Functional Fertility with Dr. Kalea Wattles

Navigating Male Factor Infertility: Expert Guidance with Dr. Leah Gordon

Discover the often-overlooked realm of male fertility in this insightful podcast episode featuring host Dr. Kalea Wattles and esteemed guest Dr. Leah Gordon. They explore why male factors are frequently left unexplored for extended periods and delve into essential testing recommendations for assessing male fertility. Dr. Gordon shares valuable insights into the ideal timing for a semen analysis and offers practical advice on how to obtain one. From universal recommendations for improving sperm health to understanding the timeline for lifestyle and nutrition changes, this episode uncovers the secrets to bolstering male fertility. Dr. Gordon also sheds light on a holistic approach to IVF, identifying areas where naturopathic and functional medicine can enhance success. Drawing from her own experiences, she discusses the unique support she introduced to her own fertility journey and provides guidance on counseling patients regarding cultivating foundational health before, during, and after IVF. 

The Future is Fertile: Optimizing Egg Quality with Aimee Raupp

Prepare for an insightful exploration of egg quality and fertility with host Dr. Kalea Wattles and our special guest - women’s health & fertility detective, celebrity acupuncturist & coach, and bestselling author, Aimee Raupp. In this episode, Aimee challenges the common medical notion that egg quality is unalterable, providing a fresh perspective on enhancing this crucial aspect of fertility. Discover telltale signs and symptoms that indicate it's time to give your egg cells some TLC and gain insights into when to start supporting egg health before attempting conception. Aimee shares her tried-and-true methods for boosting egg quality, debunking the myth that it requires costly interventions. Instead, she offers practical tips for nourishing your eggs on a budget. The episode also delves into recurrent pregnancy loss, examining common causes and essential laboratory evaluations. Tune in for an expert-guided journey towards optimal fertility where you can gain actionable advice for nurturing your reproductive health.

Exploring The Thyroid-Fertility Connection with Dr. Hanisha Patel

Join Dr. Kalea Wattles and guest Dr. Hanisha Patel in this illuminating podcast episode that explores the often-overlooked connections between thyroid health, fertility, and autoimmune conditions. Delve into the patterns and themes observed in patients with "normal" lab results who still face challenges in conceiving. Discover the subtle signs and symptoms of low thyroid function that can impact fertility and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of measuring free thyroid hormone levels. Dr. Patel demystifies thyroid antibodies, sharing insights on their potential reduction and offering valuable tools for managing autoimmune thyroid disease. Listener questions cover the timeline and safety of thyroid hormone replacement when trying to conceive, key nutrients for thyroid health, monitoring thyroid function during pregnancy, and the impact of factors like stress and exercise on ovulation and insulin sensitivity. Tune in to unearth a treasure trove of knowledge to support your fertility journey and overall well-being.

Bio-Individuality in PCOS: A Systems Biology Approach with Melissa Groves Azzaro

Celebrate PCOS Awareness Month with this enlightening podcast episode featuring Dr. Kalea Wattles and integrative dietitian, Melissa Groves Azzaro. Melissa is the creator of The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap™ and The Period Problems Root Cause Roadmap™ and is the author of A Balanced Approach to PCOS. In this episode, she reviews an integrative approach to PCOS, navigating beyond reductionist advice and exploring the fascinating world of systems biology. Melissa shares invaluable insights on the connections between PCOS and metabolic dysfunction, gut health, chronic inflammation, and adrenal dysfunction.
Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on effective methods for measuring metabolic markers, and Melissa shares her favorite nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for improving insulin sensitivity. Listener questions cover "lean PCOS," menstrual cycle changes, and the importance of regular ovulation. Plus, don't miss Melissa's creative hormone-friendly, egg-free breakfast recipe! Tune in for a wealth of knowledge during PCOS Awareness Month.
 

Fertility Longevity: Navigating Your Journey Beyond 35 with Dr. Marc Sklar

Join host Dr. Kalea Wattles and renowned guest Dr. Marc Sklar for this inspiring episode that is packed with actionable insights for women over age 35. As a dedicated "ovarian optimist," Dr. Sklar dispels fears surrounding "advanced maternal age," offering three immediate steps to support fertility longevity. Tune in to debunk myths about AMH levels and discover the truth about conceiving with low AMH and high FSH. Dr. Sklar shares strategies to improve AMH and explores a remarkable case study in ovarian health. Delve into the complexities of unexplained infertility, uncover common contributing factors, and learn which often-missed tests are crucial for a comprehensive fertility evaluation. Dr. Sklar addresses listener questions, providing guidance on embracing lifestyle changes while navigating the unexplained infertility puzzle. Don't miss this episode filled with expert advice and empowering insights that can redefine your fertility journey.

Conceiving Clarity: Embracing Emotional Resilience with Psychotherapist Carrie Cohen

Embark on a transformative exploration of the emotional dimensions of the fertility journey in this insightful episode featuring Dr. Kalea Wattles and psychotherapist Carrie Cohen. With compassion and expertise, Carrie delves into the crucial juncture at which seeking psychotherapeutic support can make all the difference, revealing the benefits of a diverse care team. Uncover strategies for regaining control amidst the uncertainty of infertility and learn from Carrie's own lifestyle change journey. Navigate the nuances of partnership dynamics during the fertility journey and rediscover intimacy and connection. Gain invaluable advice on maintaining relationships while setting healthy boundaries and discover Carrie's top three tips for letting go of worry. Don't miss the enlightening discussion on the power of hypnotherapy in fertility support and the profound benefits it brings. Tune in for a wealth of guidance to foster emotional well-being on the path to conception.

Realistically Reducing Toxic Exposures: Building a Preconception Plan with Dr. Britt Stamer

Get ready to empower your fertility journey in this enlightening episode with Dr. Kalea Wattles and special guest Dr. Britt Stamer, a passionate advocate for understanding the impact of environmental toxins on conception. Dr. Stamer sheds light on the common routes of toxin exposure and offers invaluable advice on auditing your environment to create a toxin-free ecosystem. Discover her top three lifestyle modifications that can significantly reduce total toxic burden and learn about water filters, cookware recommendations, and healthy fragrance replacements. Tune in to uncover essential testing for assessing toxic exposures and explore Dr. Stamer's preconception detox strategy, supporting biotransformation and elimination pathways. Whether you're planning to conceive or just seeking a healthier lifestyle, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to make informed and impactful choices for you and your family.

Heavy Flow Chronicles: Solving the Period Puzzle with Dr. Saru Bala

In this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles welcomes the esteemed Dr. Saru Bala, a specialist in women's health. They dive deep into common period-related concerns, exploring everything from clots and heavy bleeding to super light flow. Dr. Bala shares her expertise on the most frequent causes of heavy bleeding and the essential labs to consider for diagnosis. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they discuss the surprising link between gut health and menstrual problems. Dr. Bala also sheds light on the liver's impact on menstrual symptoms, revealing signs that may indicate a need for liver support. Don't miss out on Dr. Bala's top three suggestions for promoting liver health, as well as the three things to avoid for those dealing with painful or heavy periods. Get ready to gain valuable insights into your body's health and find answers to those "is this normal?" questions you've been wondering about!

Unveiling the Role of Minerals in Fertility with Fertility Dietitian Brooke Boskovich

In this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles explores the crucial topic of mineral status and its impact on fertility with fertility dietician, Brooke Boskovich. Brooke discusses the key ways mineral status influences fertility and pregnancy. She shares her favorite method for assessing mineral status globally and also provides valuable insights into identifying mineral sufficiency when testing is unavailable. One mineral that receives particular attention is iron, as it plays a vital role in fertility and pregnancy. Brooke explains why iron is important, outlines strategies for testing iron levels, and uncovers the intriguing connection between iron and copper. Furthermore, Brooke reviews the differences between heme and non-heme iron and highlight some of her favorite iron- and copper-rich foods. The episode also addresses listener questions, including tips for managing iron supplement-induced nausea and the duration of focusing on mineral sufficiency before attempting pregnancy. Lastly, the discussion expands to encompass the intersection of mineral sufficiency and gut health. The impact of gut health on mineral absorption, ways to determine adequate stomach acid levels, and methods for supporting healthy stomach acidity are all explored in this insightful episode.

Demystifying Fertility Medications with Fertility Pharmacist, Dr. Natasha Stamper

In this episode of Functional Fertility, host Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by fertility pharmacist, Dr. Natasha Stamper. After many miscarriages, two ectopic pregnancies, and one cervical ectopic she had her two miracle babies. Dr. Stamper blends key takeaways from her own IVF journey with years of experience as a clinical pharmacist, highlighting some of the most important lessons regarding medication management. She discusses common mistakes to avoid when organizing fertility meds, cautioned against using certain over-the-counter medications during treatment, and provided alternative approaches for managing the discomfort of intramuscular progesterone injections. Dr. Stamper also compares the use of Metformin and inositol in reducing insulin resistance, highlighted common side effects of Clomid for ovulation induction, and shared pro-tips for managing these side effects. Additionally, she addressed the suitability of Femara over Clomid for specific populations and offered helpful advice on traveling with fertility medications. This episode provides practical information and guidance for couples navigating the complexities of fertility treatment.