The #1 Mistake People Make When a Friend Struggles With Infertility | Alison Cheperdak

It isn’t about being an expert on the medical details of infertility; it is about being a phenomenal, loving advocate for someone walking through a season of loss and lack of control. In this episode, host Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with Alison Cheperdak, founder of Elevate Etiquette and author of Was It Something I Said?, to bridge the gap between those struggling and the people who want to show up for them. They unpack the human element behind the awkward silences and ill-advised jokes, offering a roadmap for navigating one of life’s most delicate social and emotional experiences with grace. What You’ll Learn: The specific "limitation acknowledgment" phrase that transforms frozen, awkward silences into safe spaces for connection. Why "social media self-preservation" is a valid friendship tool and how to manage digital triggers without guilt. The unique "etiquette of the out" when sending invitations to major milestones like baby showers or holiday gatherings. Strategic ways to "switch gears" as a host or ally when the conversation turns insensitive at the dinner table. The critical difference between offering vague help and the "Tuesday school pickup" method of specific, tangible support. Find Alison Cheperdak Book: Was It Something I Said? Website: https://elevateetiquette.com/ Instagram: @elevateetiquette Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. I’m preparing for IVF and have heard about ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). What steps can be taken during treatment to reduce the risk of developing OHSS? My cycles are about 28–30 days, but I tend to ovulate around day 19 or 20 and my luteal phase is only about nine days. My progesterone level was just above 3, though the rest of my labs look normal. I’ve had two miscarriages in the past and previously used progesterone after ovulation. If I’m trying to optimize my cycle before a future pregnancy, what tests, questions, or treatments should I discuss with my OB? After someone stops breastfeeding, how long does it usually take for prolactin levels to return to normal? If someone wants multiple children, what is the recommended minimum amount of time to wait between pregnancies for maternal and reproductive health? I’m 37 with diminished ovarian reserve and a history of thin uterine lining. My first FET failed, and I only have one embryo left. I’ve had ReceptivaDX, TRIO testing, and hysteroscopy, all normal, but I’m feeling stuck at a high-volume clinic where care feels very protocol-driven. What would you recommend as the next steps in this situation? What is your perspective on using calcium ionophore to help activate eggs after retrieval during IVF? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How long does it actually take to get pregnant? In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the data behind the question she hears every single day. She explores why the rate of infertility is rising, now affecting one in five people in the US, and why we need to move beyond just looking at age to understand the science of our eggs. From the reality of ovarian reserve to the impact of chronic inflammation, this episode is a guide to taking a proactive approach to your reproductive future. What You’ll Learn: Why metabolic competency and mitochondrial health are the "missing pieces" in understanding why some embryos are more successful than others. The biological reality of fecundability and how your actual percentage chance of conceiving per month changes as you move through your 30s. Why your cycle is a vital sign and how tracking physiological markers like cervical mucus can help you conceive 30% to 50% faster. The "double hit" of inflammation and how a diet high in fiber and whole foods can actively protect egg quality from environmental stressors. Why the current medical standard of making patients "fail" for a year before an evaluation is outdated and how to advocate for early testing. Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. I’m 35, had a healthy pregnancy in 2022 followed by three miscarriages, and just found out I have 19% Turner mosaicism on karyotype. If I were your patient, would you recommend moving to IVF with PGT, or continue trying naturally? I’m 32 with an LH/FSH ratio of 2.6 and an AMH of 2.7. The labs were drawn around suspected ovulation. Does this ratio suggest possible PCOS, or could this be a normal mid-cycle finding? I’m 33 and have been trying to conceive for five months. My AMH just came back at 0.057, but the rest of my labs look normal. What would your next steps be, and what are the most common causes of very low AMH at my age? My fiancé uses CBD gummies with trace amounts of THC for chronic pain. We know marijuana can impact fertility, but do CBD products with small amounts of THC meaningfully affect sperm health or fertility outcomes? My partner and I are a same-sex female couple (ages 30 and 32) using donor sperm. We’ve had two unsuccessful IUIs, and I’m about to start a third with letrozole. My workup is normal, but I suspect possible endometriosis. If that’s the case, should we be considering additional evaluation or changing our treatment approach? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life can really catch us off guard, and for many people, cancer teaches us about the uncertainty we all face. In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford chats with the inspiring Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a double board-certified physician, stage four cancer survivor, and heart transplant recipient. Dr. Mussallem shares her incredible journey through these challenges and how they inspired her mission to promote longevity. She highlights that true health goes far beyond just working out; it’s about nourishing our bodies with the right food, building resilience, and creating strong connections with others. What You’ll Learn: Why your mindset and "spiritual core" might matter more for your health than how much you work out at the gym. How your brain’s internal signals can actually change the way your body handles stress and heals from illness. A simple mental trick to help you stay grounded and keep your sense of purpose when life feels totally out of control. The one major change to your diet that science proves can lower inflammation and protect your long-term health. Why eating simple, real food, is still the best way to fight disease and feel your best. The surprising link between your current health habits and your future fertility, even when the odds seem stacked against you. How a "near-death" perspective can shift your daily habits from a place of restriction to a place of true nourishment. The biological reality of "miracles" and how the body can thrive even after a diagnosis that seems final. Find Dr. Dawn Mussallem Instagram: @drdawnmussallem Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. 1. My wife and I have been trying for a while. What tests should men take after a few failed attempts at 36+? 2. I just got off the pill, and my period came late. Is this normal, and will my cycle regulate soon? 3. My partner has low testosterone in the 200s. Should we focus on shots, lifestyle changes, or underlying causes? 4. My periods last 8+ days. What could cause this, and could it affect my fertility? 5. I had a frozen embryo transfer with 5 days of progesterone and it failed. Could the progesterone have affected the outcome? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here!⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like your environment is sabotaging your hormones? In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford uncovers the impact of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that can be found in the air we breathe and the products we use daily. These "forever chemicals" interfere with the brain-ovary connection and affect egg quality. But you have the power to combat their effects. Join Dr. Crawford for practical tips on reducing your toxic load and making healthier choices that support your hormonal health and future fertility.  What You’ll Learn: How EDCs act as "biological noise" in the body, interfering with the critical communication between your brain and your ovaries. The surprising connection between your gut health and toxic exposure, and why some chemicals deliver a "double hit" to your systemic inflammation levels. The link between cumulative chemical exposure and common reproductive hurdles, from irregular cycles and PCOS to your long-term ovarian reserve. Startling insights from the EARTH Study regarding how environmental factors impact success rates for couples trying to conceive, both naturally and through IVF. The three primary categories of EDCs you need to know, including several "sneaky" sources hidden in your daily routine that most people overlook. Practical, sustainable ways to audit your home and personal care routine to decrease your toxic load without feeling overwhelmed by the need for perfection. Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. 1. I’m wondering how alcohol affects male and female fertility, and whether cutting back or abstaining can improve our chances with IVF or natural conception. 2. My wife has low estrogen, and we’re trying to conceive. What should we know before her upcoming doctor’s appointment so we can ask better questions? 3. We’ve been trying for 3 years with Clomid and no success. Our doctor suggested a sperm analysis, but we only have access to a CVS kit — are those reliable? 4. I take CoQ10 while trying to conceive — should I take it all month, and do I stop during the two-week wait since it’s not recommended in pregnancy? 5. My partner has low motility. How often should we have sex during my fertile window — and am I ‘using up’ good sperm if we start too early? We conceived once but lost the baby, and I’m struggling to feel confident. Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here!⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like a different person during your luteal phase? In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, board-certified fertility doctor Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with award-winning researcher and psychologist Dr. Sarah Hill, author of the groundbreaking new book The Period Brain. They move beyond "bikini medicine" to explain how estrogen and progesterone literally rewire your brain's priorities, stress response, and social connections. If you’ve ever wondered why your mood, energy, or motivation shifts from one week to the next, or if you’ve struggled with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), this episode provides the science-backed roadmap you need to work with your hormones instead of against them. What You’ll Learn: - A deep dive into the "progesterone season" and how hormonal shifts change the way your amygdala processes relationship threats. They discuss why modern research has historically ignored the second half of the cycle and the importance of advocating for better data in women’s health. - Understanding the clinical difference between PMS and PMDD. They explore why some women are more sensitive to these fluctuations and who may be predisposed to sensitivities. - Why "one-size-fits-all" nutrition fails. Discover why your basal metabolic rate increases during the luteal phase and how to adjust your calorie intake to support your body’s increased energy needs and hormonal resilience. - The neurobiological differences between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins, and how each impacts mood, brain health, and well-being. - Tangible, approachable steps to support ovulation and increase cellular plasticity, including the role of morning sunlight, magnesium supplementation, and anti-inflammatory nutrition to help you work with your hormones instead of against them. Find Dr. Sarah Hill - Book: The Period Brain - Website: SarahEHill.com - Instagram: @SarahEHillPhD  Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions.1. Husband has low sperm morphology. IUI didn’t work—how much does morphology really matter? 2. After 5 losses and 2 years trying, she’s scared to do IVF with genetic testing. What are her next steps? 3. Low AMH, 3 miscarriages, 3 IUIs, 1 IVF—doctor recommended DHEA without checking testosterone. Could her high testosterone have affected IVF? 4. Thoughts on phone-based fertility monitors for someone with PCOS? Are urine hormone measurements reliable? 5. Miscarriage 6 months ago, now trying again. Husband has low testosterone—what safe options or natural approaches can help? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here!⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices