After two years of trying to conceive and countless negative pregnancy tests, I was referred to a fertility clinic. I did all the tests—hormone panels, ultrasounds—and when the results came in, I was told, “Everything’s normal.” But here’s the thing: I felt lost and confused. How could everything be “normal” when I still wasn’t pregnant?

This is one of the most frustrating things I hear from couples struggling with fertility: you’re told that your labs are “normal,” but nothing is working. In this blog post, we’re diving deep into why these lab results don’t tell the full story, and why a holistic fertility approach is the key to understanding your body and getting pregnant.

The Truth About ‘Normal’ Fertility Results

In traditional fertility workups, when doctors tell you that everything is “normal,” they typically mean your test results fall within the standard reference ranges. But here’s the problem: normal doesn’t always mean optimal.

Take thyroid function as an example. During a fertility workup, many doctors check TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels. The typical lab range for TSH is 0.1 to 4.0 mU/L, and if your TSH falls within that range, doctors may say everything is fine. But what many don’t tell you is that many fertility experts recommend TSH levels under 2.5 mU/L for women trying to conceive.

If your TSH is above 2.5 mU/L, particularly if you’re dealing with extended infertility or recurrent miscarriage, this needs further investigation. Subclinical hypothyroidism can go unnoticed, and that’s dangerous—it could be harming your chances of getting pregnant and even increase the risk of implantation failure, especially after IVF or IUI.

The conversation about thyroid issues is often dropped, leaving you without the full picture of what’s going on in your body. A comprehensive approach means considering your thyroid health throughout your fertility journey, because it impacts not just your fertility, but your partner’s fertility too.

The Impact of Testosterone Levels on Male Fertility

Testosterone levels are another area often overlooked. Did you know that what’s considered a “normal” testosterone level for men today would have been considered too low just 30 years ago?

In the 1980s, testosterone levels under 300 ng/dL were considered low. Today, fertility specialists may consider anything under 200 ng/dL “normal.” This is alarming because testosterone levels play a major role in sperm production and overall fertility health.

If a man’s testosterone levels are too low—even if doctors say they are “within range”—it could negatively affect sperm health, motility, and morphology. Many fertility clinics don’t dig deeper into these issues, instead focusing just on sperm count. But optimal testosterone levels are just as important in improving male fertility, and addressing this early can make a huge difference.

The Disservice of Negative Labels and No Further Investigation

Many of you may have heard this devastating message: “Your eggs are no good” or “It’s a numbers game.” Being told things like your sperm quality is low or that your eggs are aging can feel like the end of the road, but here’s the catch: those labels often come with no further investigation.

You might be told that your results are “below normal” with no deeper inquiry into why your body is struggling or what can be done about it. That leaves you feeling lost and hopeless, questioning your worth, your body, and your chances of having a baby.

The truth is, fertility is not just about numbers on a page. It’s about looking at your body’s environment and optimizing your health. A holistic approach is about taking control, finding solutions, and restoring hope. When I work with clients, I look at more than just lab numbers—I focus on improving the factors that affect fertility, not just accepting negative labels.

Looking Beyond Just Lab Results – Why the Full Picture Matters

ab results can give you a snapshot of your fertility health at one moment in time, but they don’t tell the whole story. You need a full picture to make informed decisions, and that’s what a holistic fertility practitioner provides.

In my practice, I look at all aspects of your health: your stress levels, your diet, your emotional state, and your lifestyle. These factors are often neglected by traditional fertility clinics, but they play a massive role in your chances of conceiving.

For example, stress is a huge fertility killer, but how often do fertility doctors actually ask you about your stress levels? Rarely. In fact, most doctors overlook the fact that chronic stress can disrupt ovulation, lower sperm count, and prevent conception. It’s not enough to just take a pill and hope for the best. You need to address the foundational health factors that are holding you back from getting pregnant.

I take a comprehensive approach that considers how sleep, nutrition, hydration, and stress management are impacting your fertility. These are factors you can control, and I work with my clients to optimize these areas of their lives, which has proven to improve fertility.

The Trap of DIY Fertility and the Rush into Treatments

It’s easy to get caught in the trap of thinking you can turn your fertility journey into a DIY project—googling solutions and following every blog post. But here’s the truth: fertility is personal. What works for someone else may not work for you.

While fertility treatments like IUI or IVF certainly have their place, they’re often rushed into without considering the foundational health that will set you up for success. If your body isn’t in an optimal state to handle treatments, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment, no matter how “perfect” the IVF procedure may seem.

The success rates of IVF are typically about 20-30%, which means there’s no guarantee of success. So why not build the healthiest foundation for your fertility first? Optimizing your health before rushing into treatments can greatly increase your chances of success, whether you pursue IVF or conceive naturally.

The Power of Mindset – A Foundation for Success

I want to leave you with one final piece of advice: your mindset is just as crucial as your physical health. When you’re in the midst of a challenging fertility journey, it’s easy to get stuck in negativity and frustration. But how you choose to approach this journey—with faith, hope, and belief in yourself—can dramatically transform your experience.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us: “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you a hope and a future.” Even when things seem hopeless, God’s plan is greater. Stay focused on what you can control, take care of your body, and trust the process. You have the strength to continue, and your faith is key to your fertility journey.

Fertility isn’t just about getting pregnant—it’s about building the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Don’t settle for ‘normal’—dig deeper, understand the full picture, and take control of your health. If you’ve been struggling, feeling hopeless, or unsure of what to do next, a holistic approach is the key to unlocking your fertility potential.

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1. Join Our Facebook Community: Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal for support and encouragement.
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Your miracle baby is closer than you think, and I’m honored to support you as you trust God’s perfect timing.