The 6 Best Fertility Supplements for Women

Fertility supplements are everywhere — from Instagram ads to drugstore shelves — all promising to help you get pregnant faster. It’s tempting to wonder whether adding a pill or powder could make a real difference.

So do any of them actually work?

The honest answer: We don’t really know. Based on the best available evidence, no supplement has been proven to reliably boost fertility on its own. But that doesn’t mean all supplements are useless. Many appear to be low risk, and some may be helpful for certain women — especially when they’re used to address specific nutrient gaps or health conditions.

In other words, fertility supplements often fall into a gray area: They’re not guaranteed to help, but for some people, they may be a reasonable thing to try. 

Below, we take a closer look at six fertility supplements that may be worth considering, and what the science actually says about each one.

1. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in your body. Among other things, it’s said to prevent heart disease, reduce cholesterol, and prevent migraines. Some people also take it for infertility, especially when going through assisted reproductive treatment. 

Though there’s some evidence that CoQ10 might improve egg quality, there haven’t been any large-scale studies done yet. It’s also not clear from the research how much CoQ10 to take. 

Still, a CoQ10 supplement for fertility is generally considered safe to try. It may give your other fertility treatments a helping hand — or it may have no effect at all. If you’re interested in trying CoQ10, talk with your gynecologist or fertility specialist. They can help you understand the pros and cons of adding it to your fertility plan. 

2. Myo-inositol

Myo-inositol is a carbohydrate found naturally in your body. It helps with hormones and blood sugar regulation. 

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There’s some evidence that myo-inositol may be helpful in general for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — a common hormone imbalance — by balancing hormone levels. This may promote more regular menstrual cycles and lead to higher pregnancy rates. So far, though, only a couple of studies have been done in this specific area.   

3. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant with many uses. It’s used for acetaminophen overdose, and can also dissolve and break up mucus in the lungs. Its antioxidant properties may also help to improve reproductive health. 

There’s some evidence that taking NAC might help with female fertility, especially for women with PCOS. But so far, only a few small studies have been done. 

4. L-carnitine

L-carnitine (LC) is a supplement form of carnitine. Carnitine is a nutrient that helps your body make energy. It’s found naturally in red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and some vegetables. It may have antioxidant properties, too. 

Taking carnitine supplements seems to help with male infertility, but it’s less clear whether it works for women. So far, there’s some evidence that LC might be helpful for women with PCOS — especially when combined with infertility medications. But larger, more long-term studies need to be done before we can know for sure.  

5. Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that supports a normal circadian rhythm (your body’s daily cycle). Melatonin also helps to regulate your menstrual cycle. 

Melatonin supplements are typically used for sleep-wake disorders, jet lag, and short-term insomnia. But there’s also some evidence that melatonin might improve pregnancy rates in women undergoing fertility treatment. This may be especially true for older women, as melatonin naturally decreases with age. 

It’s also possible that melatonin might help to slow ovarian aging, and boost the number of eggs available through assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures.  

6. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a nutrient you need for strong muscles, nerves, and bones. Your body makes it naturally when you’re exposed to sunlight. You can also get it from certain foods, including fortified orange juice, milk, and cereal. 

There’s also some evidence that vitamin D helps to regulate your periods. And in some research studies, vitamin D supplements were linked to improved pregnancy rates. So far, though, it’s not clear whether this was just for women with low vitamin D levels, or for all women trying to get pregnant. 

What supplements don’t work for fertility?

Based on current research, supplements like L-arginine, vitamin B complex, and vitamins C and E haven’t been shown to improve pregnancy rates. That said, the evidence is limited and not especially strong — so a lack of benefit doesn’t mean these supplements never help, just that the research doesn’t support their use for fertility so far.

It’s also important to know that “natural” doesn’t always mean harmless. Some supplements can cause side effects, interact with medications, or contain ingredients you weren’t expecting. And some can be specifically harmful in pregnancy. For example, high doses of vitamin A can increase the risk of birth defects.

Bottom line: If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, it’s best to check with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamin or supplement.

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Written by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

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