Insulin Resistance: How It Impacts Fertility, Hormones, and Pregnancy

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Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist, explains how insulin, inflammation, and metabolic health affect ovulation, egg quality, miscarriage risk, and IVF outcomes. You’ll learn why “normal” labs aren’t always optimal, how insulin resistance quietly develops, and what science shows you can do to improve fertility and overall health.

Questions Answered:

What is insulin, and how does it normally work in the body after we eat?

What does it mean when we say “normal” lab values may not be the same as “optimal”?

How does insulin help glucose get into cells?

What is insulin resistance at the cellular level?

How do high insulin levels contribute to inflammation, fat storage, and changes in ovarian hormone production?

How does chronic inflammation and insulin resistance impact brain–ovary communication and ovulation?

What roles do medications and supplements like Metformin and inositol play in addressing insulin resistance?

How does building and using skeletal muscle help lower glucose and reduce the need for insulin?

Why are sleep quality and a ~12‑hour circadian fasting window important for improving insulin sensitivity?

How does chronic stress physiologically raise glucose levels, and what simple movement strategies can help?

What types of foods support insulin sensitivity, and which foods tend to worsen insulin resistance?

How is insulin resistance linked to miscarriage risk, IVF outcomes, embryo development, and time to pregnancy?

Which lab tests are used to evaluate insulin resistance, and how can early intervention help?