3. Age
Like
we said, there are some things you can’t change. This is one of them, so maybe
thinking ahead is a good way to go. When you reach menopause, in your 40s or
50s, your ovaries stop working and you can’t get pregnant anymore, but it
usually gets more difficult earlier than that.
There
is no official age limit, but most experience some fertility issues after 35.
Still, this is different for every woman, so some may experience problems much
sooner while others can conceive and give birth to a normal, healthy baby in
their 40s. If you are over 35 and having problems, it is recommended to see a
specialist and check whether the problem is your age or something else.
4.
Weight
Being
overweight can influence your ability to conceive, as well as being too thin.
Extra pounds can affect hormone production, which can lead to infertility. When
body fat levels are over 10-15% above normal, the body can become overloaded
with estrogen, decrease ovarian functions and throw off the reproductive cycle.
But
being underweight is no better. When you have less fat than your body needs
(10-15% below normal) you also lack the hormone controlling hunger and setting
the pace of your metabolism, called leptin. This can lead to absence of
menstrual periods. So, try staying within the normal BMI and avoid
complications.