

As a Woman
Natalie Crawford, MD
The Fertility, Hormones, and Health Podcast with Dr. Natalie CrawfordNavigating your hormones shouldn’t feel like guesswork. Hosted by double board-certified fertility physician Dr. Natalie Crawford, this podcast cuts through the noise to bring you science-backed insights on fertility, hormone health, and reproductive wellness without the overwhelm.Whether you're trying to conceive, managing a diagnosis like PCOS or endometriosis, or simply want to understand your cycle and feel better in your body, you're in the right place. From IVF to perimenopause, egg quality to inflammation, each episode delivers real education and actionable tools plus expert interviews and powerful patient stories.This is your trusted resource for the truth about your body and your roadmap to feeling empowered in your health as a woman.Any and all guest statements and opinions are a reflection of their own experience and do not reflect the views or opinions of Natalie Crawford MD, As a Woman Podcast, or Pinnacle Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2025 • 28min
The Truth About Inflammation and Fertility
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the complex world of inflammation, exploring its critical role in fertility, reproductive health, and overall well-being. Through personal experience and medical expertise, she breaks down the science behind inflammation, its effects on the body, and practical strategies for reducing its impact on fertility.
Key Topics:
1. The Inflammation Spectrum
- Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation
- Immune System Activation
- Progression to Autoimmune Conditions
2. Inflammation's Impact on Reproductive Health
- Hormonal Disruption
- Ovulation and Implantation Challenges
- Reproductive Disorder Connections
3. Gut Health and Inflammation
- Dietary Influences on Inflammation
- Gut Microbiome and Fertility
- Insulin Resistance and Inflammatory Responses
4. Practical Strategies for Reducing Inflammation
- Nutrition and Diet Modifications
- Stress Management Techniques
- Environmental Toxin Reduction
Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book
Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content, and freebies
If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie’s YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 29, 2025 • 46min
The Perimenopause Shift: Understanding the Hormones Behind the Change | Mary Claire Haver, MD
Dr. Natalie Crawford is joined by Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OBGYN and fierce advocate for changing the conversation around women's health. Together, they demystify perimenopause and menopause by breaking down the hormonal changes women experience and providing empowering strategies for navigating this critical life transition.
Key Topics:
1. Your Changing Body's Hormonal Journey
- How your ovaries start becoming less cooperative
- Why estrogen matters more than you think
- Decoding the symptoms no one talks about
2. The Real Story About Hormone Replacement
- Busting myths about hormone treatments
- What science really says about staying healthy
- Finding the right hormone solution for your body
3. Lifestyle Hacks for Feeling Your Best
- Building strength when your body feels different
- Eating for your inflammation
- Nutrition strategies that actually work for midlife
4. Taking Charge of Your Health
- Learning the language of your body
- Finding doctors who will really listen
- Becoming the CEO of your personal health journey
Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book
Follow Dr. Mary Claire Haver
TikTok @drmaryclaire
Instagram @drmaryclaire @the_pause_life
Facebook The Pause Life by Dr Mary Claire Haver
YouTube: Mary Claire Haver, MD
LinkedIn The 'Pause Life with Dr. Mary Claire Haver
Purchase her book The New Menopause
Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content, and freebies
If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie’s YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 22, 2025 • 32min
Understanding IVF: What It Is, Why It’s Done, and What to Expect
Dr. Natalie Crawford explains the IVF journey—breaking down the medical process, emotional rollercoaster, and key ways to prepare. Whether you're just starting to explore fertility treatments or already on the path, she offers expert insights and practical advice to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported on the journey.
Key Topics:
1. The IVF Process
- Scientific complexity of fertility treatment
- Hormone regulation and egg stimulation
- The science behind creating embryos
2. Genetic Screening and Reproductive Potential
- Chromosomal analysis and embryo selection
- Age-related fertility challenges
- Giving yourself the best chance at pregnancy
3. Preparing for IVF
- Eating for fertility
- Lifestyle changes that boost your chances
- Taking care of yourself inside and out
4. Being Your Own Health Advocate
- Asking the right questions
- Understanding what doctors are telling you
- Taking control of your fertility journey
My debut book, The Fertility Formula, is on pre-sale! Order now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book
Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content, and freebies
If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie’s YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 17, 2025 • 8min
*BONUS* Introducing The Fertility Formula
In this special bonus episode of As a Woman, fertility physician Dr. Natalie Crawford shares a long-awaited announcement: her first book, The Fertility Formula: Take Control of Your Reproductive Future, is officially available for pre-order!
Dr. Crawford takes you behind the scenes of the book she’s always dreamed of writing—a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to understanding fertility and hormonal health. She wrote this book for anyone who’s ever felt left out of the conversation about their own body, especially those navigating fertility struggles.
In this episode, she discusses:
Why she wrote The Fertility Formula
What makes this book different from other fertility resources
How lifestyle, inflammation, and hormones are all connected
Her personal story with infertility and pregnancy loss
A special pre-order bonus: The 7-Day Hormone Reset
The Fertility Formula is your guide to understanding and optimizing your fertility.
Inside you will find:
The most common but overlooked causes of infertility and what you can actually do about them
The truth about the biologic clock and why egg quality is about more than just age
How to accurately track your menstrual cycle for conception, pregnancy prevention, and hormone health—and uncover the root cause of abnormal cycles
A step-by-step guide to getting pregnant, from timing intercourse with ovulation to navigating infertility treatments if needed
A lifestyle plan to improve your hormone health, reduce inflammation, and boost fertility—through better sleep, stress-reduction, nutrition, movement and decreasing toxins
20+ recipes for quick, easy, and delicious meals that support hormones and fertility
Pre-Order The Fertility Formula NOW! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 16, 2025 • 49min
Freezing Time: Fertility, Autonomy, and Owning Your Future | Katie Duke, NP
Dr. Natalie Crawford is joined by nurse practitioner, creator, and advocate, Katie Duke, for a deeply honest conversation about fertility, career, and taking control of your future. Katie opens up about her egg freezing journey from the emotional highs and lows to the unexpected medical hurdles and everything in between.
1. Understanding Egg Freezing
- What is egg freezing?
- Misconceptions about fertility and timing
- The importance of reproductive autonomy
2. Navigating Fertility Clinics
- The difference between clinical approaches
- Red flags in medical care
- Importance of personalized medical experiences
3. Personal Fertility Journey
- Katie's decision to freeze eggs at 36
- Challenges with different fertility centers
4. Empowerment and Choice
- Owning your reproductive decisions
- Breaking the stigma around fertility conversations
- Encouraging women to explore their options
Follow Katie Duke on Instagram @thekatieduke
Check out her website https://www.katiedukeonline.com/
Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content, and freebies
If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie’s YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2025 • 23min
Should I Test My Fertility? What to Know Before You Do
Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the essential information about fertility testing, empowering women to understand their reproductive health. Learn when to get tested, what tests reveal, and how to advocate for yourself in your fertility journey.
Key Topics:
1. When to Get Fertility Testing
-Guidelines for testing based on age
-Signs you should seek testing earlier
-Importance of not waiting for a referral
2. Male Fertility Evaluation
-Semen analysis basics
-Impact of testosterone on fertility
-What a sperm test reveals
3. Female Fertility Testing
-AMH and ovarian reserve explained
-Hormone level testing
-Ultrasound and anatomical evaluations
4.Understanding Your Results
-What tests can and cannot tell you
-Interpreting ovarian reserve numbers
-Questions to ask your doctor
Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and freebies
If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie’s YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 1, 2025 • 43min
Let’s Talk About Sex: Hormones, Intimacy, and Owning Your Health | Shieva Ghofrany, MD
Dr. Natalie Crawford and Dr. Shieva Ghofrany dive into the often-unspoken world of women's sexual health. From hormonal changes to relationship dynamics, this episode breaks down the science and stigma surrounding libido, offering candid insights and empowering advice for women at every life stage.
Key Topics:
1. Hormones and Sex Drive
- The role of testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol
- How hormonal changes impact intimacy
2. Perimenopause and Sexual Health
- Recognizing hormonal transitions
- Managing libido changes
3. Medical Insights
- Contraception and sexual side effects
- Vaginal health and non-hormonal options
4. Empowerment and Self-Care
- Breaking down shame and stigma
- Loving your body through different life stages
Follow Dr. Shieva Ghofrany on Instagram @drshievag
Check out her website to learn more about Dr. Shieva Ghofrany and her practice. https://www.drshievag.com/
Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and freebies.
If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie’s YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 24, 2025 • 30min
Trying to Conceive? What to Know Before You Start
Dr. Natalie Crawford, double board certified OBGYN and REI, provides an in-depth roadmap for anyone preparing to start their pregnancy journey, covering everything from fertility tracking to preconception health.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Birth Control and Fertility Transition
- When and how to stop different birth control methods
- Impact of birth control on fertility
- Recommended waiting periods before trying to conceive
- Hormonal vs. non-hormonal contraception effects
2. Fertility Tracking Methods
- Understanding the fertile window
- Cervical mucus monitoring
- Basal body temperature tracking
- Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs)
-Pros and cons of different tracking techniques
3. Age and Fertility Considerations
- Fertility potential by age group
- When to seek fertility evaluation
- Egg quality and reproductive aging
- Recommended timelines for conception attempts
4. Preconception Health Preparation
- Importance of prenatal vitamins
- Lifestyle modifications for fertility
- Nutrition and diet recommendations
- Exercise and stress management strategies
-Male health considerations
5. Preconception Medical Preparation
- Scheduling preconception consultations
- Essential medical screenings
Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and freebies
If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 17, 2025 • 27sec
Introducing As a Woman: Fertility, Hormones, and Health (Season 3!)
Welcome to As a Woman: Fertility, Hormones, and Health. We are so excited to share season 3 of the podcast!
If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube Channel, Natalie Crawford MD, and if you are interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.
As a Woman is part of the Pinnacle Podcast network. Learn more here!
Want free CE Credit? Join the Learn at Pinnacle App Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 17, 2025 • 31min
Reproductive Hormones 101
Dr. Natalie Crawford, double board certified OBGYN and REI, breaks down the complex world of reproductive hormones, providing you with a comprehensive guide to understanding their menstrual cycle, hormone function, and reproductive health.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Hormone Basics
-The HPO (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovary) Axis
-How hormones communicate in the body
-Roles of key hormones: GnRH, FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone
2. The Menstrual Cycle Explained
-Egg development and ovulation process
-Hormone fluctuations throughout the cycle
-Normal cycle length and characteristics
3. Hormone Health Insights
-Identifying normal vs. abnormal cycles
-Impact of prolactin and thyroid hormones
-Importance of hormone testing
4. Common Misconceptions
-Estrogen dominance
-Hormone balance
-Effects of biotin on hormone testing
Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and freebies
If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices