Fertility 101: What Every Woman Should Know About Her Body

Mary Alice and Dr. A sit down with reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert Dr. Natalie Crawford for a deep dive into everything women should know about their fertility before they’re ready to have a baby. They discuss why fertility can be an important reflection of overall health, how inflammation, endometriosis, PCOS/PMOS, and autoimmune conditions can impact reproductive health, and why women shouldn’t have to wait until they’re struggling to conceive before they start asking questions.The conversation also breaks down AMH and ovarian reserve, egg freezing, when it makes sense to see a fertility specialist, and what women should know about long-term birth control and fertility. Dr. Crawford shares why getting more information earlier can give women more choices later, and why understanding your own body is one of the most important parts of advocating for your health.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.SponsorsProlon: For a limited time, Prolon is offering SHE MD listeners 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit ProlonLife.com/SHEMD Olly: Shop Precise Probiotics with Skin, Stress Response or Metabolism Support at a Walmart near you. David: David is offering our listeners a special deal. Buy four cartons and get the fifth free when you go to davidprotein.com/shemd. Gusto: Try Gusto today at gusto.com/SHEMD, and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Hers: Ready to reach your goals? Visit forhers.com/shemd to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. Egglife: Find Egglife chillin' in the fridge at Aldi, Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, Walmart & more. Visit egglifefoods.com to find a retailer near you. What You’ll LearnWhy fertility can be an important marker of overall healthHow inflammation can affect reproductive healthWhat AMH measures and what it can tell you about ovarian reserveWhen women should consider fertility testingWhen it may make sense to see a fertility specialistWhat to know about egg freezing and ovarian reserveHow endometriosis, PCOS/PMOS, and autoimmune conditions can affect fertilityWhether long-term birth control can impact fertilityWhat to consider before coming off birth control and trying to conceiveHow to advocate for yourself when you feel dismissed by your doctorKey Timestamps00:00 Male Fertility Is Half the Puzzle01:42 The Fertility Formula Meet Dr. Natalie Crawford02:15 Reproductive Endocrinology: Her Path to Fertility Medicine05:34 Inflammation: The Hidden Root of Infertility08:01 Chronic Inflammation vs. Normal Immune Response10:07 Celiac, Endo, Hashimoto's Medical Causes of Inflammation11:16 Undiagnosed Infertility13:02 Anti-Inflammatory Eating Explained16:09 Gut Microbiome Fiber & Healthy Fats25:01 AMH:The Ovarian Reserve Test29:53 Missed Diagnoses Endometriosis & PMOS30:16 Private Equity and Fertility Medicine40:28 Endo Test New Blood & Saliva Diagnostics43:18 Does Birth Control Hurt Fertility?45:02 IUDs: Thin Linings & Scar Tissue Risk50:33 When to See a Specialist? 53:05 Pregnancy After 40Key TakeawaysFertility is about more than getting pregnant. Fertility issues can sometimes point to underlying health conditions that deserve attention.You don't have to wait until you're trying to conceive to learn about your fertility. The conversation explores how earlier testing can give women more information and more choices.AMH is one piece of the fertility puzzle. Understanding ovarian reserve can help women make more informed decisions about their reproductive timeline and options.Birth control does not appear to cause long-term infertility. Dr. Crawford explains that research has not shown a long-term difference in conception rates after stopping the