Deciding When to Use Eggs vs. Move to IVF

Is fertility really “over” at 35? In this conversation, Angela sits down with double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist Dr Natalie Crawford to unpack fertility myths, ovarian aging, egg freezing, and what women can actually do to protect both their future family and long-term health.

They get into when to seriously consider egg freezing, how many eggs women over 38 may really need, what ovarian reserve tests can (and can’t) tell you, and why supporting your metabolic health and lowering inflammation is one of the best “longevity strategies” for your ovaries. They also talk about the emotional toll of infertility and pregnancy loss, and how to ask for (and offer) the right kind of support.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Why fertility isn’t “over at 35” and what really happens to egg quantity & quality

When egg freezing makes sense (and why it’s not a guaranteed insurance policy)

Ovarian reserve basics: AMH, follicle counts and what “ovarian aging” means

What to expect from an egg freezing cycle - timeline, hormones and recovery

When to stop “trying naturally” and seek a fertility workup

The emotional toll of infertility & loss, and how to get the right support

How lifestyle, inflammation and metabolic health affect ovarian aging & long-term health

Timestamps

00:00 Intro: Fertility Facts and Myths

01:57 When Should Women Start Thinking About Freezing Their Eggs?

05:57 The Role of Egg Freezing for Women Who Already Have a Child

12:11 How the Egg Freezing Process Works Step by Step

18:08 What to Expect Physically and Emotionally During Egg Freezing

21:47 Egg Freezing for Women with PCOS: Benefits and Risks

26:52 When to Seek Fertility Testing and How Long to Try Naturally

33:35 When to Move from Egg Freezing to IVF

41:26 How Age Impacts Pregnancy Success and Health Risks

46:07 The Emotional Side of Infertility and How to Find Support

52:08 Understanding and Delaying Ovarian Aging

59:00 Advice for Women on Fertility and Health Advocacy

VALUABLE RESOURCES

A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible:• Hormone Harmony - go to https://lvluphealth.com/ANGELA | Use the code ANGELA at checkout for an exclusive 15% off

Fresh Start with Angela👉 https://academy.angelafosterperformance.com/fresh-start

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr Natalie Crawford is a double board-certified OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility specialist, co-founder of Fora Fertility in Austin and CEO & co-founder of Pinnacle, a leadership organisation for women in medicine. She is a leading voice on natural fertility, ovarian aging and evidence-based preconception care, hosts the popular podcast “As a Woman: Fertility, Hormones and Health” and her debut book The Fertility Formula will be published in early 2026.

🌐 Website: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/

📖 Pre-order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

📱 Instagram / TikTok: @nataliecrawfordmd

🐦 Twitter/X: @ncrawfordmd

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD/

🎙 Podcast: As a Woman Podcast