Moderate-HighGBS: 83 (High Risk)nutrition

Fertility Protocol - Female

Developer: Marc Sklar, Aimee Raupp, Randine Lewis

3-12 months preconception optimization

Protocol Overview

Comprehensive 3-6 month preconception protocol to optimize egg quality, hormone balance, and uterine environment. Used alone or to support IVF/IUI.

Conditions Treated

Infertility

subfertility

preparing for conception

recurrent miscarriage

IVF support

Protocol Steps

Testing: Day 3 FSH, estradiol, AMH (ovarian reserve), Day 21 progesterone, LH, thyroid (TSH, free T3/T4, antibodies), prolactin, DHEA-S, testosterone, insulin/glucose, vitamin D, iron panel, homocysteine, genetic testing (MTHFR), consider DUTCH test

Preconception period: Minimum 3-4 months (egg maturation takes 90-120 days), ideally 6-12 months

CoQ10 (Ubiquinol): 400-600mg daily (improves egg quality, mitochondrial function) - most important supplement for egg quality

Inositol: Myo-inositol 2000mg + D-chiro-inositol 50mg twice daily (improves egg quality, ovulation, especially in PCOS)

Methylated folate: 800-1000mcg (not folic acid, especially if MTHFR mutation), prevents neural tube defects, supports methylation

Vitamin D3: Optimize to 50-80 ng/ml (4000-5000 IU daily) - improves fertility outcomes, reduces miscarriage

Omega-3: 2-3g EPA/DHA (reduces inflammation, improves egg quality) - choose high-quality prenatal omega-3

Prenatal multivitamin: High-quality with methylated B-vitamins, avoid synthetic folic acid

Vitamin E: 400-800 IU (antioxidant, improves egg quality)

NAC: 600mg 2x/day (antioxidant, improves egg quality, cervical mucus)

L-arginine: 6g daily (improves uterine blood flow)

Acupuncture: Weekly treatments (improves ovarian blood flow, egg quality, uterine lining, reduces stress) - research shows benefit for IVF

Diet: Mediterranean diet, organic (avoid pesticides), adequate protein, healthy fats, colorful vegetables, reduce sugar/processed foods, avoid trans fats, limit caffeine (<200mg), no alcohol

Thyroid optimization: TSH <2.5 for fertility (many providers accept <4.5, but <2.5 better for conception) - optimize medication if needed

Weight: BMI 18.5-24.9 ideal (underweight and overweight both impair fertility)

Detox: Reduce toxin exposure (plastics, pesticides, household chemicals), consider 3-month preconception detox (gentle)

Stress reduction: Meditation, yoga, therapy (stress impacts fertility hormones), limit intense exercise (can suppress ovulation)

Track ovulation: Basal body temperature, cervical mucus, LH strips, consider Mira or Clearblue fertility monitor

Timed intercourse: Every other day during fertile window (5 days before ovulation through ovulation day)

Address underlying issues: PCOS (see PCOS protocol), endometriosis, thyroid, autoimmune issues

Key Resources

Yes, You Can Get Pregnant by Aimee Raupp, "The Fertility Diet" by Chavarro, Marc Sklar's protocols, "It Starts with the Egg" by Rebecca Fett

Contraindications & Risks

Work with reproductive endocrinologist if fertility issues diagnosed, some herbs contraindicated once pregnant

Important Notes

Egg quality is key - determined by mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Eggs matured 90-120 days before ovulation (why preconception period needed). CoQ10 (ubiquinol form) most evidence-based supplement for egg quality - improves mitochondrial function. Inositol benefits for all women, especially PCOS. Methylated folate crucial (40-60% have MTHFR polymorphism reducing folic acid metabolism). Vitamin D deficiency associated with infertility, miscarriage. Acupuncture has meta-analysis support for IVF (improves implantation). Thyroid crucial - TSH <2.5 optimal for fertility (mainstream often allows <4.5). Age is factor but egg quality modifiable. Reduce oxidative stress (antioxidants, reduce toxins, stress). Environmental toxins (BPA, phthalates, pesticides) impair fertility - organic food, filter water, non-toxic products. Men account for 50% of infertility - partner should do male protocol. This protocol supports natural conception or improves IVF outcomes.

Also Effective For

Infertility

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 83 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelModerate-High

GBS Score83 / 100

Categorynutrition

DeveloperMarc Sklar, Aimee Raupp, Randine Lewis

Duration3-12 months preconception optimization

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.