While most fertility evaluations focus on the ovaries and uterus, the reproductive organs, optimizing insulin sensitivity is an overlooked yet vital component. As a natural fertility clinic with over 20 years’ experience, we have come to the conclusion that a major underlying component of unexplained infertility is often undiagnosed insulin resistance affecting pregnancy in myriad ways. So optimizing insulin sensitivity should be part of the treatment approach for unexplained infertility. By addressing this root cause, we can help many couples boost fertility potential and achieve the long-awaited take-home baby where other fertility treatments have failed.
Negative Impact of Insulin Resistance on Fertility
During preconception, insulin resistance can contribute to ovulation disorders, altered hormone levels, and inflammation. These effects can impede regular ovulation and embryo implantation. Optimizing insulin sensitivity when trying to conceive can help improve egg quality and endometrial receptivity for embryo implantation.
In individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance drives excess androgen production which disrupts menstrual cycling and fertility. Improving insulin sensitivity helps restore ovulatory function in many women with PCOS.
Insulin resistance also reduces cellular energy production. This impairs egg maturation and embryo development. Enhancing insulin sensitivity powers the cellular energy pathways crucial for fertility.
Furthermore, women entering pregnancy with chronic insulin resistance are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. This can lead to large babies, birth complications, and long-term health impacts for mother and child.
Let Insulin Do Its Wonders During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of great change in a woman’s body. One of the most important adaptations is the development of ‘physiological insulin resistance’. This natural state helps promote growth of the baby and prepare the mother’s metabolism for breastfeeding.
In early pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that block the effect of insulin. This leads to higher blood glucose levels which help nourish the developing baby. Maternal tissues also become resistant to insulin. This ensures adequate glucose supply to the fetus while storing calories as fat in the mother’s body.
As pregnancy progresses, insulin resistance increases. By the third trimester, insulin sensitivity can decrease by 50-70%. This helps provide a steady supply of glucose to the growing baby. The mother’s pancreas compensates by producing extra insulin. Blood sugar levels are carefully regulated to avoid harming mom and baby.
After delivery, insulin resistance declines rapidly. Breastfeeding helps accelerate this return to normal insulin function. Eating a healthy diet and staying active also promotes postpartum insulin sensitivity.
Achieve Insulin Sensitivity Prior to Pregnancy
We provide dietary/nutritional counselling, herbal supplements, specialized fertility acupuncture treatment, and other interventions to reduce insulin resistance and lose excess body fat. Improving cellular response to insulin, normalizing appetite signals, reducing inflammation, and losing excess body fat all recharge the body’s fertility capacity. We empower couples seeking natural fertility support to create the optimal nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic environment for new life to thrive. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive natural fertility programs.
