I'm A Reproductive Endocrinologist: Here Are 3 Ways To Support Fertility In Your 20s

For many 20-something women, having a baby isn't exactly top of mind. Still, even if you aren't hoping to conceive right now, fostering good fertility health later on may still be a priority. 

First, people in their 20s who eventually want to become pregnant may consider tracking their menstrual cycle if they aren't already.

This way, you'll be able to see when something is off (think a period longer than seven days, spotting, unusual discomfort, etc.) and address it sooner rather than later.

"If a woman has irregular menstrual cycles, they should also seek consultation for a work-up because this could affect their future fertility," says reproductive endocrinologist Banafsheh Kashani, M.D., OB/GYN.

The tech-savvy may consider downloading a menstrual-tracking app or utilizing the Cycle Tracking on Apple if you have an iPhone. This may make it easier to see patterns over time. However, you can do this via pen and paper or simply mark your calendar when you reach your menstrual phase as well. No matter how you like to track, the most important step is to ask for help when you notice something awry. 

When you are trying to get pregnant, many fertility experts recommend abstaining from alcohol, as it can decrease your chances of getting pregnant, and limiting caffeine, as it can impact estrogen levels1.

For the same reason, Kashani recommends being mindful of your intake even before you plan on getting pregnant. 

Exercise benefits both long-term health and fertility, Kashani says, so it's a worthy endeavor regardless of your age. 

Movement is something you'll want to keep a habit throughout your life, so try spending some time experimenting with exercise to find what you love—this will make you more likely to stick with it and enjoy this healthy habit, not dread it. 

That being said, how often you exercise and what you choose when trying to conceive may change. Research suggests excessive vigorous exercise may hinder fertility in some cases2, deeming moderate-intensity exercise a better option for many women during this time.