Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

I'm A Reproductive Endocrinologist: Here Are 3 Ways To Support Fertility In Your 20s

Hannah Frye
Author:
October 11, 2024
Hannah Frye
Beauty & Health Editor
By Hannah Frye
Beauty & Health Editor
Hannah Frye is the Beauty & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including beauty, women’s health, mental health, sustainability, social media trends, and more. She previously worked for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends and innovations, women’s health research, brain health news, and plenty more.
Image by Alexey Kuzma / Stocksy
October 11, 2024

For many 20-something women, having a baby isn't exactly top of mind. Still, even if you aren't hoping to conceive right now, fostering good fertility health later on may still be a priority. 

We tapped a reproductive endocrinologist for her tips on preserving your fertility for later—without making you more likely to conceive before you're ready:

1.

Track your menstrual cycle

First, people in their 20s who eventually want to become pregnant may consider tracking their menstrual cycle if they aren't already.

This way, you'll be able to see when something is off (think a period longer than seven days, spotting, unusual discomfort, etc.) and address it sooner rather than later.

"If a woman has irregular menstrual cycles, they should also seek consultation for a work-up because this could affect their future fertility," says reproductive endocrinologist Banafsheh Kashani, M.D., OB/GYN.

The tech-savvy may consider downloading a menstrual-tracking app or utilizing the Cycle Tracking on Apple if you have an iPhone. This may make it easier to see patterns over time. However, you can do this via pen and paper or simply mark your calendar when you reach your menstrual phase as well. No matter how you like to track, the most important step is to ask for help when you notice something awry. 

Even if you never plan on having children, tracking your menstrual cycle is a great way to get to know your body and notice how your hormones impact your physical and emotional well-being.

2.

Be mindful of alcohol & caffeine intake

When you are trying to get pregnant, many fertility experts recommend abstaining from alcohol, as it can decrease your chances of getting pregnant, and limiting caffeine, as it can impact estrogen levels1.

For the same reason, Kashani recommends being mindful of your intake even before you plan on getting pregnant. 

She notes that binge drinking and excessive caffeine consumption should also be avoided (especially for those with anxiety or trouble sleeping), but a full stop isn't necessary for most people. 

3.

Find your favorite way to exercise & stick with it

Exercise benefits both long-term health and fertility, Kashani says, so it's a worthy endeavor regardless of your age. 

Movement is something you'll want to keep a habit throughout your life, so try spending some time experimenting with exercise to find what you love—this will make you more likely to stick with it and enjoy this healthy habit, not dread it. 

That being said, how often you exercise and what you choose when trying to conceive may change. Research suggests excessive vigorous exercise may hinder fertility in some cases2, deeming moderate-intensity exercise a better option for many women during this time.

And no matter what phase of life you're in, you'll want to be mindful of overdoing it at the gym. Intense physical training can cause complications or even the full absence of a menstrual cycle3, so be sure to speak with your doctor to make sure your regimen is conducive to optimal hormonal health. 

The takeaway

If you are looking to support fertility health down the road, start now by tracking your cycle, limiting excessive caffeine intake and binge drinking, and staying consistent with physical activity. In short, supporting fertility health down the road comes back to tending to your hormones right now—which isn't as complicated as you may have expected. Still, everyone is different, and you should consult your doctor before adding new practices to your routine for the sake of fertility health. Here, more ways to support healthy hormonal balance

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Health
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.