Supplements should:
- Support nutrition, not replace it
- Be measured and intentional, not random
- Be used in the lowest effective dose
- Always have a goal and exit plan
Random supplement stacking can overwhelm digestion, metabolism, and absorption, sometimes worsening symptoms.
Testing Comes First
Before recommending supplements, Dr. Sarah tests:
- Nutrient status (antioxidants, vitamins, omegas)
- Egg quality
- Hormone production (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
- Metabolism and absorption
Supplements should never work against your hormone or nutrient profile.
When Supplements Can Make Things Worse
Examples include:
- DIM lowering estrogen in someone already estrogen-deficient
- Probiotics worsening symptoms when taken blindly
- Egg quality supplements used unnecessarily
Without testing, supplements can actively harm progress.
Targeted Supplementation: Less Is More
- Low B12 → supplement only B12
- Low omega-3s → supplement omega-3, then recheck
- High omega-6s → adjust diet + omega-3 dose
If levels don’t improve, the issue may be absorption or gut health, not dosage.
Fat-Soluble vs. Water-Soluble Vitamins
- Water-soluble (B vitamins, C): excess is usually excreted
- Fat-soluble (A, D, E, K): stored in the body, can accumulate to harmful levels
Long-term use without testing can impair metabolism and organ function.
Absorption, Gut Health & Fillers Matter
- Gut inflammation, microbiome imbalances, or capsule fillers can block absorption
- Some patients react to microcrystalline cellulose, silica, or capsule binders
- Often, the issue is form, not the supplement itself
One Supplement at a Time
Starting multiple supplements at once makes it impossible to track:
- GI reactions
- Sensitivities
- What’s actually helping
If a supplement causes discomfort, stop immediately—it’s not normal to “power through.”
Supplements for Egg Quality
Dr. Sarah typically recommends 3 targeted supplements, not 10:
- CoQ10 / Ubiquinol
- NAC (N-acetylcysteine)
- Glutathione
- Resveratrol
- Alpha-lipoic acid
These work best alongside nutrition and gut optimization, not alone.
Supporting Hormone Production
Supplements should address the root cause:
- Omega-3s for hormone building blocks
- Protein and B vitamins
- DHEA for adrenal support (when appropriate)
- Vitex or maca in select cases
If labs or symptoms don’t improve, the supplement is discontinued.
Probiotics & Estrogen Metabolism
- Not one-size-fits-all—different guts need different species
- Wrong probiotics can worsen overgrowth or symptoms
- Estrogen dominance support may include dietary changes, fiber, or targeted supplements (e.g., calcium D-glucarate)
Temporary, Goal-Oriented Use
- Supplements are a bridge, not a permanent crutch
- Short-term use may help after surgery, for inflammation, or nutrient gaps
- Goal: restore natural production, optimize absorption, return to food-based support
Measuring Effectiveness & Audits
- Supplements should produce measurable change: improved labs, better symptoms
- Regular audits prevent unnecessary or harmful use
- Seasonal or short-term plans keep supplement load minimal but effective
Key Takeaways
- Supplements should be personalized and tested
- More is not better
- Nutrition always comes first
- Supplements should improve labs and symptoms
- Bad reactions are not normal
- Every plan needs a goal and end point
Next Steps
If you’re overwhelmed by supplements, unsure what you actually need, or want a data-driven plan for fertility, hormones, or gut health, a comprehensive supplement audit can make all the difference.