Fertility + Hormones + Health + Lifestyle
Welcome to the blog
Heavy Periods: 6 Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses six causes of heavy periods that require medical evaluation. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing abnormal bleeding, such as passing clots or feeling exhausted, as heavy periods can indicate underlying issues. The six causes include uterine polyps, which are often benign but can be malignant if untreated; uterine fibroids, which can cause heavy bleeding and require surgical removal; adenomyosis, an inflammatory condition affecting the uterus; endometrial cancer, particularly in women with irregular periods; anovulation, which disrupts the menstrual cycle; and retained products of conception, which can cause heavy bleeding post-pregnancy. Dr. Crawford advises seeking medical evaluation for any significant changes in menstrual patterns.
IVF Q&A - Protocols, Preparation, and OHSS
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses IVF answering questions about fertility treatment preparation and potential challenges. She explains why starting early with suppression medications like birth control, progesterone, or Lupron can help align egg growth for a more effective cycle. She breaks down the benefits of using a low-dose gonadotropin protocol to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and emphasizes the importance of checking hormone levels, particularly FSH and LH, before starting to ensure your body will respond well to the trigger shot. Dr. Crawford shares lifestyle recommendations that support fertility, including adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, and considering supplements tailored to individual needs. She also highlights the value of comprehensive fertility testing and understanding the financial aspects of treatment so you can make informed decisions every step of the way.
Progesterone: Should You Take Progesterone For A Short Luteal Phase?
Double board-certified OBGYN/REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into the topic of the luteal phase and progesterone. She explains what the luteal phase is, what it means to have a short luteal phase, and why simply taking progesterone isn’t always the right answer. Dr. Crawford clarifies how the menstrual cycle works, how to track ovulation accurately, and the common mistakes patients are told about hormone levels especially when trying to conceive. This video is a must-watch for anyone looking to better understand their hormones, fertility, and cycle health.
Uterine Conditions That Could Impact Your Fertility
Dr. Crawford breaks down the complex topic of uterine abnormalities—structural differences in the uterus that can affect menstruation, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. She explains the different types of uterine anomalies, how they are diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.
Fertility Q&A: Amenorrhea, BBT, Clomid, AMH, and more!
Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your fertility questions called into the voicemail.
What You Need to Know About the HSG Test
Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the HSG (hysterosalpingogram) test explaining when it’s recommended, what the procedure involves, and what it can reveal about your fertility. She offers practical tips for preparation, discusses alternatives, and highlights who might benefit from early testing—all with the goal of helping you feel informed and empowered during their fertility journey.
Cycle Tracking: How to Get Pregnant FAST Using Fertility Awareness Methods
Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified OB/GYN and REI, gives a comprehensive guide to cycle tracking. During National Fertility Awareness Week, Dr. Crawford breaks down the complex world of reproductive health, explaining how your body's hormonal signals work and providing practical methods to understand your fertility window.
Top Tips For Trying To Get Pregnant
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses her top tips for trying to conceive, emphasizing the importance of prenatal vitamins and the need for a preconception consult with an OB-GYN. She advises tracking cycles, using methods beyond apps, and considering genetic carrier screening. She also addresses listener questions, suggesting early testing and lifestyle changes to improve fertility outcomes. This episode offers practical, evidence-based insights to help optimize fertility and understand reproductive health.
How Long Will It Take You To Get Pregnant?
Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down what to expect when trying to conceive. She shares eye-opening statistics, age-related fertility insights, and practical advice to help women understand their bodies and take control of their fertility journey. With her compassionate and educational tone, Dr. Crawford empowers you with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about family planning.
Can GLP-1 Medications Improve Fertility? Is Ozempic Safe If You Are TTC?
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, their role in weight loss, and how they may impact fertility. She explains how these medications work, what the current research says about safety, and when they may be appropriate to use. She breaks down the connection between obesity, PCOS, and fertility outcomes in an easy-to-understand way. She emphasizes the importance of personalized care and understanding your body before starting any new medication. This video is a must-watch for anyone navigating fertility and considering GLP-1 therapy.
Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?
Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, breaks down everything you need to know about how breastfeeding impacts fertility. From understanding lactational amenorrhea to navigating fertility treatments while nursing, she explains the science behind prolactin, ovulation, and the best timing for conception postpartum.
Hormones, Gut Health, and Fertility: How Are They Connected? Can a Leaky Gut Cause Infertility?
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, explores the link between gut health, estrogen metabolism, and fertility. Chronic inflammation in the gut, commonly referred to as “leaky gut”, can alter your microbiome and disrupt how your body processes estrogen. From exploring the connection between diet and gut bacteria to discussing how stress and environmental factors influence hormone regulation, Dr. Crawford provides a comprehensive guide to optimizing your gut health.
Improving IVF or Egg Freezing Outcomes
Dr. Natalie Crawford explains how individualized protocols can lead to better outcomes in IVF and egg freezing. She breaks down key fertility concepts, including ovarian reserve, AMH levels, follicle counts, and the roles of FSH and LH in egg development. Dr. Crawford also discusses how age affects egg quality, the potential impact of sperm genetics, and why multiple cycles are sometimes needed to achieve a healthy embryo. She emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and lifestyle changes to support reproductive success.
The Importance of Vitamin D and Fertility
Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified OB/GYN and fertility specialist, breaks down the role of vitamin D in fertility, pregnancy, and overall reproductive health. She explains how deficiency can affect implantation and why optimal levels are especially important during fertility treatments like IVF.
Testosterone in Women: What Does Testosterone Do? How Do Testosterone and Hormones Impact Fertility?
Double board certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses testosterone in women, its role in hormone balance, and its impact on fertility. She explains how testosterone interacts with estrogen and progesterone, why random testosterone level measurements can be misleading, and how conditions like PCOS and liver function affect hormone levels. Dr. Crawford also highlights the risks of testosterone therapy, including the use of pellets, and how they can disrupt the menstrual cycle and hinder conception. Understanding the function of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and the body's natural checks and balances is essential for hormone health. If you are trying to conceive or looking to optimize your hormone levels, this video will provide the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Uterine Factor Infertility
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses uterine factor infertility, emphasizing the importance of understanding uterine development and potential abnormalities. She explains various uterine anomalies, including unicornuate, bicornuate, and uterine septums, and their impact on fertility. Dr. Crawford highlights the significance of proper diagnostic tools like saline sonograms and MRIs for accurate detection. She addresses common issues such as polyps, fibroids, and adenomyosis, and their effects on fertility.
Infertility Warning Signs
Dr. Natalie Crawford explores the important question of how to know if you might have trouble getting pregnant in the future. While fertility testing can identify current concerns, it cannot guarantee future outcomes, making proactive awareness essential. She outlines six key signs that may indicate a higher risk of infertility and emphasizes the value of early evaluation to make informed reproductive decisions.
How does exercise impact fertility and your hormones? What is safe during fertility treatments?
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses exercise, how it impacts your reproductive health, and what is safe while doing fertility treatments like IVF. She breaks down the complex relationship between exercise, metabolism, hormones, and reproductive health. Dr. Crawford also offers evidence-based insights into how different types of physical activity can impact fertility, explaining the nuanced balance between exercise, stress, and reproductive wellness.
Infertility At A Young Age
Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down unexplained infertility in younger couples, addressing common misconceptions and answering your fertility questions. Knowledge is power, and Dr. Crawford's goal is to equip you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your reproductive health—because no one should have to let time or lack of data make the choice for them.
Why Did Your IVF Cycle Fail? What Should Be Changed?
Double board certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the failed IVF cycle, why it can happen, and what is considered a failed cycle. She explains the typical expected outcomes at each stage of the IVF process, from egg retrieval to embryo transfer. Dr. Crawford also provides guidance on how to approach a canceled cycle, no eggs retrieved, no embryos formed, abnormal embryos, negative pregnancy tests, and pregnancy losses. You should understand the specific reasons behind each outcome and your fertility team should make appropriate changes to the protocol for the next cycle if necessary.