As a Woman

Can you get pregnant with low AMH, and what should that result change about your fertility plans? Whether you're trying now or hoping to have children later, understanding what your results can and cannot tell you matters.

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Natalie Crawford answers listener questions with Emily Whitlock. Dr. Crawford explains what AMH can and cannot tell you, how egg quality changes with age, and which evaluations to discuss after recurrent miscarriage. She also answers questions about PMOS (formerly PCOS), cervical mucus during letrozole cycles, and medications and immunity testing before pregnancy, helping you prepare for a more informed conversation with your doctor.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Fertility Q&A

00:19 What Causes Low AMH in Young Women?

03:00 Can AMH Levels Fluctuate or Be Temporarily Low?

04:22 Can You Get Pregnant on Letrozole Without Fertile Cervical Mucus?

06:22 When Should You Stop Spironolactone Before Trying to Conceive?

07:50 Can PCOS Increase Miscarriage Risk?

10:00 When Should You Return to a Fertility Doctor After Miscarriages?

10:54 Why Check Chickenpox and Rubella Immunity Before Pregnancy?

14:49 What Tests Should You Have After Recurrent Miscarriages?

16:31 Should You Treat Autoimmune Disease Before Pregnancy?

17:53 Egg Quality vs. Egg Quantity: What Changes With Age?

19:33 Does Fertility Drop Suddenly at 35?

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly two thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s disease are women, and changes in the brain can begin a decade or more before symptoms appear. What does that mean for the choices you make in your 30s, 40s and 50s, and how can you support your brain health now?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford is joined by clinical neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola, host of The Neuro Experience. Louisa explains how exercise, sleep, and cognitive challenges support brain health, why genetics are only part of the risk picture, and what changes during menopause. They also examine the emerging research on creatine and the questions to bring to your doctor about cardiovascular health and hormone therapy.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Alzheimer’s Risk in Women: What Can You Do Now?

01:19 Why Is Alzheimer’s More Common in Women?

02:13 Is Dementia the Same as Alzheimer’s?

03:48 Can You Get Alzheimer’s If It Doesn’t Run in Your Family?

08:05 What Does Your Brain Need to Work Properly?

11:19 Why Does Menopause Affect Your Memory?

12:42 What Actually Happens in the Brain With Alzheimer’s?

15:34 Can You Lower Your Alzheimer’s Risk?

17:14 How Does Exercise Affect Your Memory?

20:37 Is High Intensity Exercise Good for Your Brain?

22:08 Can Lifting Weights Help Protect Your Brain?

26:44 How Do You Exercise Your Brain?

27:45 Can Relying on Your Phone Affect Your Memory?

29:42 Can Reading and Writing Help Keep Your Brain Sharp?

33:57 What Happens to Your Brain During Deep Sleep?

36:56 What Can Help You Sleep Better?

37:57 How Much Sleep Do You Need for Brain Health?

38:30 Are Sleep Trackers Helping or Stressing You Out?

39:34 How Do Food and Blood Sugar Affect Your Brain?

40:55 Can Creatine Help Your Memory?

44:00 How Does Your Social Life Affect Your Brain Health?

45:49 What Should You Do If You Have the APOE4 Gene?

47:50 Can HRT Help Lower Your Alzheimer’s Risk?

50:57 What Could the Future of Alzheimer’s Treatment Look Like?

52:07 Taking Your Brain Health Seriously Before Old Age

GUEST RESOURCES:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_

Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/theneuroexperience_/

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you getting enough sleep but still waking up exhausted? Or struggling to fall asleep while your mind won’t switch off? Better sleep starts with understanding what may be getting in the way, including the two-way relationship between sleep and your hormones.

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford welcomes Dr. Andrea Matsumura, a physician board-certified in internal medicine and sleep medicine. Dr. Matsumura explains how to build a sleep routine that works with your body and why persistent sleep problems deserve more than another supplement. She discusses melatonin, magnesium, hormonal changes, and overlooked sleep apnea symptoms to help you understand what to try and when to seek medical evaluation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Why Do I Wake Up at 3 A.M.?

02:47 How Do Hormones Affect Sleep?

07:36 REM vs. Deep Sleep: What’s the Difference?

10:29 How to Fix Your Sleep Schedule

14:44 What Are the Effects of Sleep Deprivation?

17:51 When Should You See a Doctor for Sleep Problems?

21:30 How Do Estrogen and Progesterone Affect Sleep?

25:43 Does HRT Help With Sleep Problems?

28:18 Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Women

31:34 When Should You Take Melatonin for Sleep?

34:52 Bedtime Routines for Adults: How to Wind Down

37:05 Does Magnesium Help You Sleep?

40:17 Bedroom Temperature and Weighted Blankets

40:59 How Long Before Bed Should You Stop Drinking Caffeine?

41:38 How Does Alcohol Affect Sleep?

42:50 Different Sleep Schedules With Your Partner: What Can Help?

44:20 Is Mouth Taping Safe if You Might Have Sleep Apnea?

45:57 Why Should You Make Sleep a Priority?

WATCH NEXT:

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GUEST RESOURCES:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandreamatsumura/?hl=en

Website: www.andreamatsumuramd.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamatsumuramd,www.andreamatsumuramd.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrAndreaMatsumura

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

#fertilitydoctor #nataliecrawfordmd #asawoman

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are you feeling more bloated, struggling with digestion, or noticing changes in your metabolism when your usual habits haven’t changed? During perimenopause and menopause, symptoms that seem unrelated may be part of a bigger conversation about hormones and gut health. What should you pay attention to, and where should you start?

In this episode of the As A Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford welcomes Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner, metabolic health expert, and author of The Menopause Gut. Cynthia explains how hormonal shifts can influence digestion and the gut microbiome, and how gut health intersects with inflammation and estrogen metabolism. She shares practical ways to support your gut, what to consider before trying probiotics or fasting, and why persistent bloating or changes in bowel habits deserve medical evaluation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 The Menopause Gut with Cynthia Thurlow

04:56 How Do Perimenopause and Menopause Affect Digestion?

07:39 What Is Leaky Gut?

11:07 Can Hormonal Changes and Stress Slow Digestion?

14:51 How Does Gallbladder Removal Affect Digestion?

16:24 How Does Fiber Support Your Gut Microbiome?

18:46 What Are Signs of Poor Gut Health?

20:41 Bloating After Meals vs. All-Day Bloating: What’s the Difference?

23:13 How Does Alcohol Affect Gut Health and Estrogen?

25:45 How Can You Support Gut Health With PMOS (Formerly PCOS) or Endometriosis?

29:52 Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You in Perimenopause?

34:09 How Do Fermented Foods Support Gut Health?

35:14 Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: Do You Need Supplements?

36:34 Do You Need Gut Microbiome Testing?

37:25 How Can You Increase Fiber Without More Bloating?

39:32 What Is Resistant Starch?

41:40 Can GLP-1 Medications Reduce Inflammation?

43:30 Does Hormone Therapy Affect Gut Health?

45:40 How Can You Support Gut Health in Menopause?

46:46 The Menopause Gut Book and Where to Find Cynthia

GUEST RESOURCES:

Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_

Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777129/the-menopause-gut-by-cynthia-thurlow-np/

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis can affect far more than periods or fertility. What can irregular cycles, insulin resistance, inflammation, pelvic pain, painful sex, digestive symptoms, mood changes, and fatigue reveal about your whole body health, even when pregnancy is not the goal?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford joins SHE MD hosts Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, a world renowned OB/GYN, and women’s advocate Mary Alice Haney to explain the PMOS symptoms, testing, and treatment options patients often miss. They also explore why PMOS and endometriosis may coexist, how endometriosis can affect the entire body, why diagnosis is frequently delayed, and what to know about hormonal treatment, surgery, pregnancy planning, and fertility preservation. This conversation will help you recognize important symptoms and advocate for more comprehensive care.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Why Is PCOS Now Called Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)?

02:34 How Is PMOS Diagnosed?

05:59 Which Body Systems Does PMOS Affect?

08:14 What Is the Link Between PMOS and Insulin Resistance?

12:06 How Can PMOS Affect Mood and Inflammation?

17:32 Which Blood Tests Should Be Considered for PMOS?

24:00 What Should You Know About PMOS Before Pregnancy?

29:24 Can Metformin and GLP-1 Medications Help PMOS?

35:19 What Diet and Exercise Strategies Support PMOS?

43:05 What Are the Hormonal Treatment Options for PMOS?

48:55 Can PMOS and Endometriosis Occur Together?

54:04 What Are the Overlooked Symptoms of Endometriosis?

55:46 How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed and Treated?

59:18 What Happens After Endometriosis Surgery?

01:02:05 When Should You Consider Fertility Preservation?

GUEST RESOURCES:

Podcast: https://www.shemdpodcast.com

Website: https://ovii.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shemdpodcast/?hl=en

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which IVF add-ons and fertility tests are actually worth considering, and what should you know before your next embryo transfer?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, fertility doctor Natalie Crawford, MD, answers your questions about IVF add-ons, sperm DNA fragmentation testing, ICSI, fresh versus frozen embryo transfers, recurrent pregnancy loss, celiac disease, endometriosis after surgery, and more. She explains what these options can and cannot tell you, and how to think through treatment choices after a setback.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Fertility Q&A

00:22 When Can You Try Again After a Missed Miscarriage?

04:49 How Can You Avoid Gluten Cross-Contamination With Celiac Disease?

06:14 Can Adderall Affect Sperm Health and Fertility?

07:03 What Is ICSI and When Is It Used in IVF?

07:51 Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfer: Which Is Better?

09:55 Should You Change Your Fertility Protocol After Recurrent Loss?

12:51 What Comes Next for Fertility After Endometriosis Surgery?

13:54 Are Antibiotics or Steroids Helpful Before Embryo Transfer?

14:53 Should You Test Sperm DNA Fragmentation or Karyotype?

16:47 Can Stress or Recurrent Yeast Infections Affect Fertility?

17:45 What Can Cause Recurrent Pregnancy Loss With Normal Testing?

19:34 Should You Get Sperm DNA Testing for Low Sperm Morphology?

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food labels can make almost anything look healthy, but what is actually in the food we eat? With growing concerns about ultra processed foods, additives, seed oils, and pesticides, many women are left wondering what truly matters for their hormones and fertility.

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford talks with Courtney Swan, MS, integrative nutritionist and host of Realfoodology. Courtney shares how she and her husband prepared for pregnancy before conceiving at 41, and they discuss how nutrition, inflammation, egg health, and sperm health can shape fertility. Together, they offer practical ways to make informed choices and reduce everyday exposures without fear or perfection.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Food Toxins, Hormones, and Fertility

01:08 Is the American Food System Broken?

05:25 Processed vs Ultra Processed Foods

08:33 Food Additives and Hidden Ingredients

12:05 Seed Oils and Inflammation

15:11 Environmental Toxins, Glyphosate, and Organic Food

18:11 How the Body Handles Everyday Toxin Exposure

19:10 Pregnancy at 41 and Preconception Health

22:43 Male Fertility and Sperm Health

27:42 Fertility After 35 and Metabolic Health

33:03 Where to Start Reducing Toxin Exposure

36:16 Fertility Testing Before Trying to Conceive

38:39 When to Consider a Semen Analysis

39:44 Egg Quality, Mitochondria, and CoQ10

40:23 Courtney Swan and Realfoodology

GUEST RESOURCES:

Website: https://www.realfoodology.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodology

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com/

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trying to conceive and wondering whether it is too late to get pregnant after 35? Being labeled “advanced maternal age” can make one birthday feel like a fertility cliff. But trying to get pregnant at 35 and 40 are not the same conversation, so should you keep trying on your own, get tested now, or discuss treatment before more time passes?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Natalie Crawford explains what actually changes as you move through your late 30s and into your 40s. She breaks down your chances of pregnancy, egg quality and miscarriage risk, when to request a fertility evaluation, which tests to ask for, how to track ovulation, and where egg freezing, IUI, IVF, and PGT may fit, helping you understand your options and use your time intentionally without letting fear make the decision for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 What Happens to Fertility After 35?

01:24 Is 35 Too Late to Get Pregnant?

03:19 What Are Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Each Month?

04:17 Egg Quantity vs. Egg Quality After 35

05:26 What Are Your Chances of Getting Pregnant at 38?

06:29 What Are Your Chances of Getting Pregnant After 40?

07:35 How Does Age Affect Chromosomal Abnormalities?

11:04 Does Paternal Age Affect Fertility?

13:01 Can You Carry a Healthy Pregnancy in Your 40s?

14:33 What Does Advanced Maternal Age Mean?

16:00 When Should You Get Fertility Testing After 35?

18:13 What Does an AMH Test Tell You About Fertility?

20:33 Is Egg Freezing Worth It After 35?

22:20 How Can You Get Pregnant After 40?

23:17 How to Track Ovulation When Trying to Conceive

24:50 What Fertility Treatment Is Best After 35?

26:08 Should You Do PGT With IVF After 35?

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com/

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women, yet diagnosis can still take years. Some women experience debilitating period pain or GI symptoms, while others have little obvious pain and first encounter endometriosis during an infertility evaluation. How do you know when endometriosis could be the cause, and what should happen next?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford talks with Dr. Mallory Stuparich, a board-certified OB/GYN and fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon specializing in endometriosis and complex pelvic pain. They explain why endometriosis can be missed even after an ultrasound, how birth control and excision surgery serve different goals, what to consider about fertility before surgery, and how to choose care based on your symptoms and priorities.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Endometriosis Symptoms, Treatment, and Fertility

01:21 Meet Dr. Mallory Stuparich

04:32 What Is Endometriosis?

06:09 What Do the Stages of Endometriosis Mean?

07:33 Why Does Endometriosis Take So Long to Diagnose?

09:03 What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

10:35 Does Endometriosis Run in Families?

11:52 When Is Period Pain Abnormal in Teenagers?

13:01 Can Endometriosis Cause GI Symptoms?

13:58 What Are the Treatment Options for Endometriosis?

16:20 Does Birth Control Treat Endometriosis?

18:45 Can Birth Control Prevent Endometriomas?

21:15 Ablation vs. Excision Surgery for Endometriosis

25:04 When Is Lupron Used for Endometriosis and IVF?

28:00 How Does Endometriosis Affect Fertility?

29:22 Should You See a Fertility Specialist Before Endometriosis Surgery?

32:27 Can Repeat Endometriosis Surgery Improve Fertility?

34:25 How Do You Choose an Endometriosis Surgeon?

36:01 When Is Surgery Used to Diagnose Endometriosis?

37:47 Can Ultrasound Diagnose Endometriosis?

39:26 When Do You Need an MRI for Endometriosis?

41:32 Where Can Endometriosis Grow?

42:31 Endometriosis vs. Adenomyosis: What’s the Difference?

43:50 How Is Adenomyosis Treated Before IVF?

45:21 Can Lifestyle Changes Help Endometriosis?

48:49 Can GLP-1 Medications Help Endometriosis?

50:24 What New Endometriosis Tests Are Being Studied?

51:14 How to Advocate for Endometriosis Care

GUEST RESOURCES:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallorystuparichmd/

Website: https://internationalendo.com/drmallorystuparich/

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com/

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your period has disappeared, but pregnancy and menopause are not the reason. Could stress, underfueling, or exercise be disrupting your brain-ovary connection, and what does your body need before your cycle can recover?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford explains hypothalamic amenorrhea and the subtler hypothalamic dysfunction that can begin while your period is still arriving. Learn how chronic stress and low energy availability affect ovulation, which symptoms may signal low estrogen, what testing can help rule out other causes, and why recovery requires more than simply eating more.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Why Did My Period Stop?

01:47 What Is Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?

03:30 What Causes Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?

04:00 How Does the Brain Control Ovulation?

06:04 Can Stress Stop You From Ovulating?

07:33 Can Low Body Fat Stop Your Period?

08:42 Hypothalamic Amenorrhea vs. Hypothalamic Dysfunction

10:28 Can You Lose Your Period Without an Eating Disorder?

11:53 What Are the Health Risks of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?

13:26 What Are the Symptoms of Low Estrogen?

15:35 How Can You Track Ovulation and Cycle Changes?

16:48 How Is Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Diagnosed?

18:52 What Hormone Tests Are Needed for a Missing Period?

21:44 Do You Need a Bone Density Scan for Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?

22:34 How Do You Recover From Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?

23:38 What Should You Eat to Get Your Period Back?

24:41 Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Help Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?

25:58 Can Reducing Stress Help You Get Your Period Back?

26:26 How Long Does It Take to Get Your Period Back?

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com/

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know when to continue the same fertility treatment and when it is time to change course?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, fertility doctor Natalie Crawford, MD, answers your questions about failed IVF transfers, IUI, embryo banking, low AMH, thin uterine lining, progesterone levels, sperm morphology, pregnancy after methotrexate, and recurrent implantation failure. She explains what your results can tell you, what they may miss, and when a different protocol or second opinion deserves a conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Fertility Q&A

00:14 What Causes a Thin Uterine Lining After Surgery?

03:21 What Progesterone Level Is Needed for Embryo Transfer?

05:42 How Many Embryos Do You Need for 2 or 3 Children?

08:09 Can IUI Help With Low Sperm Morphology?

09:52 How Many IUI Cycles Should You Try?

11:06 Can AMH Change From Month to Month?

11:42 Do You Need Estrogen or Progesterone After IUI?

12:37 Can High Cholesterol Affect Fertility and Pregnancy?

13:54 When Should You Repeat a Semen Analysis?

14:46 What Is a Pregnancy of Unknown Location?

15:30 Why Should You Wait After Methotrexate to Conceive?

15:49 Do You Need an HSG After an Ectopic Pregnancy?

16:08 Can IUI Help With a Varicocele?

16:48 What Should You Do After Pregnancy Loss With a Euploid Embryo?18:15 What Are the Different Embryo Transfer Protocols?

19:19 What Testing Can Help After Failed Implantation?

20:20 When Should You Get a Second Opinion?

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com/

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your periods are still regular and your labs may even look “normal.” So why aren’t you sleeping? Why has your mood changed? And why do you suddenly feel like a different version of yourself?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford talks with Dr. Alicia Robbins, a board-certified OB/GYN, certified Menopause Society Practitioner, and founder of The Elm. They discuss why sleep and mood can change before hot flashes or irregular periods begin, how cycle tracking may reveal patterns, and how progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are considered in individualized perimenopause care. They also explain the connection between fertility and perimenopause, what else should be ruled out, and how to advocate for better care when your symptoms are dismissed.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 What Is Perimenopause and When Does It Start?

03:20 Why Dr. Alicia Robbins Changed Her Approach to Perimenopause

09:55 Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What’s the Difference?

11:23 Fertility and Perimenopause

12:22 How Do You Know if You’re in Perimenopause?

14:47 How to Track Perimenopause Symptoms

16:02 Hormone Therapy During Perimenopause

17:38 Symptoms of Low Progesterone

18:11 Hormone Therapy, Birth Control, and Pregnancy

20:17 Testosterone and Pregnancy

21:21 Testosterone for Women

23:43 Symptoms of Low Estrogen

25:12 When to Start Hormone Therapy

27:04 Estrogen Patches vs. Pills

27:40 Do You Need Hormone Testing for Perimenopause?

30:01 Is It Perimenopause or Something Else?

32:13 How to Advocate for Better Perimenopause Care

GUEST RESOURCES:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/

Website: https://www.theelmgreenwich.com/

Podcast: https://www.draliciarobbins.com/podcast

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com/

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your eggs begin developing months before ovulation. So what can you actually do during that window to improve your egg quality?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Natalie Crawford explains the 60-to-90-day process of egg development and why age is only one part of the egg-quality conversation. She explores how nutrition, inflammation, mitochondrial health, blood sugar, sleep, stress, exercise, supplements, and environmental exposures may shape the ovarian environment during this critical window.

You cannot reverse age-related changes, but understanding how an egg develops can help you focus on the factors that may be within your control. Whether you are trying to conceive, preparing for IVF, freezing your eggs, or thinking about your future fertility, this episode offers a science-backed place to start.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Can You Improve Egg Quality Naturally in 90 Days?

01:45 How Many Eggs Are Women Born With?

02:23 Is Egg Quality Determined by Age?

03:32 Egg Quality vs. Egg Quantity: What Is the Difference?

03:13 How Long Does an Egg Take to Develop Before Ovulation?

04:50 When Should You Start Preparing for IVF or Egg Freezing?

05:30 What Causes Chromosomal Abnormalities in Eggs?

06:55 How Does Mitochondrial Health Affect Egg Quality?

08:04 How Are Estrogen and Progesterone Connected to Egg Health?

08:47 What Can Follicular Fluid Reveal About Egg Quality?

10:36 What Foods Help Support Egg Quality?

11:15 Do Healthy Fats Support Fertility and Hormone Health?

12:02 Which Protein Sources Are Best for Fertility?

12:47 Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Support Egg Quality?

13:33 How Does Oxidative Stress Affect Egg Quality?

13:55 Should You Take CoQ10 for Egg Quality?

14:42 Does Vitamin D Affect Egg Quality and Implantation?

15:21 Can Melatonin Support Egg Quality?

16:22 How Do Blood Sugar and Insulin Affect Egg Quality?

17:41 How Can You Improve Insulin Sensitivity?

18:30 Can Strength Training Support Egg Quality?

19:00 Can Inositol, Metformin, or GLP-1 Medications Support Egg Quality?

19:40 How Do Sleep and Stress Affect Egg Quality?

21:02 Do Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Affect Egg Quality?

21:44 How Can You Reduce Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure?

23:02 What Should You Do 90 Days Before Conception, IVF, or Egg Freezing?

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com/

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Low libido in women is often blamed on stress, aging, or relationship problems, but changes in desire may begin years before menopause and can involve hormones, medications, pain, sleep, blood flow, and the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire.

Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with board-certified urologist Dr. Kelly Casperson, author of “You Are Not Broken” and “The Menopause Moment,” to explain why women may stop wanting sex, how testosterone and estrogen affect sexual health, and what to discuss with a clinician when something feels different. They also examine birth control and SSRI side effects, hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, and why women’s sexual health deserves greater attention.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Why Women Can Lose Desire Before Menopause

02:10 Can Your Hormones Change While You Still Have a Period?

03:38 Why Testosterone Matters in Women

05:41 Can Birth Control Lower Your Libido?

08:04 How Estrogen Affects Desire, Arousal, and Vaginal Health

10:02 What Does Low Libido Actually Mean?

10:56 When Low Libido Is Really Painful Sex

13:15 Spontaneous vs. Responsive Desire

15:25 Are You Having Sex Worth Desiring?

16:53 What Causes Arousal Problems in Women?

17:20 How SSRIs Can Affect Sexual Function

17:50 How Couples Can Navigate Mismatched Sex Drives

21:05 Why Perimenopause Can Make You Feel Unlike Yourself

21:24 How Sleep, Estrogen, and Progesterone Affect Desire

21:50 Testosterone’s Role in the Brain, Mood, and Motivation

24:40 How Is Testosterone Prescribed to Women?

27:15 What Happens When Testosterone Is Too High?

30:30 Can Testosterone Affect More Than Libido?

32:00 Testosterone, Wound Healing, and Bone Health

33:25 Could Testosterone Support Hip-Fracture Recovery?

34:00 Can Hormone Therapy Still Help Women Over 60?

36:00 Systemic vs. Vaginal Estrogen

37:00 Why Hormone Treatment May Begin Before Menopause

39:55 Can You Get Pregnant During Perimenopause?

41:41 When Vaginal Estrogen May Help

46:12 How to Talk to Your Doctor About Hormones

48:25 Where to Find Dr. Kelly Casperson

GUEST RESOURCES:Website:https://kellycaspersonmd.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd/Podcast:https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-podcast/You Are Not Broken:https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-book/The Menopause Moment:https://kellycaspersonmd.com/the-menopause-moment-book/

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com/

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

When your cycles are regular, your ultrasound looks normal, or you have been pregnant before, how do you know when it is time to look deeper?

Fertility testing does not always give you the whole picture. An LH surge is not the same as the day you ovulate, a normal ultrasound cannot rule out every uterine issue, and previous pregnancies do not protect you from secondary infertility or recurrent loss.

In this Fertility Q&A, Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your questions about ovulation tracking, recurrent chemical pregnancies, PMOS (formerly PCOS), low sperm motility, failed embryo transfers, Hashimoto’s, unexplained infertility, IUI, and when to pursue a more complete fertility evaluation.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Fertility Q&A

00:20 When Do You Actually Ovulate After an LH Surge?

02:00 What Should Be Tested After Recurrent Chemical Pregnancies?

03:58 Should You Fast or Exercise Fasted With PMOS (PCOS)?

06:15 What Does Low Sperm Motility Mean for Fertility?

08:43 When Should You Schedule a Saline Sonogram or HSG?

09:35 What Should You Do After Multiple Failed Embryo Transfers?

11:49 Can Creatine Make Endometriosis Worse?

12:50 How Should You Prepare for Pregnancy With Hashimoto’s?

14:48 When Does Recurrent Loss Require a Fertility Evaluation?

17:42 When Should Both Partners Get Karyotype Testing?

18:41 Is IUI Worth Trying for Unexplained Infertility?

21:41 Who Is the Best Candidate for IUI?

22:32 How Long Can Fertility Be Affected After IUD Removal?

23:50 How to Submit Your Fertility Questions

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com/

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, women were handed a birth control prescription and sent home. Side effects were minimized. Questions were met with reassurance instead of real information. That left a vacuum, and into that vacuum poured a wave of claims that hormonal birth control is toxic, wrecks your hormones, causes infertility, and takes years to recover from.

The truth? Birth control isn't as simple as "good" or "bad." It's nuanced, and nuance is exactly what the algorithm can't deliver in a 60-second video.

In this episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford is joined by Dr. Fran Haydanek, a board-certified OB/GYN, residency faculty member, and one of the most trusted physician voices in women's health on social media. Together, they unpack the biggest birth control myths and viral health claims, separating what's supported by evidence from what's misunderstood, oversimplified, or simply untrue.

No agenda. No fear. Just evidence-based medicine and two physicians who believe women deserve honest information to make the best decisions for their own bodies.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

* Whether hormonal birth control is actually harming your hormones or fertility

* Why so many birth control myths continue to spread online

* Which viral hormone claims are backed by evidence and which aren't

* How different birth control methods affect fertility, PMOS, and egg freezing

* What every woman should know before choosing, stopping, or changing birth control

* Why better conversations with your doctor can completely change your care

Whether you're choosing a birth control method, planning for pregnancy, managing PMOS, or simply trying to separate fact from fiction online, this episode will help you better understand your body and make more informed decisions with confidence.

Topics covered: hormonal birth control, birth control myths, birth control pill, fertility, infertility, PMOS, post birth control syndrome, hormonal IUDs, IUD insertion pain, Depo-Provera, Nexplanon, tubal ligation, salpingectomy, egg freezing, Dutch Test, estrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue, women's hormones, reproductive health.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Why birth control misinformation spread so fast

05:13 The list of doctors who will tie your tubes

08:52 Can you get your tubes untied later?

10:13 Does removing your tubes lower your ovarian cancer risk?

11:32 Does the pill treat PMOS or just mask it?

15:40 Does the pill ruin your hormones?

17:10 Do you need to detox from the pill?

17:50 When to stop the pill if you want to get pregnant

19:30 Annual visit vs problem visit, and why it changes your care

22:05 Does birth control cause infertility?

23:15 Does the pill save your eggs for later?

27:00 Does Depo-Provera cause brain tumors?

29:47 Two doctors disagree about progestin IUDs

32:48 How patients changed IUD insertion pain

36:10 When to take out your IUD before trying

39:56 How your birth control affects an egg freezing cycle

41:50 Do blood draws cause miscarriage?

43:44 Do you need supplements for adrenal fatigue?

45:40 Is estrogen dominance real?

46:34 What is the Dutch test, and why won't most OB/GYNs order it?

FOLLOW DR. FRAN HAYDANEK:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pagingdrfran/?hl=en

Website: https://www.pagingdrfran.com/

You can listen to Dr. Haydanek’s podcast, I Did My Own Research, wherever you get your podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-did-my-own-research/id1879906055

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

* Earn FREE CE Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com/

* Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l&si=1zAekOjCpsCdOgJN

* Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

* Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk?si=b1bfdc1998994e7f

* Follow Natalie on Substack: https://nataliecrawfordmd.substack.com/

* Follow Natalie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

* Follow Natalie on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataliecrawfordmd

Dr. Natalie Crawford's book, The Fertility Formula, is a science-backed, compassionate guide that helps women understand their hormones, optimize their health, and take charge of their fertility. Get your copy here: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

You can learn more about Dr. Natalie Crawford’s practice here: https://www.forafertility.com/

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠!

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD is a doctor but she is not your doctor. Infertility is trying to conceive for 1 year or more without pregnancy (if under age 35) and trying for 6 months or more if you are over the age of 35. If your periods are not regular, you should seek medical evaluation with your gynecologist or fertility doctor regardless of how long you have been trying to conceive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Dr. Natalie Crawford dives straight into the heavy cloud of misinformation surrounding reproductive health to uncover the real science behind your body. In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, she unmasks the pervasive, everyday myths that quietly delay testing and cause unnecessary self-blame for individuals trying to conceive. By breaking down outdated medical timelines and complex hormonal shifts, Dr. Crawford shifts the narrative from panic to proactive power. It is a candid, truth-first guide designed to strip away the guesswork, optimize your cellular health, and put you firmly back in the driver's seat of your own fertility journey.

What You’ll Learn:

•

The outdated timeline constraint that routinely delays essential reproductive insights and why early diagnostic data changes everything.

•

The biological reality of maternal age milestones and how metabolic vitality dictates your family planning window far more than a specific birthday.

•

The intricate relationship between hormonal contraceptives and cellular markers that temporarily alters ovulation indicators without permanently depleting your ovarian reserve.

•

Why relying on advanced reproductive technology as a safety net overlooks the strict biological boundaries governing egg and sperm quality.

•

The critical impact of lifestyle modifications on a three-month microscopic timeline that debunks the idea of fertility being a solo endeavor.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:01:45, Myth: “You have to wait 12 months before seeing a fertility doctor”

0:03:19, Myth: “Your fertility falls off a cliff at 35”

0:04:48, Myth: “Birth control causes infertility”

0:07:13, Myth: “IVF guarantees a baby”

0:08:58, Myth: “Most fertility problems are the woman’s fault”

0:11:00, Myth: “If you already had one baby, getting pregnant again will be easy”

0:11:56, Myth: “Men should save up sperm for ovulation day”

0:13:15, Myth: “If your periods are regular, you don’t need to track ovulation”

0:15:30, Myth: “There’s nothing you can do to improve egg quality”

0:17:29, Myth: “AMH tells you exactly how fertile you are”

0:21:00, Myth: “You need to keep sperm in, don’t get up or pee after sex”

0:22:15, Myth: “You can’t get pregnant on your period”

Host Resources:

•

Order The Fertility Formula! ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠

•

Newsletter:https://nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletterhttp://nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

•

Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd

•

Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD

•

Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility

•

Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with Double Board certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Amanda Horton to unpack the hidden biological reality behind pregnancy complications. This episode cuts through the standard postpartum noise to explore how conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes act as critical indicators for a woman's future health. By framing pregnancy as the ultimate physiological stress test, the conversation reveals why these nine months provide a vital window into long-term cardiovascular and metabolic wellness. It is a direct, eye-opening discussion on why the medical system’s failure to connect these dots is one of the most consequential gaps in women’s healthcare, and how you can advocate for your own future history.

What You’ll Learn:

•

The hidden physiological stress test that unmasks underlying vascular and metabolic vulnerabilities before they manifest later in life.

•

How a specific plumbing problem in the placenta triggers systemic high-pressure signals that permanently alter cardiovascular health.

•

The critical timeline for postpartum preeclampsia risk that catches new parents off guard after they leave the hospital.

•

Why a routine first-trimester clinical reading can mask pre-existing essential hypertension and cause missed opportunities for medical intervention.

•

The specific hormonal mechanism produced by the placenta that dictates insulin resistance and elevates long-term type two diabetes risk.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – How pregnancy acts as a full body “stress test” and window into future health

08:21 – What pregnancy related high blood pressure can reveal about long term heart and blood vessel health

18:30 – How gestational diabetes, baby growth, and timing of birth offer clues about metabolic and vascular health

33:05 – Why birth complications like heavy bleeding or placenta problems matter for future fertility and pregnancies

38:46 – The importance of postpartum follow up and preconception visits to turn pregnancy history into a health roadmap

Guest Resources:

•

Instagram: @amandahortonmd

Host Resources:

•

Order The Fertility Formula! ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠

•

Newsletter:https://nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletterhttp://nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

•

Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd

•

Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD

•

Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility

•

Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have ever assumed that navigating fertility is a journey meant solely for the female body, this conversation is here to completely change your perspective. Host Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the stark biological reality of male reproductive health, focusing on why waiting a full year before checking a semen analysis is a massive, time-wasting mistake for hopeful couples. By pulling back the curtain on what actually happens in the embryology lab, this episode highlights the deep connection between everyday lifestyle choices and the genetic integrity of sperm. Ultimately, it emphasizes that a successful pregnancy requires an absolute "army of sperm" and shifts the narrative toward proactive, mutual preparation well before entering the conception window.

What You’ll Learn:

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The Myth of the Single Cell: Why the common phrase "it just takes one" is a dangerous misconception for natural conception and the mechanical reason an egg requires a massive collective effort to crack open.

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The Calculated Total Motile Sperm Threshold: How multiplying specific volume and movement parameters dictates your eligibility for an IUI, and why dropping "injured players" on the 50-yard line rarely bypasses structural damage.

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The Day Three Embryonic Halt: The specific genetic window inside the IVF lab where an unaddressed DNA fragmentation issue causes development to completely stall out as the paternal genome takes over.

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The Tingly Shampoo Interruption: How common personal care ingredients hidden in daily routines mimic female hormones, risking physical changes like gynecomastia and suppressed testosterone production.

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The Invisible Lab Consequences of Cannabis: Why a standard semen analysis can look completely normal on paper while active toxic exposure is simultaneously driving up partner miscarriage rates behind the scenes.

Topics covered in this episode include: sperm production and how it’s made, semen analysis and what it shows, hormones and medical issues affecting sperm, lifestyle and environmental impacts on sperm, when to use IUI versus IVF, advanced sperm testing and procedures, practical sperm health recommendations

00:00 sperm production and how sperm is made

03:35 hormones, testosterone, and what semen analysis can reveal

11:25 semen analysis details: count, volume, movement, and shape

14:59 lifestyle and environmental factors that impact sperm

18:51 when IUI helps, when IVF is needed, and why “it just takes one sperm” is misleading

22:35 advanced sperm testing (DNA fragmentation) and testicular sperm extraction

26:42 practical recommendations to support sperm health and next steps for testing

Host Resources:

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Order The Fertility Formula! ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠

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Newsletter:https://nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletterhttp://nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

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Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd

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Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD

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Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility

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Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bringing home a newborn can feel like stepping into a world you are completely unprepared for, whether your road to parenthood was seamless or shaped by years of fertility treatments. In this episode, host Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with board-certified pediatrician Dr. Ari Brown, author of Baby 411, to dismantle the steep learning curve and massive knowledge gap that hits the moment you leave the hospital. They open up about the raw, humbling realities of the postpartum period, the exhaustion of early feeding hurdles, and why even medical professionals find themselves completely overwhelmed by a new baby. This conversation is all about replacing midnight panic with evidence-based confidence so you can navigate the early weeks of parenthood without losing your mind.

What You’ll Learn:

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The unexpected hourly timeline that triggers a sudden behavioral shift in your newborn's appetite right after leaving the hospital.

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A specific mathematical benchmark for infant weight loss that dictates when parental instincts must shift to medical intervention.

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The biological explanation behind why your four-month-old is suddenly awake all night and how to decode their new environmental expectations.

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A critical, time-sensitive boundary for infant swaddling and the hidden safety risks associated with modern sleep gadgets.

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The exact physical markers of respiratory distress and inconsolable irritability that mean it's time to bypass Google and call your pediatrician.

Topics covered in this episode include: early parenthood expectations, preparing for newborn care and choosing a pediatrician, newborn feeding and weight loss, newborn sleep and routines, reflux and colic, safe sleep and when to call the pediatrician

00:00 – early parenthood expectations

03:00 – preparing for newborn care and choosing a pediatrician

11:30 – newborn feeding and weight loss

30:40 – reflux and colic

35:20 – newborn sleep and routines

42:20 – safe sleep and when to call the pediatrician

Guest Resources:

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Website: https://www.draribrown.com/

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Instagram: @aribrownmd

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Books: https://www.draribrown.com/books/

Host Resources:

•

Order The Fertility Formula! ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠

•

Newsletter:https://nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletterhttp://nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

•

Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd

•

Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD

•

Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility

•

Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices