Fertility Friday | Fertility Awareness Mastery for Women's Health Professionals
Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, FAE, HRHP
Are you ready to uplevel your women's health practice? Welcome to the Fertility Friday Podcast! A podcast designed to empower you to use fertility awareness both personally and professionally. If you are a woman's health professional — and you're not fully utilizing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign — it's time to change that right away!
Through evidence-based literature reviews, engaging discussions, expert interviews, and compelling client stories, Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, FAE, HRHP covers everything from complex menstrual cycle chart interpretation and balancing hormones to overcoming fertility challenges and more. With over 20 years of experience teaching fertility awareness, Lisa combines her real-world expertise with the latest research to ensure you're fully equipped to support your clients.
Lisa's first book, "The Fifth Vital Sign," describes the menstrual cycle as an important vital sign we should pay attention to. Her most recent book, "Real Food for Fertility" (co-authored with Lily Nichols, RDN), explores how a healthy menstrual cycle sets the stage for a healthy pregnancy. With well over 4 million downloads, Fertility Friday is the #1 source for information about fertility awareness and menstrual cycle health.
All women deserve to understand how their bodies work, and if we wait for our education systems to do it we may be waiting forever. It's up to us to be the change we wish to see in the field of women's health. In other words, It's YOUR TURN to bring this essential information to your clients sooner rather than later — they need it now!
Through evidence-based literature reviews, engaging discussions, expert interviews, and compelling client stories, Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, FAE, HRHP covers everything from complex menstrual cycle chart interpretation and balancing hormones to overcoming fertility challenges and more. With over 20 years of experience teaching fertility awareness, Lisa combines her real-world expertise with the latest research to ensure you're fully equipped to support your clients.
Lisa's first book, "The Fifth Vital Sign," describes the menstrual cycle as an important vital sign we should pay attention to. Her most recent book, "Real Food for Fertility" (co-authored with Lily Nichols, RDN), explores how a healthy menstrual cycle sets the stage for a healthy pregnancy. With well over 4 million downloads, Fertility Friday is the #1 source for information about fertility awareness and menstrual cycle health.
All women deserve to understand how their bodies work, and if we wait for our education systems to do it we may be waiting forever. It's up to us to be the change we wish to see in the field of women's health. In other words, It's YOUR TURN to bring this essential information to your clients sooner rather than later — they need it now!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 6, 2026 • 33min
FFP 651 | Uh oh, Women Are Talking About Birth Control on Instagram Again
In this episode, Lisa discusses a recent study that analyzed over 30,000 German-language Instagram posts about birth control and found that posts about the pill focused largely on side effects, while posts about natural family planning tended to be positive. She explores why the side effects women shared online were consistent with the research, why fertility awareness was the second most discussed method, and what it means that the researchers acknowledged the effectiveness of the properly taught symptothermal method. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class! Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!
Oct 30, 2026 • 19min
FFP 650 | Which Supplements Actually Improve Sperm Quality?
In this episode, Lisa reviews a recent meta-analysis of 18 trials involving nearly 2,000 men with abnormal semen analysis, which ranked eight antioxidants by their effects on sperm parameters. She explains why CoQ10 stood out for sperm concentration, why carnitine was associated with the largest gains in motility, and what it may mean that the other antioxidants studied did not outperform placebo. Lisa also discusses the limits of relying on supplements alone and the role of a nutrient-dense diet in supporting sperm quality. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class! Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!
Oct 23, 2026 • 27min
FFP 649 | How Much Do Practitioners Really Know About Fertility Awareness?
In episode 649, Lisa examines research on how much physicians, midwives, and other women's health professionals actually know about fertility awareness. Drawing on several studies, she explains why many practitioners scored no better than their patients on basic fertility knowledge, why most physicians recommended calendar-based timing over cervical mucus observation, and why fewer than 6% knew the perfect use effectiveness of modern fertility awareness-based methods. Lisa frames fertility awareness instruction as its own area of specialization and explores what these knowledge gaps mean for women seeking accurate information and the practitioners who support them. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class! Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!
Oct 16, 2026 • 27min
FFP 648 | Is Progesterone Testing Always Accurate?
In this solo episode, Lisa explores what a progesterone blood draw can and cannot reveal about the luteal phase. Drawing on two studies, she explains why mid to late luteal progesterone levels can vary widely within minutes, why some women who have ovulated may still test low, and why the common cycle day 21 test often misses the mark. Lisa makes the case that progesterone results may be most meaningful when interpreted alongside daily cycle charting data such as basal body temperature and cervical fluid. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class! Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!
Oct 9, 2026 • 18min
FFP 647 | Top 4 Reasons to Eat Liver for Fertility
In this solo episode, Lisa explores four research-based reasons to consider liver for fertility. She explains the role of vitamin A in egg development, discusses a study in which organ meat intake was associated with higher sperm count, concentration, and motility, and covers why folate, choline, and iron matter before conception. Lisa also emphasizes the importance of relying on evidence-based resources when it comes to preconception nutrition. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class! Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!
Oct 2, 2026 • 18min
FFP 646 | Is Ovulation The Fifth Vital Sign?
In this solo episode, Lisa explores why the menstrual cycle, and ovulation in particular, may be considered a fifth vital sign. She discusses the 2006 ACOG statement on evaluating the cycle as a vital sign in adolescents, the research linking cycle irregularities to concerns such as bone loss and type 2 diabetes risk, and why suppressing ovulation with hormonal contraceptives does not address underlying cycle issues. Lisa also explains how fertility awareness charting can offer real-time insight into hormonal health for women and the practitioners who support them. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery Mentorship™ program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class! Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!
Sep 25, 2026 • 12min
FFP 645 | Does The Depo Shot Impact Fertility?
Is the Depo shot associated with a delay in the return of fertility? In this solo episode, Lisa reviews a recent study comparing how long ovulation takes to return after stopping intramuscular and subcutaneous Depo injections, and why the average of six to seven months places the Depo shot on the longer end of hormonal birth control options. She also explains the difference between the return of ovulation and time to pregnancy, and how cycle charting may help clients and practitioners recognize when ovulation is resuming. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join the waiting list for our next class! Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today! 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!
Sep 18, 2026 • 21min
FFP 644 | Does The Pill Lower Ovarian Reserve?
Does the pill lower ovarian reserve? In this episode, Lisa examines a recent clinical commentary on how hormonal contraceptives suppress AMH and antral follicle count (AFC), and why ovarian reserve testing can be misleading for women who have recently stopped birth control. She discusses the 6 to 12 month recovery timeline, the well-documented period of post-pill subfertility, and why these markers are better predictors of IVF response than natural fertility. Lisa also shares two case studies that highlight the risks of premature diagnosis and explores how fertility awareness charting can support women through the post-pill transition. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book, Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! 🎧 Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! 💥This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join our next class! We start on September 10th! 📚Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! 🎧Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!
Sep 11, 2026 • 25min
FFP 643 | The Problem With the Day 21 Progesterone Test
Lisa examines why the standard day 21 progesterone test may not accurately reflect luteal phase health — especially when ovulation timing hasn't been confirmed. Drawing on a committee opinion from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, she explores the limitations of spot testing and why menstrual cycle charting offers practitioners a more reliable framework for identifying and addressing short luteal phases. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book, Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! 🎧 Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead? 🎧 Listen here! 💥This episode is also sponsored by FAMM, the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program! Apply now to join our next class! We start on September 10th! 📚Have you grabbed your copy of the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook? It is the first fully customizable paper charting workbook of its kind, available in both Fahrenheit and Celsius editions. Click here to grab your copy today 📚 If you haven't grabbed your copy of The Fifth Vital Sign, grab it here! 🎧Would you rather listen to the audiobook version of The Fifth Vital Sign? 🎧 Listen here!
Sep 4, 2026 • 24min
FFP 642 | Do Perimenopausal Women Really Have Low Estrogen?
New research challenges the idea that perimenopause always means declining estrogen. A decade-long study of more than 1,300 women reveals several hormonal trajectories, including a surprising rise in estrogen before the final period. Explore links to heavy bleeding, breast tenderness, headaches, ovarian reserve, body composition, and the role of cycle charting in personalized care.
