Is a Hormonal Imbalance Getting in the Way of Your Fertility? Here’s How to Know and What to Do About It
Hormonal Imbalances and Fertility
If you’re currently trying to conceive (TTC) or even just starting to consider it as a possibility for the future, I’m sure you’ve heard that hormones play a critical role in fertility. Many women use their cycle to gather clues about their hormones, which is a fantastic first step, but what happens when those hormones aren’t doing what they’re supposed to—even when your cycle looks “normal”?
This is something I see often in my practice. A woman comes in with fairly regular periods, but she’s been trying to conceive for months (sometimes years) without success. She might be feeling unusually tired, moody, or anxious, yet her lab work is labeled “normal” and she’s told to just keep trying.
That was the case for Sarah. She came to me after a year of trying to get pregnant, exhausted from tracking, testing, and wondering what she was missing. Her OB had ruled out major issues—but her cycles were inconsistent, her energy was depleted, and she wasn’t getting any answers. Through targeted testing, we uncovered low progesterone and early signs of insulin resistance—factors that were quietly interfering with conception. Once we addressed those, her body responded beautifully, and she conceived within a few months.
Hormonal imbalances aren’t always obvious. They don’t always show up on a basic lab panel. But they can absolutely affect your fertility—even when you’re technically ovulating. Understanding your hormones is one of the most powerful ways to take back control of your fertility and feel like yourself again.
Let’s take a closer look at the key hormones involved in conception, and how to restore balance using a thoughtful, natural approach.
The Hormones That Matter Most for Fertility
Hormones operate like a symphony—each playing a different part in your cycle, from egg development to implantation. When even one instrument is out of tune, the entire rhythm of your fertility can be disrupted. Here’s a look at the key hormonal players and the clues they give us when something’s off.
Estrogen
Estrogen plays a leading role in the first half of your menstrual cycle. It helps build the uterine lining, supports ovulation, and stimulates the production of fertile cervical mucus, essential for helping sperm survive and reach the egg.
Too much estrogen can lead to heavy or painful periods, breast tenderness, mood swings, and weight gain (especially in the hips and thighs).
Too little estrogen may show up as light or absent periods, vaginal dryness, low libido, and difficulty building a healthy uterine lining.
Balancing estrogen is essential, not just for ovulation and implantation, but also for your mood, energy, and overall wellbeing.
Progesterone
While estrogen is the star of the show in the first half of your cycle, progesterone rises after ovulation and helps stabilize the uterine lining to support implantation and early pregnancy. It’s also known for its calming, mood-stabilizing effects. Low levels can cause a short luteal phase or early losses.
Signs of low progesterone often include spotting before your period, cycles shorter than 26 days, premenstrual anxiety, sleep disturbances, and difficulty staying pregnant.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) & Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
LH and FSH are the “command center” hormones produced by the brain and they work together to regulate your cycle. FSH stimulates the follicles in your ovaries to grow, while LH triggers ovulation. When these hormones are out of balance, ovulation may not occur consistently.
Testing LH and FSH at the right time in your cycle and interpreting them in context can provide key insight into your fertility.
High LH levels are commonly seen in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
High FSH levels can indicate a reduced ovarian reserve or early signs of perimenopause.
Testosterone and Other Androgens
Although often labeled a “male hormone,” testosterone is important in small amounts for female fertility. It supports egg development, energy, and sex drive. But elevated levels, seen especially in women with PCOS, can interfere with ovulation.
Signs of excess androgens include acne (especially around the jawline), unwanted hair growth on the face or chest, hair thinning on the scalp, and irregular or missing periods.
Thyroid Hormones (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)
Thyroid hormones are a common, but often overlooked contributor to fertility struggles. They regulate metabolism and have a direct impact on reproductive health. Even subtle shifts in thyroid function (often accepted as normal in conventional medicine) can affect ovulation, cycle regularity, and implantation.
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): Fatigue, weight gain, constipation, hair thinning, feeling cold
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): Anxiety, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sleep difficulties
Insulin and Blood Sugar Balance
Insulin resistance affects how your body processes glucose and can interfere with ovulation, egg quality and hormone production. It’s especially common in women with PCOS, though it can certainly occur in women without a formal diagnosis.
Signs of insulin resistance may include sugar cravings, weight gain around the midsection, skin tags, energy crashes, and irregular cycles.
The good news? Insulin sensitivity responds beautifully to targeted nutrition and lifestyle support.
How Do You Know If You Have a Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalances aren’t always dramatic and they don’t always show up on standard lab work. Many women I work with have been told “everything looks fine” even when their symptoms suggest otherwise. The truth is, your body is always communicating. Symptoms are often your first clue that something deeper is out of alignment.
Common Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
If you’re noticing any of the following, it may be worth investigating your hormones more closely:
Irregular or missing periods
Heavy, painful, or unpredictable cycles
Spotting before your period starts
Acne (especially around the jawline or chin)
Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Low libido or vaginal dryness
Trouble sleeping or waking feeling unrested
What to Test (And Why It Matters)
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, getting the right labs, at the right time in your cycle is key. Here’s what I often recommend for a more complete picture:
Reproductive hormones: Estradiol, progesterone, LH, FSH, and testosterone
Thyroid panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies
Blood sugar markers: Fasting insulin, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c and HOMA-IR (to assess insulin resistance)
Tracking Your Cycle at Home
You don’t always need labwork to start gathering useful information. Paying attention to your body’s patterns can be incredibly revealing and it’s something that I urge every woman to do.
Some helpful data points to track:
Basal body temperature (BBT): A sustained temperature shift after ovulation can confirm that ovulation occurred.
Cervical mucus: Changes in consistency can help predict fertile windows.
Cycle length & luteal phase: A luteal phase shorter than 10 days may indicate low progesterone.
Combining lab testing with body awareness creates a more complete and empowering view of your hormonal health. If you’re ready to learn how to decode these signs to take control of your fertility, sign up for my course: The Fertility Code to confidently track your cycle, understand your fertile window, and uncover what your body is telling you about your hormones.
Natural Ways to Restore Hormonal Balance for Fertility
When it comes to hormones, small shifts can make a significant difference. Your body is always working to move toward balance, and with the right support, it often doesn’t need drastic interventions.
Here are four foundational areas I focus on with my fertility clients:
1. Stabilize Blood Sugar with Nutrition
Balanced blood sugar is the foundation of balanced hormones. When glucose and insulin levels swing wildly, it places stress on your ovaries, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Over time, that stress can interfere with ovulation and hormone production.
Simple ways to support blood sugar:
Include protein, fiber, and healthy fats with every meal
Avoid skipping meals (especially breakfast)
Limit ultra-processed, sugary snacks
If you have PCOS or signs of insulin resistance, you may benefit from a more targeted nutrition plan—but the basics above apply to everyone.
2. Prioritize Sleep and Stress Recovery
Poor sleep and chronic stress elevate cortisol, which can suppress ovulation and throw off your entire endocrine system.
Tips to support hormone-friendly rest:
Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night
Create a wind-down routine (like avoiding screens before bed, dimming the lights, and trying magnesium or herbal tea)
Incorporate daily stress relief rituals, whether that’s breathwork, walking, journaling, or just a few quiet minutes alone
3. Consider Targeted Herbs & Supplements
Depending on your individual hormone pattern, certain supplements can offer powerful support. These aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions, but when used strategically, they can help nudge your body back into balance.
Some supplements that I commonly prescribe include:
Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): Supports progesterone production and lengthens short luteal phases.
Myo-Inositol: Improves insulin sensitivity and supports regular ovulation (especially helpful in PCOS).
Maca Root: An adaptogen that may improve energy, libido, and hormonal resilience.
Always consult with your practitioner before adding new herbs or supplements, especially when trying to conceive.
4. Reduce Your Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors
Environmental toxins can mimic or block natural hormones, adding to the burden on your endocrine system. While we can’t live in a bubble, small swaps can significantly reduce your exposure.
Where to start:
Switch to glass or stainless steel instead of plastic food containers.
Avoid BPA-lined cans and plastic water bottles.
Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented personal care and cleaning products.
Consider using an air purifier and a high-quality water filter at home.
When It’s Time to Get Support
Sometimes, no matter how much we fine-tune our routines, the body needs deeper support. If you’ve already made healthy lifestyle changes but your cycles are still irregular, symptoms are persistent, or conception hasn’t happened yet, it may be time to dig deeper.
Here’s when I recommend seeking personalized care:
You’ve been trying to conceive for over 12 months (or 6 months if you’re 35 or older)
Your cycles are irregular, painful, or unpredictable
You’ve been diagnosed with (or suspect) PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, or endometriosis
You’re unsure how to interpret your cycle tracking charts, labs, or symptoms
A skilled practitioner can help you identify subtle imbalances that may be overlooked in standard care and create a plan that’s tailored to your body, your goals, and your fertility timeline.
Next Steps: Let’s Get You Clarity
Balancing your hormones isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about creating an environment where your body feels safe, nourished, and ready for pregnancy.
When you support your body with the right inputs, like nutrition, rest, stress reduction, and smart supplementation, your hormones often respond in powerful ways. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency and the right guidance, balance is absolutely within reach.
If you’re looking for personalized support, book a consultation to uncover the root cause of your fertility challenges and get a targeted and evidence-based plan so you can move forward with confidence.
And if you’re ready to finally understand your cycle, learn how to identify your fertile window, and take control of your fertility (without hormonal birth control or guesswork), Join The Fertility Code, my self-paced course that teaches you everything you need to know about tracking your cycle, interpreting your body’s signs and understanding your fertility.
