Podcasts about FSH

"Your partner is not broken. Your relationship is not unsalvageable. She is simply going through one of the most profound biological transitions of a human life—and she shouldn't have to navigate it alone." — Dr. Rachel PopeWhy This Guide ExistsWhy is it that the most common question women in menopause support groups ask is: "How do I explain this to my partner?"How do you explain that the irritability, the sleep loss, the brain fog, and the sudden physical changes are not personal attacks or signs of a relationship unraveling, but rather the result of a massive, systemic neurological and hormonal transition?To bridge this gap, board-certified OBGYN and sexual medicine specialist Dr. Rachel Pope created this comprehensive audio guide. Written with equal measures of clinical precision and direct, honest language, this guide is designed specifically for the partner who loves a woman in transition. It is not designed to help you "fix" or "manage" her; it is designed to help you understand the profound science of what she is experiencing so you can show up as a true, informed partner.What You Will Learn in This Guide: Perimenopause: The actual timeline (it can last 4 to 10 years), ovarian decline, the pituitary "shout" (FSH), and why standard blood tests frequently miss it. Physical Body Transition: The real thermoregulatory science of hot flashes, night sweats, sleep architecture changes, metabolic shifts (visceral fat distribution), and cardiovascular safety. Psychological Landscape: Why her brain is not betraying her. The neurochemical connection between fluctuating estrogen, serotonin, GABA, sudden anxiety, panic, and "brain fog." Sex, Desire, Intimacy: Demystifying Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), painful intercourse, the drop in testosterone, and the crucial shift from spontaneous to responsive desire. Practical Protocols for Partners: How to own the cognitive labor of the household, optimize the bedroom temperature (65°F to 68°F), utilize better intimacy tools (like UberLube), and support her medical treatment decisions (including Menopause Hormone Therapy).The Partner's Quick Communication Cheat Sheet:Instead of saying the wrong thing, try shifting your language to show partnership:Instead of: "You're being so emotional about this." Try: "I can see this is hard. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."Instead of: "Is it your hormones again?" Try: "What does support look like for you right now?"Resources Locate a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) near you at menopause.org Follow @drrachelpope on Instagram Love, Sex, and MenopauseIf you found this guide helpful, please leave us a 5-star review and share this episode with a friend or partner who needs to hear it!

What happens when men's health gets reduced to one testosterone number? In this episode of hol+, Dr. Taz sits down with Dr. Brandon Smith, MD, a conventionally trained physician practicing at hol+, for a practical and eye-opening conversation about men's health, low testosterone, sleep apnea, TRT, GLP-1s, muscle, stress, hormones, and why so many men are waiting too long to get proactive about their health.Together, they explore why men's health needs a reframe, especially in a medical culture where many men are taught to only go to the doctor when something is clearly broken. Dr. Smith shares what he sees in the exam room, from younger men asking about testosterone before starting a family, to men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s realizing they have spent years pushing through fatigue, stress, brain fog, weight changes, low libido, poor sleep, or changes in performance without knowing where to start.Dr. Taz and Dr. Smith also unpack why low testosterone is not always a simple testosterone problem. Dr. Smith explains the difference between total testosterone and free testosterone, why one lab number is only a snapshot, why testosterone can fluctuate throughout the day, and why morning testing matters. They also discuss why symptoms, context, body composition, sleep, stress, inflammation, chronic illness, and lifestyle all need to be part of the conversation before jumping straight to testosterone therapy.This conversation takes a closer look at one of the most overlooked drivers of low testosterone: sleep apnea. Dr. Smith explains why disrupted sleep can create a stress signal in the body, why men may not realize they are waking up throughout the night, and why the body may lower reproductive hormones when it does not feel safe, rested, or recovered. They also discuss how fasting, chronic stress, high cortisol, poor recovery, and underlying medical conditions can affect hormone levels.If you're listening to this and thinking, “I know something is off in my body, but I don't know where to start,” join the Circle here:

(00:00:00) 223: Menopause Explained so Even a Husband can Understand (00:00:12) Welcome to the Itchy and Bitchy Podcast (00:00:43) Doc Itchy Medical Pets Supplements (00:01:03) Explaining Menopause in Simple Terms (00:03:39) The Pituitary-Hormone Axis: A Toilet Analogy (00:07:12) Menopause as a Hormone "Dumpster Fire" (00:08:22) Break Announcement (00:08:35) Four Hormone-Chaos Events in Life (00:13:22) Break Announcement (00:14:04) Sleep Disorders and Aging (00:24:10) Break Announcement Here's the deal.Think of your hormonal system like a toilet. Your ovaries are the water tank. When they're full of estrogen, the pituitary gland, your body's master control panel,  sees a full tank and relaxes. Everything flushes smoothly.We break down this hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in plain English, no medical degree required. You'll finally understand why your body is doing what it's doing, and what you can actually do about it.Because you deserve to understand your own plumbing.Itchy & Bitchy is the podcast for anyone who has ever felt dismissed, misdiagnosed, or gaslit by a broken medical system.  From gut health and hormone health to autoimmune disease and chronic pain, we investigate what science actually says. We examine functional medicine, holistic health, and alternative medicine with the same skeptical If it's pseudoscience, we'll call it. If it's medical gaslighting, patient advocacy failure, or misdiagnosis we'll call that too. For chronic illness warriors, self-advocacy seekers, and wellness skeptics WE OFFER  No filters. No BS. Just the truth your doctor didn't have time to tell you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/itchy-bitchy-podcast--4303608/support.Itchy & Bitchy: Have you felt dismissed, misdiagnosed, or gaslit by a broken medical system.  From gut health, hormones, autoimmune disease, chronic pain, holistic health, and alternative medicine ... medical gaslighting, patient advocacy , or misdiagnosis we'll call that too.  For chronic illness warriors, self-advocacy seekers: WE OFFER  No BS 

I loved this conversation with Dr. Aimee, also known as the Egg Whisperer. She's so real, honest, authentic and dedicated. In our conversation she shares practical insights, innovative treatments, and inspiring stories to empower women on their fertility journeys. Whether you're just starting or deep into treatment, this episode offers invaluable advice for building your family.   We cover:  The importance of activity and lifestyle habits for fertility Debunking myths around fertility treatments and advice Essential lab markers everyone should know The role of innovative therapies like rapamycin and ovarian PRP Navigating emotionally supportive care and self-advocacy in fertility Future technologies that could revolutionize reproductive health In this episode: Dr. Aimee emphasizes the significance of staying active for fertility, explaining how movement influences inflammation and metabolism She shares her stance on common misconceptions, including the debunking of semen ingestion and the necessity of sex before embryo transfer The discussion highlights the critical lab markers: hemoglobin A1c, iron studies, AMH, FSH, and ultrasounds for ovarian reserve Explore cutting-edge approaches like rapamycin and ovarian PRP to extend fertility potential, including success stories of women over 40 Insights into supporting patients emotionally, delivering bad news with compassion, and advocating for oneself across the fertility journey A glimpse into the future: potential of in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), fertility regeneration, and the quest to extend reproductive longevity Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and importance of trusted fertility resources 02:05 - The impact of activity and movement on fertility health 01:36 - Myths and overrated fertility advice, including semen swallowing and sex timing 02:38 - Coffee's role in fertility, debunking misconceptions 02:45 - Essential lab markers: Hemoglobin A1c and iron studies 03:21 - Recommended screenings: AMH levels and fertility preservation discussions 04:23 - Women over 40 and natural vs. assisted pregnancy possibilities 05:42 - Critical fertility tests: AMH, FSH, and ovarian reserve 06:44 - Simplifying AMH and FSH: what do these markers really mean? 08:17 - Egg quality assessments and genetic testing limitations 09:19 - Handling retrievals with low follicle counts and the future of single-egg IVF 10:29 - Dr. Aimee's motivation for supportive fertility care over clinic statistics 11:29 - Trends towards IVF with fewer eggs and clinic evolution 12:03 - The journey of the Egg Whisperer and family influences 14:07 - Supporting emotional well-being through compassion, mental health referrals, and personal connection 16:23 - Building a holistic team for fertility success 18:05 - Self-advocacy: knowing your medical records and asking the right questions 20:24 - Expected attrition rates in IVF success and understanding the 'pyramid' 22:37 - Lifestyle, supplements, and experimental therapies for improving outcomes 23:39 - Innovations: rapamycin and ovarian PRP, their potentials and success stories 28:35 - Historical FDA use of rapamycin and current fertility applications 29:39 - The procedure and promise of ovarian PRP 35:16 - The need for more gender-specific women's health research 41:10 - Emerging future technologies, including IVG and fertility regeneration 43:09 - Tips for those beginning their fertility journey and critical questions to ask 44:44 - What does living well mean? Personal insights from Dr. Aimee Resources & Links: Dr. Aimee - The Egg Whisperer Rapamycin case series publication Ovarian PRP details Anti-aging and longevity insights Fertility Tools & Supplements Connect with Dr. Aimee: Instagram Twitter Website Connect with me:  Connect with me on Instagram  ShopMy - What I'm Loving Lately   Email: Hailey@hailey-miller.com

This episode is all about how to survive your HSG. Otherwise known as a hysterosalpingogram. That's a big scary word so let's break it down! Hystero = uterus Salpingo = tube Gram = picture of Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is basically a picture of your fallopian tubes. I like to think of the fallopian tube as the embryo transport system. It's where the egg and sperm come together and it's how the embryo will travel to the uterus. Part of fertility screening is not just for FSH, estradiol, and AMH for women. It's not just to see how fast the swimmers are swimming. It's also important to make sure that the fallopian tubes are open! It's the "T" in the tushymethod.com In today's episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I'm talking more about HSG. Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!  Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

Send us Fan MailMost people think of the menstrual cycle as bleeding, cramps, cycle day one, or an app prediction. But the period is really the final report — not the main event.In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols explains the menstrual cycle from the ovary's point of view. Learn how the brain, ovary, and uterus communicate each month, why one follicle becomes dominant, why IVF does not “use up” future eggs, and why so many common menstrual-cycle myths fall apart once you understand the science.We cover myths like whether ovaries take turns, whether one ovary means ovulating every other month, whether bleeding always means ovulation, whether cycle apps really know when you ovulate, and whether everyone needs to wait three months after a miscarriage before trying again.The menstrual cycle is not a calendar, an app prediction, or a right-left ovary schedule. It is a hormone conversation between the brain, ovary, and uterus.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.

Your Hormones Are Killing You: Oxytocin, FSH, and the Anti-Aging Protocol Most Doctors Ignore Your hormones are running your love life, your intuition, your longevity, and your brain, and most doctors are getting it completely wrong. Host Dave Asprey sits down with triple board-certified OBGYN Dr. Anna Cabeca to break down the clinical science of oxytocin, female pleasure, hormonal optimization, and why fixing your hormones can make your 70s the best decade of your marriage. Dr. Anna Cabeca is a triple board-certified OBGYN and fellow of gynecology and obstetrics, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine, with additional board certifications in functional medicine, sexual health, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She is the bestselling author of The Hormone Fix, Keto-Green 16, and MenuPause, and has spent decades researching the clinical intersection of oxytocin, cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone on women's hormonal health, metabolism, and longevity. Her work on keto-green nutrition, vaginal and bladder microbiome health, and bioidentical hormone replacement has made her one of the most credentialed and clinically experienced voices in women's functional medicine practicing today. Dave and Dr. Anna break down the real pharmacology of oxytocin, including its role in muscle regeneration, cortisol suppression, mitochondrial signaling, and vagal tone optimization. They expose the toxic ingredients hiding in mainstream lubricants and vaginal hormone creams, including aspartame, parabens, and petroleum derivatives, and explain why the vaginal microbiome is a frontline organ for women's metabolism and anti-aging. They get into the neuroscience of orgasm, pineal gland activation, endogenous DMT release, and the neurochemical cascade behind peak altered states. Dr. Anna also breaks down the Women's Health Initiative disaster, the FDA's recent reversal on bioidentical hormone replacement, and why FSH is a critical and widely overlooked longevity biomarker. High post-menopausal FSH drives neuroinflammation, accelerates bone loss, and degrades brain optimization outcomes, and most physicians are not testing for it. This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, longevity, anti-aging, functional medicine, human performance, brain optimization, and taking full ownership of their biology. You'll Learn: Why oxytocin functions as a regenerative hormone that rebuilds muscle, suppresses cortisol, and supports mitochondria signaling What toxic chemicals are hiding in standard lubricants and vaginal hormone creams and what to use instead How orgasm activates the pineal gland and triggers endogenous DMT release and altered neurological states Why female intuition may be directly linked to mitochondrial density concentrated in the ovaries How elevated FSH drives neuroinflammation, bone loss, and accelerated brain aging in post-menopausal women Why the FDA reversed 30 years of flawed guidance on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy How four days of sensory deprivation supercharges melatonin, oxytocin, and endogenous DMT production Why oxytocin combined with ketamine is being used clinically to break trauma patterns and rewire neural pathways How polyphenols, CoQ10, carnitine, and vagal tone training protect cardiovascular health and support longevity Why polypharma accelerates decline and what functional medicine does differently Thank you to our sponsors! - KILLSwitch | If you're ready for the best sleep of your life, order now at https://www.switchsupplements.com/and use code DAVE for 20% off - Gatlan | Book your free consultation at www.gatlan.com/DAVE - Redmond Real - Leaf Toothpaste | Go to https://redmond.com/asprey and use code ASPREY for 15% off your first order. - Neuronic | Go to www.neuronic.online Code DAVE for $100 off Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights inhealth, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: Dr. Anna Cabeca, The Girlfriend Doctor, oxytocin, bioidentical hormone replacement, FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone, vaginal microbiome, Velve lubricant, Julva, Mighty Maca, cortisol suppression, pineal gland, DMT, neuroinflammation, broken heart syndrome, NT-proBNP, vagal tone, dark retreat, orgasmic meditation, Women's Health Initiative, perimenopause, postmenopause, yoni massage, oxytocin nasal spray, cabergoline, prolactin, Pitocin, CoQ10, carnitine, Arterosil, polypharma, keto-green, The Hormone Fix Resources: • Get An Exclusive Offer On Dr. Anna's Products At: dranna.com/tribe • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/ • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today. • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/ • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Trailer 01:37 – What Is Oxytocin? 07:38 – Clean Lube Launch 09:11 – Toxic Lube Ingredients 17:08 – Oxytocin Prescribing 18:58 – FDA Reverses HRT Warning 26:50 – Dark Retreat & DMT 32:15 – Orgasmic Meditation 42:06 – Female Intuition 46:21 – Broken Heart Syndrome 51:15 – FSH & Hormone Monitoring See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Low AMH, failed IVF, or told donor eggs, and still no real explanation for why? This episode looks at the system a standard fertility workup rarely checks: the nervous system, and how chronic stress affects egg quality, progesterone, thyroid function, and ovulation. If you are a high-achieving, Type A woman who has been told your stress is handled and your thyroid is fine, this is the seven things behind low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, and recurrent pregnancy loss that rarely get investigated, including the cortisol pattern, the full thyroid panel, blood sugar, prolactin, and the stress nerves that run directly through the ovary. This episode covers: low AMH and high FSH, the cortisol curve, a single blood draw misses, thyroid antibodies and reverse T3 behind a "normal" TSH, how stress pulls raw material away from progesterone, blood sugar, and the 3 am wake-up, elevated prolactin, and the nervous system inside the ovary affecting egg quality. This episode is for you if you have low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, a failed or cancelled IVF cycle, or recurrent miscarriage, and you have been told donor eggs are your only option, and no one has explained why this is happening. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why the woman who handles everything is the one who needs this 03:00 The seven things, and why this is physiology, not mindset 03:40 One: survival first, and reproduction turned down 05:00 Two: why a single cortisol draw misses the pattern 06:00 Three: thyroid antibodies and reverse T3 behind a normal TSH 06:50 Four: how stress competes with progesterone 07:50 Five: the 3am wake-up is blood sugar, not anxiety 09:00 Six: the prolactin that got flagged, then dropped 09:30 Seven: the nervous system inside the ovary 11:00 What you can actually change 12:30 The Functional Fertility Second Opinion NEXT STEPS What Your Clinic Missed guide: the lab markers behind each of the seven, in writing. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject MISSED. Functional Fertility Second Opinion: a call where I review your full picture, your labs, your blood sugar, and your partner's results, and help you make an informed next decision. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject FERTILE, or book a call with your partner here. I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally, a podcast with over one million downloads. My functional fertility team works with couples navigating low AMH and failed IVF, reviewing functional lab results, gut microbiome, food sensitivity, vaginal microbiome, nutrigenomics, HTMA, DUTCH, toxin testing, and bloodwork alongside nervous system work, to help identify patterns that may not have been considered. We work alongside your medical team, not instead of them. Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for weekly episodes on fertility optimization, IVF preparation, and the lab work your doctor probably isn't running. Get Pregnant Naturally: A Functional Fertility Second Opinion. If this show has helped you make sense of your numbers, please leave a review. It helps other women find the show and be their own advocate.

If your doctor has ever told you, "Your labs look normal," while you're struggling with exhaustion, brain fog, weight gain, anxiety, poor sleep, or hot flashes, this episode is for you.Millions of women navigating perimenopause and menopause are told their symptoms are simply part of aging. But what if there was more to the story?In this podcast, we sit down with Jackie Roberts, a midlife health educator with more than 30 years of experience in laboratory medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, to uncover why so many women feel unheard, misunderstood, and left searching for answers during the menopause transition.Together, we explore why hormone symptoms are often treated one at a time instead of looking at the bigger picture. Jackie explains how the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) changed the conversation around hormone replacement therapy (HRT), what we've learned since that landmark study, and the important differences between synthetic hormones and bioidentical progesterone. Most importantly, she shares how women can have informed, personalized conversations with their healthcare providers instead of accepting, "You're just getting older," as the final answer.We also take a practical deep dive into menopause hormone testing and discuss:• The hormone labs that may help tell the bigger story, including FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone • Why timing your lab work during your cycle can make a significant difference • Additional labs that may help rule out other conditions, including thyroid function, iron, ferritin, prolactin, A1C, and glucose • How chronic stress, cortisol, inflammation, and body composition affect your health after 40 • Why strength training, adequate protein, and lifestyle habits become increasingly important during midlife • The powerful role that community, emotional support, and spiritual wellness play in thriving—not just surviving—through menopauseWhether you're in perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, this conversation will leave you with practical questions to ask, greater confidence when talking with your healthcare provider, and a deeper understanding of what your body may be trying to tell you.If you're ready to stop guessing and start advocating for your health, press play today.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a woman who deserves to know she's not imagining her symptoms—and she's certainly not alone.BioI bridge the gap between science and spirit in menopause care. With 30+ years in Laboratory Medicine and pharmaceuticals, including Hormone Replacement Therapy, and a background in award-winning coaching leadership, I help women stop fighting their bodies and start working with them. After navigating my own menopause challenges, I now guide women to restore strength, clarity, and connection—physically, mentally, and spiritually.Social Media InstagramFacebookSubstackYouTubeWebsiteMenopause Strength ResetPlease Patronize Our Sponsors  Healthy aging starts from the inside out. Great Lakes Wellness Collagen is made with clean, grass-fed collagen peptides that are iGen Non-GMO tested, dissolve effortlessly in hot or cold liquids, and fit seamlessly into your daily routine. I personally use it to support healthy skin, stronger hair, joint comfort, and gut health. If you're looking for a simple way to nourish your body after 40, this is one of my favorite daily wellness essentials.Learn more by clicking here. Special Discount Code: VIBEWELLNESSWOMANIf you're curious about supporting your metabolism naturally, check out Ora Organic's GLP-1 Up. It's a plant-based supplement formulated with four clinically studied botanical ingredients that help support your body's natural GLP-1 production, healthy blood sugar response, appetite regulation, and energy balance.CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATIONIf you are ready to try natural HRT check out VITAFEM -  A doctor-formulated menopause supplement built for all 5 hormones. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION     

Perimenopause is not a slow fade. It is a hormonal storm that lasts about a decade. Estrogen swings, progesterone slips first, testosterone quietly declines, and growth hormone falls alongside all of it. That is why the workout that worked at 25 stops working at 45. It is why women come to me saying "I am doing everything right and the scale will not budge." Your biology is changing, and your approach has to change with it. In this episode I'm giving you my top recommendations for every pillar so you walk away with a real protocol, not a pile of overwhelm. We cover the exact biomarker labs to ask for, the truth about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) now that the black box warning is finally off, the protein and blood sugar shifts your body actually needs in this decade, the strength training and lifestyle biohacks that move the needle, the top supplements that matter, and the foundational and advanced peptide and bioregulator stacks I recommend most often. If you'd like to work with me, you can book a free call here. Timestamps: 02:14 - Housekeeping: one-on-one consults are now open 06:09 - What we are covering today (full roadmap) 08:03 - What perimenopause actually is, average ages, the genetic component 13:18 - Progesterone, the first hormone to fall 17:11 - Estrogen, the master regulator that swings 21:05 - Testosterone, the quiet decline that drives libido and motivation 22:33 - DHEA, cortisol, thyroid, insulin, and FSH 31:36 - The exact labs to ask for (and where to get them) 39:38 - HRT, the 2002 study, bioidenticals, and why timing matters 43:38 - Pillar 1: Nutrition (protein, blood sugar, fiber, alcohol) 53:48 - Pillar 2: Lifestyle and biohacks (strength training, sunlight, nervous system, sauna) 01:05:30 - Pillar 3: Supplements (top 5 + herbs) 01:13:03 - Pillar 4: Peptides foundational stack (BPC-157, Epitalon, Selank) 01:23:47 - Advanced peptide layer (CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin, MOTS-c, PT-141, DSIP, Kisspeptin) 01:35:44 - Fringe biohacks (Dutch test, genetic testing, red light, PEMF, CGMs)   Resources: My trusted Peptide Source Guide. Work with me one-on-one. The Her Stack Planner (digital or prints at home). Join The LongHer Life  ongevity community Products mentioned: BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough code BIOHACKINGBRITTANY HigherDOSE (red light face mask, hair hat, full body panel, PEMF mat) code BRITTANY15 Kineon red light laser, code BIOHACKINGBRITTANY Fatty15 C15 essential fatty acid, code: BIOHACKINGBRITTANY Naked Nutrition creatine monohydrate, DM for discount Labs I recommend: Function Health (US) Hundred Health (US, ~100 biomarkers). SiPhox Health (US + Canada at-home blood), code BRITTANY20 NIA Health and Felix Health (Canada). Dutch Test (dried urine, ships worldwide). Let's connect: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Shop my favorite health products Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music This is for educational purposes only. This is not medical advise.

 Fertility Docs Uncensored Today's episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is 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. In this episode, Understanding Decreased Ovarian Reserve, the doctors take a deep dive into what decreased ovarian reserve means and how it can impact fertility treatment and family-building decisions. The episode begins with a discussion of how ovarian reserve is evaluated and why several different tests are used together to provide a more complete picture. The docs explain the roles of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol levels, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and antral follicle count (AFC), and how these factors interact in assessing a woman's remaining egg supply. The hosts then define decreased ovarian reserve and discuss factors that may increase a woman's risk, including smoking, prior chemotherapy exposure, and inherited conditions such as Fragile X premutation's. The conversation also focuses on treatment options and why fertility specialists often recommend a more proactive approach for patients with decreased ovarian reserve. The doctors explain that a lower egg count does not always mean poor egg quality, particularly in younger women, but it can mean that time is an important factor. They review treatment strategies ranging from ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to in vitro fertilization (IVF), and discuss realistic expectations for IVF outcomes. While patients with decreased ovarian reserve may produce fewer eggs during treatment, many can still achieve successful pregnancies with appropriate care and individualized treatment plans. This episode is sponsored by IVF Florida. 

113. When Jeani scheduled a doctor's visit to address hot flashes, night sweats, and an elevated FSH level, she assumed she was simply following in the footsteps of her mother and sisters who had all entered early menopause. Instead, a routine ultrasound revealed a dislodged IUD, and a month later, on September 11th, a positive pregnancy test that quite literally left her weak in the knees. At 43 years old, with her oldest daughter on the cusp of high school graduation, Jeani found herself forced to completely rewrite the blueprint for her upcoming retirement years. In this episode, she dives deep into the complex, heavy emotions that followed, bravely uncovering the profound sense of shame and unworthiness she carried throughout her pregnancy as she struggled to accept a gift she felt she hadn't planned for or deserved.Jeani pulls no punches when discussing the distinct physical and emotional differences of carrying a baby in her 40s versus her 20s. From an early fetal viability scare and a whole new level of bone-deep exhaustion to a sudden preeclampsia diagnosis at 38 weeks, her path to the delivery room required total mental endurance. She walks listeners through her intense, multi-hour induction in Sioux Falls, detailing the physical agony of a grueling hour-and-a-half push to deliver a sunny-side-up baby—and the incredible labor positioning trick from a seasoned nurse that finally brought her son safely to her chest. Looking back with a heart full of grace, Jeani shares an emotional message for other women navigating later-in-life motherhood, wishing she could tell her pregnant self to banish the embarrassment, accept the support of a baby shower, and fully celebrate the beautiful disruption of a mid-life miracle.Get the resources, transcript, and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode113/Get Rejoova Eggs & Rejoova Repair. Use code FAB for 10% offShop the Show

Discover why hormones are off and what's really driving the imbalance. In this episode, we break down five root causes — from gut dysfunction and disrupted sleep to chronic stress, appetite dysregulation, and omega-3 deficiency — and walk through what you can actually do to fix it. FEATURED PRODUCT Berberine is a powerful botanical compound that acts as a natural GLP-1 supporter — the same metabolic pathway targeted by medications like Ozempic — helping regulate blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, and restore appetite signaling from the gut. Since metabolic hormones like insulin and leptin are the first to derail your entire hormone cascade, Berberine directly addresses one of the deepest root causes discussed in this episode. It also supports gut microbiome diversity, making it a foundational tool for anyone working to reclaim hormonal balance naturally.

For most people, donor eggs is at the bottom of the list. It is not where you wanted to land. And if your clinic is recommending it, something in you is saying there has to be more to look at first. Here is what we see every week. The donor egg recommendation rarely arrives after a complete workup. It arrives after looking at the AMH, the FSH, the follicle count, maybe a basic semen analysis, and maybe being told your TSH is normal. Those numbers are real. The diagnosis is real. What gets called complete is the question. This episode is the 11 specific things we most often find skipped before the recommendation gets made. Pull it up. Take notes. Bring it to your next appointment. The 11 patterns: 1. Thyroid, the full panel, not just TSH 2. The gut, including H. pylori 3. Hidden food sensitivities 4. Medications you are already on that affect fertility 5. The vaginal microbiome 6. The seminal microbiome 7. The male partner's full bloodwork 8. Sperm DNA fragmentation 9. Vaginal and seminal cross-contamination between partners 10. The nervous system and HPA axis 11. Liver function and hormone clearance These are the tests that sit outside the standard fertility workup. A 2024 study in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that ovarian reserve markers like AMH do not significantly predict natural conception in women with regular cycles. The donor egg recommendation comes from one snapshot, not the full investigation. If this is the first episode you have landed on in this series, go back and listen to "Told Donor Eggs Are Your Only Option? Ask This First," then "How Long Should I Try With My Own Eggs Before Donor Eggs?" then "The Gut Findings Your Clinic Did Not Look For," and "Multiple Failed IVF And Told Donor Eggs?" This episode brings all of it together. WHAT YOUR CLINIC MISSED The companion guide walks through all 11 of these patterns in more detail, so you can take it to your next appointment and ask the questions. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line MISSED, and we will send you the guide. FUNCTIONAL FERTILITY SECOND OPINION A free 45-minute call where I review your labs, your history, and your partner's results with you. You leave knowing what your biology has been telling you and what your next decision could be. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line FERTILE, or book here. ABOUT THE HOST I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally, a podcast with over one million downloads. My functional fertility team works with couples navigating low AMH and failed IVF, reviewing functional lab results, gut microbiome, food sensitivity, vaginal microbiome, nutrigenomics, HTMA, DUTCH, toxin testing, and bloodwork alongside nervous system work, to help identify patterns that may not have been considered. We work alongside your medical team, not instead of them. Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile, host of Get Pregnant Naturally (1M+ downloads), and author of Fabulously Fertile. If this episode helped, leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It is how other women find this work. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Donor Egg Recommendation and What Gets Called Complete 01:00 Who's Reviewing Your Case at Fab Fertile 02:00 Thyroid: The Full Panel, Not Just TSH 03:00 The Gut and H. pylori 04:00 Hidden Food Sensitivities 05:00 Medications That Affect Fertility 06:30 The Vaginal Microbiome 08:00 The Seminal Microbiome 08:30 The Male Partner's Full Bloodwork 09:00 Sperm DNA Fragmentation 09:30 Cross-Contamination Between Partners 11:00 The Nervous System and HPA Axis 11:30 Liver Function and Hormone Clearance 13:00 The Functional Fertility Second Opinion

If you've been trying to conceive for a while, you've probably found yourself down a research rabbit hole at some point, reading forum threads at midnight and trying to decode acronyms you barely know. IVF, IUI, FSH, ICSI. The information is out there, but it doesn't always feel like it was written for you.Understanding the difference between your options, and knowing the right questions to ask, can make a conversation with a fertility specialist feel far less overwhelming.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Denise Nesbitt, obstetrician, gynaecologist, and fertility specialist at Hunter IVF, to unpack the key differences between IUI and IVF, including when each is recommended and what to actually expect from both processes. They explore sperm health, egg freezing, success rates, and what's really happening during the two-week wait.This episode is Part 4 of the Trying to Conceive series on The Science of Motherhood.You'll Hear About:How doctors decide between IUI and IVFWhat actually happens during each fertility cycleWhy sperm health matters more than most people realiseWhat success rates mean and what influences themHow to emotionally prepare for the two-week waitStarting this journey is brave. Having the right information means you can walk into that appointment knowing the right questions to ask, and feeling far less alone in the process.If you know someone who's navigating fertility treatment, share this episode with them. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & LinksFollow Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

Are your hormones changing—or are you simply being told that feeling exhausted, anxious, gaining weight, losing sleep, and struggling with brain fog is just a normal part of aging?In this eye-opening episode of the V.I.B.E. Living Podcast, we sit down with women's health expert and nurse practitioner Carolyn Zaumeyer to uncover the truth about menopause, hormone health, and why so many women are suffering unnecessarily.Carolyn breaks down the critical roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone and explains how declining hormone levels can impact nearly every system in the body. From hot flashes and night sweats to anxiety, mood changes, low libido, joint pain, vaginal dryness, skin changes, fatigue, and disrupted sleep, we explore the symptoms many women experience but rarely connect to hormones.You'll also learn:• The most common signs of hormone imbalance during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause• How bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) works• The differences between estrogen patches, vaginal estrogen, progesterone, testosterone therapy, and hormone pellets• Why outdated hormone research created decades of confusion and fear around HRT• How proper hormone dosing and individualized treatment plans can improve quality of life• The important lab tests women should consider, including estradiol, testosterone, FSH, thyroid markers, vitamin D, and B12• How to advocate for yourself during medical appointments and get your concerns taken seriously• Why treating root causes is often more effective than adding medication after medicationWe also discuss men's hormone health and how optimizing testosterone can impact energy, mood, vitality, confidence, intimacy, and overall well-being.Whether you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause, or simply want to better understand your body's changing needs, this conversation provides practical guidance, expert insights, and hope for the years ahead.If you're ready to feel vibrant, energized, and empowered in midlife and beyond, this episode is for you.

Te invitamos a unirte a nuestra Comunidad de mujeres Keto Real, donde más de 800 mujeres están cambiando su vida. Aprovecha ahora que tienes 7 días gratis para probar la comunidad en el siguiente enlace: https://www.skool.com/ketoreal/about. En este artículo resumimos el episodio del podcast de Keto Real sobre la perimenopausia. La perimenopausia es una etapa de transición hormonal que puede durar hasta una década. Aprende a interpretar tus analíticas (FSH, estradiol, progesterona, perfil tiroideo), ajusta tu alimentación con prioridad proteica y carbohidratos inteligentes, evita ayunos extremos y apuesta por entrenamiento de fuerza y sprints. También descubrirás suplementos clave como magnesio, creatina, vitamina D+K, inositol y omega-3. Todo desde el enfoque de la keto mediterránea para que puedas vivir esta etapa con energía y control.

Navigating midlife body changes can feel like waking up in a completely different body, even when your routine hasn't changed. Around 15% of active women transition through menopause without experiencing significant weight gain, finding that standard calorie deficits and exercise still work. However, the vast majority notice that previously effective fitness and nutrition habits suddenly stop yielding results. This shift is highly associated with a changing hormonal environment—specifically decreasing estradiol and declining progesterone levels—rather than just the natural ageing process. While it seems logical that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) would be the perfect fix, the reality is much more complex. HRT yields highly variable results for body composition; it helps some lose fat, has no impact on others, and can even cause weight gain. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Approximately 15% of active women navigate menopause without significant weight gain and can still successfully lose weight using standard calorie deficits. For many women, the fitness and nutrition strategies that worked five or ten years ago become noticeably less effective during midlife. Accelerated fat gain during menopause is heavily associated with decreasing estradiol and progesterone levels, alongside rising follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Distinguishing between weight gain caused by natural ageing and weight gain caused specifically by menopause remains a complex challenge for researchers. Hormone therapy does not offer a universal solution for weight management, with individual results varying wildly from fat loss to unexpected fat gain. VALUABLE RESOURCES • Take the BioSyncing Quiz to help you understand what's actually happening in your body — and how to fix it.

Low testosterone isn't just a “male aging” issue — and your thyroid may be playing a much bigger role than you realize. In this episode of Your Thyroid Health, we explore the surprising connection between hypothyroidism and testosterone levels in both men and women.Learn how low thyroid hormone can disrupt key hormones like testosterone, LH, FSH, and SHBG, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, low libido, depression, brain fog, muscle loss, and sexual dysfunction. We also break down why many symptoms of low testosterone overlap with hypothyroidism — and why so many people are misdiagnosed or overlooked.You'll discover:How hypothyroidism affects testosterone productionWhy thyroid dysfunction can disrupt hormone balanceThe warning signs of low testosteroneWhether treating hypothyroidism can restore testosterone naturallyWhen testosterone replacement therapy may — or may not — help

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You are lying awake at 2am, heart racing, covers kicked off, periods all over the place - and someone told you it was just stress. It wasn't.Most women have never been told that perimenopause can start as early as 35 and last up to 10 years. That means the anxiety, brain fog, sleep disruption, and irregular periods you have been brushing off may have been hormone shifts all along.In this episode Dr. Beckford breaks down exactly what perimenopause is, when it starts, and why the average woman waits seven years before getting real answers. That is not okay and it is not inevitable.▶ Why a normal FSH test does not mean your hormones are fine▶ The progesterone decline stealing your sleep every night▶ Why your new anxiety may be hormonal - not psychological▶ Five things you can do right now⬇️ Download the free Menopause Guide: https://go.trulybalancedwc.com/menopause-guide

Hey Rockstars! I have another guest with me on the podcast, Connie Nightingale! Connie is a functional health and performance coach specializing in lab interpretation, hormone balance, and total body optimization. Her approach bridges fitness, nutrition, and root-cause health, helping clients go beyond “normal” labs to truly feel their best.Some topics from today's episode include:⭐️Connie's background as a functional health and performance coach specializing in lab interpretation and hormone balance⭐️How lab ranges are based on population data and may not reflect individual health⭐️The significance of testing timing (female hormones and menstrual cycle phases) for accurate interpretation⭐️The value of monitoring trends over time for better health insights and how to spot hidden health issues using lab trends before symptoms appear⭐️The impact of lifestyle on hormone health, especially during menopause and perimenopause⭐️The dangers of overprescribed hormones and the importance of personalized HRT protocols⭐️Starting with lifestyle modifications before medication adjustments⭐️The importance of taking active participation in health—tracking, questioning providers, and understanding lab data⭐️The potential to reverse or improve health conditions through informed actions and lab insights⭐️Key panels: CBC, CMP, lipid profile, thyroid (including TSH, free T3, free T4, antibodies), sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH)Join the Kickstart Round 14! Kickstart is a guided group coaching experience designed for busy, high-achieving women over 40 who are done with yo-yo dieting and ready to implement proven, sustainable methods for fat loss and strength—tailored to their individual bodies and lifestyles. https://www.rockthatfitness.com/kickstartIf you have a chance, please rate and review the podcast so more women just like you can learn more about the Rockstar way! I appreciate you for your support and love ❤️Connie's Links:Website: https://www.connienightingale.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conniebegonnie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7duTyr-etc9gaobjJC19TAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/conniebegonnieRock That Fitness Links:⭐️Link to join Rock That Fitness Membership Today https://www.rockthatfitness.com/rock-that-fitness-membership⭐️Join the Rockstar Fit Chicks Weekly Newsletter  https://rockthatfitness.kit.com/e10d0c66eb⭐️Check Out Our Exclusive Offer for Extensive Lab Work with Marek Health ⁠https://www.rockthatfitness.com/rock-that-fitness-marek-health⭐️Head to the Rock That Fitness Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/rockthatfitness/ ⭐️Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/we-got-thisLicense code: RBWENWHGXSWXAEUE

The donor egg recommendation rarely comes after a complete workup. It comes after AMH, FSH, and an antral follicle count. That is usually where the investigation stops. In this episode, Sarah Clark walks through what is missing from the workup before women are told donor eggs are their only path: the full thyroid panel, not just TSH. Stool DNA testing for H. pylori, parasites, and food sensitivities. The vaginal microbiome. The male partner's blood work, which most clinics do not run. The nervous system patterns most REIs do not connect to fertility. Sarah shares Rebecca's case as a proof point. Rebecca was 27. Her AMH was 0.04 ng/mL. POI diagnosis. Told donor eggs were her only option. Her stool DNA testing revealed H. pylori and a parasite. Her food sensitivity testing showed gluten, dairy, and egg intolerance. She had adrenal insufficiency, thyroid imbalance, mineral depletion, and toxic load on her workup. Her eczema, migraines, and asthma were not separate issues. After targeted work, she conceived naturally in month five. Outcomes vary. Rebecca's case is one of many we use to illustrate what completing the workup can look like. This episode is for the woman sitting with a donor egg recommendation who is not ready to agree before she understands what was actually evaluated. The goal is clarity. Not opposition to your clinic. Not a guarantee of any outcome. Clarity on what your workup did not include, so that whatever you decide next gets made on the full picture. What this episode covers: The diagnosis is real. The investigation is incomplete. Why TSH alone is not a thyroid panel. H. pylori, hidden food sensitivities, and the gut inflammation driver. Eczema, migraines, and asthma as fertility signals. The male partner's workup should include beyond a semen analysis. Nervous system patterns most REIs do not connect to fertility. Next steps: Access the free guide: What Your Clinic Missed. The guide walks through the markers that the Fab Fertile team reviews before a donor egg recommendation. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line MISSED. Book a Functional Fertility Second Opinion. We'll review your labs, your history, your full picture, and your partner's picture together, so you know what your biology has been telling you and what your next decision should be informed by. Email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line FERTILE, or book here. About the Host I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally, a podcast with over one million downloads. My functional fertility team works with couples navigating low AMH and failed IVF, reviewing functional lab results, gut microbiome, food sensitivity, vaginal microbiome, nutrigenomics, HTMA, DUTCH, toxin testing, and bloodwork alongside nervous system work, to help identify patterns that may not have been considered. We work alongside your medical team, not instead of them. Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for weekly episodes on fertility optimization, IVF preparation, and the lab work your doctor probably isn't running. Timestamps [00:00] The Donor Egg Recommendation and the Investigation Underneath It [01:00] The Diagnosis Is Real. The Investigation Is Incomplete. [02:00] Sarah's POI Story and Why Fab Fertile Exists [03:00] Rebecca's Case: POI at 27, AMH 0.04, ng/mL Told Donor Eggs Were Her Only Option [04:00] Functional Lab Testing Before a Donor Egg Decision [05:00] What We Found: H. pylori, Parasites, Food Sensitivities, Adrenal Insufficiency, Thyroid [06:00] Eczema, Migraines, Asthma: Not Separate Issues From Fertility [07:00] Rebecca Conceived Naturally in Month Five [08:00] What Your Clinic Missed: The Markers Before a Donor Egg Recommendation [09:00] Why a Standard REI Workup Cannot Answer Why Your Numbers Are What They Are [10:00] Medical Gaslighting and the Permission to Investigate Further [11:00] The Functional Fertility Second Opinion: How It Works  

In this episode of Dismantling You, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Kulp-Makarov, a Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and founder of Fleura Fertility, trained at Johns Hopkins and Yale. We dig into how traditional fertility clinics often rely on a one size fits all approach to IVF, and why that can actually backfire for women with low AMH or those trying to conceive over 40. Dr. Jennifer shares the patient experience that changed everything for her: a woman who gave up on growing her family because she thought aggressive, high dose IVF was her only option. That moment became the catalyst for her to build a practice centered on personalized protocols and her signature Goldilocks approach to stimulation, finding the just right dose of medication rather than defaulting to the highest one.We also explore cutting edge fertility innovations including ovarian PRP, which is showing promise in improving markers like AMH and antifollicle count, and rapamycin, an emerging treatment that may help protect egg reserves and delay menopause. Dr. Jennifer breaks down how FSH dosing plays a critical role in egg competence and why monitoring it throughout the cycle, not just at baseline, makes a real difference. We talk about how fertility care is evolving to better support LGBTQ individuals through inclusive language and treatment design, and how AI could soon help standardize ultrasound data and embryo analysis. We wrap up with Dr. Jennifer's rapid fire answers on the most underrated factor in fertility, the biggest mistake patients make when choosing a clinic, and the one belief she had to dismantle in her own career.__________________________________________________Key Highlights

Low AMH, high FSH, two miscarriages, told donor eggs were her only option. At 43, she conceived naturally. Here's what her clinic missed before the donor egg recommendation. This episode is for the woman sitting with a donor egg recommendation. Low AMH or high FSH on the chart. Failed IVF or recurrent miscarriage in the history. A clinic that said the numbers leave you no other options. Sarah Clark walks through the case of a 43-year-old client whose REI told her IVF or donor eggs were her only realistic path. Her FSH was 13.6. Her AMH was low. She had two pregnancy losses behind her. The diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve was not wrong. The numbers were what they were. What had not happened was a structured investigation of why those numbers looked the way they did and whether the rest of the picture had been missed. Eighteen months later, she was pregnant naturally with her own eggs. What the clinic had not investigated was a long list. Her TSH was 3. Accepted as normal, but well above the range her own REI would have flagged before IVF prep. A full thyroid panel was never run. Her stool DNA test showed H. pylori, an infection that impairs nutrient absorption and drives inflammation. She had been gluten-free everywhere else for years, but she had been taking a weekly communion wafer every Sunday without realizing it counted. The cabergoline she was on was lowering her cholesterol and impairing her ability to make sex hormones. Her male partner had not been worked up. His semen analysis showed low volume and low concentration. His blood sugar was elevated. His kidney markers showed stress. The vaginal microbiome had not been tested. The seminal microbiome had not been tested. Her night sweats and disrupted sleep had been mentioned and dismissed. Her case is not a guarantee that anyone else will get the same outcome. Every case is different. The patterns we found in hers may not be the patterns in yours. But the principle holds: a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve, low AMH, or high FSH is a starting point for further investigation, not a complete picture of what is possible. What this episode covers: Why low AMH and high FSH are not the complete picture when donor eggs are recommended Why a TSH of 3 is not normal for fertility even when a clinic accepts it How H. pylori, hidden gluten, and gut infections affect egg quality and miscarriage risk What a full male partner workup looks like when there has been pregnancy loss or implantation failure What a structured second opinion covers when you have been told IVF or donor eggs are your only path This episode is for you if: You have low AMH, high FSH, or a diminished ovarian reserve diagnosis You have had a failed IVF cycle, recurrent miscarriage, or implantation failure You have been told donor eggs are your next step and you are not ready to agree before you understand what was actually evaluated You are in your late 30s or 40s and want to understand whether natural pregnancy with your own eggs is still possible Timestamps: [00:00] Low AMH, High FSH, Donor Eggs Recommended at 43 [01:30] Functional Fertility Testing vs Standard REI Workup [03:00] Thyroid and Fertility: Why TSH 3 Is Not Normal [04:30] Cabergoline, Cholesterol, and Sex Hormone Production [06:00] H. pylori, Hidden Gluten, and Gut Infections in Low AMH Cases [08:00] Vaginal Microbiome and Implantation in Recurrent Miscarriage [09:30] Male Partner Workup: Seminal Microbiome and Sperm Health [11:00] Night Sweats, Sleep Disruption, and the Nervous System [12:30] Constipation, Liver Function, and Hormone Clearance [14:00] Pregnant Naturally at 43: The 18-Month Timeline Take action: If you have been told donor eggs are your only option and you want a structured review of your timeline, your labs, and your IVF history before the next decision, the Functional Fertility Second Opinion is where that review happens.

No episódio de hoje do Radar Médico, Juliane B. Braziliano, endocrinologista, apresenta os principais pontos do novo posicionamento brasileiro sobre o cuidado de pacientes com hipogonadismo masculino, publicado em conjunto pela SBEM, SBU e ABEMSS.O documento reforça que o diagnóstico do hipogonadismo deve combinar sinais e sintomas clínicos compatíveis com confirmação laboratorial inequívoca de deficiência de testosterona, além de destacar critérios diagnósticos padronizados, investigação etiológica e orientações atualizadas para terapia de reposição hormonal.Tópicos abordados:• Quando investigar deficiência de testosterona• Critérios laboratoriais e interpretação da testosterona total e livre• Diferença entre hipogonadismo primário, secundário e funcional• Papel do LH, FSH, SHBG e exames complementares• Indicações e contraindicações da terapia de reposição hormonal (TRT)• Formulações recomendadas e monitoramento clínico• Obesidade, MOSH e importância das mudanças de estilo de vida

Most women with low AMH and high FSH get one of two answers about their iron: "it's fine," or "it's low, here's a supplement." Both leave the real problem untouched. Failed transfers, failed IVF cycles, miscarriage, irregular cycles, exhaustion that won't lift, and nobody asking why the iron is low in the first place. This episode shows you what the full iron panel actually reveals. In this episode, Sarah Clark sits down with Fab Fertile clinical advisor Katy Bradbury (registered nurse and nutritional therapist) to break down the iron panel every woman trying to conceive should be looking at. Not just the one number your doctor checked, but the full picture. They get into why the standard iron prescription is one of the worst forms you can take, why high dose iron can actually make things worse, and why symptoms you've been told are unrelated (brittle nails, cold hands, hair loss, ice cravings, exhaustion) could all be pointing at the same thing. What you'll learn: The full iron panel every woman trying to conceive should request, and what the numbers actually mean Why being told "your iron is fine" off one number is missing the picture The link between low iron and failed transfers, miscarriage, irregular periods, and pregnancy complications Why low iron is so common with low AMH, high FSH, DOR, and POI The thyroid and iron connection most doctors miss, especially with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism Hidden reasons your iron is low even when you're eating well: gut infections, H. pylori, SIBO, low stomach acid, celiac, heavy periods Why the standard iron prescription often makes you constipated, nauseous, and no better off What to take instead, and why every other day often works better than every day Iron rich foods that actually move the needle, plus the foods and drinks blocking your absorption without you knowing The thyroid medication timing rule nobody tells you about This conversation is for women navigating low AMH, high FSH, DOR, or POI who have been told their iron is fine without anyone running the full panel. It's also for women who have been on iron supplements for years without anyone asking why the iron got low to begin with, and for anyone who has had a failed transfer, a miscarriage, or a failed IVF cycle and is trying to figure out what was missed. Not sure what's been fully evaluated? Download the free Embryo Audit Checklist to map your past cycles and labs so you can see what's been looked at and what may have been missed.

Menopause is not just “hot flashes”—it is a systemic hormonal shift that affects almost every organ system. For the emergency clinician, recognizing the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause is crucial for expanding the differential diagnosis once life-threatening conditions are ruled out. Dr. Pam Dyne joins us for a crash course on evaluating menopausal and perimenopausal patients in the ED. The “Why”: Why Menopause Matters in the ED The Mimic: Menopausal symptoms can mimic emergencies, including cardiac events, neurologic issues, and acute musculoskeletal injuries. The “Nothing Bad” Trap: After a negative workup (e.g., for chest pain or abdominal pain), telling a patient “everything is normal” often leaves them without answers. Identifying menopause as a potential etiology provides patient-centered closure and a path to treatment. Empowerment: Many medical providers are insufficiently trained when it come to menopause – ED clinicians can help patients advocate for themselves. Physiology Refresher: When the Ovaries Retire The Signal: Prior to menopause, the brain sends FSH/LH to the ovaries, and the ovaries answer with estrogen. The Shift: In menopause, the ovaries “retire.” The brain keeps shouting (higher FSH levels), but the ovaries don't respond. Perimenopause: Hormones fluctuate wildly, cycles become irregular, and symptoms are often at their peak due to inconsistency. Hormone Therapy (MHT): Debunking the Myths A major barrier to treatment is the “mass hysteria” caused by the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study. The Correction: Modern re-analysis shows that for healthy females under 60 and within 10 years of menopause, hormone therapy is extremely safe. (There are some exceptions, including females at high risk for certain cancers) The Benefits: It has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality by 30% and has many potential health benefits, including lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and osteoporotic fractures. The Difficult Pelvic Exam: ED “Hacks” Examining older female patients can be challenging for myriad reasons, including physical limitations and lack of proper ED pelvic exam gurneys. The Upside-Down Speculum: If you can’t use stirrups, keep the patient flat on the bed. Turn the speculum upside down (handle facing up) so it doesn’t hit the gurney. Tip: Push down on the handle; don’t pull up like a laryngoscope. Lateral Decubitus: Perform the exam with the patient on their side (top leg held up) if they cannot flex their hips. Comfort: Use liberal lubrication and consider topical lidocaine gel. The “Hidden” Problem: Always check for old/forgotten pessaries or fecal impaction in cases of pelvic pain or recurrent UTIs. Clinical Pearls: Specific Presentations 1. Post-Menopausal Bleeding Rule: Cancer until proven otherwise. Workup: Speculum exam (confirm source) + Ultrasound (measure endometrial thickness) + Endometrial biopsy (usually outpatient). 2. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) Symptoms: Vaginal dryness, thinning tissue, pH changes, and recurrent UTIs (≥3 culture-proven UTIs in 12 months or ≥2 in 6 months). ED Treatment: ED docs can and should prescribe vaginal estrogen cream. It is not absorbed systemically and is highly effective at preventing future UTIs. 3. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Types: Cystocele (bladder), Rectocele (rectum), or Uterine prolapse. Exam Tip: Symptoms are often gravity-dependent. If you don’t see the bulge while the patient is supine, ask them to bear down. 4. Musculoskeletal (MSK) Syndrome of Menopause Presentation: atraumatic joint pain, tendinopathies. Cause: Estrogen receptors are located throughout the MSK system; loss of estrogen leads to inflammation and ligamentous changes. Key Takeaways for the ED Clinician Keep menopause on your differential: Don't dismiss vague aches, mood changes, or urinary issues in women aged 45–60 as “just stress.” Look at the Problem: If a patient has pelvic pain or bleeding, do the exam. You might find a simple fix, like a forgotten pessary or local atrophy. Connect to Care: If you suspect menopause is the culprit, point them toward menopause.org to find a certified practitioner. Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest: Dr. Pamela Dyne, Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine and Chief Physician Wellness Officer at Olive View UCLA Medical Center Resources: North Americal Menopause Society (NAMS) – Menopause.org UTIs and Estrogen: the Overlooked Link, By Ashley Winter, MD; Rachel Rubin, MD; and Howie Mell, MD, MPH. ACEP Now, February 16, 2022 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Menopause *** Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.

We are long overdue for an updated conversation on low estrogen — and today I'm pulling it all apart. Estrogen has been villainized for far too long, and I want to change that. This isn't just about reproductive health or getting your period. Estrogen is a master communicator that touches your brain, heart, bones, gut, skin, mood, sleep, libido, and so much more.   In this episode, I cover: Why low estrogen is one of the most missed and underdiagnosed issues for women between 35 and 65 The three types of estrogen (E1, E2, E3) and why estradiol matters so much beyond fertility Why estrogen often increases first in perimenopause before it eventually declines — and what that means for your symptoms The symptom clusters to pay attention to, organized by body system: Brain, mood & sleep — brain fog, anxiety, emotional flatness, rage responses, waking between 2–4am Body composition & metabolic health — belly fat shifts, muscle loss, fatigue, insulin resistance Skin, hair & connective tissue — collagen loss, hair texture changes, joint pain, frozen shoulder, ACL issues Vaginal & urinary health (GSM) — dryness, painful sex, recurring UTIs, urgency, bladder changes Cardiovascular & bone health — rising LDL, heart palpitations, hot flashes, bone density loss Gut & digestion — bloating, constipation, new food sensitivities, the estrobolome and estrogen recirculation The symptoms I personally would never ignore (waking 2–4am, joint pain without a clear cause, rapid body composition shifts, recurrent UTIs, brain fog affecting your work, heart palpitations) What to ask your doctor to test: FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, full thyroid panel, fasting glucose and insulin, cholesterol, CBC, SHBG — and when functional testing like DUTCH or HTMA may be useful My thoughts on DIM, sulforaphane, calcium-d-glucarate, magnesium, adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola, maca), omega-3s, creatine, collagen, and vitamin D Nutrition strategies — phytoestrogen-rich foods, cruciferous veggies, fiber, protein targets (30–40g per meal), healthy fats, and what to cut Movement priorities — why resistance training 3–4x/week is non-negotiable for bone, muscle, and metabolic health Hormone replacement therapy — what options exist, how to approach the conversation with your provider, and why your protocol will evolve over time   Let's dive in! Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special! Click here to listen: Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERESpotify – CLICK HERE This episode is sponsored by: withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15  Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option Free Resources: Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20" Metabolic Guide | jennpike.com/metabolic-guide Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE" *code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale* Programs: Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/ Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman Connect with Jenn: Instagram | @jennpike Facebook | @thesimplicityproject YouTube | Simplicity TV Website | The Simplicity Project Inc. Have a question? Send it over to hello@jennpike.com and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

Sarah Clark was told donor eggs were her only option. No second opinion. No workup. Just an IVF brochure pulled off the shelf. This is the story of what was actually going on, and what nobody looked for. At 28, Sarah was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure (now called premature ovarian insufficiency). Her OB/GYN handed her an IVF brochure during the appointment. She went to the REI, got on the donor egg list, and had both her kids through IVF with donor eggs. It took another decade before she discovered the underlying imbalances her REI never screened for: food sensitivities to dairy, gluten, and corn, plus a gut infection with H. pylori, streptococcus, fungal overgrowth and nervous system dysregulation (stressed out but didn;t even know it). In this rebroadcast episode, Monica Cox interviews Sarah about the clues her body was giving her for years before the POI diagnosis, and what she wishes someone had told her in her twenties. What you'll learn: The seemingly unrelated symptoms that were early signals (irregular periods twice a year, cystic acne, fungal rashes, chronic yeast infections, dark circles since age 12) Why a POI diagnosis at 28 doesn't automatically mean donor eggs, and why a second opinion matters The post-pregnancy health collapse that exposed the underlying gut and immune dysfunction Food sensitivities beyond digestion: mood, joint pain, skin, brain fog, autoimmune flares Why partners have to be in the protocol from day one, because infections pass back and forth The four foundational tests: food sensitivity, DUTCH hormone, GI-MAP stool, HTMA hair Why IVF should be the last choice, not the first, given the $60K average spend and three-cycle average Where to actually start: just diagnosed vs. one failed cycle vs. multiple failures behind you Timestamps: 00:00 Why this episode is for you if you have low AMH, high FSH, DOR, or POI 02:00 Diagnosed at 28 with premature ovarian failure, handed an IVF brochure, no second opinion 03:00 The clues in her twenties: irregular periods, acne, fungal rash, yeast infections 07:00 Post-kids health crash: chronic sinus infections, bladder infections, vertigo, antibiotic damage 08:00 Discovering food sensitivities (dairy, gluten, corn) and gut infections (H. pylori, strep, fungal overgrowth) 13:00 Connecting the dots: why every "unrelated" symptom was related 15:00 Why partners must be in the protocol, because infections pass between couples 21:00 Multiple failed IUIs and IVFs: burnout, cortisol, and the case for a pause 24:00 The four foundational tests: food sensitivity, DUTCH, GI-MAP, HTMA 35:00 Where to start: just diagnosed vs. one failed cycle vs. multiple failures This conversation is for women who've been told donor eggs are their only option, who are staring down a POI, low AMH, high FSH, or diminished ovarian reserve diagnosis, and who suspect their REI hasn't looked at the full picture. Not sure what's been fully evaluated? Download the free Embryo Audit Checklist to map your past cycles and labs so you can see what's been looked at and what may have been missed.

What if your brain fog, stubborn weight gain, mood swings, and fatigue in menopause aren't just "hormones"… but your gut asking for help? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Cynthia Thurlow, NP—a globally recognized expert in women's health, intermittent fasting, and host of the Everyday Wellness Podcast—to unpack the critical connection between your gut and your hormones. And just in time, Cynthia is releasing her brand-new book, The Menopause Gut, a must-read guide to understanding how your microbiome shapes everything from metabolism to mood. Because here's the truth: you cannot heal your hormones without healing your gut. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Cynthia brings both science and strategy to this conversation—helping you understand what's really happening in your body and how to take your power back.     What You'll Learn in This Episode Why your gut microbiome acts as your body's estrogen control center (the "estrobolome") How inflammation and poor gut health drive weight gain, brain fog, and hormone imbalance The connection between leaky gut, autoimmunity, and menopause symptoms Why your metabolism shifts in midlife—and what actually works to reset it How chronic stress and past trauma (ACES) rewire your gut and hormones The truth about fiber, protein, and lifestyle strategies for gut repair Why hormone therapy alone isn't enough without addressing the gut     Key Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast 02:30 – Why gut health is the foundation of hormone balance 06:45 – The estrobolome: your gut's role in estrogen detox 12:10 – Leaky gut, inflammation, and menopause symptoms 18:20 – Why weight gain happens (even when nothing changes) 24:50 – Stress, cortisol, and the gut-hormone connection 31:15 – FSH, inflammation, and what your labs are really telling you 38:40 – Trauma, ACES, and long-term hormone disruption 45:10 – Practical strategies to heal your gut in midlife 52:00 – Cynthia's top daily habits for hormone and gut health

During my hiatus, please join me on Substack for written content and Substack Lives (also available on replay)  Go to substack.com and download the APP FREE subscribers get access to most content and Subtack LIVEs PAID subscribers get access to all content, and can attend the monthly ASK ME ANYTHING Webinars.  For a FREE subscription, go to https://drstreicher.substack.com/subscribe. If you choose to become a PAID subscriber, use this link to subscribe, and you will get 30% off (Discount can be applied for the next week)   DrStreicher.Substack.com/podcast200This is my 200th episode! So  I decided to replay a fan favorite. Dr. Steven Goldstein's perimenopause episode was among the top 5 most downloaded, with good reason.  The only thing predictable about perimenopause is that it is …unpredictable. My guest today is Dr. Steven Goldstein, a tenured professor at NYU's Grossman School of Medicine, the past President of the International Menopause Society, Past President of The Menopause Society, and one of the WORLD'S  top experts on the science of perimenopause.   The problem with the standard definition of menopause.  Why bleeding and having a period is not the same thing Why perimenopausal women bleed erratically Why anxiety and other symptoms occur during  How to interrupt FSH and estradiol blood levels The best treatment for perimenopause Why birth control pills work so well during perimenopause Myths about birth control pills  The concept of “suppression and substitution” How long perimenopause lasts What triggers perimenopause Why fibroids often grow during perimenopause How to know if symptoms are perimenopause hormonal fluctuations or something else How long someone can stay on a birth control pill When the 12-month rule doesn't hold When perimenopause and menopause hit before the age of 40.  When perimenopause hits before 40 why it needs to be treated Options if someone can't take birth control pills  When you can ignore irregular bleeding and when it needs to be evaluated What Black women need to know about perimenopause bleeding The likelihood of cancer if there is a uterine polyp and you are not bleeding Link to Steven Goldstein MD https://www.goldsteinmd.com/services/gynecologist-perimenopause-specialist/ Link to John Rock's Error ArticleLauren Streicher, MD is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause and a Senior Research Fellow of The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She is a certified menopause practitioner of The Menopause Society.   Dr. Streicher is the medical correspondent for Chicago's top-rated news program, the WGN Morning News, and has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR, Dr. Radio, Nightline, Fox and Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, CBS This Morning, ABC News Now, NBCNightlyNews,20/20, and World News Tonight. She is an expert source for many magazines and serves on the medical advisory board of The Kinsey Institute, Self Magazine, and Prevention Magazine. She writes a regular column for The Ethel by AARP and Prevention Magazine.  

Your Gut Is Controlling Your Hormones — And No One Told You You've done everything right. You're on hormone therapy. Your labs look fine. So why do you still feel terrible? The answer may have nothing to do with your hormone levels — and everything to do with what's happening in your gut. Most practitioners are treating your hormones and your gut as two completely separate systems. But they're not. Your estrogen is being processed, packaged, and either properly excreted or reabsorbed into your bloodstream based entirely on the state of your gut microbiome. If the bacteria in your gut are out of balance, that estrogen doesn't leave your body the way it should. It gets recirculated — in a damaged, more carcinogenic form. And that's just the beginning of what a dysbiotic gut does to your hormones. Dr. Terri sits back down with board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Cassie Smith, whose new book on the gut-hormone connection is already an Amazon bestseller, to pull back the curtain on the twenty to thirty percent of women who do everything right and still don't get better. The problem isn't the hormone. The problem is the gut that can't process it. This episode is for every woman who has been told her labs are "normal" while she's living with brain fog, mood swings, breast tenderness, constipation, and a body that feels like it's working against her. What you'll discover: Why your gut contains 100x more DNA than the rest of your body — and what that means for your health The "Saran wrap" explanation of estrogen metabolism and what happens when bad gut bacteria poke holes in it Why giving someone more estrogen when their gut is inflamed just creates more side effects — not better results How constipation and breast cancer are more connected than any oncologist is telling you The medications your provider may be prescribing that are quietly destroying your gut microbiome — including antacids, statins, SSRIs, and oral contraceptives Why hormones can be "present in the blood" but completely unable to enter your cells — and what's locking the door The real drivers behind the rise in PCOS, endometriosis, and infertility in younger women What your morning routine, wearables, and news consumption may be doing to your cortisol — and downstream to your hormones Why an FSH under five may be the most important number in a woman's hormone picture — and how Dr. Terri uses it clinically The ten practical steps from Dr. Cassie's book to start cleaning up your gut today The bottom line: You are not Prozac-deficient. You are not Xanax-deficient. You are not Ambien-deficient. Fix the gut, and the hormones finally have somewhere to go. Buy Dr. Cassie's Book ---------------------------------------------------------------- The Dr. Terri Show is presented by Evexias Health Solutions. For more, visit: https://www.evexias.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Dr. Terri DeNeui, DNP:

Your TSH is "normal." Your ferritin is "normal." Your glucose is "normal." And IVF still isn't working. Here's why normal lab ranges were never built for fertility and what optimal actually looks like. Most reference ranges are designed to flag disease in the general population, not to optimize egg quality, embryo competence, or implantation. That gap is where a lot of unexplained IVF failure, embryo arrest, and recurrent loss live. In this episode, Sarah Clark walks through the four biomarker categories most often dismissed as "fine" but influence cycle outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve, low AMH, high FSH, and failed transfers. What you'll learn: - What "normal" lab ranges actually measure and what they miss - Why fertility-optimized TSH sits closer to 1–2 mIU/L, not 4.0 - Ferritin 80–100 ng/mL and what it means for egg energy and endometrial development - Fasting glucose under 86, insulin stability, and follicular development - Why hsCRP under 1 mg/L matters for implantation and embryo quality - The full thyroid panel most REIs skip: Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO, TBG - Male factor inflammation, sperm DNA fragmentation, and recurring infections - The reframe: normal protects against disease, optimal supports conception Timestamps: 00:00 Why "normal" labs don't mean fertility-optimized 00:30 What conventional reference ranges actually measure 01:30 Why DIY fertility optimization stalls without functional lab review 03:00 TSH "normal" vs optimal and the full thyroid panel REIs skip (Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO, TBG) 04:30 How thyroid signaling affects egg quality, ovulation, and pregnancy loss 05:00 Ferritin 80–100 ng/mL: the iron range for IVF and egg energy 06:00 Fasting glucose under 86, insulin stability, and follicular development 07:00 hsCRP under 1 mg/L: low-grade inflammation, implantation, and embryo development 07:30 Male factor inflammation, sperm DNA fragmentation, and recurring infections 08:30 Embryo Audit Checklist + Functional Fertility Second Opinion: next steps This conversation is for women navigating diminished ovarian reserve, low AMH, high FSH, embryo arrest, implantation failure, or recurrent pregnancy loss who keep being told their bloodwork looks fine. Not sure what's been fully evaluated? Download the free Embryo Audit Checklist to map your past cycles and labs so you can see what's been looked at and what may have been missed.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Al Yuzpe, a true pioneer in reproductive medicine.This episode (recorded in 2023) explores the evolution and future of IVF with leading Canadian reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Al Yuzpe. He reflects on 50 years of fertility advancements, including his role in developing Clomiphene and pioneering laparoscopic surgery in Canada.The conversation also dives into how reproductive medicine has transformed from its early beginnings into a groundbreaking field that has helped countless couples achieve parenthood. Dr. Yuzpe shares his passion for the field and discusses how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are improving IVF outcomes and shaping the next generation of fertility care.Key Topics:Dr. Al Yuzpe's pioneering contributions to reproductive medicine, including the development of Clomiphene and early adoption of laparoscopic surgery in Canada. Key ovulation induction options (Clomiphene, Letrozole, FSH, HCG), including their effectiveness, differences, and potential side effects. Advances in IVF techniques, such as embryo selection (Day 3 vs. blastocyst), genetic screening, and egg freezing for fertility preservation. The growing role of integrative care—including acupuncture and whole-body preparation—in improving IVF outcomes. The future of fertility, highlighting artificial intelligence in evaluating eggs, sperm, and embryos, and ongoing innovations in embryo testing and lab technologies. Dr. Albert Yuzpe's Bio: Dr. Al Yuzpe is one of Canada's most distinguished reproductive endocrinologists, with over four decades of experience in infertility care and more than 30 years in IVF. He is co-founder and co-director of Olive Fertility Centre and previously founded Genesis Fertility Centre in Vancouver. Trained at Western University, where he later became a full professor and now holds the title of Emeritus Professor, his early research focused on fertility medications such as clomiphene and gonadotropins.He has received numerous national awards recognizing his contributions to reproductive medicine and women's health. Dr. Yuzpe is also widely known for pioneering the emergency contraceptive pill, known as the “Yuzpe method,” considered one of the most impactful Canadian health discoveries of the past century.

In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I sit down with the incredible Dr. John Norian, a board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist with HRC Fertility in Pasadena and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Dr. Norian completed his residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, his fellowship at the NIH, and has served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service, providing care to military families. He is a passionate advocate for anyone on a fertility journey, regardless of relationship status or anatomy. We dive deep into some of the most frustrating and complex scenarios that can arise during an IVF cycle:  the ones that leave patients (and sometimes doctors!) searching for answers. Dr. Norian brings his signature warmth, humor, and clinical depth to each challenge, and I think you'll walk away from this episode feeling more informed, empowered, and a little less alone if you've faced any of these situations yourself. In this episode, we cover: What to do when no eggs are retrieved at egg retrieval, including how trigger shot issues and empty follicle syndrome are investigated How to handle immature eggs and what protocol changes (like adjusting trigger timing or adding FSH) can improve egg maturity in future cycles Causes of failed fertilization and solutions like ICSI, calcium ionophore, and PICSI What to do when there's no sperm on retrieval day, including sperm emergencies, unexpected testosterone use, and surgical sperm retrieval options Why embryos may arrest before reaching blastocyst stage and how egg energy (mitochondrial health) plays a role Managing chromosomally abnormal embryos and when to consider karyotyping for recurrent IVF failure Thin uterine lining solutions, from injectable estrogen protocols to Viagra, pentoxifylline, vitamin E, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy Handling uterine fluid before transfer and options for patients who cannot tolerate injections or hormones Resources:Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website Find Dr. John Norian at his website. Would you like to learn more about IVF?Click here to join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday,  April 20, 2026 at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom.   Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips!  Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates  Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

Have you ever sat in the exam room of a fertility clinic — your doctor talking FSH levels, IVF protocols, statistics, donor eggs — while your whole life feels like it’s falling apart and nobody in that room even notices? Rosanne Austin, JD noticed. And she just told the doctors. In this episode, Rosanne pulls […] The post EP372: Baylor College of Medicine Invited Me to Teach New REIs THIS appeared first on Rosanne Austin.

Most women are suffering for years from anxiety, gut problems, low libido, and brain fog because no one is treating the real cause: their hormones. This episode is a masterclass in women's hormone optimization, covering everything from vaginal delivery of bioidentical hormones to why low estrogen destroys your gut, your sex drive, your mitochondria, and your marriage. Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Host Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Sarah Daccarett, MD, a physician, longevity expert, and the founder and CEO of Inner Balance, a modern women's health company redefining hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and aging. She has treated tens of thousands of women across all 50 states and is known for challenging outdated medical models and building science-driven solutions that reflect female biology rather than borrowing protocols designed for men. She created Oestra, a revolutionary hormone therapy delivery system, along with Libida, an on-demand libido solution that targets desire at the brain level, making her one of the most credible and innovative voices in functional medicine and women's longevity today. Together, they expose why conventional medicine has failed women for decades, why patches and pills are nearly useless, and what actually works for anti-aging, metabolism, longevity, and human performance. Dr. Sarah makes the case that hormone replacement therapy is not a last resort for menopausal women. It is a foundational longevity strategy that every woman should consider starting in her 20s. You'll Learn: Why vaginal hormone delivery outperforms every other delivery method for women How low estrogen destroys your gut lining, gallbladder, and immune system long before menopause symptoms appear Why a carnivore or animal-based diet raises estrogen and why fiber lowers it How progesterone converts to testosterone in women, and why you may not need a testosterone prescription The real reason SSRIs get prescribed when hormone replacement therapy should come first Why iodine is essential for breast health, estrogen metabolism, and thyroid function How oxalates from "superfoods" like matcha, spinach, and almonds accumulate in your ovaries, uterus, and kidneys Why both partners need hormone replacement therapy for a relationship to thrive How hormones control mitochondria, dopamine, norepinephrine, and every system in your body Thank you to our sponsors! - Qualia | If you want to take the guesswork out of maintaining high NAD+ levels as you age, go to www.qualialife.com/daveNAD to get clinically proven Qualia NAD+ backed by a 100 day money back guarantee and code DAVENAD at checkout gets you an extra 15% off. - Igniton | Try risk free at Igniton.com and use code DAVE at checkout for 15% off. Backed by a 30-day money back guarantee. - The One Device | Use code DAVE for $10 off at theonedevice.com/dave - Joymode | Go to tryjoymode.com/DAVE Or enter DAVE at checkout for 20% off.Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights inhealth, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: Dr. Sarah Daccarett, Inner Balance, women's hormone therapy, bioidentical hormones, vaginal hormone delivery, estrogen deficiency, progesterone therapy, hormone replacement therapy, perimenopause, testosterone women, COMT genetics, FSH hormone, iodine deficiency, oxalates health, leaky gut hormones, women's longevity, biohacking, Dave Asprey, human performance, functional medicine, anti-aging Resources: • Visit Sarah's Website and use code ‘PODCASTDRSARAH': https://www.innerbalance.com/ • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/ • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today. • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/ • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com Timestamps: 0:00 – Trailer 1:15 – Introduction 2:43 – The Gender Gap in Hormone Care 5:14 – Why Women's Hormone Therapy Is Stuck in the 1960s 8:09 – Why Young Women Are Losing Their Hormones 9:33 – Toxins, Birth Control & Hormone Disruption 14:07 – How Fiber Steals Your Hormones 19:53 – Hormones, Libido & Brain Chemistry 32:13 – Pills, Patches & Why They Fail 36:54 – Why Vaginal Delivery Works Best 44:36 – Symptoms of Low Hormones 46:07 – Leaky Gut Is a Hormone Problem 47:38 – How Low Hormones Destroy Relationships 52:28 – Thyroid, Iodine & Sex Hormones 1:00:29 – Progesterone for Men 1:05:18 – Oxalates, Kidney Stones & Your Diet 1:11:13 – Where to Find Dr. Sarah See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I break down my "Angel Workup" -  the five essential steps every person should take after experiencing a miscarriage.  As a reproductive endocrinologist and miscarriage expert, I'm sharing the framework I created as part of my Miscarriage Revolution so you can feel empowered, informed, and ready to move forward. Read the full show notes on my website. This episode covers the A.N.G.E.L. workup:  a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to understanding why a miscarriage happened and what you can do next. We talk about the role of age, autoimmune conditions, uterine anatomy, nutrition, genetics, endocrinology, and lifestyle factors. I also walk you through how to collect pregnancy tissue for genetic testing, why you should never blame yourself, and how both female and male partners play a role in preventing future losses. In this episode, we cover: The A.N.G.E.L. workup: Age, Autoimmune diseases, and Anatomy -  including AMH, FSH, estradiol, antral follicle count, and uterine anomalies like septums Why nutrition matters for fertility and miscarriage prevention, including plant-based diets, celiac disease screening, and the HOPE approach for PCOS Genetic testing for both partners -  karyotype, carrier screening, sperm DNA fragmentation, and pregnancy tissue testing using the Anora test How to safely collect pregnancy tissue at home for genetic analysis Endocrine factors like thyroid disorders, high prolactin, and diabetes that can contribute to miscarriage Lifestyle changes for both partners - BMI, alcohol, smoking, and "sperm bootcamp" Why self-blame after miscarriage is common but unfounded, and how testing can provide real answers Resources: The Egg Whisperer School: eggwhispererschool.com The Anora Test (pregnancy tissue genetic testing): anora test by Natera The Egg Whisperer Show podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts Dr. Aimee's Supplement Stack information My Book, The Egg Whisperer Way comes out in Summer of 2026. Click here to order yours on Amazon. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

We unpack the blunt claim “if you're not horny, you're not healthy” and turn it into a practical conversation about hormones, lifestyle, and what libido can and cannot tell you about your health. We share real-world examples from training, sleep, stress, alcohol, nutrition, and medications to help you spot red flags and make smart changes without panic. • libido as a subjective signal rather than a diagnostic test • why sex drive changes with age and what “normal” depends on • a simple breakdown of the HPG axis plus LH and FSH • processed food, excess body fat, and testosterone to estrogen conversion • why modern testosterone may be declining across decades • microplastics and endocrine disruptors plus big-rock mitigation steps • sleep quality, cortisol, and why chronic stress crushes recovery • alcohol, testosterone, and the reality behind “whiskey dick” • metabolic syndrome markers and why bloodwork matters • overtraining versus underrecovery and using libido as a personal cue • how aerobic volume and low calories can backfire even on HRT • blood pressure meds, low blood pressure, and a candid ED story • cheat meals as a weekly math problem and defining what “cheat” means • worst fitness advice we keep hearing and why it fails • the one exercise we'd keep forever and the bodyweight backup pick I'll be putting out IG things for you guys to ask questions, submit whatever questions.Follow us on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgefitness/

What if the most dangerous thing happening to your body right now has no pain, no warning, and no symptoms at all? One in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Most have no idea it is even happening until the fracture changes everything. And for many, that fracture is not just a broken bone. It is the beginning of a cascade that can cost them their independence, their mobility, and in too many cases, their life. In this episode, Dr. Doug Lucas, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon turned bone health and hormone specialist. Dr. Lucas spent years fixing broken bones in the operating room, where he witnessed firsthand how brittle and chalky bone can get long before anyone thinks to check. Now he is on a mission to educate women before it gets to that point. This conversation goes deep into why bone loss accelerates dramatically in the years around menopause, why waiting until 65 to screen is dangerously too late, and how the conventional medical system has essentially no true bone health specialists. You will learn what a DEXA scan actually tells you versus what it misses, what bone turnover markers are and why they matter, and how hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and even FSH all play a role in what your bones are silently trying to tell you. Dr. Lucas also tackles the questions every midlife woman is asking: Does calcium supplementation actually help? What kind of exercise truly builds bone versus just slowing loss? Are weighted vests, rebounders, and vibration plates worth it? What is the truth about bone drugs like Fosamax and Prolia? And what should women on GLP-1s know about their bone health right now? Whether you have already been told you have low bone density, or you are just starting to think about this, this episode will change how you look at your body, your hormones, and your long-term independence. Do not skip this one.   Learn More About Dr. Doug Lucas Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/dr_douglucas Website ➜ https://drdouglucas.com/    Thank you to our show sponsors! SUNLIGHTEN: Sleep better. Recover faster. Stress less. Get Sunlighten infrared saunas HERE https://sunlighten.com  and use code NATALIEJILL to save up to $1,400!  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.  

Liver Boost from MSW Nutrition is designed to support phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification pathways — the exact processes your liver uses to metabolize and clear estrogen. During perimenopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and detox pathways can become sluggish, supporting liver function is foundational. Liver Boost helps your body process hormones more efficiently, which can ease bloating, mood swings, skin changes, and stubborn weight fluctuations discussed throughout this episode.

What if menopause is one of the most important longevity events in human biology, and we've been ignoring it?Dr. Matt Kaeberlein sits down with Dr. Jennifer Pearlman, founder of PearlMD and pioneer in female-centric longevity medicine, to unpack why women's health has been systemically underfunded, undertreated, and misunderstood and what a proactive approach actually looks like.From the flawed science behind the Women's Health Initiative to the nuts and bolts of hormone optimization, testosterone for women, and the emerging field of ovarian tissue cryopreservation, Dr. Pearlman brings 20+ years of clinical expertise and a framework she calls FemSpan: harnessing the unique biology of female longevity while mitigating the risks most medicine ignores.Timestamps:00:00 — Cold open00:47 — Welcome & Dr. Pearlman's origin story02:33 — Why the medical system fails women08:37 — How the women's health landscape has shifted over 20 years09:26 — The Women's Health Initiative: what went wrong13:07 — What drove the reemergence of menopause medicine14:38 — Big Pharma, funding, and the micronized progesterone question17:13 — "Medicine progresses one funeral at a time"18:01 — From functional medicine to precision medicine20:35 — Rebranding aging: from anti-aging to longevity23:50 — Navigating the gray zone between frontier and fringe27:46 — How to identify credible practitioners33:32 — What every woman should know about the menopause transition36:41 — Why take a proactive approach? Symptoms, disease risk, and aging38:19 — The two simultaneous biology processes of menopause41:46 — The role of FSH and hormone optimization43:28 — Estradiol as the body's regenerative signal47:24 — What to test and when50:38 — The metabolic theory of menopause55:08 — Visceral fat as an evolutionary adaptation57:26 — How to navigate hormone therapy01:00:24 — Bioidentical hormones: reclaiming the term01:06:45 — Why route of administration matters01:11:35 — Progesterone: the unsung hero of menopause management01:23:19 — Testosterone for women: what the science actually says01:34:25 — Introducing FemSpan: the female longevity framework01:37:55 — The biological aging advantages women carry01:46:46 — Can we close the healthspan gap?01:53:05 — Could reversing menopause extend female lifespan?02:00:29 — Regenerative medicine and the future of female longevity02:03:10 — Ovarian tissue cryopreservation explained02:10:39 — AI in women's precision medicine02:15:50 — Medicine at scale: opportunity and risk02:21:41 — Advanced cardiovascular diagnostics and the female gap02:24:22 — Closing thoughts: your aging trajectory is more in your control than you think

Testosterone levels in 40-year-old men are 30 percent lower than their fathers, and most doctors still have no idea what to do about it. -Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Host Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Justin Houman, a nationally recognized urologist and Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Fellowship-trained and specializing in men's health, male fertility, and sexual medicine, Dr. Houman combines cutting-edge medical advancements with holistic lifestyle strategies to help men optimize testosterone, sexual health, and reproductive performance at every age. Together, Dave and Dr. Houman tear through the myths, the bad science, and the outdated medical dogma around testosterone, erectile function, fertility, and male sexual health. They cover everything from why testosterone levels have collapsed in a single generation, to the real story behind the FDA black box warning, to practical protocols for men who want to optimize without sacrificing fertility. This is the masterclass on men's health that no one else is having on record. This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, longevity, human performance, hormone optimization, brain optimization, anti-aging, functional medicine, mitochondria, and Smarter Not Harder approaches to male health. You'll Learn: Why testosterone levels in 40-year-old men are 30 percent lower than their fathers and what is driving the collapse How low testosterone connects to anxiety, depression, high cholesterol, blood sugar dysregulation, and all-cause mortality risk The truth about the original testosterone and heart attack study and why it still has not been retracted How to preserve fertility while on TRT using Clomid, enclomiphene, and HCG Why daily low-dose Cialis is one of the cheapest and most effective longevity drugs available What shockwave therapy, PRP, exosomes, and Botox injections actually do for erectile function How red light therapy at 660 and 850 nanometers supports testosterone production and nocturnal erections The supplement stack including ashwagandha, tongkat ali, fadogia agrestis, and creatine that supports healthy hormone levels Why porn-induced ED is epidemic in young men and how to reverse it How PT-141 and peptides fit into a complete male optimization protocol Thank you to our sponsors! Pre-order Arthur Brook's new book today at themeaningofyourlife.com. You can also see Arthur speak live at the 2026 Beyond Biohacking Conference fatty15 | Go to https://fatty15.com/dave and save an extra $15 when you subscribe with code DAVE.Establish a powerful foundation for sustained wellness with Pique. Unlock 20% off: piquelife.com/DAVE BrainTap | Go to http://braintap.com/dave to get $100 off the BrainTap Power Bundle. Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: testosterone, low testosterone, TRT, testosterone replacement therapy, male fertility, erectile dysfunction, ED, men's health, sexual health, hormone optimization, Dave Asprey, biohacking, longevity, anti-aging, human performance, Dr. Justin Houman, Cedars-Sinai, urologist, shockwave therapy, PRP, exosomes, Botox penis, red light therapy, nitric oxide, Cialis, tadalafil, Viagra, sildenafil, PT-141, Melanotan, peptides, ashwagandha, tongkat ali, fadogia agrestis, creatine, Danger Coffee, Smarter Not Harder, Kyzatrex, clomid, enclomiphene, HCG, prolactin, cabergoline, porn-induced ED, refractory period, fertility, sperm health, spermatogenesis, FSH, LH, estrogen, aromatization, functional medicine, supplements, mitochondria, circadian rhythm, sleep optimization, cortisol, microplastics, inflammation, cardiovascular health, dementia, all-cause mortality, nocturnal erections, penile health, male optimization Resources: • Learn More About Dr. Houman's Work At: https://houmanmd.com/ • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/ • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today. • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/ • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Low Testosterone Epidemic 04:23 – Ejaculation & Testosterone 07:30 – Refractory Period & Aging 09:58 – Porn-Induced ED 11:09 – Cabergoline & Prolactin Management 12:42 – Oral Testosterone 13:24 – Testosterone Target Levels 16:46 – Supplements for Testosterone 18:46 – Anxiety-Based ED 26:23 – Penis Enhancement Options 27:37 – Shockwave Therapy 28:57 – Cialis for Longevity 29:56 – Fat & Filler Injections 34:50 – Pre-Sex Optimization 40:13 – Red Light Therapy 42:18 – Heat & Cold for Testosterone 43:35 – Underwear & Microplastics 44:58 – Testosterone & Fertility 49:15 – HCG & Preserving Fertility 52:00 – Testosterone Dosing Timing 53:22 – Creatine & Mitochondrial Health 55:20 – Overtraining Effects 56:24 – Peptides (PT-141) 59:08 – Optimal Diet for Fertility See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this insightful episode of Fertility in Focus, Dr. Christina Burns sits down with Dr. Jennifer Kulp-Makarov, MD, FACOG, Board-Certified OB/GYN & REI Specialist, founder of Fleura Fertility. With over 16 years of experience and training at Johns Hopkins and Yale, Dr. Kulp-Makarov shares her patient-centered approach to IVF, individualized protocols, and cutting-edge fertility treatments. Discover how she is transforming the patient experience, optimizing egg quality, and supporting couples, women, and LGBTQIA+ families through a more personalized, stress-free, and effective IVF journey.In This Episode, You'll Learn:How a boutique, patient-focused approach improves IVF outcomes.The benefits of mini IVF and the Goldilocks method for women over 40 or with low AMH.Why individualized FSH monitoring matters for egg quality and success.The importance of considering sperm quality and male fertility in IVF.Advances in PRP and emerging treatments to enhance egg quality.How to set realistic expectations for IVF cycles, stress management, and long-term family planning.How to assess whether a center has a good labThe scoop on rapamycinIns and outs of IVF for egg quality challengesShould you consider Ovarian PRPTimestamps:[00:01] Introduction: Meet Dr. Jennifer Kulp-Makarov and her patient-first philosophy.[01:48] Moving from large IVF centers to a boutique practice: Why patient experience matters.[03:17] The impact of stress, billing, and communication on IVF success.[05:42] Mini IVF and the Goldilocks approach: Personalized, lower-dose protocols.[14:50] Monitoring FSH levels: How adjusting doses improves egg quality.[19:10] Optimizing outcomes for challenging cases: Sperm quality, egg quality, and individualized care.[29:43] Experimental and promising treatments: Rapamycin, ovarian PRP, and future innovations.[32:43] PRP procedures and how they enhance ovarian function.[35:00] Supporting patients emotionally: The importance of a tailored, long-term IVF plan.Connect with Dr. Jennifer Kulp-Makarov & Fleura Fertility:Website: Fleura Fertility Instagram: @FleuraFertility Location: New York City, NYAbout Dr. Christina Burns:Dr. Christina Burns is the founder and Doctor of Chinese Medicine at the Naturna Institute. Committed, compassionate, and highly skilled in multiple disciplines, Dr. Burns has been in practice since 2004. She empowers both women and men to achieve their optimal life and health goals through natural medicine practices, integrative nutrition, lifestyle management, and personalized mind-body programs. Dr. Burns holds advanced certifications in acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, life coaching, and yoga therapy. She is also the best-selling author of "The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook."Connect with Dr. Christina Burns:Website: https://www.christinaburns.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinaburns/Order the Ultimate Fertility Guidebook: https://a.co/d/hq0nFOoJoin the Eating for Optimal Fertility Course: https://naturna.mn.co/Order Junk Juice: https://junkjuicemagic.com/Follow along with the Naturna Institute:Book an Appointment: https://naturna.janeapp.com/#/listInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturna_life/

On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I'm joined by Jay Campbell (@jaycampbell333), health optimization expert, author, and founder of BioLongevity Labs, to explore the powerful intersection of peptides, metabolic health, and fertility. Jay shares how therapeutic peptides like HCG, HMG, and GLP compounds can support male fertility, insulin resistance, and metabolic balance when used correctly. We discuss the rise of GLP-1 medications, why microdosing matters, and how inflammation and visceral fat are major contributors to declining fertility rates. Beyond the physical, we also dive into mindset, consciousness, and how belief systems impact healing and reproductive outcomes. This conversation bridges cutting-edge science with empowered awareness, and offers a new perspective on fertility optimization in the modern world. Key Takeaways: Therapeutic peptides such as HCG and HMG can help stimulate FSH and LH to support male fertility. Chronic inflammation and visceral fat are major drivers of insulin resistance and declining fertility. GLP-1 medications can be helpful tools when microdosed and combined with proper lifestyle habits. Insulin-controlled living and metabolic flexibility are foundational for hormonal balance. Sustainable fat loss requires resistance training, adequate protein intake, and hormonal optimization. Environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors contribute to the global fertility decline. Mindset and consciousness play a significant role in healing, longevity, and reproductive success. Guest Bio:  Jay Campbell (@jaycampbell333) is a global authority in hormone optimization, peptides, and human longevity, a five-time international bestselling author, and the co-founder of BioLongevity Labs—often called "the Amazon for biohackers." For more than two decades, he has led the field of metabolic health and anti-aging science, helping millions enhance vitality, repair their biology, and take control of their health. Known for cutting through misinformation, Jay translates complex biomedical research into practical, real-world strategies with integrity and no-BS clarity, blending cutting-edge science with a consciousness-driven approach that elevates biology, mindset, identity, and purpose. He is also the author of the upcoming book Metabolic Awakening, which addresses the global misuse of GLP drugs and introduces the first responsible, science-aligned framework for microdosing GLP peptides to support long-term metabolic repair rather than temporary weight loss. Connect with Jay: Follow him on InstagramVisit his website  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. Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are:  https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Connect with me on social: Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertilityFacebook: The Wholesome Lotus

This week we will recap the NHRL February event with members of University of Illinois's iRobotics team! We'll talk about their experience with 30lb entries quack., FSH, and Killswitch and other famous entries from the team like Undertaker and Goose!  To watch the podcast live check out https://www.youtube.com/@jakemaximizer/streams where it will be shared to all of the audio apps the following week! Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/behindthebots Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PlayerFM, and all the other podcast places. Tell a friend about the show; we really appreciate your support!

Dr. Deb Muth 0:00 Welcome back to Let’s Talk Wellness Now. I’m your host, Dr. Zab, and we are continuing our discussion this week on 0:08 peptides. And so, if you haven’t heard our first conversation about peptides, 0:13 please go back and look at that episode. We talk all about the manufacturing, the safety, the quality of peptides, and we 0:20 dove into GLP1s. And today we’re going to dive into peptides for sexual 0:26 wellness, immune function, growth hormone, and all the amazing fun things 0:32 we can do with peptides. So, as usual, grab your cup of coffee or tea, settle 0:37 in, and let’s talk wellness now. And we’re going to take a short pause from our sponsor. I know we’ve got to do 0:44 that, you guys. They’re who keep us on the air. So, I’m going to pause for just a minute and be right back after this 0:50 message from our sponsor. Ladies, it’s time to reignite your vitality. Primal 0:56 Queen supplements are clean, powerful formulas made for women like you who want balance, strength, and energy that 1:03 lasts. Get 25% off at primal queen.com. Serenity Health. That’s primalqueen.com. 1:10 Serenity Health. Because every queen deserves to feel in her prime. All 1:15 right, everybody. We are back. And are you ready? We are talking all things peptide and I am opening the show today 1:23 with sexual wellness. Yes, I’m going there, you guys. I am going there. You 1:29 know, this has really become a big issue for people um of all ages. It’s not just 1:3 4us older people. It’s younger people, too. And there’s a whole variety of reasons why we have sexual dysfunction. 1:42 And when we’re talking about sexual dysfunction, we’re not just talking about it doesn’t work, right? Or I can’t 1:48 reach orgasm. A lot of it is around desire and um the thought of it and 1:54 wanting to connect, wanting to be kinder to one another, wanting to be touching 2:00 one another. A lot of it resolves or revolves around that. And so there are some peptides that can help us and I’m 2:08 really excited to be able to talk about those today. So the first one is called PT-141. 2:14 This targets the brain not the periphery. Right? So for many women I 2:20 will always tell you sex starts between here. It is a brain thing for us. It is 2:26 not necessarily a physical thing. For guys that’s a little different. It’s very physical. For women it’s all in our 2:32 brain. So tip for you men that are listening. You have to prime your woman’s brain first if you want her to 2:38 have sex with you that night. You have to be nice to her. You have to bring her flowers. Do the dishes for her. Do 2:45 something kind. Bring her a cup of coffee or tea or a glass of wine. Take her to dinner. You have to woo her. And 2:51 I don’t care how long you’ve been married. That has to happen. And tip number two, don’t say anything stupid 2:57 that day. I’m just being honest. When you guys say things that make us upset, 3:03 that lingers with us for the rest of the day. And it’s it’s a turnoff for us. And 3:08 for a lot of women, we can’t get past that when it comes time to snuggle at night. And sex doesn’t always have to be 3:14 at night either. So, you can tell I really love talking about this conversation, but we’re going to get into the peptide part of it because this 3:21 is going to help people. So, um, PT-141 is marketed as I’m going to slaughter 3:28 this name, Vali, and it represents a fundamentally different approach to 3:34 sexual dysfunction than the PDE5s inhibitors like Slenden, Viagra, 3:40 Tedataphil, which is Seialis. And while the PDE5 inhibitors work specifically by 3:47 enhancing blood flow to the genital tissues, PT-141 works centrally in the brain by 3:54 modulating neural s neural circuits involved in the sexual desire and 4:00 arousal. Now PT-41 is a cyclic hpatipeptide. It’s seven amino acid 4:07 peptide arranged in a cyclic structure that acts as a melanoortin receptor 4:13 agonist and with particularly the infinity for MC3R and MC4R subtypes. 4:20 It’s actually a metabolite of the melanotan 2, a peptide originally 4:26 developed for tanning that was also found to enhance sexual desire in early 4:31 studies. Now the melanoortin system in the brain is involved in multiple functions including energy homeostasis 4:39 but it also is involved in sexual motivation and arousal behaviors. The FDA approved PT-141 in 2019 specifically 4:48 for the treatment of acquired generalized hypoactive sexual desire 4:54 HSDD in permenopausal women. So for the first time we have a medication that was 5:01 approved by the FDA to use for women for sexual dysfunction. We have had all of 5:07 these seialis tedataphil viagros for men but we had nothing for women. And so 5:12 this is amazing that this is available for women and approved by the FDA. It’s a big deal. This represents the first 5:19 and only FDA approved medication specifically targeting these circuits of sexual desire rather than the peripheral 5:27 arousal mechanisms. And this indication is quite specific, meaning it was developed at some point, not lifelong. 5:35 So I if you’ve had sexual dysfunction your entire life, this medication was 5:40 not approved for you. But if it’s something that you developed over time, like when you went through pmenopause or 5:46 menopause or some women have this experience happen after childirth, that’s what we’re talking about here. 5:53 Now, it’s also not just um supposed to be used if you dislike your partner, 5:59 right? If your relationship is bad and you dislike your partner, this probably isn’t going to fix a ton. It might help 6:05 a little bit, but that’s not what it’s meant for. So, you really have to know what you’re using it for and why. And 6:11 the other thing that I would say is this is something that we don’t go to if your hormones are not balanced properly. You 6:17 have to balance your hormones properly before using something like this because it still may not work. Now, the only 6:24 caveat to that is if you’re a woman that has a risk of breast cancer and can’t use hormones, then that’s a different 6:31 story and we would have that conversation about whether or not this medication would be appropriate for you. Now, the FDA label specifies PTA1 uh 6:39 PT-141 as it not being indicated for HSDD in causes where low sexual desire 6:46 is due to coexisting medical or psychiatric conditions, problems with relationships, like we had talked about, 6:53 side effects to medications or other substance use. This specifically reflects the importance of differential 6:59 diagnosis. Low sexual desire can have many root causes and PT-41 is only 7:05 appropriate when those causes have been ruled out. Now, I have I used PT41 in 7:10 people who have sexual dysfunction issues as a result of using 7:16 anti-depressants. Yes, I have. I’ve used Flynn in that effect as well. And it 7:21 does work sometimes, but it doesn’t work completely. But you need to know that that is not what the approval is for the 7:27 FDA. So that is done in something that we call off label use. So very important 7:33 to know. Now in these clinical trials leading to FDA approval, this was published by Kinsburg and colleagues in 7:40 obstetrics and gyne gynecology in 2019. PT-141 demonstrated statistically 7:46 significant improvements in sexual desire and decreases in distress related 7:51 to low desire compared to placebo. The effects manifest over 45 minutes to 7:56 several hours after the injection and the mechanisms involved modulation of dopamine and melanoorton pathways in the 8:04 hypothalamus and the brain regions that involved sexual motivation. Now cardiovascular effects of PT 141 require 8:12 careful attention. This drug causes transient increases in blood pressure about 3 to four points and transient 8:20 decreases in heart rate. And because of this, it is contraindicated in patients 8:25 with uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease. And it has been studied in patients who’ve had recent 8:32 cardiovascular events or sorry hasn’t been studied hasn’t been studied in patients who’ve had recent 8:39 cardiovascular events. So patients need to have their blood pressures checked before starting therapy. Nausea is 8:45 extremely common. It is one of the biggest things I often will tell people to take an anti-nausea medicine if 8:52 they’re going to do this because the last thing you want to do is inject this medication and think it’s going to give 8:57 you this great time with your partner and you’re so nauseated that you can’t even perform, don’t want to kiss, don’t 9:05 want to do anything. It it can be pretty profound for some people. um it does affect about 40% of the patients in 9:12 clinical trials which is why many clinicians require or recommend an 9:17 anti-nausea medication like I had just said other common adverse effects include flushing injection site 9:24 reactions headache in about 13% of the population which I have seen worse if 9:30 people are prone to headaches and the headaches are pretty intense so I will also have them premedicate if they have 9:36 that um sensitivity ity with a Tylenol or Advil, Alie, whatever it is they 9:42 typically use for their headaches to help prevent that from occurring. Now, some patients also experience a 9:50 generalized hyperpigmentation of their skin, particularly in areas with chronic friction, and this may not be reversible 9:57 after discontinuation. So from an integrative perspective, PT-41 10:03 represents one tool in addressing female sexual dysfunction, but it should never be the first or only intervention. And 10:11 low sexual desire in women is complex. Multiffactorial involving hormonal imbalances, low testosterone, estrogen 10:18 deficiency, progesterone imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal dysfunction, and with elevated or 10:24 disregulated cortisol levels, sleep deprivation, relationship issues, unresolved trauma, including sexual 10:31 trauma, chronic pain, body image concerns, and medication side effects such as SSRIs are notorious for this. So 10:39 a comprehensive hormone panel including total and free testosterones, estradile, 10:45 progesterone, DHEA, thyroid function in cortisol assessment, ideally four-point 10:51 cortisol, salivary should precede any pharmacological intervention. And additionally, addressing the 10:57 psychological component and relationship dimensions through appropriate therapy is necessary. I have a lot of patients 11:03 that say, “This is just too much work for sex. I don’t want the side effects. I don’t want to deal with this.” and that’s totally fine. But for some 11:09 people, their sexual dysfunction is actually causing more problems on their 11:14 relationship and they want to do something to fix that. And just know that if you’re using a peptide like this 11:20 that comes with some of these side effects and you have to premedicate for it, it is not the end of the world. Um, 11:27 but it may be a possibility that you may need that. So, let’s dive into body composition and growth hormone access. 11:34 So Tesmarellin is the only FDA approved GH 11:40 analog. Tesarelin is marketed as Agrifta and Agria SV. It is a synthetic analog 11:48 of human growth hormone releasing hormone. So GH RH human growth hormone 11:53 releasing hormone. These things are such long names it’s confusing and it’s difficult to spit out, right? It 11:59 consists of 44 amino acids. The structure is identical to our own 12:05 body’s growth hormone GHR um with the addition of trans3 hexonol group which 12:14 stabilizes the molecule that extends its half-life compared to the native GHR. 12:19 The mechanism of tesmarellin is elegant in its preservation of physiological 12:24 growth hormone GH secretion patterns and rather than administering an exogenous 12:30 growth hormone directly, tesmarillin binds to the GH receptor in the anterior 12:36 pituitary gland stimulating the indogenous pulsatile release of GH. So 12:42 you know it it’s slower in that stimulation and it pulsates instead of a direct rise and fall. This pusile 12:49 pattern more closely mimics natural GH secretion which occurs in bursts 12:54 primarily during sleep. The GH then stimulates the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor IGF-1 which 13:01 exerts many of the downstream metabolic effects including lipolytic effects on 13:07 the atapost tissue. So fat atapose and how we break that down. The FDA approved 13:13 tesmarellin in 2010 for a very specific narrow indication, the reduction of 13:19 excess abdominal fat in HIV infected patients with lipodistrophe. This 13:25 condition characterized by abnormal fat redistribution with accumulation of visceral body fat and the loss of 13:32 subcutaneous fat in face and limbs developed as a complication of an 13:37 antiviral therapy particularly with older protease inhibitor reg uh 13:42 regimens. The visceral fat accumulation in patients is not just cosmetic. It’s associated with increased cardiovascular 13:49 risk, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers. The pivotal trial that led to the FDA approval included 13:56 work by Stanley and colleagues published in the annuals of internal medicine in 2014. It demonstrated that tesmarillan 14:03 significantly reduced the visceral atapose measured by CT scan by approximately 15 to 20% which is a 14:10 significant difference to placebo over a short period of time only 26 weeks. Now, 14:16 interestingly, the total body uh weight typically remained stable or even 14:21 increased slightly as the reduction of visceral fat was sometimes offset by increases in lean body mass or 14:28 subcutaneous fat. This highlights an important point. Tesmearellin is not a weight loss drug in its conventional 14:34 sense. Its effects are specifically on body composition and fat redistribution. 14:40 Now the glucose metabolism effects of tesmarellin do require careful monitoring because GH and IGF1 can 14:47 induce insulin resistance. Tesmearellin can increase glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C and in these clinical 14:54 trials glucose tolerance and new onset diabetes occurred in some patients. So 14:59 this creates a therapeutic paradox while res reducing visceral fat we should theoretically improve metabolic health. 15:07 The GH mediated insulin resistance can worsen the glycemic control and patients 15:12 with diabetes require particularly close monitoring. The potential need for adjustment in diabetic medications can 15:19 occur. So I already know what you guys are thinking. Can I use Tesmarellin and 15:24 GLP1 at the same time? And the answer is yes. Especially in those people that we 15:30 know have an insulin resistance already or are prone to that, we can use lowd 15:36 dose micro doing GLP-1 along with tesmarellin to help prevent this from 15:42 occurring um or reduce the risk of it occurring. Now there are some other adverse related problems to growth 15:49 hormone access which include fluid retention which can uh manifest as uh 15:55 ankle swelling, joint pain, muscle pain, paristhesas, carpal tunnel syndrome is 16:01 common to see. Of course you can always see injection site reactions reported about 26 to 30% of the time in the trial 16:08 participants. And this also theoretically has a concern about IGF-1 elevation potentially promoting 16:14 malignancy through long-term data is limited. So we have to be cautious about 16:20 this but it is a growth hormone and anything that is a growth hormone can cause cells to grow and it cannot 16:26 necessarily differentiate between healthy cells and bad cells. So the drug is contraindicated is contraindicated in 16:33 patients with active cancer and in patients with the disruption of the HPA access from conditions like pituitary 16:40 tumors, pituitary surgery, head of radiation um and traumatic brain injury. 16:46 Now off label use of tesmarellin for general anti-aging or body composition 16:51 optimization in non-HIV population, it doesn’t have FDA approval. There is no 16:58 FDA studies. um that promote this, but practitioners do prescribe it for these 17:04 purposes under an experimental and not supported by FDA approved indications. 17:10 And um from an integrative medical standpoint, optimizing natural growth 17:15 hormone secretion through lifestyle interventions, high quality sleep is important. GH primarily is excreted 17:22 during sleep and deep sleep waves. So improving your deep sleep is important. Intermittent fasting can also increase 17:28 growth hormone by five-fold as demonstrated in a Hartman and colleagues uh study from the journal of clinical 17:35 endocrinology and metabolism in 1992. And highintensity interval training, adequate dietary protein, blood sugar 17:42 control, these all can help naturally increase your growth hormone. So, let’s 17:47 dive in now and talk about bone health. peptide hormones um such as oh I’m gonna 17:54 I’m gonna really slaughter this name. Terraparatide is a true bonebuilding 18:01 peptide. It’s marketed as forio. It’s a recumbent form of the first 34 amino 18:08 acids out of 85 of the human parathyroid hormone PTH. It represents a unique 18:13 approach to osteoporosis treatment because it’s one of the few truly anabolic anabolic bone therapies meaning 18:21 it actively binds new bone rather than simply preventing bone loss. The biology 18:26 of parathyroid is fascinating and seemly contraindicated or uh contradictory. 18:32 Continuously sustained elevations of PTH as occurs in hyperarathyroidism 18:37 is catabolic to bone. So people who have hyperarothyroidism typically have significant bone loss 18:44 especially before it’s diagnosed and it causes causes increased bone 18:49 reabsorption loss of bone density increased fracture risk and however 18:55 intermittent exposure to PTH as achieved with once daily uh injections of forio 19:01 has the opposite effect. This intermittent exposure preferentially stimulates osteoblasts bone building 19:08 cells over osteoclasts bone reabsorbing cells and it leads to 19:13 the net bone formation. So terraparatide binds to the PTH receptors on 19:20 osteoblasts and renal tubular cells in bone. It increases the number of 19:25 activity of osteoblasts stimulating the differentiation of osteoblast precursor cells and may 19:32 reduce osteoblast apoptosis basically programmed cell death allowing this bone 19:37 building cell to work longer. The result is increased bone formation, improved bone architecture and tbacular 19:45 connectivity and ultimately increased bone mineral density um particularly in the hip and the spine which is so 19:51 difficult to regain. The FDA approved this medication in 2002 based on pivotal 19:57 studies by Near and colleagues published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2001 which demonstrated significant 20:05 reductions in vertebral and non-vebral fractures in post-menopausal women with 20:11 osteoporosis. specifically uh reduced new vertebral fractures by 20:17 65% and nonvettebral fragility fractures by 53% 20:23 compared to placebo over a median followup of 21 months. This is really 20:29 incredible because we have not seen this kind of um change uh in other 20:35 medications that we’ve used for osteoporosis. So current FDA approval 20:40 indicates uh this for post-menopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for 20:46 fracture, men with primary or hypoconatal osteoporosis at high risk for fracture 20:53 and men and women with glucocord cord glucocordide 21:00 induced osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. The high risk qualifier is 21:05 important. uh terrapeptide is reserved for patients with severe osteoporosis, 21:11 multiple fractures, very low low bone density and those who have failed or are 21:16 intolerant of other therapies. The most significant concern for this medication 21:21 is highlighted in a boxed warning with rat toxicology studies where it caused 21:27 osteioaroma which is a bone cancer in a dose dependent and treatment duration dependent manner. The revolence of this 21:34 finding to humans is debated. Rats have fundamentally different bone biology than humans with continuous bone growth 21:41 throughout life and different PTH receptors. Now post marketing 21:46 surveillance in humans hasn’t shown a clear increase in osteocaroma risk but 21:51 theoretically concerns persist and because of this terapeptide is 21:57 contraindicated in patients at risk baseline risk for osteioaroma 22:02 including those with pageantss disease of the bone unexplained elevations of alkaline phosphate prior skeletal 22:10 radiations bone metastases or skeletal malignancies and pediatric patients or young adults 22:16 with open hyes. There’s also a lifetime treatment duration of only 2 years and 22:22 terrapeptide can cause transient hypercalcemia. So an elevated blood calcium and as PTH normally increases 22:31 calcium levels by enhancing bone reabsorption, increasing renal calcium 22:36 reabsorption and promoting activation of vitamin D which increases intestinal calcium absorption. Some patients 22:43 experience orthostatic hypotension within 4 hours of injecting requiring 22:48 caution in at risk populations for blood pressure. Common side effects include 22:53 muscle pain, joint pain, pain in the limbs, nausea, headache, and dizziness. So from an integrative bone health 23:00 perspective, terrapeptides should be part of a comprehensive strategy. Adequate calcium intake, 500 to a,000 23:08 milligrams of calcium a day from food and supplements combined. and vitamin D. 23:13 Getting vitamin D levels of at least 50 to 80 are essential for the drug to work 23:20 optimally. But beyond this, bone health requires vitamin K2, which directs calcium into the bones rather than soft 23:27 tissues, magnesium as a co-actor in bone metabolism, trace minerals like boron, 23:33 copper, silica, and of course, adequate protein intake, which many of us, especially as women, don’t do 0.8 8 to 1 23:42 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight, weightbearing exercise. Of 23:47 course, these all provide mechanical signals that complement the biochemical 23:52 symbol uh signals of terrapeptide. Sequential therapy is also critical. The 23:58 bone mass gains from terraparatide can be lost if patients don’t transition to 24:05 an anti-resorbbitive agent a bisphosphinate after completing this therapy and the anabolic effects to 24:12 build bone but maintaining the new bone requires preventing excess reabsorption. 24:18 So positive things about this but there are definitely some concerns as well. So 24:23 the next one we’re going to talk about is Lu Prolrooide. It is marketed under 24:29 the multiple brand names of Lupron, Depo, Eligard, and it’s a synthetic 24:34 nonapeptide analog of naturally occurring ginonadotropen releasing 24:39 hormone G&R, also called luteinizing hormone releasing hormone, LHR. 24:46 It’s a fascinating example of how manipulating natural hormonal feedback systems can create therapeutic effects. 24:53 So, G&RH is normally secreted in a pulsatile fashion by the hypothalamus 24:59 and travels to the anterior pituitary where it binds to G&R receptors and 25:05 stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone LH and follical stimulating hormone FSH. These ginatotropins signal 25:13 the ovaries or the testes to produce sex hormones, estrogen, progesterone in 25:18 women, testosterone in men. Uh, luoprololi lupron as a GNR agonist 25:26 initially mimics the action of natural G&R causing an acute flare response with 25:33 uh increased LHFSH secretion which temporarily increases sex hormone 25:38 production. However, the continuous administration which is in the depo 25:44 formulations, the GNR receptors in the pituitary become desensitized and 25:50 downregulated. And after about 2 to four weeks of continuous exposure, LH and FSH 25:56 secretion is profoundly suppressed, leading to what’s termed as chemical 26:01 castration. Testosterone levels in men drop to castrated levels less than 50 26:08 and estrogen production is marketkedly suppressed in women. This bifphasic 26:13 response creates both therapeutic applications and management challenges in prostate cancer where tumor growth is 26:20 typically androgen dependent and the ultimate goal is testosterone suppression. However, the initial 26:27 testosterone surge during the flare phase can temporarily worsen symptoms potentially causing increased bone pain, 26:34 urinary obstruction, or even spinal cord compression in patients with metastatic 26:40 disease. This is why uh luoprolide is often started with an anti-ad androgen 26:47 like bicladamide for the first two to four weeks to block the effects of the 26:52 testosterone surge. The FDA has approved lupalide for multiple indications across 26:59 formulations. In oncology, it’s used for palletive treatment of advanced prostate cancers. In gynecology, various 27:06 formulations are approved for endometriosis, for pain management and lesion reduction and for fibroids. 27:13 Typically for pre-operative uh hematological improvement in anemic patients. In pediatrics, it’s used for 27:20 central precocious p puberty basically to halt the premature sexual development of these young people. Now, there are 27:28 adex uh adverse effect profile that reflects profound hormonal suppression. 27:34 In men treated for prostate cancer, hot flashes affect about 59% of the patients. Other common effects include 27:41 general pain, swelling, bone pain. Um long-term use of these medications leads 27:47 to metabolic changes. It increases fat mass. It decreases lean mass. It worsens 27:53 insulin sensitivity, disrupts the cholesterol uh lipid panels, increases 27:59 diabetic risk, has some concerns over cardiovascular disease. And the metaanalysis have shown increased risks 28:06 of heart infarction, myocardial inffection, sudden cardiac death, and stroke in populations receiving 28:13 long-term androgen deprivation therapy. The bone effects are particularly dramatic. Without sex hormones, bone 28:20 density decreases significantly, typically 3 to 4% per year during the 28:26 first two to three years of therapy. And this bone loss may not fully be reversible after the the therapy 28:32 discontinues. The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends bone density monitoring and consideration of 28:39 bisphosphinates uh in men receiving long-term androgen deprivation. In women treated for 28:46 endometriosis or fibroids, the estrogen suppression creates a hypoestrogenetic state similar 28:54 to menopause. Hot flashes affect 90% of patients with other common effects 29:00 including headaches, emotional irritability, decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness, bone density loss. And 29:08 because of these bone concerns and treatment duration with endometriosis, typically limited to six months, though 29:14 some formulations allow for longer use with adback hormonal therapy to 29:20 partially mitigate these side effects. The mood and cognitive effects can be s 29:25 significant. I’ve seen it over the years. the depression, the memory impairment, difficulty focusing and 29:31 concentrating. It can be very very traumatic and the quality of life that 29:37 happens for these uh women and men can be unbearing for many of them. Um, from 29:44 an integrative perspective, patients receiving this medication need comprehensive support care. Bone health 29:51 interventions using calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2, weightbearing exercise, 29:58 cardiovascular risk management becomes critical, including blood pressure monitoring, lipid management, diabetes 30:05 screening. For hot flashes management, some patients respond to black coohos, 30:10 sage, or vitamin E. Though evidence is mixed and individual response varies, 30:16 omega-3s may help with the mood and the inflammation, resistance training becomes specifically important to 30:22 preserve lean muscle mass in the face of hormonal suppression. 30:27 Now there’s something called calcetonin salamon which is marketed as miaelin. 30:34 It is a nasal spray. It is now discontinued. And foral is the new 30:39 synthetic polyeptide hormone of 32 amino acids identical to calcetonin of salamon 30:47 origin. It represents an interesting case study in how initial promise gives 30:52 way to safety concerns that regulate a therapy to historical footnote status. 30:58 Calcetonin is naturally occurring hormone in humans. It’s secreted by the paraphalicular sea cells in the thyroid 31:04 gland. Its primary physiological role is to lower blood calcium levels by 31:10 directly inhibiting osteoclast activity, reducing bone reabsorption, increasing 31:16 renal calcium secretion or excretion, and possibly reducing the intestinal 31:21 calcium absorption. So, salamon calcetonin is used therapeutically because it’s more potent and longer 31:27 acting than human calcetonin. The FDA initially approved calceton and salmon 31:34 for several indications post-menopausal osteoporosis in women more than five 31:39 years post-menopausal when alternative treatments are not sustainable. Padet’s 31:44 disease for bone and hypercalcemium as emergency treatments. The nasal spray formulation is particularly popular for 31:53 osteoporosis because it offered a non-injectable alternative to bisphosphinates. 31:58 However, in 2012, the European Medicine’s Agency, EMA, conducted a 32:05 comprehensive safety safety review after a poolled analysis of 21 clinical trials 32:10 involving over 10,000 patients showed a statistically significant increase in 32:15 malignancy risk in patients treated with calceton salamon compared to compared to 32:21 placebo. The overall malignancy rate was 4.1% in calcetonin treated patients 32:28 versus 2.9% in placebo patients. The types of cancer 32:34 varied with no single cancer type predominating, making it difficult to establish a clear mechanistic link. 32:41 However, the signal was concerning enough that the EMA restricted the use of calcetonin containing medicines. In 32:48 the United States, the FDA issued communications about malignancy signal and conducted its own review. While they 32:56 didn’t fully withdraw the drug, the cons consensus shifted dramatically. The nasal spray formulations miaelson was 33:03 voluntarily discontinued by the manufacturer and current clinical practice guidelines now consider 33:10 calcetonin salamon as a second line or lower option for osteoporosis. While 33:15 behind bisphosphinates, dennism mob, uh, terrapeptide, the analesic effect of 33:21 calcetonin in bone pain, particularly in acute vitibbral, uh, compression 33:26 fractions from osteoporosis or pageantss disease may still provide a role for short-term use in these selected 33:32 patients. The mechanism of this pain relief is unclear, but may involve 33:38 effects of endorphin systems and/or direct actions on pathways. The history serves as an important reminder in 33:45 peptide medicine. Initial approval and early clinical use does not guarantee 33:50 long-term safety effects. Post marketing surveillance and poolled analysis of the clinical trial data can reveal adverse 33:58 effects that weren’t apparent in initial studies. It also underscores why newer 34:04 agents with better safety profiles um have largely replaced calcetonin in 34:10 clinical practice. So this is really an important thing. Not one thing stays the same forever. We have to change as we 34:18 identify new and better products as we identify problems and concerns. I will 34:24 always tell my patients if you are uncertain of taking a new drug which we 34:30 all should be wait five years. Within five years we are going to find the 34:36 problems that they didn’t find in the clinical studies. Remember, a lot of these clinical studies are small, small 34:43 groups, short periods of time. It’s expensive to do these trials. So, if you 34:49 wait for five years, in the first two to three years, you will see the problem start to emerge. And what are you going 34:55 to look for? You’re going to look for the the news um commercials from lawyers 35:02 suing a drug. And they will tell you what the problem is. and then you can decide, is this something that I want to 35:09 use or not. Don’t jump on bandwagon and be the first one to do this, especially 35:14 if you’re sensitive. You know, give it time so you can see exactly what’s going on. So, I’m going to end our show on 35:22 this and we are going to pick up on part three of peptide therapy in our next 35:28 segment where we’re going to talk about the investigational peptides and some 35:34 exciting things that are happening with that. So, I want to thank you for joining me today on Let’s Talk Wellness 35:39 Now. It’s always a pleasure having a conversation with you guys and I hope this brings value to you with what we’re 35:45 talking about. If you have ideas for topics that you want me to discuss, 35:51 please message us, you can share your comments on Facebook, you can email us, 35:58 um you can get a hold of us however you would like to share that. I do look at the comments below in the episodes as 36:04 well. So you can place your comments there. And once again, one of the best things you can do for me is like, 36:11 subscribe, and share so that we can spread the messages of what we’re doing. 36:16 I do this at no cost. I don’t make any money out of this. I do this as an 36:21 educational purpose for everybody else. I love doing it, but it really helps us 36:28 on the algorithms if you would be just willing to like, subscribe, and share. 36:33 So, thank you for spending your time with me. I know time is important.The post Episode 257 – Peptides for Sexual Wellness & Hormonal Health: PT-141, Growth Hormones, Bone Health & More! first appeared on Let's Talk Wellness Now.

In this episode, I sat down with Rose MacKenzie, Clinical Manager at Mira, to discuss hormone tracking and why it matters from puberty through menopause. Rose has over a decade of experience as a natural family planning instructor and has helped countless women understand their hormonal patterns.   Key Topics: Why hormone tracking matters at every age If you have functioning ovaries, your hormones fluctuate and impact everything about you The limitations of period tracking apps Most apps use outdated calendar methods and only 4 out of 74 studied apps were actually accurate How the Mira fertility tracker works An at-home hormone monitoring system that tracks estrogen, LH, progesterone, and FSH through urine testing My personal experience At 46 and in perimenopause, I've been using Mira for two months and the data has been fascinating Understanding perimenopause Why this phase is so confusing and how tracking can give you back control Failed ovulation attempts What happens when your body tries to ovulate but doesn't succeed (common in perimenopause, PCOS, and postpartum) Timing progesterone supplementation Why taking it on a set day (like day 14) might not align with YOUR body's actual ovulation The importance of FSH Why this often-ignored hormone deserves more attention, especially 6+ years before menopause Who can benefit from tracking From teens to postmenopausal women, including those who've had hysterectomies or ablations Let's dive in! Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special! Click here to listen: Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERESpotify – CLICK HERE Connect with Guest - Instagram | @mirafertility Facebook | @mirafertility Website | miracare.com | Use code "2JENNPIKE20" at checkout for 20% off your order   This episode is sponsored by: withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15  Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option Free Resources: Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20" Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE" *code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale* Programs: Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/ Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman Connect with Jenn: Instagram | @jennpike Facebook | @thesimplicityproject YouTube | Simplicity TV Website | The Simplicity Project Inc. Have a question? Send it over to hello@jennpike.com and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

Struggling with fertility is not easy. It's important to stay positive. For example, I like to think of you being IN-fertile. As in you're "in" the club vs. infertile meaning you're "not" fertile. Call me crazy, but I truly believe in the fertility of everyone who walks through my door. Nobody is a number or FSH or AMH level. What do those things even mean? That's what I want to talk to you today.