For years, we’ve been told that fat is the enemy — to buy everything “low-fat,” to fear butter, to keep our olive oil drizzles minimal. But here’s the twist: your hormones love fat. In fact, healthy fats are some of the most powerful allies your body has when it comes to reproductive health, hormonal balance, and even your monthly cycle. The truth is, your ovaries can’t do their job without them — and science is finally catching up.
A fascinating study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed healthy, premenopausal women across two menstrual cycles. Researchers found that the type of fat you eat — not just the amount — can directly influence reproductive hormone levels. Women who consumed more polyunsaturated fats (like those found in walnuts, flaxseed, and salmon) had healthier hormone patterns, including a lower risk of missed ovulation (BioCycle Study, 2016). Meanwhile, diets higher in saturated fat were linked to lower levels of estrogen and progesterone — two key hormones that regulate menstrual cycles and fertility. As the study authors noted, “the balance of dietary fats may play a vital role in reproductive function.”
So what does that mean for your daily plate (and your vaginal health)? Think of your reproductive system like a finely tuned orchestra — and healthy fats are the conductors keeping everything in rhythm. Omega-3s, for example, support the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, which can ease PMS symptoms and encourage regular ovulation. They also nourish the vaginal microbiome, helping maintain moisture, elasticity, and balance — all key to comfort and confidence.
At W for Her, we believe women’s wellness starts from the inside out. Pairing a diet rich in hormone-supportive fats — creamy avocado, chia pudding, grilled salmon, or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil — with targeted vaginal probiotics can create harmony throughout the body. Because when your hormones are happy, your whole self glows from within.
Source:
Gaskins AJ, Chiu YH, Williams PL, et al. Association between serum lipid profile, diet, and reproductive hormones among healthy premenopausal women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2016;103(2):369–378. PubMed Central