Fertility Trends to Follow (& The 3 Not To)

Navigating the world of fertility trends can be overwhelming, with new protocols, supplements, and lifestyle hacks popping up all the time. Here’s my take on 10 popular fertility trends, rated from game-changing to not-so-helpful.

1. Seed Cycling - 5/10 🌱 Helpful, but not a fix-all. Seed cycling can gently support hormone rhythms, but it’s not a powerful hormone-balancer on its own. It works best as part of a broader, nutrient-dense protocol. Think of it as an extra layer of support - consume a variety of seeds every day as part of a balanced diet.

2. Myo-Inositol for Egg Quality & PCOS - 9/10 🌟 Evidence-backed and highly recommended. Myo-inositol improves insulin sensitivity, egg quality, and ovulation, especially for those with the insulin-resistance type of PCOS. Optimal results come from consistent use (2g twice daily) combined with other foundational strategies like diet and lifestyle.

3. Cutting Out Dairy and Gluten Completely - 6/10 ⚖️ Not always necessary - case-by-case. Can help in some autoimmune cases (Hashimoto’s, Endometriosis, Lupus, or other immune factors) or where gut issues and inflammation are clear. However, unnecessary restriction may do more harm than good, particularly if it leads to nutrient gaps. Ones to think about include Iodine and calcium (dairy) and macronutrient consumption (bread).

4. Castor Oil Packs for Fertility - 6/10 💆‍♀️ Supportive, not a solution. Great for relaxation, circulation, painful periods and lymphatic flow. Useful in a holistic plan, but there’s no direct clinical evidence that castor oil packs improve fertility outcomes.

5. Taking CoQ10 for Egg & Sperm Quality - 10/10 ✅ Clinically backed. Ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10, supports mitochondrial function and has strong evidence for enhancing egg and sperm quality. Especially important for those over 35 or undergoing IVF. Quality and form does matter so do your research or book in for a supplement review for support.

6. Vaginal Microbiome Testing - 10/10 🔬 Game-changing if interpreted correctly. Research highlights the critical role of the vaginal microbiome in fertility, conception, and implantation – particularly for women with recurrent implantation failure, IVF failure, or recurrent miscarriage. Vaginal infections including BV & Group B Strep are linked with an increased risk of premature membrane rupture, leading to miscarriage so in my opinion, for this alone, it's an important test to consider in your fertility support plan.

7. Going Keto for Fertility - 0/10 ⚠️ Not for most women. Can help with insulin resistance or PCOS short-term, but long-term carb restriction and ketosis may downregulate thyroid, disrupt ovulation, and increase stress hormones. One thing you can consider, which I find works well for most (not all) is a grain-free breakfast and carb load later in the day - but this usually requires clinical supervision. 

8. Tracking BBT, Hormones, or Cervical Mucus - 10/10 📈 Highly recommend. These tracking methods can help you understand ovulation patterns and optimise timing for conception. I am a huge fan of Oura for temperature tracking and Mira for tracking hormones. To save 20% off Mira (device only, not wands), use code JENNIFER.

9. IV Drips for Fertility Boosting - 0/10 💉 Not necessary. There’s no clinical evidence that IV drips enhance fertility outcomes. In fact, this could be dangerous in preconception as elevated levels of some nutrients such as B12 may have adverse effects on offspring. Stick to supplementing a good quality pre-natal and seek food sources to optimise nutrient levels, without overloading yourself. 

10. Maca Root for Hormone Balance - 3/10 🍃 Sometimes useful, sometimes overstimulating. Can support energy and libido, but may overstimulate some women and shouldn’t be relied upon for hormone regulation alone. There are other supplements and herbs that I consider to be more useful for hormone regulation versus maca but this might be helpful for men, if indicated. 

In summary, focus on evidence-backed strategies like Myo-Inositol, CoQ10, vaginal microbiome testing, and tracking ovulation markers. Use supportive practices like seed cycling and castor oil packs as part of a holistic plan. Avoid trends that lack evidence or may harm fertility, such as strict keto diets or unnecessary IV drips. Always consider your individual health status, and when in doubt, test first and tailor your approach accordingly.