Managing the Fertility Roller Coaster with Essential Oils
When my husband and I decided to explore the possibility of pregnancy, we assumed we would get pregnant as soon as we put some intention behind it. I have spent my entire adult life trying not to get pregnant, so it must happen really easily, right? The answer is no, it’s not easy.
In fact, it is actually miraculous anyone gets pregnant. Not only do you have to pinpoint when you ovulate, you have to make sure your body is ready for conception.
Lifestyle changes geared towards balancing hormones is key and it can take months to prepare your body for pregnancy. We are nine months in and, despite using an ovulation calculator and being very intentional with when we have sex, I’m still not pregnant. My research has turned to essential oils and plant-based supplements to balance hormones and help me endure the stress and emotion that comes with trying to get pregnant.
Essential oils are volatile aromatic compounds found on plant matter and are responsible for optimizing the plant’s existence, whether that means protecting it from external threats, repairing itself, or helping a plant find homeostasis. When plants are harvested and distilled under ideal conditions, we can harness their power to do the same for our bodies.
How to Use Essential Oils for Fertility
Essential oils can be used three ways: aromatically, topically, and internally. Aromatic use is great for balancing emotions and can be done by using oils and water in an atomizing diffuser or putting a drop in your hand and inhaling. Topical use, applying oils to skin, can target localized areas, such as your uterus, or create a full body experience when applied to the bottoms of our feet. I always use a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, when I use oils topically to decrease sensitivity and increase the efficacy. Internal use, consuming oils through capsules, water, or food, can aid in detoxification and provide support at a cellular level. Note that internal use is specific to doTERRA essential oils. I trust their sourcing, production and testing and would never use another brand internally. You can learn more at sourcetoyou.com.
Detoxifying your body and environment is the first place to start to get your hormones in balance. An overgrowth of candida, a yeast that lives in your gut and aids in digestion, will weaken your immune system and disrupt your endocrine system, which is in charge of regulating your hormones. Using household products containing BPA or Phthalates will mimic estrogen in your body and make it much harder to get pregnant. Low progesterone is also a factor in infertility.
I am currently going through a 30-day Cleanse and Restore protocol to rebalance my gut flora and detox my vital organs. The vitamins and GI cleansing formula recommended in the cleanse contain thyme and oregano essential oils which naturally increase progesterone. I have also stopped using hormone disrupting products and transitioned to doTERRA’s hair care, skin care, and household cleaners because they are toxicology tested and have zero ingredients in them that mimic estrogen or other hormones.
Essential Oils for Fertility
Stress produces cortisol and too much cortisol in the body can lead to infertility. I have my husband apply two to three drops essential oils with a few drops of fractionated coconut oil along my spine to help me manage stress. Not only does my body receive the calming effects of the oils, massage is an ideal situation for my husband and I to connect emotionally. My favorites are Balance (grounding blend), lavender, AromaTouch (massage blend), and wild orange.
Prolonged stress can lead to adrenal fatigue. Living in a state where your cortisol levels are constantly elevated will inhibit the production of progesterone. I have started adding grapefruit oil to my water as it helps prevent cortisol from blocking the production of progesterone. I also apply oils to the bottoms of my feet before bed to support my adrenal glands. I like to rotate between basil, rosemary, geranium and ylang ylang every few days as each oil has other hormonal benefits.
I have also formed the daily habit of applying geranium directly over my adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys, for added support. I made a 10ml roller ball with 25 drops of geranium topped with fractionated coconut oil and roll it over the adrenal glands morning and night. I also apply Clary Calm, a rollerball blend specifically created to support women through ovulation and menstruation, topically twice a day, every day of the month. To apply, I roll the blend in a “W” shape on my back of my neck and roll it from left to right and back over my uterus and ovaries before massaging it into my skin. This blend includes the best oils for hormone regulation and mood support.
This process has been emotionally tolling on me, but I have a deep trust that our family will form exactly as it is supposed to. I am learning to lean into trust while also being diligent where I can. I use Console (comforting blend) each month that my period arrives but I know my body is undoing years of mistreatment. I have a new respect for my body and what it is capable of, so I am committed to treating it as nicely as possible going forward. And I know pregnancy will come as soon as my body is ready to receive.
This piece originally appeared on Blood + Milk one month after we conceived but was written three months earlier.
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