Couples with high cholesterol levels take longer to concieve

A recent study from the NIH suggests that couples who have high cholesterol levels may not just be at higher risk for heart disease, they may also have a harder time getting pregnant. Couples (who were not yet considered infertile) in which both partners or even just the female partner had high cholesterol levels on average took a longer time to conceive. These findings are not so surprising since ovulation disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are among the most common causes for infertility, and many of these patients have underlying metabolic problems that place them at risk for heart disease and diabetes.  So what does this mean? It does not mean couples trying to get pregnant should rush out and go on statins to lower their cholesterol. Cholesterol is the chemical from which sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are made from, so these drugs could potentially be harmful to your fertility. However, healthy lifestyle changes such as moderate excercise and avoiding processed high carbohydrate foods may help both cholesterol and fertility.

Skipping breakfast? Think again. A better breakfast might help your fertility

For years we all listened to Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger tell us that if we eat a better breakfast we’ll feel better all day. The new version might be, eat a better breakfast and be more fertile. Researchers at Hebrew University in Jerusalem looked at women with infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and found that women who consumed more of their daily calories at breakfast had better hormone levels, improved insulin resistance and were more likely to ovulate. Does that mean that eating more will help improve fertility? No, but it does mean there is connection between what and when you eat and your hormones, and ultimately your fertility as well. Click here for more on the story.