What Is Estrogen & Why Is It Important For Getting Pregnant?
Both men and women produce estrogen. There are different types and functions of estrogen, and in women, a specific type plays a crucial role in getting pregnant. This specific estrogen variant is called estradiol, and it helps promote healthy pregnancy by doing the following:- Helping eggs grow follicles, which makes them more viable
- Thickens the lining of your uterus to prepare it for pregnancy
- It serves as a messenger to stimulate ovulation
- Its peak potency is the days leading up to ovulation, which is when you’re at your most fertile
- It thins cervical mucous, making it easier for sperm to reach an egg
- It also makes intercourse more comfortable
Test Your Estrogen Levels
Estrogen level testing is administered by your doctor and uses your blood, saliva, or urine to determine your estrogen levels. You might already have optimal estrogen levels, alleviating any need for the extra effort to figure out how to increase estrogen to get pregnant. It’s crucial to inform your doctor of all supplements or hormone therapies you’re currently on, as either could affect your test results.5 Ways To Increase Estrogen To Get Pregnant
Many women have lower estrogen levels for one reason or another, and if you find yourself to be one of them, don’t despair. You’re not alone, and what’s more, there are ways to increase your levels.1. Quit Smoking
If you smoke cigarettes, one of the best things you can do for your health, estrogen levels, and the health of your future baby is to quit smoking. Smoking is connected with lower estrogen levels, and can even cause an earlier onset of menopause. If you feel like it’s an uphill battle and unsure how to quit, here are some free resources and tips.2. Exercise
Moving your body and getting healthy is a great way to increase fertility to get pregnant. It helps strengthen your body, create a baseline from which you can work out while pregnant, and help you have an easier postpartum recovery. However, you should always consult with your physician before starting any fitness routine while trying to get pregnant, as too much exercise can harm your fertility. Some recommended exercises for increasing fertility include the following:- Running and walking
- Strength training
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Swimming
3. Sleep 8 Hours A Night
Sleeping well is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance, so your days of burning the midnight oil might need to stop if you’re ready to get pregnant. If you’re running on too little sleep or have constantly fluctuating sleep cycles, your estrogen, which connects to many processes in your body, is likely not at optimal levels. Going to sleep at the same time every night and trying to sleep seven to eight hours a night will help increase estrogen to get pregnant. Are you having trouble sleeping in a regular cycle? You’re not alone. Some helpful tips that have helped others restore a regular sleep cycle include the following:- Turn off all screens for at least an hour before bed - try reading at night instead of scrolling.
- Buying a regular alarm clock and sleeping with your phone in another room.
- Drinking herbal tea before bed.
- Starting a regular exercise routine promotes healthy sleep cycles.
- Cultivating a restful sleep environment: make sure your room is cool, clean, and quiet.
4. Eating Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens occur naturally in certain plants and foods and offer the same fertility-increasing effects as estrogen. Some foods that are high in phytoestrogens include the following, according to Medical News Today:- Certain fruits: Apples, carrots, pomegranates, strawberries, cranberries, and grapes.
- Certain vegetables: Yams, lentils, mung beans, and alfalfa sprouts.
- Soy products: Tofu, tempeh, and miso soup.
- Seeds and nuts: Flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, and walnuts.
