

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

Oct 7, 2025 • 51min
Biohacking Your Hormones: How to Optimize Health | Kayla Barnes-Lentz
Dr. Natalie Crawford is joined by Kayla Barnes-Lentz to unravel the mysteries of women's health optimization. This episode cuts through the noise, offering a refreshing approach to understanding your body's unique signals and potential. Discover how personalized strategies can transform your energy, hormones, and overall well-being.
Key Topics:
1. Sleep Secrets
- Listening to your body's rhythm
- Creating your ideal rest environment
- Navigating sleep challenges
2. Movement that Matters
- Understanding your body's natural cycles
- Designing a personalized fitness approach
- Breaking through traditional exercise myths
3. The Importance of Nutrition
- Simplifying your eating strategy
- Connecting food to your body's signals
- Breaking free from diet culture
4. Personal Health Tracking
- Becoming your own health detective
- Exploring innovative tracking tools
- Interpreting your body's unique data
Visit Kayla’s Website kaylabarnes.com
Follow Kayla on Instagram @kaylabarnes
Kayla's YouTube Channel
Longevity Optimization Podcast
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 2025 • 31min
Signs of Low Progesterone and What You Can Do About It
Dive into the world of progesterone with Dr. Natalie Crawford as she demystifies this vital hormone. Discover how it affects your menstrual cycle, fertility, and mood. Unearth the signs of low progesterone, from irregular cycles to unexplained infertility, and explore strategies for support. Learn about the delicate balance between estrogen and progesterone, and the importance of proper testing and treatment timing. Plus, gain insights on natural ways to boost progesterone levels for better health outcomes.

Sep 23, 2025 • 39min
Early Fertility Testing and Low Ovarian Reserve | Stefany Bare
Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OBGYN and REI, is joined by Stefany Bare, a former patient and friend, to share her fertility journey. From the unexpected diagnosis of low ovarian reserve to navigating a second attempt with a deeper understanding of her body, Stefany’s story highlights the importance of early testing and trusting your intuition. This conversation offers insight, empowerment, and reassurance for anyone navigating their own fertility path.
Key Topics:
1. Early Fertility Testing
- Listening to your body's signals
- When and why to seek professional help
- Understanding basic fertility markers
2. Emotional Landscape of Fertility
- Managing stress and expectations
- Protecting mental health during treatment
- Building support systems
3. Personal Fertility Journey
- Unexpected challenges with conception
- Navigating medical treatments
- Maintaining hope and perspective
4. Empowerment Through Education
- Learning about reproductive health
- Asking the right questions
- Becoming an advocate for your own care
Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book
Follow Stefany Bare on IG @stefany.bare
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

Sep 16, 2025 • 32min
Getting to the Root Cause of Irregular Cycles
Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OBGYN and REI, discusses what could be the root cause of your irregular cycles. Your period is more than a monthly inconvenience. It's a vital sign. And when your cycles are not regular, your body is sending a signal that something deeper is going on. In this episode, we're unpacking what actually defines a normal cycle and what your irregular cycle really means.
1. Your Cycle: More Than Just a Period
- What makes a cycle "normal"
- Red flags to watch for
- Why tracking matters
2. Understanding your hormones
- The brain-body hormone conversation
- How stress impacts your cycle
- Signals your body sends during irregular periods
3. Common Cycle Disruptors
- Hormonal conditions explained
- Lifestyle factors that throw things off
- When to seek professional help
4. Empowering Your Hormonal Journey
- Questions to ask your healthcare provider
- Tools for understanding your body
- Taking proactive steps toward hormonal regularity
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

Sep 9, 2025 • 53min
Movement for Hormone Optimization | Dr. Shannon Ritchey
Join Dr. Natalie Crawford and Dr. Shannon Ritchey, physical therapist and founder of EVLO Fitness, as they break down the science of movement, revealing how strategic exercise can transform your hormonal health, fertility, and overall wellness.
Key Topics:
1. Strength Training Demystified
- Debunking fitness industry myths
- Why muscle matters more than cardio
- Simple strategies for effective workouts
2. Your Body, Your Fitness Journey
- Listening to your body's signals
- Avoiding the "no pain, no gain" trap
- Customizing exercise to your life stage
3. Hormones & Movement
- How exercise impacts reproductive health
- Cycle-friendly fitness approaches
- Building resilience through smart training
4. Pregnancy & Postpartum Movement
- Challenging traditional exercise restrictions
- Maintaining strength during major life changes
- Recovery and muscle memory secrets
Follow Dr. Shannon Ritchey on IG @dr.shannon.dpt
Learn more about EVLO fitness https://evlofitness.com/
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

Sep 2, 2025 • 31min
Fertility Awareness Methods: Helping You Conceive Faster
Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OBGYN and REI, breaks down the powerful tools that can help you understand your body's natural fertility signals. Learn how to move beyond basic period tracking apps to truly understand when you're ovulating, time intercourse effectively, and spot potential issues early. Whether you're trying to conceive or simply want to connect with your cycle, this episode gives you practical, science-backed methods to take charge of your reproductive health.
1. Understanding Your Body's Natural Signals
- Why your period app might be misleading you
- The difference between tracking and truly understanding your cycle
- How your body communicates fertility throughout the month
2. The Cervical Mucus Method
- What to look for and when to check
- Simple techniques you can do at home
- How this free method can guide your timing
3. Temperature Tracking Made Simple
- Modern tools that make monitoring easier than ever
- What your morning temperature reveals about ovulation
- Reading the patterns your body creates each month
4. Ovulation Test Strips and Timing
- When and how to use these affordable tools
- Understanding what a positive result really means
- Combining methods for the most accurate results
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

Aug 26, 2025 • 40min
Fueling Longevity: Nutrition for Hormones, Energy, and Aging | Brooke Stubbs, MD
Dr. Natalie Crawford is joined by double board-certified Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician, Dr. Brook Stubbs, to discuss the powerful connection between nutrition, hormonal health, and overall wellness. Discover how simple dietary choices can transform your energy, fertility, and long-term health.
Key Topics:
1. The Gut-Hormone Connection
- Understanding your body's internal communication
- Why fiber is your secret wellness weapon
- How food impacts your hormonal signals
2. Nutrition and Fertility
- Breaking down diet myths
- Plant-based eating strategies
- Simple swaps for better reproductive health
3. Inflammation and Your Body
- Recognizing hidden inflammatory triggers
- The role of diet in reducing body stress
- How food choices affect energy and metabolism
4. Practical Nutrition Strategies
- Easy meal planning tips
- Building a diverse, plant-forward diet
- Sustainable approaches to healthy eating
Follow Dr. Brooke Stubbs
Instagram: @brookiestubbsMD and @rootedfemme
Learn more about her practice https://www.rootedfemme.com/
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

Aug 19, 2025 • 36min
Egg Quality, Egg Quantity and Age
Explore the fascinating world of egg health! Discover how egg quality and quantity naturally decline with age and learn the mechanics of your ovarian reserve. Delve into the significance of fertility testing, including the AMH blood test and ultrasound assessments. Understand why pregnancy becomes tougher after 35, and gain practical tips on enhancing your egg health through lifestyle changes. From nutrition to stress management, this enlightening discussion empowers you to take control of your reproductive journey!

Aug 12, 2025 • 39min
Weight, Hormones, and Metabolism: What Women Need to Know | Nicole Basa, MD
Dr. Nicole Basa, a board-certified bariatric surgeon and founder of BNA Medical Center, shares invaluable insights on the connection between weight, hormones, and metabolism. She explains how insulin impacts weight gain and the hormonal changes women face during perimenopause. Listeners learn effective strategies for weight loss, including the importance of protein and resistance training. Dr. Basa also discusses medical options like GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery, emphasizing the need to reset one's weight set point for long-term success.

Aug 5, 2025 • 32min
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