Ovulatory infertility means the cycle is not releasing an egg reliably. It has one dominant cause, and that cause is frequently missed for years.
This page also covers body weight, which is a subject where fertility advice becomes judgemental fast. Nothing here is about how you look, and none of it is a moral question.
One condition accounts for more of it than anything else, and it is frequently undiagnosed for years before a woman starts trying to conceive.
PCOS is the number one cause of ovulatory infertility.
More than one independent health authority states this.
PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility, meaning that the infertility results from the absence of ovulation.
Source: NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and WHO
Common medical conditions exist that interfere with fertility and can prevent pregnancy.
More than one independent health authority states this.
tubal disorders such as blocked fallopian tubes...; uterine disorders...; disorders of the ovaries, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome; disorders of the endocrine system causing imbalances of reproductive hormones
Source: World Health Organization and NHS
It does, in both directions, and the framing that survives contact with the evidence is a range rather than a target.
There is a body-weight range (a 'fertility zone') that affects fertility.
A health authority states this in its published guidance.
A BMI between 19 and 24 is considered normal; less than 19 is considered underweight. A BMI of 18.5 or less (underweight) often causes irregular menstrual cycles and may cause ovulation to stop altogether. A BMI in the obese range may also lead to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation.
Slowly, and with people around you. The two findings below are unglamorous, and being unglamorous is most of why they hold up.
There is no calorie counting anywhere in this. Hunger is information, not a failure of will.
Eating 250 fewer calories per day produces roughly 2 lbs of weight loss per month.
A health authority states this in its published guidance.
For overweight patients with BMIs in the typical range of 27 to 35, a decrease of 300 to 500 kcal/day will result in weight losses of about 1/2 to 1 lb/week
Source: NIH National Library of Medicine
The keto diet is effective for rapid weight loss.
A health authority states this in its published guidance.
Individuals following the ketogenic diet typically experience rapid weight loss, often up to 10 pounds in the first 2 weeks.
Source: NIH National Library of Medicine
Support from family and friends aids adherence during a weight loss effort.
A health authority states this in its published guidance.
"Identify family members or friends who will support your weight loss efforts." ... "Coworkers or neighbors with similar goals might share healthy recipes and plan group physical activities."
Generally yes, at the level you were already at, with specific exceptions rather than a blanket stop.
It is generally safe to continue exercising at pre-pregnancy frequency, but high-impact activities should be adjusted.
A health authority states this in its published guidance.
Women who habitually engaged in vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or who were physically active before pregnancy can continue these activities during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Physical activity and exercise in pregnancy are associated with minimal risks and have been shown to benefit most women, although s…