When Should You See a Reproductive Endocrinologist? Age-Based Guidelines for TTC

In my fertility practice, I see patients across all ages—some trying to conceive naturally, others navigating IUI or IVF. One of the most common questions I hear is: I want to try naturally first… but when should I see a reproductive endocrinologist (RE) (aka Fertility Doc)?”

Because egg quality naturally declines with age, knowing when to seek advanced care can be key. Here are some general guidelines based on age and clinical best practices:

✨ Under 30 years old:
Try conceiving naturally for up to 12 months. Make sure to keep up with annual OB/GYN visits and let your provider know you’re trying.

✨ Ages 30–34:
Try for 9 months. Again, maintain regular OB/GYN visits. At this stage, I also recommend a semen analysis for your partner (I have a separate blog post on what to test and why!).

✨ Ages 35–39:
Try naturally for up to 6 months. Time becomes more of important factor here, so I usually encourage patients to connect with an RE sooner rather than later.

✨ Ages 40–42:
Try for up to 3 months—but ideally, begin working with a reproductive endocrinologist right away.

✨ 42 and up:
Start with an RE immediately to explore all your options and create a plan that supports your chances.

🌿 Certain health conditions also call for earlier care:
If you have PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, a uterine septum, or a family history of early menopause or infertility, I recommend starting with an RE as soon as possible.

Alongside medical care, acupuncture and herbal medicine can be powerful allies on your fertility journey. Acupuncture may enhance blood flow to the ovaries, regulate hormones, and support emotional wellbeing—all of which can support egg quality. Chinese herbal medicine has also shown promise in supporting ovarian function and overall reproductive health.

If you’re trying to conceive, consider working with an ABORM-certified acupuncturist—a practitioner with additional training in reproductive medicine.

Also, are you curious to know what considerations and tests you should take when you start working with an reproductive endocrinologist or an OB/GYN? Continue reading here.

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