Throughout life, I've often found myself questioning why certain situations arise. It's a natural instinct to seek understanding in the face of life's uncertainties. However, with age and experience, I've come to realize that not all questions have clear answers. Accepting that some events in life are beyond our comprehension can be incredibly hard. A growing number of women are facing one such challenge: autoimmune infertility.
Fortunately, some individuals are determined to find answers. Having faced my own challenges with reproductive health, I empathize with others navigating these obstacles. That's why I admire Caryn Johnson, the co-founder and CEO of BOND, a pioneering line of supplements aimed at reshaping reproductive wellness. Like many women entrepreneurs, Johnson's journey to establish this brand stemmed from her personal experiences related to hormone health.
Before meeting Johnson for matcha lattes at The Hoxton in Chicago a few weeks ago, I had limited knowledge about autoimmune infertility. Sadly, this lack of awareness reflects the relatively recent emergence of research in this area, which forced Johnson to seek solutions on her own. Her journey not only led to the birth of her two children, Elijah and Ruthie, but also to the creation of BOND. Through targeted supplements and informative content, the brand is redefining our understanding of our bodies and lives.
From Personal Struggles to Brand Creation
Johnson has a wealth of experience in the supplement industry. In a crowded market, setting oneself apart can be challenging. However, her background as the former Chief Marketing Officer at Vital Proteins, combined with her personal connection to the issues BOND addresses, has resulted in an engaging founding story and a product line that truly impacts lives.
In our discussion, Johnson and I explored the complexities of autoimmune fertility, delving into her personal experiences, the origins of BOND, and proactive measures women can take to tackle these challenges.
Caryn Johnson is the Co-Founder and CEO of BOND, a groundbreaking line of supplements focusing on hormone and reproductive health, inspired by her own infertility journey. Launched in Fall 2023, BOND merges her professional knowledge with her commitment to empowering women in managing their reproductive health.
Understanding Autoimmune Infertility
“When it comes to traditional infertility, the focus is often on the reproductive system as the source of the issue,” Johnson explains. “With autoimmune infertility, the immune system plays a distinct role separate from reproductive health.” This distinction is crucial as it highlights the complexities involved in addressing the underlying factors that hinder our reproductive goals.
Johnson elaborates, “Fertility requires the body to adapt to its environment. During pregnancy, the body undergoes a semi-allogenic learning process with the blastocyst, necessitating a series of immune reactions to accept it. Many of these immune responses are unfamiliar to the body at this stage.”
Complications can occur when the immune system struggles to accommodate these changes, which can hinder fertility. “In my case,” Johnson shares, “my immune system reacted negatively, causing my body to reject the pregnancies as foreign, rather than supporting them.”
In summary, autoimmune infertility examines the interplay between two bodily systems, assessing how they work together to achieve conception and sustain a pregnancy.
Johnson’s Experience with Autoimmune Infertility
“Initially, I faced difficulties in getting pregnant,” Johnson recalls. “However, when we began IUIs and IVFs, the results were promising, and my body responded well.” She noted that her fallopian tubes were clear, and her reproductive system appeared healthy. At that point, she found herself at a standstill with doctors, who couldn't determine the cause of her failed cycles. “Despite the IVF efforts, we were left without answers. I had to find a solution myself.”
This was back in 2017, a time when discussions about women's reproductive health were still limited. To seek answers, Johnson turned to the book Is Your Body Baby-Friendly? by Dr. Alan Beer.
She immersed herself in the book, realizing that her challenges stemmed from her digestive health. “My hormones were imbalanced, yet I hadn’t connected this to my fertility issues.” Her research led her to a reproductive immunologist. After enduring a lengthy waitlist and undergoing tests, she learned she had exceptionally high antibody levels in her blood.
“Luckily, they knew how to treat it.”
“My practical advice is to prioritize your body, hormones, and reproductive health, regardless of whether you're planning for a baby at this moment.”
Seeking Solutions
Even though her doctors suggested canceling her IVF, she was already on medication and ready for the next attempt. “I ended up conceiving twins. I lost my daughter at eight weeks but carried my son to 35 weeks. He’s now five.”
“After that, I lost another baby, and that’s when we decided to stop trying,” she reflects. “Ruth, my second daughter, was born via surrogate—a choice made to safeguard our mental well-being. Once Ruth arrived, I felt complete. I gained so much knowledge, yet there remains a vast unknown for many women.”
Advice for Women Facing Unknown or Autoimmune Infertility
“My best advice is to take care of your body, hormones, and reproductive health, regardless of your current baby plans.”
While some factors may be beyond your control, Johnson emphasizes that education and access to relevant resources can greatly enhance reproductive health. As discussions evolve to encompass a broader understanding of women's bodies, it's essential to approach reproductive care more holistically than before.
“Taking care of yourself now will benefit your cycle in ways you may not have yet realized. We must educate younger women and help them see the beauty in this journey.”
Genesis of BOND
Given her experiences with autoimmune infertility, Johnson recognized the gap between research and what medical professionals could provide for their patients. “I wanted to bridge that gap and help people understand these fertility factors more quickly,” she shares. “That’s how the inspiration for the brand emerged.”
Through extensive research, consultations with physicians, and her background at Vital Proteins, Johnson successfully launched BOND in 2023. Her goal is to offer effective, accessible supplements for anyone with a reproductive cycle, not just those trying to conceive.
Lifestyle Practices for Hormone Health
Johnson's dedication to reproductive and hormone health shines through in our conversation. Through BOND and her advocacy, she aims to change the narrative surrounding menstrual cycles. Instead of stigma, she celebrates the diverse ways our bodies engage with the world.
In addition to supplementation, lifestyle choices are crucial for maintaining hormone balance. Johnson's top recommendation? Track your cycle. This practice helps you identify how to best support your body through food choices, exercise, and even your social calendar. “It’s about creating equilibrium where your body needs it,” Johnson explains, “and allowing it to reset without guilt.” We've created a thorough guide to cycle syncing to help you begin.
Moreover, protein intake is vital. “Ensure you're consuming adequate protein. Avoid excessive sugar, especially on an empty stomach, as it significantly impacts hormone health,” she emphasizes. Want to know how much protein you should have? Check out our nutritionist-backed guide. We also have plenty of recipes for breakfast, dinner, snacks, and budget-friendly meals.
Ultimately, Johnson concludes, understanding your body is key. Discover what supports you best and let those insights lead your wellness journey.
Download our cycle syncing planner to enhance your well-being throughout the month.
