Dr. Stephanie Seitz, Naturopathic Physician

06/30/2022

CoQ10, also known as ubiquinol or ubiquinone, is an antioxidant that is a fat-soluble nutrient found in the mitochondria of the cell. The mitochondria is part of the cell that creates energy at the DNA level.

What does this all mean? Well, the eggs (or follicles) in a women’s ovaries all have mitochondria. As we age the body’s natural production of CoQ10 declines.

Research shows that taking CoQ10 can help improve the mitochondria in the eggs cells. Thus, improving egg quality and fertilization rate. This can lead to a greater change in achieving a healthy pregnancy

Want to know if you should be taking CoQ10! Contact me () in my link in bio.

06/17/2022

Should you start taking DHEA to help with fertility?

Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is a hormone the helps create other hormones specifically estrogen and testosterone. The levels of DHEA in the body peak around in early adulthood and decline as we age.

DHEA when supplemented can be helpful because it can increase testosterone levels. This increase in testosterone can be helpful for some female who need help creating ovarian follicles (small sacs that hold the immature eggs) specifically those with low ovarian reserve. In women who took DHEA before an IVF cycle, they noticed that there was an increase in pregnancy rates. It was also noted that women who used DHEA before an IVF cycle had higher follicle counts and more egg were retrieved using less medication.

Before you go out a buy DHEA, the studies were not able to explain why DHEA helped and the improvement was only seen in women with diminished ovarian reserve. Consult with our practitioner first before starting DHEA to ensure that this is the right supplement for you. Make sure you have your levels checked before taking DHEA there are women who should not take DHEA particularly those which elevated testosterone.

06/15/2022

This can be used in any aspect of your life, but it is particularly true when you are TTC. You will be given TONS of percentages based on your age, health status, embryo status etc. Regardless of the percentages that are given to you if don’t try you will have no chance. SO, TRY!!!

06/10/2022

Apps are great for tracking your menstrual cycle. They are great at giving you an estimate on when your period might start. They, however, are not great at knowing when you will ovulate. The algorithm can only give you an estimate. By entering the following information, it will help the app to work with you and give you a more accurate prediction.

Secondary sign that let you know that ovulation is approaching:
-Egg white cervical mucus lets you know that estrogen is starting to elevate. Estrogen will then trigger LH which will tell the ovaries to release the egg (follicle). If you see egg-white cervical mucus grab your partner and go have fun.

-Changes in your cervix can let you know that ovulation is approaching. As you approach ovulation the cervix will be soft and higher up in the va**na and open to allow s***m to enter.

Ways to know when you will ovulate:
-LH strips or ovulation predicting kits (OPK) are helpful with giving you a heads up that in 24-48 hours you may ovulate.

Ways to know if you did ovulate:
-Basal body temp will rise. The shift in temperature will let you know that you have in fact ovulated. Charting will also help you become familiar with you cycle patterns.

Do you use an app? If so which one do you use.

05/21/2022

The luteal phase happens right after ovulation. The release of the egg causes the follicle to change into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum releases progesterone which helps to keep the uterine lining thick while it prepares for a fertilized egg to implant. If pregnancy occurs, the body will produce human chorionic gonadrotropin (hCG). If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum will shrink causing a decrease in estrogen and progesterone triggering the uterine lining to shed and starting your period. The average length of the luteal phase is 14 days.

05/13/2022

The ovulation phase happens when the rise of estrogen (from the follicular phase) triggers the brain to release luteinizing hormone (LH). This causes the ovaries to release the egg that has been maturing in the follicles. The egg will travel down the fallopian tube heading towards the uterus. It is at this time, if s***m is present, that the egg will become fertilized. You may also notice that during this time, your cervical mucus is of egg white consistence and there is a rise is basal body temperature. Ovulation happens in the middle of your menstrual cycle on day 14 of a 28-day cycle and only last for 24 hours. If the egg is not fertilized it will dissolve.

05/06/2022

The follicular phase begins on the first day of your period and ends at ovulation. Your brain signals the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH communicates to the ovaries to produce follicles. Each follicle contains an immature egg but only one follicle will become the mature egg. The maturing follicles will cause estrogen to rise helping the lining of the uterus to thicken. This will create a nutrient rich resting place for a fertilized egg or embryo to grow. On a 28-day cycle, the follicular phase can last 14 days. It can be shorter or longer depending on a women’s cycle length.

04/27/2022

The menstrual phase is the first phase of the menstrual cycle. This is where bleeding will occur because the egg from the previous cycle was not fertilized. This causes a decrease in estrogen and progesterone which triggers the uterine lining to shed. Typically, women are in the menstrual phase for 3-7 days.

04/26/2022

It's national infertility awareness week, let's change the conversation.

04/22/2022

Happy Earth Day!

04/22/2022

The menstrual cycle is a series of changes that happen monthly in a women’s body for the preparation of pregnancy. Hormones shift during the different phase, each playing a different role throughout the process. A typical cycle can last between 21-35 days varying slightly from month to month. The cycle is broken up into 4 phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation and luteal.

Check back soon as I go through the 4 phases and explain how they all work together.

Interested in scheduling a Free 15 minute meet and greet with me (Dr. Seitz) call 480-771-4422

07/13/2021

Looking for a natural way to treat gastritis? Take a look at my latest article in Alternative Medicine Magazine.

https://alternativemedicine.com/conditions/gut-health/digestive-issues/natural-ways-to-treat-gastritis/

If you are interested in talking with me regarding any of your women's health concerns call 480-771-4422 to make an appointment.

Experiencing digestive issues such as, nausea, upper abdominal pain, bloating, or loss of appetite? You may be suffering from gastritis.