Bringing new life into the world is naturally delightful for any couple to experience. However, sometimes things don’t always go to plan.
In the general population, approximately 50% of couples, having unprotected sex at least twice a week, will probably achieve pregnancy in 6 months. 80% will achieve pregnancy within a year, and 90% in 2 years. Unfortunately, many couples find it difficult or simply not possible to conceive. This may be due to several reasons, most of which are out of the control of the particular couple.
For women, the development of the dominant follicle for ovulation and its release into the uterus via the uterine tubes represent the two main factors determining fertility. This requires a normal hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function, normal tubal transport, and also receptive cervical mucus.
Without doubt, the most influential process of improving female fertility is the effects of hormonal control on ovulation. Unfortunately, it is usually the only aspect that modern medicine focuses on. The viability of embryos on implantation is often overlooked or underestimated. The early stages of pregnancy are quintessential for the development of a viable and healthy fetus coming to full term. Nutrition, particularly those nutrients included within this formula, plays an important role in the conception, maintenance of pregnancy and the health of the newborn. The developing fetus is particularly vulnerable to its external environment, particularly the nutrition intake of the mother. Fetal development, and gamete production, is associated with rapid growth and cell division. It is critical that maternal intake of appropriately selected antioxidants be included into the formula for stability and maintenance of the pregnancy.
PM Fertility-Care for Women is a scientifically formulated natural product to support and enhance female fertility and improve chances of conception in women wanting to become pregnant. Chasteberry has been included to positively mediate hormonal regulation in women, supporting normal menstrual cycling. Oxidative stress is known to be damaging to the ovaries and developing follicles. Antioxidants green tea, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B6, and zinc, act synergistically to protect follicles from oxidative stress and improvement female fertility.
Chasteberry
The effects of chasteberry on female hormone regulation are potent. Chasteberry has been used for over 2,500 years for female sexual health, including fertility. On a molecular level, it has been revealed that chasteberry lowers prolactin levels, most likely through the central action at dopamine D2 receptors in the anterior pituitary. In clinical studies, chasteberry has been associated with improving fertility and menstrual problems such as luteal phase defects and cycle irregularities. Some studies have suggested that chasteberry is effective after 3 months of use.
Antioxidants
It is estimated that significant antioxidant protection require some time for ingredients to accumulate within the ovaries. Also dependent in this process, may be the reversal of any nutrient deficiencies that may be present. From the currently available evidence, it is estimated that the antioxidant effect of the ingredients within the proposed formula should take 3-6 months to show significant beneficial outcomes on cycle irregularities and improve fertility. However, a proportion of women may become pregnant before this time.
Green Tea
The antioxidant potential of green tea has been known for some time, as it has been consumed in China for over 5,000 years. The developing follicles within the ovaries are sensitive to oxidative stress. Furthermore, when fertilized, the growing embryo is also susceptible to damage from oxygen free radicals which may result in a spontaneous abortion. Therefore, providing essential antioxidants is important. Clinical studies with consumption of green tea have shown a dose-dependent effect of green tea on fertility. An increased concentration of antioxidants has been noted after 60mins from taking green tea, whilst improvements in fertility rates were shown within 3 months.
Selenium
Element selenium has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant and somewhat deficient in many diets around the world. Selenium may protect the developing oocytes in the ovaries from oxidative stress by activating glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, which are two of the most important enzymes in reducing free radical oxides. Selenium is also important for the development of the embryo and reducing the chance of miscarriages.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has been known to be a potent antioxidant and is regularly used for protection against oxidative stress in aging. There have been various studies suggesting a beneficial role of vitamin E on the female reproductive system. Vitamin E may scavenge free radical oxides that are produced by the corpus luteum, preventing damage to the ovaries and assisting the development of the dominant follicle.
Vitamin C
The value of vitamin C in the facilitation of female fertility and conception has been known for some time. Vitamin C is involved in steroidogenesis within the pituitary and ovary, has powerful antioxidant activity for protection of the growing follicles, and is important in the production of collagen for maintenance of the follicle and corpus luteum. Clinical trials also support vitamin C use for fertility.
Folic Acid
The fact that folic acid is recommended to women who intend to become pregnant warrants that folic acid must be included in the formula. This is due to the well known fact that folic acid significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects, and spontaneous abortions. In addition, there is circumstantial evidence that folic acid may increase fertility by reducing levels of homocysteine.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin, particularly for the health of the nervous system. It is necessary that vitamin B6 be included into the formula to maintain levels throughout all stages of pregnancy, including before conception. The effects of vitamin B6 in reducing levels of homocysteine are important for fertility and pregnancy.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 and folic acid should be given together as their roles within the body are so intimately linked. The effects of vitamin B12 reducing homocysteine levels and increasing the active form of folic acid are essential for fertility and the developing fetus.
Zinc
The importance of zinc supplementation prior to, and during, pregnancy is made clear due to the unacceptably large percentage of pregnant women having inadequate zinc levels. Zinc is involved in several important pathways as a cofactor for many enzymes, and also having more direct effects on gene expression. These effects may have as yet unknown critical outcomes for fertility and early pregnancy. Zinc is important for fertility and a healthy pregnancy.
PM Fertility-Care for Women is offered with PM Fertility-Care for Men as part of a fertility health product set for families.
