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I am 29 years old and have been married for 9 years. My spouse and I decided to delay having children until we completed our education and achieved financial stability, as we both come from highly dysfunctional families.

We have now decided to start a family. I consulted a doctor, but I was told that due to my current weight, I may not be able to conceive unless I lose weight. This advice was given without any tests.

I decided to get some basic tests done on my own. Except for a vitamin D deficiency, all my results were normal. I am currently taking vitamin D and folic acid supplements.

I have also started working on weight loss and have already lost 7 kg in the last 3 months. We have been trying to conceive for the past 5–6 months, but so far without success. My menstrual cycle has always been regular, so tracking ovulation is not an issue.

I am becoming increasingly worried. Before seeing a fertility specialist, I want to try for a few more months. I would appreciate advice from anyone who has experienced similar issues to being overweight and conception.

Should I continue trying while focusing on weight loss, or should I get a full fertility work-up now? Please give your advice.Thanks

Solutions; Ayesha Khan

Maybe you have PCOS, and it can be a bit tricky. It may not always show clearly in tests. An ultrasound is often needed to detect it. That might be why your doctor advised you to lose weight, as weight loss is one of the main ways to help manage and treat PCOS.

Fatima Hashmi

You are on the right track. Continue losing weight. Secondly, start taking Coenzyme Q10, as it can help with fertility. It will not harm you and may also support weight loss.

Inositol is also commonly used to support fertility. Even though you don’t have irregular cycles, sometimes fertility medications can help, and they can be stopped once you reach your goal.

Also start weight training at a proper gym—not a small local “galli mohalla” gym, but a well-equipped, good-quality gym.

Hope this helps.

Kashaf Ali

As a dietitian, I appreciate that you are already taking important steps for your health. Losing 7 kg in 3 months is a very positive start.

From a nutrition and fertility perspective, your current weight may be playing a role. At 5’4″ and 95 kg, your BMI falls in the obesity range. Evidence shows that excess body fat can affect hormone balance, insulin sensitivity, ovulation quality, and overall fertility—even in women with regular menstrual cycles.

At the same time, I would still recommend a proper fertility evaluation for both partners, rather than relying only on regular cycles, as sometimes underlying issues can exist without obvious symptoms.

Most importantly, please avoid random dieting or extreme restrictions during this phase. A customized nutrition plan focused on fertility, hormonal balance, metabolic health, and sustainable fat loss can make a significant difference. Working with a qualified dietitian or nutritionist can help ensure your body is getting the right nutrients while also improving your chances of healthy conception.

This story is taken from the DHA Ladies official Facebook group, which has more than 132K followers.

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