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Seventy years ago, the average woman had 5 children, since then the number has halved. It’s even worse in the US, the average woman is having 1.8 children today. Less than the replacement level!
There are a number of factors at play here including:
- Delayed childbearing
- Economic pressures
- Decreased marriage and relationship stability
But the one I want to focus on today is the increased rates of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
First, let’s start with what PCOS is:
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a condition where the body makes too many male hormones, causing problems like irregular periods, acne, and extra hair growth.
- It’s also linked to insulin resistance, meaning the body struggles to use insulin properly, which can lead to high insulin levels and make symptoms worse.
How is this related to infertility?
- PCOS can make it harder to have a baby because it causes hormone imbalances that stop the body from releasing eggs regularly. Without eggs, pregnancy can’t happen, which is why some women with PCOS struggle with infertility.
What causes PCOS? Unfortunately, it’s the environment around us…
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics, pesticides, personal care products, and processed foods interfere with hormones and reproductive health.
- Poor diet and obesity contribute to lower fertility rates in both men and women.
- Chronic stress and sleep disruption impact reproductive hormones and pregnancy success rates.
So what can you do? The good news is you can reverse insulin resistance and restore hormone imbalance!
Where to start?
✅ Eat balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
✅ Strength training and daily movements
✅ Reduce processed carbs and sugars
✅ Prioritize quality sleep and stress management
The Importance of Diet
There was a study done in 2005 that tested 11 women with a clinical diagnosis of PCOS. Here’s what they found:
- “They were instructed to limit their carbohydrate intake to 20 grams or less per day for 24 weeks. In the 5 women who completed the study, there were significant reductions from baseline to 24 weeks in body weight (-12%), percent free testosterone (-22%), LH/FSH ratio (-36%), and fasting insulin (-54%). There were non-significant decreases in insulin, glucose, testosterone, HgbA1c, triglyceride, and perceived body hair. Two women became pregnant despite previous infertility problems.” (source)
More tips to reduce exposure to toxins:
