Functional Fertility with Dr. Kalea Wattles

The Period Recovery Roadmap: Exploring Hypothalamic Amenorrhea with Dr. Miranda Naylor

In this episode of Functional Fertility, host Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by guest Dr. Miranda Naylor to discuss a frustrating situation when trying to conceive - when our period is missing in action. They delve into the most common causes of amenorrhea, particularly hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA). Dr. Naylor explains the most important drivers of HA and the long-term effects it can have. They also discuss comprehensive lab testing, including lab findings that help diagnose HA and lab patterns that might indicate another condition such as POI or PCOS. For period recovery, Dr. Naylor focuses on lifestyle factors and specific nutrients, and frames the conversation around expectations and a timeline for trying to conceive. 

Thriving with PCOS: Finding Hope in Functional Medicine with Nutritionist Amber Fischer

On this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles sits down with Amber Fischer, a functional dietitian nutritionist who specializes in women's health, to discuss integrative and functional medicine perspectives on PCOS.
Highlights from this episode include:
An exploration of Amber's top three suggestions for someone who has just been diagnosed with PCOS or is looking to integrative and functional medicine for a different perspective.
Unraveling the theme of “hormone balance” and what that means for those with PCOS
A review of the gut health - PCOS connection and Amber’s favorite nutritional interventions for supporting a healthy gut microbiome
Mitochondrial health and the association between mitochondrial function and PCOS (plus nutritional interventions to power up the mitochondria)!
A discussion on insulin resistance, how it affects fertility, and Amber’s thoughts on intermittent fasting for those with PCOS.
Busting the myth that you can never eat carbs after a PCOS diagnosis
Overall, this episode is full of amazing insights and practical tips for anyone looking to take a holistic approach to managing their PCOS symptoms.

From Sperm to Success: Male Fertility, Paternal Health, and Pregnancy Outcomes with Ayla Barmmer

In this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of fertility wellness brand FullWell, Ayla Barmmer. Ayla sheds light on how infertility has historically been considered a "female" issue, but how paternal health, particularly sperm health, can significantly impact pregnancy outcomes. The discussion explores the impact of nutrition and lifestyle factors on male fertility, highlighting some common habits that may worsen sperm health and strategies to optimize male fertility. Ayla discusses the role of environmental toxins in male fertility and shares the most common sources of exposure. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the various ways in which paternal health can impact fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and the long-term health of offspring, providing valuable insights for listeners interested in improving their own health and that of their partners.

Endo Unveiled: Inflammation, Gut Health, and Fertility Insights with Dr. Merritt Jones

In this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by acupuncturist and integrative fertility specialist, Dr. Merritt Jones. Dr. Jones discusses the intricate connection between inflammation and endometriosis, and reviews how inflammation contributes to chronic pain and adhesions. Further, this episode delves into the connection between endometriosis and gut health, including common gut-health conditions that affect endometriosis and whether treating the gut can improve endo symptoms. Dr. Jones shares her own endometriosis story, as well as her favorite dietary strategies for managing endo symptoms. For those looking to manage endometriosis and preserve egg health for future pregnancy, Dr. Jones offers advice on protecting egg health and reveals how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can support the health of eggs and the endometrium.

Uncovering Unseen Fertility Blocks with Dr. Katie Rose

In this episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by naturopathic doctor and fertility coach, Dr. Katie Rose. Dr. Rose shares some of the most common patterns and conditions she discovers in patients who have been diagnosed with "unexplained infertility." She will also shed light on some areas that are often left unexplored during the evaluation process. Moreover, she will discuss her three-step method to support the body, mind, and spirit during the fertility journey and will provide insights on how to manage fear that might come up when trying to get pregnant. Additionally, Dr. Rose will delve into how holding onto anger can impact fertility and how addressing emotional and spiritual health is essential when trying to conceive.

Mindful Movement For Preconception, Pregnancy, and Beyond With Certified Pre-and-Postnatal Coach Samantha Minns

On this episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by Certified Nutrition Specialist and Certified Pre- and Postnatal Coach, Samantha Minns. Samantha shares the benefits of a regularly moving our body as we prepare for pregnancy, along with realistic strategies for incorporating effective, mindful movement into our daily routines. Samantha shares how to train specifically for supporting insulin sensitivity, powering mitochondrial health, preparing for labor, and repairing diastasis recti. Further, Samantha answers some frequently asked questions, including how to avoid over-exercising when trying to conceive, how to adjust energy intake to remain nourished with increasing activity levels, and how to safely maintain exercise during pregnancy.

Nurturing Your Nervous System For Functional Fertility With Olivia Mitchell

On this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by dietitian Olivia Mitchell. Olivia discussed fertility stressors, and clarifies that stress doesn't just mean the typical stressors like schedules, responsibilities, and finances. This episode explores some of the ways perfectionism, hustle culture, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, inflammation, and nervous system dysfunction can show up in our lives and impact our fertility journey. Finally, we'll learn some of Olivia's favorite stress-relieving techniques for those on a fertility journey.

Exploring The Heart-Uterus Connection With Michelle Oravitz

In this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by acupuncturist, hypnotherapist, and Ayurvedic practitioner Michelle Oravitz to explore the fascinating and complex connection between the heart and uterus. The heart-uterus connection is deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with imbalances in this pathway contributing to infertility, menstrual disorders, anxiety, and depression. In this episode, Michelle describes the meaning of the heart-uterus connection and how it relates to fertility. She also shares some of her favorite ways to support this connection, including intimacy, lightheartedness, laughter, creativity, and grounding practices. 

Genetic Variations and Fertility: Understanding MTHFR With Dr. Kelsey Stang

In this episode, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by Dr. Kelsey Stang to review the impact of genetic variations on fertility and beyond. Topics include a review of folate metabolism and MTHFR, discussion of fertility-specific outcomes associated with various genetic polymorphisms, options and indications for genetic testing, and lifestyle strategies to support optimal genetic health. Further, Dr. Stang shares her top 3 tips for supporting the body's inherent cleansing abilities during the preconception time frame. 

Getting To The Root Cause of Period Pain With The Period Acupuncturist, Allison Locke

In this episode, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by The Period Acupuncturist, Allison Locke. This conversation explores the root cause of period pain and unpacks realistic strategies to optimize hormonal health and fertility. Here's what you'll learn:
Some of the most common mistakes we make when charting our cycle
What period cramps could be telling us about our overall health
How acupuncture can benefit a short luteal phase, low progesterone, thin endometrial lining, and period pain
The most important modifiable lifestyle factors for maintaining healthy hormones
How Allison is using cyclical living to harness her hormonal potential each month