Female Infertility

Introduction: Why Female Infertility Needs a New Approach

Infertility is a growing concern for women worldwide, affecting nearly 1 in 8 couples. While conventional treatments like IVF can be effective, they often overlook the underlying causes of infertility, such as hormonal imbalances, chronic stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins. At Patients Medical, we take an integrative approach to female infertility that combines conventional medicine, functional medicine, and holistic therapies to identify and treat the root causes of infertility, helping you achieve your fertility goals naturally, when possible.

We treat the whole person—not just the reproductive system.

What Is Female Infertility?

Female infertility refers to a condition in which a woman has difficulty becoming pregnant after one year of trying (or six months if she is over 35). Infertility can result from various factors affecting ovulation, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, or hormonal balance. Common causes of infertility in women include:

  • Ovulation disorders: Problems with ovulation, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders.
  • Fallopian tube blockage: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from reaching the uterus.
  • Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to infertility.
  • Age: As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decline, affecting fertility.
  • Cervical issues: Cervical mucus problems can affect sperm from reaching the egg.

Understanding the root cause of infertility is critical for finding the most effective treatment.

Common Symptoms of Female Infertility

While infertility is often symptomless, some signs may indicate underlying issues that could affect fertility. These include:

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek testing and evaluation to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Infertility?

Functional medicine aims to uncover the “why” behind infertility. Common root causes include:

  • Hormonal imbalances: Issues with estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, or adrenal hormones can disrupt ovulation.
  • Chronic stress: Stress increases cortisol levels, which can interfere with ovulation and disrupt the menstrual cycle.
  • Poor diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and refined carbs can negatively affect reproductive health.
  • Environmental toxins: Heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and chemicals found in plastics and personal care products can interfere with hormone balance.
  • Leaky gut and gut health: Poor gut health can lead to inflammation and immune system dysfunction, affecting fertility.
  • Age-related factors: Decreased ovarian reserve and egg quality can impact a woman’s ability to conceive.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal imbalance affecting the ovaries, causing irregular periods and problems with ovulation.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we use advanced diagnostic tests to uncover the root causes of female infertility. These tests allow us to tailor a personalized treatment plan for you:

Hormone panels (estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, adrenal function)

Ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve and uterine health

Pelvic ultrasound to detect endometriosis or fibroids

Semen analysis (if male infertility is suspected)

Genetic testing (for underlying genetic conditions)

Comprehensive metabolic panels

Gut health panels (to assess leaky gut or systemic inflammation)

Inflammatory markers (CRP, cytokines)

These tests help provide a clear picture of your fertility health, enabling us to develop an integrative treatment plan.

Integrative Treatments for Female Infertility

Our integrative approach to treating infertility includes a combination of natural and holistic treatments, alongside conventional options, to improve your fertility outcomes

Nutritional Therapy

We offer personalized, fertility-boosting nutrition plans, including:

  • Anti-inflammatory diets to support healthy hormone balance
  • Low glycemic index (GI) foods to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels
  • Elimination diets to identify food sensitivities that may impact fertility
  • Nutrient-dense foods (leafy greens, healthy fats, and protein-rich foods) to improve egg quality

 

IV Vitamin Therapy

Custom IVs with essential nutrients to support fertility:

  • B vitamins (boost reproductive health and support ovulation)
  • Magnesium (helps regulate the menstrual cycle)
  • Vitamin D (supports immune function and egg quality)
  • Glutathione (reduces oxidative stress)
  • Alpha-lipoic acid (supports cellular health)

 

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

We recommend evidence-based supplements that enhance fertility and reproductive health, such as:

  • Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro Inositol (support ovulation and hormonal balance, especially in PCOS)
  • Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) (supports progesterone levels and menstrual regularity)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (improve egg quality and reduce inflammation)
  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (improves egg quality and mitochondrial function)
  • Folic acid (critical for fetal development and conception)

All supplements are monitored and dosed by a physician.

 

Stress Reduction & Lifestyle Management

Managing stress is essential for fertility. We offer stress-reduction therapies to balance hormones and improve reproductive health:

  • Acupuncture (to improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulate hormones)
  • Yoga and mindfulness (to reduce stress and promote relaxation)
  • Meditation (to lower cortisol levels and support hormonal balance)

Detoxification Support

Environmental toxins can interfere with fertility. We offer detoxification support to remove heavy metals and endocrine disruptors that may negatively affect reproductive health:

  • Liver support through herbs like milk thistle and dandelion
  • Heavy metal detoxification protocols
  • Gut detox to reduce systemic inflammation

Real Case Study: Laura’s Journey to Conception

Laura, 34, had been trying to conceive for over a year without success. She experienced irregular periods and had been diagnosed with PCOS. After testing, we discovered hormone imbalances and nutrient deficiencies, as well as signs of mild inflammation.

We customized a 3-month integrative plan that included:

  • Nutrient-dense meal plan
  • PCOS-specific herbal supplements
  • Stress reduction therapies (yoga, acupuncture)
  • IV vitamin therapy with B vitamins and magnesium

Three months later, Laura successfully conceived and reported feeling more balanced and energized. She continued the integrative program alongside her prenatal care.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many cases of infertility can be treated with functional medicine, lifestyle changes, and natural therapies. IVF is often not the first line of treatment, and it’s beneficial to explore integrative options first.

Results can vary, but many patients begin to see improvements in 3-6 months. Success depends on the root causes of infertility and how well they respond to treatment.

Yes, stress can significantly affect fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and ovulation. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, acupuncture, and yoga can improve fertility outcomes.

Some women may require medication or surgery, depending on their condition. However, many patients can achieve pregnancy through integrative treatments before resorting to more invasive procedures.

Hormonal imbalances can be identified through blood testing, including tests for estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol levels.

We are an out-of-network provider, but we provide superbills that may be used for reimbursement. Some lab tests may be partially covered by insurance.

Yes, many women with PCOS can conceive with the right treatment, which may include dietary changes, herbal supplements, and lifestyle modifications.

Proper nutrition is crucial for hormone balance, ovulation, and egg quality. A nutrient-dense diet can improve fertility outcomes.

Acupuncture can help improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormones, and reduce stress, all of which can support fertility.

Yes, we offer remote consultations and personalized fertility treatment plans for patients outside New York.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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