Fertility + Hormones + Health + Lifestyle
Welcome to the blog
Top Do’s and Don’ts If You’re Trying to Conceive
Dr. Natalie Crawford, fertility expert and board-certified OB/GYN, breaks down the essential do’s and don’ts for optimizing your chances of conception. From understanding your cycle to choosing the right lubricant, this guide will help you take charge of your fertility journey with confidence.
Chemical Pregnancy Loss: 8 Possible Causes of a Chemical Pregnancy
Double board-certified OBGYN, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses eight possible causes of chemical pregnancy loss. She emphasizes that while chromosome abnormalities, often due to age-related aneuploidy, are the most common cause, other factors like poor embryo quality, low progesterone levels, endocrine issues, autoimmune diseases, clotting disorders, inflammation, and uterine issues can also contribute. She stresses the importance of thorough evaluation, including hormone testing, karyotype analysis, and uterine cavity evaluation. Dr. Crawford advises patients to advocate for themselves and seek specialized care for recurrent pregnancy loss.
TTC Q&A - Ovulation, Prenatal, Endometriosis, and More!
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your fertility questions, covering everything from frustrating OPK struggles and irregular periods to short luteal phases, PCOS, and managing endometriosis while trying to conceive. Whether you're wondering how to track ovulation more effectively, when to try naturally after surgery, or how supplements and hormones fit into your journey this episode is for you.
TWW: 9 Things to Do During the Two-Week Wait
Double-board certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, shares 9 practical tips to help you support implantation and manage stress during the two-week wait. From the importance of progesterone to how nutrition, sleep, movement, and hydration can impact your body, Dr. Crawford breaks down what’s happening hormonally and how you can support the process. Whether you're trying to conceive naturally or with fertility treatments, this video will help you focus on what you can control during the two-week wait.
Male Fertility Q&A - Low Testosterone, IUI, Morphology, and more!
Dr. Natalie Crawford gives an in-depth look at male fertility, a topic often overlooked in discussions of reproductive health. She begins by explaining the spermatogenesis process, detailing how sperm develop over approximately 72 days, and how this timeline impacts fertility assessments and treatment planning.
No Embryos After IVF? What To Do After A Failed IVF Cycle
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses he challenges and considerations for patients undergoing IVF when no embryos are produced. She explains that age, ovarian reserve, and even inflammation can all impact egg quality. She emphasizes the power of personalized tweaks, like adjusting meds or targeting specific follicle sizes, to boost egg maturity. While younger women often have better fertilization and blastocyst rates, everyone can benefit from reviewing outcomes with their doctor and making lifestyle changes to improve future cycles.
FET Q&A - Timing, Post-Transfer, Lining, and More!
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your voicemail questions about frozen embryo transfers. From transfer timing and uterine health to post-transfer activities and intimacy during treatment, this episode covers the essential insights every fertility patient needs to know.
Heavy Periods: 6 Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses six causes of heavy periods that require medical evaluation. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing abnormal bleeding, such as passing clots or feeling exhausted, as heavy periods can indicate underlying issues. The six causes include uterine polyps, which are often benign but can be malignant if untreated; uterine fibroids, which can cause heavy bleeding and require surgical removal; adenomyosis, an inflammatory condition affecting the uterus; endometrial cancer, particularly in women with irregular periods; anovulation, which disrupts the menstrual cycle; and retained products of conception, which can cause heavy bleeding post-pregnancy. Dr. Crawford advises seeking medical evaluation for any significant changes in menstrual patterns.
IVF Q&A - Protocols, Preparation, and OHSS
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses IVF answering questions about fertility treatment preparation and potential challenges. She explains why starting early with suppression medications like birth control, progesterone, or Lupron can help align egg growth for a more effective cycle. She breaks down the benefits of using a low-dose gonadotropin protocol to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and emphasizes the importance of checking hormone levels, particularly FSH and LH, before starting to ensure your body will respond well to the trigger shot. Dr. Crawford shares lifestyle recommendations that support fertility, including adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, and considering supplements tailored to individual needs. She also highlights the value of comprehensive fertility testing and understanding the financial aspects of treatment so you can make informed decisions every step of the way.
Progesterone: Should You Take Progesterone For A Short Luteal Phase?
Double board-certified OBGYN/REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into the topic of the luteal phase and progesterone. She explains what the luteal phase is, what it means to have a short luteal phase, and why simply taking progesterone isn’t always the right answer. Dr. Crawford clarifies how the menstrual cycle works, how to track ovulation accurately, and the common mistakes patients are told about hormone levels especially when trying to conceive. This video is a must-watch for anyone looking to better understand their hormones, fertility, and cycle health.
Uterine Conditions That Could Impact Your Fertility
Dr. Crawford breaks down the complex topic of uterine abnormalities—structural differences in the uterus that can affect menstruation, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. She explains the different types of uterine anomalies, how they are diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.
Fertility Q&A: Amenorrhea, BBT, Clomid, AMH, and more!
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your fertility questions called into the voicemail.
What You Need to Know About the HSG Test
Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the HSG (hysterosalpingogram) test explaining when it’s recommended, what the procedure involves, and what it can reveal about your fertility. She offers practical tips for preparation, discusses alternatives, and highlights who might benefit from early testing—all with the goal of helping you feel informed and empowered during their fertility journey.
Cycle Tracking: How to Get Pregnant FAST Using Fertility Awareness Methods
Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified OB/GYN and REI, gives a comprehensive guide to cycle tracking. During National Fertility Awareness Week, Dr. Crawford breaks down the complex world of reproductive health, explaining how your body's hormonal signals work and providing practical methods to understand your fertility window.
Top Tips For Trying To Get Pregnant
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses her top tips for trying to conceive, emphasizing the importance of prenatal vitamins and the need for a preconception consult with an OB-GYN. She advises tracking cycles, using methods beyond apps, and considering genetic carrier screening. She also addresses listener questions, suggesting early testing and lifestyle changes to improve fertility outcomes. This episode offers practical, evidence-based insights to help optimize fertility and understand reproductive health.
How Long Will It Take You To Get Pregnant?
Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down what to expect when trying to conceive. She shares eye-opening statistics, age-related fertility insights, and practical advice to help women understand their bodies and take control of their fertility journey. With her compassionate and educational tone, Dr. Crawford empowers you with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about family planning.
Can GLP-1 Medications Improve Fertility? Is Ozempic Safe If You Are TTC?
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, their role in weight loss, and how they may impact fertility. She explains how these medications work, what the current research says about safety, and when they may be appropriate to use. She breaks down the connection between obesity, PCOS, and fertility outcomes in an easy-to-understand way. She emphasizes the importance of personalized care and understanding your body before starting any new medication. This video is a must-watch for anyone navigating fertility and considering GLP-1 therapy.
Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?
Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, breaks down everything you need to know about how breastfeeding impacts fertility. From understanding lactational amenorrhea to navigating fertility treatments while nursing, she explains the science behind prolactin, ovulation, and the best timing for conception postpartum.
Hormones, Gut Health, and Fertility: How Are They Connected? Can a Leaky Gut Cause Infertility?
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, explores the link between gut health, estrogen metabolism, and fertility. Chronic inflammation in the gut, commonly referred to as “leaky gut”, can alter your microbiome and disrupt how your body processes estrogen. From exploring the connection between diet and gut bacteria to discussing how stress and environmental factors influence hormone regulation, Dr. Crawford provides a comprehensive guide to optimizing your gut health.
Improving IVF or Egg Freezing Outcomes
Dr. Natalie Crawford explains how individualized protocols can lead to better outcomes in IVF and egg freezing. She breaks down key fertility concepts, including ovarian reserve, AMH levels, follicle counts, and the roles of FSH and LH in egg development. Dr. Crawford also discusses how age affects egg quality, the potential impact of sperm genetics, and why multiple cycles are sometimes needed to achieve a healthy embryo. She emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and lifestyle changes to support reproductive success.