Functional Fertility with Dr. Kalea Wattles

Adrenal Insights with Dr. Kalea Wattles

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles offers a comprehensive review of adrenal health as it relates to fertility. She covers: 
The hormones secreted by the adrenal glands, including cortisol and DHEA
The impact of chronically elevated cortisol on the reproductive system, and the best way to test cortisol 
The role of DHEA in follicular development, and how production of DHEA changes as we age
The benefits of DHEA supplementation for those with poor ovarian response
The most impactful lifestyle factors and supplementation to support health in the HPA-axis
Thank you to Needed for sponsoring this episode! This week's fertility supplement sspotlight features Needed Stress Support, an evidence-based blend of adaptogenic botanicals designed to support healthy function of the HPA Axis. Head to thisisneeded.com and use code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY for 20% off your first month of Needed products!

PCOS, Uric Acid, and Inflammation: Solving the Metabolic Mystery with Dr. Yousef Elyaman

On this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by Dr. Yousef Elyaman to explore the fascinating connection between PCOS, uric acid, and inflammation - and how these factors influence metabolic and reproductive health! Dr. Elyaman unpacks why uric acid might be elevated in people with PCOS, its role in chronic inflammation, and why screening for it is critical in conditions like pre-eclampsia. We dive into how fructose impacts uric acid levels and which foods and drinks to be cautious about. Plus, we tackle myths, testing recommendations, and actionable tips for managing uric acid to support fertility and overall health. 
This episode is sponsored by NEEDED, my most trusted perinatal nutrition brand. Tune in to learn about how I incorporate Needed products into my preconception plans, and head to thisisneeded.com and use code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY for 20% of your first order!

Understanding the Vaginal Microbiome with Tiny Health CEO Cheryl Sew Hoy

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, host Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by Tiny Healthy Founder and CEO, Cheryl Sew Hoy. In this episode, Cheryl reviews vaginal "community state types," describing specific microbial compositions that can influence pregnancy outcomes. Even further, Cheryl discusses the connection between gut health and fertility outcomes, and the connection between the gut and vaginal micorbiome. Finally, Cheryl discusses ongoing clinical research investigating the influence of the gut and vaginal microbiome on IVF outcomes. 
Thank you to Needed for sponsoring this episode! Needed's pre-and-probiotic supplement is highlighted in this episode, as this supplement contains a blend of bacterial species that have been shown to support the health of the gut and vaginal microbiome. Head to thisisneeded.com and use code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY for 20% off your first order! 

Turning over every stone in the fertility journey with Dr. Aumatma Simmons

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by holistic fertility expert Dr. Aumatma Simmons to discuss the complexities of unexplained infertility, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The conversation begins with the frustration surrounding a diagnosis of unexplained infertility and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive lab workup to uncover underlying conditions. Dr. Aumatma shares her insights on diagnosing and treating premature ovarian insufficiency, including key interventions she uses in her practice. The discussion transitions to recurrent pregnancy loss, detailing the laboratory workup she offers, common patterns observed, and the role of advanced testing such as sperm DNA fragmentation in cases involving male partners. This episode provides practical, evidence-based guidance for patients navigating these challenging fertility scenarios.

Conduct A Life Audit With Author Ximena Vengoechea

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles chats with Ximena Vengoechea, author of The Life Audit! In this episode, you'll learn: 
- What is The Life Audit, and how can it benefit you on your fertility journey?
- How performing a Life Audit help you to gain clarity, assemble a network, and take aligned action towards the life you've always wanted
- What materials and tools you need to successfully conduct your own Life Audit 
 
If you're working to gain clarity about what you want for your life, fertility journey, or parenthood experience - it's time for a Life Audit! Tune in to hear more about the process and to get the inside scoop (full of pro-tips) from Life Audit creator Ximena Vengoechea. 
 
Thanks to NEEDED for sponsoring this episode! Use code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY for 20% of your purchase at thisisneeded.com. 

Is Ovulation Ghosting You? A Spooky Halloween Special with Dr. Kalea Wattles

When you're trying to conceive, there is nothing more frightening than finding out you aren't ovulating regularly. If you have found yourself in this startling situation, this episode will make the investigation less spooky and more strategic. 
In this episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles reviews some of the most common causes of anovulation, including PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea, adrenal dysfunction, hypothyroidism, elevated prolactin, and illness or fever. We’ll discuss how to test for these conditions and some tricks (treats?) for managing them! 
Thank you to NEEDED for sponsoring this episode! Functional Fertility podcast listeners can get 20% off their first month of Needed products by visiting thisisneeded.com and using code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY. 

Clear Passage: Manual therapy to lower FSH, open blocked tubes, and reduce pain with Larry Wurn and Sharon Hepburn

This episode sponsored by NEEDED! Use code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY at thisisneeded.com for 20% off your first month of products!
In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, we explore how manual therapy can unlock new possibilities for those facing unexplained infertility. Our guests Larry Wurn, CEO, LMT, and Sharon Hepburn, COO, PT, LMT from Clear Passage Therapies review the role of adhesions in fertility challenges, share success stories of patients with elevated FSH who improved with treatment, and explain how manual therapy influences the ovaries, cranium, and dura. We discuss how manual therapy can open blocked fallopian tubes without surgery and can help prepare the endometrium for implantation. We also cover an effective protocol for treating endometriosis, exploring when therapy is best utilized—before or after surgery. The episode wraps with a powerful success story using the Clear Passage Approach, offering hope for those navigating complex fertility journeys.

Fertility Doula 101: Support Through Infertility & Pregnancy Loss With Jess Tims

Join Dr. Kalea Wattles as she chats with Jess Tims, a Certified Fertility Doula and mom who turned her own journey with unexplained infertility into a mission to support others.
In this episode, we dive into:
- What exactly is a fertility doula, and how can they guide you on your path to pregnancy?
- The emotional rollercoaster of infertility, pregnancy loss, and IVF—and the mind-body tools Jess uses to help her clients find peace.
- Real-life success stories that show the transformative power of compassionate support.
Tune in to hear Jess's heartfelt wisdom, inspiring stories, and the advice she shares with almost every client. Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or looking for hope after a loss, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical tips.

Abdominal Massage For Fertility with Holly Leever

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles chats with acupuncturist, herbalist, and Arvigo abdominal massage therapist Holly Leever. We'll cover: 
- What is Arvigo abdominal massage, and how does it support fertility?
- Who is a good candidate for this type of treatment?
- How tracking your cycle can help you add abdominal massage at the right time to support fertility
- Strategies for developing a deeper connection to the womb during your fertility journey
 
Thank you to our season two sponsor, NEEDED! This episode highlights Needed Egg Quality Support, a blend of targeted antioxidants designed to support egg quality. Use code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY for 20% off your order at thisisneeded.com. 

The Migraine - Fertility Connection with Diane Ducarme

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles connects with Nectar Health (https://www.mynectarhealth.com/) Founder and CEO, Diane Ducarme, to discuss the connection between migraines and fertility. In this show, we'll talk about: 
- The connection between migraines and the menstrual cycle- The gut-brain axis and the role of the gut in both reproductive health and migraines- Superfoods that can help those with migraines- How to communicate to your partner the severity and impact of migraine pain- How working to address the underlying causes of migraines improves fertility outcomes as well
Thank you to our season 2 sponsor - Needed! In this episode, we highlight Needed's Pre/Probiotic, a clinically-studied blend of probiotics, prebiotics, and polyphenols to support the gut and vaginal microbiome. Listeners can receive 20% off at thisisneeded.com with code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY.