Fertility + Hormones + Health + Lifestyle
Welcome to the blog
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.
IVF Preparation and Timing
Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the essential steps to take while waiting to begin your IVF journey and the timing of the process. She guides you through what you can do right now to boost your chances of success as well as understanding your insurance coverage. Dr. Crawford dives deep into the IVF process—unpacking protocols, timing, and embryo development. She also answers listener questions with personalized tips, highlighting the importance of tailoring every IVF plan.
Stopping Birth Control: Do You Need a Detox?
Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the facts about stopping birth control and debunks the myth that a detox is needed. She explains how the body naturally adjusts once the pill is discontinued and addresses common symptoms like acne and mood swings. With evidence-based insights, Dr. Crawford empowers women to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
Thin Endometrial Lining
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses what a thin endometrial lining is, what causes it, how it impacts fertility, and what steps you can take to improve it.
5 Things You Should Do Before Trying To Get Pregnant - Advice From a Fertility Doctor
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, reveals the top 5 essential steps every woman should take before trying to conceive. She emphasizes the importance of making key lifestyle changes, stopping birth control at the right time, and tracking your menstrual cycle to ensure regularity. Dr. Crawford also recommends starting a prenatal vitamin with adequate folic acid, and scheduling a preconception visit with your OBGYN to review important bloodwork.
What Can An Ultrasound Reveal About Your Fertility and Reproductive Health?
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses the importance of vaginal ultrasounds in fertility evaluations by providing a closer look at your uterus, ovaries, and surrounding anatomy. She dives into what these ultrasounds can (and can’t) detect, shedding light on their limitations and why they're so important for your fertility journey. Dr. Crawford also shares must-ask questions for your healthcare provider to help you feel empowered and informed during your visit.
Before Fertility Treatments
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses what you need to know if you are considering or in the midst of fertility treatment. She walks through the key steps in the fertility evaluation process, including testing ovarian reserve, assessing reproductive anatomy, and analyzing semen quality. She explains the treatment options available for those with unexplained infertility, outlining the pros and cons of approaches like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Are You Ovulating?
Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down everything you need to know about ovulation. She explains how to track ovulation, recognize key signs, and understand the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle. With practical tips and expert insights, this guide helps readers take control of their fertility and make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
IVF Tips: Top Questions To Ask Before Starting IVF
Double board-certified OB-GYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, provides top tips for starting IVF, emphasizing the importance of preparation and understanding the process. She explains IVF involves stimulating a month's group of eggs, with success rates influenced by age and ovarian reserve. Dr. Crawford highlights the importance of understanding the IVF process, setting realistic expectations, and being an advocate for oneself to navigate the IVF journey more effectively.
PCOS Treatment Questions
Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses PCOS treatment options, emphasizing the importance of understanding the normal ovulation process. Letrozole is a common treatment for PCOS, working by reducing estrogen levels to stimulate FSH production. She advises monitoring with ultrasounds and progesterone levels. For those not responding to Letrozole, Clomid may be considered. Dr. Crawford also highlights the role of lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and stress reduction, in managing PCOS. She mentions the potential benefits of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and insulin resistance, though they should be discontinued before attempting pregnancy.
Understanding Your Ovaries: The Vault and Reproductive Lifespan
Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down the complexities of ovarian function, egg reserve, and the natural process of reproductive aging. By understanding how the ovaries work, you can make informed decisions about your fertility and overall health.
How Do Inflammation and Your Environment Impact Your Hormones and Fertility?
Double board-certified fertility OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses the impact that the environment can have on your hormones. She gives a thorough explanation of the connection between your brain and ovaries and how that connection can be disrupted. Dr. Crawford provides a comprehensive list of symptoms that may indicate chronic inflammation, emphasizing the importance of addressing these underlying issues rather than solely focusing on hormone levels. Finally, she encourages you to be proactive in monitoring their health, documenting any concerning symptoms, and working with your healthcare provider to identify and address the root causes of hormone imbalances.
Egg and Embryo Freezing: What You Should Know
Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into the topic of fertility preservation. Recognizing the growing need for women to take proactive measures to safeguard their reproductive futures, she provides a comprehensive overview of the available options, from egg freezing to embryo banking. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances between these methods and how they can empower women to make informed decisions about their family planning. Listen and gain valuable insights into the latest research, cost-effectiveness analyses, and practical lifestyle tips to optimize their fertility potential.
Understanding Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
Dr. Natalie Crawford explains Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA), a condition where stress, excessive exercise, or poor nutrition disrupt hormone signals, stopping menstruation. She emphasizes proper diagnosis, the importance of estrogen replacement, and a holistic recovery approach.
How To Know If You Are Pregnant? When To Take A Pregnancy Test? Early Pregnancy & Implantation Signs
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, explains the process of early pregnancy, distinguishing between luteal phase symptoms and pregnancy symptoms. Dr. Crawford discusses the implantation of a fertilized egg, the production of HCG, and when to take a pregnancy test. She also highlights early pregnancy symptoms and the importance of early detection for proper planning and care.
Pregnancy Loss, Ectopic Pregnancy, and Implantation Failure
Dr. Natalie Crawford addresses various aspects of pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and implantation failure. In this episode, she answers voicemail questions about the best next steps after an ectopic pregnancy, the timeline for ovulation after a miscarriage, concerns over uterine lining after IUD removal, the use of specific IVF protocols, and how to approach multiple failed embryo transfers.
When to Seek a Second Opinion For Fertility Treatment
Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified fertility physician, frequently consults with patients seeking second opinions after unsuccessful IVF cycles. With a commitment to patient education and personalized care, she emphasizes the importance of understanding expectations, evaluating treatment outcomes, and knowing when to seek further insight. In this discussion, Dr. Crawford explains key factors in determining whether a second opinion is necessary and how patients can advocate for the best possible care on their fertility journey.
Do You Have an Ectopic Pregnancy? Warning Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses ectopic pregnancies, explains it is, the warning signs to watch for, and the different treatment options available. She shares her own personal experience with an ectopic pregnancy, offering a firsthand perspective on the emotional and physical challenges.