

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

Mar 2, 2025 • 36min
Before Fertility Treatments
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses what you need to know if you are considering or in the midst of fertility treatment. She walks through the key steps in the fertility evaluation process, including testing ovarian reserve, assessing reproductive anatomy, and analyzing semen quality. She explains the treatment options available for those with unexplained infertility, outlining the pros and cons of approaches like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Additionally, Dr. Crawford emphasizes the role of lifestyle factors in improving fertility, such as diet, exercise, and stress management. The episode aims to equip listeners with the knowledge and preparation needed to navigate the journey of fertility treatment.Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today! Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsRitual-Go to ritual.com/aaw to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.Air Doctor - Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code AAW to get UP TO $300 off today!If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 23, 2025 • 34min
PCOS Treatment Questions
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses PCOS treatment options, emphasizing the importance of understanding the normal ovulation process. Letrozole is a common treatment for PCOS, working by reducing estrogen levels to stimulate FSH production. She advises monitoring with ultrasounds and progesterone levels. For those not responding to Letrozole, Clomid may be considered. Dr. Crawford also highlights the role of lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and stress reduction, in managing PCOS. She mentions the potential benefits of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and insulin resistance, though they should be discontinued before attempting pregnancy.Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today! Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsRitual-Go to ritual.com/aaw to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.Rula - Go to Rula.com/aaw and take the first step towards better mental health today.Aquatru - Go to aquatru.com and use the code AAW for 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 16, 2025 • 42min
Egg and Embryo Freezing: What You Need To Know
Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into the topic of fertility preservation. Recognizing the growing need for women to take proactive measures to safeguard their reproductive futures, she provides a comprehensive overview of the available options, from egg freezing to embryo banking. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances between these methods and how they can empower women to make informed decisions about their family planning. Listen and gain valuable insights into the latest research, cost-effectiveness analyses, and practical lifestyle tips to optimize their fertility potential.Natalie answers your social media questions during her segment FFS—For Fertility’s Sake.What advice would you give to a residency applicant struggling with fertility?What are your thoughts on transferring a low mosaic embryo? Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today! Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsRitual-Go to ritual.com/aaw to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.Rula - Go to Rula.com/aaw and take the first step towards better mental health today.Aquatru - Go to aquatru.com and use the code AAW for 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 9, 2025 • 38min
Pregnancy Loss, Ectopic Pregnancy, and Implantation Failure
Dr. Natalie Crawford addresses various aspects of pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and implantation failure. In this episode, she answers voicemail questions about the best next steps after an ectopic pregnancy, the timeline for ovulation after a miscarriage, concerns over uterine lining after IUD removal, the use of specific IVF protocols, and how to approach multiple failed embryo transfers. Questions Answered:
What are best next steps after a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and how to consider future fertility?
Is it possible to ovulate one week after D&C
Should you wait to TTC after IUD removal?
Is there benefit to an antagonist protocol with estradiol priming, as well as PGT testing for recurrent pregnancy loss?
What are the next steps after multiple implantation failures?
Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today! Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsRitual-Go to ritual.com/aaw to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.Rula - Go to Rula.com/aaw and take the first step towards better mental health today.Aquatru - Go to aquatru.com and use the code AAW for 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 2, 2025 • 34min
PCOS vs. CAH - Understanding The Difference
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses PCOS and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), emphasizing their impact on fertility. She explains the menstrual cycle's hormonal processes and how disruptions in these pathways lead to conditions like PCOS and CAH. Dr. Crawford highlights the importance of thorough evaluations to differentiate between these conditions and avoid misdiagnosis.Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today! Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsRitual-Go to ritual.com/aaw to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.Rula - Go to Rula.com/aaw and take the first step towards better mental health today.Aquatru - Go to aquatru.com and use the code AAW for 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 26, 2025 • 36min
Fertility Facts, Myths, and Misconceptions
Dr. Natalie Crawford covers common fertility myths and misconceptions. She addresses topics like the differences between birth control pills and IUDs, the limitations of AMH testing, the importance of exercise restrictions during fertility treatments, the role of male factor infertility, and the realities of IVF success rates.Natalie answers your fertility questions in FFS-For Fertility's Sake
Is letrozole supposed to shorten my cycle? I'm still having a long cycle, and I have PCOS.
What are your thoughts on home insemination for couples with erectile dysfunction?
What are the tips for retrograde ejaculation, and can we still conceive naturally?
Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today! Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsRitual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.Air Doctor - Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use code AAW to get up to $300 off!If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 19, 2025 • 38min
Should You Have Your Fertility Tested?
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the importance of fertility testing and the impact of early testing on reproductive decisions. She emphasizes that while guidelines suggest waiting a year before testing, individual circumstances may warrant earlier evaluation. Dr. Crawford outlines key tests for fertility, including menstrual history, ovarian reserve testing (AMH and antral follicle count), anatomical evaluation (HSG or saline bubble test), and semen analysis. She also advises that testing should be considered for those with irregular periods, known endometriosis, or low libido. Dr. Crawford encourages proactive testing to make informed decisions and highlights the importance of data in planning future fertility efforts.Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today! Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsRitual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.Air Doctor - Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use code AAW to get up to $300 off!If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 12, 2025 • 36min
Ovarian Reserve Testing - AMH & AFC
Dr. Natalie Crawford takes a deep dive into the science of ovarian reserve testing, exploring key indicators like AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and antral follicle count. She walks listeners through the process of egg growth, ovulation, and how these tests offer crucial insights into a woman’s fertility potential. Dr. Crawford breaks down the importance of ovarian reserve testing—especially when it's not routinely recommended—and how it can be a game-changer for making informed family planning decisions. Addressing common questions, Dr. Crawford offers clarity on high and low AMH results, and provides expert advice on when to consider IVF, especially for those with low ovarian reserve.Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today! Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsRitual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.Air Doctor - Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use code AAW to get up to $300 off!If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 5, 2025 • 35min
Why Is Your Period Missing?
Dr. Natalie Crawford addresses a listener's question about primary amenorrhea, discussing the absence of periods despite typical puberty signs and normal hormone levels. She explains the difference between primary and secondary amenorrhea, potential causes like ovarian failure, Mullerian aplasia, androgen insensitivity syndrome, and more. Most importantly, she emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation and testing to determine the underlying cause.Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today! Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsRitual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.Air Doctor - Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use code AAW to get up to $300 off!If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 22, 2024 • 44min
Infertility and The Holidays
Dr. Natalie Crawford gives her advice for navigating infertility during the holidays. Whether you are going through infertility or treatment or you have a family member or friend who is, this episode is for you. You deserve support. Don't be afraid to set boundaries, and communicate why they exist. Make a plan and be prepared if you are spending the holidays with family and know they are going to have questions. Give yourself the gift of education. Control what you can.Natalie answers your fertility questions in FFS-For Fertility's SakeWhat happens if a pregnancy occurs within a blocked tube?Is 40 a super risky age to have a baby?How to best support a friend who is going through IVF?I have a calcification after my D&C. Can I gain fertility back after it is removed?Is it normal to experience pain during and after ovulation?Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today! Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsRitual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.Hello Fresh - Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/aaw.Uncommon Goods - Go to uncommongoods.com/aaw for 15% off your next gift.Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices