The Migraine - Fertility Connection with Diane Ducarme

When you're trying to conceive, there is nothing more frightening than finding out you aren't ovulating regularly. If you have found yourself in this startling situation, this episode will make the investigation less spooky and more strategic.  In this episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles reviews some of the most common causes of anovulation, including PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea, adrenal dysfunction, hypothyroidism, elevated prolactin, and illness or fever. We’ll discuss how to test for these conditions and some tricks (treats?) for managing them!  Thank you to NEEDED for sponsoring this episode! Functional Fertility podcast listeners can get 20% off their first month of Needed products by visiting thisisneeded.com and using code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY. 

This episode sponsored by NEEDED! Use code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY at thisisneeded.com for 20% off your first month of products! In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, we explore how manual therapy can unlock new possibilities for those facing unexplained infertility. Our guests Larry Wurn, CEO, LMT, and Sharon Hepburn, COO, PT, LMT from Clear Passage Therapies review the role of adhesions in fertility challenges, share success stories of patients with elevated FSH who improved with treatment, and explain how manual therapy influences the ovaries, cranium, and dura. We discuss how manual therapy can open blocked fallopian tubes without surgery and can help prepare the endometrium for implantation. We also cover an effective protocol for treating endometriosis, exploring when therapy is best utilized—before or after surgery. The episode wraps with a powerful success story using the Clear Passage Approach, offering hope for those navigating complex fertility journeys.

Join Dr. Kalea Wattles as she chats with Jess Tims, a Certified Fertility Doula and mom who turned her own journey with unexplained infertility into a mission to support others. In this episode, we dive into: - What exactly is a fertility doula, and how can they guide you on your path to pregnancy? - The emotional rollercoaster of infertility, pregnancy loss, and IVF—and the mind-body tools Jess uses to help her clients find peace. - Real-life success stories that show the transformative power of compassionate support. Tune in to hear Jess's heartfelt wisdom, inspiring stories, and the advice she shares with almost every client. Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or looking for hope after a loss, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical tips.

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles chats with acupuncturist, herbalist, and Arvigo abdominal massage therapist Holly Leever. We'll cover:  - What is Arvigo abdominal massage, and how does it support fertility? - Who is a good candidate for this type of treatment? - How tracking your cycle can help you add abdominal massage at the right time to support fertility - Strategies for developing a deeper connection to the womb during your fertility journey   Thank you to our season two sponsor, NEEDED! This episode highlights Needed Egg Quality Support, a blend of targeted antioxidants designed to support egg quality. Use code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY for 20% off your order at thisisneeded.com. 

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles connects with Nectar Health (https://www.mynectarhealth.com/) Founder and CEO, Diane Ducarme, to discuss the connection between migraines and fertility. In this show, we'll talk about:  - The connection between migraines and the menstrual cycle - The gut-brain axis and the role of the gut in both reproductive health and migraines - Superfoods that can help those with migraines - How to communicate to your partner the severity and impact of migraine pain - How working to address the underlying causes of migraines improves fertility outcomes as well Thank you to our season 2 sponsor - Needed! In this episode, we highlight Needed's Pre/Probiotic, a clinically-studied blend of probiotics, prebiotics, and polyphenols to support the gut and vaginal microbiome. Listeners can receive 20% off at thisisneeded.com with code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY. 

This episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast is for everyone who needs skills to care of their nervous system! Host Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by Let Go & Grow CEO Dr. Brooke Stuart. Topics include:  1) How does the health of our nervous system impact our fertility? 2) What is "allostatic load"? 3) What does our heart rate variability (HRV) tell us about our health, and how can we improve it? 4) Tried-and-true methods for staying centered during the fertility journey 5) Strategies to immediately shift the state of your nervous system  This episode is filled with approachable and authentic takeaways that you can implement right away in order to deeply care for your mental/emotional/spiritual health. Thank you to our season 2 sponsor, Needed! In this episode we discuss Needed stress support, clinical-strength herbal stress support for mood, energy, and overall well being. Use code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY for 20% off your order at thisisneeded.com! 

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles helps you to identify your own "gut health persona" with a series of gut health assessments designed to help you identify signs of low digestive enzymes, dysbiosis, hypochlorhydria, and low bile acid. We'll review signs and symptoms, findings you might see on your lab work, and tried-and-true solutions for improving gut health. Need a refresher on the gut-fertility connection? This episode also offers a brief review of the connecting points between our digestive health and fertility outcomes.  Thanks to our season 2 sponsor Needed! Podcast listeners can enjoy 20% off their order of the highest quality perinatal supplements at thisisneeded.com with code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY. 

In this episode, Dr. Kalea Wattles describes the function of insulin in the body and what can happen when we shift into the metabolic state known as "insulin resistance." She walks through the impacts of insulin resistance on various tissue types, including the ovaries, and how our metabolic health can impact ovulation, endometriosis, and fibroids. Dr. Wattles will also highlight some key nutritional pillars designed to increase insulin sensitivity, improving metabolic health for optimal fertility! 

In this episode of The Functional Fertility Podcast, host Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Everest Goldstein to explore the intricate connections between stress and fertility. They delve into the effects of stress on hormonal and gut health, emphasizing how these factors can significantly impact reproductive health. The conversation then shifts to mental health, particularly in the context of fertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. They address the importance of managing mental health, especially for those with a history of anxiety or depression. The discussion highlights the key nutrients that, when deficient, can exacerbate anxiety while also being critical for reproductive health. Everest shares insights on the physiological benefits of meditation and mindfulness and emphasize how these practices can help reduce stress and improve fertility. She also answers an important listener question about the challenges of discontinuing anti-anxiety medication before pregnancy. 

Don't miss this episode of The Functional Fertility Podcast, where host Dr. Kalea Wattles sits down with Michelle Oravitz to discuss the profound role of awareness in reproductive health. Michelle, author of the new book, "The Way of Fertility: Awaken Your Reproductive Potential through the Transformative Power of Ancient Wisdom," reveals why she believes awareness is a superpower when navigating fertility challenges. The conversation explores the initial discomfort that comes with heightened awareness and how Michelle guides her clients through these feelings to cultivate a deeper sense of self-understanding. They delve into barriers to optimal fertility, the importance of aligning with our natural circadian rhythms, and the interconnectedness of the heart, mind, and reproductive organs. Michelle also shares a powerful exercise for prospective parents, highlighting the critical role of love in the conception process. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to tap into their innate intelligence and enhance their fertility journey.