How to Get Pregnant Using Soy Isoflavones

Pregnant woman at a clinic in Virginia

If you are looking for natural ways to induce ovulation, you may want to consider taking soy isoflavone supplements. Many specialists advise that you avoid eating soy or taking soy supplements while trying to conceive. This is because soy isoflavones are a plant-based source of estrogen, and affect a women's menstrual cycle. However, actual studies have been mixed when it comes to the effects of soy on fertility.

Among women struggling to conceive, it has long been anecdotally noted that taking doses of soy isoflavones for a short period of time during the beginning of the menstrual cycle can have a similar effect as clomiphene citrate. Like clomiphene citrate, or "clomid," it is believed that soy isoflavones induce ovulation by tricking the body into producing more estrogen.

Below is a description of how some women to use soy isoflavones to induce ovulation. As always, you should speak with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or dietary change. Please note, this information is not medical advice, which should only be obtained directly from a qualified professional healthcare provider.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Soy Isoflavone Supplements

1. Buy good quality soy isoflavone supplements. These are sold in most pharmacies and grocery stores, and are typically marketed to help with menopausal symptoms. Most pills contain 40mg of soy isoflavones.

2. The soy isoflavones must be taken at the right time in your menstrual cycle for the proper effect. The ideal day to start is between 3 to 5 days after the start of your menstrual period.

3. Take roughly 80mg of soy isoflavones per day, with food. This should work out to two pill supplements, but you must check the package to determine how much is in each pill. The precise time of day is unimportant, but you should take the supplement at the same time everyday. Many women prefer to take it at night to avoid side effects during the day.

4. Repeat the above for 5 days, taking 80mg worth of supplement each day. Then stop! You should not continue for more than 5 days, as this could have a negative impact on ovulation and actually delay your natural cycle.

5. You may wish to track your fertility using basal body temperature. If you do not ovulate, you may wish to increase the isoflavone dosage.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any dietary advice, always consult your doctor or health care provider first.

• Soy may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics, clomid, and thyroid medication. If you take these or any other medications, talk to your doctor before taking soy isoflavones.

• Some people are allergic to soy. Stop taking soy isoflavones if you notice any allergic reaction, such as a rash or shortness of breath, and seek medical attention.

Resources

• The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Biological effects of a diet of soy protein rich in isoflavones on the menstrual cycle of pre-menopausal women.