#reproductivehealth

In our conversation with Dr. Harper, we cover a range of critical topics:

Dr. Harper's Personal Journey: Dr. Harper shares her own fertility story, starting from her early days as a clinical embryologist to her personal experiences with IVF and motherhood. Her journey uniquely positions her to empathise with and understand the challenges faced by those struggling with fertility.

Understanding Fertility and Age: Dr. Harper explains the impact of age on fertility, particularly the significance of the age of 35 in women's reproductive health. She provides a detailed analysis of how egg quantity and quality diminish over time, emphasising the importance of early education and awareness.

The Role of Education in Fertility: Dr. Harper stresses the need for comprehensive fertility education, starting from schools to adulthood. She advocates for a more informed public, understanding menstrual cycles, and the best times for conception.

Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A): Dr. Harper offers a critical view of PGT-A, discussing its origins, applications, and the lack of conclusive evidence supporting its effectiveness in improving pregnancy outcomes. Her insights challenge the current practices and highlight the need for more reliable fertility treatments.

The Importance of Individualised Fertility Treatment: The discussion highlights how fertility treatments should be tailored to each individual, considering their unique responses to fertility drugs and overall reproductive health.

Advocacy for Reproductive Health Education: Dr. Harper talks about her initiatives, including the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration, aimed at providing comprehensive reproductive health education covering all aspects from puberty to menopause.

For more information or to connect with Dr. Joyce Harper, visit her website at www.joyceharper.com or follow her on social media @JoyceHarper. Don't forget to check out her podcast "Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This?" for more insightful discussions.

For more support and guidance, you can reach out to Maria at https://www.fitnessfertility.com/ 

Remember to subscribe to our podcast for weekly updates, and share this with friends, especially those trying to conceive. Your feedback, ratings, and shares are crucial in spreading the word and supporting others in their journey.

This Podcast is a Worth a Listen production

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Topics covered

1. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH):

FSH plays a vital role in the development of ovarian follicles and the growth of eggs. It's essential for the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle. For optimal fertility, your FSH levels should be below 10 Mili International Units per milliliter. Those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) should pay special attention to the ratio of FSH to luteinizing hormone (LH). Regular exercise can positively influence FSH levels.

2. Luteinising Hormone (LH):

LH, in tandem with FSH, regulates the menstrual cycle and is responsible for triggering ovulation. Around ovulation, ideally, LH levels should range from 6.17 to 17.2 International Units per liter. These levels are crucial for interpreting results from Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs). A healthy lifestyle is key to maintaining proper LH levels.

3. Estradiol (Primary Estrogen):

Estradiol, the primary form of estrogen, is crucial for developing reproductive tissues, regulating the menstrual cycle, and supporting pregnancy. Its levels fluctuate between 10 to 300 Picograms per Milliliter, depending on your menstrual cycle stage. Early menstrual cycle testing of estradiol is often used to assess ovarian reserve.

4. Progesterone:

Progesterone prepares and maintains the uterus for a potential pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining and aiding embryo implantation. Its levels vary significantly throughout the menstrual cycle, being lowest during the follicular phase and peaking in the luteal phase. Medications are available to help manage progesterone levels.

5. Testosterone:

Despite being present in lower levels in women, testosterone is crucial for maintaining libido, bone density, and muscle mass. Abnormally high testosterone levels may indicate ovarian tumors or adrenal gland issues. Normal levels should be around 0.5 to 2.4 Nanomoles per Litre

The balance of these hormones is critical for regulating the menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health. If you have concerns about your hormonal levels or symptoms like unexpected spotting, consult your doctor for proper tests. Blood tests are a straightforward way to assess your hormone levels accurately.

Maria, the IVF trainer, is passionately dedicated to supporting women and couples in realising their dream of having a baby.

Find Maria at Personal Trainer | Fitness Fertility

Instagram: Instagram (@fitness_fertility)

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Topics we covered: 

Sophie began by sharing her personal story, detailing the emotional rollercoaster she experienced during her fertility journey. Speaking candidly about the feelings of isolation, the societal pressures, and the often overwhelming sense of uncertainty that accompanies fertility challenges. Her story  was a poignant reminder of the emotional toll these challenges can take, often overshadowing the physical aspects.

Sophie also touched upon the importance of mental well-being during this journey. Emphasising the need for emotional support, be it through therapy, support groups, or simply finding a community of individuals who understand the intricacies of the experience. She highlighted the therapeutic power of sharing one's story, which led her to establish her podcast, "Lets All Talk Fertility." Through this platform, Sophie aims to bring together experts, advocates, and individuals from all walks of life to share their experiences, insights, and advice.

Sophie also discussed the broader societal implications of fertility challenges. She pointed out the lack of comprehensive fertility education in schools and the general populace's limited understanding of fertility preservation. She passionately advocated for a more inclusive approach to fertility education, emphasising the need to equip young individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their reproductive health in the future.

The conversation also touched upon the advancements in fertility treatments and the hope they bring to many. Sophie shared some success stories,  underscoring the importance of perseverance and staying informed about the latest developments in the field.

Sophie is  commitment to creating a space where stories can be shared, support can be found, and knowledge can be disseminated.

To find Maria go to: www.fitnessfertility.com

This has been a Worth A Listen Production

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is essential to always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or read on the website www.fitnessfertility.com. Your health and well-being are paramount, and it is crucial to make informed decisions with the guidance of a healthcare professional.

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Join host Bruce Anthony as he speaks with OBGYN Dr. Danielle Mathisen about the current issues surrounding abortion rights, and the privilege of working in reproductive health. In this episode, Dr. Mathisen shares her experiences providing comprehensive care for women and how she is actively advocating for the rights of all individuals to access the services they need. Tune in to hear her unique insights and advice on how we can work together to ensure that everyone has access to quality reproductive health care.

Music By @freebeats.io