Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Fertility Question: Is a Short, Light Period Enough To Get You Pregnant?

For today's blog, I'm grateful to Dr. Kate Fox of the Los Gatos Chiropractic and Wellness Center for answering a reader's medical question.

IS A SHORT, LIGHT PERIOD ENOUGH TO GET YOU PREGNANT?
Question: You know how your period becomes shorter when you age? Do you think having a two-day period is still enough blood to be able to get pregnant?

Answer by Dr. Fox: Yes a two day period is enough to conceive. Many women with short and or light periods still conceive. Too light or short of a period can be a sign of hormone imbalance though. A couple examples of hormones involved in fertility, especially involving the ovaries and uterus are estrogen, progesterone and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone). These are conventionally tested by blood but they can also be tested by saliva or urine. FSH levels tell you how much effort is needed for your ovaries to produce eggs. Estrogen and progesterone need to be present in sufficient but not excessive amounts and also in balance to provide an optimal fertile environment in the uterus.

Eating a healthy diet is a good place to start for fertility. Also, there are botanicals (herbs) that can help to nourish and tone the uterus such as mitchella and raspberry, making for a more fertile environment. Natural medicine is often a great place to start to help get the body optimally healthy for increased fertility and a healthy, comfortable pregnancy.


My addition: For a list of foods that help build blood, you may also want to see my previous blog: Feeding Your Uterine Lining.