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Know Your Eggs: A Guide to Egg Health, Egg Freezing and What's Next
If you're 30-something, your Instagram feed probably looks a bit like ours here at femme HQ: full of life milestones - engagements, weddings, baby announcements. But lately, we've noticed something else creeping in alongside them: egg health and egg freezing content, popping up more and more. It's got us talking about why this is suddenly the topic everyone's discussing. Welcome to Know Your Eggs. Egg health and egg freezing are having a moment. From TikTok explainers to friends comparing AMH results over brunch, it's suddenly everywhere but a lot of the noise raises more questions than it answers. So we made Know Your Eggs: a guide that cuts through it, bringing together fertility science, nutrition and specialist expertise in one place. This blog covers the essentials: what egg health actually means how to support it what egg freezing really involves DOWNLOAD NOW Egg Health 101: What You Actually Need to Know When people talk about egg health, they're usually talking about two different things: egg count and egg quality - so what's the difference between the two? Egg count (also called ovarian reserve) refers to how many eggs you have remaining. Women are born with all the eggs they'll ever have — typically 1–2 million at birth, dropping to around 300,000 by puberty. That number naturally declines over time, with a sharper drop after the age of 35. Of that original supply, only around 300–500 eggs will ever actually be ovulated across a reproductive lifetime. Egg quality refers to how genetically "normal" an egg is, which affects its ability to fertilise and develop into a healthy pregnancy. Quality tends to decline with age too, but unlike count, it can be influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. You can have a high egg count but lower egg quality, or vice versa - which is exactly why looking at just one number rarely tells the full story. Our bodies do such a great job of selecting high-quality eggs. — Maisie Hill, Period Power. Rather than framing this decline as a loss, Hill reframes it as proof of an incredibly selective process - your body working hard behind the scenes to put forward only the best-quality eggs for ovulation. What is ovarian reserve? Ovarian reserve is essentially your body's remaining "supply" of eggs. It's not something you can top up, but understanding where you stand can help you make more informed decisions about fertility planning, timing, and whether options like egg freezing might be worth exploring. AMH Testing, Explained Simply AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a hormone produced by small follicles in the ovaries. A simple blood test can measure your AMH level, giving a general indication of your ovarian reserve - roughly how many eggs you likely have left. The key thing to remember: AMH reflects quantity, not quality. It's a useful clue, not a fertility score. A high AMH doesn't guarantee healthy eggs, and a lower AMH doesn't mean pregnancy isn't possible. It's one piece of the puzzle, best interpreted alongside other factors and, ideally, with guidance from a clinician. A few numbers worth knowing: You're born with roughly 1–2 million eggs, down to around 300,000 by puberty Only around 300–500 eggs will ever be ovulated in a lifetime Male factors contribute to roughly 40–50% of fertility challenges in couples — this isn't a one-sided story How to Improve Egg Quality: Start With What's on Your Plate Egg quality can be influenced by diet, supplementation and lifestyle. None of it needs to be perfect to make a difference. A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, is consistently linked with better assisted-reproduction outcomes and it's a common thread across the fertility research, from clinical studies to books like It Starts with the Egg. Even with a varied diet, stress, digestion and food quality can affect nutrient intake which is where targeted supplementation can help fill specific gaps. We love Ovum because their approach is backed by real science, 550+ clinical studies in fact, with formulas designed to support egg and reproductive health across that key 90-day window. 👉 Shop the Ovum Time to Conceive supplement here Use code KNOWYOUREGGS for 10% off. Download the Know Your Eggs guide to get more guidance on what to eat, what to cut back on, and a full fertility-friendly meal plan, plus the lifestyle tweaks (from plastics to alcohol to movement) that support egg quality day to day. It's a useful clue, not a fertility score. A high AMH doesn't guarantee healthy eggs, and a lower AMH doesn't mean pregnancy isn't possible. It's one piece of the puzzle, best interpreted alongside other factors and, ideally, with guidance from a clinician. A few numbers worth knowing: You're born with roughly 1–2 million eggs, down to around 300,000 by puberty Only around 300–500 eggs will ever be ovulated in a lifetime Male factors contribute to roughly 40–50% of fertility challenges in couples - this isn't a one-sided story Your Temperature Tells a Story Egg health isn't only about nutrition - understanding your cycle is part of the picture too. After ovulation, progesterone causes a small rise in basal body temperature (BBT) that stays raised until your next period, which is why overnight tracking (rather than a bedside thermometer) can help pinpoint ovulation and luteal phase length. SHOP TEMPDROP Egg Freezing, On Your Terms Life doesn't follow one script and family-building doesn't have to either. In England and Wales, the average age of someone having their first baby rose from 23 in 1970 to 29 in 2020 (ONS). And the numbers show it: according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the UK's fertility regulator, egg freezing cycles nearly tripled between 2019 and 2023 — from 2,567 to 6,932 a year. The average age at freezing in 2023 was 35, with women returning to thaw and use their eggs at an average age of 40. As life timelines have become more varied, more women are exploring egg freezing, not as a last resort, but as an informed option. Less "last resort." More informed option — if you want it. Sources: HFEA, Egg Freezing: A Factsheet (hfea.gov.uk); Office for National Statistics. Elective vs Medical Egg Freezing Egg freezing involves collecting and storing unfertilised eggs for possible future use, giving people more flexibility around family-building or medical treatment. Elective egg freezing (more time + flexibility) Not ready to start a family Waiting for the right partner Career or personal timing Solo parenthood planning Gender-identity considerations Medical egg freezing (preserving options before care) Chemotherapy or radiotherapy Surgery that may affect fertility Conditions such as endometriosis Some hormone therapies Gender-affirming care pathways A future pregnancy is never guaranteed and outcomes can by influenced by your age at freezing, the number of mature eggs stored, sperm factors and future treatment. But the HFEA is clear that age at freezing (not age at use) is the single biggest factor in future success, which is why more people are choosing to explore it earlier. The Process, in Brief Egg freezing moves through three broad phases: an initial fertility assessment and specialist consultation (including AMH testing and a scan), a treatment cycle involving around 10–14 days of hormonal stimulation followed by a short egg-collection procedure, and finally rapid freezing (vitrification). In the UK eggs can be frozen for up to 55 years with consent renewed every 10. The full Know Your Eggs guide breaks this down step by step, including what to expect at each stage and how to prepare your body and mind for treatment. Egg Freezing: Quick Answers How many eggs should I freeze? There's no single magic number some clinics discuss ranges such as 15–20 mature eggs for a good chance of success, but it depends on age, ovarian reserve and individual goals. Curious about stimulation timelines, storage, and vitrification? The full Know Your Eggs guide answers the questions people ask most. Progress Over Perfection, Always Fertility is having a moment on social media right now - "fertility maxxing," endless supplement stacks, and no shortage of things you're apparently supposed to be doing. It's a lot. This guide is full of genuinely useful lifestyle tips - nutrition, sleep, supplements, tracking, and more - but none of it is meant to become another source of pressure. Stress itself can work against the very hormones and processes we've talked about here, so piling on guilt over an imperfect diet or a skipped supplement isn't doing you any favours. Think of this less as a checklist to nail perfectly, and more as a menu: pick what feels doable, make small changes where you can, and let go of the rest. Ready to take the next step? 📥 Download the full Know Your Eggs guide 🛒 Shop Ovum Time to Conceive — 10% off with code KNOWYOUREGGS
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Coping with Christmas and Uncomfortable Questions About Your Fertility
The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, but for many navigating fertility challenges, it can bring up difficult emotions and awkward conversations. Family gatherings often come with well-meaning but intrusive questions, and festive cheer can sometimes amplify feelings of isolation or pressure. Here’s how to protect your peace, handle tricky questions, and prioritise your emotional well-being during Christmas. Why Christmas Can Be Especially Hard For those facing fertility struggles, the holidays can feel like a spotlight is shining on what’s missing. The festive season often revolves around family and children, from school nativity plays to stories of "first Christmases." It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when conversations drift to topics like parenthood, pregnancy announcements, or plans for the future. Top Tips for Coping During Christmas Set Boundaries in Advance It’s perfectly okay to decide which gatherings you’ll attend and how long you’ll stay. Think about what environments will support your mental health and make plans accordingly. Communicate Clearly: Let family members know ahead of time if certain topics are off-limits. A polite but firm "I’d rather not discuss that, thank you," can go a long way. Have an Exit Plan: If conversations take a turn, excuse yourself for a quick walk, or designate a safe space where you can take a breather. Rehearse responses to tricky questions It’s not uncommon for well-meaning relatives to ask, “When are you having kids?” or “Isn’t it time for a little one?” Direct Responses: “That’s a personal topic, and I’d prefer to keep it private.” Humorous Deflections: “We’re focusing on surviving Christmas dinner first!” Change the Subject: Quickly shift focus by asking about their plans or sharing a light-hearted anecdote. Lean on your support network You don’t have to navigate the season alone. Whether it’s your partner, close friends, or an online community, share your feelings with people who understand. Buddy System: Attend gatherings with someone who knows your situation and can step in if conversations become too intrusive. Therapeutic Outlets: Journaling or speaking with a therapist can help process complex emotions. Practice self-care During a season full of giving, don’t forget to give yourself some grace and love. Schedule “You Time”: Take breaks for activities that bring you joy—whether it’s a walk in nature, a bubble bath, or a good book. Mindfulness Techniques: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to stay grounded. Writing a journal can really help. Limit Social Media: Curate your feeds to avoid potentially triggering posts, such as pregnancy announcements or family holiday photos. If you are actively trying to conceive, prioritising your reproductive health can bring a sense of empowerment. Exploring fertility support products can help you take proactive steps towards your journey. Whether it's supplements, ovulation trackers, or hormone balance aids, these products can provide additional reassurance and support. Celebrate your way There’s no rulebook for how to do Christmas. Create traditions that bring you happiness, even if they don’t involve children. Travel: Escape the usual routine by going on a holiday. Host Friends: Plan a festive gathering with others who may feel out of place during family-centric celebrations. Give Back: Volunteering or donating to causes you care about can be deeply fulfilling. A Final Word Remember, your feelings are valid, and your journey is your own. Coping with fertility challenges during Christmas may not be easy, but with the right tools and boundaries, you can create a season that feels a little more manageable. Take things one day at a time, focus on what brings you peace, and don’t hesitate to prioritise yourself.
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Fertility Awareness Week: Embracing Passion and Hobbies to Support Your Mental Wellbeing
Fertility Awareness Week is an important time to acknowledge and bring attention to the journey of those trying to conceive. For many, the road to parenthood can be long and emotionally challenging, with numerous ups and downs. It’s during these times that prioritising mental wellbeing becomes crucial, and one powerful way to support emotional health is by finding joy, comfort, and release through passions and hobbies. Having an interest to dive into beyond fertility can be a life-enriching addition, helping ease stress, foster resilience, and bring balance to the journey. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of Fertility Awareness Week and discuss how hobbies can provide an emotional lifeline for anyone navigating the complexities of fertility challenges. What is Fertility Awareness Week? Fertility Awareness Week is dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and offering support to those dealing with infertility or struggling to conceive. It’s a time for educating the public, providing resources, and fostering a supportive community. With around one in six couples worldwide experiencing fertility issues, this week sheds light on a topic that can feel isolating for those going through it. By promoting conversation, sharing resources, and encouraging openness, Fertility Awareness Week aims to bring hope and understanding to a topic often shrouded in silence. Why Mental Wellbeing is Essential on the Fertility Journey The fertility journey can be emotionally taxing, filled with highs and lows, waiting periods, and a lot of uncertainty. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, frustration, and sometimes even isolation are common. Studies have shown that those facing infertility often experience stress levels comparable to those dealing with chronic illness. Therefore, it’s essential to nurture mental and emotional health throughout this process. One effective way to do so is by finding fulfilling activities that provide a sense of joy, distraction, and accomplishment. The Power of Hobbies and Passions During the Fertility Journey Engaging in hobbies or passions can be a wonderful, transformative way to find peace amidst the storm of fertility struggles. Here’s why hobbies can be so beneficial: 1. A Healthy Distraction Hobbies offer a break from the constant focus on fertility. When trying to conceive, it can be easy to become consumed by tracking cycles, managing appointments, and reading every piece of advice. A hobby creates a “time out” space, allowing you to shift your focus to something unrelated to fertility. Whether it’s painting, gardening, knitting, or hiking, engaging in a hobby helps bring moments of mental relief and respite. 2. A Way to Connect with Yourself and Others Infertility can sometimes feel like it defines you, but pursuing a hobby reminds you of the person you are beyond the journey. Finding joy in creative or physical outlets reconnects you with your strengths, talents, and sense of self-worth. Many hobbies, such as yoga or a book club, can also open up opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests. Social support is essential for mental wellbeing, and a hobby-centered community can provide meaningful connections and friendships outside of fertility-related concerns. 3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Engaging in hobbies has been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and boost endorphins, the brain’s natural mood enhancers. Physical activities like running, dancing, or swimming can be excellent for stress relief, as can more meditative pursuits like painting, pottery, or journaling. These outlets provide a healthy way to channel emotions, reducing anxiety and offering a sense of calm and control. 4. Promotes Mindfulness and Presence Many hobbies, especially those involving art or nature, encourage mindfulness, a practice that promotes living in the present moment. Mindfulness can be especially beneficial during the fertility journey, as it helps reduce rumination and anxiety about the future. Practicing mindfulness through hobbies like cooking, gardening, or drawing can help you feel grounded and remind you to appreciate life beyond the realm of fertility. 5. Enhances Self-Esteem and Resilience Fertility challenges can take a toll on self-esteem, especially when faced with disappointment. A hobby provides an area where you can set goals, make progress, and experience success. Completing a piece of art, learning a new skill, or mastering a recipe can bring a sense of accomplishment and boost self-worth. These wins, no matter how small, reinforce resilience and confidence, reminding you of your capability to achieve things outside of the fertility journey. 6. Provides a Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment The journey to parenthood often brings up questions of purpose, and waiting or struggling with fertility can feel like time is passing without progress. Pursuing a passion brings purpose back into daily life, filling days with meaningful activities that feel enriching. This sense of fulfillment can help balance feelings of frustration or impatience. Ideas for Hobbies to Support Mental Wellbeing If you’re considering taking up a new hobby or reigniting a previous passion, here are some ideas that can provide relaxation, fulfillment, and joy during the fertility journey: Creative Outlets: Painting, drawing, crafting, photography, or music can offer an emotional release and let you express yourself. Gardening: Tending to plants and watching them grow is incredibly grounding and can bring feelings of accomplishment. Cooking or Baking: Experimenting in the kitchen can be a fun way to nurture yourself with nutritious foods while enjoying the creative process. Yoga or Meditation: Physical movement combined with mindfulness is beneficial for stress reduction and emotional balance. Reading or Writing: Reading can be an escape from reality, while journaling helps to process and release emotions in a safe space. Physical Activities: Running, dancing, swimming, or hiking release endorphins and provide a natural mood boost. Community Involvement: Volunteering or joining a local club can foster social connections and give a sense of purpose. Tips for Staying Motivated with Hobbies Maintaining a hobby can sometimes be challenging, especially when dealing with stress. Here are some tips to stay motivated and committed: Set Small Goals: Whether it’s finishing a book or completing a small art project, small goals make progress achievable and rewarding. Create a Schedule: Set aside dedicated time each week for your hobby. It doesn’t have to be long—just a regular commitment. Celebrate Progress: Even small achievements deserve recognition. Celebrate each step forward and enjoy the journey. Try New Things: If one hobby isn’t quite working, don’t be afraid to try something else! You may discover a passion for something you never considered. Final Thoughts on Fertility Awareness and Mental Wellbeing During Fertility Awareness Week, we honor the resilience and strength of those on the fertility journey. Remember that while your journey may be challenging, it’s okay to seek comfort and joy in other areas of life. Hobbies can provide that much-needed space to breathe, reconnect, and find happiness outside of fertility concerns. Embrace this time as an opportunity to explore interests that fulfill you and bring a sense of peace. By investing in your mental and emotional wellbeing, you are strengthening yourself for whatever the future holds. Through finding balance and moments of joy, you can bring positivity and resilience into every part of your journey. Let’s use Fertility Awareness Week as a reminder to support one another, raise awareness, and celebrate the power of passion, hobbies, and mental wellbeing.
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5 Healthy Benefits of Ashwagandha
The blog highlights five key health benefits of Ashwagandha, an increasingly popular adaptogenic herb. It emphasizes the herb's ability to support adrenal glands, reducing stress and anxiety, and normalizing cortisol levels. Ashwagandha's positive impact on energy, stamina, and endurance, particularly in athletic performance, is discussed. The herb's role in stabilizing blood sugar levels, combating neurodegenerative diseases, and its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties are also emphasized. Overall, Ashwagandha emerges as a versatile and beneficial supplement for various health concerns. Ashwagandha, also known as 'Withania Somnifera' is becoming increasingly popular in the west and is most well known for its ability to reduce stress and promote a calmer and happier sense of being. A growing body of evidence is being collated around this powerful herb with an impressive variety of health benefits. Here are 5 key health benefits of this powerful adaptogenic, Ashwagandha: 1. Supports adrenal glands to reduce stress and anxiety Ashwagandha has been shown to support the adrenals via normalising cortisol levels. This reduces the negative effects of high (or low levels) of this hormone. This is highly significant as ongoing stress can be detrimental to our health. Adrenal function is closely linked to thyroid function, therefore as Ashwagandha supports the adrenal glands, it has an indirect effect on improving thyroid function as well. Initial studies demonstrate ashwagandha’s ability to positively benefit thyroid function by stimulating thyroid hormone activity. 2. Increases energy, stamina and endurance Ashwagandha has been shown to significantly impact athletic performance by improving heart and lung capacity while increasing energy levels. Not only is this useful for the purposes of exercise, it is also helpful for people who struggle with their energy levels or those with fatigue-related conditions. 3. Stabilises blood sugar Ashwagandha has been shown to stabilise blood sugar levels, reducing blood sugar when it's too high or increasing it if too low. This is an example of the herb’s adaptogenic effect. Considering the evidence of the impact on blood sugar levels in diseases such as depression and dementia, this herb can have a profound impact on health. 4. Combats neurodegenerative diseases The active ingredients in Ashwagandha, called withanamides, have shown protective effects against B-amyloid-induced plaques in Alzheimer’s Disease. This is thought to be due to the natural antioxidants found in ashwagandha that scavenge free radicals to prevent cell damage. Studies also show promising results of ashwagandha’s protective effects against Parkinson’s Disease. 5. Immune boosting and anti-inflammatory Ashwagandha has also demonstrated excellent immune-boosting effects on our immune system. It has been shown to encourage anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting immune cells that help to ward off illness. As Ashwagandha has potent anti-inflammatory properties it is very useful in painful conditions such as arthritis. As the herb is rich in iron it also contributes to red blood cell count. Check out our new favourite, Mycologic, a award-winning blend of mushrooms and Ashwagandha for a dose of calm in your day. We love it because you can add a drop to your morning coffee; no more tablets!
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In The Press
Simplify Your Fertility Tracking with Tempdrop
Take the guesswork out of cycle tracking with Tempdrop, the smart wearable thermometer that fits seamlessly into your routine. Designed to learn your unique patterns, it provides accurate, reliable insights without the hassle of early wake-ups or daily charts.