Infertility is a growing health problem for Canadians, with up to 1 in 6 couples currently experiencing difficulty conceiving. Of course, infertility can occur as a result of male or female health issues, or a combination of problems with both partners. While there can be several underlying causes or complicating factors, in women, the cause is often related to egg production, egg quality, menstrual irregularities, or hormonal imbalances. Cycle Matrix - Ovulatory & Oocyte Support - by Cyto-Matrix combines a selection of natural health ingredients to target and improve these parameters in women suffering from infertility.
A clinical presentation that often leads to infertility in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Physiologically, women with PCOS experience insulin resistance and subsequent suboptimal elevations in androgens and progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This often results in irregular periods, poor egg maturation, anovulation, and infertility. Fortunately, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and several nutritional supplements have been shown to improve this dysfunctional pattern. Inositol is a prime example of a well-studied nutrient for the benefit of PCOS. Inositol is a naturally occurring isomer of glucose and an important nutrient in the B vitamin family. It is a key component of the cell membrane and increases the sensitivity of cell receptors to serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, thyroid hormones, and insulin. At doses of 1 to 4 grams/day, inositol has been shown to improve insulin and glucose control, regulate ovulation, improve egg quality, reduce androgens, and improve fertility in women with PCOS. When combined with folic acid, inositol has been shown to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates. Additionally, one study found that this same nutrient combination was more effective at inducing ovulation and achieving pregnancy in infertile women with PCOS when directly compared to metformin.
Regarding folate, while it is classically known for its importance during the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly, research has shown that it also plays a crucial role in fertility and pregnancy preparation. For example, studies have shown that higher folate levels are associated with improved oocyte development, embryo quality and implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. Furthermore, research has shown that lower folate levels may be associated with a higher risk of early miscarriage. The high prevalence of genetic alterations in the 5-MTHFR gene strongly suggests that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), as opposed to synthetic folic acid, is the necessary form of supplementation for all women to ensure proper absorption and utilization. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is another promising treatment for PCOS and infertility. NAC is the rate-limiting substrate required for the production of endogenous glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidant and detoxifying compounds in our bodies. NAC has been widely used in clinical trials to promote optimal health, particularly in cases of liver protection and respiratory disorders. In the context of women's health, NAC has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, restore ovulation, and improve egg quality in PCOS, while significantly increasing live birth rates in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Finally, NAC has been shown to improve pregnancy rates when used alongside clomiphene citrate in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles in women with unexplained infertility. Mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting from several environmental toxins, disease states, or aging, is another identified mechanism behind female infertility. This may explain why coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient known to support mitochondrial function and increase ATP energy production, has shown such promise in various cases of female infertility. Although CoQ10 has been classically used as a cardiovascular nutrient, recent research has shown that CoQ10 improves conception rates by promoting egg quality, embryo implantation, and embryonic growth. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a unique antioxidant that has synergistic beneficial effects on mitochondrial function when used with CoQ10.
In some cases of infertility, the health of the endometrial lining may be a contributing concern, and L-arginine may be helpful. L-arginine has been supplemented primarily for its ability to upregulate nitric oxide and improve blood flow, explaining its benefits for intermittent claudication and physical performance, but it has also demonstrated benefits for women's health. Increased nitric oxide promotes blood flow to the pelvic organs, supporting endometrial receptivity, endometrial thickness, and follicular growth. One study found that L-arginine improved endometrial thickness and pregnancy rates in women with thin endometrial linings. Finally, some cases of infertility may be linked to low progesterone levels, independent of PCOS. Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as Chastetree, has long been used to increase progesterone levels and address women's health concerns. The diterpene compounds and flavonoids in vitex have been shown to exhibit dopaminergic action, thereby reducing prolactin levels and increasing endogenous progesterone. Collectively, these actions may explain why clinical research has shown that vitex can improve menstrual cycle regularity and PMS symptoms. In theory, improved hormonal balance may have positive effects on female infertility.
Cycle Matrix - Ovulatory and Oocyte Support combines all of these evidence-based nutrients to support women's fertility, including ovulation, oocyte quality, embryonic development, and successful gestation. Plus, supplemental choline to positively influence fetal brain and spinal cord formation. Fertility Matrix - Ovulatory and Oocyte Support comes in a convenient peach and mango flavored powder for improved compliance and ease of use. Each 276-gram bottle contains a 30-day supply. Fertility Matrix - Ovulatory and Oocyte Support is vegan and free of GMOs, gluten, soy, and dairy.
A clinical presentation that often leads to infertility in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Physiologically, women with PCOS experience insulin resistance and subsequent suboptimal elevations in androgens and progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This often results in irregular periods, poor egg maturation, anovulation, and infertility. Fortunately, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and several nutritional supplements have been shown to improve this dysfunctional pattern. Inositol is a prime example of a well-studied nutrient for the benefit of PCOS. Inositol is a naturally occurring isomer of glucose and an important nutrient in the B vitamin family. It is a key component of the cell membrane and increases the sensitivity of cell receptors to serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, thyroid hormones, and insulin. At doses of 1 to 4 grams/day, inositol has been shown to improve insulin and glucose control, regulate ovulation, improve egg quality, reduce androgens, and improve fertility in women with PCOS. When combined with folic acid, inositol has been shown to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates. Additionally, one study found that this same nutrient combination was more effective at inducing ovulation and achieving pregnancy in infertile women with PCOS when directly compared to metformin.
Regarding folate, while it is classically known for its importance during the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly, research has shown that it also plays a crucial role in fertility and pregnancy preparation. For example, studies have shown that higher folate levels are associated with improved oocyte development, embryo quality and implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. Furthermore, research has shown that lower folate levels may be associated with a higher risk of early miscarriage. The high prevalence of genetic alterations in the 5-MTHFR gene strongly suggests that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), as opposed to synthetic folic acid, is the necessary form of supplementation for all women to ensure proper absorption and utilization. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is another promising treatment for PCOS and infertility. NAC is the rate-limiting substrate required for the production of endogenous glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidant and detoxifying compounds in our bodies. NAC has been widely used in clinical trials to promote optimal health, particularly in cases of liver protection and respiratory disorders. In the context of women's health, NAC has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, restore ovulation, and improve egg quality in PCOS, while significantly increasing live birth rates in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Finally, NAC has been shown to improve pregnancy rates when used alongside clomiphene citrate in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles in women with unexplained infertility. Mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting from several environmental toxins, disease states, or aging, is another identified mechanism behind female infertility. This may explain why coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient known to support mitochondrial function and increase ATP energy production, has shown such promise in various cases of female infertility. Although CoQ10 has been classically used as a cardiovascular nutrient, recent research has shown that CoQ10 improves conception rates by promoting egg quality, embryo implantation, and embryonic growth. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a unique antioxidant that has synergistic beneficial effects on mitochondrial function when used with CoQ10.
In some cases of infertility, the health of the endometrial lining may be a contributing concern, and L-arginine may be helpful. L-arginine has been supplemented primarily for its ability to upregulate nitric oxide and improve blood flow, explaining its benefits for intermittent claudication and physical performance, but it has also demonstrated benefits for women's health. Increased nitric oxide promotes blood flow to the pelvic organs, supporting endometrial receptivity, endometrial thickness, and follicular growth. One study found that L-arginine improved endometrial thickness and pregnancy rates in women with thin endometrial linings. Finally, some cases of infertility may be linked to low progesterone levels, independent of PCOS. Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as Chastetree, has long been used to increase progesterone levels and address women's health concerns. The diterpene compounds and flavonoids in vitex have been shown to exhibit dopaminergic action, thereby reducing prolactin levels and increasing endogenous progesterone. Collectively, these actions may explain why clinical research has shown that vitex can improve menstrual cycle regularity and PMS symptoms. In theory, improved hormonal balance may have positive effects on female infertility.
Cycle Matrix - Ovulatory and Oocyte Support combines all of these evidence-based nutrients to support women's fertility, including ovulation, oocyte quality, embryonic development, and successful gestation. Plus, supplemental choline to positively influence fetal brain and spinal cord formation. Fertility Matrix - Ovulatory and Oocyte Support comes in a convenient peach and mango flavored powder for improved compliance and ease of use. Each 276-gram bottle contains a 30-day supply. Fertility Matrix - Ovulatory and Oocyte Support is vegan and free of GMOs, gluten, soy, and dairy.
Adults: Take 1 scoop daily with water or juice, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Ingredients (per scoop): Myo-inositol (Inositol) 4 g L-Arginine (L-Arginine monohydrochloride) 1 g NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) 600 mg Choline ((VitaCholine) choline L(+) bitartrate) 550 mg CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) 300 mg Chasteberry extract (fruit, Vitex agnus-castus) 10:1, DHE 500 mg 50 mg PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) 20 mg Folate (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) 1 mg Non-medicinal ingredients: Beetroot powder, beta-carotene, citric acid, malic acid, silicon dioxide, stevia, maltodextrin, natural peach flavor, natural mango flavor
