Reproductive Hormones 101

Dr. Natalie Crawford and Dr. Sheiva Ghofrany dive into the often-unspoken world of women's sexual health. From hormonal changes to relationship dynamics, this episode breaks down the science and stigma surrounding libido, offering candid insights and empowering advice for women at every life stage. Key Topics: 1. Hormones and Sex Drive - The role of testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol - How hormonal changes impact intimacy 2. Perimenopause and Sexual Health - Recognizing hormonal transitions  - Managing libido changes 3. Medical Insights - Contraception and sexual side effects - Vaginal health and non-hormonal options 4. Empowerment and Self-Care  - Breaking down shame and stigma  - Loving your body through different life stages Follow Dr. Shieva Ghofrany on Instagram ⁠@drshievag⁠ Check out her website to learn more about Dr. Shieva Ghofrany and her practice. h⁠ttps://www.drshievag.com/⁠ Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and freebies. If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Natalie’s YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fora Fertility. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, double board certified OBGYN and REI, provides an in-depth roadmap for anyone preparing to start their pregnancy journey, covering everything from fertility tracking to preconception health. Key Topics Covered: 1. Birth Control and Fertility Transition - When and how to stop different birth control methods - Impact of birth control on fertility - Recommended waiting periods before trying to conceive - Hormonal vs. non-hormonal contraception effects 2. Fertility Tracking Methods - Understanding the fertile window - Cervical mucus monitoring - Basal body temperature tracking - Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) -Pros and cons of different tracking techniques 3. Age and Fertility Considerations - Fertility potential by age group - When to seek fertility evaluation - Egg quality and reproductive aging - Recommended timelines for conception attempts 4. Preconception Health Preparation - Importance of prenatal vitamins - Lifestyle modifications for fertility - Nutrition and diet recommendations - Exercise and stress management strategies -Male health considerations 5. Preconception Medical Preparation - Scheduling preconception consultations - Essential medical screenings Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and freebies If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fora Fertility. ⁠Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Welcome to As a Woman: Fertility, Hormones, and Health. We are so excited to share season 3 of the podcast! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube Channel, Natalie Crawford MD, and if you are interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility. As a Woman is part of the Pinnacle Podcast network. Learn more here! Want free CE Credit? Join the Learn at Pinnacle App Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your fertility questions, covering everything from frustrating OPK struggles and irregular periods to short luteal phases, PCOS, and managing endometriosis while trying to conceive. Whether you're wondering how to track ovulation more effectively, when to try naturally after surgery, or how supplements and hormones fit into your journey this episode is for you. Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit! Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page ⁠⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd.⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you: Quince- Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/aaw ⁠⁠⁠⁠for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Ritual-Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠ritual.com/aaw⁠⁠⁠⁠ to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. Calm - Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/aaw⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library. AquaTru - Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠aquatru.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code AAW for 20% off! Green Chef - Go to ⁠⁠greenchef.com/50aaw⁠⁠ and use code 50AAW to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford gives an in-depth look at male fertility, a topic often overlooked in discussions of reproductive health. She begins by explaining the spermatogenesis process, detailing how sperm develop over approximately 72 days, and how this timeline impacts fertility assessments and treatment planning. Dr. Crawford also answers listener questions, addressing important topics such as low testosterone, leukocytospermia, and how lifestyle choices—from diet and weight to substances like nicotine and marijuana—can impact male fertility. Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit! Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page ⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd.⁠⁠⁠ You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you: Quince- Go to ⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/aaw ⁠⁠⁠for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Ritual-Go to ⁠⁠⁠ritual.com/aaw⁠⁠⁠ to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. Calm - Go to ⁠⁠⁠calm.com/aaw⁠⁠⁠ for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library. AquaTru - Go to ⁠⁠⁠aquatru.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code AAW for 20% off! Green Chef - Go to ⁠greenchef.com/50aaw⁠ and use code 50AAW to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠⁠⁠ check out ⁠⁠⁠Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your voicemail questions about frozen embryo transfers. From transfer timing and uterine health to post-transfer activities and intimacy during treatment, this episode covers the essential insights every fertility patient needs to know. Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit! Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page ⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd.⁠⁠⁠ You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you: Quince- Go to ⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/aaw ⁠⁠⁠for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Ritual-Go to ⁠⁠⁠ritual.com/aaw⁠⁠⁠ to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. Calm - Go to ⁠⁠⁠calm.com/aaw⁠⁠⁠ for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library. AquaTru - Go to ⁠⁠⁠aquatru.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code AAW for 20% off! Green Chef - Go to ⁠greenchef.com/50aaw⁠ and use code 50AAW to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠⁠⁠ check out ⁠⁠⁠Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses her top tips for trying to conceive, emphasizing the importance of prenatal vitamins and the need for a preconception consult with an OB-GYN. She advises tracking cycles, using methods beyond apps, and considering genetic carrier screening. She also addresses listener questions, suggesting early testing and lifestyle changes to improve fertility outcomes. This episode offers practical, evidence-based insights to help optimize fertility and understand reproductive health. Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit! Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!      Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you: Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Ritual-Go to ritual.com/aaw to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library. AquaTru - Go to aquatru.com and use code AAW for 20% off! If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices