your medical doctor first, especially if you are being treated for a medical condition, on meditations, or undergoing a medicated fertility cycle. 

Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables can go a long way toward maintaining good overall health—including your reproductive health! Stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation can also help reduce stress levels known to affect fertility outcomes.

Fertility Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood supply significantly in the ovaries and endometrium (lining of the uterus). In fact, Fertility Acupuncture can increase your chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy by up to 60%! 

Questions to ask your fertility acupuncturist. Garnet Moon Denver and Lindsay Goodwin Best Fertility and Women's Health Clinic in Denver!

What is Fertility Acupuncture and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)? 

Acupuncture and TCM, with their rich history spanning over thousands of years, have been trusted for their ability to enhance longevity and wellness. However, it was only about 15 years ago that Acupuncture took on a new role in the world of modern science and medicine, particularly in the areas of Fertility, Women’s Health, and Pregnancy. This marked the birth of Fertility Acupuncture into modern science medicine, as fertility clinics and medical doctors began to recognize and integrate this ancient and highly effective healing modality into the success rates of their fertility treatments. 

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice with over 2,000 years of history. It is designed to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself by providing access to the life force known as Qi – pronounced ‘chee’ – that circulates through pathways called meridians in the body. 

Ultra-fine, sterile, highest-quality needles along these pathways on the body send signals to the body to influence blood flow and release blocking biochemicals such as endorphins. With increased blood flow and better circulation, the body is functioning at a higher state of wellness and producing better egg quality and fertility success. 

Fertility Acupuncture can significantly enhance a fertility journey with higher success rates! One massive benefit of using Fertility Acupuncture while TTC (trying to conceive) or undergoing ART (IVF, IUI, FET, or medicated fertility treatments) is improved blood flow and circulation, which generates better results for healthier follicles, eggs, embryos, and healthier pregnancy rates. 

In addition, Fertility Acupuncture also gives the body access to all its natural healing mechanisms, such as diminishing inflammation and pain, balancing hormones, activating the body’s biological responses, recovering faster from IVF and fertility drug cycles, balancing emotions, and strengthening the immune system. Healthy Blood Flow For Fertility Success! Best Fertility Acupuncture | Garnet Moon Denver.

Egg Quality In The TCM Clinic: Best Fertility Acupuncture | Garnet Moon Denver.

Egg quality in the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) clinic falls under three categories of kidney energy, which in TCM is the genetics, life force, & root of fertility.

Kidney Jing Deficiency: 
  • In this category, women have DOR (diminished ovarian reserve – low AMH), poor response to IVF stimulation for egg collection, low estrogen, irregular cycle, thin endometrium, no distinct change to BBT chart of LH surge or change to luteal phase, poor egg quality, & few embryos.
Kidney Yin Deficiency: 
  • Most commonly seen infertility in the USA is due to stress, diet, lifestyle, & more women starting families in their 30’s & 40’s. In this category, women have higher FSH & lower AMH (egg quality), lower estrogen, a shorter follicular phase, thin endometrium, poor egg quality & embryos.
Kidney Yang Deficiency: 
  • Shorter menstrual cycle with luteal phase defect, low progesterone levels in mid-cycle, slow embryo growth in IVF, more common for biochemical pregnancies (low HCG), & higher miscarriage due to the body not being able to hold the Pregnancy from poor progesterone levels.

Want to learn more? I can help you if you are in the Denver area at my Denver-based clinic or from anywhere in the world; book a complimentary consultation with me to learn more about how I can increase your fertility success and my highly successful signature fertility program, The Fertile Energy Code Program!

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