Natalie's Transformation - From Multiple Miscarriages to Success: How Nutrition, Lifestyle and Comprehensive Testing Led To Successful IVF Treatment

What were Natalie's Symptoms?

Natalie, a 42-year-old professional, came to us feeling emotionally drained and hopeless. She had suffered multiple miscarriages and had gone through three failed IVF cycles due to poor embryo quality. Each round yielded few eggs, with even fewer making it to the blastocyst stage. The disappointment of each failed attempt had taken a significant toll on her mental well-being, making her question whether motherhood was even possible.

Her high-pressure job contributed to chronic stress levels, which she struggled to manage effectively. Her diet primarily consisted of convenience foods, frequent dining out, and emotional eating, leading to nutrient deficiencies that could be impacting her fertility. She felt perpetually exhausted, lacked motivation, and struggled to unwind at night. Hormonal imbalances had also left her feeling out of sync, and she frequently experienced thrush-like symptoms, despite multiple treatments from her GP.

Where we started....

Our primary goal was to enhance Natalie’s egg quality in preparation for her next IVF cycle, scheduled in four months. We took a comprehensive approach, beginning with:

1. A detailed food diary review to assess nutrient deficiencies or excesses.

2. A thorough health questionnaire to gain insight into her hormonal health, digestion, and stress levels.

3. Additional testing to evaluate hormone levels, inflammation markers, and vaginal microbiome health.

After analysing her diet, we identified significant imbalances, including inadequate protein intake, a lack of essential fatty acids, and excessive reliance on processed and sugary foods. Her stress levels were also interfering with her body's ability to regulate hormones effectively.

Key areas we targeted...

1. Balanced Nutrition & Meal Planning

• Introduced three balanced meals per day with the right ratio of healthy fats, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy levels and blood sugar stability.

• Encouraged home-cooked meals and batch cooking to minimise reliance on less nutrient-dense, on-the-go foods.

• Diversified her diet to include a variety of whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals essential for egg quality, such as zinc, folate, and magnesium.

• Added fertility-supportive foods, including omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds to enhance overall reproductive health.

2. Gut Health & Blood Sugar Balance

• Increased fibre intake through whole grains, vegetables, and legumes to support digestion and enhance nutrient absorption.

• Reduced sugar consumption and minimised ultra-processed foods to stabilise blood sugar levels, lower inflammation, and improve hormonal balance.

• Introduced probiotic-rich foods such as kefir, yogurt, and fermented vegetables to support gut and vaginal microbiome health.

3. Stress Management & Sleep Support

• Implemented daily mindfulness techniques, including meditation, deep breathing, and gratitude journaling, to help Natalie identify and manage stress triggers.

• Recommended adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola to support adrenal function and stress resilience.

• Established a structured bedtime routine, including reduced screen time before bed, herbal teas, and relaxation exercises to improve sleep quality and promote relaxation.

Long-term strategies and personalised interventions

Once we received Natalie’s vaginal microbiome test results, we discovered an imbalance, including an unfavourable pH level, strains of candida, and bacterial vaginosis. Our approach focused on:

1. Targeted Supplementation & Microbiome Restoration

• Used specific antimicrobial supplements and probiotics to restore beneficial bacterial balance and support vaginal health.

• Added prebiotic-rich foods such as garlic, onions, and asparagus to help feed good bacteria and enhance microbiome diversity.

2. Optimising Liver Detoxification & Hormone Balance

• Focused on liver-supporting nutrients such as choline (from eggs), sulphur-rich vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), and cruciferous vegetables to aid hormone metabolism.

• Increased hydration and daily movement to improve lymphatic drainage and toxin elimination.

3. Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant-Rich Diet

• Adopted a Mediterranean-style diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as olive oil, fatty fish, and turmeric, to reduce systemic inflammation and improve reproductive outcomes.

Supplement support

• Prenatal Multi with Folate: Supported foetal development and reduced the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promoted healthy cell membranes and hormonal balance.

• Vitamin D: Improved immune function, bone health, and overall fertility.

• Probiotics: Enhanced vaginal and gut microbiome health to reduce infections and improve reproductive health.

• CoQ10, NAC & Alpha Lipoic Acid: Boosted mitochondrial function to support optimal egg quality and cellular energy production.

What changes did she see?

After four months of following the protocol, Natalie experienced remarkable changes:

✅ Increased and sustained energy levels throughout the day.

✅ Improved stress management with the ability to establish healthy work-life boundaries.

✅ Healthy weight loss, which contributed to improved metabolic function.

✅ Restful sleep and better ability to switch off at night.

✅ No PMS symptoms, indicating balanced hormones.

✅ No more thrush-like symptoms, showing microbiome improvement.

✅ Most importantly – her next IVF cycle was a success! Seven blastocysts reached A-grade quality, and she is now six months pregnant.

Here is what Natalie had to say:

“When I first reached out to The Health Cycle, I was emotionally and physically exhausted. Years of failed IVF cycles had left me feeling like I would never be a mother. My stress levels were through the roof, my diet was all over the place, and I was running on empty. Working with Gail completely changed my outlook.

The changes I implemented didn’t just improve my IVF success rate – they transformed my overall health. I felt more energised, my mood improved, my sleep got better, and I started seeing a real change in how my body responded. I never imagined I would be sitting here six months pregnant, but here I am! I cannot thank Gail enough for the support, knowledge, and encouragement throughout this journey. I only wish I had found this approach sooner!”

Natalie’s journey is a testament to the power of nutritional therapy in supporting fertility and overall well-being. By addressing underlying imbalances, optimising nutrition, and managing stress, we helped her transform her health and, ultimately, achieve her dream of becoming a mother.

If you’re struggling with fertility challenges and want to explore a holistic approach to optimising your chances of success, get in touch today! We’re here to support you every step of the way.

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Gail Madalena

Registered Nutritional Therapist, Fertility & Pregnancy Specialist

Dip CNM, mBANT

About Gail

Gail Madalena is a registered nutritional therapist with a focus on fertility, pregnancy, and women’s health. She specialises in addressing hormonal imbalances, including irregular cycles, severe PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, and fertility challenges. By identifying and tackling the root cause of these issues, Gail aims to minimise hormonal symptoms and support overall well-being. She works with couples to optimise nutrition and lifestyle choices, guiding them on their path to a healthy pregnancy.

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