Advertise on podcast: As a Woman

When we face challenges with getting pregnant, it’s easy to feel like a passenger in a car with no control over the destination. In this episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down why fertility isn't just a matter of luck or age, but a reflection of your body’s fundamental physiologic foundations. By shifting the focus from quick fixes to the biological "radio static" that disrupts our hormones, Dr. Crawford empowers you to take the wheel through five non-negotiable lifestyle pillars. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt like the fertility industry simplified their body down to a single number and wants to reclaim their agency. What You’ll Learn: The hidden "radio static" within your internal environment that causes the brain and ovaries to misfire. The critical metabolic distinction between chronological age and the cellular competency of your reproductive system. How a specific type of physical resistance serves as a "secret key" for glucose transport and hormonal balance. The physiological domino effect of chronic stress that triggers a survival-mode fuel dump in the bloodstream. The profound connection between the "vault" of eggs you are born with and the modern environmental triggers that accelerate genetic wear and tear. Resources: Order The Fertility Formula! ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. What is your current interpretation of the scientific evidence on DHEA supplementation for women with low ovarian reserve and advanced maternal age who are preparing for IVF? Can you use retinol skincare products while trying to conceive, or should they be avoided during TTC? For someone in their early 30s who has been trying to conceive for over two years with no positive pregnancy tests and has completed multiple IUIs without success, what would you recommend as next steps or further evaluation? What does it mean if someone notices type 4 cervical mucus occurring twice in a cycle, including again right before their period? For a male partner taking finasteride for several years, is there evidence that it affects sperm quality or fertility outcomes, and should it be stopped when trying to conceive? In lean PCOS, what additional steps can be taken before trying to conceive to help regulate ovulation and hormone balance, especially when cycles are irregular and progesterone is being used to induce a bleed? How do varicoceles impact fertility outcomes even when a standard semen analysis appears normal, and what should patients understand about “normal” lab results versus actual sperm quality? Is there anything that can be done to prevent varicoceles, and what causes them to develop in the first place? When a semen analysis is reported as normal, how should patients and clinicians interpret that result, and what deeper factors might still need to be considered? Order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, out now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford pulls back the curtain on why the current fertility system asks women to “fail first” before offering help and why she’s no longer accepting that as the norm. Drawing from both her professional experience and personal journey through infertility and pregnancy loss, she shares the deeper “why” behind her new book, The Fertility Formula. This conversation isn’t about fear, it’s about giving women the information they were never taught and the power to make decisions before time makes them for them. If fertility is finite, then understanding it sooner isn’t optional, it’s essential. What You’ll Learn: The surprising shift in reproductive statistics that makes the traditional "wait 12 months" rule a dangerous relic of the past. The specific 90-day biological window where your daily choices directly influence egg and sperm quality before conception. Why your menstrual cycle is actually a "top vital sign" and what its nuances reveal about your long-term longevity. The invisible biological mechanism where chronic inflammation "hijacks" your reproductive potential and how to lower that burden. The critical difference between genetic "luck" and the metabolic factors you can actually control to change your fertility outcome. Resources: Order The Fertility Formula! ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. I’ve been on the progesterone-only pill for three years due to other medical concerns, and I recently stopped taking it because my husband and I are ready to start trying to conceive. What should I expect when coming off this type of pill? Are there any body changes to look out for, and how long does it typically take for cycles to regulate after stopping? My husband and I have been trying to conceive for a year. I’m 30 and he’s 32. He was diagnosed with a varicocele, and his only borderline parameter is motility at 36%. I’ve been diagnosed with mild PCOS and had an HSG that suggested possible adhesions in one tube. Our fertility doctor recommended holding off on varicocele surgery and starting a medicated cycle. In cases like this, is surgery worth pursuing, or are treatments like medicated cycles or IUI typically sufficient? I’m 38, have been trying to conceive for nearly two years, and have mild PCOS with regular cycles. I’ve had two chemical pregnancies and recently moved forward with IVF with PGT-A. I’m currently in the two-week wait after transfer but am experiencing brown spotting again during the luteal phase. With normal labs and no structural issues, what could be causing this recurring spotting? I’m 33 with a history of severe endometriosis and large fibroids. I’ve had surgery that resulted in the loss of one ovary and tube. My AMH is 0.38, and there may be tubal blockage, though I haven’t had an HSG yet. I also froze eggs five years ago. How do you approach decision-making between continuing to try naturally, completing further testing, or moving directly to IVF in a case like mine? I’m 43 and hoping to have a child through IVF. I have regular cycles, a history of miscarriage, ovarian cysts, and fibroids—one of which protrudes into the uterine cavity. My doctor has recommended laparoscopic surgery with a six-month recovery. Would you recommend pursuing egg retrieval and fertilization before surgery? And what are your thoughts on PRP for ovarian or uterine rejuvenation after surgery? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now!https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Want your questions answered on the next episode? Ask them here!https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re just starting to think about your future family or you’ve been navigating the frustrating "one out of eight" (now one out of five) statistics for years, this conversation is for you. Host Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with Emily Whitlock to peel back the curtain on the science of conception and the launch of Natalie’s new book, The Fertility Formula. This episode is all about moving past the "eyes glazed over" medical jargon to give you a clear, actionable roadmap for your reproductive health - because you can’t make empowered decisions on data you don’t actually have. We talk about: • What the first chapter is about and why it is the start of the book • Important study findings • Why infertility rates are increasing • My personal favorite way to track my cycle And more! What You’ll Learn: The Weather and the Runway: Why a specific "biological hailstorm" might be the hidden culprit behind communication breakdowns between your brain and your ovaries. The Modern Inflammatory Storm: Exploring the shift in infertility rates and how our current environment dictates everything from sperm counts to miscarriage risk. The 20% Accuracy Trap: Why relying solely on a period tracking app might be leading you astray and the "gold standard" combinations for fertility awareness. The Biotin Blindspot: The surprising reason this common "hair, skin, and nails" supplement could be completely sabotaging your hormone lab results. Kitchen-First Detox: The high-impact strategy for reducing endocrine disruptors and forever chemicals by changing how you handle heat and storage in your own home. Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. I’m on Lupron for suspected endometriosis and have been on suppression for almost two months, but I’m noticing vaginal cramping, ovarian pain, shooting rectal pain, and increased pain with intercourse. Is it normal to have increased pain during Lupron suppression, or does this suggest something else is going on? How long, on average, should someone with PCOS and insulin resistance stay on metformin, especially when trying to conceive or undergoing fertility treatment? I recently had an ectopic pregnancy located on my ovary. Is this typically just bad luck, or are there underlying risk factors that increase the likelihood of this happening again? After experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, is there anything specific I should do as soon as I get a positive pregnancy test in the future to ensure everything is progressing safely? When trying to conceive, when should retinol be discontinued? Is it safe to continue using it up until a positive pregnancy test, or should it be stopped earlier? I regularly take creatine (about 5–10 grams per day). Is it safe to continue using creatine while trying to conceive or during pregnancy? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The medical system often reduces your thyroid—the engine of your metabolism, mood, and fertility—to a single number: TSH. In this episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with thyroid expert and Modern Thyroid Clinic founder McCall McPherson to discuss why "normal" lab ranges are leaving millions of women debilitated. McCall shares her own harrowing journey of being gaslit by the medical community while struggling to function, and together, they provide a roadmap for how you can take agency over your hormones and demand better care. What You’ll Learn: The critical distinction between "crude oil" and "gasoline" hormones and why TSH testing alone fails to identify hypothyroidism in many symptomatic women. The surprising 10-year gap between the onset of thyroid symptoms and a formal diagnosis, and how frequent full thyroid panels can change your health trajectory. How subclinical hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease directly impact unexplained infertility and double the risk of miscarriage during the fertility journey. The specific role of low dose Naltrexone (LDN), selenium, and gut health in reducing thyroid antibodies and achieving long-term autoimmune remission. Why conventional levothyroxine and Synthroid treatments often leave patients "stockpiling" hormones they can't use, and the importance of thyroid optimization over simple replacement. Find McCall McPherson McCall McPherson, PA | Modern Thyroid Clinic Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. I’ve been trying to conceive for a year for our third child. We’re both 35, live a very health-focused lifestyle, and I’ve done five rounds of letrozole without success along with extensive testing. What should the next step in evaluation or treatment look like? When using letrozole, does it make a meaningful difference if it’s taken on cycle days 3–7 versus 5–9, especially depending on whether you ovulate regularly? I have high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, and am about 50 pounds overweight, with two miscarriages in the past year. How do metabolic factors like these actually impact fertility and miscarriage risk, and what should be addressed first? I’ve been on birth control since my teens and currently have a hormonal IUD. Does long-term use affect future fertility, and how far in advance should I stop contraception if I want to plan for pregnancy? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with Elena Brower to discuss the literal "rinsing" of the brain that happens when we finally stop moving. They explore how meditation, rest, and genuine presence can transform the way we relate to stress, success, and our own bodies, as well as why so many of us feel uncomfortable with stillness, how our upbringing shaped our views on productivity, and simple ways to start reconnecting with ourselves - no special equipment, perfect schedule, or “expert” skills required. What You’ll Learn: The specific mental "rinsing" process that occurs when your attention finally stays in one place. The way a seismic misunderstanding of success dictates how we treat our bodies during high-stakes seasons. Why your presence is actually the most valuable currency you have in any relationship or career move. The three-minute "state change" you can trigger in a car or a kitchen to reset a fried nervous system. A specific balance of precision and gentleness that changes how you handle personal loss and high-pressure deadlines. Find Elena Brower Book: Hold Nothing Instagram: @elenabrower Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. I’m almost 35 and currently going through IVF. I have PCOS and insulin resistance and have had four early miscarriages despite normal testing and blood work. I’ve also had two laparoscopic surgeries for cysts, one showing mild endometriosis, and a uterine biopsy that showed no inflammation. Given this history, how successful might IVF be for us? What transfer protocol do you recommend after Lupron and letrozole suppression for positive ReceptivaDX results—modified natural or medicated—and what factors guide that decision? Can autoimmune conditions contribute to secondary infertility? I have a four-year-old but have since experienced five miscarriages and have diminished ovarian reserve. After four cycles I’ve only had one embryo tested and it was aneuploid, and my doctor says autoimmune testing may be the next step if endometriosis testing is negative. In a 28-day cycle, is it concerning if a positive LH surge happens around days 15–16? And when tracking cycles, do you count day one as the first day you see bleeding even if it starts midday, or the following day? I’m 35 and planning for pregnancy. What are the most important first steps I should take now to set myself up for success? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the profound, often overlooked connection between what ends up on your dinner plate and the cellular environment where life begins. As a former nutrition major and a fertility specialist who navigated her own complex path to parenthood, she moves past the basic food is fuel talk to show how your gut acts as the primary gatekeeper for your hormones. This conversation is for anyone who wants to stop feeling like a passenger in their own reproductive health and start using evidence-based nutrition to quiet the inflammation that could be standing in the way of their future family. What You’ll Learn: The specific interaction between your intestinal lining and the bloodstream that can turn your body’s defense system into a silent hijacker of reproductive success. Why a common metabolic salesman knocking at your cellular door might be the hidden reason behind poor embryo quality and ovulation struggles. The misunderstood relationship between plant-based fiber and the specific gut enzymes responsible for regulating your estrogen levels. How certain high-fat dairy choices and complex carbohydrate swaps act as biological signals to optimize your progesterone production. The way your daily hydration habits and evening routines collaborate with your gut microbiome to either fuel or extinguish chronic systemic inflammation. Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. 1. When taking a prenatal vitamin, how should we interpret the amount of choline listed on the label? If a prenatal lists 300 mg of choline, is that the full amount counted toward the recommended intake, or does it refer to elemental choline? 2. Is sucralose safe to consume while trying to conceive or during pregnancy, or should it be avoided? 3. I’ve heard that high levels of biotin can interfere with certain blood tests. If a prenatal contains 1000 mcg of biotin and someone is going through IVF with frequent lab work, is that amount considered too high? Should they consider switching prenatals? 4. I’m 38, recently diagnosed with PCOS, and have experienced eight miscarriages. I’ve also been told I have a weak and shortened cervix and have already had a vaginal cerclage twice without success. Are there any additional options or treatments that could be considered? 5. I’m 38 and recently had a baby conceived naturally, though it took some time to get pregnant. I know the general recommendation is to wait about 18 months before trying to conceive again, but I’m worried that waiting too long could make it harder to get pregnant because of my age. How should someone balance recommended spacing between pregnancies with age-related fertility considerations? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It isn’t about being an expert on the medical details of infertility; it is about being a phenomenal, loving advocate for someone walking through a season of loss and lack of control. In this episode, host Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with Alison Cheperdak, founder of Elevate Etiquette and author of Was It Something I Said?, to bridge the gap between those struggling and the people who want to show up for them. They unpack the human element behind the awkward silences and ill-advised jokes, offering a roadmap for navigating one of life’s most delicate social and emotional experiences with grace. What You’ll Learn: The specific "limitation acknowledgment" phrase that transforms frozen, awkward silences into safe spaces for connection. Why "social media self-preservation" is a valid friendship tool and how to manage digital triggers without guilt. The unique "etiquette of the out" when sending invitations to major milestones like baby showers or holiday gatherings. Strategic ways to "switch gears" as a host or ally when the conversation turns insensitive at the dinner table. The critical difference between offering vague help and the "Tuesday school pickup" method of specific, tangible support. Find Alison Cheperdak Book: Was It Something I Said? Website: https://elevateetiquette.com/ Instagram: @elevateetiquette Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. I’m preparing for IVF and have heard about ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). What steps can be taken during treatment to reduce the risk of developing OHSS? My cycles are about 28–30 days, but I tend to ovulate around day 19 or 20 and my luteal phase is only about nine days. My progesterone level was just above 3, though the rest of my labs look normal. I’ve had two miscarriages in the past and previously used progesterone after ovulation. If I’m trying to optimize my cycle before a future pregnancy, what tests, questions, or treatments should I discuss with my OB? After someone stops breastfeeding, how long does it usually take for prolactin levels to return to normal? If someone wants multiple children, what is the recommended minimum amount of time to wait between pregnancies for maternal and reproductive health? I’m 37 with diminished ovarian reserve and a history of thin uterine lining. My first FET failed, and I only have one embryo left. I’ve had ReceptivaDX, TRIO testing, and hysteroscopy, all normal, but I’m feeling stuck at a high-volume clinic where care feels very protocol-driven. What would you recommend as the next steps in this situation? What is your perspective on using calcium ionophore to help activate eggs after retrieval during IVF? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How long does it actually take to get pregnant? In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the data behind the question she hears every single day. She explores why the rate of infertility is rising, now affecting one in five people in the US, and why we need to move beyond just looking at age to understand the science of our eggs. From the reality of ovarian reserve to the impact of chronic inflammation, this episode is a guide to taking a proactive approach to your reproductive future. What You’ll Learn: Why metabolic competency and mitochondrial health are the "missing pieces" in understanding why some embryos are more successful than others. The biological reality of fecundability and how your actual percentage chance of conceiving per month changes as you move through your 30s. Why your cycle is a vital sign and how tracking physiological markers like cervical mucus can help you conceive 30% to 50% faster. The "double hit" of inflammation and how a diet high in fiber and whole foods can actively protect egg quality from environmental stressors. Why the current medical standard of making patients "fail" for a year before an evaluation is outdated and how to advocate for early testing. Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices