The Optimal Body 429 | Optimizing Fertility & Hormones for Women's Health with Dr. Natalie Crawford
Oct 6, 2025
In this conversation, Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and co-founder of Fora Fertility, shares valuable insights on women's health and fertility. She discusses how fertility can be an indicator of overall health and explains the phases of the menstrual cycle. Dr. Crawford clarifies normal versus concerning period symptoms and the impact of birth control on underlying issues. Her upcoming book, The Fertility Formula, includes practical advice for optimizing fertility and navigating challenges like stress and miscarriage.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Fertility Reflects Whole-Body Health
- Fertility is a vital marker of overall health because it reflects normal hormonal function and systemic inflammation.
- Dr. Natalie Crawford links infertility to higher long-term risks like metabolic syndrome and heart disease through inflammation.
Track Your Cycle Proactively
- Track your cycle because it reveals communication between brain, ovaries, and uterus and shows if hormones work properly.
- Use cycle data to identify ovulation timing and detect abnormalities like short luteal phases.
Don't Normalize Debilitating Period Pain
- Take severe period pain or heavy/spotty bleeding seriously and seek evaluation rather than assuming it's normal.
- These symptoms can indicate conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis which affect fertility.
