Balanced hormones are essential for proper reproductive function. Adequate production of thyroid and progesterone, as well as appropriate estrogen levels, are crucial for maintaining a healthy reproductive system. These hormones play significant roles, including regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting healthy ovulation, preparing the uterus for pregnancy, maintaining healthy cervical mucus, enabling strong ovulation, and much more.

But the importance of our fertility status doesn’t end here.

Fertility affects our quality of life and longevity.

"Sixty years ago, progesterone was found to be the main hormone produced by the ovaries. Since it was necessary for fertility and for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, it was called the "progestational hormone," and its name sometimes leads people to think that it isn't needed when you don't want to get pregnant. In fact, it is the most protective hormone the body produces, and the large amounts that are produced during pregnancy result from the developing baby's need for protection from the stressful environment." - Ray Peat

Numerous experiments have shown progesterone to be the hormone of adaptation and resistance to stress in both male and females. Progesterone relieves anxiety, improves memory, protects the heart and brain cells, and supports the immune system. When the body is deficient in progesterone, we produce cortisol in excess, leading to osteoporosis, aging of the skin, damage to brain cells, and the accumulation of excess fat.

Fertility is also indicative of a robust energetic state.

The health of one’s hair, skin, nails, and fertility is dependent on the energetic state of the organism. The supply of glucose and oxygen to the cell determines our ability to generate energy and withstand stressors. If an organism's oxygen supply is interfered with, the organism will slowly deteriorate, beginning with the loss of the ability to generate efficient or youth-like energy through the mitochondria. The thyroid hormone is the hormone of respiration, stimulating oxygen consumption through the efficient breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide.

When the body is in a state of deprivation due to years of undernourishment, restriction, chronic stress, etc., its ability to supply sufficient energy towards the hair, skin, nails, and reproductive organs is hindered. An energy deficiency (in women) is often seen as hair loss, dull or blemished skin, brittle nails, amenorrhea, irregular cycles, and / or the inability to conceive.

When (and only when) the system is supplied with an abundance of saturated fats, minerals, carbohydrates, and bioavailable animal proteins, is the body capable of providing sufficient energy for healthy hair, strong nails, healthy skin, and a robust reproductive system.

Whether your priority is to conceive or not, your fertility status is crucial as it serves as a window into your current and past state of health and well-being.