205: Hormones, Fertility, and Environmental Stressors with Leah Brueggeman

<p>You’re in for an awesome episode today! I sat down with functional practitioner and <em>Balancing Hormones Naturally</em> podcast host <strong>Leah Brueggeman</strong> to talk fertility, hormones, and the environmental stressors most people overlook.</p><p><br></p><p>Leah breaks down how toxins, everyday products, and nervous system stress can disrupt hormone balance in both women <em>and</em> men… often without obvious warning signs. We dig into the foundations of hormone health, including blood sugar balance, minerals, digestion, protein, fiber, and why “doing all the right things” doesn’t work if the body is stuck in survival mode.</p><p><br></p><p>Leah also shares her personal health journey and practical, realistic steps to reduce endocrine disruptors in daily life, support fertility naturally, and create a healthier internal environment for conception.</p><p><br></p><p>If fertility or hormone health has felt confusing, frustrating, or out of reach, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and actionable guidance!</p><p><br></p><p>Want more from Leah?<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/balancing-hormones-naturally/id1547263306" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Balancing Hormones Naturally Podcast</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@leahbrueggemann" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">YouTube</a><a href="[https://www.leahbrueggemann.com/](https://www.leahbrueggemann.com/)" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">leahbrueggemann.com</a></p><p><br></p><p>00:56 Guest Introduction: Leah Brueggeman</p><p>01:23 The Impact of Environment on Hormones</p><p>03:29 Rising Infertility Rates and Environmental Factors</p><p>06:40 Increasing Resilience and Personal Health Journey</p><p>15:19 Understanding Hormonal Imbalances</p><p>17:49 Symptoms and Signs of Hormonal Imbalances</p><p>18:50 Men&#39;s Health and Fertility</p><p>22:59 Chronic Exposures and Long-term Effects</p><p>26:40 Understanding Your Nervous System Ladder</p><p>27:05 Calming Techniques for Fight or Flight</p><p>27:23 Addressing Nervous System Shutdown</p><p>27:43 The Importance of Matching Your Regulation Techniques</p><p>28:27 Mineral Support for Adrenals and Thyroid</p><p>28:51 Digestive Health and Nutrient Absorption</p><p>29:15 Potassium-Rich Foods for Stress Management</p><p>29:57 The Role of Sodium and Vitamin C in Adrenal Health</p><p>30:52 Foundational Patterns for Health</p><p>31:40 The Gradual Decline of Health and Energy</p><p>33:12 Quick Wins for Health Impr