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Season 5 Episode 4
Fertility Myths Debunked: How Your Nervous System & Environment Impact Conception
Are you struggling with fertility challenges and feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information? In this eye-opening episode of The Flow State Podcast, hosts Monica Grohne (founder of Marea) and Norah Candido welcome Dr. Aumatma Simmons, a double board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, to reveal the shocking truth behind common fertility myths and share how your nervous system plays a crucial role in conception.
The 35-Year-Old Fertility Cliff: A Dangerous Myth
Dr. Simmons drops a bombshell revelation that will change how you think about age and fertility. The widely-believed notion that fertility drops off a cliff at 35 is actually based on data from 1800s France, where women's life expectancy was only 33.5 years. Modern research comparing women aged 25-29 versus 35-39 shows only a 3% decline in fertility – far from the dramatic cliff we've been told to fear.
This myth has created unnecessary anxiety for millions of women, particularly those in their 30s who feel pressured to conceive immediately or face "geriatric pregnancy" labels. Understanding the real science behind fertility can help women make more informed, less fear-based decisions about their reproductive timeline.
Your Nervous System: The Hidden Key to Conception
The episode's most powerful insight centers on how your nervous system impacts fertility. Dr. Simmons explains that when your body perceives threats – whether from relationship stress, work pressure, or environmental toxins – it activates survival mode, effectively shutting down reproductive function.
Real-Life Case Study: Military Couple's Fertility Journey
Dr. Simmons shares the compelling story of a 29-year-old woman married to a military pilot. Despite being young and healthy, they couldn't conceive after three years of trying. The breakthrough came when Dr. Simmons identified the constant stress from:
- Monthly deployments creating fear of partner loss
- Moving to 8 different cities in 3 years
- Childhood trauma creating baseline nervous system dysregulation
- Completely depleted adrenal function
The solution wasn't fertility treatments, but rebuilding safety and stability in her nervous system through structured routines, adrenal support, and stress resilience training.
Environmental Toxins: The Silent Fertility Disruptors
Modern fertility challenges aren't just about age or genetics. Dr. Simmons identifies three major reproductive toxins hiding in everyday products:
1. Plastics and Phthalates
- Eliminate plastic food storage and cooking utensils
- Avoid products with "fragrance" or "perfume" listed
- Switch to glass or stainless steel alternatives
2. Glyphosate Exposure
- Found in non-organic foods and conventional period products
- Tampons and pads made from glyphosate-sprayed cotton deliver toxins directly to reproductive organs
- Choose organic period products or menstrual cups/discs
3. Processed Foods and Blood Sugar Imbalances
- Unstable blood sugar creates additional nervous system stress
- Focus on whole foods and adequate protein intake
- Maintain consistent meal timing
The Male Factor: 50% of the Fertility Equation
One of the episode's most important messages addresses the often-overlooked male fertility component. Dr. Simmons reveals that many men have undiagnosed pre-diabetes, methylation issues, and nutritional deficiencies that significantly impact sperm quality and fertility outcomes.
Traditional fertility assessments often tell men their sperm is "normal" when it's actually far from optimal. Comprehensive testing and targeted nutrition can dramatically improve male fertility markers.
Foundations First: The Holistic Fertility Approach
Rather than jumping straight to fertility treatments, Dr. Simmons advocates for addressing foundational health first:
Essential Fertility Foundations:
- Sleep: 8-9 hours nightly, preferably before midnight (women need more sleep than men)
- Nutrition: Whole foods diet with adequate calories and protein
- Hydration: Proper water intake to support hormone transport and ovarian health
- Stress Resilience: 5-minute daily body scans can reduce stress hormones by 40%
- Community Support: Women co-regulate through supportive relationships
Building Stress Resilience vs. Eliminating Stress
Instead of the impossible task of "reducing stress," Dr. Simmons recommends building stress resilience. This includes:
- Creating daily routines and structure for nervous system safety
- Developing supportive women's circles for co-regulation
- Boosting oxytocin production (the stress-neutralizing hormone)
- Shifting perspective from victim mindset to empowered action
The Discipline and Surrender Balance
Successful fertility journeys require both disciplined action and mindful surrender. This means taking concrete steps to optimize health while releasing attachment to specific timelines and outcomes. As Monica shares from Marea's philosophy, healing happens in the intersection of discipline and surrender.
Key Takeaways for Your Fertility Journey
- Age 35 isn't a fertility cliff – you have more time than you've been told
- Nervous system safety is fundamental to conception
- Environmental toxins are major fertility disruptors you can control
- Male fertility matters just as much as female fertility
- Foundations first approach often works better than jumping to treatments
- Stress resilience is more achievable than stress elimination
Ready to Take Action?
If you're ready to take a holistic approach to your fertility journey, start with the foundations: optimize your sleep, nutrition, and stress resilience while reducing environmental toxin exposure. Remember, healing takes time – typically 6 months to 3 years depending on individual circumstances – but addressing root causes creates lasting change for your fertility and long-term health.
Connect with Dr. Aumatma Simmons on Instagram @HolisticFertilityDoctor or check out her podcast "Egg Meets Sperm" for more fertility insights.
