Inflammation: The Hidden Fertility Blocker and How to Overcome It – Inside the Fertility Puzzle with Dr. Kela

Episode #380 of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast is a special episode where our host, Dr. Kela Smith talks about Finding Your Niche as a Fertility Coach. Each month, the final episode of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast is dedicated to coaches and those who aspire to become coaches, providing skills and insights you can apply directly to your own coaching practice. Whether you’re brand new to this path or already working in the health and wellness space, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling inspired, equipped, and ready to take the next step. More about Dr. Kela: Dr. Kela Smith is a Holistic-Integrative Fertility and Hormone Doctor and the Lead Educator - Hormone Puzzle Society Educational Institute. After personally battling infertility, she was finally able to conceive by implementing her Hormone P.U.Z.Z.L.E method (plus cycle optimizing), which takes a holistic approach to preparing the body for pregnancy from the inside out. Since then, she has made it her mission to help other women who are struggling with infertility to optimize their bodies and hormones so they can get pregnant, stay pregnant, have a healthy super baby, and easy postpartum, as well as eliminate symptoms of hormone imbalance. With over 25 years of experience as a professional fitness trainer and wellness educator, Dr. Kela has created 7 courses and published multiple books on fertility, hormones, pregnancy and total body wellness. Her recent book, The Hormone Puzzle Method: Optimizing Pregnancy has all her tips for a healthy, happy pregnancy. She mentors future fertility experts at the Hormone Puzzle Society Educational Institute, which is an accredited and certified institute of higher learning for anyone interested in becoming a fertility coach. She also hosts Solving-Infertility Summit, Healthy Happy Pregnancy Summit and Fertility Coaching Mastery Summit. Thank you for listening! This episode is made possible by the Hormone Puzzle Society Educational Institute - your gateway to a fulfilling and rewarding career in fertility coaching. Download a copy of the course catalog - https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/course-catalog Follow Dr. Kela on Instagram - @‌kela_healthcoach Get your FREE Fertility Coach Roadmap: 3 Steps to Launch a Fertility Coaching Busines: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/education For sponsorship opportunities, email HPS Media at [email protected]

In episode #379 of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast, our host Dr. Kela Smith, talks about Inflammation: The Hidden Fertility Blocker and How to Overcome It – Inside the Fertility Puzzle. At the end of every month on The Hormone Puzzle Podcast, Dr. Kela takes you Inside the Fertility Puzzle with a special solo episode dedicated to key fertility topics. From optimizing hormones and decoding lab results to fostering emotional resilience, these episodes deliver actionable advice and expert insights to support your journey to conception. Designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate your unique fertility challenges, this series is your guide to empowerment and clarity. Tune in and let’s work together to solve your fertility puzzle with confidence! More about Dr. Kela: Dr. Kela Smith is a leading Holistic Integrative Fertility & Hormone Doctor, dedicated to supporting women and couples facing fertility challenges. After overcoming her own fertility struggles using the Hormone P.U.Z.Z.L.E Method, it has been her mission to help others solve their infertility puzzles so they can get and stay pregnant, have a healthy happy pregnancy, and easy postpartum. An accomplished author, she also hosts Solving-Infertility Summit, and Healthy Happy Pregnancy Summit. Dr. Kela's expertise also extends to guiding and inspiring future fertility experts as the lead educator at the Hormone Puzzle Society Educational Institute. Thank you for listening! This episode is made possible by Puzzle Brew’s Fertility Tea: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/fertility-tea Follow Dr. Kela on Instagram: @‌kela_healthcoach Get your FREE Fertility Meal Plan: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/ FTC Affiliate Disclaimer: The disclosure that follows is intended to fully comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s policy of the United States that requires to be transparent about any and all affiliate relations the Company may have on this show. You should assume that some of the product mentions and discount codes given are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code This means that if you use one of these codes and purchase the item, the Company may receive an affiliate commission. This is a legitimate way to monetize and pay for the operation of the Website, podcast, and operations and the Company gladly reveals its affiliate relationships to you. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, the Company only recommends products or services the Company believes will add value to its users. The Hormone Puzzle Society and Dr. Kela will receive up to 30% affiliate commission depending on the product that is sponsored on the show. For sponsorship opportunities, email HPS Media at [email protected]

In episode #378 of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast, our guest Becky Ackerman, talks about Sleep--It’s So Important, and Yet So Undervalued. More about Becky: Becky Ackerman is a Fertility Coach and the founder of Lily & Bee Fertility. Becky works with women who are struggling to conceive and feel thoroughly stressed out and overwhelmed by the fertility process. Her focus on the connection between the mind and body helps women feel calm, confident, and in control, while also naturally boosting their fertility. Becky lives in New Jersey with her husband and three children, and if she's not working, chances are good you can find her on a tennis court. Thank you for listening! This episode is made possible by Puzzle Brew’s Fertility Tea: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/fertility-tea Follow Becky on Instagram: @‌lilyandbeefertility Get your FREE 12 Fertility Journal Prompts to Reduce Stress and Boost Your Mindset HERE. Follow Dr. Kela on Instagram: @‌kela_healthcoach Get your FREE Fertility Meal Plan: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/ FTC Affiliate Disclaimer: The disclosure that follows is intended to fully comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s policy of the United States that requires to be transparent about any and all affiliate relations the Company may have on this show. You should assume that some of the product mentions and discount codes given are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code This means that if you use one of these codes and purchase the item, the Company may receive an affiliate commission. This is a legitimate way to monetize and pay for the operation of the Website, podcast, and operations and the Company gladly reveals its affiliate relationships to you. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, the Company only recommends products or services the Company believes will add value to its users. The Hormone Puzzle Society and Dr. Kela will receive up to 30% affiliate commission depending on the product that is sponsored on the show. For sponsorship opportunities, email HPS Media at [email protected]

In episode #377 of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast, our guest Caroline Ashurst, talks about The Power of Ritual in Your Fertility Journey. More about Caroline: Caroline Grace Ashurst, M.Ac ., L.Ac., is the founder of The Fertility Formula Functional Holistic Fertility Coaching and Restorative Harmony Acupuncture. With nearly 15 years of clinical experience in Chinese medicine and training alongside functional and naturopathic doctors—and drawing from over 25 years of personal hormonal healing—Caroline has supported women worldwide in growing their families. Her whole-woman approach to fertility blends ancient wisdom with modern science. Caroline integrates advanced lab testing, personalized treatment plans, nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle guidance, alongside hormone balancing and compassionate, heart-centered coaching to empower women on their fertility journeys. Thank you for listening! This episode is made possible by Puzzle Brew’s Fertility Tea: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/fertility-tea Follow Caroline on Instagram: @‌restorativeharmony Grab a FREE copy of How to Balance Your Hormones and Get (+Stay)Pregnant Faster Guide HERE. Follow Dr. Kela on Instagram: @‌kela_healthcoach Get your FREE Fertility Meal Plan: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/ FTC Affiliate Disclaimer: The disclosure that follows is intended to fully comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s policy of the United States that requires to be transparent about any and all affiliate relations the Company may have on this show. You should assume that some of the product mentions and discount codes given are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code This means that if you use one of these codes and purchase the item, the Company may receive an affiliate commission. This is a legitimate way to monetize and pay for the operation of the Website, podcast, and operations and the Company gladly reveals its affiliate relationships to you. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, the Company only recommends products or services the Company believes will add value to its users. The Hormone Puzzle Society and Dr. Kela will receive up to 30% affiliate commission depending on the product that is sponsored on the show. For sponsorship opportunities, email HPS Media at [email protected]

In episode #376 of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast, our guest Holly Leever, talks about The Use of Acupuncture for Menstrual Cycle Issues - PMS, Period Pain, Irregular Cycles. More about Holly: Holly is a Fertility Awareness Educator, licensed Acupuncturist, and Herbalist whose passion for women's health stems from her personal experience with cycle and fertility challenges. After recovering from anorexia, fertility awareness helped her reconnect with her body and has since supported her through natural pregnancy prevention, conception, and postpartum. In 2014, she founded Rosebud Wellness to help women optimize fertility and hormone balance through holistic care. She supports clients locally in Ojai, California, and virtually worldwide. When she’s not supporting women on their wellness journeys, Holly enjoys spending time with her daughter, practicing yoga, and connecting with nature. She also hosts The Fertile Womb podcast, offering empowering education on fertility awareness and holistic reproductive health. Thank you for listening! This episode is made possible by Puzzle Brew’s Fertility Tea: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/fertility-tea Follow Holly on Instagram: @‌rosebud_wellness Get a FREE 35-minute Training on Cycle Charting for Conception Success HERE. Follow Dr. Kela on Instagram: @‌kela_healthcoach Get your FREE Fertility Meal Plan: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/ FTC Affiliate Disclaimer: The disclosure that follows is intended to fully comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s policy of the United States that requires to be transparent about any and all affiliate relations the Company may have on this show. You should assume that some of the product mentions and discount codes given are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code This means that if you use one of these codes and purchase the item, the Company may receive an affiliate commission. This is a legitimate way to monetize and pay for the operation of the Website, podcast, and operations and the Company gladly reveals its affiliate relationships to you. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, the Company only recommends products or services the Company believes will add value to its users. The Hormone Puzzle Society and Dr. Kela will receive up to 30% affiliate commission depending on the product that is sponsored on the show. For sponsorship opportunities, email HPS Media at [email protected]

Episode #375 of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast is a special episode where our host, Dr. Kela Smith talks about Secrets to Successful Fertility Coaching Business. Each month, the final episode of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast is dedicated to coaches and those who aspire to become coaches, providing skills and insights you can apply directly to your own coaching practice. Whether you’re brand new to this path or already working in the health and wellness space, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling inspired, equipped, and ready to take the next step. More about Dr. Kela: Dr. Kela Smith is a Holistic-Integrative Fertility and Hormone Doctor and the Lead Educator - Hormone Puzzle Society Educational Institute. After personally battling infertility, she was finally able to conceive by implementing her Hormone P.U.Z.Z.L.E method (plus cycle optimizing), which takes a holistic approach to preparing the body for pregnancy from the inside out. Since then, she has made it her mission to help other women who are struggling with infertility to optimize their bodies and hormones so they can get pregnant, stay pregnant, have a healthy super baby, and easy postpartum, as well as eliminate symptoms of hormone imbalance. With over 25 years of experience as a professional fitness trainer and wellness educator, Dr. Kela has created 7 courses and published multiple books on fertility, hormones, pregnancy and total body wellness. Her recent book, The Hormone Puzzle Method: Optimizing Pregnancy has all her tips for a healthy, happy pregnancy. She mentors future fertility experts at the Hormone Puzzle Society Educational Institute, which is an accredited and certified institute of higher learning for anyone interested in becoming a fertility coach. She also hosts Solving-Infertility Summit, Healthy Happy Pregnancy Summit and Fertility Coaching Mastery Summit. Thank you for listening! This episode is made possible by the Hormone Puzzle Society Educational Institute - your gateway to a fulfilling and rewarding career in fertility coaching. Download a copy of the course catalog - https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/course-catalog Follow Dr. Kela on Instagram - @‌kela_healthcoach Get your FREE Fertility Coach Roadmap: 3 Steps to Launch a Fertility Coaching Busines: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/education For sponsorship opportunities, email HPS Media at [email protected]

In episode #374 of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast, our host Dr. Kela Smith, talks about Building Emotional Resilience While TTC – Inside the Fertility Puzzle. At the end of every month on The Hormone Puzzle Podcast, Dr. Kela takes you Inside the Fertility Puzzle with a special solo episode dedicated to key fertility topics. From optimizing hormones and decoding lab results to fostering emotional resilience, these episodes deliver actionable advice and expert insights to support your journey to conception. Designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate your unique fertility challenges, this series is your guide to empowerment and clarity. Tune in and let’s work together to solve your fertility puzzle with confidence! More about Dr. Kela: Dr. Kela Smith is a leading Holistic Integrative Fertility & Hormone Doctor, dedicated to supporting women and couples facing fertility challenges. After overcoming her own fertility struggles using the Hormone P.U.Z.Z.L.E Method, it has been her mission to help others solve their infertility puzzles so they can get and stay pregnant, have a healthy happy pregnancy, and easy postpartum. An accomplished author, she also hosts the Solving-Infertility Summit, and Healthy Happy Pregnancy Summit. Dr. Kela's expertise also extends to guiding and inspiring future fertility experts as the lead educator at the Hormone Puzzle Society Educational Institute. Thank you for listening! This episode is made possible by Puzzle Brew’s Fertility Tea: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/fertility-tea Follow Dr. Kela on Instagram: @‌kela_healthcoach Get your FREE Fertility Meal Plan: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/ FTC Affiliate Disclaimer: The disclosure that follows is intended to fully comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s policy of the United States that requires to be transparent about any and all affiliate relations the Company may have on this show. You should assume that some of the product mentions and discount codes given are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code This means that if you use one of these codes and purchase the item, the Company may receive an affiliate commission. This is a legitimate way to monetize and pay for the operation of the Website, podcast, and operations and the Company gladly reveals its affiliate relationships to you. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, the Company only recommends products or services the Company believes will add value to its users. The Hormone Puzzle Society and Dr. Kela will receive up to 30% affiliate commission depending on the product that is sponsored on the show. For sponsorship opportunities, email HPS Media at [email protected]

In episode #373 of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast, our guest Kirsty Smith, talks about How Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC’s) Destroy Your Fertility . More about Kirsty: Kirsty is a Functional Medicine Health Coach specialising in hormone and gut health. She is also the founder of Natural Rays Wellbeing Consultancy. She works with individuals and employers to support them to better understand their hormones and how to work with them so that they can optimise their fertility for consistent energy, better mood, less brain fog, and the enthusiasm to live the life they have worked so hard to create. Thank you for listening! This episode is made possible by Puzzle Brew’s Fertility Tea: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/fertility-tea Follow Kirsty on Instagram: @‌natural_rays_hormone_harmony Take the 2-min quiz to unlock your menstrual cycle saboteur and be on your way to a symptomless cycle HERE. Follow Dr. Kela on Instagram: @‌kela_healthcoach Get your FREE Fertility Meal Plan: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/ FTC Affiliate Disclaimer: The disclosure that follows is intended to fully comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s policy of the United States that requires to be transparent about any and all affiliate relations the Company may have on this show. You should assume that some of the product mentions and discount codes given are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code This means that if you use one of these codes and purchase the item, the Company may receive an affiliate commission. This is a legitimate way to monetize and pay for the operation of the Website, podcast, and operations and the Company gladly reveals its affiliate relationships to you. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, the Company only recommends products or services the Company believes will add value to its users. The Hormone Puzzle Society and Dr. Kela will receive up to 30% affiliate commission depending on the product that is sponsored on the show. For sponsorship opportunities, email HPS Media at [email protected]

In episode #372 of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast, our guest Dr. Brad Montagne, talks about Thyroid - The Forgotten Link to Hormones, Cycles, and Pregnancy. More about Dr. Brad: Dr. Brad Montagne battled with his own chronic illness as a young child. He began managing his own illness by making his own diet and lifestyle changes when he was young. In adult life He conquered his own cases of chronic illness, Candida, Fungal Infections, Leaky Gut, Lyme disease, Babesia and more with the tools he presents here. Dr Brad has been a researcher and a pioneer in Functional Medicine Doctor for 4 decades. He is known for having one of the highest rates of helping restore health to people with the worst cases – even after “expert” care has failed. Coined “the most thorough doctor” by many, Dr. Brad now does primarily distance care. Thank you for listening! This episode is made possible by Puzzle Brew’s Fertility Tea: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/fertility-tea Follow Dr. Brad on Instagram: @‌healthfullyu Follow Dr. Kela on Instagram: @‌kela_healthcoach Get your FREE Fertility Meal Plan: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/ FTC Affiliate Disclaimer: The disclosure that follows is intended to fully comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s policy of the United States that requires to be transparent about any and all affiliate relations the Company may have on this show. You should assume that some of the product mentions and discount codes given are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code This means that if you use one of these codes and purchase the item, the Company may receive an affiliate commission. This is a legitimate way to monetize and pay for the operation of the Website, podcast, and operations and the Company gladly reveals its affiliate relationships to you. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, the Company only recommends products or services the Company believes will add value to its users. The Hormone Puzzle Society and Dr. Kela will receive up to 30% affiliate commission depending on the product that is sponsored on the show. For sponsorship opportunities, email HPS Media at [email protected]

In episode #371 of The Hormone Puzzle Podcast, our guest Raquel Deville, talks about Reclaiming Rhythm and Rest: A Body-First Approach to Managing Overwhelm and Burnout on a Fertility Journey. More about Raquel: Raquel is a somatic therapist based in Belgium, guiding neurodivergent women—especially those with autism and ADHD—toward physical and emotional balance. With a background in HR, occupational health, and yoga therapy, she blends science and softness to help women feel safe in their own skin. Through body-based practices and deep listening, Raquel supports her clients in navigating stress, burnout, and sensory overwhelm with gentleness and clarity. Thank you for listening! This episode is made possible by Puzzle Brew’s Fertility Tea: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/fertility-tea Follow Raquel on Instagram: @‌raqueldeville Get a FREE copy of the ‘It’s NOt Your Period’ Guide HERE. Follow Dr. Kela on Instagram: @‌kela_healthcoach https://www.instagram.com/kela_healthcoach Get your FREE Fertility Meal Plan: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com/ FTC Affiliate Disclaimer: The disclosure that follows is intended to fully comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s policy of the United States that requires to be transparent about any and all affiliate relations the Company may have on this show. You should assume that some of the product mentions and discount codes given are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code This means that if you use one of these codes and purchase the item, the Company may receive an affiliate commission. This is a legitimate way to monetize and pay for the operation of the Website, podcast, and operations and the Company gladly reveals its affiliate relationships to you. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, the Company only recommends products or services the Company believes will add value to its users. The Hormone Puzzle Society and Dr. Kela will receive up to 30% affiliate commission depending on the product that is sponsored on the show. For sponsorship opportunities, email HPS Media at [email protected]