Dr. Laura von Hagen, ND

Dr. Laura von Hagen, ND Fertility Optimizer • Hormone Balancer • Period Whisperer • Nutrition Guru

The holidays are often a time of joy, family, and celebration. But for many, this time of year can also bring feelings o...
12/12/2024

The holidays are often a time of joy, family, and celebration. But for many, this time of year can also bring feelings of sadness, stress, and isolation, especially for those struggling with infertility. The constant reminders of what’s missing can feel overwhelming.
If you’re facing infertility during the holidays, know that you are not alone. Acknowledging the pain and difficulty that can come with this season is okay. Check out my blog post (linked in my stories) for surviving the holidays.

As the year comes to a close, this is a friendly reminder to book an appointment to make the most of your remaining heal...
11/28/2024

As the year comes to a close, this is a friendly reminder to book an appointment to make the most of your remaining health benefits; now is the perfect time to schedule a visit before your benefits reset in the new year! 🙌Hormones play a crucial role in overall health and well-being, affecting everything from energy levels and mood to metabolism, sleep, and even immune function. If you’ve noticed changes in how you’re feeling or are managing a hormone-related condition, a follow-up appointment will help me track your progress, adjust your treatment plan, and make sure you’re on the right path for the year ahead. 💪
By booking your appointment now, you can take full advantage of any remaining insurance benefits or health spending account (HSA) funds before they expire. Whether you’re managing thyroid imbalances, adrenal health, perimenopause, fertility concerns, or other hormone-related issues, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
To schedule your visit, click the ‘work with me’ link in my bio or send me a DM. If you’re unsure whether a follow-up is needed or have any questions about your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to assist 😊!

The Connection Between Vitamins 💊 and Fertility: Why They’re Essential for Reproductive Health. 🥚 When it comes to ferti...
11/25/2024

The Connection Between Vitamins 💊 and Fertility: Why They’re Essential for Reproductive Health. 🥚
When it comes to fertility, vitamins are more important than you might realize. They play a crucial role in supporting everything from egg and s***m health to hormone balance, implantation, and even fetal development. That’s why it’s vital to take a high-quality prenatal vitamin and eat a nutrient-rich diet, full of fruits and vegetables 🥕 . In this post, I’ll highlight some of my favourite fertility-boosting vitamins.
Vitamin D ☀️
Vitamin D is essential for fertility, with research showing that adequate levels are linked to better implantation rates, improved pregnancy outcomes, and more successful IVF treatments. Some studies suggest that Vitamin D may increase AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels slightly, a marker of ovarian reserve.
Vitamin E: Boosting Pregnancy Rates and Supporting Endometrial Health
Vitamin E is another powerful nutrient when it comes to fertility. It has been shown to support women with a thin endometrial lining and those experiencing unexplained infertility. Additionally, it’s commonly used in the treatment of endometriosis, as it may help reduce inflammation and support overall reproductive health.
Inositol: A Vital B-like Vitamin for PCOS and Beyond
Inositol, a B-like vitamin, plays a key role in supporting insulin sensitivity, which is especially beneficial for women with PCOS (polycystic o***y syndrome). Inositol can help regulate menstrual cycles, improve egg quality, and support fertility in women with PCOS. There’s also emerging research suggesting that inositol supplementation may help prevent gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Vitamin C 🍋:Supporting Progesterone Levels and Luteal Phase Health
Vitamin C is often celebrated for its immune-boosting properties, but it also plays a crucial role in fertility. Research has shown that vitamin C supplementation can help increase progesterone levels in women, which is vital for maintaining a healthy luteal phase.
Any of these surprise you?

In my previous post, I revealed all my top strategies for promoting egg quality. But…what about s***m? Unlike eggs, s***...
11/21/2024

In my previous post, I revealed all my top strategies for promoting egg quality. But…what about s***m? Unlike eggs, s***m regenerate every 70-90 days, which means making healthy lifestyle changes can have a strong impact on quality. 🙌
Body Weight
● Being overweight or obese results in poorer semen quality, decreased libido, higher rates of erectile dysfunction and higher scrotal temperatures. Speak to your doctor to determine if metabolic health is a concern.
Scrotal Temperature 🥵
● Elevated scrotal temperatures can decrease s***m concentration, motility, DNA integrity, embryo development and implantation rates.
● Do not place your laptop on your lap, and keep your cell phone out of your front pockets.
● Avoid prolonged exposure to heat in hot tubs, baths, cycling or saunas
Medications 💊
● Various medications can harm s***m and also decrease your libido. Speak to your
doctor to see if any of your medications could be impacting your fertility.
Diet 🍎
● Focus on a diet rich in omega-3s and healthy fats such as wild salmon and raw walnuts. Limit red meat consumption, especially processed meats. 
Alcohol 🍺
● Heavy alcohol intake is strongly associated with s***m toxicity and impaired maturation. Avoid binge drinking and limit alcohol intake.
Ready to get started? I’m currently accepting new patients for the remainder of the year, don’t let your benefits go to waste!

While certain factors affecting egg quality are out of your control, like age, there are many lifestyle strategies you c...
11/19/2024

While certain factors affecting egg quality are out of your control, like age, there are many lifestyle strategies you can employ to support your egg health and improve your chances of having a successful IVF cycle.
1. Optimize Your Diet 🍎
Eating a nutrient-dense, Mediterranean style diet rich in antioxidants can help protect eggs from oxidative stress. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats like omega-3s, whole grains, and lean proteins. Minimize saturated sat, refined carbohydrates and processed foods. 

2. Exercise Regularly, But Don’t Overdo It
Regular exercise promotes good overall health, reduces stress, and can help maintain a healthy weight—important for fertility. However, excessive exercise or intense training can disrupt hormone levels and negatively impact egg quality (see my previous post for more on this topic). 🏃‍♀️
3. Manage Stress
IVF is stressful! While stress doesn’t cause infertility, it can make an already difficult journey even harder. In my practice, I find acupuncture very beneficial for managing stress.
4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol 🍷
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol are two of the best things you can do to support your egg quality. 
5. Work with a Fertility Specialist
While there is no direct test for egg quality, we can assess overall fertility and egg quantity by measuring your hormone levels on day 3 and assessing ovarian reserve through AMH and ultrasounds. 
Interested in learning more? Send me a DM or check out my website for lots of great tips!

Thinking about getting pregnant? It doesn’t mean you have to stop exercising! 🏃‍♀️ I will argue that the risks of NOT ex...
11/14/2024

Thinking about getting pregnant? It doesn’t mean you have to stop exercising! 🏃‍♀️ I will argue that the risks of NOT exercising during preconception/pregnancy are far greater than the risks of exercising. When do we need to be cautious with exercise?
1. If you are on stim meds (such as Gonal-F). When you are taking stim medications to grow your follicles, we want to avoid exercise, especially twisting motions, which can increase your risk of ovarian torsion. In this case, keep to walking and everyday activities.
If excessive exercise if causing a relative energy deficit, this can cause you to stop menstruating and lose your period. We see that consistent, strenuous exercise harms fertility, especially if your BMI is below average. In this case, we will need to lower the intensity/frequency of exercise and ensure adequate calories for ovulation to resume.
Questions about exercise and your fertility journey? Comment below, send me a DM, or book with me one-on-one for a comprehensive review of your fertility goals. 🙌

Are you tired of spending money on supplements for egg quality? Supplements are $$$ and the costs can add up if you have...
11/13/2024

Are you tired of spending money on supplements for egg quality? Supplements are $$$ and the costs can add up if you have been TTC for several months. As a Naturopathic Doctor with a clinical focus on fertility, I’ve seen first hand pill 💊 burden that many of my patients face. 
That’s why I keep it simple. You won’t get a laundry list of pills when you visit my office. ✅ You won’t spend thousands of dollars on supplements, especially ones that don’t have strong evidence. ✅ What you will get is a clear plan on how to improve your egg and s***m quality. A specific list of foods to include in your diet 🍏 . A clear guideline on exercise while TTC. A ‘what to expect’ when starting IVF. Your consultation will cover everything you want to know and the information you deserve. When you’re ready, I am here for you.

• We use the same jokes every year. ☀️ But the lack of sunlight in southern Ontario is REAL! With most Canadians being ...
10/21/2024

• We use the same jokes every year. ☀️
But the lack of sunlight in southern Ontario is REAL! With most Canadians being deficient in Vitamin D, it’s a helpful test to have completed with your doctor to ensure you’re getting enough through the darker season. It’s an inexpensive test (not covered by OHIP either way) and can make a big difference to your winter experience (especially if you struggle with your mood and also important for fertility).
Talk to your doctor about testing and getting a prescription for high-dose vitamin D if necessary. 🙏

7 years 👰 🤵
10/15/2024

7 years 👰 🤵

From Baths and Diapers to Sleep and Infant Feeding…ever wondered what a doula does? 🤔 A doula provides emotional, physic...
10/10/2024

From Baths and Diapers to Sleep and Infant Feeding…ever wondered what a doula does? 🤔
A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support to expecting families throughout pregnancy, labour, and postpartum. 😴
They are more than just a birth coach, read my latest post with .sissons.doula to find out how a doula can provide continuous support during the early postpartum period.

Managing a diagnosis of gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, especially during a time that is already full of big...
10/08/2024

Managing a diagnosis of gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, especially during a time that is already full of big changes. It requires a comprehensive and integrated approach for the best outcomes for both mom 🤰 and baby 🐣. 
Here are some natural strategies to help keep your blood sugar balanced 💪 while embracing this beautiful journey: 
1 Focus on whole foods: Adherence to a Mediterranean diet can improve glycemic control. Choose whole grains, legumes, adequate lean protein, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and veggies to increase fibre. 🍏
2 Stay Active: Regular exercise is key! Ideally, start in the first trimester if possible. 🏃‍♀️
3 Test your vitamin D levels: Vitamin D supplementation can reduce risk of GDM by 49% and most Canadians are deficient.  ☀️
Remember, every journey is unique. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes. You’re not alone—let’s get you the support you deserve.

I’m wrapping up the week with hormone myths and misconceptions 🤔 . I hear these things all the time in my practice, so I...
10/03/2024

I’m wrapping up the week with hormone myths and misconceptions 🤔 . I hear these things all the time in my practice, so I’m here to set the record straight with an evidence-based approach to hormone health. 🙌
You cannot diagnose PMS on blood work or fancy urine hormone tests. Some people are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, causing PMS or PMDD, but it doesn’t mean you have ‘estrogen dominance’ or a hormonal imbalance. I cannot diagnose your PMS on blood work, we diagnose on symptoms. 
Soy is a great plant-based source of protein that doesn’t raise your risk of breast cancer. It has many benefits for hormones and helps lower cholesterol. It is a cost-effective source of protein that can be part of a healthy diet. 🥣
HIIT doesn’t raise your cortisol and gain weight. HIIT is amazing for metabolic health and you don’t need to sync your workouts with your cycle. Enough said. 💪
It is common for women to come in complaining of fatigue; they are convinced it is their thyroid. Although I do see a lot of hypothyroidism in my practice, it often isn’t the culprit. If you’re tired, make sure you are not skipping meals, ensure adequate protein intake, prioritize sleep and get your iron levels checked. 🍖
Although certain forms of HRT are associated with a small increase in breast cancer, HRT is still a great option for many individuals. Do you know what does significantly raise your risk? ALCOHOL 🍷 . Let’s about that! Before you say no to HRT because you’re worried about cancer, start by reducing your consumption of alcohol.

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Toronto, ON

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