Education

Why Wheatgrass Isn’t Effective for High FSH (and What to Try Instead)

Dec 04, 2024

wheatgrass vs egg quality and FSH functional fertility

What High FSH Means for Fertility, Low AMH, and Ovarian Reserve

If you’ve been on a fertility journey, you’ve likely heard about wheatgrass shots as a natural remedy to lower high follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. While wheatgrass is packed with nutrients and has been linked to hormone balance, we suggest exercising caution before following this generalized dietary recommendation (especially if you have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), or recurrent miscarriage).

Ready to learn more? Check out our podcast episode "Does Wheatgrass Really Help Low AMH and How?" for a deeper dive into this topic.

The Wheatgrass Hype: What It Offers for Fertility

It’s true that wheatgrass has some health benefits that may seem promising for fertility:

  • Hormone balance: The antioxidants and nutrient density in wheatgrass may help support hormonal balance and reduce stress levels.
  • Menstrual problems: Wheatgrass may help relieve issues like PMS, potentially improving overall cycle health.
  • Sperm quality: The folic acid in wheatgrass is linked to improved sperm count, DNA stability, and semen quality.
  • Cell structure: Chlorophyll, a key compound in wheatgrass, may improve cell structure, reduce inflammation, and counteract toxins.
  • Digestion: Wheatgrass contains amino acids that can aid in digestion, which is crucial for nutrient absorption.

Why Wheatgrass Should be Used with Caution If you Have Low AMH, High FSH, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

While these benefits sound great, they come with a catch. Wheatgrass, even when labeled gluten-free, can still be cross-contaminated with gluten during harvesting or processing. For those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), a condition we frequently see in clients with high FSH and low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), or recurrent pregnancy loss, this can create unnecessary inflammation and stress in the body. And all of these incredible benefits can be found in foods, supplements, and lifestyle choices that are much easier on your body and taste buds. 

This article breaks down why wheatgrass should be avoided with anyone with celiac or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. "If you are allergic to wheat, you should also avoid wheatgrass entirely. If you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, we recommend being cautious, asking questions, and looking for certified gluten-free products when it comes to wheatgrass".

Natural Ways to Support Egg Quality With Low AMH or Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Instead of relying on wheatgrass shots (and holding your nose while drinking them), we believe in a more comprehensive, functional approach to lowering FSH and improving fertility. Here’s what you can do:

1. Get the Right Nutrients Through Diet

Fuel your body with foods that support hormone health:

  • Omega-3-rich foods: Omega-3s support hormone production and help regulate the menstrual cycle in women while enhancing sperm quality in men (1, 2). Rich dietary sources of omega-3s, such as fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. To increase your omega-3 intake beyond fish, consider incorporating other foods into your diet. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, hempseeds, and walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid; sprinkle them on meals or snacks. Certain seaweeds and algae, particularly those containing DHA, are a great plant-based omega-3 food source. Diversifying your intake with these foods can help support hormone balance and reproductive health effectively.
  • Protein: Determining your daily protein needs depends on factors like age, gender, weight, and activity level. Experts suggest aiming for 1.2 to 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight daily. For example, a 130-pound woman should aim for about 70 grams daily, with optimal intake around 129 grams. Send a message to hello@fabfertile.ca subject line PROTEIN to get our protein guide.
  • Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries contain antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and vitamin C. These compounds reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting healthier eggs and sperm.
  • Leafy Greens and Vegetables: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. These foods are also rich in antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants are known to have positive effects on reproductive health. Furthermore, broccoli and other brassica vegetables contain phytoestrogens that help maintain female hormone balance. 
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds provide healthy fats and micronutrients. They are rich in CoQ10, selenium, zinc, and vitamin E, which are essential for fertility and reducing inflammation 
  • Pre and Probiotic Foods: Prebiotic foods, like asparagus, bananas, garlic, and onions nourish beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing nutrient absorption and immune function. Meanwhile, probiotic foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi contain live beneficial bacteria that directly influence gut health, hormone balance, and inflammation reduction, ultimately enhancing reproductive health. 

2. Supplement Wisely

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Essential for reducing inflammation and supporting hormone production.
  • Methylfolate Prenatal - skip the folic acid, which is the synthetic form of folate.  Over 60-80% of us have the MTHFR gene mutation, making it difficult to absorb folic acid. 
  • Probiotic - Pathogenic bacteria in the gut can certainly be a reason for preventing pregnancy success. Not to mention that the link between hormone regulation and gut health is closely intertwined, considering that one of our main hormones, estrogen, can be impacted by microbes in the gut through its metabolism pathway. Additionally, inflammation is observed at lower levels in the body among individuals who use probiotics.
  • DHEA: This hormone precursor can help balance reproductive hormones, but consult your doctor first before supplementing, as there are side effects and not everyone needs additional DHEA.  
  • Bioidentical Hormones - consider bioidentical hormones such as progesterone and estrogen.  Always select bioidentical forms as synthetic forms can make symptoms worse, and be sure to make targeted diet/lifestyle changes alongside the HRT.

3. Manage Stress Levels and Reset the Nervous System 

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your hormones. Incorporate stress-reducing techniques like:

  • Meditation
  • HeartMath
  • Yoga
  • Deep-breathing exercises
  • Taking walks outside

A 2021 review published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that chronic psychological stress may contribute to decreased AMH levels by accelerating ovarian aging and disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Elevated cortisol and stress hormones were linked to reduced ovarian reserve, showing how stress not just lab markers like FSH or lifestyle supplements can negatively impact fertility potential.

4. Add Magnesium to Improve Embryo Implantation

Eighty percent (80%) of us are deficient in magnesium.  Magnesium deficiency can be linked to PMS, leg cramps, insomnia, heart palpitations, fatigue, migraines, and anxiety.  When added via supplementation or lotion/oil, it can balance progesterone and estrogen and help to decrease inflammation, which ultimately helps with successful embryo implantation.

A small pilot study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Therapeutic Clinical Practices found that women who took 500 mg of magnesium daily for four weeks experienced a statistically significant increase in AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels, suggesting that magnesium may support ovarian reserve.

5. Test, Don’t Guess

Most importantly, we recommend identifying the underlying cause of your high FSH through functional testing. Hormonal imbalances, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and even gut health issues can contribute to elevated FSH levels. Testing can help pinpoint the exact issue so we can create a customized plan for you.

What to Do if You’ve Been Told IVF or Donor Eggs Are Your Only Option

If you’ve been told you have high FSH, low AMH, DOR, or POI, and IVF with donor eggs is your only option, it’s time for a second opinion based on science, not shortcuts.

Instead of drinking wheatgrass shots and hoping for the best, let’s get strategic. Your fertility story is unique. Real progress starts by identifying the metabolic, hormonal, immune, and stress-related factors that may be affecting your egg quality, ovulation, and implantation.

Many of our clients have conceived naturally or with IVF using their own eggs, even after failed rounds, low AMH, or repeated loss.

Your fertility isn’t broken, and you don’t need a one-size-fits-all protocol.

You need a plan that’s aligned with your body, your labs, and your timeline.

Your fertility journey deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Let’s uncover the best path forward no wheatgrass required.

Let’s connect and talk about how the Fab Fertile Program could help you and your partner achieve pregnancy success! Book your free 15-minute call here.

FAQs: Low AMH, High FSH, and Fertility Supplements

Q: Can wheatgrass lower FSH levels?

A: There’s no clinical evidence that wheatgrass lowers FSH or improves DOR. Some people report anecdotally, but it doesn’t address the underlying metabolic, hormonal, or immune imbalances that are impacting your fertility. Learn what we recommend to support egg quality and FSH balance.  Plus, wheatgrass may cause harm if you have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a pattern we often see in clients with low AMH, high FSH, and autoimmune factors. Learn what we recommend instead to support egg quality and FSH balance. 

Q: What does high FSH mean for my fertility?

A: High FSH means the body is working harder to stimulate the ovaries common in women with low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, or premature ovarian insufficiency. But high FSH does not predict your ability to get pregnant naturally. When we reduce stress, inflammation, and support mitochondrial health, we often see FSH normalize and ovulation return.  Learn how to lower FSH naturally.

Q: Are there treatments for high FSH and low AMH without IVF?

A: Yes. A functional fertility approach can uncover hidden contributors to hormone imbalance, such as gut infections, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, and autoimmunity. We’ve helped clients with low AMH and high FSH conceive naturally or with IVF using their own eggs after they were told it wasn’t possible. Check out Valarie's success story here (conceiving naturally at 43 with low AMH and high FSH).

Q: I have Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Do I have any fertility options?

A: While conventional medicine recommends donor eggs for premature ovarian insufficiency, that’s not the only path. Many people with non-genetic POI (not related to Fragile X or Turner Syndrome) can respond well to targeted support that includes nervous system regulation, adrenal health, and immune balance. Learn more about the 9 FAQs About Low AMH And High FSH That Can Help You Improve Pregnancy Success

Q: Should I take supplements to lower FSH or improve egg quality?

A: Certain supplements like CoQ10, omega-3s, probiotics, methylfolate prenatal, Vitamin D3/K2, and magnesium have strong evidence for egg quality. But supplementing without a strategy can be ineffective or even harmful. A personalized protocol based on lab results and symptoms provides a targeted action plan. Check out how our Fab Fertile Method works and how functional lab tests can pinpoint the exact strategy to improve pregnancy success.