Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, reveals the top 5 essential steps every woman should take before trying to conceive. She emphasizes the importance of making key lifestyle changes, stopping birth control at the right time, and tracking your menstrual cycle to ensure regularity. Dr. Crawford also recommends starting a prenatal vitamin with adequate folic acid, and scheduling a preconception visit with your OBGYN to review important bloodwork.

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses the importance of vaginal ultrasounds in fertility evaluations by providing a closer look at your uterus, ovaries, and surrounding anatomy. She dives into what these ultrasounds can (and can’t) detect, shedding light on their limitations and why they're so important for your fertility journey. Dr. Crawford also shares must-ask questions for your healthcare provider to help you feel empowered and informed during your visit.

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses what you need to know if you are considering or in the midst of fertility treatment. She walks through the key steps in the fertility evaluation process, including testing ovarian reserve, assessing reproductive anatomy, and analyzing semen quality. She explains the treatment options available for those with unexplained infertility, outlining the pros and cons of approaches like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down everything you need to know about ovulation. She explains how to track ovulation, recognize key signs, and understand the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle. With practical tips and expert insights, this guide helps readers take control of their fertility and make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Double board-certified OB-GYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, provides top tips for starting IVF, emphasizing the importance of preparation and understanding the process. She explains IVF involves stimulating a month's group of eggs, with success rates influenced by age and ovarian reserve. Dr. Crawford highlights the importance of understanding the IVF process, setting realistic expectations, and being an advocate for oneself to navigate the IVF journey more effectively.

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses PCOS treatment options, emphasizing the importance of understanding the normal ovulation process. Letrozole is a common treatment for PCOS, working by reducing estrogen levels to stimulate FSH production. She advises monitoring with ultrasounds and progesterone levels. For those not responding to Letrozole, Clomid may be considered. Dr. Crawford also highlights the role of lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and stress reduction, in managing PCOS. She mentions the potential benefits of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and insulin resistance, though they should be discontinued before attempting pregnancy.

Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the complexities of ovarian function, egg reserve, and the natural process of reproductive aging. By understanding how the ovaries work, you can make informed decisions about your fertility and overall health.

Double board-certified fertility OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses the impact that the environment can have on your hormones. She gives a thorough explanation of the connection between your brain and ovaries and how that connection can be disrupted. Dr. Crawford provides a comprehensive list of symptoms that may indicate chronic inflammation, emphasizing the importance of addressing these underlying issues rather than solely focusing on hormone levels. Finally, she encourages you to be proactive in monitoring their health, documenting any concerning symptoms, and working with your healthcare provider to identify and address the root causes of hormone imbalances.

Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into the topic of fertility preservation. Recognizing the growing need for women to take proactive measures to safeguard their reproductive futures, she provides a comprehensive overview of the available options, from egg freezing to embryo banking. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances between these methods and how they can empower women to make informed decisions about their family planning. Listen and gain valuable insights into the latest research, cost-effectiveness analyses, and practical lifestyle tips to optimize their fertility potential.

Dr. Natalie Crawford explains Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA), a condition where stress, excessive exercise, or poor nutrition disrupt hormone signals, stopping menstruation. She emphasizes proper diagnosis, the importance of estrogen replacement, and a holistic recovery approach.

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, explains the process of early pregnancy, distinguishing between luteal phase symptoms and pregnancy symptoms. Dr. Crawford discusses the implantation of a fertilized egg, the production of HCG, and when to take a pregnancy test. She also highlights early pregnancy symptoms and the importance of early detection for proper planning and care.

Dr. Natalie Crawford addresses various aspects of pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and implantation failure. In this episode, she answers voicemail questions about the best next steps after an ectopic pregnancy, the timeline for ovulation after a miscarriage, concerns over uterine lining after IUD removal, the use of specific IVF protocols, and how to approach multiple failed embryo transfers. 

Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified fertility physician, frequently consults with patients seeking second opinions after unsuccessful IVF cycles. With a commitment to patient education and personalized care, she emphasizes the importance of understanding expectations, evaluating treatment outcomes, and knowing when to seek further insight. In this discussion, Dr. Crawford explains key factors in determining whether a second opinion is necessary and how patients can advocate for the best possible care on their fertility journey.

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses ectopic pregnancies, explains it is, the warning signs to watch for, and the different treatment options available. She shares her own personal experience with an ectopic pregnancy, offering a firsthand perspective on the emotional and physical challenges.

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses PCOS and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), emphasizing their impact on fertility. She explains the menstrual cycle's hormonal processes and how disruptions in these pathways lead to conditions like PCOS and CAH. Dr. Crawford highlights the importance of thorough evaluations to differentiate between these conditions and avoid misdiagnosis.

Dr. Natalie Crawford emphasizes that endometriosis is a common yet underdiagnosed condition, often taking years for a proper diagnosis. This inflammatory disease causes endometrial-like tissue to grow outside the uterus, leading to symptoms such as severe menstrual pain, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, digestive issues, and infertility. Diagnosis often requires surgery, as imaging may not detect the disease, and risk factors include family history, early menstruation, and frequent ovulation.

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses estrogen, what is considered normal, and when you should be concerned. She the different types, how levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, and what symptoms can indicate high or low estrogen. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your own estrogen levels and not just accepting symptoms as something you have to deal with.

Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified OB/GYN and fertility doctor, addresses common misconceptions about conceiving at age 40. She highlights that while pregnancy at 40 is possible, fertility rates naturally decline with age, and prior childbirth significantly impacts monthly conception chances. Dr. Crawford emphasizes the importance of early fertility evaluations, healthy lifestyle choices, and understanding individual reproductive health. She also dispels harmful myths, advocating for informed decisions and personalized medical care for those pursuing parenthood later in life.

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, shares 5 lifestyle changes you can make to improve your egg quality and fertility. While your egg quality will naturally decline over time, there are things you can do now that can have an impact.