Fertility + Hormones + Health + Lifestyle
Welcome to the blog
Episode 113: Estrogen Dominance
Join host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks about estrogen. Understand what it is, how it is made, when it should be checked, and what it means. Estrogen is a hormone that is essential. You need to understand what it means to be diagnosed with "estrogen dominance" and what it does not - covering ovulation issues, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and fertility.
PCOS: What are the treatments?
In the last blog post you learned all about what PCOS, what causes it, and how it is diagnosed. Now I will discuss the treatment including diet, lifestyle factors, and fertility treatments. Lifestyle factors can improve hormone dysfunction and regardless of whether you are trying to get pregnant, having your body function the best that it can is important.
Episode 112: Endocrinology, with Dr. Arti Thangudu
Join host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks all about the endocrine system with Dr. Arti Thangudu, a board certified medical endocrinologist and founder of SA complete - a lifestyle focused direct care practice. Listen as they discuss the importance of hormones, what you need to understand about yours, and tips to know when to see care and who can help you with your endocrine problems - thyroid, PCOS, diabetes, and more.
What is PCOS?
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
I like to consider PCOS to be a stubborn ovary. Basically the communication between the brain and the ovary is dysfunctional. So you probably know that the brain sends out two hormones, LH and FSH. They do different things. FSH (a well named hormone, follicle stimulating hormone) controls a follicle growing, which happens as an egg matures. LH (luteinizing hormone) helps trigger ovulation (egg release) and stimulate progesterone production in the luteal phase. LH is also very important in the production of hormones.
Episode 111: Prioritizing You
Join host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks about prioritizing you. In this episode, hear her talk about 4 principles to think about when talking care of yourself. Take self care into action but understanding that when you take care of yourself, you are a better person. Learn about you resources: time, physical health, emotional and mental health, and money, and understand if you are using them to the best of your ability.
AMH and Ovarian Reserve: Should You Test Your Fertility?
You are born with all the eggs (oocytes) you will ever have, and every person runs out eventually. But how do you know how many eggs you have left? Should you test your fertility? What is AMH? What is your ovarian reserve? Fertility Doctor, Natalie Crawford, MD talks about fertility testing and ovarian reserve. What should you know now if you want to have kids in the future? What should you know if you are trying to conceive or undergoing fertility treatments? How do you know if you are running out of eggs? How many eggs do you have left?
Episode 110: Use Your Voice
Join host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks about the importance of using your voice. Especially as a woman in medicine, people are often telling you to fit in and be inside the box they expect for you, but all the good things come from being outside the box. Learn why using your voice is important, understand how you can tap into that voice, and learn why your voice not only helps others, but also helps you.
TRANS FERTILITY: Is Fertility Inclusive?
Fertility doctor Natalie Crawford, MD talks about fertility care for transgender persons. Is fertility inclusive?
Reviewing: What is the difference in sex and gender?
What is trans?
What does it mean to be trans?
How do you transition?
Does transitioning impact your fertility?
Do fertility doctors take care of trans persons?
Can you freeze your eggs on testosterone treatment?
Can you freeze your sperm on estrogen?
What needs to be considered before transitioning: fertility preservation.
Discussed in this video: Access to fertility services by transgender and nonbinary persons: an Ethics Committee opinion
COVID VACCINE: PREGNANCY AND PLACENTA | Is the COVID Vaccine Safe in Pregnancy?
Dr. Natalie Crawford, board certified OBGYN and REI, discussed the COVID vaccine in pregnancy and placental changes. Does the COVID vaccine cause sterilization? Does the COVID vaccine attack the placenta? Does the COVID vaccine cause an increase in miscarriage or stillbirth? Is the COVID vaccine safe if breastfeeding? Is the COVID vaccine safe in pregnancy?
*up to date as of May 17, 2021
This is educational content and not medical advice. Please ask your doctor and specific questions that may pertain to your medical care.
Natural Fertility: What Supplements Should I be Taking for Fertility?
Even if your diet consists of many of these vitamins, it’s still important to consider taking supplements, but what should you take? More information on appropriate supplements when you are tying to conceive.
Episode 109: Inclusivity, with Dr. Emily Seidler
Join host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks with fellow fertility physician and friend Dr. Emily Seidler about inclusivity. Listen to Emily's story of freezing her eggs, learn about what inclusivity is and why it matters. Hear about easy action steps you can take to be more inclusive. Learn about LGBTQ and single person family building options.
Top Egg Freezing Tips From a Fertility Doctor
Fertility doctor Natalie Crawford, MD talks about egg freezing and gives top tips for things you should consider if you are thinking about freezing you eggs.
Fertility Q&A LIVE
Answering your fertility questions LIVE! Join me to answer your fertility questions all about trying to conceive, natural fertility, infertility treatments, IVF, and more.
Episode 108: COVID Vaccine: Periods, Pregnancy, and Fertility
Join host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks the latest about the COVID vaccine and women's health. Reviewing the latest research on the new CDC recommendation on the COVID vaccine and pregnancy, implications of COVID infection and neonatal and maternal outcomes, period changes with the COVID vaccine, and latest research on fertility, breastfeeding, and mammogram screening.
Answering Your Fertility Questions - Part 3
Fertility doctor Natalie Crawford, MD is answering your fertility questions today for National Infertility Awareness Week.
Answering Your Fertility Questions - Part 2
Fertility doctor Natalie Crawford, MD is answering your fertility questions today for National Infertility Awareness Week. Covered in this episode (PART 2)
Answering Your Fertility Questions - Part 1
Fertility doctor Natalie Crawford, MD is answering your fertility questions today for National Infertility Awareness Week. What is Infertility?
Natural Fertility: Diet
A study published in the American Journey of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2019 showed that a fertility diet high in supplemental folic acid, B-12, and vitamin D, had low pesticide produce, whole grains over simple carbohydrates, dairy, soy foods, and fish over red meats had higher probabilities of live birth even with IVF. Female reproduction is a hormone dependent and sensitive process. Many things have to come together and function normally. This does not mean that you need to be vegan or vegetarian, although I am a huge advocate for a plant-based diet. However, if you choose to go vegan or vegetarian you likely need to supplement your diet with vitamins and nutrients. I also believe that everyone should be taking daily supplements.
Episode 107: AMH
Join host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks all about ovarian reserve and AMH (antimullerian hormone). What is AMH? What does it mean? What should you know if you screen your fertility and your AMH is low? Does AMH impact your natural fertility? Does a low AMH cause infertility? How does AMH impact your future and your goals?