Our biography inevitably becomes our biology. The way one lives his or her life is directly analogous to one's health. This has never been more evident in couples' increasing inability to conceive naturally. Why is it becoming more challenging for women to conceive? It could be age or the quality of a woman's eggs. But what I have observed in working with couples seeking to have a child is the escalating effects of daily stress. Elevated cortisol levels, blood sugar issues, diet and lifestyle are a few of the factors compromising women's reproductive health today. In my clinical practice a high percentage of men contribute to a couple's fertility problems. Optimizing Blood Sugar Balance Numerous scientific studies have shown a direct connection between insulin levels and hormone balance. The higher your blood sugar, the higher your insulin and the less progesterone you have to balance estrogen and avoid miscarriage.     Natural Hormone Modulation/Balance Conceiving and delivering a healthy child requires the proper orchestration of numerous hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are the dominant players in the symphony called life. Natural medicine as practiced by numerous indigenous cultures has identified specific herbs which help to balance fertility hormones in women. Recent scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of such herbs as Chasteberry to promote optimal levels of bother progesterone and estrogen. The Physiology of Everyday Stress Recently major scientific studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health have identified a wide variety of both vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by everyday stress. A healthy diet plus a vitamin, mineral, phyto-nutrient and essential fatty acid supplement is now highly recommended in major medical journal, like the New England Journal of Medicine. Unfortunately, most of the nutritional supplements available on store shelves do not meet the same quality standards that are required of drugs. This means they are absorbed less effectively and are utilized poorly then would be optimal for enhancing fertility. After a great deal of research, I have located a wellness supplement that meets and exceeds pharmaceutical standards. Surprising Insights on Environmental Toxins From the plastics we wrap our foods in to the water we drink, toxins are found everywhere in our modern day environment. Recent assessments of toxicity levels in the body fat of Americans from both rural and inner city areas show measurable levels of industrial toxins known to promote infertility. Removal of theses toxins has been shown to increase healthy function in both and female reproductive organs. Removal of these offending substances requires their transformation from fat soluble to water soluble so they may be excreted by way of sweat, urine and feces. Specific phyto-nutrients, vitamins and minerals have been shown to increase your liver's ability to conduct this transformation. For inquiries & appointments: Meg Richichi, M. S., L. Ac. 1123 Broadway, Suite 319 New York, NY 10010 Tel: 212.358.0113 Email: megrichichi@gmail.com  If you live outside of the New York area, and would like to get started on the Mother's Path program, please call 212.358.0113 for a phone consultation. To purchase your Metagenics nutritional supplements, click here.