Samantha’s Fertility Journey: From Grief and Loss to Hope and Healing at Age 44 with AMH 0.02 ng/mL

At 43, Samantha faced significant challenges in her fertility journey. Her story, marked by high FSH, low estrogen, and recurrent pregnancy loss, mirrors the struggles of many women trying to conceive later in life. Despite experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, multiple miscarriages, and battling cancer, Samantha remained hopeful for a second child. Her journey highlights the power of addressing the root causes of fertility struggles naturally, finding emotional healing, and working as a team with her husband.

Fertility Challenges: High FSH, Low Estrogen, and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Samantha’s journey began with a surprise. After the birth of her son in 2020, she and her husband expected a second pregnancy would follow smoothly. However, the road ahead was far from easy. She had previously endured a traumatic ectopic pregnancy that led to chemotherapy, as well as two miscarriages and a chemical pregnancy. Each loss was emotionally and physically draining, leaving her feeling disconnected from her body and struggling with irregular periods, brain fog, and fatigue.

As Samantha tracked her cycles, she noticed concerning patterns—high FSH, low estrogen, and inconsistent ovulation. Her periods had shifted from predictable to irregular, and she often went months without a true menstrual cycle. Feeling lost, she realized that something deeper was going on and sought a holistic solution to restore her health and fertility.

Finding Fab Fertile: A Holistic Approach to Fertility
Frustrated with conventional approaches, Samantha found Fab Fertile and was drawn to the idea of a holistic, couple-centered approach. She loved that Fab Fertile not only addressed her hormone imbalances but also focused on the emotional and relational aspects of her journey. Samantha and her husband embraced the Fab Fertile program, which provided a roadmap to identify and address key imbalances affecting her fertility, including:

1. Hormone Imbalances: High FSH, low AMH 0.02 ng/mL, low estrogen, and luteinizing hormone (LH) issues that were impacting her ability to ovulate consistently.
2. Gut Health: Previous antibiotic use and gut inflammation were likely contributing to her hormonal imbalances and fatigue.
3. Adrenal and Thyroid Health: Her adrenal glands were overtaxed due to stress and unresolved grief, and her thyroid function was suboptimal.
4. Emotional Healing and Relationship Support: Samantha needed support in processing her grief and anxiety from multiple pregnancy losses, and her husband needed guidance on how to support her emotionally during this time.

What We Did: Implementing Lifestyle Changes and Healing the Root Causes

When Samantha came to Fab Fertile, we knew a comprehensive approach was necessary. Here's how we addressed her gut, hormone, and overall health to support her fertility:

1. Gut and Adrenal Support:
   A GI-MAP test revealed mild elevated H. pylori (a bacteria linked to gut inflammation) and an overgrowth of opportunistic microbes that were causing digestive stress. Samantha also had low elastase (indicating low digestive enzyme production) and low secretory IgA (suggesting her gut’s immune response was weakened). While her overall gut flora was relatively balanced, these findings explained many of her symptoms, like fatigue and brain fog. We implemented a gut repair protocol that included digestive enzymes, probiotics, and specific herbs to eliminate the overgrowth, repair the gut lining, and support healthy digestion.
2. Hormonal Balance and Blood Sugar Support:
   Samantha’s bloodwork showed elevated insulin, though her A1C (a long-term blood sugar marker) was normal, suggesting early signs of insulin resistance. Her triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were elevated, while her HDL (good cholesterol) was low, indicating potential metabolic stress. These markers, along with her high FSH and low estrogen, pointed to the need for blood sugar and hormone balance. We adjusted her diet to include more healthy fats, fiber, and nutrient-dense foods to help regulate her insulin and cholesterol levels. Supplements like CoQ10, B vitamins, and fish oil were added to support hormone production and overall cellular health.
3. Thyroid and Adrenal Support:
   Samantha’s thyroid tests showed borderline low free T4 and free T3, even though her TSH was normal. She also had mildly elevated HCRP (an inflammation marker). This indicated suboptimal thyroid function and adrenal dysfunction, which was likely affecting her energy, mood, and fertility. We added selenium and zinc to support her thyroid, along with a customized adrenal support regimen to help her handle stress better and restore balance.
4. Genetic Insights and Nutrient Optimization:
   Genetic testing revealed that Samantha had variants in the MTHFR and FOLR2 genes, which affect how well her body processes and delivers folate. We switched her prenatal vitamins to include higher amounts of methylated folate and B12, ensuring her body could utilize these crucial nutrients effectively. We also supported her estrogen metabolism with castor oil packs, liver detox practices, and added bitter herbs like dandelion greens and parsley to her diet.
5. Food Sensitivity and Diet Adjustments:
   Food sensitivity testing showed that certain foods, like pineapple and ginger, were triggering inflammation in her system. We removed these for 90 days, along with white beans and haddock, to calm her immune response and support gut healing. Long-term, we focused on a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like avocado, salmon, and cruciferous vegetables to aid in detoxification and hormone balance.
6. Stress Management and Emotional Healing:
   Samantha and her husband both engaged in emotional healing work. She found strength in trauma-informed coaching and Christian therapy, while he learned to support her through their fertility challenges without trying to "fix" everything. Together, they focused on reconnecting emotionally and spiritually, which helped to reduce the stress that was impacting her hormonal balance.
7. Relationship and Spiritual Growth:
   After their fourth pregnancy loss, Samantha and her husband decided to take a break from actively trying to conceive. During this time, they focused on deepening their relationship, rebuilding their spiritual connection, and prioritizing personal growth—an essential part of healing. This period allowed Samantha to nurture her emotional well-being and rebuild her strength, providing a solid foundation for their fertility journey moving forward.
8. Supplementation and Future Testing:
   Samantha continued on a personalized supplement regimen, including vitamin D, iron, B12, and digestive enzymes. We planned to retest her gut health after completing her H. pylori treatment and continue monitoring her thyroid, cholesterol, and inflammation markers. We also recommended the DUTCH Plus test to gain deeper insights into her adrenal and sex hormone levels after her gut and thyroid health had improved.

This holistic plan allowed Samantha to address the root causes of her hormone imbalance and digestive issues while supporting her emotional and spiritual growth. Together, these changes restored her body’s natural balance, setting the foundation for a healthy, natural conception.

Five Months Later: A Path to Healing and Pregnancy
At the five-month mark, Samantha was unsure if she wanted to continue trying to conceive. Four pregnancy losses had left her emotionally drained, and she needed space to heal. Her husband was still hopeful and wanted to find a way forward, but together they decided to take a step back.

Instead of focusing solely on conception, they worked on rebuilding their lives. They prioritized their mental and spiritual health, engaged in activities that brought them joy, and nurtured their relationship. Samantha had lost part of her identity on this journey and decided now was the time to come home to herself. During this time, Samantha continued the health and lifestyle changes she had learned through Fab Fertile, which kept her body and mind in balance.

The Surprise Pregnancy: Conceiving Naturally at 44
To their delight, Samantha and her husband conceived naturally during this period of healing. By addressing the underlying cause of her hormone imbalances, focusing on gut health, and finding emotional balance, Samantha’s body was finally ready for pregnancy.

Now at 44, Samantha’s story is a powerful reminder that healing takes time, and sometimes stepping back is the key to moving forward. Her journey through grief, hope, and holistic healing has inspired other women in their 40s to believe that it’s possible to conceive naturally, even after years of fertility challenges.

Hope for Women Over 40 Struggling with High FSH and Irregular Cycles
Samantha’s success story offers hope to women over 40 who are facing fertility challenges like high FSH, low estrogen, and recurrent miscarriages. By focusing on the root causes of her hormone imbalances, improving gut health, and strengthening her emotional well-being, Samantha was able to conceive naturally after four losses. Her journey demonstrates that, with the right support and holistic care, pregnancy is possible at any age.

Key Takeaways for Women Trying to Conceive Over 40

• Addressing high FSH and low estrogen through natural methods is possible.
• Emotional healing is just as important as physical health in the fertility journey.
• A supportive partnership and holistic care can transform the experience of trying to conceive, even after multiple losses.

Are you struggling with high FSH, low estrogen, or irregular cycles and want to improve your chances of conceiving naturally? Samantha’s journey with Fab Fertile shows that there is hope for women over 40.

To learn more about how the Fab Fertile Method can help improve your chances of getting pregnant naturally, apply here. We’ll come up with a plan specifically designed for your situation.  We specialize in low AMH, high FSH, premature ovarian insufficiency, and diminished ovarian reserve.