As a Woman

Dr. Natalie Crawford is joined by registered dietitian and PCOS specialist Cory Ruth, author of “PCOS Is My Power,” to explain how PCOS, blood sugar, and nutrition all fit together. They talk about why PCOS is so misunderstood, what insulin resistance really means, and simple, realistic ways to eat and live that support your hormones, metabolism, and fertility, without cutting out everything you love. Key Topics: 1. Making Sense of PCOS - What PCOS actually is in everyday terms - Why it can look different from person to person - How it can affect periods, skin, hair, weight, and fertility 2. Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Health - What insulin resistance means for your body - How it can drive common PCOS symptoms - Why it matters for long‑term health 3. Everyday Food and Lifestyle Choices - How to think about carbs, sugar, and fiber without fear - A simple way to build a more PCOS‑friendly plate - Practical tips for eating out, snacks, and occasional drinks 4. Mindset, Mental Health, and Long‑Term Management - The emotional weight of a PCOS diagnosis - Why guilt and “all‑or‑nothing” thinking make things harder - How Cory’s book and approach help you feel more in control over time Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Order Cory’s Book, PCOS is My Power Follow her on Instagram @thewomensdietitian Checkout her Website https://www.thewomensdietitian.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 http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OBGYN and REI, unpacks how stress communicates with your brain and ovaries—and how that relationship can shape your cycles, egg quality, and fertility over time. This episode connects physiology with realistic strategies so you can better support your hormones in a chronically stressed world. Key Topics: 1. Stress & Your Brain–Ovary Connection - How your brain integrates stress and reproductive signals - Why the same “control center” influences both hormones and stress - How modern life blurs acute and chronic stress 2. Cycles, Ovulation & Stress Load - Ways stress can alter normal ovulatory patterns - Early warning signs that your cycle is under strain - How stress-related changes can progress over time 3. Metabolism, Inflammation & Egg Health - How stress affects glucose, insulin, and inflammation - Why metabolic health matters for hormone balance - Links between stress biology and fertility outcomes 4. Building Stress-Resilient Hormones - Daily practices to lower your physiological stress burden - Movement, sleep, and muscle as hormone-supportive tools - Rethinking coping mechanisms and everyday stressors 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 http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OBGYN and REI, reframes fertility as a key health signal, not just about getting pregnant. Whether you want kids soon, someday, or aren’t sure, this episode helps you understand your cycle, your egg reserve, and what you can start doing today to protect your hormonal and reproductive health. Key Topics: 1. Ovarian Reserve - What your “egg reserve” really means (and why it’s not just about infertility) - The difference between how many eggs you have and how healthy they are - How hormones and ultrasound can give a snapshot of how your ovaries are doing 2. Understanding Your Test Results - Why numbers like AMH can change and shouldn’t be seen as a verdict on your future - How “low” or “normal” depends on your age and overall health, not just a lab range - Why testing is about getting information and options, not panic 3. Influencing Factors & Taking Control - How everyday inflammation  can affect hormones and eggs - The role of sleep, strength training, and blood-sugar balance in supporting fertility - When it makes sense to push for testing, see a fertility specialist, or change doctors 4. Charting Your Fertility Path - How to actually track your cycle beyond an app prediction - Using cycle changes as early warning signals - Thinking ahead: egg freezing, earlier trying, or simply lifestyle changes 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 http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, OBGYN and REI, sits down with licensed acupuncturist Sadie Minkoff to discuss how acupuncture fits into the bigger picture of hormones, stress, and fertility. They explore how this approach can work alongside traditional medical care so you can feel more informed and less alone on your fertility journey. Key Topics: 1. What Acupuncture Really Is - Rethinking what “needles” actually mean in this setting - Seeing acupuncture as part of a larger, whole‑body system - How this approach aims to gently “nudge” the body 2. Fertility, Hormones, and Stress - How stress and inflammation can interfere with hormones and ovulation - Ways acupuncture may calm the nervous system and support balance - Why “normal tests” don’t always mean your body feels normal 3. Using Acupuncture on the Fertility Journey - How it can be used when TTC spontaneously, with IUI, or with IVF - Why timing sessions around your cycle and treatments can matter - How it may support egg quality, implantation, and early pregnancy 4. Finding Care and Knowing Your Options - What to look for in a fertility‑focused acupuncturist - What a typical first visit and follow‑up might look like - Options if you can’t access in‑person care, including at‑home support Check out Sadie's Practice Website https://reproductiveacupuncture.com/ Follow Sadie's Practice on IG @sageacupunctureaustin 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 http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified OBGYN and REI, guides listeners through the often misunderstood world of pregnancy loss. Using both her professional knowledge and personal insights, she helps you gain confidence in understanding this experience, whether you’re facing it yourself or supporting someone who is. Find out what’s actually happening, why it matters, and the important steps you can take next. Key Topics: 1. What Is Pregnancy Loss? - Common types of pregnancy loss and what the medical terms mean - Why pregnancy loss happens more frequently than most people realize - Dispelling shame and myths 2. Navigating the Emotional Experience - The wide range of feelings and reactions people may have. - Encouraging openness and seeking support from loved ones. - Why it’s okay to grieve in your own way and at your own pace. 3. Understanding the Causes - Overview of possible reasons, from genetics to physical health - How hormones and biology can impact pregnancy. - Emphasizing that many factors are beyond one’s control 4. Management & Healing - What to expect medically: natural healing, medication options, and procedures. - The importance of follow-up care and monitoring. - Pathways to recovery and when to consider further evaluation. 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 http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford is joined by Dr. Amanda Skillern to break down the IVF experience in a way that feels supportive, clear, and reassuring. Together, they discuss what to expect from beginning to end, choosing the best care team for your needs, and how to feel more confident and prepared during your fertility journey. Key Topics:1. Understanding IVF - What IVF is, and why it often takes more time and steps than people expect - How clinics create a plan that matches your personal goals and circumstances - Setting realistic expectations and keeping perspective throughout the process 2. Knowing What to Ask - Simple questions you can ask during appointments to stay informed - Why understanding your options and speaking up matters - How to communicate with your team 3. Personalizing Your Journey - The importance of having your care tailored to you- How making adjustments along the way can lead to better support and outcomes - How to know when it’s time to get another opinion or try a different approach 4. Empowerment and Support - How to keep yourself motivated during ups and downs - Tips for choosing a clinic and team that make you feel heard - Reminders that you can’t control every outcome, but you can control the journey Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Follow Fora Fertility on Instagram ⁠@forafertility⁠ Become a patient https://www.forafertility.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 http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OBGYN and REI, tackles the overwhelming and often misunderstood diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). If you've been told your egg count is low or your AMH levels aren’t ideal, you’re not alone. This episode provides clarity on what these numbers really mean, how to interpret your fertility options, and empowering next steps for anyone facing this diagnosis. Key Topics: 1. Ovarian Reserve - What diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is and what it is not - The difference between egg quantity (reserve) and egg quality - How tests like AMH, FSH, and AFC reflect ovarian health 2. Understanding Your Test Results - Interpreting fluctuating hormone and follicle counts - Why a low ovarian reserve diagnosis does not mean pregnancy is impossible - The importance of considering age and individual medical history 3. Influencing Factors & Taking Control - Lifestyle and health factors that impact your reserve - The crucial role of diet, exercise, sleep, and avoiding toxins - When and why to seek a second medical opinion 4. Charting Your Fertility Path - Today’s treatment options - Tailoring plans to your life stage and goals - Making informed, empowered decisions for your unique fertility journey 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 http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Natalie Crawford, OBGYN and REI, sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon to dive into a part of women’s health that’s often overlooked—but incredibly important. In this conversation, they break down the mysteries of the pelvic floor, explore how hormones shape your daily experiences, and share actionable steps to help you feel empowered in your body. Key Topics:  1. Understanding the Pelvic Floor - What the pelvic floor is and why it matters in daily life - How it’s connected to different parts of your body - Reasons it might not be “feeling right,” and what that could mean 2. Listening to Your Body’s Signals - Signs you shouldn’t ignore related to periods or discomfort - Why certain symptoms may not be “just normal” - The importance of knowing your own body cues 3. Hormones Through Every Stage - How monthly cycles, pregnancy, and menopause impact what you feel - When hormone changes could affect more than you expect - Ways to be proactive before, during, and after big life changes 4. Making Pelvic Floor Care Accessible - Steps you can take in your own home to support your health - What to expect if you see a pelvic floor therapist - Helpful resources and how to advocate for your own care Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Follow Dr. Reardon on IG @the.vagina.whisperer and TikTok @thevagwhisperer Buy her book Floored Check out her website thevaginawhisperer.com Join her V Hive app for pelvic floor workouts 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

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OBGYN and REI discusses the frustrating and often confusing world of unexplained infertility. If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” yet you’re still struggling to conceive, you’re not alone, and you deserve real answers. In this episode, Dr. Crawford breaks down what unexplained infertility really means, why so many couples receive this diagnosis, and what you can do to move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope. Key Topics:  1. The Fertility Puzzle - Why "normal" test results don't tell the whole story - Hidden factors affecting conception - Breaking down the medical mystery 2. Body's Hidden Inflammation - How silent inflammation impacts fertility - Everyday factors that disrupt reproductive health - Simple ways to calm your body's internal storm 3. Beyond Traditional Testing - What doctors aren't seeing in standard fertility exams - The role of egg and sperm quality - Advanced approaches to understanding fertility challenges 4. Empowering Your Fertility Journey - Lifestyle changes that make a difference - When to consider advanced treatments - Taking control of your reproductive health 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

Dr. Arti Thangudu, a triple board-certified physician specializing in metabolic health, joins to unravel the complexities of insulin resistance. She explains how this condition can lead to energy deficits, hormonal imbalances, and fertility issues. Listeners learn about early warning signs and lifestyle changes—like dietary shifts and exercise—that can enhance insulin sensitivity. Dr. Thangudu also discusses the significance of sleep and investigates potential supplements and medical treatments, empowering women to take control of their health.