(Edited: I simplified what supps I'm taking) I'm taking daily:
- 600 mg CoQ10 (ubiquinol form; 400 mg pill from Nature's Biology, 200 mg from Jarrow.) I take this b/c research has demonstrated an improvement in egg quality while on this supplement. Splitting DNA/prepping eggs for ovulation is a very energy-intensive process, and CoQ10 helps supply needed energy at the cellular level.
- 50 mg DHEA (Started low dose at 10 mg and worked my way up to 50 mg. Had my levels tested and they came back in the low 500's. FS has me holding at this dosage.) Recommended for DOR / advanced ovarian age. Researchers are still trying to determine the exact mechanism by which DHEA works, but it's supposed to essentially rejuvenate ovarian function. It's a precursor to the hormones testosterone and estrogen and naturally decreases as we age. Early research indicates an improvement in eqq quality, embryo quality, and reduced aneuploidy. The only issue is, the research hasn't been reproduced by an entity other than the Center for Human Reproduction. When discussing supplementing with my FS, she basically said she would like to see multiple sources backing up the research, but with my initial lower levels she didn't see any problem with trying it with monitoring.
- FertileAid (2 pills per day (moved from 3 to 2 and my lining was weighing in at a healthy 11 mm at ovulation.)) Helps build a healthy uterine lining and increases CM.
- 1000 mg Fish Oil (I use Spectrum Naturals pills. I used to take the liquid kind, but I found myself skipping days b/c it tasted awful. Now I'm getting my full dose with no fishy burps.
)Helps with inflammation in the body, and omegas are just very healthy to have each day overall.
- Standard prenatal with extra DHA
- Femara 5 mg CD 3-7 (I had been taking Clomid days 5-9, but my cycles have shortened to ~24 days and my FS attributed this to overlapping of my follicular and luteal phases. Essentially, my body is recruiting eggs before I even have my period. Moving up my medicated days catches recruitment in the beginning stages, while the meds can still have an effect.)
I also quit caffeine and alcohol, and have the occasional dairy product (caffeine constricts blood vessels, alcohol and dairy have an inflammatory response. Also, I'm lactose intolerant so I get quite gassy and bloated when I eat dairy.)
All of this in the hope of producing a golden egg...