Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine

Latest Episodes:

Ep 133 Is Your Tilted or Retroverted Uterus Harming Your Fertility? Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Is a tilted uterus stopping you from getting pregnant? Could it be the reason for painful periods or backaches? Has the term "retroverted uterus" been brought up at one of your recent doctor's appointments?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is taking the mystery out of the retroverted (or tilted) uterus. She explains what it is, how common it is, and whether it impacts fertility or pregnancy. Good news: in most cases, it doesn't.

Dr. Shahine also sheds light on when a tilted uterus might signal something more—like endometriosis, pelvic infections, or fibroids—and how that can influence reproductive health.

Listeners will walk away with a solid understanding of what a retroverted uterus is (and isn't), what symptoms to watch for, and when it's worth checking with your medical provider.

In this episode you'll hear:

[1:22] What is a retroverted or tilted uterus?
[2:59] How common is it to have one?
[4:34] Retroverted uterus and fertility
[6:25] Retroverted uterus and pregnancy
[6:48] Advice for patients
[7:41] Final thoughts

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 132 Unicornuate Uterus: What It Means for Fertility, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Do you know that uteruses come in different shapes? How about a unicornuate uterus?

You can have a uterine anomaly without symptoms and it can impact your reproductive health, miscarriage risk, and pregnancy outcomes.

Inspired by Celina Spooky Boo's fertility story, this episode of Brave & Curious explores unicornuate uterus. Dr. Lora Shahine explains this congenital anomaly, how it's diagnosed, and the spectrum of potential outcomes it can create for fertility and pregnancy.

Dr. Shahine also offers critical questions to ask your healthcare provider, helping you advocate for your reproductive health with knowledge and bravery.

Follow @celinaspookyboo on Instagram

In this episode, listeners will learn:

[1:06] What is a unicornuate uterus?
[6:43] How common is it?
[7:17] Diagnosing a unicornuate uterus
[9:01] Impact on fertility
[11:41] Pregnancy risks
[13:45] Treatment options
[15:30] How to advocate for your care
[17:07] Final thoughts

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 131 Considering IUI vs. IVF: Which One is Best for You? Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

What's the difference between IUI and IVF? Which one is right for you? And how do you navigate the emotional and financial rollercoaster of fertility treatment with clarity and courage?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine offers a compassionate, clear-eyed look at the two most common fertility treatments: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

She goes through the pros, cons, and personal factors that should guide this deeply personal decision.

In this episode, listeners will learn:

[0:21] Understanding IUI and IVF
[1:22] IUI: Process and Pros
[2:24] IVF: Process and Pros
[4:11] Comparing success rates
[11:52] Factors influencing treatment choice
[14:53] Ethical and financial considerations

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 130 Ovarian Cysts Explained: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

What exactly is an ovarian cyst—and should you be worried if you have one? Could your pain be more than just a normal part of your cycle? And how do you even begin the conversation with your doctor?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites you to get curious about your body, embrace the power of knowledge, and tackle the unknowns of ovarian health with bravery and clarity.

Dr. Shahine walks through the five most important things to know: symptoms, types, causes, treatment options, and red flags. From the commonly harmless functional cysts to more complex types like endometriomas and dermoid cysts.

She explains how cysts form, why they matter, and when they might signal something more serious. Finally, Dr. Shahine shares the three must-ask questions for anyone navigating a new diagnosis of an ovarian cyst.

In this episode, listeners will hear:

[0:44] Symptoms of ovarian cysts
[0:49] Types of ovarian cysts
[12:47] Causes of ovarian cysts
[14:10] Treatment options for ovarian cysts
[16:35] When to worry
[17:38] Important questions to ask your doctor

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 129 Fewer Shots, Same Success: A New IVF Protocol with Dr. Linnea Goodman Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

What if IVF didn't have to mean so many shots? Could a new protocol allow for fewer shots, less office visits, AND be less expensive?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Linnea Goodman to answer these questions and more. They review Dr. Goodman's research into a protocol, not new to the fertility field around the world, but new to most listeners in the United States that has many benefits to IVF patients.

Dr. Linnea Goodman is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. Throughout her career, Dr. Goodman has been dedicated to advancing the field of reproductive medicine through both clinical excellence and innovative research. Currently, Dr. Goodman practices at Virginia Fertility & IVF, where she specializes in minimally invasive office procedures aimed at optimizing fertility outcomes.

In this episode you'll hear:

[1:16] Meet Dr. Linnea Goodman: reproductive endocrinologist and researcher
[2:24] IVF shots & their necessity
[4:45] Provera Protocol is a game-changer
[14:35] Research & evidence for the Provera Protocol
[22:19] A patient-centered approach
[25:00] Research Outcomes
[27:07] Innovations in IVF: Progestins
[29:32 The patient experience: benefits and side effects of progestins
[32:36 What does the future hold?

Resources mentioned:

http://vafertility.com

Massin N, et al. New stimulation regimens: endogenous and exogenous progesterone use to block the LH surge during ovarian stimulation for IVF. Hum Reprod Update. 2017 Mar 1;23(2):211-220. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmw047.PMID: 28062551

R Beguería, et al. Medroxyprogesterone acetate versus ganirelix in oocyte donation: a randomized controlled trial. Hum Reprod. 2019 May 1;34(5):872-880 doi:10.1093/humrep/dez034. PMID: 30927417

Giles J, et al. Medroxyprogeseterone acetate is a useful alternative to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in ooxyte-donation: a randomized controlled trial. Fert Stert 2021;116: 404-412. PMID: 33814126. DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.02.036

Welp A, et al. Oral medroxyprogesterone acetate for the use of ovulation suppression in in vitro fertilization: a cohort trial. Fertil Steril 2024 May;121(5):806-813. PMID: 38253117 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.01.026

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 128 Clean Beauty and Skin Care with Jenna Levine Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

What's really in your skincare products? Can "natural" actually mean effective? And how do we navigate the beauty aisle with both curiosity and caution?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Jenna Levine, founder of LINNÉ Botanicals, for a brave and eye-opening conversation about skincare that's safe, minimal, and deeply rooted in integrity.

Jenna brings her passion for formulation, ingredient sourcing, botany, and herbal medicine to life through her brand LINNÉ Botanicals. Her story is personal—shaped by her path to motherhood and her commitment to creating products she trusts for herself and her family.

She opens up about the mission behind LINNÉ, a brand built on clean ingredients, thoughtful sourcing, and a belief in the power of pure, unadulterated botanicals to truly nourish the skin. Together, Dr. Shahine and Jenna explore everything from greenwashing in the industry to the surprising sameness behind many "different" products on the shelf.

In this episode, listeners will hear:

[1:32] Meet Jenna Levine, founder of LINNÉ Botanicals
[7:58] Innovative ingredients and their benefits
[13:15] Challenges in the beauty industry
[22:21] LINNÉ's philosophy
[28:50] Problems with 'clean' in beauty
[32:46] Decoding ingredient lists
[35:09] Beauty myths––BUSTED
[40:41] Ingredient transparency
[43:20] LINNÉ's recommended products
[47:42] Upcoming products
[53:29] Connect with Jenna & LINNÉ Bontancials

Resources mentioned:

LINNÉbotanicals.com

Use Code DRSHAHINE15 for a 15% discount on all LINNÉ products

(use once per customer and on one time orders, not subscriptions)

Connect on IG @linnebotanicals

Episode 80: Finding Safer Products with Lanning Ardente: Let Sorette Do the Research for You

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Ep 127 Egg Freezing Top 10 Questions Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

What exactly is egg freezing? Is there an ideal age to do it? How many eggs should you freeze to give yourself the best shot at future fertility?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks listeners through the top 10 most Googled questions about egg freezing. From the basics of what the process entails to more nuanced questions about success rates and cost, she provides clear, thoughtful answers rooted in science and clinical experience.

In this episode, listeners will hear:

[1:12] Question #1: What is egg freezing?
[2:45] Question #2: Why would I want to freeze your eggs?
[4:46] Question #3: What is the best age to freeze your eggs?
[6:53] Question #4: How many eggs should you freeze?
[9:36] Question #5: What is the egg freezing process?
[10:42] Question #6: What are the risks of egg freezing?
[12:18] Question #7: What is the cost of egg freezing?
[13:26] Question #8: Does egg freezing guarantee a baby?
[14:16] Question #9: Does an IUD have to be removed to freeze your eggs?
[14:36] Question #10: How long will the eggs last?

This episode will give listeners a better understanding of why someone might choose to freeze their eggs, how to evaluate if and when it's the right choice, and what to expect logistically, emotionally, and financially.

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 126 Normalize It with Dr. Jessica Zucker: Shame, Stigma & Women's Stories Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

What happens when we stop whispering about miscarriage and start telling our stories out loud? How can we begin to shed the shame and silence that so often surround women's health experiences? And why is open dialogue so essential in shifting the cultural narrative around infertility, menopause, and mental health?

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by psychologist and author Jessica Zucker, founder of the #IHadAMiscarriage movement. Drawing from her own experience of miscarriage and her professional expertise, Jessica shares how storytelling and vulnerability have the power to change the way we view and talk about women's health.

Jessica's book Normalize It further explores these themes, encouraging women to own their experiences and find connection through honesty and shared truth. Together, Dr. Shahine and Jessica dive into the many ways women are pressured to stay silent about their bodies and emotions—from miscarriage and infertility to menopause and mental health.

In this episode you'll hear:

[2:19] Jessica's personal journey #IHadAMiscarriage
[5:05] Impact of #IHadAMiscarriage movement
[12:16] Exploring the themes in Normalize It
[17:04] Healing potential of storytelling
[20:55] Breaking down stigma through community
[25:02] Personal experience integrated with professional practice
[30:19] Societal pressures on women
[34:58] Empowerment through shared experiences
[36:35] The importance of education and open dialogue

Resources mentioned:

drjessicazucker.com

Normalize It by Jessica Zucker, PhD

Follow Jessica on IG - @ihadamiscarriage

Inside Amy Schumer - Last F**kable Day (ft. Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Patricia Arquette

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 125 Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant May 27, 2025

Show notes

Are you trying to conceive and feeling unsure about where to start? Wondering if you're making mistakes that could be delaying your journey to parenthood? Curious about what really impacts fertility—and what steps you can take today to improve your chances?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine shares the five most common mistakes couples make when trying to get pregnant—and how to avoid them. Dr. Shahine also offers practical, evidence-based tips to support your fertility journey from the very beginning.

Listeners will walk away feeling empowered with three key tips for optimizing fertility and a better understanding of why past or family fertility success doesn't guarantee the same for everyone. This episode offers clarity, encouragement, and actionable advice, no matter where you are in your TTC (trying to conceive) journey

In this episode, you'll learn:

[0:36] Mistake #1: Understanding your cycle
[2:46] Mistake #2: Timing intercourse correctly
[5:06] Mistake #3: Semen analysis matters
[8:23] Mistake #4: Waiting too long to visit a fertility specialist
[10:24] Mistake #5: Making assumptions
[13:55] Top tips for getting pregnant fast

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 124 Your Surrogacy Questions, Answered: Myths vs. Facts with Mollie Huyck May 20, 2025

Show notes

Are you curious about how surrogates are selected and matched? What about knowing the steps it takes to get started? How long does it take and how much does it cost?

Surrogacy can be a beautiful and life-changing path to parenthood — but it's also one that's often misunderstood. In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down the most frequently asked questions and biggest misconceptions about gestational surrogacy with the Director of the Gestational Surrogacy Program at Pacific NW Fertility, Mollie Hyuck.

From who the legal parents are, to whether the surrogate can keep the baby (spoiler: she can't), to understanding the emotional, medical, and ethical realities — this episode is your evidence-based guide to what surrogacy is and what it isn't.

In this episode, you'll learn:

[2:20] Common myths about surrogacy (and why they're wrong)
[5:03] How surrogates are selected, screened, and supported
[6:48] The difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy
[8:28] What intended parents should know about legal and emotional considerations
[14:03] Why surrogacy is often misunderstood in media and public opinion
[19:37] How to decide if it's the right path for you

Whether you're considering surrogacy, supporting someone through it, or just curious about the process, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and connected.

Resources mentioned:

I Became Your Mama by Mollie Huyck

pnwfertility.com

roaringadventures.org

navieapp.com

Connect on Instagram @pnwfertility | @roaringadventures_ | @naviehealth

Episodes mentioned:

Ep 49 Olympic Champion Figure Skater to Fertility Advocate: What Tara Lipinski Learned with Unexpecting

Ep23 Samantha Busch on Surrogacy and Infertility Advocacy

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books