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The time to prepare for seasonal allergies is earlier than you might expect, as taking medications before everything is in bloom can help significantly to control symptoms. This year, you may want to consider ramping up your prevention efforts even earlier than usual: one consequence of climate change and rising temperatures worldwide is a longer growing season and higher levels of pollen in the air.

Why It’s Never Too Early to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies

The commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medications below can help make allergy season more manageable — and many are available for purchase at the Essentials Store in our app! To browse the selection, tap the "Store" icon along the bottom of the Alto mobile app or the "Store" icon in your account on desktop.

Over-the-counter allergy medications to take preventatively

Nasal corticosteroid sprays prevent inflammation to reduce allergy symptoms such as stuffiness, sneezing, and a runny nose. Common OTC options include:

When taken in advance, these medications can potentially prevent the onset of allergy symptoms altogether. Many health experts suggest taking them about four weeks before the official start of allergy season, the specific timing of which depends on where you live.

For many people who experience seasonal allergies, symptoms typically first appear when trees start to release pollen in late winter and early spring. However, this pattern is changing as winter temperatures rise, and the timing of pollination also varies by region. To make the best plan, check local pollen levels and consult with your provider.

These medications block histamine, a chemical that your immune system releases during an allergic reaction. You may take them up to two weeks before the start of allergy season, as a preventative measure, but they can also be taken on an as-needed basis if you experience symptoms. They offer fast relief, taking anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours to go into effect.

Some antihistamines, including Benadryl® (diphenhydramine), can cause drowsiness and are not recommended to take before driving or other activities that require your attention.

The following antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness:

Not all allergy medications can be taken preventatively. While decongestants like Afrin® (oxymetazoline) and Sudafed® (pseudoephedrine) are effective at relieving congestion, they should only be taken on a short-term basis. Longer-term use may worsen allergy symptoms.

When to see a specialist for allergy symptoms

Remember that it may take time and a bit of trial and error to find the best relief for your allergies. If you experience regular symptoms after exploring a few options, work with your provider to find the best solution for your needs.

You may benefit from consulting a specialist such as an allergist or immunologist. These healthcare professionals can help identify more specific allergy triggers. They can also facilitate even more treatment options, including a preventative treatment called immunotherapy, which exposes you to allergens so that you become less sensitive to them. Immunotherapy comes in the form of both allergy shots and sublingual tablets placed beneath the tongue.

Stock up on allergy medications at the Alto Essentials Store

Purchase allergy season essentials like Claritin, Flonase, Zyrtec, Allegra and more right from your Alto account! You can order Essentials products whenever you need them, or add them to your next prescription delivery.

If your allergy symptoms persist even after preventative steps and exploring OTC options, we can support your treatment plan. We’ll coordinate with your doctor and insurance to offer your medications at the best price we can find, and our expert pharmacists are available via in-app messaging to answer any questions you may have about symptoms or side effects.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Many of us are familiar with heartburn, a burning sensation in the throat frequently triggered by what we eat. While occasional heartburn can often be prevented or managed with lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter medications, more frequent or severe cases may indicate an underlying condition that requires additional treatment.

Here’s what to know about the causes and triggers of heartburn and treatment options.

How to Prevent or Treat Heartburn

Many of us are familiar with heartburn, a burning sensation in the throat frequently triggered by what we eat. While occasional heartburn can often be prevented or managed with lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter medications, more frequent or severe cases may indicate an underlying condition that requires additional treatment.

Here’s what to know about the causes and triggers of heartburn and treatment options.

The burning sensation that characterizes heartburn is caused by reflux, an issue with the digestive process. Normally, a valve at the bottom of your esophagus called the esophageal sphincter allows food to enter your stomach, where acids help digest what you’ve eaten.

Reflux occurs when the esophageal sphincter doesn’t close as it should, allowing acid to pass from the stomach into the esophagus. While your stomach is equipped to handle this acidic mixture, your esophagus is more sensitive, and reflux results in the discomfort of heartburn.

There are several potential causes of heartburn, including the following:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Severe, recurring heartburn may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic acid reflux.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and the pressure of your growing baby during pregnancy may affect esophageal function.

Eating habits: Dietary choices, the size of your meals, and eating close to bedtime frequently factor into heartburn.

Lifestyle habits: Acid reflux has also been linked to smoking and high levels of stress.

Medications: Certain medications — including over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and aspirin; tricyclic antidepressants; and some blood pressure and heart medications — are known to irritate the esophagus, resulting in heartburn or increasing the severity of GERD.

Food and drinks that are known to trigger heartburn include:

Citrus fruits like oranges, limes, and lemons

Many people are able to manage mild or occasional heartburn with small changes to their routine or habits. Here are some steps to take as a starting point.

Many health experts suggest eating at least three to four hours before going to bed so that your stomach has time to empty.

Eating smaller portions or having multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than a few larger ones may help prevent heartburn.

In addition to avoiding triggers like onions, tomatoes, and spicy or acidic foods, eating certain foods may help you manage heartburn discomfort. Oatmeal and whole grains can absorb and reduce acid. Replacing full-fat dairy products with low-fat ones is often another effective preventative measure.

Some people find that belts and tight clothing can trigger their acid reflux.

Slouching may put additional pressure on your abdomen, which can in turn cause acid to enter the esophagus. Try to sit straight and maintain an upright position.

If you frequently experience heartburn, lying flat on your back likely isn’t the best sleep position. For relief, elevate your upper body as much as possible with a wedge pillow or by adjusting the settings on your bed, if possible.

Over-the-counter medications for heartburn

Along with the above changes to lifestyle habits, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help manage mild cases of heartburn. Three types of OTCs are frequently used to treat heartburn: antacids, acid blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

OTC antacids including Tums®, Rolaids®, Maalox®, and Gaviscon® relieve heartburn by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach.

In some cases, these medications may cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. They aren’t recommended for those with symptoms of appendicitis or bowel inflammation. Consult with your doctor in advance about the best way to take these medications.

OTC acid blockers including Pepcid AC® and Tagamet HB® block production of stomach acid to relieve heartburn and other digestive issues.

Your provider may advise you to take antacids when you first begin to take an acid blocker. Antacids are faster-acting and can help relieve heartburn discomfort while acid blocker effects begin. Always follow your doctor’s directions. In most cases, an antacid is taken an hour before or an hour after taking an acid blocker. 

Stronger acid blockers are available by prescription only.

Proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec® also block production of stomach acid.

Purchase pharmacy essentials like Tums and Prilosec through the Alto Essentials store in our mobile app!

If OTC medications don’t ease your heartburn, your provider may prescribe you a medication. There are two main classes of prescription medications for heartburn.

Prescription-strength acid blockers including Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac® offer a higher dose than their OTC counterparts to relieve more severe heartburn and treat GERD.

Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors including Aciphex®, Nexium®, Prevacid®, Prilosec, and Protonix® are highly effective at blocking production of stomach acid.

When should I speak to a doctor about heartburn?

It typically isn’t advised to use any OTC heartburn medication for longer than two weeks without speaking to your doctor.

You should also speak to your doctor about your heartburn if your stool is darker than usual or you’re experiencing vomiting in addition to other symptoms.

Some heartburn medications including Tums and Prilosec are available for purchase in the Essentials Store in the Alto app. You can also add these products to your order when scheduling your medication delivery.

If your treatment plan includes a prescription medication, we’ll make it as simple as possible to manage, with free-same day delivery and support with insurance and savings opportunities.

Reach out with any questions by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, increasing your risk for unexpected bone fractures, often of the hip, wrist, or spine. It affects an estimated 200 million people around the world, including 54 million individuals in the U.S. Though it isn’t curable, there are a variety of treatment options that can help protect and strengthen your bones. Read on to learn about the leading causes and treatment options of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis, Explained | Alto Pharmacy

Your bones are constantly changing. When you’re young, new bone forms more quickly than old bone is lost, increasing your overall bone mass. This process starts to slow over time — typically beginning in your early 20s — and as you age, the reverse happens. Old bone disintegrates more quickly than new bone develops, decreasing your overall bone mass.

For those with osteoporosis, these changes are more pronounced, with lower than average bone mass and density. The inside of healthy bone resembles a honeycomb or a sponge, with many tiny holes. Osteoporosis, which means “porous bone,” gradually increases the size of these holes, lowering bone density and strength. As bones grow weak, brittle, and more porous, they become increasingly susceptible to fractures.

The condition is progressive. Without effective treatment, it may worsen, increasing your risk of a fracture. In cases of severe osteoporosis, even sneezing or minor bumps can fracture bone.

Osteoporosis is often preceded by a condition called osteopenia, which is characterized by less severe loss of bone density. Not all cases of osteopenia progress into osteoporosis, and simple lifestyle changes can help protect your bones and preserve bone mass. Regular bone density tests every two to three years are also an important component of osteoporosis prevention.

Sometimes referred to as a silent disease, osteoporosis often presents without noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include the following:

Posture changes such as stooping or bending forward

Since osteoporosis isn’t always accompanied by symptoms, it’s important to stay on track with bone density screenings as you age, especially if you are at increased risk for the condition. Many people first learn that they have osteoporosis after a fracture. If you have a family history of osteoporosis or a related health condition (see below), speak with a healthcare provider about your risk and recommended screenings.

Osteoporosis may be caused by a variety of factors, both preventable and non-preventable. Age and sex play the greatest role in the condition’s development. The condition affects women four times more often than men, and postmenopausal women have the highest risk of developing osteoporosis. This is due to how decreased estrogen levels after menopause alter the rhythm of bone remodeling, in addition to the overall aging-related loss of bone mass.

Though osteoporosis affects more women than men, everyone’s risk increases with age. Men over the age of 50 are significantly more susceptible to osteoporosis-induced bone breaks or fractures than those of a younger age.

The following factors may also contribute to the development of osteoporosis:

Bone structure and body weight — those with less body weight don’t have as much bone to lose and face a higher risk for osteoporosis.

Other health conditions including overactive thyroid, parathyroid, or adrenal glands; celiac disease; and inflammatory bowel disease

Previous hormone treatment, including for breast or prostate cancer or an irregular menstrual cycle

Previous bariatric surgery or organ transplant

Lifestyle factors including a history of smoking, alcohol use, a sedentary lifestyle, or calcium or vitamin D insufficiency

Bone mineral density (BMD) tests — also known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) scans — are used to identify bone health issues in advance as well as to diagnose osteoporosis. 

A DEXA scan uses small amounts of radiation to assess the solidity of spine, hip, and wrist bones. Regular X-rays can only detect osteoporosis in more advanced stages.

This screening is recommended for all women over the age of 65 and all men over the age of 70, regardless of other risk factors. It may be recommended for postmenopausal women and men between 50-70 years old if other risk factors are present. Consult with your doctor about your preventative health needs and recommended screenings.

Treatment for osteoporosis varies by individual. Your doctor will make tailored recommendations about medications, diet, and exercise based on your needs. A treatment plan may include the following components.

Oral and injectable bisphosphonates, which prevent the loss of bone mass, are commonly prescribed for osteoporosis. Examples include:

Hormone therapy including estrogen and testosterone can also stop bone density loss. Estrogen has been associated with an increased risk for blood clots, certain cancers, and heart disease, and is typically reserved for younger women or women with menopause symptoms.

A medication called raloxifene (Evista®) offers similar benefits as estrogen therapy, but without many of the above risks. However, it is also associated with a higher risk of blood clots.

Three anabolic agents — romososumab-aqqg (Evenity®), teriparatide (Forteo®), and abaloparatide (Tymlos®) — are FDA-approved to treat osteoporosis. These medications support new bone formation and are administered as injections.

A biologic called denosumab (Prolia®) may be prescribed if other treatments aren’t effective. It is administered as an injection every six months.

There’s anecdotal evidence that some supplements can support bone health, however, research is still evolving, and few studies formally support the effectiveness of supplements. Speak with your doctor before taking supplements, as they may cause side effects or interact with other medications.

Nutrition significantly affects bone strength and health. Calcium and vitamin D are the two most important nutrients for managing osteoporosis. Calcium helps maintain strong bones and vitamin D allows your body to absorb calcium.

Nutritious sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin D can be found in trout, salmon, and vitamin D-fortified milk and cereal. Some individuals get some of their vitamin D from sunlight, though this depends on your location and exposure to sunlight.

The recommended daily intakes for calcium and vitamin D vary by individual. General guidelines are below, but always check with your provider about your recommended intake.

Women with postmenopausal osteoporosis: 1200 mg of calcium and 800 international units of vitamin D

Women with premenopausal osteoporosis or men with osteoporosis: 1000 mg of calcium and 600 international units of vitamin D

Some evidence suggests that excess calcium consumption may cause kidney stones, calcium accumulation in blood vessels, and constipation. Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking supplements.

Other nutrients that promote bone health include:

Magnesium - found in whole grains and dark green leafy vegetables

Vitamin K - found in dark green leafy vegetables and canola oil

Zinc - found in whole grains, poultry, and nuts

Exercise is also part of living with osteoporosis. While certain types of exercise should be avoided given the risk for injuries, others offer many benefits for those with the condition.

Weight-bearing aerobic activities — performed on your feet — strengthen bones in your legs, hips, and lower spine. This includes walking, dancing, and low-impact aerobics.

It’s important to maintain good stability and balance. Try simple balancing exercises like standing on one leg or movement-based stability exercises, such as tai chi.

Unless otherwise informed by your doctor, avoid high-impact exercises and activities that involve frequent bending or twisting, as they may increase your risk of fractures. Always check with your doctor about which exercises are appropriate for you.

Take precautions to prevent falls both inside and outside of your home. You may wish to consult with your provider about whether or not they recommend an assistive device to improve balance and increase mobility.

Use the tips below as a starting point to prevent indoor and outdoor falls.

Avoid cleaning products that leave the floor slippery

Keep the area surrounding your house or apartment in good condition and free of clutter

The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) and American Bone Health offer support and community for individuals living with osteoporosis.

Life with osteoporosis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have, from medication side effects to navigating lifestyle changes. In addition, we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

With many variables involved in an individual’s fertility, learning more about your reproductive health can help you manage expectations about your body’s response to fertility treatment. The anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test, which measures your body’s levels of a hormone associated with ovarian reserve, is one potential source of information for those experiencing infertility.

AMH Testing in Fertility Treatment

While the AMH test can reveal certain factors related to your reproductive health, it is not relevant to all aspects of fertility, or all types of fertility issues. Here’s more about the AMH test, including what it can and can’t tell you.

Anti-mullerian hormone is a hormone that affects how a baby’s reproductive organs develop while in the womb. Male babies have higher levels of AMH than female babies.

AMH is also related to a woman’s ovarian reserve. Cells inside the ovarian follicles — fluid-filled sacs that release an egg during ovulation — produce AMH. An individual's levels of AMH correspond to their egg count, with higher levels of the hormone typically indicating a higher ovarian reserve.

Unlike many other hormones related to reproductive health, AMH levels remain steady throughout an individual’s menstrual cycle. This means that you can have your AMH levels measured at any time, unlike some other fertility-related blood tests.

An AMH test is a blood test that measures your levels of AMH, revealing the approximate number of eggs in your ovarian reserve that may be used for ovulation. It provides a snapshot into one aspect of your fertility, rather than a precise look at the whole picture.

The AMH test consists of a simple blood draw. It typically takes about a week for test results to arrive. There are at-home AMH tests available, however, it is important to discuss the results with a healthcare provider.

Below are general ranges of AMH levels, measured in nanograms per milliliter. Your provider can give you a clearer sense of what your AMH levels indicate.

An AMH test is an indication of the number of eggs remaining in your ovarian reserve. This is particularly relevant to in vitro fertilization (IVF), since one goal of IVF is to retrieve as many mature eggs for fertilization as possible. Your AMH test results may also inform your individual medication protocol for IVF, as they can help your provider anticipate your body’s response to ovarian stimulation medication.

The AMH test can also indicate the pace at which your ovaries are aging.

While AMH levels are helpful for determining egg quantity, they do not reveal anything about the quality of your eggs. Egg quantity factors into IVF success rates — the more eggs retrieved, the higher your chances are of producing multiple healthy embryos that may be placed into the uterus — but quality is also extremely important. It is possible to have a low ovarian reserve but a high percentage of viable eggs, in which case a successful IVF cycle would be more likely.

It is also possible to experience infertility despite having normal AMH levels. Other factors that may affect your ability to conceive include your age, lifestyle habits, ovulation disorders, uterine abnormalities, and endometriosis, among others. Sperm count and mobility also factor into a couple’s fertility. There are many diagnostic tests a reproductive specialist may use to evaluate your remaining egg supply and recommend the best treatment plan.

Read Infertility, Explained for a more comprehensive overview of common fertility issues.

A fertility pharmacy partner you can rely on

At Alto, we’re here for you at every step of your fertility journey. We offer free same-day delivery of your medications, with discreet packaging, fertility resources like personalized injection guide videos and one-on-one consultations with fertility-trained pharmacists, and support with insurance and savings opportunities.

To learn more about how Alto can support your fertility treatment, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Since the beginning, Alto has delivered a full-service pharmacy experience straight to your doorstep. With the launch of Essentials from Alto, we’re now covering even more of your pharmacy needs.

This new offering gives you the option to purchase essential pharmacy items in the Alto app along with your prescription medication, from Tums® and Tylenol® to Covid tests, face masks, and more. It’s all part of our promise to make it easy to prioritize your health and wellness — and to keep you out of long pharmacy lines, of course.

Introducing Essentials from Alto

Since the beginning, Alto has delivered a full-service pharmacy experience straight to your doorstep. With the launch of Essentials from Alto, we’re now covering even more of your pharmacy needs.

This new offering gives you the option to purchase essential pharmacy items right from your Alto account, from Tums® and Tylenol® to Covid tests, face masks, and more. It’s all part of our promise to make it easy to prioritize your health and wellness — and to keep you out of long pharmacy lines, of course.

You can browse our Essentials Store by tapping the "Store" icon along the bottom of the Alto mobile app or the "Store" icon in your account on desktop.  

Essentials from Alto is a curated collection of over 50 widely used pharmacy products, conveniently featured in the Alto app. 

At Alto, customers always come first, with all of our services designed to support your health and wellness. When developing Essentials from Alto, we made sure to include both general use items as well as products related to our core therapeutic areas.

Items available for purchase include but are not limited to:

Allergy & asthma essentials including Claritin®, Flonase®, Benadryl®, and Allegra®

Cough & cold essentials including Nyquil® and Dayquil®

Covid care essentials including rapid antigen tests and medical-grade face masks

Diabetes care essentials including glucose tablets

Digestive health essentials including Tums, Gas-X®, and stool softeners

Pain & fever relief essentials including Advil® and Tylenol

Vitamin & supplement essentials including vitamin D, vitamin C, fish oil, melatonin, and prenatal vitamins

You can order Essentials products whenever you need them, or add them to your next prescription delivery.

As a reminder, your payment method options include Apple Pay, FSA/HSA, debit and credit cards, and automatic funds transfer.

To schedule a delivery, pick the day and delivery window that works best and let us know if we should bring your order to your home or office. You can designate a safe place for packages to be left if you won’t be home. 

Get tips for an easy Alto delivery experience.

We designed Essentials from Alto to better serve customers like you, and your feedback is key to improving the experience.

We’ll continue to refine our assortment of pharmacy essentials as we go. If there’s a particular product you’d like to see in the shop, we’re all ears. Send us a message at feedback@alto.com. 

At Alto, we’re more than just a pharmacy — we’re a partner in your health. We go above and beyond to get you the medication you need at the best price possible.

Free, same-day delivery is only the beginning. Our pharmacists are available until 9 pm PST on weeknights and 6 pm PST on weekends to answer any questions you have about your medication. We also offer support with insurance and finding the best price possible on your prescriptions.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881 to learn more or transfer your prescriptions to Alto.

A Full Pharmacy At Your Doorstep: Introducing Essentials from Alto

About 9% of men and 11% of women in the U.S. have faced fertility issues. These challenges may feel overwhelming, but there are a variety of treatment options for both male and female infertility to support your family building journey.

Here’s an overview of the causes and symptoms of male and female infertility and common fertility treatments.

Infertility, Explained

About 9% of men and 11% of women in the U.S. have faced fertility issues. These challenges may feel overwhelming, but there are a variety of treatment options for both male and female infertility to support your family building journey.

Here’s an overview of the causes and symptoms of male and female infertility and common fertility treatments.

Infertility, defined as the inability to get pregnant after twelve months or more of unprotected sex, is a health condition that affects both men and women. Approximately one-third of infertility cases stem from a female reproductive factor, one-third stem from a male reproductive factor, and one-third stem from a combination of both or unknown causes.

These are some common causes of female infertility.

The majority of female infertility cases are caused by problems with ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovaries. There are several causes of ovulation disorders, including the following.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by a hormone imbalance that impacts ovulation. It is the leading cause of female infertility.

Excessive exercise, eating disorders, or stress, each of which can result in hormonal imbalances

Primary ovarian insufficiency, sometimes referred to as premature ovarian failure

Fallopian tube damage or blockage can prevent sperm from reaching an egg, or fertilized eggs from attaching to the uterus. Common causes of fallopian tube damage or blockage include pelvic inflammatory disease — an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes from chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other sexually transmitted infections — or a prior surgery in the abdomen or pelvis, including surgery for ectopic pregnancy.

Uterine or cervical issues such as the following can disrupt the implantation of an egg into the uterus or increase a woman’s risk for miscarriage.

Benign polyps or fibroids may block fallopian tubes or interfere with the implantation of an embryo. However, many women with these growths are able to conceive.

Structural issues with the uterus that are present at birth

Cervical stenosis, a narrowing of the cervix

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that should only grow in the uterus implants and grows elsewhere. The abnormal tissue growth — as well as surgical procedures to remove it — can block the fallopian tubes, preventing the fertilization of an egg. In some cases, endometriosis may interfere with implantation of the fertilized egg, or embryo.

Male infertility is most often an issue of sperm production — including the quantity and quality of sperm produced — or of sperm mobility, which affects the sperm’s ability to find and fertilize an egg. A blockage in the testicle or damage to the reproductive organs can also contribute to male infertility.

Age is a factor in both male and female fertility issues. The quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs begin to decline as she enters her mid-thirties, and age factors into the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Many individuals and couples first learn of a fertility issue after trying to conceive without success, and the primary symptom of infertility is the inability to get pregnant. There aren’t always noticeable symptoms, but the following may indicate an underlying fertility problem.

A menstrual cycle that’s irregular, absent, longer than 35 days, or less than 21 days

Unusually light or heavy bleeding during menstrual cycles

Erectile dysfunction or low sex drive in men

The timeline for seeking fertility treatment depends on your age. If you are under the age of 35, most health experts suggest consulting a reproductive specialist after a year of trying to conceive. If you are between 35 and 40, you may want to pursue testing or treatment after six months of trying to become pregnant. And if you are over 40, you may want to pursue testing or treatment before you start trying to conceive.

An evaluation for fertility issues and potential treatment begins with a conversation about your health history. Several tests may be used during the diagnostic process, including the following.

An hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an x-ray taken to examine issues within the uterus and fallopian tubes

Blood tests to measure hormone levels related to fertility and reproduction

Ovarian reserve testing, which evaluates the number of viable eggs in your ovarian reserve. These are typically used for women over 35 or those at risk of a low egg count for other reasons.

A semen test is used to diagnose most cases of male infertility. This identifies how many sperm you produce and whether the sperm are normal in shape and movement — healthy sperm have an oval head and long tail. In some cases, additional blood tests and/or genital ultrasounds may be used to rule out other health conditions.

Fertility problems do not mean that you won’t be able to have children biologically. There are many treatment options that can help increase your chances of conception. The most effective course of treatment depends on the underlying cause of your or your partner’s fertility issues. These are among the most common fertility treatments.

Forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART) including in vitro fertilization (IVF), a process in which eggs and sperm are fertilized in a laboratory and then placed into the uterus with the potential outcome of a pregnancy. In addition to treating female infertility, IVF can also be used when male infertility is a factor.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of artificial insemination in which sperm that have been washed and concentrated are placed directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation.

Injectable fertility medications including gonadotropins and oral fertility medications such as Clomid® and Femara® can treat fertility-related hormonal imbalances.

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes or treating a related health condition.

Since 2016, Alto has supported more than 50,000 fertility journeys. We understand that fertility treatment is a significant investment — physically, emotionally, and financially — and we see ourselves as a partner in your health.

We offer free, same-day delivery seven days a week and temperature controlled packaging to ensure that your fertility medications always arrive in the right condition. And our fertility-trained pharmacists are available until 9 pm PST (12 midnight EST) on weeknights to offer any support you need.

Reach out any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

Many of us are familiar with the disappointment of a failed New Year’s resolution. Only 35% of Americans who made one in 2020 kept at it until the end of the year, and a study from 2015 found that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February.

The Science of Habit-Forming

Since healthy lifestyle choices are a key part of preventing or managing many chronic conditions, it’s important to continue working toward your health and wellness goals, no matter how frustrating it may feel. And while giving up old habits or cultivating new ones is never easy, you have more control over this process than it may seem.

Habits don’t start from nothing. They are a three-part psychological process of triggers, actions, and rewards, often referred to as the habit loop. This process can unfold passively, as if you’re on autopilot when engaging in many familiar behaviors. But fortunately for those with new habit goals, the habit loop can also be a more intentional rewiring of your brain to turn aspirations into lasting change. Here’s how.

As humans, we’re wired to search for feel-good experiences (and quick hits of dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical). Habits are born when the brain recognizes a connection between action and reward. It stores this information in a region of the brain called the basal ganglia. Unlike the prefrontal cortex, the area of your brain that makes conscious decisions, what happens in the basal ganglia is largely beyond your conscious control. That’s why it can be so challenging to break an old habit: sometimes you don’t even realize you’re doing it.

Cue — a stimulus, like a certain location, smell, person, or emotional state, sends the brain into autopilot and motivates you to act.

Action — you then perform a repeated behavior associated with the cue.

Blog

Why It’s Never Too Early to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies

How to Prevent or Treat Heartburn

Osteoporosis, Explained

AMH Testing in Fertility Treatment

A Full Pharmacy At Your Doorstep: Introducing Essentials from Alto

Infertility, Explained

The Science of Habit-Forming

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