Is 35 really a fertility cutoff?

No. While fertility gradually declines with age, there is no sudden drop at 35. Many people in their late 30s and early 40s conceive naturally or with support. The '35 myth' is outdated and not reflective of individual health or cycle signs.

Can I improve fertility if I’m over 35?

Yes. Nutrition, hormone balance, sleep, stress reduction, and personalized fertility coaching can support egg quality, ovulation, and cycle regularity — even after 35. Lifestyle and body literacy often matter more than age alone.

When should I seek help trying to conceive after 35?

If you’ve been trying for 6 months without success, it’s wise to speak with a provider or coach. But many clients benefit from support even before that — to understand their cycle, optimize timing, and gain emotional clarity.

How to Optimize Your Body for Fertility: What the Research Really Says

Jul 26

Written By jacqueline boyd

When you’re trying to conceive, the advice comes from every direction — drink this tea, cut out that food, “just relax.” But beneath the noise, there is solid, peer-reviewed science that actually can shift outcomes — and it’s more hopeful than most people realize.

In It Starts with an Egg, author Rebecca Fett cuts through the overwhelm with clear, evidence-based guidance on how to improve egg quality and support natural conception, IUI, or IVF. Chapters 7 and 8 focus on two powerful tools: targeted antioxidants and myo-inositol. But it doesn’t stop there — let’s walk through the key strategies, why they matter, and how to apply them in real life.

Antioxidants: Protecting the Egg at Its Core

Every egg you ovulate has been with you since birth. Over time, oxidative stress (essentially cellular wear and tear) damages the fragile DNA inside the egg. Antioxidants are your body’s natural defense system — and according to Fett’s research summary, supplementing wisely can create measurable change.

✧ Melatonin: More Than a Sleep Aid

Melatonin isn’t just for bedtime. It’s also a potent antioxidant that directly supports ovarian health. Studies Fett highlights show that women undergoing IVF who took melatonin (typically 3 mg at night) had improved egg maturation and fertilization rates. In some cases, pregnancy rates also increased.

This makes sense — melatonin is naturally found in the follicular fluid that surrounds your eggs, where it works to neutralize damaging free radicals. Supporting those levels during your fertility journey can make a real difference.

✧ Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E

Fett also explores alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a lesser-known but powerful antioxidant. ALA not only protects egg cells from oxidative damage — it may also improve insulin sensitivity, a helpful bonus for anyone with PCOS. Combined with vitamin C and E, these antioxidants form a trio that shields the eggs as they prepare for ovulation or retrieval.

Myo-Inositol: A Gentle Giant for PCOS and Cycle Health

Chapter 8 dives into myo-inositol, a vitamin-like compound that plays a key role in ovarian function and insulin regulation.

For people with PCOS, clinical trials show that myo-inositol can restore ovulation, improve cycle regularity, and increase pregnancy rates — often without needing pharmaceuticals.
One 2011 study cited in Fett’s book reported ovulation restored in 70% of participants after 3 months of supplementation. In another, 30% of women with PCOS conceived naturally within 6 months of using myo-inositol.

📝 Quick tip: The most effective formulation appears to be myo-inositol combined with D-chiro-inositol in a 40:1 ratio — this mimics the body’s natural balance and has been shown to outperform myo-inositol alone, especially for PCOS-related infertility.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): A Quiet Game-Changer

One supplement Fett doesn’t go deep into, but that research strongly supports, is NAC — and it’s worth your attention.

In women with PCOS, NAC improves insulin sensitivity and ovulation, similar to metformin but with fewer side effects.
In miscarriage prevention studies, NAC has shown promising results. One study found that combining NAC with folic acid reduced miscarriage rates from 47% to 21% in women with recurrent loss.
And in cases of endometriosis, the impact is striking: a 2013 study revealed that after just 3 months of NAC, one-third of participants saw such improvement that their scheduled laparoscopic surgery was canceled.

Let that sink in — NAC supported their body so effectively that invasive surgery was no longer necessary.

Tailoring These Tools to Your Journey

If there’s one theme in all this research, it’s that personalization matters. These aren’t one-size-fits-all cures — they’re tools, and the magic happens when you find the combination that fits you.

Here’s how to begin:

Work with a fertility-literate practitioner who understands your cycle and health history.
Choose high-quality supplements from reputable brands. Don’t fall for Amazon knockoffs.
Remember that egg maturation takes ~90 days — give your body time to respond.
Focus on foundational rhythms too: sleep, blood sugar balance, gentle movement, and nourishment.

🕯️ A Hopeful Final Thought

Optimizing your fertility isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving your body what it needs to do what it was designed to do.

Whether you’re preparing for IVF, navigating PCOS, recovering from loss, or simply feeling unsure — there is hope. And that hope isn’t vague or fluffy. It’s written into the science of how the body heals, restores, and creates life when given the right support.

Your path may not look like anyone else’s, but it is absolutely worth tending to.

🌿 Explore More from Eden & Embrace

If this blog resonated with you, here are a few heartfelt ways to keep learning and connecting:

✨ Fertility, Birth & Postpartum Wins
Stories of quiet breakthroughs and deep resilience — from trying to conceive to new motherhood.
Read the Wins →

🌱 Fertility Coaching & Support
Explore evidence-based, emotionally attuned guidance rooted in science and soul.
Visit the Fertility Page →

💬 Live Text Threads
Peek into real-to-life conversations about fertility doubts, IVF fears, and the power of being seen.
Browse the Threads →

jacqueline boyd