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The Realistic Holistic Megan O'Kelly, CNP, BA (Hons) is a certified holistic nutritionist helping women with thyroid disord

Megan Kelly (CNP), is The Realistic Holistic, a certified holistic nutritionist helping women with thyroid disorders find fertility, have a healthy pregnancy and achieve a happy postpartum experience! Megan has worked for years in clinical practice alongside naturopathic doctors to help women with thyroid disorders (from hashimoto's to subclinical hypothyroidism) overcome the common fertility stru

ggles that thyroid disfunction often presents, to support a healthy pregnancy regardless of higher risks involved with thyroid disorders and establish personal health ongoing through the postpartum period and beyond! Megan personally overcame the complications of Hashimoto's & hypothyroidism, having experienced loss along the way, in order to start her own family! It is her mission to help ANY woman who wants to start a family of her own absolutely optimize her chances through science-based nutrition, lifestyle and mindset practices... all with realistic and holistic approach of course! Reach out for a FREE 15 MINUTE consult if you think you might like to work with Megan 1-1! And be sure to grab her FREE GUIDE to Finding Fertility with Hypothyroidism, if you want to get started on the right foot! https://therealisticholistic.lpages.co/free-kickstart-guide-to-finding-fertility-with-hypothyroidism-top-5-mistakes-their-solutions

Fish oils are most often touted for their anti-inflammatory action. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil give rise to met...
20/11/2022

Fish oils are most often touted for their anti-inflammatory action.

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil give rise to metabolic by-products called resolvins. Resolvins can not only reduce inflammation but also stop it from occurring.

However, there are even MORE benefits for thyroid function beyond the anti-inflammatory (which aren't anything to scoff at, especially with Hashimoto's).

Most notably, a recent study looked at the relationship between fish oil consumption and thyroid function. While changes in thyroid hormone levels were not statistically significant, they did find that higher consumption of fish oil resulted in significantly greater expression of liver thyroid hormone receptor (TR) β1 protein.

This suggests that fish oil consumption could improve thyroid hormone signalling pathways, ultimately enhancing thyroid hormone action!

Turns out this supplement really is worth the fish burps!

💛🌻

SOURCE 🤓:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19793640/

The unique pain of monthly heartbreak that comes with struggling to conceive is close to unbearable. The journey becomes...
19/11/2022

The unique pain of monthly heartbreak that comes with struggling to conceive is close to unbearable.

The journey becomes all encompassing
The only thing you read about
The only thing you talk about
The only thing you read about.

Every month you've done more than the last to ensure your success.
You'll try anything.

The heartbreak never gets easier.
It gets harder.
It feels hopeless.

My hope is that you don't let the hope completely vanish.
My hope is that you will keep fighting.
My hope is that you will ask for help in the battle.
My hope is that your heart never breaks again.

💛🌻

In up to 34% of cases of female infertility, hypothyroidism is present. ⁠⁠Hypothyroidism leads to a disruption in the sy...
18/11/2022

In up to 34% of cases of female infertility, hypothyroidism is present. ⁠
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Hypothyroidism leads to a disruption in the synthesis, metabolism, and transport of female s*x hormones. ⁠
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This may result in factors that complicate fertility, such as luteal phase defects.⁠
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Typically, hypothyroidism causes a short luteal phase due to low progesterone, which leads to insufficient uterine lining growth. Without a thick uterine lining, egg implantation and fetal development may not be possible. ⁠
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If you are struggling to determine what is causing your fertility challenges, make sure you are testing your thyroid function and progesterone levels. ⁠
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The good news is, there is a whole ton you can do to support your thyroid and improve progesterone levels. Follow for more!⁠
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SOURCE 🤓:⁠
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136077

Just a friendly reminder 💛🌻
17/11/2022

Just a friendly reminder 💛🌻

Of all the vitamins & supplements, vitamin C is probably THE most important when it comes to your adrenal health. ⁠⁠WHY?...
16/11/2022

Of all the vitamins & supplements, vitamin C is probably THE most important when it comes to your adrenal health. ⁠
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WHY?⁠
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The adrenal cortex, the outer part of the adrenals, holds the highest concentration of vitamin C of all the body's tissues. ⁠
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The medulla, the inner part, also contains very high levels of vitamin C. ⁠
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Your adrenals need vitamin C to produce adrenaline and noradrenaline. ⁠
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Cortisol production relies on vitamin C. ⁠
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THEREFORE, the more stress hormones you produce, the greater your need for vitamin C!⁠

BEST FOOD SOURCES:⁠
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✨ Bell peppers⁠
✨ Tomatoes⁠
✨ Oranges⁠
✨ Kiwis⁠
✨ Green leafy vegetables⁠
✨ Sprouts⁠
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While I am always a fan of food first, you may not be getting sufficient amounts of vitamin C from your food if you are dealing with ongoing adrenal fatigue or thyroid dysfunction. ⁠
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Vitamin C is generally safe to supplement in relatively high doses. Simply observe bowel tolerance; if you take in too much vitamin C your bowels will tell you by becoming quite loose and watery. ⁠
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Your personal vitamin C may be different from the person next to you but, on average, people with adrenal fatigue may need closer to 2-4000mg. I have had some clients need to go as high as 6000. ⁠
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SUPPLEMENTATION TIPS!⁠
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✨ Look for supplements that contain bioflavonoids. These help our bodies to metabolize and utilize vitamin C. ⁠
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✨ Take in divided doses. Vitamin C is a water soluble nutrient, which means that your body will utilize it pretty quickly and will excrete any excess so you will need to continue to replenish throughout the day to keep up with demands. ⁠
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SOURCE 🤓:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15666839/

but wouldn't it be nice if we could just skip to the happy ending?
15/11/2022

but wouldn't it be nice if we could just skip to the happy ending?

There is a strong debate regarding the ketogenic diet and hypothyroidism. ⁠⁠There are many theories that suggest it shou...
14/11/2022

There is a strong debate regarding the ketogenic diet and hypothyroidism. ⁠
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There are many theories that suggest it should be great for the thyroid (and for fertility) because of its anti-inflammatory effect. However, the research seems to suggest otherwise. ⁠
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Thyroid hormone plays a significant role in glucose metabolism. So, while it is generally advisable to cut down on carbohydrates, too little insulin can impair the liver's ability to convert the inactive thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) to the active form triiiodothyronine (T3). ⁠
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This is reflected in a recent study done on epileptic kids who followed a ketogenic diet. In this study TSH levels increase in everyone during the first month, but dropped slightly by the 12 month mark. Free T3 levels, however, dropped significantly overall at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. ⁠
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Additionally, it appears that while a ketogenic diet may promote an anti-inflammatory mechanism via autophagy in the short-term, in the long term ketosis can lead to acidity. This accumulated acidity can contribute to inflammation. ⁠
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Since it is essential to optimize thyroid function and minimize inflammation to support your chances of getting and staying pregnant, the ketogenic diet may not be the best option if you are currently TTC.⁠
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I believe there can be some therapeutic benefit to a short term or cyclical ketogenic diet for hypothyroidism or in preparation for TTC as a means of improving autophagy, reducing inflammation, and training the body to use fat as a fuel source. However, I would never recommend it long term and never WHILE you are trying to conceive. ⁠

REFERENCES 🤓⁠
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28076316/⁠
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12759768/

Those things that uninformed doctors said, with no bedside manner.⁠⁠Those things you read on WebMD.⁠⁠Those things your a...
13/11/2022

Those things that uninformed doctors said, with no bedside manner.⁠
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Those things you read on WebMD.⁠
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Those things your aunt told you destroyed her fertility.⁠
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It's easy for those things to stick in our heads and taunt us and destroy our hope.⁠
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But what about your friend who conceived after being told she never would? ⁠
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What about that fantastic practitioner you have on your side who believes that you can do it and supports you through each step?⁠
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What about all of the incredible research on herbs and medicinal foods that can help to address your root causes and help you conceive? ⁠
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Let's focus on those. Let's focus on what you are doing. Let's focus on what is in your control and the fact that it is always possible. ⁠
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Believe in the reasons it WILL happen for you. ⁠
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It will. ⁠
It will.⁠
It will. ⁠
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💛🌻

The simple answer is yes. You can get pregnant while nursing. ⁠⁠However, many moms experience a time of delayed fertilit...
12/11/2022

The simple answer is yes. You can get pregnant while nursing. ⁠
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However, many moms experience a time of delayed fertility during breastfeeding. This is due to the hormones oxytocin and prolactin, which are responsible for milk production and the let-down reflex. Increased levels of these hormones actually suppress the brain from making FSH the main hormone that stimulates the o***y to grown an egg each month. ⁠
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When a mother is breastfeeding exclusively, or even on a consistent basis, it is less likely that she is going to ovulate at all until she starts to wean. ⁠
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That doesn't mean that you won't ovulate or conceive. The anovulatory effect of breastfeeding becomes progressively less likely to persist the longer it's been since you delivered your baby. ⁠
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Remember, since ovulation comes before menstruation in your monthly cycle, the absence of your period does not eliminate the chance that you could be ovulating at any given point. ⁠
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If you do get pregnant while breastfeeding, it is generally considered safe to continue too breastfeed. However, some women may experience cramping due to the release of small amounts of oxytocin (the same hormone that causes contractions) during breastfeeding. The concern is that, in RARE cases, this can cause preterm labor or possibly early pregnancy loss. ⁠

It is also important to note that doctors recommend waiting a full year and ideally 18 months to get pregnant again because it is safer and healthier for you and your future pregnancies. Getting pregnant earlier than that, especially within the first six months of your previous baby's birth, can increase the risk of complications in the new pregnancy.

I know they hit hard, every single time. It hurts. But if you want it, hold on to your hope and fight for your future......
11/11/2022

I know they hit hard, every single time. It hurts. But if you want it, hold on to your hope and fight for your future... and don't be afraid to ask for help⁠
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💛🌻

10/11/2022

Did you know that getting too much sleep can reduce your chances of getting & staying pregnant? ⁠
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A recent study by the National Sleep Foundation found that women who got 7-8 hours of sleep were 25% more likely to conceive than women to got 9 hours.⁠
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Women who got less than 7 hours of sleep were 15% less likely to conceive. ⁠
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So it's actually more important to avoid getting too much sleep than it is to avoid not getting enough!⁠
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Stick with that 7-8 hours and if you can go to bed at or before 10pm. The hours between 10pm and midnight have the most potential for deep restorative sleep, according to most studies. ⁠
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This is because of the way our circadian rhythm works. ⁠
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Good quality sleep is essential for regulating progesterone, estrogen and FSH, which are all essential for getting & staying pregnant. ⁠
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So, sleep tight! ... but not too tight!

If you have been told you have IBS... have you found effecting treatment? ⁠⁠Unfortunately, I see too many women who have...
10/11/2022

If you have been told you have IBS... have you found effecting treatment? ⁠
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Unfortunately, I see too many women who have been told they have IBS and to try the Low FODMAP diet. When that doesn't work for them they often find themselves resigned to feeling the way they do, shrugging their shoulders, and saying "it's just my IBS." 🤷🏼‍♀️⁠
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The issue here is that IBS is a non-specific diagnosis that is given to people when doctors don't really know what's wrong and that you just have some kind of gastrointestinal issue. ⁠
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What's worse is that untreated "IBS" can be a root cause for many other inflammatory concerns, like Hashimoto's, and can contribute to fertility struggles for that reason. ⁠
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Hashimoto's, as well as other inflammatory & autoimmune conditions, develops due to three factors:⁠

➡️ genetics⁠
➡️ environmental triggers⁠
➡️ intestinal permeability (leaky gut)⁠
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When our digestive system is not functioning optimally (as with IBS) it leaves us vulnerable to the development of leaky gut and, subsequently, inflammation & autoimmunity. ⁠
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So, if you have been diagnosed with IBS and have yet to find relief. Keep digging. There are lots of things that could be causing your symptoms that CAN be treated, such as:⁠
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➡️ SIBO⁠
➡️ Dysbiosis⁠
➡️ Candida⁠
➡️ Parasites⁠
➡️ Diverticulitis⁠
➡️ Food allergies or sensitivities ⁠
➡️ Celiac⁠
➡️ Crohn's⁠
➡️ Colitis⁠
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If you have been struggling with Hashimoto's or fertility issues and have never addressed your IBS, this could be the place to focus.⁠
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DM or comment if you have any questions! ⁠
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I am just passed my due date (which was yesterday) and I think it's gonna take a little more than the luck o' the irish ...
17/03/2021

I am just passed my due date (which was yesterday) and I think it's gonna take a little more than the luck o' the irish to lure this boy outta me.⁠
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Since week 37, I have been going in for prenatal acupuncture at and every time I leave I feel like the baby is bout ready to fall out of me. ⁠
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I know it is getting things moving. I can feel the additional cramping/pressure after a session. It often gets baby wiggling real low and sometimes even makes me feel like I've pulled my groin, which we have to assume is all those ligaments around the pelvis opening up.⁠
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During my sessions, uses a combination of TCM techniques. She starts with the acupuncture needles in areas that promote contractions, downward movement, ideal baby position annnnd even one for anxiety (thank you! 🙏 much needed.) ⁠
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Then, on the contraction points on my back she attaches this fun contraption that provides some electro-stimulation! I feel like that really gets my uterus going because I often get contractions once that is set up and buzzing! ⁠
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On top of all that, she uses a moxi stick. Moxibustion is another TCM induction technique wherein one essentially applies heat to these induction points to further stimulate the area. Its so cool cause the stick burns and smells like camp fire but doesn't emit any fumes so you can breath easy! :) ⁠
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Oh, and perhaps my favourite touch is we've been playing some classical music for baby and applying lavender to my temples as well.⁠
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It's a pretty royal treatment and while it may not look relaxing, I leave feeling like I'm floating on air.... except my pelvis. My pelvis feels like things are movin and shakin! ⁠
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If baby still isn't here by tomorrow I'll be doing a stretch & sweep at my midwives in the morning and another acupuncture appointment right after that... I'm hoping the double whammy will be just what we need! ⁠
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Come on, baby! ⁠
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I've been learning the uke so that I could sing to my little boy in utero and he'd know mommy's voice when he gets out. ...
10/03/2021

I've been learning the uke so that I could sing to my little boy in utero and he'd know mommy's voice when he gets out. 🥰⁠⁠
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I've learned a few songs I love and it's meant so much to share that time singing and dancing (he does wiggle in there when I sing!) together.⁠⁠
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Now, I'm taking suggestions!!! I'm hoping to build a full repertoire as we go! ⁠⁠
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Any songs you think would be nice to sing to your child? PLEASE SHARE! ✨👇⁠⁠
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Infertility rates among women with autoimmune thyroid disease can be as high as 50%, compared to 10-15% in the rest of t...
22/01/2021

Infertility rates among women with autoimmune thyroid disease can be as high as 50%, compared to 10-15% in the rest of the population.

The risk of miscarriage for a woman who tests positive for thyroid antibodies - even when the woman is considered euthyroid, and her blood levels of thyroid hormone are within the reference range - is at least doubled, especially during the first trimester.

A meta-review of research on the subject, published in the British Medical Journal in 2011, found more than two dozen studies showing that the risk of miscarriage was increased by 290% - almost TRIPLED - in pregnant women with thyroid antibodies.

The presence of antibodies also raises the risk of subsequent pregnancy loss, known as recurrent miscarriage.

Even in women who remain euthyroid but positive for antibodies through-out pregnancy, there is an increased risk of later miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm delivery.

Hypothyroidism itself can also increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and stillbirth, as well as neurocognitive and developmental problems for the newborn.

Control of TSH levels is also important in women undergoing assisted reproduction who are positive for TPO antibodies. Unsuccessful procedures and miscarriage rates are higher in women who have TSH levels above 2.8 who also test positive for TPO.

What is especially unfortunate is that most doctors are either unaware of, or unwilling to acknowledge this research.

Many women come to me after having been dismissed by doctors who won't listen, won't run the proper bloodwork, and won't give them the dose they need to optimize their thyroid before pushing them to spend money on expensive interventions that won't work until those things are sorted out!

If you're looking to support your own chances of getting & staying pregnant without having to wait for doctors to start taking you seriously, I've got you!

On February 1st, I am launching the first online iteration of my step-by-step system that helps you do just that!

If you're interested in taking control of your own fertility journey, send me a DM! I have 1 spot left to be a founding member of this online program!

💛🌻

One of the first things that women with thyroid disorders tell me when they come to be for help supporting their chances...
21/01/2021

One of the first things that women with thyroid disorders tell me when they come to be for help supporting their chances of getting & staying pregnant...⁠
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"trying to figure this out on my own has been like a full-time job!"⁠
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and it is... it's MY full time job! ⁠
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I have done the research for you. ⁠
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I have been through the journey myself.⁠
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I have helped women in my practice do it. ⁠
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& I have fine-tuned a step-by-step system that shows you how to support your own chances of getting & staying pregnant without wasting time on advice that won't work! ⁠
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Starting February 1st, I will be introducing this system online to a few select founding members & I have 3 spots left waiting to be filled! ⁠
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If you're done waiting for your doctor to actually help and you're ready to take control of your own fertility journey, send me a DM!⁠
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Let me know you're interested and we'll chat to make sure the system will work for you! 💛🌻⁠
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You don't have to do this alone. ⁠

Thyroid problems affect women up to 10x more often than men. This means that a significant portion of people dealing wit...
20/01/2021

Thyroid problems affect women up to 10x more often than men. This means that a significant portion of people dealing with thyroid concerns are women of childbearing age and, unfortunately, the scientific research reveals that undiagnosed, untreated, or improperly treated thyroid disease increases the risk of infertility & miscarriage among other pregnancy & postpartum complications. ⁠
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There are a number of ways in which a thyroid disorder may cause infertility. However the three most common causes are:⁠
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1️⃣ Anovulatory cycles⁠
2️⃣ Luteal phase defects⁠
3️⃣ Hyperprolactinemia⁠
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If your thyroid disorder is autoimmune in nature (ie. Hashimoto's & Grave's), there is also the question of how those antibodies may affect egg quality and your ability to sustain a pregnancy. ⁠
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When we start to dig into it all it can feel completely overwhelming, especially when most medical doctors love to dismiss these factors and rush you into expensive treatments that won't work because your body is not ready to sustain a pregnancy. ⁠
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But, what if I told you there was a step-by-step system that shows you how to support your own chances of getting & staying pregnant without wasting time on advice that won't work, would you be in? ⁠
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I'm creating a brand new system for women with thyroid disorders starting February 1st and have 5 founding member spots left! ⁠
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Just DM me and let me know if you want one of those spots so we can chat and make sure my system will work for you! 💛🌻⁠
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- Meg⁠

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About Megan Kelly, The Realistic Holistic

Oh, hey there!!

I’m Meg!

I AM A CERTIFIED HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST, HELPING BOSS BABES WITH DIGESTIVE & AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS USE NUTRITION & SELF-LOVE TO HEAL THEIR GUTS & GET BACK TO KICKING BUTTS!

Like you,