FFP 617 | Is Sperm Quality A Vital Sign For Men?

In this episode, Lisa explores a landmark Danish study — the largest of its kind — examining the relationship between sperm quality and life expectancy in nearly 80,000 men followed for up to 50 years. The headline finding: men with the highest total motile sperm counts lived an average of 2.7 years longer than men with the lowest counts, and this association held consistently across multiple semen parameters, including sperm concentration, semen volume, and total sperm count. Lisa walks through her five key takeaways from the research, including how pre-existing illness did not account for the association and why men with azoospermia fell into a distinct category of their own. The discussion raises a compelling question for practitioners: could semen parameters function as an early biological signal of underlying health — much like the menstrual cycle does in women? This episode offers an evidence-informed lens for thinking about male reproductive health beyond fertility outcomes alone. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!  Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class!  Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!

In this episode of the FAMM Research Series, Lisa examines peer-reviewed research on the relationship between ADHD symptoms and the menstrual cycle, exploring how reproductive hormones may influence symptom variability in women. The episode draws on a study titled "Reproductive Steroids and ADHD Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle," which tracked salivary hormone levels and self-reported ADHD symptoms throughout participants' cycles. Lisa discusses key findings suggesting that the luteal phase — when progesterone is elevated and estrogen is comparatively lower — may be associated with a higher presentation of ADHD-related symptoms in women. She also highlights a secondary study on misdiagnosis, examining the specific challenges women face in receiving an accurate ADHD diagnosis, including patterns of being treated for anxiety or depression before the underlying condition is identified. Throughout the episode, Lisa connects these findings to the broader value of menstrual cycle charting as a tool for recognizing cyclical symptom patterns in clinical practice. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!  Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class!  Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack speaks with Dr. Kyle Beiter, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and trained NaproTechnology surgeon. Dr. Beiter walks through the foundational principles of NaproTechnology surgical care, which prioritizes reconstructing and preserving reproductive tissues rather than suppressing symptoms through hormonal intervention. The conversation explores the clinical considerations involved in evaluating fibroids, endometriosis, and PCOS for surgical management, including a detailed discussion of laparoscopic myomectomy, endometriosis excision, and ovarian wedge resection. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!  Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class!  Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!

In this episode, Dr. Ken Sinervo of the Center for Endometriosis Care joins Lisa to discuss what patients need to know before pursuing endometriosis surgery. They explore the difference between diagnostic and excision-based procedures, what sets expert laparoscopic surgeons apart, and how to recognize red flags during the consultation process. Dr. Sinervo also shares insights on misdiagnosis, surgical outcomes, and why early intervention is essential for quality of life. This conversation offers practical guidance for anyone navigating endometriosis treatment options. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!  Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class!  Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!

In this episode, Lisa sits down with registered nurse and endometriosis advocate Jenneh Rishe to explore her experience with diaphragmatic endometriosis — a form of the disease that presented with chest pain, shortness of breath, and right upper abdominal pain rather than the classic pelvic symptoms most practitioners associate with endo. Jenneh shares how years of hormonal suppression, including being prescribed the pill on top of an existing IUD, delayed her path to a confirmed diagnosis. This episode underscores the importance of specialist care, early diagnosis, and a multidisciplinary approach to endometriosis treatment. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!  Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class!  Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!

In this episode of the Fertility Friday Podcast, Lisa Hendrickson-Jack explores a qualitative research study that examines why so many women experience significant delays in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis.  Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!  Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class!  Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!

In this episode, Lisa speaks with Dr. Meg Mill, functional medicine practitioner and author, about the connection between hormonal shifts and migraines. They explore how cyclical changes in estrogen and progesterone can contribute to migraines—particularly around ovulation and menstruation—and why many women don't realize their headaches follow a hormonal pattern. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!  Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class!  Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!

In this solo episode, Lisa reviews a peer-reviewed study exploring the connection between iodine deficiency and time to conception. The research followed over 500 couples trying to conceive and found that women with low urinary iodine levels were significantly less likely to conceive per cycle. Lisa unpacks the study design, outcomes, and implications, highlighting how iodine status may influence reproductive function. She also discusses iodine's role beyond thyroid health, including its concentration in breast and ovarian tissue. With nearly half of participants showing some level of deficiency, the study raises important questions about iodine's relevance for women of reproductive age. This episode offers a closer look at one of the most debated nutrients in fertility and hormone health. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!  Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class!  Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!

Houston we have a problem! The current sperm guidelines don't provide us with optimal values for natural conception. Instead, they provide a low bar below which further medical support is most likely required. Tune in for the full story! Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!  Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class!  Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!

Intermittent fasting is a trending nutrition strategy—but many women unknowingly compromise their hormonal health by skipping breakfast. In this episode, Lisa explores how breakfast impacts ovulation, energy levels, progesterone production, and overall cycle health. Drawing on research highlighted in Real Food for Fertility, she discusses why a strategic eating window—with sufficient calories and macronutrients—is critical for fertility optimization, especially for active women or those TTC. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book, Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here!  🎧Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! 💥This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join our next class! We start on January 7th! 📚Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here!  🎧Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!