How Nutritional Therapy Helped Hannah & Lewis Overcome Recurrent Miscarriage and Unexplained Infertility

What were Hannah & Lewis’ symptoms?

Hannah (36) and Lewis (38) had been struggling with infertility for several years. They had endured the heartbreak of recurrent miscarriage and two failed IVF rounds, with no clear explanation from medical professionals. Diagnosed with unexplained infertility, they felt frustrated and hopeless.

Despite their efforts, traditional fertility treatments had not yielded the results they had hoped for. Determined to take a different approach, they sought a holistic and functional strategy to improve their chances of conceiving naturally.

Where we started......

We conducted a comprehensive assessment of both Hannah and Lewis to uncover potential underlying factors affecting their fertility. This involved carrying out extensive testing for both:

Hannah’s Testing:

• Low AMH levels (0.8 ng/mL), indicating a diminished ovarian reserve and lower than average levels for her age.

• A genetic variant on her MTHFR pathway, affecting folate/folic acid metabolism.

• Elevated inflammatory cytokines, contributing to systemic inflammation and fertility challenges.

These markers are not typically tested by GPs and even most IVF clinics, yet they can significantly impact conception.

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Lewis’ Testing:

• NHS sperm analysis classified all parameters as ‘normal.’

• However, a DNA fragmentation test revealed a high fragmentation rate of 40%, indicating poor genetic quality – a major factor linked to miscarriage and IVF failure.

Key areas we targeted...

1. Improving Egg & Sperm Quality

• Designed a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich diet to optimise cellular health and reproductive function.

• Focused on mitochondrial support (the bodies energy powerhouses) to enhance egg and sperm energy production.

• Increased intake of key nutrients such as CoQ10, omega-3s, vitamin E, and zinc for improved reproductive outcomes.

2. Optimising Energy Production & Folate Metabolism

• Tailored a supplement protocol to support Hannah’s MTHFR genetic variant, ensuring she could effectively metabolise folate.

• Introduced bioavailable forms of folate (methylfolate) to support DNA synthesis and reduce miscarriage risk.

• Included key mitochondrial nutrients such as alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium, and B vitamins to enhance cellular energy and fertility.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Lifestyle Adjustments

• Transitioned to a Mediterranean-style anti-inflammatory diet, rich in healthy fats, lean proteins, and colourful fruits and vegetables.

• Eliminated processed foods, refined sugars, and inflammatory triggers to balance immune function.

• Introduced stress management techniques, including meditation, breath work, and improved sleep hygiene, to lower cortisol levels and support hormonal balance.

4. Reducing Negative Lifestyle Factors

• Identified and minimised environmental toxin exposure, including endocrine disruptors from plastics, pesticides, and household chemicals.

• Encouraged physical activity tailored to their individual needs, improving circulation and overall health.

• Addressed work-life balance to reduce stress, a known inhibitor of fertility.

Supplement support

• For Hannah:

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  • Methylated B vitamins to bypass the MTHFR mutation and enhance folate metabolism.

  • CoQ10 and alpha-lipoic acid to support egg quality and mitochondrial function.

  • Omega-3s and curcumin to lower inflammation and regulate immune response.

  • Vitamin D and magnesium to support hormonal balance and overall fertility.

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• For Lewis:

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  • High-dose antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium) to protect sperm from oxidative stress.

  • CoQ10 and L-carnitine to improve sperm motility and energy production.

  • Zinc and selenium to enhance sperm morphology and reduce fragmentation rates.

  • N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to lower DNA fragmentation and promote better sperm integrity.

What changes did they see?

After committing to their personalised fertility plan for several months, Hannah and Lewis saw significant improvements in their reproductive health:

✅ Hannah’s AMH increased to 2 ng/mL – a 150% increase, bringing her within the reference range for a 35-year-old woman, significantly improving her chances of conception.

✅ Inflammatory markers decreased, reducing systemic immune activation and creating a more favourable environment for pregnancy.

✅ Lewis’ sperm fragmentation rate improved from 40% to 7.8%, an 80% reduction, bringing him into the optimal range for sperm quality and reducing the risk of miscarriage.

✅ Achieved natural conception within six months – no need for further IVF treatments.

Here's what they had to say:

“After years of struggling with infertility, countless heartbreaks, and failed IVF cycles, we felt like we were out of options. We were constantly told everything looked ‘normal,’ yet nothing was working. Working with The Health Cycle completely changed our perspective and our approach to fertility.

The detailed testing gave us answers and tangible areas we could actively work on. The personalised nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement plan gave us control over our fertility journey, which didn't feel restrictive or difficult to incorporate into our day to day routines. The improvements in my AMH levels and Lewis’ sperm quality were incredible, and within just six months, we conceived naturally – something we never thought possible! We are beyond grateful for this journey and can’t thank Gail enough for the support and guidance that made this dream a reality.”

Hannah and Lewis’ journey highlights the importance of a functional and holistic approach to fertility. Many cases of ‘unexplained infertility’ have underlying causes that can be identified and addressed through comprehensive testing, targeted nutrition, and lifestyle interventions.

Remember – men contribute 50% of the genetic material for a baby, and male factor fertility accounts for 50% of infertility cases in the UK. It’s not just about the woman.

If you are facing fertility challenges and want to optimise your chances of conception, we are here to support you every step of the way. Get in touch today to begin your journey towards a healthier, more fertile future!

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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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