Ep 154 Folic Acid vs. Folate: Why the Controversy? with Dr. Prati Sharma

Is IVF the answer for recurrent pregnancy loss? Why would IVF with genetic testing of embryo be helpful for people that are 'getting' pregnant but can 'stay' pregnant?  In this educational episode, Dr. Lora Shahine explains the complex relationship between IVF, genetics, and recurrent pregnancy loss. She reviews the science behind why chromosomal imbalances are one of the most common causes of first-trimester miscarriage and discusses how preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) may help select embryos with the highest chance of success for some patients. Through real patient examples and evidence-based guidance, this episode explores the nuances of testing, timing, emotional well-being, and the ethical and financial considerations that shape decision-making. Listeners will walk away informed, empowered, and reminded that no matter their fertility path, they are not alone. In this episode you'll hear: [2:03] Why consider IVF for recurrent pregnancy loss? [4:10] IVF process & genetic testing [11:02] Real world counseling & patient scenarios [16:12] Pros & cons of IVF for recurrent pregnancy loss [24:58] Key considerations for IVF [28:15] Patient examples and recommendations [31:12] Final thoughts Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Are you confused about prenatal vitamins? Wondering whether folic acid or folate is best? And what about those MTHFR conversations on the internet? Should you be worried?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is asking the questions so many people have but rarely get clear answers to. Her guest is fertility expert Dr. Prati Sharma who is here to address the fear, the science, and the nuance behind one of the most debated supplements in pregnancy health. Folate and folic acid may sound interchangeable, but as Dr. Shahine and Dr. Sharma explain, the topic gets complicated fast — especially once genetics, supplements, and internet opinions enter the chat.  Together they explain the definitions, evidence-based guidelines, genetic polymorphisms like MTHFR, and how the supplement market (and sometimes fear-based messaging) can mislead patients.  Listeners will hear balanced, thoughtful insight rooted in reproductive endocrinology, science-backed recommendations, and compassionate care, not panic or overwhelm. And most importantly, you'll leave feeling calmer, more empowered, and equipped with the right questions instead of fear. In this episode you'll hear: [1:25] Why is folate vs. folic acid such a heated topic? [3:37] What is folate? [4:067 What is folic acid? [5:35] MTHFR gene variant explained [6:40] The history & science behind the recommendations [9:58] How much folic acid do you actually need? [12:56] What newer studies show [20:23] How to choose a prenatal [28:06] Final takeaways and connecting with Dr. Sharma   Resources mentioned:  @drpratiaharma on IG createivf.com/about/prati-sharma-fertility-doctor birdandbe.com ABOG Folic Acid Recommendations Review from Integrative Medicine Journal Review by Jen Gunter, MD   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Have you ever wondered what meaningful, supportive gifts look like when someone you love is navigating infertility or a fertility journey? How can you shop with intention, without the toxins, overwhelm, or "one-size-fits-all" gifting? Ready to treat someone special (especially yourself)?  In this episode of Brave and Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites you into holiday joy with courage, compassion, and thoughtful connection, all through the lens of reproductive health and emotional well-being.  She is sharing a curated list of gift ideas specifically designed with the fertility community in mind. Gift-giving isn't just about objects. It's about connection, acknowledgment, and gentle encouragement during a deeply personal chapter.  Treat someone you love… and don't forget to include yourself! In this episode you'll hear: [1:43] Gift guide overview [2:12] Idea #1: SheCanter [3:43] Idea #2: Infertile Tees [5:41] Idea #3: Fertility socks [6:44] Idea #4: Candle (toxin-free!) [9:27] Idea #5: Self-care/beauty products Resources mentioned:  shecanter.com Roxhill Candle Company  infertiletees.com [discount code HOPE15 through 12/31/25] ivfeet.com [discount code BRAVE10 through 12/31/25] doctorrogers.com [discount code DRSHAHINE all year long] LINNÉbotanicals.com [discount code DRSHAHINE15 all year long] shopshorrette.com [discount code DRSHAHINE15 all year long]   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

What happens when chronic endometriosis meets fierce advocacy and a wicked sense of humor? What if your most painful experiences become the catalyst for empowering others? And how does a uterus-shaped wine decanter become a national conversation piece for women's reproductive health?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine chats with Erica Loring, the self-declared "brains and uterus behind Shecanter," to talk about turning pain into purpose and stigma into laughter. Erica shares her deeply personal health journey, from fainting spells through high-school to finally being heard, diagnosed, and validated after years of dismissal. Her story shines a light on endometriosis, PCOS, women's healthcare funding inequality, reproductive rights advocacy, and the power of representation through design.  Her viral product line, including uterus decanters, mugs, and more, has become both a feminist cultural symbol and a fundraising tool fueling research and resources for women with reproductive health conditions. Listeners will learn how Erica transformed a frustrating medical experience into a thriving brand, using humor as activism and novelty products as conversation starters.  In this episode you'll hear: [2:37] Erica's endometriosis journey [4:14] Medical dismissal [4:58] Diagnosis barriers [7:18] Women's health funding [11:40] Novelty feminist products [15:26] Patient self-advocacy [17:22] Reproductive health organizations [19:07] Product design process [23:21] Empowering healthcare advocacy [28:08] Finding and purchasing the products   Resources mentioned:  shecanter.com @the_shecanter on IG endometriosisassn.org pcoschallenge.org plannedparenthood.org   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

What if you could walk into every holiday gathering feeling grounded instead of guarded? How would it feel to have a plan when the nosy fertility questions inevitably come your way? And what if you could protect your emotional well-being while enjoying the holidays full of joy and with boundaries intact?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine tackles the complicated reality of holiday conversations, fertility questions, and family-building pressure.  Listeners will learn practical, empowering tools for navigating holiday gatherings with confidence: how to identify an ally for support, and how to use communication strategies that range from soft deflection to strong boundary-setting.  In this episode you'll hear: [1:08] Tip #1 Don't Go [2:47] Tip #2 Find Your Ally [4:55] Tip #3 Plan Your Answers to Awkward Fertility Conversations [6:20] Tip #4 Plan an Exit Strategy [6:50] Tip #5 Plan Self Care and Recharge   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

What does it really take for men to build a family through IVF and surrogacy? How do you navigate the maze of sperm testing, egg donors, legal contracts, and international laws? And where do transparency, trust, and heart fit into this complex process?  In this honest and empowering episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking to Richard Westoby, author, advocate, and host of IVF Daddies. Their conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey of gay men pursuing parenthood. Richard shares his deeply personal experience of becoming a father to twins through surrogacy and his decade-long mission to help others do the same. Together, he and Dr. Shahine break down every step of the process. They talk about everything from fertility testing and choosing an egg donor to finding the right clinic, lawyer, and surrogate.  With humor and compassion, they discuss the emotional highs and lows, the legal and ethical complexities, and the hard truths about cost, timelines, and international options. This conversation offers clarity, courage, and connection for anyone dreaming of becoming a parent through IVF and surrogacy. In this episode you'll hear: [0:51] Meet Richard Westoby: author, advocate, and podcast host [4:29] Richard's personal story [6:05] Choosing the right egg donor [15:57] Fresh vs. frozen donor eggs [22:14] Finding the right clinic [30:48] International surrogacy insights [35:59] Legal must-knows [40:28] Realistic timeline & budgets [41:54] Red flags & green flags [43:19] Making it manageable [57:03] Trusted resources Resources mentioned:  ivfdaddies.com menhavingbabies gayswithkids.com familiesoutloud.org pnwfertility.com Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

What does Trump's "Father of Fertility" claim really mean? How might his new IVF announcements impact real patients? And could policies disguised as "restorative" actually restrict reproductive freedom?  In this timely episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Jessie Losch, Director of Government Affairs at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), to talk about the politics, promises, and pitfalls surrounding the latest White House statements on fertility care. Jessie helps clarify what the October 16th announcement actually said — and what it didn't. Together, they explain Trump's partnership with pharmaceutical company EMD Serono, the creation of TrumpRx, and the proposed insurance coverage changes that claim to make IVF more affordable.  With so much misinformation swirling, Jessie explains how ASRM advocates for patients and providers in a rapidly shifting policy landscape, especially as fertility care becomes increasingly politicized in a post-Roe world. Listeners will learn what's real and what's rhetoric in these "pro-IVF" promises, what the emerging term Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) really means, and how it could threaten access to standard fertility treatments.  Dr. Shahine and Jesse discuss the nuance behind headlines, the importance of informed consent, and practical steps patients and clinicians can take to support advocacy efforts through ASRM and RESOLVE. In this episode you'll hear: [2:12] Understanding ASRM's role in advocacy [6:15] An explanation of Trump's IVF announcement [12:13] What is TrumpRX? And what does it mean for patients? [19:55] The red flags in "root cause" language [26:28] The rise of restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) [38:05] Legislation to watch: the Restore Act and Moral Framing [47:11 How to stay informed and take action  Please note there is no funding or sponsorship for this episode. See links below for facts and updates as policies change. Resources mentioned:  @Jessie-Losch on LinkedIn @jessielosch on BlueSky asrm.org resolve.org   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Why do our moods shift so dramatically across the month? What's really happening in our brains during the luteal phase of our cycle? And could understanding our hormones actually make us feel better?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with evolutionary psychologist and author Sarah E. Hill, PhD to talk about the fascinating link between hormones, brain function, and overall health.  They explore how deeply our cycles shape our energy, emotions, and resilience—and why this understanding is long overdue. Dr. Hill brings her groundbreaking insights from her books This Is Your Brain on Birth Control and The Period Brain to explain how estrogen and progesterone guide us through distinct physiological "seasons."  She and Dr. Shahine discuss PMS, PMDD, and why women have two primary sex hormones when men only have one. With empathy, curiosity, and humor, they trace the science, the evolutionary logic, and the societal biases that have kept women's hormonal health misunderstood for generations. This episode invites you to stop fighting your biology and start partnering with it because understanding your cycle is one of the bravest, smartest things you can do for your health. In this episode you'll hear: [1:56] Why PMS exists [6:13] A simple, clear breakdown of the menstrual cycle [9:48] The roles of estrogen & progesterone [13:05] The Brain–explained [24:23] A little more about progesterone [30:37] The link between progesterone and autoimmune disease [38:21] Is your PMS actually PMDD? [40:50] The five pillars of hormone health: sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management, and social support [44:13] Some surprising research [46:02] Stress and ovulation  [51:55] Hormone "balancing" is a myth [57:17] Practical, and hopeful, lifestyle shifts [1:12:19] Conclusion & final thoughts Resources mentioned:  sarahehill.com @sarahehillphd on Instagram substack.com/sarahehillphd floatingkitchen.net/roasted-cauliflower-tacos-with-chipotle-cream Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

What does infertility feel like from a man's point of view? How do couples navigate years of uncertainty, loss, and hope when answers never come? And can creative expression, like writing a book, help rebuild connection in the midst of pain? In this powerful and vulnerable conversation of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with The Empty Nest author Jared Walker to talk about infertility, grief, and how storytelling can bridge emotional distance between partners. Jared shares the deeply personal journey that inspired his illustrated book The Empty Nest, written for his wife after years of infertility and miscarriage. What began as private journaling became a love letter to their shared resilience. And ultimately, a gift to the fertility community.  Jared's story captures the isolation, longing, and quiet courage that so many couples experience. This episode is full of honesty and vulnerability that can heal and connect, even in the hardest moments. This episode is a moving reminder that infertility is never just "her story". It's their story, and hope can take many forms. In this episode you'll hear: [1:13] Jared's story of love, loss, & creation of The Empty Nest [5:09] Couples grieve differently  [9:04] The silence around men's experience with infertility [13:50] Vulnerability, social media, & the courage to share publicly  [24:14] Reading from The Empty Nest: isolation, grief, and quiet beauty  [30:29] Why men need to be part of the fertility conversation [40:03] Connect with Jared & find his book    Resources mentioned:  www.dollarfor.org/gethelp @dollarfor on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | YouTube   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

What if your skin cells could help you have a baby? Could the future of fertility mean having genetically related children even if a woman is in menopause or lost fertility due to cancer treatments? In this fascinating episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Dr. Paula Amato, reproductive endocrinologist and researcher at Oregon Health & Science University, to unpack the groundbreaking study that made headlines around the world — creating human embryos from skin cells. Dr. Amato explains the science behind this breakthrough, known as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), and how her team combined genetic material from skin cells and eggs to explore what could one day help people with infertility. She describes the painstaking process of somatic cell nuclear transfer, the ethical oversight behind this research, and the incredible collaboration that led to this first step forward.  Together, Dr. Shahine and Dr. Amato break down complex genetics, discuss the difference between this and "three-parent IVF," and reflect on what it all means for the future of reproductive medicine. In this episode you'll hear: [2:06] Ripped from the headlines: Human Embryos Made From Skin Cells [4:15] A refresher on chromosomes [7:55] Step-by-step explanation of the science [11:27] Introducing IVG (in vitro gametogenesis ) [15:24] IVG vs IVF [19:38] Who does this benefit? [22:20] How might it change the future? [25:37] Ethical and societal questions [28:03] Balancing progress with responsibility [33:45] What is next in fertility science? Resources mentioned:  Research Study in Nature Communications OHSU Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy @paula-amato on LinkedIn   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books