reproductive medicine

Join Dr. Mark Amols in this insightful episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday,' as he explores the pivotal aspects of ovarian reserve testing. Focusing on AMH, FSH, and antral follicle count, Dr. Amols clarifies these essential tests, explaining their implications for fertility and treatment response. Uncover why these tests are not definitive indicators of fertility and understand their significance in context. This episode is particularly enlightening for those grappling with low AMH levels or anyone curious about fertility assessments. It's an informative journey that reassures listeners that test results are not the final word on their fertility journey. Dive in to learn why the antral follicle count might be the most significant test and how it fits into the broader picture of reproductive health. Knowledge is empowering in the journey of fertility, and this episode is here to illuminate and guide. Don't forget to rate us with five stars on your favorite platform and spread the word about 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday.' Stay tuned for more engaging discussions every week!

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

In this compelling episode of "Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday," join Dr. Mark Amols as we 'Dial Down' into one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of IVF – Down-Regulation. Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of your IVF journey? This episode shines a light on the significance of down-regulation, explaining how this vital step can make or break the success of your fertility treatment.

Dr. Amols expertly demystifies the science behind down-regulation, exploring why it's not just a procedural step, but a cornerstone in preparing your body for IVF. We delve into the hows and whys, the impact on egg quality, and the overall importance of this phase in synchronizing your cycle for optimal outcomes.

Packed with insightful anecdotes, expert knowledge, and a touch of humor, "Dialing Down on IVF" promises to not only educate but also engage. Whether you're in the midst of your fertility journey, considering IVF, or simply curious about reproductive medicine, this episode is an essential listen. Tune in and discover the intricate dance of hormones and healthcare that defines down-regulation, and why understanding it can be a game-changer for anyone embarking on IVF.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

In this eye-opening episode of "Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday," we're delving into the fascinating world of IVF and uncovering the secrets behind embryo grading. Join us as we turn the microscope on this crucial step in the journey to parenthood, decoding what those A, B, and C grades really mean for your future family.

We'll explore the intricate grading systems like Gardner and Marius, demystifying how embryologists assign these grades and what criteria they use. It's a deep dive into the world of cell division, morphology, and development stages – all explained in a way that's easy to digest, even if you're not a science whiz!

But here’s the twist: does a high grade guarantee a future valedictorian or a sports star? We'll discuss how these grades relate to the potential for implantation and pregnancy, and importantly, what they don't tell us about the future health or success of the baby.

Moreover, we'll address the intriguing question of subjectivity in grading. Just like schools, different embryologists might have different grading 'styles'. What does this mean for predicting IVF success, and how much should you weigh these grades in your decision-making process?

So, grab your favorite taco, sit back, and get ready for an enlightening journey into the report cards of IVF. This episode is not just a lesson in embryology; it's a heart-to-heart on the hopes, myths, and realities of fertility treatments. Whether you're deep in the IVF process or just curious about how it all works, "A+ Embryos: Decoding the Report Card of IVF" is your guide to understanding one of the most talked-about aspects of fertility treatments.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Welcome to a revealing episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' - 'A Womb with a View: Hysteroscopy's Insight into the Embryo's First Home!' In this episode, we not only explore the fascinating world of hysteroscopy but also walk you through what to expect during this insightful procedure. From the moment you step into the doctor's office to the post-procedure care, we'll cover it all. Discover how hysteroscopy offers a clear view into the uterus, the all-important sanctuary for an embryo's development. We'll demystify the process, share useful tips, and sprinkle in some humor to keep things light. So whether you're curious, anxious, or just looking to learn, tune in for an episode that promises to enlighten and entertain in equal measure!"

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

In this heartwarming end-of-year episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday', Dr. Mark Amols serves up a generous helping of hope and wisdom. Diving into the often-overlooked power of minor adjustments in fertility treatments, Dr. Amols explains why a 'complete overhaul' isn't always the answer when facing setbacks. Likening fertility treatment to perfecting a spaghetti recipe, he offers a fresh perspective on tweaking protocols for greater success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the ups and downs of IVF, serving not only as a guide but also as a reminder that sometimes, a little more salt and a bit less pepper is all you need to create the perfect dish. Join us for an insightful and reassuring discussion, sprinkled with Dr. Amols' signature humor and empathy, as we wrap up the year with positivity and look forward to new beginnings. Remember, it's not about changing the entire recipe; it's about making the right adjustments to find your perfect blend.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

In this week's episode of "Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday," we delve into the fascinating realm of embryo quality, unraveling the complex relationship between an embryo's morphologic features and its genetic makeup. 

Join us as we explore intriguing analogies to simplify the seemingly daunting topic of embryo genetics. From discussing why a pristine facade may mask underlying genetic anomalies, to understanding why some embryos reach the blastocyst stage yet harbor genetic abnormalities, we unfold the mysteries surrounding embryo development. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, we aim to shed light on the captivating dance between an embryo's outward appearance and its inner genetic code.

Tune in to uncover the stories that embryos tell through their morphological and genetic attributes, and how these factors play a crucial role in the fertility journey. Whether you're a hopeful parent, a medical professional, or someone with a budding interest in reproductive health, this episode offers a hearty serving of knowledge, spiced up with our signature taco humor. It's time to taco 'bout the essence of life, one gene at a time!

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform.

Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com.

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com.

Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

Dr. Mitzi Krockover, board certified internist and host of Beyond the Paper Gown Podcast, joins Jeanne today. They talk about 3 women's health risks that we do not talk about enough: Cardio vascular disease, bone health, and internal medicine for women. Dr. Krockover explains that we are more than just our reproductive health or "bikini medicine", there are other health factors we need to be aware of, and know how to navigate.

Episode Key Moments:

[00:20] Introduction

[03:02] Why don't we talk about bone health enough and why is it important?

[05:40] Bone health, pregnancy, breastfeeding and post-breastfeeding.

[06:59] Must you take vitamin D with calcium? What does vitamin D do?

[08:23] Tests for bone health: When to do them, how to intervene with osteoporosis.

[09:53] Cardio vascular disease in women: Why is it important? Why do we need to talk about it more?

[14:15] What specific episodes or diseases are we talking about when we talk about cardiovascular disease in women?

[16:33] Signs of cardio vascular problem: What symptoms and signs should we be aware of?

[21:18] Internal medicine issues for women and why we don't talk about it enough?

[25:14] What an internist does and what diseases they are focused on.

[26:57] What Dr. Krockover does on the daily to live her best life.

[27:23] Beyond the Paper Gown Podcast, and where to find Dr. Krocover.

Guest Details:

Dr. Mitzi Krockover: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Beyond the Paper Gown Podcast

Jeanne Retief: FIGGI Beauty Shop | My FIGGI Life Podcast | My FIGGI Life Blog | Instagram | Facebook

EPISODE LINKS

Dr. Jeanne Retief: About | FIGGI Life & Beauty | Anxiety Blog | Instagram | LinkedIn

Dr. Amelia Kelley: About | Dr. Kelley's Books | Instagram

Women are warned that as they get older their fertility declines. The popular view is that men can father children at any age. But age is also a factor for fertility problems in men. There’s also a pronounced global decline in sperm counts. So what can men do to boost their chances of becoming a father?  

How can epigenetic changes affect your fertility or the health of your child conceived by fertility treatment? We talk with Dr. Jason Franasiak, a board certified Obstetrician Gynecologist, board certified Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist, board certified High Complexity Laboratory Director in Embryology and Andrology, and lead physician of RMA’s Marlton Clinic and Lab in South Jersey. He has authored and contributed to over 100 peer reviewed publications, published chapters and abstracts. He serves on the Editorial Board for Fertility and Sterility and the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

In this episode, we cover:

• What is epigenetics?
• What factors can influence or affect the epigenome?
• Can we “see” epigenetic changes?
• How do epigenetic factors impact our health?
• What are the genetic and epigenetic factors associated with female infertility?
• What are the genetic and epigenetic factors associated with female PCOS?
• What are the genetic and epigenetic factors associated with endometriosis?
• What are the genetic and epigenetic factors associated with primary ovarian insufficiency?
• What are the genetic and epigenetic factors associated with male infertility?
• How could epigenetics affect modifications in invitro fertilization and invitro embryo development?
• Imprinting disorders
• Do environmental factors affect epigenetics?
• What are epigenetic disorders?
• Are children conceived by IVF more likely to have epigenetic disorders?
• Can epigenetic changes be heritable across generations?

This podcast is produced  by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them. Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:

• Weekly podcasts
• Weekly articles/blog posts
• Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Please leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

Please leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

We talk with Dr. Julie Lamb about Endometriosis and Adenomyosis. Dr. Lamb is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist practicing at Pacific Northwest Fertility in Seattle and Bellevue and serves as clinical faculty at the University of Washington.

In this episode, we cover:
Endometriosis

• What is endometriosis?
• What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
• What is the cause of endometriosis?
• Is there a genetic link to endometriosis?
• What factors increase your risk of developing endometriosis?
• Does having endometriosis make you at greater risk for cancer?
• How is endometriosis diagnosed?
• Is a definitive diagnosis necessary before treatment?
• How is endometriosis treated?
• When should laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometriosis lesions be considered for the treatment of endometriosis?
• When should hysterectomy be considered for treatment of endometriosis?
• What are endometriomas?
• What method is best for removing endometrial lesions: laser, electrical pulse, or other?
• Is it possible to cure endometriosis?
• What options are available to treat endometriosis on the fallopian tubes?
• How does endometriosis affect fertility?
• Does endometriosis affect the success of infertility treatment?

Adenomyosis 

• What is adenomyosis and how does it differ from endometriosis?
• Adenomyosis vs. Fibroids
• What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?
• Is there a genetic link to adenomyosis?
• How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
• How is adenomyosis treated?
• Does adenomyosis affect the success of infertility treatment? 

General

• More common in Black or Asian or Latina women?
• Lupron
• Can endometriosis be treated through diet or lifestyle changes? 

This podcast is produced  by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them. Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:

• Weekly podcasts
• Weekly articles/blog posts
• Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Please leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

Please leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

This episode covers the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.

Written notes can be found at https://zerotofinals.com/obgyn/reproductivesystem/physiologyinpregnancy/ or in the reproductive system section of the Zero to Finals obstetrics and gynaecology book.

The audio in the episode was expertly edited by Harry Watchman.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tia Jackson-Bey about Racial Disparities in Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Jackson-Bey is a Reproductive Endocrinologist with RMA of NY. She speaks frequently on reproductive justice and increasing access to fertility care and she is a member of the Americian Society for Reproductive Medicine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce.

In this episode, we cover:

• What biological reproductive health conditions that can impact their fertility are Black women more prone to.
  • Tubal or uterine abnormalities
  • PCOS
  • Fibroids
• Racial Disparities in Infertility Treatment
  • African American women are more likely than white women to experience infertility and wait longer to seek care.
  • Women of color are less likely to access fertility treatment.
• Racial Disparities in Other Reproductive Health Issues
  • Contraceptive use
  • Pap tests
  • Mammograms
  • Maternal mortality
  • Preterm birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Uptake of human papillomavirus vaccination
• What are some of the social and structural challenges that contribute to these racial and ethnic disparities?
• What can infertility nurses do to reduce racial disparities in reproductive health care?

Please leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

Guest Elizabeth Manheim Ades had known medical school was in her future but decided to take advantage of a liberal arts education and major in history. A senior year course on topics and ethics in assisted reproduction and a related research project solidified that a life in medicine—specifically IVF—would be hers. So when a first attempt at med school admission didn’t work in her favor, she sought out post-bac medical programs that would qualify her. Instead she found herself in a PhD program in microbiology and molecular genetics, with no intention to teach or do research or even see it through a diploma. Nevertheless, she found a great fruit fly lab and mentor to teach her skills that ultimately she would use daily. A few more tries at med school—including a last minute admission—and an ill-fitting post-doc made her realize that she needed to stick on a different path.

To get a foot in the door, she took a desk job at the IVF lab that had first inspired her to get into reproductive medicine. She got the training that she needed and became a full-time embryologist. After years, however, that took its toll and a repetitive use injury ended her dream job. Finding a new path after that loss was preparation she needed for a few more shake-ups in life.

In this episode, find out from Elizabeth how sticking with things and working through the losses can reveal where you're meant to be…on ROADS TAKEN...with Leslie Jennings Rowley.

About This Episode's Guest

Elizabeth Manheim Ades has had a long and varied career in molecular genetics and reproductive medicine. She has had a research career at Sloan Kettering, Rutgers, and Kean Universities. She also spent nearly a decade as a clinical embryologist and assistant professor of reproductive medicine at Cornell-Weill Medical. She now specializes in creating continuing education courses for medical professionals.

Mentioned in This Episode

The mini-documentary “Auggie’s Story,” produced in association with Nakiah Cherry Chinchilla and intended for use with the case study “Auggie’s Story: A Child with Huntington Disease” by Laura Y. Lorentzen, Kristie Reilly, Connor Baucom, and Elizabeth A. Manheim.

The video was originally filmed and edited (with consent) by the case study authors. The entire case study can be found on the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science website.

Executive Producer/Host: Leslie Jennings Rowley

Music: Brian Burrows

Find more episodes at https://roadstakenshow.com

Email the show at RoadsTakenShow@gmail.com

Find more episodes at https://roadstakenshow.com

Executive Producer/Host: Leslie Jennings Rowley

Music: Brian Burrows

Email the show at RoadsTakenShow@gmail.com

Episode Summary:

If you Google “research Chinese herbs infertility,” you will find a bunch of evidence-based articles to support their use. Why? Because they are super effective. Chinese herbs are more revered in China to treat infertility than acupuncture! 

So how do you know if it's a good idea to try? You might want to consider them for any challenge. If you aren’t getting pregnant despite acupuncture, vitamins, dietary changes,  IVF, etc..  then you might think about tasting the yucky juice.

So why do they get a bad rap? One reason is that many doctors are worried about herbs interfering with medications. But in actuality, some herbs can increase the effectiveness of some medications, such as Clomid. Unfortunately, there are also some herbs that have some toxicity. But this is super rare, and a qualified herbalist would know how to navigate these issues. On that note, it can be hard to find a qualified herbal doctor, but I’ll share some pointers on that. All said, in the right hands, they are a game-changer.

If you’ve ever drank the herbs as tea, you know they are NOT delicious. I refer to it as “junk juice” in my practice for good reason! The good news is that modern versions such as capsules are available if the taste just isn’t tolerable.  Tune in to this week’s session to get the inside scoop all about Chinese herbs for fertility and beyond!

Thanks for Listening:

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think others would love to hear it, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!

www.naturnalife.com

Subscribing to The Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!

Leave Us an Apple Podcasts Review:

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. So if you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Episode Summary:

If you’ve been on the journey to get your baby, you might be familiar with the concept of “egg reserve”, aka, How many eggs do we have to work with?

We are all born with a finite number of eggs, but some of us will have less than others. While other women might be burning them up at a faster rate. It’s crazy, but some women have biological clocks that are ticking faster than others. I’m quite sure I burned mine up early with a high-stress lifestyle. Luckily I had methods to restore my ovaries enough to conceive. 

Your ovarian reserve can be a major indicator of how well you'll respond to IVF treatment, and in many cases, it might be better to tackle naturally. In this episode, I'll walk you through what your ovarian reserve really means for your fertility, as well as strategies to boost your odds of conception.

Thanks for Listening:

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think others would love to hear it, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!

www.naturnalife.com

Subscribing to The Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!

Leave Us an Apple Podcasts Review:

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. So if you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Episode Summary:

The new year is a great time to take inventory of the habits that are either serving or hindering us. If we are honest with ourselves, most of us know there are choices we are making on the daily that aren’t necessarily breeding “fertile grounds.” We feel stuck and sometimes don't know how to change. Before setting intentions, it can be useful to tune into patterns of behavior that we know we need to shake up. Then we can more easily identify a starting point to move forward. Whether it's overindulging in food or drink, staying up too late, being too plugged in, or using toxic products in our cleaning or cosmetic regime - adjusting just one thing can make a world of difference. You don't need to take on the world, but taking action will help you take your power back in a time when you may feel powerless. Tune into this episode for a loving nudge.

Thanks for Listening:

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think others would love to hear it, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!

www.naturnalife.com

Subscribing to The Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!

Leave Us an Apple Podcasts Review:

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. So if you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Episode Summary:

A thin uterine lining is a common obstacle many face in the realm of implantation challenges. And while conventional medical options are limited, natural medicine has a lot to offer. 

“But why isn’t my lining cooperating?!”  Often it is due to low levels of certain reproductive hormones, such as estrogen. This is common in women with PCOS or hypothalamic amenorrhea due to the underproduction of hormones. Other potential culprits are medications such as Clomid, insulin resistance, high androgens, scarring, infections, high stress, and growths like adenomyosis or fibroids.

Conventional treatments often involve supplementing estrogen in the form of patches and pills. Sadly, this isn't effective in many cases because some women's bodies can’t absorb it. In addition, blasting estrogen can actually worsen the situation for many women—especially those with estrogen-sensitive growths like fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis. So what’s a girl to do? Tune in to this week's episode to hear about the uterine plumping magic that natural methods offer.

Thanks for Listening:

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think others would love to hear it, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!

www.naturnalife.com

Subscribing to The Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!

Leave Us an Apple Podcasts Review:

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. So if you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Episode Summary:

Chocolate is a go-to for many women when they get in the mood for a "fix.” Particularly in the premenstrual phase of our cycle, the craving for this dark mistress can easily lead to daily indulgence. But dark chocolate is fine, right? Reasonably low in sugar, not too bad on fat, and loaded with antioxidants. That's the narrative I usually hear in defense of this decadent treat. Boo on me for delivering this news during the holidays (though that was actually part of the plan), but chocolate is definitely NOT your ally if you suffer from hormonal symptoms like PMS, mood swings, fluid retention, constipation, insomnia, and the like. It's especially not good after a medicated IUI or IVF cycle or two (or three, four, five...). Tune into this week's episode to find out why we crave chocolate and why it makes our hormonal hell much much more hellish. Teaser has a lot to do with its nutritional profile and how that mixes with our hormones.

Thanks for Listening:

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think others would love to hear it, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!

www.naturnalife.com

Subscribing to The Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!

Leave Us an Apple Podcasts Review:

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. So if you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Episode Summary:

This episode is the story of one tenacious woman. Ashley Gildin would stop at nothing to get her babies. As your quintessential Type A New Yorker, she sought out the advice of NYCs reproductive specialists and tried a myriad of treatments and procedures. In our session, she walks us through her adventure seeing fertility experts, including those in the realm of immunology, surgery, and surrogacy. But, Ashley didn't stop there. She even went on to see a healer before her last cycle. Tune in to hear how she ended up with 2 babies in 4 months! 

Guest Bio:

Ashley Gildin Spitzer is an IVF, NICU, and Surrogacy mom of two, as well as the founder of the Facebook group "Fertility Friends of Friends." Ashley has started a community where others can provide hope, stories, and advice to those who are struggling and going through it simultaneously, where women can lean on each other and find friendship and guidance in difficult times.

Important Links:

Instagram

Facebook Group

Linkedin

Blog Post

Thanks for Listening:

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think others would love to hear it, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode or want to be a guest on the show? Leave a comment in the section below or visit the website to contact me!

www.naturnalife.com

Subscribing to The Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, or whatever your favorite podcast app is!

Leave Us an Apple Podcasts Review:

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. So if you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Episode Summary:

We all know that our liver plays a major role in processing a myriad of toxins. As the hot seat of detoxification, the liver acts as the filter through which all things pass. If it is functioning in good order, the liver packages up all the junk that enters our system and helps it find the exit through bowels, kidneys, skin, and breath. Lesser known is that the liver converts many of our hormones into their active forms (i.e., thyroid) and also cleanses hormone residues from our bodies (i.e., estrogen). It can't do its important work if clogged up, leading to toxic build-up and hormonal imbalances. This is really important because a funky thyroid or an excess of estrogen will start to throw off our fertility. Collateral damage ranges from issues with ovulation to growth of fibroids or endometriosis, issues with egg quality and implantation. It runs the gamut! Why? Toxins and hormone residues from foods, medications (i.e., IVF…), and life in general build up and lead to inflammation and free radical damage. When our liver isn't doing its job, we are aging FAST. Need more convincing? Tune in for the scoop on why liver health is crucial for hormonal balance and fertility.

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