As a Woman

Latest Episodes:

Cycle Tracking and Fertility Q&A Sep 22, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about cycle tracking and fertility.

I am a 32-year-old who just got off birth control. Should I see a fertility specialist sooner or continue trying naturally for 6 months, given my low AMH result of 0.336? What are the pros and cons of each approach?
I have been on birth control for 15 years. What is the best way to track ovulation and time intercourse for conception?
What could be causing my spotting after ovulation, and what additional testing or treatment options should I consider?

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!

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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.

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IVF, Reproductive Rights, and the Political Landscape Sep 15, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the complex relationship between IVF and reproductive rights in the current political landscape. She provides an overview of IVF technology and its importance in helping people build families. She addresses misconceptions about abortion and fetal personhood, and how these issues directly impact the practice of IVF. The episode explores the potential dangers of restricting access to IVF and other reproductive healthcare services, highlighting personal stories and the need for informed decision-making.

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!

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

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Egg Freezing - The Next Steps Sep 08, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers a question from a listener about what the next steps are after freezing your eggs when you are ready to use them. She covers the nuances of the egg freezing process, debunking the misconception that it is an "insurance policy" for fertility. Dr. Crawford then goes through the step-by-step protocol for thawing, fertilizing, and potentially transferring the frozen eggs, including the importance of sperm quality and genetic testing of embryos. The episode emphasizes the need to understand one's long-term family building goals and consider strategies like additional egg retrievals to increase the chances of success.

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!

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

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Fertility Q&A - Exclusive Newsletter Episode Sep 01, 2024

Show notes

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!

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 returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

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Hormone Q&A - Hormone Testing, Progesterone, and Breastfeeding While TTC Aug 25, 2024

Show notes

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!

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 returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

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Perimenopause, Low Ovarian Reserve, and Hormones Aug 18, 2024

Show notes

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 Sake

How 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!

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 returns

Ritual-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/AAW

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Unexplained vs. Undiagnosed Infertility Aug 11, 2024

Show notes

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 Sake

I 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!

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 returns

Ritual-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/AAW

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Endometriosis Q&A - Fertility, Surgery, Medication, and IVF Aug 04, 2024

Show notes

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!

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 returns

Ritual-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/AAW

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Natural Fertility Q&A: Luteal Phase, Spotting, Fecundability, and Ovulation Jul 28, 2024

Show notes

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!

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 returns

Ritual-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/AAW

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Embryo Transfer Protocols Jul 21, 2024

Show notes

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!

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 returns

Ritual-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/AAW

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices