4 Things To Do Before You Try To Conceive: A Root-Cause Approach to Fertility Support
What to Know Before You Try to Conceive: Root-Cause Fertility Support + One Real Story
If you’ve been told to “just keep trying for 12 months before seeking help,” you’re not alone.
It’s the standard advice. But for many women, that waiting period wastes valuable time and overlooks warning signs that something deeper may be going on.
The truth? You don’t have to wait—and you shouldn’t.
By looking at your whole-body health before trying to conceive (TTC), you can identify and address issues that affect fertility now, so you’re not left wondering “what if” later.
This guide will walk you through what to do before TTC, the tests to ask for, and one client’s story that shows why acting sooner matters
4 Things to Do Before You Start TTC
1. Ask for fertility testing before waiting 12 months
You don’t need to earn the right to be tested by struggling for a year. If you’ve been tracking cycles, dealing with irregular periods, or suspect hormone imbalance, talk to your provider now.
Tests to request before TTC:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Thyroid panel
Full hormone panel (including progesterone, estrogen, LH, FSH)
Vitamin D
Iron panel
Inflammatory markers
Basic metabolic panel
2. Check micronutrient levels for optimal egg quality
Certain nutrients—like B12, folate, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids—directly impact ovulation, hormone balance, and egg health.
Low levels can make conception harder and increase miscarriage risk. These aren’t just “nice to know” labs. They’re actionable data that lets you start correcting deficiencies before they affect your fertility journey.
3. Understand how stress and hormone imbalance impact fertility
Chronic stress isn’t just a mental health issue—it changes cortisol patterns, disrupts ovulation, and can lower progesterone. This often shows up as short luteal phases, PMS, or irregular cycles. Addressing stress through lifestyle changes, nervous system support, and root-cause lab testing can help restore the balance your body needs to conceive.
4. Think whole-body—not just reproductive health
Fertility isn’t just about your uterus or ovaries. Your gut health, liver detox pathways, adrenal function, and blood sugar regulation all play critical roles in hormone production and egg maturation. Ignoring these areas is like trying to grow a garden without checking the soil.
Case Study: S’s Story
When “S” came to us, she had been TTC for months without success. Her cycles were irregular, and she was feeling frustrated and anxious. She’d been told to wait until she hit the 12-month mark before requesting testing—but something in her gut told her that wasn’t the right path.
We ran a full panel of labs and found:
Low B12 and folate levels
Elevated cortisol from chronic stress
Blood sugar instability
Suboptimal progesterone
Over the next few months, we worked on restoring micronutrient stores, supporting adrenal health, and stabilizing blood sugar. By the time she was ready to actively TTC again, her cycles were regular, her symptoms had improved, and she felt confident in her body’s ability to conceive.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to “wait and see” when it comes to your fertility.
By checking hormone balance, micronutrients, and whole-body health before TTC, you can save yourself months—or even years—of stress and uncertainty.
If you want a personalized plan that looks at your entire health picture, apply to work with us here.
We’ll uncover what’s going on, create a clear path forward, and give you the confidence that you’re doing everything you can to prepare your body for pregnancy.
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If you’re ready to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and receive personalized support with in-depth lab testing, let’s work together to create a roadmap for lasting wellness. Apply to work with us today!