Why IVF Failure Is Rarely Just "Bad Luck"

If you've been told your failed IVF cycle was "just bad luck" or blamed on "egg quality," that explanation is incomplete. Bad luck is not a diagnosis. It simply means the underlying biological patterns have not yet been identified. IVF is a technical process that happens in a lab, but embryos still develop inside a living biological environment. If inflammation, energy production, immune signaling, or sperm DNA integrity are compromised, no protocol change alone can override that physiology. Repeating cycles without deeper interpretation often leads to the same outcomes, higher costs, and more emotional exhaustion. In this episode, I walk through the three biological patterns I consistently see behind embryo arrest, poor blast development, failed transfers, and unexplained IVF failure. More importantly, you'll learn how to use your past cycles as meaningful data so you can stop guessing and start making more strategic decisions before another round. In this episode, you'll learn: Why a technically "perfect" IVF cycle can still fail despite good labs and protocols How low cellular energy production impacts embryo development and early growth Why sperm DNA fragmentation often matters long before clinics flag it as abnormal How oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal signaling, and metabolic strain influence embryo quality How to interpret repeated IVF outcomes instead of labeling them as unexplained or bad luck I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally. For over a decade, my team and I have reviewed hundreds of low AMH and failed IVF cases using functional testing alongside conventional fertility care. We specialize in helping couples identify the physiological patterns driving poor outcomes so decisions are grounded in interpretation, not guesswork. This episode is for you if: You've experienced embryo arrest, failed transfers, or repeated IVF cycles without clear answers You've been told everything looks "normal" but results keep falling short You want a smarter way to evaluate what your body is signaling before investing in another cycle 👉 Start with a Functional Fertility Second Opinion If you want an expert review of your labs, IVF history, and full health picture to identify patterns being missed, this is the smartest first step before another cycle. Learn more and apply here. --- Timestamps 00:00 – Why "Bad Luck" Is Not a Diagnosis After IVF Failure Failed IVF cycles are often dismissed as bad luck or egg quality, but that explanation misses the biological patterns driving outcomes. 01:05 – How Low Energy Production Impacts Embryo Development and Arrest Inflammation, thyroid signaling, nutrient depletion, and blood sugar instability can limit cellular energy and stall embryo growth. 02:05 – Why Inflammation and Thyroid Patterns Matter in IVF Outcomes Functional interpretation of inflammatory markers and thyroid signaling reveals hidden stress on embryo development. 02:45 – Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Repeated IVF Failure Why standard clinic thresholds often miss DNA damage that affects embryo quality and implantation. 03:20 – Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Male Fertility How inflammation, poor sleep, alcohol, metabolic strain, and toxins increase oxidative damage to sperm DNA. 03:55 – Low Mitochondrial Energy and Hormonal Imbalance in Sperm Health How cellular energy production and hormonal signaling impact sperm DNA integrity even when semen numbers look normal. 04:35 – Chronic Inflammation, Gut Imbalance, and Partner Microbiome Crossover How immune activation and shared microbiome patterns can perpetuate fertility disruption. 05:05 – Environmental Toxins and Occupational Exposure Affecting Sperm Quality The role of radiation, chemicals, air quality, pesticides, and heat exposure in sperm DNA damage. 06:00 – Immune and Stress Signaling and Implantation Challenges Why a body under chronic stress prioritizes survival over reproduction. 07:10 – Using IVF Cycles as Data and When to Seek a Functional Second Opinion How to interpret repeated IVF outcomes instead of escalating protocols blindly.      

If you've been told your AMH is low and IVF is your only option, or you already went through IVF and it didn't work, this episode will change how you interpret that number and what decision actually deserves your attention next. Here's what most patients are never told: AMH reflects egg quantity, not egg capability. It helps clinics predict medication response, but it does not explain why eggs develop poorly, why embryos arrest, or why outcomes fail to improve despite protocol changes. When IVF fails, the cycle itself becomes valuable data if you know how to interpret it across systems instead of treating it as bad luck or age alone. In this episode, I walk through a real case where the outcome changed not because the AMH changed, but because the physiological environment influencing egg development was finally evaluated. This is not about avoiding IVF or chasing numbers. It is about understanding what the data is actually telling you so you can make a better next decision. In this episode, you'll learn: Why AMH predicts stimulation response, not egg health or developmental capacity How inflammatory load quietly interferes with ovarian signaling and embryo development Why nutrient absorption and utilization patterns matter more than supplement volume How brain–hormone signaling influences ovulation timing, progesterone, and cycle predictability Why nervous system state shapes immune balance, implantation readiness, and resilience under treatment stress I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally. For over a decade, my team and I have reviewed hundreds of low AMH and failed IVF cases using functional testing alongside conventional fertility care. We specialize in helping couples identify the physiological patterns driving poor outcomes so decisions are grounded in interpretation, not guesswork. This episode is for you if: You were told your AMH is low, and no one explained what that actually means IVF failed, response was poor, or embryos stopped developing without clear answers You want better interpretation before repeating another protocol or escalating treatment 👉 Start with a Functional Fertility Second Opinion If you want an expert review of your labs, IVF history, and full health picture to identify patterns being missed, this is the smartest first step before another cycle. Learn more and apply here. --- Timestamps 00:00 – Low AMH and IVF: What the Number Actually Tells Us (and What It Doesn't) Reframing AMH as a planning metric, not a diagnosis or predictor of natural pregnancy. 01:00 – Why AMH Does Not Measure Egg Quality or Uterine Receptivity How AMH predicts medication response only and why poor response requires deeper interpretation. 02:00 – When Failed IVF Becomes Valuable Data Instead of Bad Luck Why canceled cycles, failed transfers, and losses reveal patterns when properly interpreted. 03:00 – The Four System Patterns That Influence Egg Development Inflammatory load, nutrient absorption, brain–hormone signaling, and nervous system state. 04:00 – Why These Patterns Don't Tell You What To Do (They Tell You What to Evaluate) Moving away from DIY protocols toward clinical interpretation and sequencing. 05:00 – Why Escalation Made Sense From the Clinic's Perspective Understanding conventional IVF logic and what was missing in the evaluation process. 05:45 – Restoring Capacity Instead of Forcing Pregnancy Why physiology must be addressed hierarchically instead of through checklists. 06:30 – How We Knew the Physiology Was Shifting Before Pregnancy Upstream fertility signals: cycle predictability, energy, sleep, stress resilience, ovulation clarity. 07:15 – Natural Conception Without Chasing the AMH Number Why AMH change was irrelevant and why AMH should never end the investigation after IVF failure. 08:00 – Pause Before Repeating IVF: Readiness Over Urgency Why better interpretation leads to better decisions before another cycle.  

"Poor egg quality" is not a diagnosis. It's where clinics stop looking. If you've been told you have poor egg quality after failed IVF, low AMH, embryo arrest, or recurrent pregnancy loss, this episode will change how you understand that label and what to do next. Here's the truth most women are never told: poor egg quality is not directly measured. It's a conclusion clinics infer based on age, embryo grading, or how your ovaries responded to stimulation. When IVF fails, that label often becomes the end of the conversation instead of the beginning of a deeper investigation. In this episode, I break down the five physiological patterns we see repeatedly in women with low AMH, failed IVF, embryo arrest, and pregnancy loss and why correcting these patterns can lead to pregnancy even when AMH does not change. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "poor egg quality" is a label, not a test result and what clinics are actually inferring How gut and vaginal microbiome stress drive inflammation and impair nutrient absorption critical for egg development Why mineral depletion disrupts mitochondrial energy, hormone signaling, and cellular communication in the ovary How blood sugar instability and circadian disruption interfere with ovulation and progesterone Why nervous system overload and HPA-axis patterns affect immune balance, implantation, and early embryo development I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally. For over a decade, my team and I have reviewed hundreds of failed IVF cases and helped couples improve pregnancy outcomes naturally and alongside IVF. We specialize in low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, and recurrent pregnancy loss using functional testing and personalized fertility strategies. This episode is for you if: You were told you have poor egg quality with no clear explanation why IVF failed, embryos stopped growing, or all embryos tested were abnormal You don't want another medication tweak or repeated protocol, you want answers 👉 Start with a Functional Fertility Second Opinion If you want an expert review of your labs, IVF history, and full health picture to identify patterns being missed, this is the first step before another cycle. Learn more and apply here. --- Timestamps *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:3cfacf52-f02a-46a1-a05a-812e2ca69b36-49" data-testid= "conversation-turn-38" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 00:00 – Poor egg quality is not a diagnosis Why egg quality is assumed, not measured, and what clinics actually use as proxies like age, embryo grading, and IVF response. 01:10 – What clinics are not evaluating when egg quality is blamed Inflammation, mineral status, immune balance, nervous system regulation, and metabolic health are rarely assessed. 02:15 – Stress physiology, low AMH, and hormone signaling How chronic stress, adrenal function, and thyroid signaling influence AMH, FSH, and follicle development. 03:20 – Gut and microbiome health and egg development Why gut inflammation, infections, and poor nutrient absorption can directly affect ovarian environment and outcomes. 04:55 – Food sensitivities, immune activation, and fertility How immune reactions and chronic inflammation can disrupt egg maturation and implantation. 06:10 – Mineral depletion and egg energy production The role of iron, magnesium, zinc, and other minerals in mitochondrial function and hormone synthesis. 07:25 – Blood sugar instability and ovulation health Why glucose swings, night waking, and metabolic stress impact egg development even in normal-weight individuals. 08:20 – Mitochondrial function and the 90-day egg development window Why egg development takes time and how energy production affects egg competence. 09:10 – Nervous system dysregulation and fertility outcomes How anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, and chronic vigilance signal the body that it is not safe for reproduction. 10:40 – Why pregnancy can happen with low AMH How improving the internal environment can lead to pregnancy even when AMH stays low or unchanged.  

If you're over 35 with low AMH and have experienced a failed IVF cycle or been told IVF is your only option, this episode is for you. AMH provides information, but it does not tell the full story about your ability to get pregnant. In this episode, we break down what actually predicts pregnancy success when AMH is low and why focusing only on numbers often leads to frustration and stalled progress. You'll learn: What AMH truly represents and why it reflects ovarian reserve, not egg capability Why IVF often fails for women with low AMH despite "normal" standard lab results The difference between producing many eggs versus developing one high-quality egg How inflammation, digestion, immune activation, and mineral depletion affect egg development Why mitochondrial health is essential for egg quality and embryo development How stress physiology and circadian rhythm disruption impact ovulation, progesterone, and implantation The four underlying patterns we consistently see improve before pregnancy occurs, regardless of AMH Sarah Clark is the founder of Fab Fertile Inc. and the host of Get Pregnant Naturally. For over a decade, her team has helped hundreds of couples improve their chances of pregnancy success naturally and with IVF. Fab Fertile specializes in low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, and recurrent pregnancy loss using functional testing and personalized fertility strategies. This episode is especially for you if: You have low AMH and are over 35 You've had a failed IVF cycle or been advised donor eggs are your only option You want a deeper understanding of what actually drives egg quality and pregnancy success You're looking for a functional fertility approach beyond standard clinic protocols Next Steps in Your Fertility Journey Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for evidence-based guidance on functional fertility, and share this episode with anyone on their fertility journey. Not sure where to start? Download our most popular guide:  Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH it breaks everything down step by step to help you understand your options and take action For personalized support to improve pregnancy success, book a call here. --- Timestamps 00:00 Low AMH After 35: What AMH Really Means for Fertility 01:02 Low AMH vs Egg Quality: Why Numbers Don't Predict Pregnancy 02:08 Why IVF Often Fails With Low AMH and Diminished Ovarian Reserve 03:18 Hidden Reasons IVF Fails: Inflammation, Digestion, and Immune Stress 04:28 Mitochondrial Health and Egg Quality After 35 05:35 Ovulation Stability and Why Weak Ovulation Blocks Pregnancy 06:42 Signs of Inflammation in Women With Low AMH and High FSH 07:52 Stress, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythm Effects on Fertility Hormones 09:00 What Improves Before Pregnancy Happens With Low AMH 10:12 What to Do Next After Failed IVF With Low AMH --- Resources 📩 Get your free 10-day elimination diet plan Email [email protected] with the subject line 10 DAY to receive your guide. Why A Mineral Deficiency Matters When You Are Trying To Conceive:  https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/why-a-mineral-deficiency-matters-when-you-are-trying-to-conceive-with-terra-vitiello?_pos=2&_sid=c33eefa71&_ss=r Improving Egg Quality and Fertility: The Gut Fertility Connection for Low AMH, High FSH, and Poor Egg Quality:  https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/improving-egg-quality-and-fertility-the-gut-fertility-connection-for-low-amh-high-fsh-and-poor-egg-quality?_pos=8&_sid=9b852ae0f&_ss=r How Gluten Impacts Implantation, AMH/FSH & Fertility Health:  https://fabfertile.com/blogs/education/the-impact-of-gluten-on-embryo-implantation-pregnancy-loss-nk-cells-endo-and-amh-fsh-levels?_pos=4&_sid=8f32ae154&_ss=r Fab Fertile Method: https://www.fabfertile.com/what-we-do/ Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH / High FSH: https://fabfertile.clickfunnels.com/optinvbzjfsii Our favorite fertility tracker (use code FABFERTILE15 to save 15%) https://www.inito.com/en-us/ 💛 Join my free Facebook group: Get Pregnant Naturally With Low AMH and/or High FSH Please note: We only promote products that Sarah Clark or the Fab Fertile team has personally used and believes are helpful for those trying to conceive. We may receive a small commission.

As 2025 wraps up, it is normal to ask, "What's next for my fertility?" Maybe your cycles felt unpredictable, lab results felt confusing, or you have been living in constant action mode with supplements, protocols, and timelines. In this episode, we slow it down and get intentional. Instead of piling on more, we look at what your body has been signaling and how to enter 2026 with a clear, steady plan using a functional fertility lens. *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "df629748-81ec-4f99-92dd-c234bac71fb7" data-testid= "conversation-turn-79" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> You'll learn: Why pausing at year-end can support ovarian signaling and reduce the stress loop that keeps you stuck How to review 2025 without spiraling, including what helped, what added pressure, and what your symptoms have been communicating Which labs to consider rechecking in 2026 and why they matter for fertility strategy, including TSH, vitamin D, ferritin, hsCRP, AMH, and FSH. The foundation for egg quality support through mitochondria basics, including sleep, protein, minerals, and CoQ10. How to build a realistic nervous system plan that fits a Type A life, so your next step is aligned, not rushed Sarah Clark is the founder of Fab Fertile Inc. and the host of Get Pregnant Naturally. Her team specializes in functional approaches for low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, recurrent miscarriage and helping couples prepare their bodies for pregnancy success naturally or with IVF. This episode is especially for you if: You have low AMH (ng/mL), high FSH, DOR, or POI and want to enter 2026 with a plan that supports your body without adding more overwhelm You have been pushing through and want to make decisions based on insight, not urgency You want a functional fertility approach that connects testing, nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional balance in a practical way Next Steps in Your Fertility Journey Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for evidence-based guidance on functional fertility, and share this episode with anyone on their fertility journey. Not sure where to start? Download our most popular guide:  Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH it breaks everything down step by step to help you understand your options and take action For personalized support to improve pregnancy success, book a call here. --- Timestamps 00:00 – Reflecting on fertility as 2025 ends and why slowing down matters 01:05 – Why constant doing and hypervigilance disrupt ovarian signaling 02:10 – Nervous system dysregulation in low AMH, high FSH, DOR, and POI 03:15 – Why rushing into IVF at year-end can backfire 04:40 – Secondary infertility and when fertility issues appear unexpectedly 05:20 – Reviewing what actually helped your energy, sleep, digestion, and mood 06:15 – Supplements vs personalized testing and why guessing adds stress 07:30 – Gut health, thyroid, inflammation, and missed underlying imbalances 08:45 – Retesting labs and focusing on mitochondria and egg quality 10:05 – Choosing your next fertility step intentionally, not from fear --- Resources  📩 Get your free 10-day elimination diet plan! Email [email protected] with the subject line 10 DAY to receive your guide and take the first step toward reconnecting with your fertility Your Labs Are Normal" But Are They? 20 Overlooked Blood Markers & Functional Tests to Improve Egg Quality & Fertility: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/your-labs-are-normal-but-are-they-20-overlooked-blood-markers-functional-tests-to-improve-egg-quality-fertility Trying Everything and Still Not Pregnant? Why Your Nervous System May Be the Missing Link:  https://fabfertile.com/blogs/education/stress-low-amh-high-fsh-dor?_pos=2&_sid=8e3a507b6&_ss=r Fab Fertile Method https://www.fabfertile.com/what-we-do/ Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH - https://fabfertile.clickfunnels.com/optinvbzjfsii   Our favorite fertility tracker (use code FABFERTILE15 to save 15) - https://www.inito.com/en-us/?srsltid=AfmBOoo85sXu_esmFN5Kz6iysaTkBKgYl35Jubv-BaLkkxXVggdk6nes --- 💛 Join my free Facebook group: Get Pregnant Naturally With Low AMH and/or High FSH: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451444518397946 ---  Please note we only promote products that Sarah Clark or her Fab Fertile team has tried and believes are beneficial for someone who is TTC. We may receive a small commission.

If you have low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve , or premature ovarian insufficiency and keep hearing that your TSH is "normal," you may be missing a key piece of your fertility story. Even small shifts in thyroid function can influence egg quality, ovarian reserve, embryo development, implantation, and early pregnancy. In this episode, we look at how thyroid health connects to your labs, symptoms, and IVF outcomes so you can understand what is being overlooked. You'll learn: Why a normal TSH does not always mean your thyroid is optimal for fertility The thyroid markers most clinics miss and why they matter How thyroid patterns influence egg development, ovarian aging, and implantation The connection between thyroid antibodies, low AMH, and IVF failure Practical steps to support thyroid function and improve your chances of conception Sarah Clark is the founder of Fab Fertile Inc. and the host of Get Pregnant Naturally. Her team specializes in functional approaches for low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, recurrent miscarriage and helping couples prepare their bodies for pregnancy success naturally or with IVF. This episode is especially for you if: You have low AMH, DOR, POI, or high FSH and want clarity on how thyroid health plays a role You have irregular cycles, unexplained infertility, or repeated loss and wonder if your thyroid is involved You have thyroid symptoms, thyroid antibodies, or a diagnosis like Hashimoto's and want to understand how this affects ovarian function Next Steps in Your Fertility Journey Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for evidence-based guidance on functional fertility, and share this episode with anyone on their fertility journey. Not sure where to start? Download our most popular guide:  Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH it breaks everything down step by step to help you understand your options and take action For personalized support to improve pregnancy success, book a call here. --- Timestamps 00:00 Why thyroid health matters for low AMH, DOR, and POI 01:02 Normal TSH vs optimal TSH for fertility 02:14 Full thyroid panel and what your REI may be missing 03:00 How low thyroid slows follicle development 03:45 Oxidative stress, inflammation, and egg quality 04:30 Thyroid dysfunction and accelerated ovarian aging 05:10 Hyperthyroidism, cycle disruption, and implantation 06:02 Thyroid antibodies and IVF outcomes 07:12 What high TPO antibodies mean for your transfer 08:00 Functional steps to support thyroid and egg quality --- 📩 Get your free Thyroid & Fertility Guide! Email [email protected] with the subject line THYROID to receive your guide and learn how to optimize your thyroid for better egg quality and fertility. Why Optimizing Thyroid Matters For Low AMH, High FSH and Antral Follicle Count:  https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/why-optimizing-thyroid-matters-for-low-amh-high-fsh-and-antral-follicle-count?_pos=5&_sid=eddf1bb4a&_ss=r Can Hypothyroidism Cause Infertility: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/education/can-hypothyroidism-cause-infertility?_pos=6&_sid=eddf1bb4a&_ss=r Fab Fertile Method https://www.fabfertile.com/what-we-do/ Our favorite fertility tracker (use code FABFERTILE15 to save 15) - https://www.inito.com/en-us/?srsltid=AfmBOoo85sXu_esmFN5Kz6iysaTkBKgYl35Jubv-BaLkkxXVggdk6nes --- 💛 Join my free Facebook group: Get Pregnant Naturally With Low AMH and/or High FSH: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451444518397946 ---  Please note we only promote products that Sarah Clark or her Fab Fertile team has tried and believes are beneficial for someone who is TTC. We may receive a small commission.

Being told you have Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) or premature menopause can feel like the door has closed on your fertility. But these terms don't mean the same thing and understanding the distinction is essential, especially if you're still hoping to conceive. In this episode, we break down what's actually happening hormonally in each condition, why they're often confused, and how a functional fertility approach can help you understand what may still be possible. You'll learn: The key differences between POI, premature menopause, and early menopause What your labs are really telling you about ovarian function Signs that your ovaries may still be active even if your cycle has stopped Which functional tests give deeper insight into thyroid, immune, gut, and adrenal factors that influence ovarian health How inflammation, autoimmune activity, stress physiology, and nutrient imbalances can drive ovarian shutdown Supportive nutritional, lifestyle, and mind-body strategies that may improve hormone communication and egg health When to combine functional and conventional care to optimize your chances of conception This episode is especially for you if: You've been told you have POI, premature menopause, or early menopause and want clarity about whether your ovaries have truly stopped functioning You're under 45 with irregular or missing cycles, hot flashes, or elevated FSH, and want to understand your next steps from a functional-fertility lens You've felt dismissed or told "it's over," yet you want to explore supportive strategies that may help your hormones and ovaries regain activity, naturally or alongside medical care Sarah Clark is the founder of Fab Fertile Inc. and the host of Get Pregnant Naturally. Her team specializes in functional approaches for low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, recurrent miscarriage and helping couples prepare their bodies for pregnancy success naturally or with IVF. Next Steps in Your Fertility Journey Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for evidence-based guidance on functional fertility, and share this episode with anyone on their fertility journey. Not sure where to start? Download our most popular guide:  Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH it breaks everything down step by step to help you understand your options and take action For personalized support to improve pregnancy success, book a call here. --- Timestamps 00:00 Understanding POI and early menopause and why the distinction changes your fertility options when cycles are irregular or absent. 01:45 What POI before age 40 means and how irregular periods and fluctuating FSH can still indicate remaining ovarian activity. 03:00 Real examples of women with AMH at 0.04 ng/mL and 0.08 ng/mL who conceived by addressing inflammation, gut health, thyroid, and stress patterns. 04:00 How disrupted communication between the brain and ovaries drives POI and the role of autoimmunity, nutrient status, and the nervous system. 05:00 What premature menopause looks like on labs and why confirming ovarian shutdown matters when planning next steps. 06:10 How some women in their forties regain cycles and conceive naturally and what this reveals about hormonal resilience. 08:00 Factors that accelerate ovarian aging, including elevated hsCRP, gut infections, thyroid imbalance, environmental toxins, and nutrient gaps. 09:50 Why the gut and vaginal microbiome influence egg quality and implantation and how hidden infections affect fertility outcomes. 10:50 How functional thyroid ranges guide fertility decisions and why a TSH below 2 mIU/L supports better ovarian signaling and hormone balance. 14:40 Nutrition, mitochondrial support, mineral balance, and mind body work that help improve egg health and ovulation signaling. --- Resources 📩 Get your free 10-day elimination diet plan! Email [email protected] with the subject line 10 DAY to receive your guide and take the first step toward reconnecting with your fertility. 📩 Get your free Protein for Fertility Guide! Email [email protected] with the subject line PROTEIN to receive your guide and learn how to fuel your body for stronger cycles and better fertility outcomes. 📩 Get your free Thyroid for Fertility Guide! Email [email protected] with the subject line THYROID to receive your guide and learn the optimal thyroid lab ranges for conception, plus often missed nutrition, lifestyle, and testing strategies to improve thyroid function so pregnancy is more likely to succeed. Is Ureaplasma Affecting Your Fertility? How It Impacts Low AMH, Poor Egg Quality & IVF Success: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/the-hidden-threat-ureaplasma-s-impact-on-ivf-success?_pos=3&_sid=61d224007&_ss=r Why Addressing Homocysteine Levels Can Boost Egg and Sperm Health: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/why-addressing-homocysteine-levels-can-boost-egg-and-sperm-health?_pos=1&_sid=09ab3d411&_ss=r The Shocking Truth About POI and Autoimmune Diseases: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/the-shocking-truth-about-poi-and-autoimmune-diseases?_pos=1&_sid=15ebee0b5&_ss=r 9 FAQs About Low AMH And High FSH That Can Help You Improve Pregnancy Success: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/education/9-faqs-about-low-amh-and-high-fsh-that-can-help-you-improve-pregnancy-success?_pos=1&_sid=b70e5c62a&_ss=r Our favorite fertility tracker (use code FABFERTILE15 to save 15) - https://www.inito.com/en-us/?srsltid=AfmBOoo85sXu_esmFN5Kz6iysaTkBKgYl35Jubv-BaLkkxXVggdk6nes --- 💛 Join my free Facebook group: Get Pregnant Naturally With Low AMH and/or High FSH: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451444518397946 ---  Please note we only promote products that Sarah Clark or her Fab Fertile team has tried and believes are beneficial for someone who is TTC. We may receive a small commission.

If you're over 40 and have been told your ovarian reserve is low, you've likely heard things like your only option is IVF with donor eggs or your time has run out. But those statements rarely tell the full story. In today's episode, Improve Ovarian Reserve to Get Pregnant After 40, we explore what ovarian reserve actually measures, why it does not define your fertility potential, and how a functional fertility approach can support egg quality, hormone communication, and your chances of pregnancy, whether naturally or with IVF. Even after 40, your body can respond when you understand the underlying imbalances that influence ovarian function. You'll learn • What AMH, FSH, and AFC truly indicate and why they don't measure egg quality • How mitochondrial energy, nutrient levels, and antioxidants influence egg development after 40 • The role of thyroid health and why optimal TSH should be below 2.0 when trying to conceive • How gut infections, immune dysregulation, and vaginal microbiome imbalances affect ovarian reserve • Which functional tests help uncover hidden imbalances that impact egg potential, including GI MAP, DUTCH, GrowBaby, and HTMA This episode is especially for you if: • You are 40 or older and have been told your AMH is low or your FSH is high • You have experienced failed IVF cycles, early loss, or poor egg quality and want to know what else you can do • You want a functional fertility framework that looks at hormone communication, egg energy, and whole body imbalances rather than just chasing lab numbers Sarah Clark is the founder of Fab Fertile Inc. and the host of Get Pregnant Naturally. Her team specializes in functional approaches for low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, recurrent miscarriage and helping couples prepare their bodies for pregnancy success naturally or with IVF. Next Steps in Your Fertility Journey Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for evidence-based guidance on functional fertility, and share this episode with anyone on their fertility journey. Not sure where to start? Download our most popular guide:  Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH it breaks everything down step by step to help you understand your options and take action For personalized support to improve pregnancy success, book a call here. --- Timestamps 00:00 What low ovarian reserve really means after 40 Why AMH and FSH do not predict your ability to conceive and why your fertility is not defined by these numbers. 01:00 AMH, FSH and AFC explained for women over 40 How ovarian reserve tests measure quantity, not quality and why functional fertility looks deeper. 02:00 Case study: Diminished ovarian reserve at 41 with autoimmune clues A real example of low AMH and Hashimoto's with gut infections that resulted in a natural pregnancy. 04:00 Mitochondria and egg energy after 40 How mitochondrial function influences egg maturation and which nutrients support better ovarian energy. 05:00 Thyroid health and why TSH must be optimal to conceive The full thyroid picture and why ferritin, antibodies and gluten sensitivity matter for ovarian reserve. 07:00 Mineral balance and heavy metals that affect ovarian reserve How magnesium, copper imbalance and toxic metals influence egg quality and hormone stability. 08:30 Adrenal stress and cortisol patterns that lower ovarian signaling How chronic stress suppresses FSH and LH and what adrenal patterns look like on testing. 10:00 Gut health, estrogen metabolism and inflammation How dysbiosis, leaky gut and yeast overgrowth interfere with follicle growth and hormone balance. 11:00 Vaginal microbiome and hidden infections linked to failed implantation Why Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma and high pH environments reduce embryo success and implantation. 13:00 Case study: Natural pregnancy at 43 with DOR A woman with low AMH and high FSH who addressed gut, adrenal and thyroid imbalances and conceived naturally. --- Resources 📩 Get your free 10-day elimination diet plan! Email [email protected] with the subject line 10 DAY to receive your guide and take the first step toward reconnecting with your fertility. 5 Tips to Get Pregnant Even with Poor Egg Quality:  https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/5-tips-to-get-pregnant-even-with-poor-egg-quality Why A Mineral Deficiency Matters When You Are Trying To Conceive:  https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/why-a-mineral-deficiency-matters-when-you-are-trying-to-conceive-with-terra-vitiello?_pos=1&_sid=ae769fc7d&_ss=r DUTCH Test 101: Why It's Important For Fertility: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/dutch-test-101-why-its-important-for-fertility?_pos=2&_sid=a6f8a8c87&_ss=r Why Genomic Testing Can Help With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Birth Outcomes and Preconception Health: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/why-genomic-testing-can-help-with-recurrent-pregnancy-loss-birth-outcomes-and-preconception-health?_pos=8&_sid=f28fd1802&_ss=r Our favorite fertility tracker (use code FABFERTILE15 to save 15) - https://www.inito.com/en-us/?srsltid=AfmBOoo85sXu_esmFN5Kz6iysaTkBKgYl35Jubv-BaLkkxXVggdk6nes --- 💛 Join my free Facebook group: Get Pregnant Naturally With Low AMH and/or High FSH: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451444518397946 ---  Please note we only promote products that Sarah Clark or her Fab Fertile team has tried and believes are beneficial for someone who is TTC. We may receive a small commission.  

If you've been told you have poor egg quality, you might feel like your options are limited or that your body isn't capable of what you want most. In this episode, 5 Tips to Get Pregnant Even with Poor Egg Quality, we break down what egg quality really means, what affects it, and how to support your fertility through a functional-fertility lens. You'll learn practical, research-informed strategies that influence the environment where your eggs mature and develop. You'll learn: What poor egg quality actually means and why it's about cellular function, not the number of eggs How oxidative stress, thyroid issues, inflammation, toxin exposure, and blood sugar imbalances affect egg development The top functional strategies to support mitochondrial energy, hormone communication, and ovulation How gut health, minerals, detoxification, and nervous system regulation impact egg and embryo quality Research-backed mind–body approaches shown to improve pregnancy outcomes in IVF and natural conception This episode is especially for you if: You've been told you have poor egg quality, low AMH, or high FSH and want to understand what's actually behind those numbers You've had failed IVF cycles or early losses and want to know what else you can do to influence your outcome You want a whole body, functional fertility approach that supports egg development, mitochondrial health, and hormone communication Sarah Clark is the founder of Fab Fertile Inc. and the host of Get Pregnant Naturally. Her team specializes in functional approaches for low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, recurrent miscarriage and helping couples prepare their bodies for pregnancy success naturally or with IVF. Next Steps in Your Fertility Journey Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for evidence-based guidance on functional fertility, and share this episode with anyone on their fertility journey. Not sure where to start? Download our most popular guide:  Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH it breaks everything down step by step to help you understand your options and take action For personalized support to improve pregnancy success, book a call here. --- Timestamps 00:00 – What Poor Egg Quality Really Means Understanding how oxidative stress, thyroid imbalance, inflammation, mitochondrial issues, and chronic stress affect egg development. 01:42 – Why Functional Fertility Testing Changes Outcomes How deeper testing like GI MAP, DUTCH, and nutrient panels uncovers what IVF and basic labs often miss. 03:20 – Success Story: Improving Egg Quality with Hashimoto's and Low AMH A real case of transforming egg health after being told IVF was the only option. 04:08 – Mitochondrial Support for Better Egg Development Key nutrients like CoQ10, omega 3s, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidant rich foods that influence egg energy and embryo potential. 05:04 – Why Fasting, Keto, and Undereating Lower Fertility How shaky blood sugar, cortisol spikes, long fasting windows, and restrictive diets impact ovulation and hormone balance. 07:00 – Blood Sugar, Protein Targets, and Egg Free Breakfast Ideas Optimal A1C ranges, how to stabilize blood sugar, and how protein supports hormone communication and egg maturation. 08:40 – Reducing Inflammation and Daily Toxin Exposure Plastics, fragrances, water filtration, and anti inflammatory eating patterns that support healthy follicles. 09:50 – Functional Lab Testing to Personalize Your Fertility Plan Why combining GI MAP, food sensitivities, mineral testing, and mycotoxin screening gives a clearer picture of egg quality barriers. 13:10 – Thyroid, Adrenals, Liver, and Key Nutrients for Fertility How TSH, ferritin, vitamin D, homocysteine, cortisol patterns, and estrogen detox impact egg and embryo quality. 19:00 – The Mind Body Connection and Research Behind IVF Success What the Domar studies and HRV research show about stress, cortisol, and improving ovarian function. 22:10 – The 90 Day Egg Development Window and IVF Readiness Why creating a low inflammation, nutrient rich environment improves egg quality and IVF response. --- Resources 📩 Get your free 10-day elimination diet plan! Email [email protected] with the subject line 10 DAY to receive your guide and take the first step toward reconnecting with your fertility. 📩 Get your free Protein for Fertility Guide! Email [email protected] with the subject line PROTEIN to receive your guide and learn how to fuel your body for stronger cycles and better fertility outcomes. 📩 Get your free Thyroid for Fertility Guide! Email [email protected] with the subject line THYROID to receive your guide and learn the optimal thyroid lab ranges for conception, plus often missed nutrition, lifestyle, and testing strategies to improve thyroid function so pregnancy is more likely to succeed. 📩 Get your free 7 Day Egg Free Breakfast Guide! Email [email protected] with the subject line BREAKFAST to receive seven days of egg free, fertility focused breakfast ideas designed to support hormone balance, stabilize blood sugar, and nourish women with low AMH or high FSH. Why Addressing Homocysteine Levels Can Boost Egg and Sperm Health:  https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/why-addressing-homocysteine-levels-can-boost-egg-and-sperm-health?_pos=1&_sid=d928e28d3&_ss=r Is Ureaplasma Affecting Your Fertility? How It Impacts Low AMH, Poor Egg Quality & IVF Success:  https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/the-hidden-threat-ureaplasma-s-impact-on-ivf-success?_pos=4&_sid=660678fc8&_ss=r Our favorite fertility tracker (use code FABFERTILE15 to save 15) - https://www.inito.com/en-us/?srsltid=AfmBOoo85sXu_esmFN5Kz6iysaTkBKgYl35Jubv-BaLkkxXVggdk6nes --- 💛 Join my free Facebook group: Get Pregnant Naturally With Low AMH and/or High FSH: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451444518397946 ---  Please note we only promote products that Sarah Clark or her Fab Fertile team has tried and believes are beneficial for someone who is TTC. We may receive a small commission.

If you've ever been told your FSH is too high or that you're not a good candidate for IVF, today's episode will help you understand what that number actually means and the many ways you can still support your fertility. When most people hear "high FSH," they immediately think poor ovarian reserve or low egg count. That's not the full story. In this episode, we look at what high FSH signals, how to interpret it alongside other markers, and what both conventional and functional fertility options can help you move forward with clarity. You'll learn: • What high FSH actually measures and why context matters when paired with AMH, estradiol, and AFC • How inflammation, stress, thyroid imbalance, sleep, and environmental toxins influence FSH • Conventional treatment options such as mini IVF, natural cycle IVF, Letrozole, and individualized stimulation protocols • How functional fertility improves the internal environment so your ovaries respond better to any treatment • The key labs, nutrients, and lifestyle factors that support egg quality and hormone communication in high FSH cases This episode is especially for you if: • You've been told you have high FSH or diminished ovarian reserve and worry the window is closing • You've had canceled IVF cycles or poor responses and want to understand what else you can do • You want to see how a functional fertility approach can support egg quality so your next steps feel strategic and not desperate Sarah Clark is the founder of Fab Fertile Inc. and the host of Get Pregnant Naturally. Her team specializes in functional approaches for low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, recurrent miscarriage and helping couples prepare their bodies for pregnancy success naturally or with IVF. Next Steps in Your Fertility Journey Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for evidence-based guidance on functional fertility, and share this episode with anyone on their fertility journey. Not sure where to start? Download our most popular guide:  Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH it breaks everything down step by step to help you understand your options and take action For personalized support to improve pregnancy success, book a call here. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – What High FSH Really Means for Fertility What FSH actually measures, why it does not reflect egg quality, and why high FSH is often misunderstood in conventional fertility care. 01:00 – The Emotional Impact of High FSH and Canceled IVF Cycles Understanding why high FSH triggers fear, how it influences IVF decisions, and how a functional lens shifts your strategy. 02:00 – Real Case Story: FSH in the 60s Reduced to 7 A Fab Fertile client lowered FSH dramatically after three failed IVFs and conceived with her own eggs after being told donor eggs were the only option. 03:00 – Drivers of High FSH: Inflammation, Stress, Thyroid, Sleep, and Toxins FSH as feedback, not failure. Exploring how inflammation, poor sleep, blood sugar imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, and environmental toxins impact ovarian response. 04:00 – Conventional Treatment Options for High FSH Mini IVF, natural-cycle IVF, Letrozole, Clomid, individualized protocols, medication dosing considerations, and how clinics determine next steps. 05:00 – Why Medication Alone Isn't Enough: The Functional Fertility Lens How functional testing identifies hidden blocks like gut infections, food sensitivities, chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and nervous system dysregulation. 06:00 – Hidden Stressors That Disrupt Egg Quality and Hormone Signaling Parasites, H. pylori, bacterial overgrowths, mold exposure, toxin load, fragrances, plastics, and irregular cortisol patterns that impact egg development. 09:00 – Key Fertility Labs for High FSH Optimal vs normal ranges for thyroid markers, vitamin D, ferritin, fasting insulin, A1C, homocysteine, and how methylation affects hormone detox and ovarian health. 12:00 – Functional Testing That Personalizes Your Fertility Plan GI-MAP, food sensitivity testing, DUTCH hormone mapping, genetic testing (MTHFR, COMT, GST), and vaginal microbiome tests for implantation and inflammation insights. 18:00 – When to Pause IVF and Re-Evaluate Your Strategy Why repeating protocols isn't effective when the internal environment isn't optimized. When a 3–6 month reset can improve ovarian response and IVF success. 19:00 – Final Takeaway: High FSH as a Message, Not a Verdict High FSH is information, not a dead end. How combining functional optimization with conventional care improves egg quality, hormone signaling, and overall fertility outcomes. RESOURCES 📩 Get your free 10-day elimination diet plan! Email [email protected] with the subject line 10 DAY to receive your guide and take the first step toward reconnecting with your fertility. 📩 Get your free Protein for Fertility Guide! Email [email protected] with the subject line PROTEIN to receive your guide and learn how to fuel your body for stronger cycles and better fertility outcomes. The Link Between Sleep and Fertility: Why Getting Enough Rest Matters: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/how-poor-sleep-could-be-sabotaging-your-egg-quality?_pos=6&_sid=08f940f89&_ss=r What does gut health have to do with hormone balance and infertility:  https://fabfertile.com/blogs/education/gut-health-hormone-balance-fertility?_pos=5&_sid=6f54e787f&_ss= Pregnancy After 40 with Low AMH and High FSH: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/education/pregnancy-after-40-with-low-amh-and-high-fsh?_pos=2&_sid=2db9414bf&_ss=r Is Ureaplasma Affecting Your Fertility? How It Impacts Low AMH, Poor Egg Quality & IVF Success: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/the-hidden-threat-ureaplasma-s-impact-on-ivf-success?_pos=1&_sid=9fb48e0cb&_ss=r Pregnant Naturally at 43: Overcoming Low AMH, High FSH, and Two Miscarriages: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/pregnant-naturally-43-low-amh-high-fsh?_pos=12&_sid=0b542adca&_ss=r AMH Diet – Start This Today to Support Fertility & Get Pregnant This Year: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/amh-diet-start-this-today-to-support-fertility-get-pregnant-this-year?_pos=4&_sid=003fecbea&_ss=r Our favorite fertility tracker (use code FABFERTILE15 to save 15) - https://www.inito.com/en-us/?srsltid=AfmBOoo85sXu_esmFN5Kz6iysaTkBKgYl35Jubv-BaLkkxXVggdk6nes --- 💛 Join my free Facebook group: Get Pregnant Naturally With Low AMH and/or High FSH: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451444518397946 ---  Please note we only promote products that Sarah Clark or her Fab Fertile team has tried and believes are beneficial for someone who is TTC. We may receive a small commission.