Fertility Is a Whole-Body Conversation

By Candise Yang, L.Ac., NCCAOM | Serving Oakland, Berkeley, Rockridge, and the East Bay

If you’re thinking about getting pregnant—or have been trying and wondering why it hasn’t happened yet—chances are, you’ve already heard some version of: “You’re still young,” “Just relax,” or “Give it time.”

But if your body is already giving you signals—irregular cycles, PMS, bloating, fatigue, low libido, or a sense that something just isn’t right—you deserve more than reassurance. You deserve a clear plan and a provider who listens.

In my East Bay practice, I help women map out the bigger picture of fertility—because conception doesn’t just depend on your ovaries. It depends on the whole system being in sync.

Signs Your Body Could Use Fertility Support

You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to begin optimizing your reproductive health. Some common signs that your body may benefit from preconception care include:

  • Irregular cycles or cycles that are too short, too long, or shift month to month

  • PMS, cramping, clots, or mood swings that affect your quality of life

  • Low energy, brain fog, or poor sleep—especially in the luteal phase (the 2nd half of the cycle)

  • Digestive issues, skin flares, or stress-reactivity that worsen mid-cycle

  • “Normal” labs but a gut sense that things are not in balance

These are not just hormonal issues—they’re whole-body clues that your system is trying to rebalance itself.

The Functional Medicine Approach to Fertility

In functional medicine, we ask: What’s getting in the way of healthy ovulation, implantation, or hormone balance?

That might include:

  • Nutrient depletion (iron, B12, vitamin D, zinc, etc.)

  • Inflammation, blood sugar issues, or low thyroid function

  • Gut health, detoxification, or estrogen metabolism

  • Underlying PCOS, endometriosis, or autoimmune patterns

We use labs—either through insurance or at reduced cost out-of-pocket—to help us track and support your body’s readiness.

The Eastern Medicine Approach to Fertility

From a traditional diagnostic lens, fertility depends on the free flow of Qi and Blood, the strength of Kidney and Spleen energy, and the emotional steadiness of the Liver.

Cycle-specific custom herbal formulas can:

  • Support ovulation timing and egg quality

  • Strengthen the uterine lining and reduce clotting

  • Calm stress and regulate mood

  • Improve sleep, digestion, and cycle resilience

This approach is tailored to your body’s unique pattern—no one-size-fits-all protocols here.

It’s Not About Being “Perfect”—It’s About Being Supported

Whether you're just beginning to think about pregnancy or you've been on this path for a while, there’s a lot you can do to support your body—gently, naturally, and effectively.

You don’t need to guess at supplements or try every fertility trend online. You need a clear plan that brings together hormone support, metabolic balance, and cycle regulation—rooted in your body’s wisdom.

Ready to Build a Fertile Foundation?

Whether you're preparing to conceive naturally or planning an egg retrieval or IVF cycle, I offer both in-person and virtual fertility support sessions to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported.

Reach out for a fertility prep consult!