naturopathy Archives • Alison Mitchell Naturopath

Mitochondria and Fertility: Egg Quality, Endometriosis, Menopause and Healthy Ageing

Alison — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:48:14 +0000

When it comes to fertility, hormone balance and energy, we often focus on things like nutrition, stress, sleep or hormone levels. While these are all important, there is another piece of the puzzle that deserves more attention: mitochondria.

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell because they produce ATP, the energy currency that powers almost every process in the body. However, their role extends far beyond energy production. Mitochondria are involved in hormone production, DNA repair, immune function, inflammation regulation, cell signalling and healthy ageing.

Because mitochondria are involved in so many essential functions, dysfunction has been linked to a wide range of health concerns including fertility challenges, recurrent miscarriage, endometriosis, chronic fatigue, depression, autism spectrum disorder and age-related hormonal decline.

From a naturopathic perspective, supporting mitochondrial health is often an important part of improving overall wellbeing. Healthy mitochondria help create the foundation for healthy cells, healthy hormones and healthy ageing.

Mitochondria and Fertility

Fertility is one of the areas where mitochondrial health is particularly important.

Mitochondria help regulate energy production within both egg and sperm cells, but they are also involved in DNA repair, hormone production and healthy embryonic development.

One of the hormones produced with the help of mitochondrial function is pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is often referred to as the “mother hormone” because it serves as the precursor for progesterone, oestrogen, testosterone and cortisol. When mitochondrial function is compromised, hormone production can also be affected.

Mitochondria are also involved in glucose metabolism and blood sugar regulation. This is particularly relevant because unstable blood sugar levels can influence fertility, ovulation, hormone production and overall reproductive health.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of mitochondrial biology is that babies inherit their mitochondria exclusively from their mother. This means mitochondrial health doesn’t just affect fertility today. It may also influence the health and fertility of future generations.

For this reason, mitochondrial support can be an important consideration in preconception care and natural fertility support.

Why Egg Cells Need So Many Mitochondria

Egg cells (oocytes) are remarkable. They contain anywhere from 100,000 to more than one million mitochondria, far more than almost any other cell in the body. This enormous energy reserve is needed to support egg maturation, fertilisation and the earliest stages of embryonic development.

As women age, mitochondrial function within the ovaries gradually declines. By the age of 40, it is estimated that almost one-third of the mitochondria within oocytes are no longer functioning efficiently. This decline is one of the reasons fertility naturally decreases with age.

When fertilisation occurs, the egg does more than simply receive genetic material from the sperm. If there is DNA damage within the sperm, the oocyte uses its own mitochondrial reserves to help repair that damage. This process is essential for creating a healthy embryo.

Because of these demands, egg quality is closely tied to mitochondrial health.

Why Sperm Health Matters

While sperm are tiny compared to an egg, they contribute half of the genetic material needed to create a baby. Male fertility is often prioritized less then female fertility, yet male factor issues contribute to around 50% of fertility challenges.

Unlike egg cells, sperm contain only a few dozen mitochondria. These mitochondria are located within the midpiece of the sperm and provide the energy required for movement.

At the moment of conception, the sperm penetrates the egg and delivers its DNA into the oocyte. The sperm mitochondria themselves are not inherited by the baby. Instead, the egg uses its own mitochondrial resources to support early development and repair any damage present within the sperm DNA.

Sperm are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress and damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive oxidative stress can impair mitochondrial function, reduce motility and increase DNA fragmentation.

Sperm health also influences much more than fertilisation. Research suggests that sperm quality affects placental development and may contribute to miscarriage risk. This is why supporting sperm health is just as important as supporting egg quality when preparing for pregnancy.

Mitochondria, Perimenopause and Menopause

Mitochondrial health isn’t only associated with fertility – these tiny structures may also influence when a woman transitions into perimenopause and menopause.

As women age, the number and function of mitochondria within the ovaries gradually decline. Research suggests that by age 40, approximately one-third of mitochondria within oocytes are no longer functioning efficiently.

Human oocytes contain between 100,000 and more than one million mitochondria because egg maturation and early embryonic development require vast amounts of energy. The rate at which these mitochondria decline appears to influence reproductive ageing.

Research published in 2024 demonstrated that reducing mitochondrial DNA accelerated reproductive ageing in animal models. This suggests that mitochondrial function may play an important role in determining the pace of ovarian ageing and potentially the timing of perimenopause and menopause.

This may help explain why many women notice changes in energy, recovery, metabolic health and stress resilience during the perimenopausal transition, however there is much more involved (if you’d like to learn more about perimenopause and menopause, go on the wait list for my upcoming book Natural Menopause Support).

Researchers have also identified CoQ10 as an important nutrient within ovarian tissue. One landmark study found that age-related declines in egg quality were partly driven by reduced CoQ10 availability within the oocyte. Supplementation helped preserve ovarian reserve, improve egg quality and restore fertility in aged mice. Additional research has also demonstrated improvements in progesterone production.

While ageing is a natural process, supporting mitochondrial health may help support healthier ovarian ageing and improve resilience during the transition into perimenopause and menopause.

Mitochondria and Endometriosis

While we’re on the topic of women’s health, it’s worth exploring the connection between mitochondria and endometriosis.

Many people think of endometriosis primarily as a hormonal condition, but there is also a significant immune and inflammatory component.

Women with endometriosis often experience increased oxidative stress, elevated inflammatory markers and altered immune function. Mitochondria are involved in all three of these processes.

When mitochondria become dysfunctional, they can produce excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species. This creates a cycle of oxidative stress and inflammation that may contribute to the growth and persistence of endometriosis lesions.

Mitochondria also play an important role in immune cell function and inflammatory signalling. When mitochondrial function is impaired, immune regulation can become disrupted, potentially contributing to the chronic inflammatory environment seen in endometriosis.

This is one reason why a holistic approach to endometriosis management often extends beyond hormones alone. Supporting mitochondrial health alongside nervous system regulation, immune function, gut health and hormonal balance may help address some of the underlying drivers involved in the condition.

Mitochondria, Mood and Brain Health

The brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body.

Every thought, memory, movement and emotion requires energy. Healthy mitochondrial function helps support neurotransmitter production, nerve cell communication and overall brain function.

When mitochondrial function is impaired, symptoms such as brain fog, poor concentration, low mood and fatigue may occur.

Emerging research has also found that mitochondrial dysfunction is common in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies have identified abnormalities in mitochondrial energy production, increased oxidative stress and higher levels of neuroinflammation in some individuals with ASD.

Because mitochondria play such a central role in brain energy metabolism, supporting mitochondrial health may be an important consideration in conditions involving cognitive function, mood and neurological health.

Signs Your Mitochondria May Need Support

Some common signs that mitochondrial function may be struggling include:

Persistent fatigue
Poor exercise recovery
Muscle weakness
Brain fog
Poor concentration
Low mood
Fertility challenges
Hormonal imbalances
Reduced resilience to stress
Feeling older than your age

These symptoms can have many different causes, but mitochondrial dysfunction is one possible contributor worth considering.

Supporting Mitochondrial Health Naturally

Mitochondrial support is rarely about a single supplement. Instead, it involves creating an environment that allows these cellular powerhouses to function optimally.

Some of the ways mitochondrial health can be supported include:

Prioritising quality sleep, as much of the body’s cellular repair occurs during sleep
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels through a balanced diet
Regular exercise, which stimulates the production of new mitochondria
Spending time outdoors and supporting healthy circadian rhythms
Cold exposure, which may help improve mitochondrial resilience and adaptation
Supporting gut health and addressing dysbiosis where present
Reducing exposure to environmental toxins where possible
Ensuring adequate intake of nutrients required for mitochondrial function
Supporting nervous system regulation and reducing chronic stress

Because mitochondrial health sits at the intersection of fertility, hormones, inflammation, energy production and healthy ageing, it can be a valuable area of focus in naturopathic care.

If you’re struggling with fertility challenges, subfertility, recurrent miscarriage, endometriosis, fatigue, hormone imbalances or perimenopausal symptoms, supporting mitochondrial health may be one piece of the puzzle worth exploring.

References

Annesley, S. J., & Fisher, P. R. (2019). Mitochondria in Health and Disease. Cells, 8(7), 680. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8070680
Ben-Meir, A., Burstein, E., Borrego-Alvarez, A., Chong, J., Wong, E., Yavorska, T., Naranian, T., Chi, M., Wang, Y., Bentov, Y., Alexis, J., Meriano, J., Sung, H. K., Gasser, D. L., Moley, K. H., Hekimi, S., Casper, R. F., & Jurisicova, A. (2015). Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. Aging cell, 14(5), 887–895. https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.12368
Ben-Meir, A., Kim, K., McQuaid, R., Esfandiari, N., Bentov, Y., Casper, R. F., & Jurisicova, A. (2019). Co-Enzyme Q10 Supplementation Rescues Cumulus Cells Dysfunction in a Maternal Aging Model. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 8(3), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8030058
Chiang, J. L., Shukla, P., Pagidas, K., Ahmed, N. S., Karri, S., Gunn, D. D., Hurd, W. W., & Singh, K. K. (2020). Mitochondria in Ovarian Aging and Reproductive Longevity. Ageing research reviews, 63, 101168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2020.101168
Khaliulin, I., Hamoudi, W., & Amal, H. (2025). The multifaceted role of mitochondria in autism spectrum disorder. Molecular psychiatry, 30(2), 629–650. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-024-02725-z
Kobayashi, H., & Imanaka, S. (2024). Mitochondrial DNA Damage and Its Repair Mechanisms in Aging Oocytes. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(23), 13144. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313144
Kramer, P., & Bressan, P. (2018). Our (Mother’s) Mitochondria and Our Mind. Perspectives on psychological science : a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, 13(1), 88–100. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617718356
Long, S., Zheng, Y., Deng, X., Guo, J., Xu, Z., Scharffetter-Kochanek, K., Dou, Y., & Jiang, M. (2024). Maintaining mitochondrial DNA copy number mitigates ROS-induced oocyte decline and female reproductive aging. Communications biology, 7(1), 1229. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-06888-x
Melhuish Beaupre, L. M., Brown, G. M., Braganza, N. A., Kennedy, J. L., & Gonçalves, V. F. (2022). Mitochondria’s role in sleep: Novel insights from sleep deprivation and restriction studies. The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry, 23(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/15622975.2021.1907723
Tesarik, J., & Mendoza-Tesarik, R. (2023). Mitochondria in Human Fertility and Infertility. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(10), 8950. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108950
May-Panloup, P., Boucret, L., Chao de la Barca, J. M., Desquiret-Dumas, V., Ferré-L’Hotellier, V., Morinière, C., Descamps, P., Procaccio, V., & Reynier, P. (2016). Ovarian ageing: the role of mitochondria in oocytes and follicles. Human reproduction update, 22(6), 725–743. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmw028
Vaught, R. C., & Dowling, D. K. (2018). Maternal inheritance of mitochondria: implications for male fertility?. Reproduction (Cambridge, England), 155(4), R159–R168. https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-17-0600
Wen, Y., & Yao, Y. (2021). Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Mitochondria Connection. In A. M. Grabrucker (Ed.), Autism Spectrum Disorders. Exon Publications. https://doi.org/10.36255/exonpublications.autismspectrumdisorders.2021.mitochondria

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HPV & Cervical Health: What You Need to Know

Alison — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 03:23:25 +0000

If you’ve recently received an HPV diagnosis, first things first — take a breath. A positive result can feel alarming, but the reality is that HPV is incredibly common, and for most people, the immune system clears it on its own.

That said, there’s a lot you can do to support that process. Here’s what I want you to understand about HPV, and how a naturopathic approach can complement your conventional care.

First, the reassuring part

HPV is incredibly common — most sexually active people will encounter it at some point in their lives. The immune system clears the virus on its own in roughly 70% of cases within 12 months, and around 90% of cases within two years.

There are over 100 subtypes of HPV, and only a small number — primarily types 16 and 18 — are associated with the kind of cell changes that can progress toward cancer over time. Persistent infection over many years, rather than a single positive result, is what’s associated with higher-grade changes. This is why regular cervical screening is so important, and why early detection matters.

A positive HPV result is not a cancer diagnosis — it’s information. And information gives you the opportunity to act.

How HPV actually works

HPV works by targeting the body’s natural tumour-suppressing genes, typically at a site of micro-trauma in the cervical tissue. Certain high-risk subtypes carry what are called E6 and E7 oncogenes, which essentially interfere with those protective mechanisms. This is why supporting immune function — your body’s ability to recognise and respond to the virus — is so central to a naturopathic approach to cervical health.

The good news is that immune function is highly modifiable. What you eat, how you sleep, what you’re exposed to, and the state of your microbiome all play a meaningful role.

What influences your immune response to HPV?

Research points to several modifiable factors that influence whether HPV persists or clears. Here’s what’s worth understanding:

Nutrition

A diet low in fruit, vegetables, and methylation-supporting nutrients is associated with poorer HPV outcomes. The Mediterranean diet specifically has been studied with favourable results. Zinc, folate, and brassica vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) are particularly relevant.

The vaginal microbiome

The vaginal microbiome plays a significant and often overlooked role in HPV persistence or regression. A healthy environment dominated by Lactobacillus species and a pH below 4.5 supports the immune responses that work in your favour.

Stress & sleep

High levels of perceived stress have been specifically associated with impaired immune response to HPV-16. Chronic stress shifts cytokine balance in the body, creating a more pro-inflammatory environment. Sleep disturbances compound this further.

Toxin exposure

Ongoing exposure to environmental chemicals — plastics, phthalates, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants — impairs immune function. Everyday sources like synthetic menstrual products and non-organic underwear are worth considering.

Other lifestyle factors

Smoking, excessive alcohol use, oral contraceptive use, and a high overall infection load (including viruses like EBV and CMV) are all associated with increased risk of HPV persistence and progression.

What a naturopathic approach looks like

Naturopathic support for HPV isn’t about replacing your gynaecological care — it works alongside it. The focus is on identifying and addressing the factors unique to you that may be influencing your immune response, supporting the body’s natural clearance mechanisms, and reducing overall risk where possible.

This might include:

Nutritional and dietary support — tailoring your diet to support immune function, methylation, and healthy oestrogen metabolism, with specific foods and nutrients that research supports for cervical health.

Targeted supplementation — based on your individual presentation, testing, and health history.

Microbiome support — including the use of custom-compounded vaginal pessaries where appropriate. These can be formulated with anti-viral properties and beneficial bacteria to help reduce viral load and support a healthy vaginal environment. In some cases, a comprehensive vaginal microbiome test may also be recommended to get a full picture of what’s happening at a microbial level and guide treatment more precisely.

Related Reading: What to do when Thrush and BV don’t go away

Stress and sleep support — because a nervous system under chronic load is a significant barrier to immune function, and this is often the piece that gets missed in conventional care.

Reducing environmental exposures — practical, evidence-informed guidance on the changes that will make the most difference for your situation.

Every person’s picture is different. What matters is identifying the specific factors at play for you — which is why individualised, one-on-one care delivers results that generic advice simply can’t.

Please don’t skip your cervical screening

Whatever else you are doing, please keep up with your regular cervical screening appointments. Screening is what allows us to catch any cell changes early, when they are most straightforward to manage. It remains one of the single most important things you can do for your cervical health — and it works best when done consistently over time.

Naturopathic support and cervical screening are not either/or — they work best together. Screening gives you information; naturopathic care gives you tools to act on it.

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Ready to take a more proactive approach?

If you’ve had an HPV diagnosis and want support that goes beyond what a standard GP appointment has time to offer, I’d love to work with you. I take a thorough, whole-person approach to cervical and hormonal health — looking at everything from nutrition and gut health to stress, environment, and your microbiome.

Book a consultation

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Carissa is Back from Maternity Leave

Alison — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 04:10:08 +0000

I am thrilled to welcome Carissa back from maternity leave! After spending precious time with her beautiful baby girl, Poppy, Carissa is returning to practice and will be available for online consultations on Thursdays. In addition, she will be the primary practitioner handling email consults, making it easier than ever to get expert naturopathic support from the comfort of your home.

Get to Know Carissa

What’s your favourite thing about being a naturopath?

My favourite thing about being a naturopath is based on one of the naturopathic principles “the healing power of nature.” It truly amazes me just how interconnected we are with the planet; how herbs and nutrients can support the body in restoring balance. It’s really rewarding working with nature to guide my clients toward better health with the tools we can find in our backyard!

What’s your latest obsession?

Right now, my latest obsession is kids’ nutrition, especially since my little girl has just started solids. I couldn’t resist diving deep into it! I’m loving the book Boob to Food—it’s been a great resource for creating healthy, nutritious meals for my bub (and hub). I find myself reading it weekly and picking up new tips every time.

Current herb obsession and why?

If I had to choose a favorite herb, it would definitely be the beautiful dandelion! It’s such a versatile plant—supporting everything from digestion to detoxification. Plus, it makes such a delicious tea. It’s hands down one of the herbs I use most in my formulas, and I’m always amazed by its benefits.

Favourite meal?

My favourite meal would be grilled salmon with sautéed greens (especially broccolini, kale and Brussels sprouts) with roasted pumpkin or sweet potato—yum! I could eat this every day.

Favourite conditions to work with?

Some of my favourite conditions to work with are skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. I can really relate to these conditions, as I was that typical eczema kid growing up—constantly battling flare-ups due to a poor diet. It wasn’t until I discovered naturopathy that I started to find real relief, and now I’m passionate about helping others do the same.

What is something that you’ve learnt about pregnancy and motherhood since becoming a Mum?

Wow, where do I start? Since becoming a mum, what I’ve learned more than anything is just how incredibly adaptable the female body is, especially during pregnancy and motherhood. Our hormonal system is so complex, and it’s fascinating how it shifts and changes to support us through every stage—from conception to birth and beyond! What strikes me the most is the way our bodies respond to the demands of motherhood, from breastfeeding to the emotional rollercoaster we experience, and how everything is interconnected. As a naturopath, I’m in awe of how our bodies are designed to nurture and care for our little ones while keeping us balanced, even through all the changes we go through.

Carissa has a special interest in working with children’s health, pregnancy, and all aspects of skin health. Whether you’re looking for support with your little one’s health, navigating pregnancy and postpartum wellness, or addressing skin concerns naturally, Carissa brings her expertise and compassionate approach to every consult. Of course, as a fully trained naturopath, she is well-equipped to work with a wide range of health conditions, offering tailored, holistic solutions to support your well-being.

One unique aspect of working with Carissa is the incorporation of iridology into her consultations. Iridology is the study of the iris (the colored part of the eye) as a reflection of overall health and genetic predispositions. By analyzing patterns, colors, and markings in the iris, Carissa can gain valuable insights into your constitution, organ function, and potential areas of imbalance. For online consults, we make this process simple: before your appointment, we will send you instructions on how to take a clear photo of your iris and email it to Carissa. This allows her to integrate this valuable tool into your consultation, providing a deeper level of understanding and personalized recommendations.

Carissa also utilizes drop dose herbal prescribing, a method that involves using highly concentrated herbal extracts in small doses to create profound therapeutic effects. This gentle yet powerful approach allows for precise, individualized treatment, making it particularly effective for sensitive individuals, children, and those with complex health conditions.

Carissa is excited to reconnect with both new and existing clients and support you on your health journey. Whether through a video consult or an email consultation, she is here to help you feel your best with evidence-based naturopathic care.

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Clinic Times – 2019

Alison — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 00:20:41 +0000

Welcome to 2019! It’s in full swing, we’ve hit February already!

I am not back to normal clinic times, so for those who would like a refresher of where and when I am available, here you go:

Monday: Available for Skype Consults only

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 1230-530pm at Windsor

Thursday: Closed

Friday: 11-7pm at Dural

Saturday: 9-130pm at Windsor

Sunday: Closed

You can book for Naturopathy or Massage in any of the clinic times, and you can book for Skype Consults (Naturopathy) on the Monday or any of the clinic days.

Contact me to book in

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Meet Simone, my locum

Alison — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 22:46:45 +0000

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Maternity leave and locum news

In case you didn’t know, I will be going on maternity leave sometime this September. Of course, I don’t want to leave my beautiful patients in the lurch so I have brought in Simone Davis to act as my locum.

Simone studied at Endeavour College and completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) and is accredited with NHAA.

Simone lives locally and has 2 beautiful children, 2 free range (house trained!) rabbits, a dog and a pet husband. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, dancing, cooking and yoga.

Like myself and other Naturopaths, Simone can treat a wide range of conditions but she is especially interested in helping people overcome thyroid and mood disorders. I’m very excited to have her working with me as she’s not only a beautiful caring person but also extremely intelligent. I am confident that my patients will be under fantastic care with her.

If you’ve been in the clinic in the last few months then chances are you’ve met Simone as she’s been observing consults so that she can get to know people and to achieve a smooth transition.

When I am away on maternity leave I will still be in regular contact with Simone and working behind the scenes, so you can be sure you won’t be getting a different treatment than if I were seeing you.

As of next week we are offering a limited amount of reduced price consult packages with Simone (I will still be observing at this point), so if you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity then give the clinic a call and quote the code SIMONE AUGUST to get one of these spots.

If you’ve been wanting to see a Naturopath for a while but been putting it off, don’t miss this very rare opportunity.

What you get:

1 x Initial Consult (normally $110)

2 x follow up Consults (normally $65 each)

Total = $145 (saving of $95)

Health fund rebates still available.

Conditions:

Supplements, herbs or required testing extra (at normal price)
Deal is bought as a package which includes the single initial consult and 2 follow up (standard) consultations
Payable at time of booking.
Health fund claims to be made after appointment completed
Consults must be completed within 2 months of purchase
Deal only available for purchase during August or until sold out
Package can be bought as a gift voucher, however consults are not to be divided amongst other people
Additional consults after the package is completed are at normal price.
These consults only available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Connect with Simone via her F acebook page here.

To purchase a package call Health Dimensions on 02 88246792 or 02 45776215.

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