Podcasts about FSH

This week, Ali sits down with Savannah Bisby, who shares her infertility story on IG @infertilityfriends, to talk about Savannah's journey so far. She's still in the thick of it, battling endometriosis, doing five IUIs (including double inseminations), a laparoscopy, and taking a deep dive into reproductive immunology. Savannah talks about the emotional whiplash of infertility, including embryo transfer decisions and finding herself on a bachelorette party while waiting for beta results, suspended between hope and dread. Savannah also talks about how Inito, an at-home fertility monitor that tracks your hormones, has helped on her journey, how she finally became pregnant and navigated a devastating loss, and why the summer of 2025 became a heartbreak she and her husband will never forget. Her story is still unfolding, and we are rooting so hard for our sweet friend. Follow Savannah on IG: @infertilityfriendsEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipINITOhttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFIG: @initofertiilityFor years, clinical labs were the only way to get a clear view of your hormone levels and ovulation patterns. But for many people in the trying to conceive community—especially those with hormone imbalances or conditions like PCOS—frequent lab visits can be costly, inconvenient, and take up a ton of time. This is why I'm excited to tell you about Inito, which is unlike anything else out there. Inito is an at-home fertility monitor that tracks all four key hormones—Estrogen, LH, FSH, and PdG—on a single test strip. Instead of piecing together fragments of info, Inito offers a full, clear picture of your hormone health through a data chart and clear insights that are unique to your body and your cycle.The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code INFERTILEAF at ihttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFEXTEND FERTILITY IG: @extendfertilitywww.extendfertility.comFertility shouldn't be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you're preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they're here with expert support every step of the way. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trying to conceive can feel like a never-ending cycle of guessing, hoping, and waiting. In today's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what I'm doing differently as my husband and I begin trying for baby #3. I share my personal fertility journey—from battling infertility and IVF to welcoming two miracle girls—and why this season feels different. This time, I'm pairing faith with science by using Inito, the at-home fertility monitor that tracks four key hormones for a full picture of your cycle. No more squinting at test strips or relying on app predictions. Inito has given me clarity, peace of mind, and a six-day fertile window backed by real data. But more than that, I'll walk you through the biblical perspective that shapes how I use tools like this: stewarding my body wisely, trusting God fully, and remembering that faith and science are not enemies. If you've ever felt like you're missing something or wasting precious cycles, this episode is for you. You'll walk away with practical TTC tools, spiritual encouragement, and a reminder that even in the waiting, God is good. ----more---- Try Inito THE Fertility Tool you Need - as shared today, this is the tool I just started using as we begin preparing for conceiving baby 3!! The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code THEWAITINGWELL at inito.com - this is the tool you HAVE to have: Your very own fertility lab that measures actual values of Estrogen and LH to predict your fertile days, PdG (urine metabolite of progesterone) to confirm ovulation and FSH to track your follicle growth.    ✨ Plus, I'm sharing an exciting announcement about my brand-new mini course, Peace in the Wait — created just for women in the two week wait after ovulation, IUI, or IVF. If you're longing for daily encouragement and structure to stay grounded in truth, this will bless you deeply.

If you've been diagnosed with low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), or have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or failed IVF, you may be wondering if natural killer (NK) cells are playing a role. In this episode, Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile, explains what NK cells are, when testing may be helpful, and why many reproductive endocrinologists dismiss it. You'll hear how functional fertility strategies, addressing inflammation, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and immune balance; differ from conventional medicine and can improve egg quality, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. We also cover what progressive fertility clinics are doing, what the research says, and how to decide if immunotherapy or intralipids are right for you. This episode is for you if you've had multiple implantation failures or miscarriages, feel dismissed by “normal” test results, and want evidence-based options to support your fertility journey.

In dieser Folge spreche ich mit Annett – psycho-onkologische Begleiterin und aktive Stimme in der Frauenselbsthilfe (FSH). Wir gehen ihren Weg seit der Brustkrebs-Diagnose im Juni 2018, sprechen über Lymphödem, Fatigue, Depression, BRCA1-Mutation und warum Selbsthilfe kein „Jammer-Stuhlkreis“ ist, sondern echte Stärke schenkt. Außerdem: Warum Achtsamkeit & Meditation nicht immer Lotus-Sitz bedeuten – manchmal reicht eine stille Tasse Kaffee. Highlights: • Diagnose 2018: Chemo (4×EC, 12×Taxane), drei OPs, Bestrahlung – und die Entscheidung zur Mastektomie • Unerwartet: BRCA1 (väterliche Linie) → Eierstocksentfernung & Wechseljahre „von 100 auf 0“ • Sofortiges Lymphödem trotz weniger entnommener Lymphknoten – Alltag mit Kompression & Physio • Depression offen ansprechen: Was wirklich hilft – und was nicht • Rente: Widerspruch bis vors Sozialgericht – warum Dranbleiben sich lohnt • Vom Teilnehmer zur Leiterin einer bundesweiten Online-FSH-Gruppe & Ausbildung zur psycho-onkologischen Begleiterin, plus Achtsamkeit/Meditation Hör rein, teil die Folge mit Menschen, die Mut brauchen – und vernetze dich mit Annett & der FSH. https://www.instagram.com/anettkaczmarek/ https://www.instagram.com/fsh_krebs/ „Krebs als zweite Chance- Der Mutmacher Podcast“ auf Apple Podcasts Krebs als zweite Chance- Der Mutmacher Podcast | Podcast on Spotify https://www.instagram.com/kendrazwiefka/ https://www.youtube.com/@krebsalszweitechancebykend6055

Fertility Docs Uncensored is back with a deep dive into the endometrium—your uterine lining and a key player in fertility. Hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, this episode answers listener questions and unpacks everything you need to know about this important tissue. The docs start with uterine artery embolization and how it can impact future pregnancies—touching on risks like decreased blood flow to the baby, stillbirth, and placenta increta. They also explore different endometrial biopsies (Receptiva, ALICE, EMMA, and ERA) and how they help evaluate the lining. Endometritis and polyps are also on the table: what they mean, how often they appear, and why treatment is often recommended. The docs start with uterine artery embolization and how it can impact future pregnancies—touching on risks like decreased blood flow to the baby, stillbirth, and placenta increta. They also explore different endometrial biopsies (Receptiva, ALICE, EMMA, and ERA) and how they help evaluate the lining. Endometritis and polyps are also on the table: what they mean, how often they appear, and why treatment is often recommended. You'll also hear about stimulation options using estrogen patches or FSH, the use of modified natural cycles, and the role of hormones like prolactin and thyroid in cycle length. Even weight changes can alter hormones and ovulation. Finally, the docs explain endometrial thickness and the relationship to frozen embryo transfer (FET) success rates. Tune in for this essential guide to all things endometrium! This podcast was sponsored by Shady Grove Fertility.

Do you ever feel like your whole life is on pause while you're trying to conceive? Maybe you find yourself asking, “Should I plan that trip?” or “What if I'm pregnant by then?” Living in limbo can leave you exhausted, anxious, and unsure of how to move forward. In today's episode, we're talking about how to make plans while you're waiting—without fear, guilt, or the constant “what if” game. You'll hear both biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you enjoy your life, hold your plans with open hands, and trust God's timing for your family. ✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why Scripture encourages us to plan with humility and trust (James 4:13–15; Proverbs 16:9) How to live fully and joyfully in the waiting, instead of putting life on pause Practical strategies for planning trips, events, and commitments while TTC Encouragement to delight in the present season, knowing God's timing is always perfect Whether you're in month 3 or year 6 of waiting, this episode will help you release the fear of “messing up the timing” and step into abundant life—even before the pregnancy test turns positive. ----more---- Try Inito THE Fertility Tool you Need - as shared today, this is the tool I just started using as we begin preparing for conceiving baby 3!! The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code THEWAITINGWELL at inito.com - this is the tool you HAVE to have: Your very own fertility lab that measures actual values of Estrogen and LH to predict your fertile days, PdG (urine metabolite of progesterone) to confirm ovulation and FSH to track your follicle growth.  ----more----   Enroll in Peace in the Wait: A Christ-Centered Approach to the Two Week Wait Mini Course: https://stan.store/coduinker/p/peace-in-the-wait  This Christ-centered 14-day mini-course is designed to help Christian women in the Two Week Wait move from anxious spiraling and restless uncertainty to a place of peace, steadiness, and holy confidence in God's timing—whether the test turns positive or not. Here's what you'll receive: ✅ 14 days of powerful audio devotionals to renew your mind with God's truth ✅ A guided journal with scripture-based reflection prompts for each day ✅ Practical tools to take every thought captive and calm anxious spirals ✅ Worship and prayer resources to help you anchor your hope in Christ ✅ Fertility-friendly meal plan to nourish your body during the wait ✅ Lifetime access to all materials so you can revisit each cycle ✅ A safe space to shift from anxiety ground to holy ground in your wait Cost:

If you're facing low AMH, high FSH, DOR, POI, or recurrent pregnancy loss, this episode is for you. We're diving into hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), a key, often overlooked marker of inflammation, and why it matters for fertility. Learn how chronic inflammation impacts egg quality, implantation, and embryo health, why hsCRP testing is often missed in conventional care, and what functional labs can reveal. We'll also cover homocysteine, ANA, and natural killer cells, plus practical strategies to reduce inflammation and clotting risks for you and your partner. I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile, and for over a decade, my team has helped 100's of couples improve fertility naturally or through IVF using functional testing and personalized strategies. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hsCRP testing is critical yet often overlooked in fertility care How systemic inflammation affects eggs, implantation, embryos, and male fertility Other hidden markers, homocysteine, ANA, NK cells, that can influence fertility outcomes Functional fertility strategies to lower inflammation, including diet, gut health, stress support, supplements, and hormone optimization Real-world case studies showing how addressing inflammation improved fertility, even with low AMH or DOR

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupDr. Amy Beckley shares how her personal fertility struggles and scientific background led her to create Proov—a direct‑to‑consumer hormone testing platform that helps women measure PdG (progesterone metabolite), LH, estrogen, and FSH at home. The test, paired with a mobile app, provides an Ovulation Score and personalized guidance, aiming to shift women's health from reactive to proactive.Key Insights:Hormone imbalance affects ~80% of women (PMS, PCOS, infertility, perimenopause). Proov enables these women to spot issues early.Pioneer in FDA‑cleared PdG testing and companion app delivering quantitative hormone data.Early adopters came from fertility awareness communities—not what Amy expected, but critical to traction.Healthcare is not proactive—Proov aims to fill that gap with data, empowerment, and streamlined care via digital prescription options.Business strategy: Lean launch, Amazon traction, VC funding, packaging, internal app team (rather than outsourcing), community listening.Why It Matters for DTC & Founders:A real example of transforming personal pain into scalable DTC medical tech.Demonstrates the push-and-pull between Amazon's convenience and owning the customer via an app/email funnel.Exemplifies iterative product development, regulatory rigor, and educational storytelling in complex health markets.Timestamps:00:00 — Breaking Healthcare & The Birth of Proov02:00 — Amy's Journey: Miscarriages, Science & Building the Product04:00 — Understanding Hormones, Fertility & Proactive Testing08:00 — Fertility Challenges, IVF Costs & Industry Gaps12:00 — Finding Early Adopters & Gaining Traction Through Communities16:00 — Birth Control, Hormonal Imbalances & Long-Term Impacts20:00 — Fundraising, Amazon Strategy & Owning the Customer26:00 — Marketing Challenges, Education & Growing Awareness30:00 — Building the Proov App & Scaling Technology32:00 — Future Growth Plans, Proactive Hormone Health & MissionHashtags:#DTCpodcast #Proov #FertilityAwareness #HormoneHealth #WomenInBusiness #HealthcareInnovation #DTCbrands #AmazonStrategy #StartupGrowth #WomensHealth Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Are you exhausted from tracking every cycle, researching every supplement, and still not seeing results? If you've been told you have low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, or even that donor eggs are your only option, this episode is for you. Here's what you'll learn: Why perfectionism, stress, and overthinking can silently sabotage egg quality, ovulation, and implantation. How chronic “control mode” keeps your body in fight-or-flight, blocking conception. Functional fertility insights that reveal hidden imbalances behind infertility. Simple nervous system and mindset tools to shift from stress to safety so your body feels ready to conceive.

Your relationship with light affects every hormone, every system, and literally how your cells function. Yet most of us have never given it a second thought. This week we're diving deep into light environment - what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts literally every system in your body. From hormone production to blood sugar management, your relationship with light is foundational to your health. Join us as we discuss the basics of optimizing your light exposure, plus some exciting tips you can start implementing today (for free!).   In this episode, you'll here about: What is Light Environment? Why Light Environment Matters Signs Your Light Environment Needs Work Foundational Light Environment Tips   Key Takeaways Your Light Environment Controls Every System in Your Body This isn't just about sleep - light exposure directly impacts hormone production (FSH, LH, cortisol, melatonin), blood sugar metabolism, gut health, fertility, and even cellular energy production. Blue Light at Night = Midday Signals to Your Body When you're scrolling your phone before bed, your body thinks it's noon and prepares for an active day instead of sleep. This suppresses melatonin production and increases cortisol, creating that "tired but wired" feeling. The solution: no phones 2-3 hours before bed and swap to red light in the evenings. Morning Sunlight is Your Free Circadian Reset Button Getting outside within 30 minutes of waking (even for just 2 minutes) tells every system in your body "it's morning, time to start the day." This sets your circadian clock, improves energy, primes your skin for later sun exposure, and costs absolutely nothing. It's the highest impact, lowest effort change you can make.   Recommended products: Shop at The Healthy Home: http://thehealthyhome.shop/KIRA and use code: KIRA for 10% off your purchase. Shop at Bon Charge:  https://boncharge.com/?rfsn=8175711.a1f762 and use code: KIRA for 15% off your purchase.   Want more from us? Visit our website: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/ Follow us on Instagram: @wellnesseffectpod Lacey Iskra - @laceeiskk Jensen - @wellnesswjensen Kira Iskra - @kiraiskk Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @wellnesseffectpod to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

Episode SummaryFertility testing can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even discouraging when you're not sure what the numbers mean. In this episode of Fertility Village Live, we welcome Dr. Rachel Corradetti-Sargeant, a naturopathic doctor with years of experience supporting fertility patients.Rachel specializes in a holistic, evidence-informed approach to fertility testing and treatment, helping patients understand their results while offering tools to address common hormonal and metabolic challenges. This episode takes a closer look at the tests most often ordered, how to interpret them with context, and what steps you can take when your results don't tell the full story.What You'll Hear in This Episode*Rachel's personal journey into supporting fertility patients*How naturopathic fertility testing differs from conventional care*The most common hormone tests and what they reveal about reproductive health*AMH, FSH, thyroid markers, and inflammation — what they mean and when to test*Why timing during the menstrual cycle matters for accuracy*The importance of interpreting test results holistically rather than in isolation*How to advocate for yourself when results come back “normal” but something still feels wrong*Practical lifestyle and nutrition recommendations that support hormone balanceKey Takeaways--Fertility testing isn't about one number or marker — it's about looking at the full picture--AMH and FSH are useful but limited without broader context--Inflammation and thyroid health are often overlooked but play a critical role in fertility outcomes--Patients have the right to ask more questions, seek further testing, and get clarity on their results--Holistic interpretation can provide reassurance and direction where numbers alone fall shortAbout Our GuestDr. Rachel Corradetti-Sargeant, ND is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a clinical focus on fertility, pregnancy, and women's health. Through her practice, she helps patients uncover the root causes of fertility challenges and supports them with personalized treatment plans that combine medical testing, nutrition, lifestyle, and naturopathic care.Website: rachelcorradetti.comInstagram: @dr.rachelcorradettiFinal Message“Your fertility journey is about more than numbers on a lab report. When testing feels overwhelming, remember: you can ask questions, you can advocate for yourself, and you are not alone.”Stay connected with Oasis Fertility Support Network at oasisfsn.com and follow us on Instagram @oasisfsnCatch up on past episodes of Fertility Village Live on Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

At 43, Valerie faced low AMH, high FSH, and two heartbreaking miscarriages. Doctors told her donor eggs were her only hope, but with the right testing, personalized support, and whole-body care, she conceived naturally. In this episode, I share how we uncovered hidden factors affecting her fertility, including thyroid imbalance, hormone metabolism, gut health, vaginal microbiome, and stress. We also discuss the critical role her partner's health played in their success. You'll learn: Why low AMH or high FSH doesn't have to end your fertility journey How gut, immune, and hormonal imbalances affect egg quality and implantation Functional strategies for couples trying naturally or preparing for IVF If you've struggled with diminished ovarian reserve, recurrent miscarriage, or confusing fertility advice, this episode will inspire you and show that even after setbacks, pregnancy is possible. Listen now and discover how small, targeted changes helped Valerie conceive naturally at 43. Take Action: If Valerie's story resonates with you, or you're struggling with low AMH, high FSH, recurrent miscarriage, or preparing for IVF, book a call. We'll review your history, uncover possible barriers, and help you create a personalized plan for your fertility goals: https://calendly.com/sarah-clark-2/15-minute-fertility-session?month=2025-08&date=2025-08-15 TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Low AMH Success Story Valerie conceives naturally with low AMH, high FSH, and diminished ovarian reserve. [01:00] Functional Fertility Testing Advanced lab testing, gut health, and partner-inclusive fertility strategies. [03:00] Hormone & Thyroid Optimization Supporting egg quality and ovulation with functional hormone care. [06:00] Gut Health & Food Sensitivities H. pylori, hidden gluten, and food triggers impacting fertility. [07:00] Male Fertility & Seminal Microbiome Improving sperm quality and reducing miscarriage risk. [08:00] Sleep & Stress Management Adrenal support, night sweats, and nutrient balance for conception. [09:00] Digestive Health & Hormone Balance Constipation, liver support, and gut infections affecting fertility. [10:00] Natural Pregnancy at 43 Achieving pregnancy despite low AMH, high FSH, and prior miscarriages. --- Rescources

Breast milk truly is liquid gold. Your body makes the perfect food for your baby, and pumping lets you give them that milk even when you are not there. Whether you plan to pump occasionally, pump at work after maternity leave, or build a freezer stash, this episode will walk you through how to make pumping easier, more efficient, and less stressful. We'll cover choosing and using a pump, building and storing your milk supply, navigating pumping at work, and keeping your supply steady. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/pumping/   Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: There are endless benefits to babywearing, from promoting bonding to giving you the ability to have your hands free as a busy parent. Oscha slings, wraps, and carriers are absolutely gorgeous and are ethically made in Scotland using the highest quality natural and organic yarns. From the newborn stage through toddlerhood, Oscha Slings are the most beautiful and comfortable solution for carrying your baby. New customers can get 10% off with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST at http://oschaslings.com/ Thank you to VTech for their support of this episode. VTech offers a wide range of baby monitors designed for today's modern parents. As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families to deliver crystal-clear HD video, reliable performance, strong night vision, and convenient smartphone access. The Advanced HQ Max is built for parents who want an easy-to-use, secure monitor without the need for Wi-Fi or apps. With a large 7” screen and crisp, real-time video, it provides reliable monitoring without lag. The Advanced HQ Max is perfect if you want private, no-fuss monitoring with premium features. Check out the Advanced HQ Max at https://pregnancypodcast.com/hqmax/ Inito is the first at-home fertility monitor that tracks four key fertility hormones (estrogen, LH, PdG, and FSH) all on a single test strip. In just ten minutes, you get accurate, personalized hormone data to help you understand your unique cycle and optimize your chances of conceiving. Unlike ovulation test kits that can only predict ovulation, Inito not only predicts but also confirms when ovulation actually happens. Inito is 96% as accurate as a blood test, without the cost, wait time, or hassle of going to a lab. If you are on a fertility journey, Inito provides you with clear insights into your unique hormone patterns, allowing you to stop guessing and start understanding your cycle more effectively. The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST: https://pregnancypodcast.com/inito   Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what's happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr. Felice Gersh, one of the foremost voices in functional medicine and women's health, to tackle one of the most misunderstood phases of life—menopause. Together, we unpack the real physiological changes women face during this transition, and the often-overlooked health risks that come with it. This isn't just about “hot flashes”—we're talking sleep disruption, cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and the metabolic shifts that can alter a woman's long-term health trajectory. Dr. Gersh pulls back the curtain on estradiol, reframing it as a life hormone—not simply a “sex hormone.” We explore why its decline affects nearly every system in the body, and how lifestyle strategies, functional medicine insights, and targeted interventions can help women not just survive menopause, but thrive through it. Whether you're in the midst of this change or helping patients navigate it, this conversation delivers the clarity, science, and hope you need to take control of health during this critical stage of life.Key Takeaways: Hormonal Shift: Menopause leads to a decline in estradiol produced by ovaries, affecting every organ system and increasing health condition risks, including cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Holistic Understanding: Dr. Gersh advocates for a comprehensive understanding of hormones in menopause, emphasizing the necessity of a proactive rather than reactive treatment approach. Testing and Diagnosis: She outlines important blood tests and diagnostic markers, such as day 3 FSH, thyroid function, inflammatory markers, and lipid profiles to better navigate menopause management. Lifestyle Interventions: Key lifestyle changes, including diet rich in plants, exercise, and stress management, are essential in promoting well-being during and beyond menopause. Functional Medicine Approach: Understanding the interconnectedness of bodily systems and the foundational role of lifestyle and hormonal therapy in women's health is crucial. More About Dr. Felice Gersh: Felice Gersh, M.D. is a multi-award winning physician with dual board certifications in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. She is the founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, a practice that provides comprehensive health care for women by combining the best evidence-based therapies from conventional, naturopathic, and holistic medicine. For 12 years, she taught obstetrics and gynecology at Keck USC School of Medicine as an Assistant Clinical Professor, and she now serves as an Affiliate Faculty Member at the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona School of Medicine. Felice is a prolific writer and lecturer who speaks globally on women's health and regularly publishes in peer-reviewed medical journals. She is the bestselling author of the PCOS SOS series and her latest book, Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know. Her research focuses on women's hormones, metabolism, aging, and menopause. Whether she's mentoring medical students, writing groundbreaking books and medical articles, or guiding her patients, Dr. Gersh's mission remains constant: Empower women to thrive in harmony with their bodies and their health. Website Instagram Facebook Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube This episode is sponsored by Professional Co-op®, where clinicians gain exceptional access to industry-leading lab services without the hefty price tag—since 2001, they've been redefining what efficient, patient-focused support looks like. Imagine no hidden fees, no minimums, and only paying for completed tests. Experience lab services that not only meet but also exceed your expectations. Join the co-op trusted by countless licensed clinicians nationwide. Visit www.professionalco-op.com to learn more! This episode is also made possible by Functional Medicine University. FMU is a fully online, self-paced training program in functional medicine, founded in 2006 by Dr. Ron Grisanti. With students in all 50 U.S. states and 68 countries globally, FMU has become a cornerstone in advanced clinical education for healthcare practitioners. The curriculum is led by Dr. Grisanti, alongside contributions from over 70 distinguished medical experts on FMU's advisory board. Graduates earn the prestigious Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP®) credential upon completion. FMU is also a nationally approved provider of continuing education for a wide range of licensed professionals, including MDs, DCs, DOs, NDs, acupuncturists, PAs, NPs, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and dentists. Whether you're looking to expand your clinical knowledge or bring a functional approach to your practice, FMU offers the tools, guidance, and certification to help you thrive. Visit www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com to learn more!

Deciding to start a family is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when you want to do everything possible to improve your chances of conceiving. In this episode, you will learn how long it typically takes to conceive, how to identify your fertile window, and the best ways to track and confirm ovulation. While there are no magic shortcuts, focusing on the basics can make a meaningful difference. We discuss how key aspects of your health, including exercise, diet, weight, sleep, stress, and substance use, can impact fertility and help you create the best possible environment for pregnancy. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/improvingfertility/   Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: Inito is the first at-home fertility monitor that tracks four key fertility hormones (estrogen, LH, PdG, and FSH) all on a single test strip. In just ten minutes, you get accurate, personalized hormone data to help you understand your unique cycle and optimize your chances of conceiving. Unlike ovulation test kits that can only predict ovulation, Inito not only predicts but also confirms when ovulation actually happens. Inito is 96% as accurate as a blood test, without the cost, wait time, or hassle of going to a lab. If you are on a fertility journey, Inito provides you with clear insights into your unique hormone patterns, allowing you to stop guessing and start understanding your cycle more effectively. The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST: https://pregnancypodcast.com/inito   Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what's happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Send us a textUnderstanding the different types of Diminished Ovarian Reserve and what they mean for your fertility journeyBeing told you have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) can feel overwhelming — but the truth is, it's not the same diagnosis for everyone. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the “automobile” analogy to explain why DOR is a broad category that can mean very different things depending on the cause.You'll learn:The four common “models” of DOR and how each affects fertilityWhy age, AMH, AFC, and FSH tell different parts of the storyHow your specific type of DOR shapes your treatment planReal patient stories that prove DOR doesn't always mean poor outcomesThe essential questions to ask your doctor if you're diagnosed with DORIf you or someone you know has been labeled with DOR, this episode will help you replace fear with clarity — and empower you to make the right next step for your situation.Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

In this 20-minute episode, Courtney walks listeners through four common TTC tensions—creating embryos (IVF), genetic screening/selection, donor eggs/sperm & surrogacy, and data-driven tracking—without handing out black-and-white verdicts. Instead, she anchors each topic in Scripture (Psalm 139; Job 31:15; Jeremiah 1:5; Proverbs 16:9; Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31–32; Proverbs 3:5–6; Philippians 4:6–7) and offers heart-level reflection prompts to help couples discern before God. You'll pause to journal, check your motives around control vs. stewardship, and hear a testimony of finding peace when science becomes a gift—not a god.   Try Inito THE Fertility Tool you Need - as shared today, this is the tool I just started using as we begin preparing for conceiving baby 3!! The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code THEWAITINGWELL at inito.com - this is the tool you HAVE to have: Your very own fertility lab that measures actual values of Estrogen and LH to predict your fertile days, PdG (urine metabolite of progesterone) to confirm ovulation and FSH to track your follicle growth.   

If you've been trying to conceive with low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), or poor egg quality and nothing seems to be working… or if you've experienced failed IVF cycles or unexplained pregnancy loss - this episode is for you. We're diving into one of the most overlooked infections that could be silently impacting your fertility: Ureaplasma. This commonly missed microbe can compromise egg quality, disrupt implantation, and contribute to early miscarriage, even when labs appear “normal.” Whether you're TTC naturally or preparing for an IVF or FET cycle, you'll learn: How Ureaplasma affects egg and embryo quality, implantation, and ovarian reserve Why this infection is often missed on standard fertility workups The importance of partner testing and treating both partners When and how to test for Ureaplasma The functional fertility approach we use at Fab Fertile to rebalance the vaginal and seminal microbiome for optimal conception If you've done “all the things” and still aren't seeing results, this episode may reveal a missing piece of your fertility puzzle. This episode is for you if: You're struggling to conceive naturally despite doing “all the right things.” You've had failed IVF transfers, poor egg quality, or low ovarian reserve without clear answers. You've experienced recurrent infections or unexplained pregnancy losses. 5 Key Points: Why Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma are often missed in standard fertility testing and why they matter for egg quality, implantation and pregnancy maintenance. How Ureaplasma can contribute to low AMH, high FSH, and diminished ovarian reserve by increasing inflammation in the reproductive tract and altering the vaginal microbiome. The link between Ureaplasma and recurrent miscarriage, failed IVF, and abnormal embryos, even when other tests are “normal”. The functional fertility approach to addressing Ureaplasma with targeted antimicrobials, vaginal microbiome restoration, and gut health support for natural and assisted conception. --- TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro: Ureaplasma's hidden role in fertility struggles,  natural conception, failed IVF, low AMH, DOR, poor egg quality, and unexplained pregnancy loss. [00:01:00] Who this episode is for: Fertility challenges including low AMH, high FSH, DOR, RPL, recurrent infections, and unexplained infertility. [00:02:00] What is ureaplasma? Impact on vaginal and seminal microbiome, egg and sperm quality, inflammation, and implantation failure. [00:03:00] Who should get tested? Those with unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, persistent infections, elevated CRP/ANA, poor IVF outcomes, or partner infection history. [00:04:00] Why microbiome testing matters: Gut, vaginal, and seminal microbiome panels uncover hidden infections missed by conventional testing. [00:05:00] Key red flags: Multiple failed IVF transfers, RPL after heartbeat confirmation, chronic vaginal/urinary symptoms, and abnormal semen analysis. [00:06:00] Testing methods: Functional medicine/nutrition, PCR, and microbiome panels (e.g., Juno Bio) versus limited conventional testing. [00:07:00] Supporting Fertility Success: Using biofilm disruptors and restoring balance in gut and vaginal microbiomes to improve egg quality and IVF outcomes. --- How to Get Started With Functional Fertility Support Book your call here to get your personalized plan and options to help improve pregnancy success either naturally or with IVF treatment.  Check out our Fab Fertile functional fertility program here and learn how to improve AMH levels naturally.  We work with couples that have low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, and recurrent pregnancy loss. --- RESOURCES Before Your IVF Transfer, Test This First: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/before-your-ivf-transfer-test-this-first?_pos=4&_sid=c1bed4027&_ss=r IVF Prep with Low AMH: Boosting Your Chances for Success: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/ivf-prep-with-low-amh-boosting-your-chances-for-success-1?_pos=1&_sid=2685fd59c&_ss=r Causes of Miscarriage Before 12 Weeks: What Most Doctors Miss: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/causes-of-miscarriage-before-12-weeks-what-most-doctors-miss What You Need To Know About Chronic Infections And Infertility: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/what-you-need-to-know-about-chronic-infections-and-infertility?_pos=2&_sid=1142152ce&_ss=r Our favorite fertility tracker Inito (use code FABFERTILE15 to save 15)  Studies Today's study looks at Ureaplasma urealyticum, a common genital tract infection, and how it affects IVF. Researchers found it didn't affect fertilization or embryo quality but was linked to lower pregnancy rates after embryo transfer. The culprit? Infection in the endometrial lining which can disrupt implantation. So even if embryos look good Ureaplasma can still sabotage IVF success. https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article-abstract/6/5/727/609246?redirectedFrom=fulltext This study looked at whether Ureaplasma urealyticum in men's semen affects IVF. The results? Fertilization and pregnancy rates were the same for infected and uninfected men. But here's the thing, miscarriage rates were much higher in couples where the male partner had the infection. So Ureaplasma might not stop you from getting pregnant but it can increase the risk of losing the pregnancy. https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(98)00472-5/fulltext Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH  ---

Although your newborn is hard-wired to breastfeed, breastfeeding doesn't always come naturally or go perfectly from the start. In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and your baby navigate your nursing relationship. Many challenges can arise in the first few days and even months into your breastfeeding journey. The more you know about potential speed bumps, the better prepared you will be to address minor issues before they turn into bigger problems. Issues can include symptoms in your breasts like leaking, sore nipples, nipple shields, pain during breastfeeding or pumping, vasospasms, blebs, plugged ducts, mastitis, and engorgement. Or issues that affect your baby like jaundice, tongue-tie, thrush, food allergies or sensitivities, nursing strikes, cluster feeding, growth spurts, and spitting up. This episode will help you learn how to recognize and troubleshoot common breastfeeding challenges to make feeding your baby a more comfortable and successful experience. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/troubleshooting/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: There are endless benefits to babywearing, from promoting bonding to giving you the ability to have your hands free as a busy parent. Oscha slings, wraps, and carriers are absolutely gorgeous and are ethically made in Scotland using the highest quality natural and organic yarns. From the newborn stage through toddlerhood, Oscha Slings are the most beautiful and comfortable solution for carrying your baby. New customers can get 10% off with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST at http://oschaslings.com/ Inito is the first at-home fertility monitor that tracks four key fertility hormones (estrogen, LH, PdG, and FSH) all on a single test strip. In just ten minutes, you get accurate, personalized hormone data to help you understand your unique cycle and optimize your chances of conceiving. Unlike ovulation test kits that can only predict ovulation, Inito not only predicts but also confirms when ovulation actually happens. Inito is 96% as accurate as a blood test, without the cost, wait time, or hassle of going to a lab. If you are on a fertility journey, Inito provides you with clear insights into your unique hormone patterns, allowing you to stop guessing and start understanding your cycle more effectively. 
The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST at https://pregnancypodcast.com/inito VTech offers a wide range of baby monitors designed for today's modern parents. As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families to deliver crystal-clear HD video, reliable performance, strong night vision, and convenient smartphone access. The VTech VM901 Baby Monitor makes monitoring effortless whether you're at home or away. With a 1080p HD camera and a 5” parent unit, it's designed for convenience and reliable performance. As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families. Check out the VTech VM901 Baby Monitor at https://pregnancypodcast.com/vm901   Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what's happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Today, Ali joined by the multifaceted Erica Cobb—TV host, podcaster, and self-proclaimed “eternal optimist”—as she shares her raw and powerful journey through infertility, IVF, and surrogacy. Erica opens up about the challenges she's faced so far, including a tumor on her pituitary gland, blocked fallopian tubes, and the emotional toll of hearing, “You're pregnant, but not pregnant enough.” Through it all, Erica remains steeped in gratitude and grounded in intention. We talk about spirit babies, manifestation, navigating roadblocks, and the incredible woman currently carrying her baby as a gestational carrier. Her story is still unfolding-- so make sure to listen in and follow along for what happens next. For more, go to www.comeback.tvFollow on IG: @ericacobbTOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: TTC; ART; IVF; pituitary gland tumor; blocked fallopian tubes; spirit babies; manifestation; navigating roadblocksEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipINITOhttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFIG: @initofertiilityFor years, clinical labs were the only way to get a clear view of your hormone levels and ovulation patterns. But for many people in the trying to conceive community—especially those with hormone imbalances or conditions like PCOS—frequent lab visits can be costly, inconvenient, and take up a ton of time. This is why I'm excited to tell you about Inito, which is unlike anything else out there. Inito is an at-home fertility monitor that tracks all four key hormones—Estrogen, LH, FSH, and PdG—on a single test strip. Instead of piecing together fragments of info, Inito offers a full, clear picture of your hormone health through a data chart and clear insights that are unique to your body and your cycle.The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code INFERTILEAF at ihttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFEXTEND FERTILITY IG: @extendfertilitywww.extendfertility.comFertility shouldn't be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you're preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they're here with expert support every step of the way. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode answers a listener's question about how to know when the time is right to have a baby. Whether you are thinking about your first child or adding to your family, the decision can feel overwhelming. We explore the emotional side of this choice, what medical organizations recommend about pregnancy timing, birth spacing, and how lifestyle, age, fertility, finances, and family dynamics can all factor in. You will also hear why waiting for the “perfect” time may not be realistic and how to sort through the noise and trust your own timing. Thank you to the brands that power this podcast. Inito is the first at-home fertility monitor that tracks four key fertility hormones (estrogen, LH, PdG, and FSH) all on a single test strip. In just ten minutes, you get accurate, personalized hormone data to help you understand your unique cycle and optimize your chances of conceiving. Unlike ovulation test kits that can only predict ovulation, Inito not only predicts but also confirms when ovulation actually happens. Inito is 96% as accurate as a blood test, without the cost, wait time, or hassle of going to a lab. If you are on a fertility journey, Inito provides you with clear insights into your unique hormone patterns, allowing you to stop guessing and start understanding your cycle more effectively. The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=PREGNANCYPODCAST&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=PREGNANCYPODCAST See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast Listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources/   Get more from the Pregnancy Podcast Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/pregnancytiming/ Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes , full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what's happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

If you're dealing with low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency or poor egg quality, and you're constantly “doing everything” to address it, this episode dives into how chronic stress, perfectionism, and high-achiever tendencies can silently sabotage fertility from a functional perspective. Do you feel like you're doing all the things, but still not seeing results? We'll explore how the drive to always do more (even with the best intentions) can quietly mess with egg quality, throw off your hormone balance, and overstimulate your nervous system, especially if rest feels like failure. We'll connect the dots between: High-functioning burnout and low progesterone  Overworking and poor ovarian response  Chronic cortisol and mitochondrial damage to eggs  Sleep, blood sugar, gut health and why they matter more than any other supplement You'll also learn: Functional labs to assess nervous system depletion Lifestyle shifts to repair your fertility foundation Why doing less is sometimes the most powerful fertility strategy Whether you're in IVF cycles, preparing for egg retrieval or diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian insufficiency, this is the mindset shift you didn't know you needed. Tune in and learn how to go from hustle to hormone balance, so your body can finally feel safe to conceive. This episode is for you if: You've experienced failed egg retrievals or embryo transfers and are trying all the protocols, supplements, or strategies you can find. You're working long hours (50+ per week) and struggling to balance career demands with your fertility journey. You feel like your worth is tied to your fertility outcomes or the number of “wins” you achieve, making it hard to slow down or rest, even when you're exhausted. --- TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Hyper Achiever Mindset & Fertility: Impact on Egg Quality & IVF Success [00:02:00] Stress & Hormone Imbalance: Progesterone, Thyroid & Fertility Hormones [00:05:00] Overwork, Cortisol & Inflammation: Effects on Low AMH and Egg Quality [00:07:00] Chronic Stress Impact on Ovulation, Mitochondria & IVF Outcomes [00:09:00] Autoimmune, Sleep Hygiene & Fertility: Stress Effects on AMH & Embryo Health [00:11:00] Nervous System Reset: Stress Relief Techniques to Boost Fertility [00:14:00] Nutrition & Supplements for Egg Quality: CoQ10, Magnesium & Detox [00:16:00] Fertility Mindset & Connection: Rest, Self-Compassion & Pregnancy Success --- RESOURCES

Many new moms expect breastfeeding to come naturally. For most, it takes time, practice, and support. Despite strong evidence in favor of breastfeeding, many parents supplement or switch to formula within the first year. Preparing yourself with foundational knowledge can make a big difference in reaching your breastfeeding goals. This episode covers the essential information you need to get started, along with practical tools and tips to make breastfeeding more manageable and rewarding.     Thank you to our sponsors   Inito is the first at-home fertility monitor that tracks four key fertility hormones (estrogen, LH, PdG, and FSH) all on a single test strip. In just ten minutes, you get accurate, personalized hormone data to help you understand your unique cycle and optimize your chances of conceiving. Unlike ovulation test kits that can only predict ovulation, Inito not only predicts but also confirms when ovulation actually happens. Inito is 96% as accurate as a blood test, without the cost, wait time, or hassle of going to a lab. If you are on a fertility journey, Inito provides you with clear insights into your unique hormone patterns, allowing you to stop guessing and start understanding your cycle more effectively. The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST at inito.com.   AG1 Next Gen is a clinically-backed Daily Health Drink that combines a multivitamin, probiotic, and blend of superfoods into one scoop. AG1 delivers optimal amounts of nutrients in forms that help your body thrive. Just one scoop contains essential vitamins and nutrients, supports gut health, helps you feel sharp and focused, and supports a healthy immune system. Check out DrinkAG1.com/pregnancypodcast to get a free welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2, and 5 free travel packs in your first box.  (As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.)     Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode.     Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more.     Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.     For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Today, Ali sits down with a true powerhouse in the infertility community: Rebecca Flick, Chief External Affairs Officer at RESOLVE, who has spent the past 20 years advocating for fertility patients nationwide. Rebecca opens up about her own deeply personal infertility journey, including her diagnosis of premature ovarian failure (and how that language has evolved), discovering she carries the MTHFR gene (and what that really means), and navigating IVF. She shares her experience of transferring three embryos, welcoming her son (now a teenager), and conceiving her daughter years later—without ART. Rebecca also reflects on the power of advocacy, how RESOLVE has grown, and the ways the infertility landscape has transformed over the past two decades.For more, go to www.resolve.orgFollow on IG: @resolve TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: TTC; ART; IVF; MTHFR gene; premature ovarian failure; embryo transfer; advocacy EPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipINITOhttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFIG: @initofertiilityFor years, clinical labs were the only way to get a clear view of your hormone levels and ovulation patterns. But for many people in the trying to conceive community—especially those with hormone imbalances or conditions like PCOS—frequent lab visits can be costly, inconvenient, and take up a ton of time. This is why I'm excited to tell you about Inito, which is unlike anything else out there. Inito is an at-home fertility monitor that tracks all four key hormones—Estrogen, LH, FSH, and PdG—on a single test strip. Instead of piecing together fragments of info, Inito offers a full, clear picture of your hormone health through a data chart and clear insights that are unique to your body and your cycle.The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code INFERTILEAF at ihttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFEXTEND FERTILITY IG: @extendfertilitywww.extendfertility.comFertility shouldn't be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you're preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they're here with expert support every step of the way. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're diving into the top functional and conventional tests to consider after the second trimester or late pregnancy loss, especially if you've been diagnosed with low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). If you've had a second trimester loss or late pregnancy loss after 20 weeks and been told “everything looks normal,”this episode is for you. We dive into what's often overlooked in conventional care and how a functional fertility approach can help uncover underlying imbalances that impact conception, hormone health, and pregnancy outcomes. In this episode we cover 7 categories of testing to consider after late loss especially if you have low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, autoimmune issues, recurrent miscarriage, or unexplained infertility. You'll learn: The top clotting and thrombophilia markers to test (including Factor V Leiden and antiphospholipid antibodies) Which inflammatory and immune markers (hs-CRP, ANA, cytokines, NK cells) are often missed and why they matter How the vaginal microbiome and hidden infections like ureaplasma can cause second-trimester loss The role of chronic stress, adrenal hormones and the HPA axis in pregnancy outcomes Why a comprehensive blood chemistry panel can reveal nutrient deficiencies and hormone imbalances that are missed by conventional labs Key methylation and genetic SNPs (like MTHFR) that impact detoxification, clotting and hormone metabolism The impact of gut health and stool testing on immune tolerance, estrogen balance and inflammation We'll also explain how this whole body functional lens can guide your next steps in preconception planning, whether you're trying again naturally or preparing for IVF. This episode is for you if: You've experienced a loss after 14 weeks of pregnancy and are seeking deeper understanding and support. You want to explore both conventional and functional medicine approaches to uncover underlying causes. You're looking for practical lifestyle, testing, and healing strategies to improve future pregnancy outcomes. --- TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction: Late term pregnancy loss overview, compassion, and what to expect in this episode [00:02:30] Functional fertility testing for late term loss thrombophilia panel, immune markers, inflammation, and infections [00:06:00] Stress hormones, nervous system support, and comprehensive blood chemistry for improving pregnancy outcomes [00:09:00] Blood sugar, insulin, and comprehensive thyroid testing in pregnancy loss [00:12:00] Genetic testing, including MTHFR mutations and the importance of body healing before conception [00:14:30] Role of gut health, infections, and estrogen metabolism in pregnancy loss --- RESOURCES

In this episode, Juanique and Dr. Rodgers unpack Step 7 in the Order of Healing—sex hormones—and explain why they should never be the starting point in your healing journey. If you've been struggling with low libido, weight gain, poor sleep, mood swings, or brain fog, this conversation helps you understand why those symptoms are often rooted in deeper dysfunction.They walk through how mindset, gut health, liver function, adrenals, thyroid, and mitochondrial energy all impact your hormone balance. Juanique also shares new insights about breast implant illness and its connection to thyroid dysfunction, and they both emphasize how dangerous it is to treat hormones in isolation.Timestamps:02:30 – Gutsy Health Academy update: last live cohort launching in August07:00 – Why sex hormones are the last stop in the healing process09:00 – The cortisol-steal and how chronic stress robs your sex hormones10:30 – Sleep and hormone production: the toxic feedback loop13:30 – SIRS and its impact on mitochondrial energy and hormone production16:10 – Gut health, estrogen metabolism, and why dysbiosis messes with everything20:00 – Why bioidentical hormone therapy works for some—and fails for others24:30 – DIM, liver detox, and estrogen clearance explained28:00 – Adrenals, thyroid, and sex hormones: the hormone trifecta34:00 – Breast implant illness and a new theory about thyroid dysfunction39:00 – Hormones and relationship health: it's not just about libido44:00 – Juanique's personal story: supporting her dad's recovery with testosterone47:00 – Preview of next episode: hormone types, detox, lifestyle tips, and pellet therapyWhat You'll Learn:Why sex hormone issues usually start with deeper dysfunction upstreamHow stress and cortisol disrupt sex hormone productionThe role of the gut and liver in estrogen metabolismHow mitochondrial energy impacts your ability to produce hormonesWhy hormone replacement often fails without whole-body supportThe possible connection between breast implant illness and thyroid dysfunctionHow to safely and effectively explore bioidentical hormone therapyThe difference between symptom treatment and true hormonal balanceQuotes:“Hormones are the sprinkles on top of life—but if the cake underneath is collapsing, the sprinkles won't help.”“If your hormones are out of balance, it's not about throwing more in—it's about asking why they're out of balance in the first place.”“Breast implants might be the toxin that's pushing your thyroid over the edge.”Resources & Mentions:Gutsy Health Academy Enrollment (opens August 1st)Call Provo Health to book with Dr. Rodgers: 801-691-1765Want a second opinion on your labs or hormones? Virtual consults availableBook mentioned: DIM for Estrogen Balance Previous episodes: Thyroid Part 1 & 2, Adrenals, Mitochondria, Gut Health (listen for full Order of Healing series)Next Episode Tease:Next week, Juanique and Dr. Rodgers go deep into Hormones 101: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, LH, FSH, and how to support them through bioidentical therapy, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplementation.Send us a text

Discover how this couple conceived and had their daughter after 3 failed IVFs, 2 Miscarriages, and diminished ovarian reserve After 5 years of trying to conceive, 3 failed IVF cycles, 2 miscarriages and being told she only had donor eggs left, Heather was exhausted. At 38 with a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), she reached out to Fab Fertile for a new way.   She had a 10-day luteal phase, excessive bleeding, vaginal dryness, daily fatigue, anxiety, and a history of HPV - all signs her body was stressed. Meanwhile, her partner Peter had poor sleep, headaches, muscle stiffness, and sperm DNA fragmentation.   In this episode, we go through how we used the Fab Fertile Method to uncover hidden imbalances - H. pylori, nutrient depletion, fat malabsorption, leaky gut, and immune dysfunction, and how they committed to foundational changes in nutrition, stress support, and targeted supplementation. ✨ With one embryo, they finally conceived after years of heartbreak. We believe in miracles, but you've got to meet your miracle partway. Using a functional, personalized, whole body approach to prepare the body for pregnancy even when the odds are against you. This episode is for you if: You've experienced miscarriage before 12 weeks and want answers beyond “everything looks normal.” You've been diagnosed with low AMH, high FSH, or diminished ovarian reserve and are looking for a deeper approach. You want to explore functional strategies like gut health, immune balance, and advanced bloodwork to improve pregnancy outcomes. In this episode you'll learn: How low AMH, short luteal phases, and hormone imbalance can impact IVF success and getting pregnant naturally Why gut infections like H. pylori and fat malabsorption are often overlooked in preconception planning The role of sperm DNA fragmentation in recurrent miscarriage and poor embryo quality and why testing for the partner is essential for pregnancy success How inflammation, food sensitivities, and immune dysfunction affect egg and sperm health Practical steps to improve fertility naturally using the Fab Fertile Method - even after IVF failure or a REI tells you donor eggs - getting pregnant with your own eggs is still possible Timestamps – IVF Success After 3 Failed Rounds, 2 Miscarriages and Low AMH [00:00:00] IVF Didn't Work - Now What? Why Failed IVF and Miscarriage May Signal Deeper Imbalances A look at what your body could be telling you after repeated IVF failure or pregnancy loss [00:01:00] Low AMH, High FSH, Diminished Ovarian Reserve - What Your Doctor May Be Missing Why conventional bloodwork isn't enough and how functional fertility testing fills the gap [00:03:00] Signs Your Hormones and Gut Are Off: PMS, Fatigue, Anxiety, Body Aches Symptoms that seem “normal” could be key fertility red flags [00:05:00] Functional Fertility Testing That Made the Difference: GI MAP, Food Sensitivities, Genetics The tests we use to personalize protocols for low AMH, egg quality, and miscarriage risk [00:08:00] Male Fertility and DNA Fragmentation: Why His Health Matters Too How sperm quality and inflammation affect embryo success and pregnancy outcomes [00:11:00] Personalized Fertility Plan Results in IVF Success and Healthy Pregnancy How addressing inflammation, gut health, and hormone imbalances led to conception --- RESOURCES

Meet Keri Croft, an infertility, child loss and surrogacy advocate who went through 16 years of infertility. On today's ep, Keri tells Ali all about her family building journey, which includes having her son, and also the devastating loss of her first girl, Angel, who was missing part of her cerebellum. "It was a horrible, horrible decision to have to make, and I wouldn't wish it on anybody," Keri says of undergoing a TFMR (Termination for Medical Reasons). Keri talks about how a balanced translocation affected their fertility journey, and also how she navigated IUI and IVF. "I tried everything. And of course that takes a toll on your marriage. It was an absolute clusterfuck," she says. Keri also shares how she lost two other girls, Hope and Jade, how she and her husband decided to pursue surrogacy, and launching her workshop, Find Your Dream Surrogate. "After years of fertility treatments, loss, and heartbreak, I eventually had my daughter via a surrogate — a journey I navigated completely independently, without an agency," Keri says. "It was beautiful and brutal and eye-opening in ways I never expected. When it was all said and done, I kept thinking: Why the hell isn't there a better roadmap for this? So I built one."For more, go to www.kericroft.comFollow on IG: @thekericroftshowTOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Pregnancy; TFMR; trying to conceive; pregnancy loss; baby loss; IVF; IUI; balanced translocation; surrogacy; ART; EPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipINITOhttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFIG: @initofertiilityFor years, clinical labs were the only way to get a clear view of your hormone levels and ovulation patterns. But for many people in the trying to conceive community—especially those with hormone imbalances or conditions like PCOS—frequent lab visits can be costly, inconvenient, and take up a ton of time. This is why I'm excited to tell you about Inito, which is unlike anything else out there. Inito is an at-home fertility monitor that tracks all four key hormones—Estrogen, LH, FSH, and PdG—on a single test strip. Instead of piecing together fragments of info, Inito offers a full, clear picture of your hormone health through a data chart and clear insights that are unique to your body and your cycle.The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code INFERTILEAF at ihttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You've been told your labs are “normal,” but your period is MIA, ovulation's a no-show, and pregnancy is STILL not happening. In today's episode, we're busting the myth that normal labs = everything is fine. If your body is showing clear signs that something's off, you need more than a copy-paste lab report—you need real answers, and a plan that honors YOUR body's needs. We're breaking down the most important labs for period loss and fertility (like FSH, LH, Estradiol, AMH, and more), what they actually mean, and why “low-normal” isn't the green light it seems. If you're being gaslit with the phrase “everything looks fine,” this episode is exactly what you need to listen to. Mentioned in today's episode: Nourish Your Body for Fertility Series (Part 1, 2, 3 and 4) Today's episode is brought to you by our exclusive program, Premier Period Recovery for Fertility. Reach out to chat 1-1 with me to see if it's exactly what you need to get your period back and get pregnant in 2025, by applying here. Not ready yet for our premier program, but you are ready to take action to restore your fertility today? Purchase your fertility clarity package here. This period recovery method will change your life...and I've laid it all out for you in my NEW free course, Restore Your Fertility in 90 Days (or less). Download and watch it today! Please note that this podcast is not meant to be used for nutritional, medical or individualized advice and should be used for education only.

If you've had early miscarriage before 12 weeks, especially more than once, and been told everything looks “normal,” or you've been diagnosed with low AMH, high FSH, this episode is for you. We're going to talk about what's often overlooked in early term pregnancy loss: gut health, immune dysfunction, clotting disorders, nutrient deficiencies, and hormone imbalance from a conventional and functional medicine perspective. In this episode, you'll learn: Why progesterone, thyroid function and adrenal health are key to early pregnancy The role of gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and food sensitivities in recurrent miscarriage What comprehensive bloodwork reveals - including homocysteine, hsCRP, ANA, and more Functional strategies to support detoxification, reduce stress, and improve implantation How immune triggers and vaginal microbiome imbalances increase miscarriage risk While the focus of this episode is on the female side of fertility it's not to be overlooked to look at the male partner's health. Poor sperm quality, oxidative stress, gut infections, and DNA fragmentation can all contribute to miscarriage, poor embryo development,t and implantation failure. Just as we look at gut health, inflammation, and functional bloodwork in women,n we need to apply this lens to the male partner. If you haven't looked at semen analysis or functional testing for men, be sure to check out our Male Factor Fertility episode for strategies to optimize sperm health and improve pregnancy outcomes. How To Address Men's Reproductive Health (It's a myth sperm doesn't decline with age!) - https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/how-to-address-mens-reproductive-health-it-s-a-myth-sperm-doesnt-decline-with-age?_pos=1&_sid=689d505e3&_ss=r This episode is for you if: You have experienced a miscarriage before 12–14 weeks of pregnancy and want to understand what might be behind it. You're seeking both conventional and functional insights to support healing and improve your chances in future pregnancies. You want actionable lifestyle, diet, and testing strategies to help your body prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

Today, Ali is talking to Zach and Alexandra French, the founders of the nonprofit organization The Surrogacy Foundation, whose mission "isn't just to raise funds, but to propel surrogacy into the mainstream." Zach and Alexandra share their entire family building story, from how they met and got together to having their first child without Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). They talk about what happened when Alexandra found a lump in her breast, and how they navigated her cancer diagnosis and treatment. They also talk about Alexandra's double mastectomy, and how they pivoted to surrogacy after her surgery. "My doctor said if we wanted to expand our family, I could no longer carry. We would have to turn towards surrogacy--because if i carried another child, my cancer would return," Alexandra says. They talk about all of the intricacies of surrogacy, from finding a match to navigating the legal side, and share what it was like when their next baby was finally born. They also talk about creating the Surrogacy Foundation and how they've raised more than $500,000 so far to help families in need. "At The Surrogacy Foundation we don't just raise money; we help families every step of the way," they say. "Because education is essential to accessibility, we provide state of the art education based on decades of experience in an easy-to-use format."For more, go to www.thesurrogacyfoundation.orgFollow on IG: @thesurrogacyfoundation TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Breast cancer; chemotherapy; double mastectomy; trying to conceive; surrogacy; nonprofits; surrogacy grants; ARTEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipGENERATIONS CRYOVAULTwww.gencryo.comIG: @generationscryovaultWhen you're navigating fertility treatments, every decision feels big—because it is big. But did you know that when it comes to storing your reproductive tissue—including eggs, sperm, and embryos—you DO have a choice? Most clinics automatically store your tissues—or hand you off to their partner. But guess what? It doesn't have to be that way. Enter Generations CryoVault, which believes in the motto, "Your tissues. Your choice." When you choose to work with Generations CryoVault, they help you transfer your tissues securely and easily to their headquarters – a place you can trust. Take control of this part of your journey by visiting gencryo.com. And make sure to mention Infertile AF to receive 1 free month of storage.INITOwww.inito.comIG: @initofertiilityFor years, clinical labs were the only way to get a clear view of your hormone levels and ovulation patterns. But for many people in the trying to conceive community—especially those with hormone imbalances or conditions like PCOS—frequent lab visits can be costly, inconvenient, and take up a ton of time. This is why I'm excited to tell you about Inito, which is unlike anything else out there. Inito is an at-home fertility monitor that tracks all four key hormones—Estrogen, LH, FSH, and PdG—on a single test strip. Instead of piecing together fragments of info, Inito offers a full, clear picture of your hormone health through a data chart and clear insights that are unique to your body and your cycle.The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code INFERTILEAF at inito.com.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsOur Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join us for a deep dive into the IVF patient journey with special guest Kelly Gonda, a passionate pharmacist and Fertility Nurse Practitioner. In this episode, we explore how pharmacists can improve safety, outcomes, and access to fertility treatment by understanding the science of in vitro fertilization and the medications involved.

You are called to assess a pregnant woman who presents to your hospital complaining of shortness of breath. She is 36 weeks pregnant with twins and tells you she had been getting progressively short of breath over the last month but put it down to the physical effects of the twin pregnancy in her abdomen. However last night she couldn't get her breath lying flat, had to sleep sitting up on 3-4 pillows and feels that "it is much worse". On examination she has a respiratory rate of 24/min, SpO2 = 92%, HR 105/min, BP 95/45 and you can hear crepitations in both lung fields. Her initial blood tests come back showing a raised plasma BNP and a bedside ECHO is done by a helpful colleague - who says "subjectively her LV isn't contracting very well". Hi everyone, This week I sit down with Dr Faith Njue the most qualified person here in WA to discuss the rare but important disease - peripartum cardiomyopathy. (See Faith's Bio below). Join us in our wide ranging discussion which touches on the diagnostic challenges, demographics, proposed mechanisms and general principles involved in managing these complex patients. Thanks Faith for a great discussion! Dr Faith Njue - Bio Faith Njue graduated from the University of Western Australia and completed cardiology training in Perth. She undertook further subspeciality training in advanced heart failure/ heart transplantation at Fiona Stanley Hospital and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Canada. Thereafter, she undertook further fellowship in cardio-obstetrics at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford (UK). She has special interest in women's cardiovascular health, heart disease in pregnancy and heart failure. Faith runs the dedicated Western Cardiology cardio-obstetrics clinic, designed to support women at risk of or with pre-existing heart conditions, through preconception counselling, pregnancy and into the post-partum period. Cardio-obstetrics is an expanding subspecialty that focuses on prevention, early detection, and appropriate management of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy. She holds public consultant positions at Sir Charles Gairdner and Fiona Stanley hospitals. She is part of the Advanced heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant team at FSH. She is the cardiology clinical lead for High Risk pregnancy at FSH. References Anaesthesia and peripartum cardiomyopathy Chapman, K. Njue F, Rucklidge M. BJA Education, Volume 23, Issue 12, 464 - 472 Melanie Ricke-Hoch, Tobias J. Pfeffer, and Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner. Peripartumcardiomyopathy: basic mechanisms and hope for new therapies. Cardiovascular Research (2020) 116, 520–531. doi:10.1093/cvr/cvz252​ Bauersachs J, König T, van der Meer P, et al. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of peripartum cardiomyopathy: a position statement from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology Study Group on peripartum cardiomyopathy. Eur J Heart Fail. 2019 Jul;21(7):827-843. doi: 10.1002/ejhf.1493. Epub 2019 Jun 27. PMID: 31243866​ 2018 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Cardiovascular Disease During Pregnancy. European Heart Journal 2018. Vol 39;3165-3241​ Bromocriptine: Koenig T, Bauersachs J, Hilfiker-Kleiner D. Bromocriptine for the Treatment of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy. Card Fail Rev. 2018 May;4(1):46-49. doi: 10.15420/cfr.2018:2:2. PMID: 29892477; PMCID: PMC5971672 Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Haghikia A, Berliner D, Vogel-Claussen J, Schwab J, Franke A, Schwarzkopf M, Ehlermann P, Pfister R, Michels G, Westenfeld R, Stangl V, Kindermann I, Kühl U, Angermann CE, Schlitt A, Fischer D, Podewski E, Böhm M, Sliwa K, Bauersachs J. Bromocriptine for the treatment of peripartum cardiomyopathy: a multicentre randomized study. Eur Heart J. 2017 Sep 14;38(35):2671-2679. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx355. PMID: 28934837; PMCID: PMC5837241.

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!   In this deeply personal episode, he shares why lab work—especially testing FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)—is non-negotiable in hormone replacement therapy.   This is not about gatekeeping. It's about understanding. It's about caring. Dr. McCarthy recounts a formative memory of meeting a woman who underwent surgical menopause and was never told what would happen to her body afterward. That moment shaped his lifelong mission to treat women with comprehensive, individualized care—not cookie-cutter patches or “blind firing” estrogen without context. In this episode, he explains:

Send us a textIn this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down one of the most commonly overlooked causes of infertility: elevated prolactin levels, also known as hyperprolactinemia.If you've ever been asked about nipple discharge at a fertility consult and thought, “What does that have to do with getting pregnant?”—this episode is for you.Dr. Amols dives into:What prolactin is and why your body produces itHow elevated prolactin shuts down ovulation by disrupting GnRH, FSH, and LHThe connection between dopamine and prolactin controlCauses of high prolactin—including prolactinomas, medications, thyroid issues, and even stress or exerciseDiagnostic steps: when to repeat the test, when to order an MRI, and how to rule out macroprolactinFirst-line treatments (cabergoline, bromocriptine) and what to expect during recoveryHow untreated hyperprolactinemia affects IUI, Clomid, Letrozole, and IVF outcomesLearn how to identify this hormone imbalance, when to treat it, and how correcting it can restore ovulation and dramatically improve your chances of pregnancy.Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Dr. Natalie Crawford, double board certified OBGYN and REI, breaks down the complex world of reproductive hormones, providing you with a comprehensive guide to understanding their menstrual cycle, hormone function, and reproductive health. Key Topics Covered: 1. Hormone Basics -The HPO (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovary) Axis -How hormones communicate in the body -Roles of key hormones: GnRH, FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone 2. The Menstrual Cycle Explained -Egg development and ovulation process -Hormone fluctuations throughout the cycle -Normal cycle length and characteristics 3. Hormone Health Insights -Identifying normal vs. abnormal cycles -Impact of prolactin and thyroid hormones -Importance of hormone testing 4. Common Misconceptions -Estrogen dominance -Hormone balance -Effects of biotin on hormone testing Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and freebies If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fora Fertility. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I'm breaking down the truth behind two of the most talked-about fertility hormones: AMH and FSH. Whether you're navigating IVF, trying to conceive naturally, or just beginning to explore your fertility, understanding what these numbers actually mean (and what they don't) is essential. In this solo episode, I share what AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) reveal about your ovarian reserve, what doctors are looking for, and why these values are only one piece of the fertility puzzle. I also offer insights into how lifestyle, nutrition, and stress management can positively influence your hormonal health and egg quality. Tune in for a science-meets-soul discussion that will empower you to move forward with more clarity, hope, and confidence on your fertility journey. Key Takeaways: AMH indicates the estimated quantity of follicles, while FSH reflects how well your ovaries respond to stimulation. These values don't measure egg quality—and they certainly don't define your fertility potential. Numbers like AMH and FSH are just a snapshot in time; they can change with the right support. Egg quality can be supported through lifestyle shifts, acupuncture, and antioxidant-rich nutrition. Natural conception is possible—even with “low” AMH or “high” FSH. ---------------------- For more information about Michelle, visit www.michelleoravitz.com  To learn more about ancient wisdom and fertility, you can get Michelle's book at: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility  The Wholesome Fertility facebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/  Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/  Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care.

Grab your free Menopause Fat Loss Over 40 Guide to get the complete evidence-based strategy for navigating fat loss during this transition--Struggling with unexplained weight gain during perimenopause or menopause? You're not alone, and it's not just "hormones and aging."The menopause transition triggers a perfect storm of metabolic changes that go well beyond simple hormone fluctuations. Research shows us that during a specific 3.5-year window, women experience accelerated fat gain and muscle loss that can dramatically alter body composition, even when the scale barely moves (though in many cases it does and you seem to always gain weight).Learn the real science behind why your body composition changes during this transition (including the surprising protein leverage effect that's sabotaging your efforts) and discover evidence-based strategies that actually work to improve your body composition and support fat loss.Main Takeaways:The menopausal transition uniquely accelerates fat gain and muscle loss in a specific 3.5-year window (it's not just normal aging)Body composition can shift dramatically even when the scale doesn't move (you lose muscle while gaining fat, especially belly fat)The "protein leverage effect" drives overconsumption when muscle protein breakdown increases your appetite for proteinFSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) affects metabolism independently of estrogen, starting before estrogen significantly declinesStrategic lifestyle, nutrition, and training adjustments can prevent or reverse these changesEpisode Resources:Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS - Track your food and let the app calculate your metabolismLifting Weights vs. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Fat Loss Over 40 | Ep 278Timestamps:0:01 - Why the scale keeps creeping up and jeans keep getting tighter 2:50 - Body weight vs. body composition 6:45 - Beyond estrogen (the role of FSH in metabolism) 9:27 - The protein leverage effect (affects overeating) 12:17 - Menopause myths (age and inevitable weight gain) 16:45 - 5 evidence-based solutions 18:22 - This 1 behavior gives you more confidence and control 21:32 - The role of chronic stress in exacerbating metabolic changes 24:42 - Reframing the menopause transition as an opportunitySupport the show

Hola :)En el episodio de hoy os intento explicar por qué el estrés crónico (tanto mental como físico) puede afectar a nuestro eje reproductivo directamente y a la misma vez a través de afectación indrecta de otros ejes hormonales como el eje tiroideo y la prolactina contribuir a empeorar los sintomas reproductivos asociados al estrés perpetuando el ciclo de estres--> falta de adecuada sintesis de GnRh--> FSH y LH--> menstruaciones regulares, ovulación producción de testosterona...Asimismo os hablo de varios complementos que SIEMPRE  van detras de las medidas dle estilo de vida, no sustituyen a éstas y son:Estres: magnesio, omega 3, glicina, theanina, reishi, rhodiola, schizandra, ashwagandha, SAME vitaminas del grupo B como B12, B6, B9...Función tiroidea: myoinositol, coQ10, selenio, yodo, vitamina B1 y B3..Prolactina: vitex agnus (sauzgatillo) y magnesioOjala os sirva :) un besitoPara mas información ya sabéis que me tenéis en mi instagram @isabelvina dónde te comparto contenido diario Mi TikTok @isabelvinabas En mi canal de YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dfdxLBcvfztBvRAKZSXGQY los suplementos formulados por mi https://ivbwellness.com

We're digging the top 20 blood tests and functional labs to improve egg quality Are you struggling with low AMH or poor egg quality? The standard fertility panel often misses crucial clues. In this episode, we dive deep into the top 20 functional lab markers you need to know, covering hormones, inflammation, metabolism, and nutrient status. Learn why functional reference ranges matter, what high or low results mean, and how these insights guide personalized fertility care. We'll also explore specialized testing beyond bloodwork, like gut health panels, genetic testing, hormone metabolite analysis, and environmental toxin screens, all critical pieces often overlooked but vital for optimizing egg quality. ✨ Plus, hear a moving success story from Annie, who thought IVF and donor eggs were her only options until she embraced a comprehensive, holistic approach that changed everything. This episode is for you: You want to go beyond standard fertility tests and uncover hidden factors impacting your egg quality and ovarian reserve. You're struggling with low AMH, poor egg quality, or recurrent miscarriage and need clear guidance on the most effective labs to run. You're ready to take a personalized, functional approach to optimize hormone balance, reduce inflammation, and support mitochondrial health. In this episode you'll learn: How to interpret key blood markers like AMH, FSH, and progesterone to understand your ovarian reserve and egg quality beyond standard lab ranges. Which advanced functional tests reveal hidden inflammation, hormone imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies impacting fertility. Why personalized functional lab data is crucial for creating targeted fertility strategies that support natural conception or IVF success. How gut health, genetics, and stress hormones connect to egg quality, and which tests uncover these hidden influences. --- RESOURCES

On this episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Nirali Jain (eggspert_md), a board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Medical Associates (RMA). Dr. Jain shares her expert insights on fertility preservation for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of reproductive care. We explore what options are available for fertility preservation, including egg and sperm freezing, and why it's so important to initiate these discussions before starting chemotherapy or radiation. Dr. Jain also explains the difference between Letrozole and Clomid, the impact of estrogen-sensitive cancers on IVF treatments, and innovative approaches like random-start cycles and DuoStim protocols. Whether you're facing a cancer diagnosis or simply thinking proactively about your reproductive future, this conversation is filled with knowledge and reassurance. Key Takeaways: Why it's essential to discuss fertility before starting cancer treatment. The role of Letrozole in estrogen-sensitive cancers and fertility preservation. Differences between Letrozole and Clomid, and why Letrozole is often preferred. How new protocols like DuoStim and random-start cycles are improving outcomes. Why fertility preservation is important even for those without a cancer diagnosis. Guest Bio: Dr. Nirali Jain (@eggspert_md) is a board-certified OB/GYN and fertility specialist at Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. She earned both her undergraduate degree in neurobiology (with a minor in dance!) and her medical degree from Northwestern University, before completing her residency at Weill Cornell/NYP, where she served as co-Chief Resident, and her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at NYU Langone. Deeply passionate about women's health and fertility preservation, Dr. Jain blends the latest research and cutting-edge treatments with compassionate, patient-centered care. Her interests include third-party reproduction and oncofertility, and she is especially passionate about supporting patients navigating fertility preservation through a cancer diagnosis. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Jain is a trained dancer, a dedicated global traveler, and an adventurer working toward hiking all seven continents with her husband. Her diverse experiences, from international medical rotations to personal connections with friends and family navigating infertility, have shaped her into a warm, resourceful, and determined advocate for her patients. Links and Resources: Visit RMA websiteFollow Dr. Nirali Jain on Instagram For more information about Michelle, visit www.michelleoravitz.com To learn more about ancient wisdom and fertility, you can get Michelle's book at: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility The Wholesome Fertility facebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. --  Transcript:   # TWF-Jain-Nirali (Video) ​[00:00:00]  **Michelle Oravitz:** Welcome to the podcast Jain.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Thanks so much for having me **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah, so. **Michelle Oravitz:** I'm very excited to talk about this topic, which, um, actually you don't really hear a lot of people talking about, which is how to preserve your fertility if you're going through a cancer diagnosis and if you have to go through treatments. 'cause obviously that can impact a lot on fertility. **Michelle Oravitz:** I have, um, seen actually like a colleague of mine go through. And she also preserved her fertility and, and now she has a baby boy. so it's really nice. **Michelle Oravitz:** to **riverside_nirali_jain_raw-video-cfr_michelle_oravitz's _0181:** so nice. **Michelle Oravitz:** So I'd love for you first to introduce yourself and kind Of give us a background on how you got into this work. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Of course. Um, so I am Dr. Narly Jane. I am, um, an OB GYN by training, and then I did an additional, after completing four years of residency in OB GYN and getting board certified in that, I did an additional training in reproductive endocrinology and [00:01:00] infertility or otherwise known as REI. So now I'm a fertility specialist. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, I trained at Northwestern in Chicago, so I went to undergrad and medical school there. And then, um, home has always been New Jersey for me, so I moved back out east to New Jersey. Um, I did all my training actually in New York City at Cornell for residency and NYU for fellowship. Um, and then moved to the suburbs. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, and now I'm a fertility specialist in, in Basking Ridge at Reproductive Medical Associates.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Very impressive background. That's awesome.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah. **Michelle Oravitz:** I'd love to hear just really. About what your process is. If a person has been diagnosed with cancer, like what is the process? What are some of the things that you address if they are trying to preserve fertility, and what are some of the concerns going  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** yeah, yeah. All great questions. So, you know, there's a lot of us, uh, the Reis. Are a very small, [00:02:00] there's a very small number of us. So in terms of specializing in fertility preservation, technically we all are certified to treat patients with cancer and kind of move them through fertility preservation before starting chemotherapy. **Michelle Oravitz:** Mm-hmm.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, luckily we've been working closely with oncologists in the past several years just to establish some type of streamlined system because having a diagnosis of cancer and hearing all that information. Especially when you're young is so hard. So I think that's, that's where my interest started in terms of being able to speak to and counsel cancer patients. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** I think it is a very specific niche that you really have to be comfortable with in our field. Um, I. So I'll kind of walk you through, you know, what it, what does it look like, right? Um, you go into your oncologist's office suspecting that you have this, this lump. I'll take breast cancer, for example. It could really be any kind of cancer. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, but breast cancer in a reproductive age patient or someone that's in those years where you're starting [00:03:00] to think about building a family, planning a family, um, or if you have kids at home, that's usually the type of patient that we see come in with a breast cancer diagnosis. So. Kinda just taking that, for example, um, the minute that you're diagnosed, it's really your oncologist's responsibility to counsel you on what treatment options are going to be offered to you. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** And then based off of the treatment options, it's important to know how that affects your reproduction. So how does it affect your ovaries in the short term, in the long term, um, in any way possible. So. Once a patient is initially referred from their oncologist to myself or any other fertility specialist, they come into my office and we just have a 30 minute conversation really talking about family planning goals. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Any kids that they've had in the past either naturally conceived or through um, IVF, and then we talk about where they're at in their relationship. Are they married, are they not? Are they with a partner, [00:04:00] a male partner, a female partner, whatever it might be. It's important to know the social standpoint, um, especially in this sensitive phase of life. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So patient patients usually spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Um, just kind of talking through where they're at, how they're feeling, what their ultimate childbearing goals are. And then from there we do an ultrasound and that's when I'm really able to see, you know, the, the reproductive status. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So what do the ovaries look like? What does the uterus look like? Is there something that I need to be concerned about from a baseline GYN standpoint? Um, and all of those conversations are happening in real time. So. I think one of the things is patients come in and they're like, I'm already so overwhelmed with all this information from my oncologist, and now my fertility specialist is throwing all this information at me. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Luckily, the way I like to frame it is you come in and you just let go. Like you let us do the work because in the background we're the ones talking to your oncologist. We're the [00:05:00] ones giving that feedback and creating a timeline with your oncologist. Um, and really I think just getting in the door is the hardest part. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So once patients are here to see us, we go through the whole workup. We do anything that we would do for a normal patient that came in for fertility preservation. And then based off of where they're at in their journey, we talk about what makes sense for them, whether that means freezing embryos, freezing eggs, they're very similar in terms of the, the few weeks leading up to the egg retrievals. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So I have that whole conversation just at the initial visit. And then from there we talk about the timeline behind the scenes and make sure that it works with their lives before moving forward. **Michelle Oravitz:** So for people listening to this, why, and this might be an obvious question, but to some it might not be,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Mm-hmm. **Michelle Oravitz:** why would somebody want to preserve. eggs or sperm. 'cause I've had actually some couples  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yep. **Michelle Oravitz:** come to me where the husband preserved the sperm and they had to go through IVF just because he was going [00:06:00] through cancer treatments. So he had to preserve the sperm ahead of time.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Mm-hmm. **Michelle Oravitz:** people need to consider doing that before doing cancer treatments?  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So there are certain cancer treatments that do affect the ovaries and the sperm health, and you know, for men and women, it affects your reproductive organs. In a similar way, um, depending on the type of chemotherapeutic agent, there are some that are more dangerous in terms of, um, being toxic to your ovaries or toxic to your sperm. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** And those are the instances where we are really thinking about what's the long-term impact because there's medications that oncologists do give patients, and our oncologists are amazing, the ones that we work with, Memorial Sloan Kettering from Reproductive Medical Associates through RMA, um, and. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** They're just so good at what they do and are so well-trained, so they know in the back of their mind, is this going to impact your ovaries or your sperm health or not? Um, and I [00:07:00] think that any chemotherapy, you know, your ovaries are these, these small organs that are constantly turning over follicles every month. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So every month we're losing those eggs, and if they don't become. If an egg isn't ovulated, it doesn't become a baby, it's just gonna die off. So I counsel even patients that don't have cancer, I counsel them on fertility preservation as young as possible. You know, between the ages of 28 and 35, that's like the best time to preserve your fertility. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So in cancer patients, there's an extra level added to that where even if they are a little bit younger, a little bit older. Your eggs are not gonna be the same quality. There's gonna be higher level of chromosomal errors, more DNA breakage, um, and, and bigger issues that lead to issues with conceiving naturally afterwards. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So I think that it's important to consider how that chemotherapy is going to affect them or how surgery would affect them if it was, for example, a GYN cancer where [00:08:00] we're removing a whole ovary, you know, what, what do we have to do to preserve your fertility in that case? And those are important conversations to have. **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah. for sure. I know that a lot of people are also concerned, you know, with going through the IVF process, you're taking in a lot of estrogen, a lot of hormones, and many cancers are actually estrogen sensitive. So I wanted to talk to you about that. 'cause I know that the data shows that it's. It's been fine, which some people might find surprising, but I wanted you to address that and just kind of **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah. **Michelle Oravitz:** from your perspective.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** That's so interesting that you asked that question because I actually, my whole I I graduated fellowship last year and my entire, like passion project in fellowship was looking at one of the drugs that we use to suppress the estrogen levels specifically in cancer patients. Um, and I had presented this at a few of our reproductive meetings. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, A SRM is one of our annual meetings where all of the reiss get together. A lot of male fertility [00:09:00] specialists come and we kinda just talk about. Specific things and fertility preservation for cancer patients is, has been an ongoing topic of interest for all of us. Um, and it's important to know that there are different medications that we can offer. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Letrozole is the one that I, um, have a particular love for and I, uh, you know, I use all the time for my patients, um, for different reasons, but it suppresses the exposure that your body has to estrogen. And there's mixed data, um, out there in terms of, you know, does Letrozole suppression actually impact, you know, does it help or. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Or does it have no impact on your future risk of cancer after treatment? Um, and that honestly is still up for debate. But what we do know is that there's no increased risk of cancer recurrence in patients that have undergone fertility preservation with or without Letrozole. Um, Letrozole is one of those things that we can give, and the way it works is basically. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** It masks that [00:10:00] conversion. It, it doesn't allow for conversion from those androgens in the male hormones over to estrogen. Um, and so your body doesn't really see that estrogen exposure. It stays nice and low throughout your cycle, and it does help with actually ovarian maturation and getting mature eggs harvested and, um, helps a little bit with, with quality too. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So I think that it's really nice in terms of having that available to us, but know that. It's not, it's not essential that you have it, really, the data showing plus minus. Um, but there are certain things that we can do to protect the ovaries, protect your exposure to estrogen. Um, and so that shouldn't be top of mind of concern when we're going through fertility preservation, even with an estrogen sensitive cancer. **Michelle Oravitz:** Actually, so, uh, on a different topic, kind of going back to that, so Letrozole versus Clomid, I, it's like a, the questions I personally feel just based on what I've heard and like my own research that Letrozole would be kind of like the more. [00:11:00] Um, the, it's, it's a little better, but I know that it really depends on the person as well.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** they might do better with Clom, but I'd love to hear your perspective and kind of pick your brain on this.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** totally. You're choosing all the, all the right questions because these are all of my, my specific interests and niches. So  **Michelle Oravitz:** Oh,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Letrozole is basically, you know, we use Letrozole and Clomid in. Patients that don't have cancer and patients that come in for an intrauterine insemination, that's kind of the most common scenario where we're thinking about, you know, which medication is better? **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Letrozole or Clomid and Clomid used to be the, the most common medication that we use, we dose patients, you know, have 50 milligrams of Clomid, give them five days of the medication. It's an oral pill. Feels really easy and. The way it works is really, it recruits more than one follicle, so it really helps with the release of, um, more than one follicle growing more than one follicle in the ovary. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, but it has a little bit [00:12:00] higher of a risk of twins because that's exactly what it's good at. Um, Clomid, not so much in the cancer. In the cancer front, it's not really used there because it's considered, from a scientific perspective, it's considered like a selective estrogen receptor modulator. So it doesn't necessarily suppress your estrogen levels in the same way that Letrozole does versus. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor, so it really blocks the chemical conversion of one drug or one hormone to the other hormone. Um, the reason we love Letrozole so much, and I don't mean to like gush over Letrozole, but um, it's a mono follicular agent, so it works really well at recruiting one follicle  **Michelle Oravitz:** Mm-hmm.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** you know, every OB-GYN's nightmare in a way is having multiples when you didn't intend on having multiples at all. **Michelle Oravitz:** so  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um. **Michelle Oravitz:** were saying that, um, there's more of a chance of twins, it's Clomid, not letrozole.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yes, there's a higher chance with Clomid versus Letrozole. And I mean, don't get me wrong, there's a chance of twins with [00:13:00] any type of assisted reproductive technology. Even when we're doing single embryo transfers, there's a chance that it's gonna split. So, um, the chance is always there just like it is in the natural world. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** But we know for a fact that. CLO is really good at recruiting many follicles. It's good for certain patients that don't respond well to Letrozole. Um, but Letrozole is kind of our, our go-to drug these days just because of all the benefits that we've seen.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Awesome.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** These are all fun things to ask because I, I love talking to our eis 'cause there's so much information that I'm always  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** totally. **Michelle Oravitz:** learn a lot from my patients in my own research, but it's really cool. Picking your guys' brains. So another question I have, and I have actually talked to Dr. Andrea Elli, he's been on,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Mm-hmm. **Michelle Oravitz:** and he does a lot of endometriosis and, and immune related work as well,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah. **Michelle Oravitz:** so. I'd love to know just from your perspective. One thing that I do know from, based on what I've heard is that the, [00:14:00] guess like you were just saying, that breast cancer or estrogen sensitive breast cancer doesn't seem to be affected by IVF cycles, however, and endometriosis lesions do get affected.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** that's a great question. So, you know, every, there are so many complex G mind diagnoses that the, that our patients come in with. Um, and endometriosis is a big one because there is clear data that endometriosis is linked to infertility. So we think about, you know, when a patient comes in with endometriosis, we really do think about the different treatment options and what are the short-term and long-term impacts of the hormones that we're giving 'em. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, these days, again, kind of going back to Letrozole, we, letrozole is something that I give all of my endometriosis patients because it helps suppress their estrogen because we know.  **Michelle Oravitz:** interesting.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** is very responsive to estrogen and leads to this dysfunctional regulation of all the endometrial tissue that can really flare in a, [00:15:00] in a cycle, or shortly after a cycle. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** I. So we really, for endometriosis patients, the, the best treatment is being on birth control because we don't see that hormonal fluctuation. The up and down of the estrogen and the progesterone, that's what leads to those flares. Um, so I really, I watch patients closely after their cycles too, because you definitely can have an endometriosis flare and we say the best treatment for endometriosis is pregnancy, right? **Dr. Nirali Jain:** That's when you're suppressed, that's when you're at your lowest. Um, and patients, my endo patients feel so good in pregnancy because they have. Hormones that are nice in that baseline, they're not getting periods of course. Um, and that's truly, truly the best treatment.  **Michelle Oravitz:** That's interesting.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** But it is important to consider when you're going through infertility treatments. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** How does my endometriosis affect the short and long-term effects of the fertility medications? And really not to, not to say that they're bad in any way. I think a lot of endometriosis patients go through IVF and have success and do really, really well, and that's kind of the push that they need. [00:16:00] Um, but it's important to be mindful of the bigger picture here. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** It's not just, you're not just a number of. A patient with endo coming in, getting the same protocol. It's really individualized to the extent of your lesions, what symptoms you're having, what grade of endometriosis, where your lesions are. So we're the RAs are thinking about everything before we actually start your protocol. **Michelle Oravitz:** It's crazy how in depth it is, and it's, it, there's just so, it's so multifaceted,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah,  **Michelle Oravitz:** when it's females  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** totally. **Michelle Oravitz:** are a little, I mean, they can, you know, there, there's definitely a number of things, but it's not as complicated and interconnected  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Exactly. Exactly. That's so true. **Michelle Oravitz:** And so one question I actually have, this is kind of really off topic, but something that I was curious about. **Michelle Oravitz:** 'cause I heard about a while  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah. **Michelle Oravitz:** a, a type of cancer treatment that was used. I'm not sure exactly what it was, but for some reason it actually caused follicles to grow, [00:17:00] or to multiply. And they were **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Interesting. **Michelle Oravitz:** this definitely. Puts, um, the whole idea of like a woman being born with all the follicles she'll ever have on its head, I thought that was really Interesting. **Michelle Oravitz:** Now I learned a little bit about it. I don't think it really went further than that,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Mm-hmm. **Michelle Oravitz:** one of those things that they're like, Hmm, this is interesting. I don't know, it was kind of a random side effect of this chemo drug. I dunno if it was a chemo drug or a cancer drug.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah.  **Michelle Oravitz:** ever heard of that. **Michelle Oravitz:** So I was just **Dr. Nirali Jain:** I haven't, I mean, that's interesting. I feel like I'd have to look into that because that would be definitely a point of interest for a lot of Reis. But it kind of does go back to the point of, you know, women are really born with all the eggs we're ever gonna have. So it's about a million, and then it just goes down from there. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** And the, by the time you start having periods, I like to kind of show my patients a chart, but you have a couple hundred thousand eggs and you ovulate one egg a month. That's, you know. Able to [00:18:00] progress into a fertilized egg and then into a, an embryo into a baby, um, if that's your goal. But otherwise, patients that are having periods and not trying to actually get pregnant, we're losing hundreds of eggs a month. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Mm.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** It's important to kind of think about that decline, and it's important to know that that rate can be faster in patients with cancer, patients with low ovarian reserve. And sometimes when you have the two compounded, that's when a fertility specialist is definitely, you know, in the queue to, to have a discussion with you in terms of what that means and how you can reach your family building goals despite being faced with that, with that challenge. **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah. **Michelle Oravitz:** I mean, 'cause we know oxidative stress is one of the things that can cause, uh,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** quality eggs, but it's also can cause cancer. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** um, similar, you know, like things that really deplete the body could definitely impact. Um, and then what are your thoughts? I know I'm asking you all kinds of random questions, **Dr. Nirali Jain:** I love it. **Michelle Oravitz:** are your thoughts about doing low simulation in certain [00:19:00] circumstances versus high stem? **Michelle Oravitz:** Sometimes people don't respond as well to higher stems.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah, that's a great point. I think that it kind of all goes back to creating an individualized protocol. If. A patient's going to a practice and basically just getting a protocol saying, this is our standard. We start with our standard of, you know, I, I think about the standard, which is 300 of the FSH or that pen that you dial up, and then 150 units of that powder vial. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** And we have patients mixing powders all the time, and that's kind of our blanket protocol that we give patients. But that's not really what's happening behind the scenes. And if you're given a protocol that's, and being told, you know, this is kind of what we give to everyone, it's probably not the right fit for you. **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah, I  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, there are certain patients that respond to a much lower dose and do really, really well, and then some patients that need a much higher dose. Um, and I think it's, that's kind of like the fun part of being an REI of being able to individualize the [00:20:00] protocol to the patient. Um, and I know for a fact there are so many, luckily, you know, we have so many leaders in REI that have been. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Have dedicated their entire careers to researching these different protocols and how they can help different patients. Um, patients with lower a MH, you know, might benefit from a duo stim protocol, for example. That's kind of the first one that comes to mind, but a protocol where we're using those follicles from the second half of a cycle. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** I would've never thought that those were the follicles that  **Michelle Oravitz:** Oh,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** would be better than the first half of the cycle,  **Michelle Oravitz:** Wait,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** but, **Michelle Oravitz:** that. Explain that. Um, because I think that that's kind of a unique  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** mm-hmm.  **Michelle Oravitz:** that I haven't heard of.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah, so there's this new day. It's still kind of developing, but um, kind of going back to, you know, what's an individualized protocol? Duo STEM is one of the newer protocols that we've started using. I, I've used it once or twice in patients. Um, but it goes back to the research that shows that you might actually have two different periods of time in a menstrual cycle where you could potentially recruit [00:21:00] follicles. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** You could have a follicular phase where there's a certain cohort of follicles recruited, and then you have a follicle that forms creates a corpus glut.  **Michelle Oravitz:** um, protocols  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yep. And then you basically go through the follicular protocol and then a few days after a retrieval, instead of waiting for a new follicular cohort or follicular recruitment from the first half of your menstrual cycle, you actually use the luteal phase and you recruit those follicles that would've actually died off or have been prematurely recruited in a prior cycle. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So **Michelle Oravitz:** that's So  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** you just do a similar, I guess, um, medicine,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** go right back into it.  **Michelle Oravitz:** do the same exact thing, but right after ovulation.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Fascinating. That's really interesting.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah,  **Michelle Oravitz:** has been your experience with that?  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** I think it's, honestly, it's mixed. Um, so far, you know, our data from fertility and sterility and A SRM, it, it shows support for these DUO STEM [00:22:00] protocols, saying that if patients don't have that great quality of eggs or if they have a very low number, maybe they'd benefit from starting the meds earlier and recruiting follicles. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** A little bit earlier. Um, so we've seen positive results so far. A lot of work to be done in terms of really understanding it. Um, and of course, as a new attending, I have a lot more experience to kind of build on. Um, but I, I have seen success from it. **Michelle Oravitz:** That's fascinating. Are there any other new technologies, like new add-ons, um, that you've seen, that you've found to be really cool or interesting?  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** I think the biggest thing, actually, kind of going back to our whole topic for today is fertility preservation cancer patients. One of the biggest things that I've learned recently is that we used to start fertility, um, patients. You know, only in the beginning of the cycle days, two or three is technically like when most. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Most clinics, um, start patients, but for our cancer patients, sometimes you don't have that time. You don't wanna wait a full month to [00:23:00] restart, um, your, you know, your menstrual cycle and then do the fertility preservation and then delay chemotherapy a full month. So we started doing what we call random starts. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So you basically start a patient whenever they come in. You know, it could be the day after your consultation, the day of your consultation. I've kind of seen all of the above. Um, and we've seen really good success with random starts, per se. Um, and we've been doing a lot more of that, where it's not as dependent on where you're at in your cycle. **Michelle Oravitz:** Mm-hmm.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, obviously there's a difference in outcomes. You might not be a great candidate for it, so definitely it's worth talking to your doctor about it. But it kind of gives relief to our cancer patients where if you have a new cancer diagnosis and you're like, oh, I just finished my period, like, I can't even start a cycle until next month. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** That's not always true. Um, so it's always worth it to go into see a fertility specialist and just get, you know, get the data that you need right away, and then you can make a decision later on. **Michelle Oravitz:** For sure. Um, Yeah. **Michelle Oravitz:** and I wanted to kind of cover a lot of different topics 'cause I know that [00:24:00] some people are gonna wanna hear what you have to say that don't necessarily, or, uh, have cancer. But it is important. I, I think that, you know, if you get to thirties and you haven't gotten married or you don't have a partner, I think it's really important to preserve your fertility in general.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** important thing. And then if you were going through a cancer diagnosis and you decided to preserve your fertility, um, guess more for women because they're eventually going to be thinking about transfers after they go through treatment. So what are some of the things that they would need to consider as far as that goes? **Michelle Oravitz:** Like after the  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** then they go through the cancer treatments. Um, and then what, how long should they  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** yeah. Like what does it look like? So I've had patients that come back, you know, in my fellowship training I did a, a couple research projects on patients that came back to pursue an embryo transfer, um, after chemotherapy agent. And basically compared them to how they did, um, [00:25:00] compared to patients that didn't have cancer and just froze their embryos or froze their eggs and then came back to pursue a transfer and. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** I think the, the most reassuring thing from the preliminary data that we have is saying that there's no difference in pregnancy rates and no difference in life birth,  **Michelle Oravitz:** Awesome.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** of whether they had chemotherapy or not. After freezing those eggs and going through fertility preservation.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Amazing.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, in terms of where your body needs to be, I think the oncologist, we, we wait for their green light. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** We wait for their signal to say, you know, she's safe to carry a pregnancy.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Mm-hmm.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** And then once we do that, we basically treat you like any other patient. So if you're coming in for a cycle, if you're having periods, then it's reasonable to try a natural cycle protocol, wait for your body to naturally ovulate an egg. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** And instead of obviously hoping that egg will fertilize, we, um, use a corpus luteum. We use the progesterone from the corpus luteum to really support this embryo being implanted into the uterus. Um. Yeah. [00:26:00] And then there's also another side. I mean, some patients don't get their periods back and they always ask like, what if I never get my period back? **Dr. Nirali Jain:** What if I'm just like in menopause because of the chemotherapy agents? And for that, we can start you on a synthetic protocol or basically an estrogen dependent protocol where you take an estrogen pill for a certain number of days. We monitor your lining, then we start progesterone, um, to support your hormones from that perspective instead of relying on your ovaries to release the progesterone that they need, um, and then doing the embryo transfer a few, few days after progesterone starts. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So there's definitely different protocols depending on where your menstrual health is at after the chemotherapy or after the cancer treatment. Um, but it's important to kind of just know that. That there's options. It doesn't mean that it's the end of the road if you all of a sudden stop getting your period. **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah, for sure. I mean, 'cause you, technically speaking, you can really control a lot of that. More so for transfers  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yep. **Michelle Oravitz:** Retrievals really is kind of like what [00:27:00] eggs you have, what the quality is. But people can be in complete menopause and you guys can still control their cycles for transfer, which is kind of. A huge difference  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah,  **Michelle Oravitz:** in the  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** exactly. That's exactly right. Yeah. **Michelle Oravitz:** interesting. Any other, um, new, new things that you're, you guys are excited about? I always like to hear about like the new and upcoming things  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Of course.  **Michelle Oravitz:** actually before, which I thought was fascinating. Yeah.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** I feel like there's always like updates and, and new data and things like that coming out, but just know, I think it's important for patients to know, like we're constantly, we're, the reason I chose to even pursue this field was because it's new. Right. There's something that we are discovering every day, every year, and that's what makes our, our conferences so important to attend, um, to really just stay up to date. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, but we are, uh, constantly updating our embryology standards, the way we thaw our eggs, and the success rate associated with a thaw and [00:28:00] how we treat our embryos and the media that we use, right? Like, so we're really thinking about the basic science perspective every single day, and that's what makes this field so unique. **Michelle Oravitz:** It is really awesome. And so do you guys specialize specifically on, um. Egg freezing and, and I mean specific fertility preservation in patients that do that have cancer that are going through treatments, do you guys specialize specifically in that? I mean, I know you do range  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah. Yeah, because it's such a small community, we all have our own niches and we all kind of have our own interests and  **Michelle Oravitz:** Yeah.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** no like specific training. There are a couple courses that you take that I took in in training as well, just to kind of understand what it sounds like to, I. Council of fertility preservation, patient with and without cancer. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Um, and then, you know, you kind of just learn by experience and you form a niche for something that you're passionate about. 'cause that's what makes you, you know, really thorough in, in your treatment. [00:29:00] So that's one of my interests. Um, and, but I would say,  **Michelle Oravitz:** training for that. It's just like  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** just know how to treat that in  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** exactly.  **Michelle Oravitz:** especially if you're interested in doing that.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Exactly. That's exactly right. It's kind of, it just comes with the experience comes with your mentors and who you're surrounded by, and everyone kind of helps each other get to that point. But there are several specialists in our practice at RMA that specialize specifically in fertility preservation in cancer patients. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So we have a close communication with our oncologist and they know who to refer to within the practice because everyone has their own little interests.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Amazing.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah. **Michelle Oravitz:** Um, definitely. I, like I said, I really enjoy picking your brain because it's a lot of fun for me. I, I do  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Totally.  **Michelle Oravitz:** acupuncture, so  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** and I, I think that it's just so crazy that our fields don't work together. I mean, we kind of do, but I think, I just feel like it would be so great  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** exactly.[00:30:00]  **Michelle Oravitz:** the expertise because you guys have immense. Benefits like in, in, uh, technology and incredible innovations and, and then the natural aspect of really understanding the, the body. And I, I just think that it would work so amazing together if it was more of like a thing. 'cause it, I know in China they actually combine the two  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah.  **Michelle Oravitz:** eastern.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah, I mean I think that that's so important and there is data that shows, you know, there's actually a recent study that came out just a few weeks ago on the benefits of acupuncture for fertility patients. And we know that, I mean, I recommend it to all of my patients, specifically the day of the embryo transfer. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** We, luckily, we offer it on site at RMA and we have acupuncturists that come in and, and do a session before and after the embryo transfer, and I think. A lot of that is targeted towards stress relief. But I also think that holistically it's important to feel at your best when we're doing something that's so crucial to your, to your health. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So to really focus on the diet, focus on stress relief, [00:31:00] focus on meditation, yoga, whatever it takes to get to your best wellbeing when you're going through fertility treatments, um, is so important. So I appreciate  **Michelle Oravitz:** Mm-hmm.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** like you that really specialize in the other side of. Of this, because I do consider it still part of the holistic medicine that we need to really maximize success for our patients. **Michelle Oravitz:** Awesome. Well,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah, **Michelle Oravitz:** Jane, this is such a pleasure Of talking to you. You've given us some, so much great information and we've definitely dived into a, do a topic that I don't typically, I haven't yet spoken about. But, um, that being said, it's such an important topic to talk about. And thank you so much for coming on today. **Michelle Oravitz:** Oh,  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** course. **Michelle Oravitz:** I get off, how can people find you?  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** That's a great question. So I have, um, a social media page. I, it's called Expert nc. So like EGG,  **Michelle Oravitz:** I  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** um, expert nc. Try, tried to make it a little bit humorous. Um, but I'm all over social [00:32:00] media and would love to hear from anyone that is listening. I, you know, every, every day I get different, um, dms and I'm happy to respond. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** I love hearing about everyone else's. Stories and things like that. Um, so that is kind of my main, main social media platform. Um, and then through like RMA and Reproductive Medical Associates, we also have a YouTube channel. We have an Instagram page, um, of our office available, um, as well that is public. **Dr. Nirali Jain:** So you can find us pretty easily if you just kind of hit Google. But um, yeah, I'm kind of developing my social media platform as the expert and I hope it grows.  **Michelle Oravitz:** Love it. Great.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Yeah.  **Michelle Oravitz:** was such a pleasure talking to you. Thank you. so much **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Thank you. **Michelle Oravitz:** today.  **Dr. Nirali Jain:** Of course. Thank you so much for having me.  [00:33:00]   

We're diving into why progesterone matters when it comes to your fertility especially if you're navigating low AMH, high FSH, poor egg quality, or miscarriage You'll learn how this key hormone supports implantation, calms the immune system, balances estrogen, and improves mood and sleep. We'll explore what causes low progesterone, how to test it (beyond the standard Day 21 blood draw), and practical steps you can take right now to start rebuilding your hormonal foundation. Whether you've had IVF cycles that didn't work or you're just beginning to ask why things aren't clicking, this episode will help you uncover the hidden hormonal imbalances that may be standing in the way and give you a clear path forward. This episode is for you: Have low AMH or high FSH and want to understand how progesterone fits into the picture. Navigating recurrent pregnancy loss and wondering if low progesterone could be a contributing factor Have been told you have poor egg quality and are looking for a more personalized, functional approach to support your hormones. In this episode you'll learn: The signs your body may require progesterone support Why inflammation, stress, gut health, and liver function matter How to naturally support progesterone through food, lifestyle, testing, and targeted supplements DUTCH Test 101: Why It's Important For Fertility: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/dutch-test-101-why-its-important-for-fertility?_pos=1&_sid=b889f5c33&_ss=r Why Your Gut Microbiome Matters for Low AMH and High FSH: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/why-your-gut-microbiome-matters-for-low-amh-and-high-fsh?_pos=1&_sid=062f03680&_ss=r Our favorite progesterone cream: Ona's Naturals: https://us.onasnatural.com/?rfsn=8376489.72e723 (Use code FABFERTILE to save 10%) The Link Between Sleep and Fertility: Why Getting Enough Rest Matters: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/how-poor-sleep-could-be-sabotaging-your-egg-quality?_pos=6&_sid=838d9b670&_ss=r Oura Ring:  https://ouraring.com/why-oura Understanding and Managing Progesterone Levels To Improve Pregnancy Success: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/education/understanding-and-managing-progesterone-levels-to-improve-pregnancy-success?_pos=2&_sid=3380745f3&_ss=r Ovarian vascular aging: a hidden driver of mid-age female fertility decline (discusses Rhodiola): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-025-00216-1?utm_source=Newsletter+list&utm_campaign=430d9b8ac7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_12_16_03_14_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-d2a8390d80-482938369 Our favorite fertility tracker (use code FABFERTILE15 to save 15): https://www.inito.com/en-us/?srsltid=AfmBOoo85sXu_esmFN5Kz6iysaTkBKgYl35Jubv-BaLkkxXVggdk6nes Fab Fertile Method https://www.fabfertile.com/what-we-do/ Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH - https://fabfertile.clickfunnels.com/optinvbzjfsii Not sure where to start? Book a 15-minute call here and we'll give you options to help. ---

What are the must-have tests when trying to figure out infertility? In this episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored, we're joined by Anate Brauer, MD, a physician at RMA New York, to break it all down with our trio of fertility gurus—Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. Together, they dive into the top 4 tests you shouldn't skip when facing infertility. We're talking AMH (antimullerian hormone) to evaluate egg quantity. They discuss egg quantity vs. quality (yes, there's a difference!), why age really does matter (ugh, we know), and what tests like TSH, FSH, and estrogen levels can tell us. They get into the nitty-gritty of semen analysis—because guys, you're half the equation—and the dynamic duo of uterine evaluations: HSG and saline sonogram to check for polyps, fibroids, and make sure your fallopian tubes are open. And just when you thought we were done, we throw in a little genetic twist with carrier screening, explaining why matching mutations isn't as romantic as it sounds. Whether you're just starting your fertility journey or deep in the diagnostic weeds, this episode is packed with laughs, knowledge, and more than a few “aha!” moments. Don't miss it!

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses IVF answering questions about fertility treatment preparation and potential challenges. She explains why starting early with suppression medications like birth control, progesterone, or Lupron can help align egg growth for a more effective cycle. She breaks down the benefits of using a low-dose gonadotropin protocol to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and emphasizes the importance of checking hormone levels, particularly FSH and LH, before starting to ensure your body will respond well to the trigger shot. Dr. Crawford shares lifestyle recommendations that support fertility, including adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, and considering supplements tailored to individual needs. She also highlights the value of comprehensive fertility testing and understanding the financial aspects of treatment so you can make informed decisions every step of the way. Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit! Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week's For Fertility's Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie's page ⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd.⁠⁠ You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you: Quince- Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/aaw ⁠⁠for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Ritual-Go to ⁠⁠ritual.com/aaw⁠⁠ to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. Calm - Go to ⁠⁠calm.com/aaw⁠⁠ for 40% off unlimited access to Calm's entire library. AquaTru - Go to ⁠⁠aquatru.com⁠⁠ and use code AAW for 20% off! Green Chef - Go to greenchef.com/50aaw and use code 50AAW to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠⁠ check out ⁠⁠Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could you be in perimenopause? Are you experiencing mood swings, trouble sleeping, or irregular cycles and wondering if it's just stress—or something more? In this week's episode, we're unpacking the hormonal rollercoaster that is perimenopause, a transitional phase that can span up to 10 years before menopause officially sets in. We talk about what's happening with your hormones during this time, how to assess where you're at, and the most common symptoms women face as their bodies shift. We also share empowering, food-as-medicine strategies, targeted supplements, and key lifestyle interventions to help you feel balanced, supported, and vibrant through the transition. Aging doesn't have to mean losing yourself in the process—there's so much you can do to stay sharp, energized, and grounded. Tune in and learn how to navigate perimenopause with clarity and confidence. Also in this episode:  Defining perimenopause Symptoms of perimenopause Conventional treatment of perimenopause symptoms Functional medicine approach Phytoestrogens Kudzu Red Clover Flax Turmeric Resveretrol I3C Broccodetox  Labs for perimenopause Dutch Hormone Panel Labrix Neurohormone Complete Plus Episode 395 Testing Women's Hormones LH, FSH, Estradiol (Day 3) Progesterone (Day 19) Cholesterol changes in perimenopause Episode 139 The Pregnenolone Steal Episode 433 Markers that Matter for Heart Health Priorities of supplementation Relax and Regulate Bio-C Plus Vitamin D Balanced Blend Women's Flora Julva Food as medicine  Mediterranean Keto Protein Episode 412 The Power of Protein Whey Protect Pure Collagen Fiber Omega 3s Bone Broth Fasting Carnitine Detox Packs Creatine    Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by Wild Foods, a company that puts quality, sustainability, and health first in all of their products. They have everything from coffee to turmeric to medicinal mushrooms, and every single product is painstakingly sourced from small farms around the globe. They take their mission seriously to fix the broken food system, and believe real food is medicine. They've partnered with us to give you guys an exclusive discount, so use the code ALIMILLERRD for 12% off your order at WildFoods.co!   

Send us a textAre all IVF cycles created equal? Not even close. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the science of IVF priming—covering everything from birth control pills, estrogen, progesterone, and Lupron to the emerging role of androgen priming with DHEA and testosterone. Learn how synchronization, FSH receptor upregulation, and strategic suppression can make or break your cycle success. Whether you're a poor responder, have PCOS, elevated FSH, or premature ovarian failure, this episode will help you understand which IVF priming protocol may be right for your body. It's time to move beyond cookie-cutter fertility care and personalize your path to pregnancy.Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your fertility questions called into the voicemail. Questions Answered: -What happens if you lose your period after stopping birth control? -Is it normal to have low basal body temperatures during the luteal phase? -Should someone with regular cycles but a potentially short luteal phase consider taking Clomid? -How significant is a drop in AMH and increase in FSH between ages 29 and 31? -Can a past chlamydia infection cause long-term fertility difficulties? -Is it safe to have a colonoscopy while starting IVF or during breastfeeding? -Can women with PCOS donate their uterus or become surrogates? - What physical activities are recommended or restricted after an IUI? Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit! Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week's For Fertility's Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie's page ⁠@nataliecrawfordmd.⁠ You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you: Quince- Go to ⁠Quince.com/aaw ⁠for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Ritual-Go to ⁠ritual.com/aaw⁠ to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. Calm - Go to ⁠calm.com/aaw⁠ for 40% off unlimited access to Calm's entire library. AquaTru - Go to ⁠aquatru.com⁠ and use code AAW for 20% off! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠ check out ⁠Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Story at-a-glance Research shows that glyphosate exposure, even at “safe” levels, causes hormone imbalance, oxidative stress, and permanent damage to reproductive organs like the ovaries and uterus Exposure reduces estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) while increasing testosterone and progesterone, creating conditions similar to PCOS. It also impairs egg quality and lowers the chance of successful fertilization and implantation Glyphosate alters gene expression in the uterus of offspring who were never directly exposed. These inherited disruptions impact fertility for your children and grandchildren The chemical shuts down mitochondria, blocks detox enzymes, and depletes essential minerals, setting off a chain reaction that affects everything from hormone production to brain function Avoiding glyphosate-contaminated food, filtering your water, eliminating seed oils, and healing your gut are key steps to reverse its impact and regain reproductive and metabolic health

Dr. Natalie Crawford explains how individualized protocols can lead to better outcomes in IVF and egg freezing. She breaks down key fertility concepts, including ovarian reserve, AMH levels, follicle counts, and the roles of FSH and LH in egg development. Dr. Crawford also discusses how age affects egg quality, the potential impact of sperm genetics, and why multiple cycles are sometimes needed to achieve a healthy embryo. She emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and lifestyle changes to support reproductive success. Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide! Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week's For Fertility's Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie's page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!      Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you: Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Ritual-Go to ritual.com/aaw to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off unlimited access to Calm's entire library. AquaTru - Go to aquatru.com and use code AAW for 20% off! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices