
As a Woman
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.
Latest episodes

Sep 1, 2024 • 38min
Fertility Q&A - Exclusive Newsletter Episode
In this exclusive Q&A episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford answers subscriber questions on a variety of fertility topics, including recurrent pregnancy loss, diet for conception, IVF and implantation issues, CoQ10 supplements, second trimester losses, and hirsutism treatment.Questions Answered:
Does having recurrent pregnancy loss automatically put me in the high risk category once I have a viable or full term pregnancy?
What is the appropriate diet for conception? Is there anything specific to avoid broadly?
I'm a 36 year old who had a miscarriage at age 35, since then has undergone IVF and has 5 genetically normal embryos, but has had 3 embryo transfers that haven't worked. What should I do?
Is it worth taking CoQ10 if you're just starting to try to conceive? If so, how much should you take? And does it need to be in the form of Ubiquinol?
I'm a 32 year old who has had two second trimester losses (15 weeks and 19 weeks) that were genetically normal. Do I really need to do IVF, even with the genetically normal losses?
I started dealing with hirsutism a few years ago. My OB/GYN said my labs were all fine and it must be in the hair follicles. Is this treatable? How can I minimize it?
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!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.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

Aug 25, 2024 • 35min
Hormone Q&A - Hormone Testing, Progesterone, and Breastfeeding While TTC
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about hormones. Questions answered:Should FSH, LH, and progesterone be tested during a fertility evaluation?I have hypo hypo. Why is my period starting 12 days after my trigger shot, even though she is taking progesterone supplements? Is this normal or a concern?Is breastfeeding once a day enough to impact fertility?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!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.Apostrophe- Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/AAW or use the code AAW at checkout.Honeylove- Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/AAWIf 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

Aug 18, 2024 • 40min
Perimenopause, Low Ovarian Reserve, and Hormones
Dr. Natalie Crawford dives deep into ovarian failure, perimenopause, and hormones. She explores how ovarian function can cease at any age, even before puberty, and discusses the natural decline in ovarian reserve as women age. She highlights the significance of estrogen, its role in overall health, and how its decline impacts women during menopause. Dr. Crawford also covers essential tests like AMH and antral follicle count, providing insights into a woman's egg supply and reproductive potential.Natalie answers your questions in FFS-For Fertility's SakeHow can I increase my chances of getting pregnant if I am in early menopause?I don't have periods and was told I have hypothalamic amenorrhea but no testing was done. Should I ask for more tests?Can I still get pregnant with low hormones?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!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.Apostrophe- Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/AAW or use the code AAW at checkout.Honeylove- Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/AAWIf 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

Aug 11, 2024 • 40min
Unexplained vs. Undiagnosed Infertility
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the topic of unexplained versus undiagnosed infertility. Unexplained infertility is an official diagnosis when the standard fertility tests do not reveal a clear cause for the infertility. Many cases of "unexplained" infertility may actually be due to underlying issues like low ovarian reserve, endometriosis, autoimmune disorders, or other factors that are difficult to diagnose. She emphasized the importance of advocating for thorough testing and not accepting the "unexplained" label without further investigation into the root causes. Even with an "unexplained" diagnosis, there are often ways to uncover and address the underlying factors impacting fertility.Natalie answers your questions in FFS-For Fertility's SakeI know I need to go to a fertility clinic but I’m nervous and dragging my feet. How do I get over this?I have a low ovarian reserve confirm with suspected weak ovulation. What do I do now?How does Hashimoto’s impact fertility? Does TSH rule everything?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!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.Apostrophe- Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/AAW or use the code AAW at checkout.Honeylove- Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/AAWIf 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

Aug 4, 2024 • 38min
Endometriosis Q&A - Fertility, Surgery, Medication, and IVF
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about endometriosis.Questions Answered:TTC soon for second child and have endo. I recently got off BC and my periods are irregular. Should I see my doctor now?Can endometriosis outside of the uterine tract still impact fertility?My doctor gave me the option between surgery and trying a new medication, Lupron, before my embryo transfer. What are your thoughts?Do you have any insights on silent endometriosis? Is there any way to know if it’s impacting my fertility?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!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.Apostrophe- Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/AAW or use the code AAW at checkout.Honeylove- Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/AAWIf 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

Jul 28, 2024 • 39min
Natural Fertility Q&A: Luteal Phase, Spotting, Fecundability, and Ovulation
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about natural fertility and TTC. Questions Answered:Can having retained tissue for a few months cause endometrial lining changes that could impact implantation? Could I have asherman’s? What should your lining be throughout the cycle?Can a luteal phase defect lead to a chemical pregnancy?I spot for several days before my period. Is that first day of spotting considered day one of my cycle or the first day of full flow?What are the chances of getting pregnant each month if you track your cycle and have sex during the fertile window? Can abnormal cervical mucus impact fertility? What can change the cervical mucus consistency and can I do anything to help it?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!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.Apostrophe- Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/AAW or use the code AAW at checkout.Honeylove- Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/AAWIf 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

Jul 21, 2024 • 43min
Embryo Transfer Protocols
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the various protocols and considerations surrounding embryo transfers in IVF treatment. She explains the key differences between fresh and frozen embryo transfers, the types of protocols, add ons, and what you should ask your doctor. Taking an active role in your fertility journey and asking questions and pushing for the approach that is best suited to their individual needs and goals is so important.Natalie answers your questions in FFS - For Fertility's Sake.How does getting sick, having a cold or a fever impact fertility treatments?Is it possible to have a successful transfer on a thin lining?What is the importance of embryo grading?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!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.Apostrophe- Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/AAW or use the code AAW at checkout.Honeylove- Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/AAWIf 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

Jul 14, 2024 • 35min
Fertility Q&A - AMH, Luteal Phase, Tubal Disease, and IVF Cycles
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your fertility questions sent to the voicemail. Questions Answered:
I am having trouble TTC for my second child after a laparoscopic appendectomy and a mass removed from my peritoneum. Should I be concerned about any structural damage?
Does my AMH alone explain my two miscarriages and short luteal phase? What is my likelihood of success with IVF with my low AMH? How many cycles should I expect?
After a D&C from a miscarriage, when would you be concerned if your patient hasn’t gotten their period back? What should I look out for or discuss with my doctor to get my period back?
Is there a big difference between a day 5 unhatched embryo vs a day 6 hatched embryo?
How can the trigger shot impact the timing of your next period?
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!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.Apostrophe- Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/AAW or use the code AAW at checkout.Honeylove- Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/AAWIf 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

Jul 7, 2024 • 38min
Should You Test Your Fertility?
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses testing your fertility and if and when it's something that you should do. She explains the different types of fertility testing including testing of ovarian reserve like AMH levels, anatomy like HSG tests of the fallopian tubes and uterus, and semen analysis for male partners. She also discusses how fertility and chances of pregnancy decline with age and the implications for family planning and choices around fertility preservation. Women should be informed about their fertility earlier so they can make the best decisions for their family goals and timeline. The episode aims to help women understand their bodies and fertility so they can advocate for themselves.Natalie answers your questions in FFS - For Fertility's Sake.1.Is there any harm in taking COQ10 for males and females if we have been TTC for 9 months?2.What is the likelihood that transferring a single embryo will result in twins?3.Can primary ovarian failure lead to elevated cholesterol due to lack of estrogen?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!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.Apostrophe- Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/AAW or use the code AAW at checkout.Honeylove- Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/AAWIf 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

Jun 30, 2024 • 40min
Top Tips For TTC
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses her top tips for trying to get pregnant including coming off birth control, cycle tracking, and lifestyle optimization. As a society, we have normalized the idea of spending most of our reproductive years preventing pregnancy. Then suddenly you make the decision to start trying to get pregnant. There is often not a game plan when it comes to trying to conceive in the most optimal way or what are the warning signs something is wrong. The best way to be prepared for your fertility journey is to understand your body. Listen to this episode if you are on your TTC journey or plan to in the future!Natalie answers your questions in FFS - For Fertility's Sake.1.What can you do about low estrogen?2.What are your tips for TTC while breastfeeding?3.Can implantation bleeding have clots?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!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.Apostrophe- Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/AAW or use the code AAW at checkout.Honeylove- Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/AAWIf 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