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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses estrogen, what is considered normal, and when you should be concerned. She the different types, how levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, and what symptoms can indicate high or low estrogen. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your own estrogen levels and not just accepting symptoms as something you have to deal with.

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, shares 5 lifestyle changes you can make to improve your egg quality and fertility. While your egg quality will naturally decline over time, there are things you can do now that can have an impact.

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, gives her top tips and warning signs if you plan to travel for fertility treatments. Whether you are traveling to another country or another city for IVF or egg freezing, there are things you should know. You should have all of the information to be able to make an informed decision.

Double board-certified REI and OBGYN, Dr. Natalie Crawford, explains how the aging process impacts the chromosomes and health of our eggs. As we get older, many women worry about their "biological clock" and fear they are running out of eggs. However, the real issue with age-related infertility is not just the quantity of eggs, but the quality. She provides insights on evaluating ovarian reserve, the role of inflammation and lifestyle factors, and strategies to optimize fertility as you get older. Whether you're just starting to think about family planning or navigating fertility challenges, this video offers essential information to better understand the complex relationship between age and fertility.

Double board certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, explains the development and depletion of eggs in the ovaries. She discusses the role of hormones and the brain-ovary-adrenal gland axis during puberty. Dr. Crawford also covers how hormonal contraception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding impact egg loss, as well as the changes seen in the menstrual cycle as women approach menopause, including shorter cycles and irregular periods. Lastly, she explains ovarian reserve testing and what the results mean about your fertility.

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, warns about the potential dangers of excessive biotin intake when it comes to fertility treatments and hormone testing. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an important nutrient that helps the body convert fats, carbs, and proteins into energy. Dr. Crawford explains that high biotin levels can cause falsely high or low results for a wide range of hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and more. This can lead to incorrect diagnoses and inappropriate treatment decisions, especially for those undergoing fertility treatments like IVF.

Double board-certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, discusses the supplement CoQ10 and its potential benefits for fertility. CoQ10 is an important coenzyme involved in energy production within the cells. As we age, mitochondrial function can decline, contributing to cellular aging. CoQ10 has been studied for its ability to support mitochondrial health and function, which is important for both egg and sperm quality.

Double board certified OBGYN and REI, Dr. Natalie Crawford, provides valuable insights into the importance of understanding egg maturity during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. She emphasizes the need to evaluate and adjust IVF protocols to maximize the number of mature eggs retrieved, as this is a key determinant of IVF success. She outlines various suppression and stimulation techniques used in IVF, as well as the criteria for assessing egg maturity. By understanding these nuances, you can be better equipped to advocate for your fertility needs to optimize your IVF outcomes.