As a Woman

Why are you feeling more bloated, struggling with digestion, or noticing changes in your metabolism when your usual habits haven’t changed? During perimenopause and menopause, symptoms that seem unrelated may be part of a bigger conversation about hormones and gut health. What should you pay attention to, and where should you start?

In this episode of the As A Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford welcomes Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner, metabolic health expert, and author of The Menopause Gut. Cynthia explains how hormonal shifts can influence digestion and the gut microbiome, and how gut health intersects with inflammation and estrogen metabolism. She shares practical ways to support your gut, what to consider before trying probiotics or fasting, and why persistent bloating or changes in bowel habits deserve medical evaluation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 The Menopause Gut with Cynthia Thurlow

04:56 How Do Perimenopause and Menopause Affect Digestion?

07:39 What Is Leaky Gut?

11:07 Can Hormonal Changes and Stress Slow Digestion?

14:51 How Does Gallbladder Removal Affect Digestion?

16:24 How Does Fiber Support Your Gut Microbiome?

18:46 What Are Signs of Poor Gut Health?

20:41 Bloating After Meals vs. All-Day Bloating: What’s the Difference?

23:13 How Does Alcohol Affect Gut Health and Estrogen?

25:45 How Can You Support Gut Health With PMOS (Formerly PCOS) or Endometriosis?

29:52 Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You in Perimenopause?

34:09 How Do Fermented Foods Support Gut Health?

35:14 Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: Do You Need Supplements?

36:34 Do You Need Gut Microbiome Testing?

37:25 How Can You Increase Fiber Without More Bloating?

39:32 What Is Resistant Starch?

41:40 Can GLP-1 Medications Reduce Inflammation?

43:30 Does Hormone Therapy Affect Gut Health?

45:40 How Can You Support Gut Health in Menopause?

46:46 The Menopause Gut Book and Where to Find Cynthia

GUEST RESOURCES:

Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_

Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777129/the-menopause-gut-by-cynthia-thurlow-np/

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis can affect far more than periods or fertility. What can irregular cycles, insulin resistance, inflammation, pelvic pain, painful sex, digestive symptoms, mood changes, and fatigue reveal about your whole body health, even when pregnancy is not the goal?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford joins SHE MD hosts Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, a world renowned OB/GYN, and women’s advocate Mary Alice Haney to explain the PMOS symptoms, testing, and treatment options patients often miss. They also explore why PMOS and endometriosis may coexist, how endometriosis can affect the entire body, why diagnosis is frequently delayed, and what to know about hormonal treatment, surgery, pregnancy planning, and fertility preservation. This conversation will help you recognize important symptoms and advocate for more comprehensive care.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Why Is PCOS Now Called Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)?

02:34 How Is PMOS Diagnosed?

05:59 Which Body Systems Does PMOS Affect?

08:14 What Is the Link Between PMOS and Insulin Resistance?

12:06 How Can PMOS Affect Mood and Inflammation?

17:32 Which Blood Tests Should Be Considered for PMOS?

24:00 What Should You Know About PMOS Before Pregnancy?

29:24 Can Metformin and GLP-1 Medications Help PMOS?

35:19 What Diet and Exercise Strategies Support PMOS?

43:05 What Are the Hormonal Treatment Options for PMOS?

48:55 Can PMOS and Endometriosis Occur Together?

54:04 What Are the Overlooked Symptoms of Endometriosis?

55:46 How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed and Treated?

59:18 What Happens After Endometriosis Surgery?

01:02:05 When Should You Consider Fertility Preservation?

GUEST RESOURCES:

Podcast: https://www.shemdpodcast.com

Website: https://ovii.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shemdpodcast/?hl=en

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which IVF add-ons and fertility tests are actually worth considering, and what should you know before your next embryo transfer?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, fertility doctor Natalie Crawford, MD, answers your questions about IVF add-ons, sperm DNA fragmentation testing, ICSI, fresh versus frozen embryo transfers, recurrent pregnancy loss, celiac disease, endometriosis after surgery, and more. She explains what these options can and cannot tell you, and how to think through treatment choices after a setback.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Fertility Q&A

00:22 When Can You Try Again After a Missed Miscarriage?

04:49 How Can You Avoid Gluten Cross-Contamination With Celiac Disease?

06:14 Can Adderall Affect Sperm Health and Fertility?

07:03 What Is ICSI and When Is It Used in IVF?

07:51 Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfer: Which Is Better?

09:55 Should You Change Your Fertility Protocol After Recurrent Loss?

12:51 What Comes Next for Fertility After Endometriosis Surgery?

13:54 Are Antibiotics or Steroids Helpful Before Embryo Transfer?

14:53 Should You Test Sperm DNA Fragmentation or Karyotype?

16:47 Can Stress or Recurrent Yeast Infections Affect Fertility?

17:45 What Can Cause Recurrent Pregnancy Loss With Normal Testing?

19:34 Should You Get Sperm DNA Testing for Low Sperm Morphology?

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food labels can make almost anything look healthy, but what is actually in the food we eat? With growing concerns about ultra processed foods, additives, seed oils, and pesticides, many women are left wondering what truly matters for their hormones and fertility.

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford talks with Courtney Swan, MS, integrative nutritionist and host of Realfoodology. Courtney shares how she and her husband prepared for pregnancy before conceiving at 41, and they discuss how nutrition, inflammation, egg health, and sperm health can shape fertility. Together, they offer practical ways to make informed choices and reduce everyday exposures without fear or perfection.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Food Toxins, Hormones, and Fertility

01:08 Is the American Food System Broken?

05:25 Processed vs Ultra Processed Foods

08:33 Food Additives and Hidden Ingredients

12:05 Seed Oils and Inflammation

15:11 Environmental Toxins, Glyphosate, and Organic Food

18:11 How the Body Handles Everyday Toxin Exposure

19:10 Pregnancy at 41 and Preconception Health

22:43 Male Fertility and Sperm Health

27:42 Fertility After 35 and Metabolic Health

33:03 Where to Start Reducing Toxin Exposure

36:16 Fertility Testing Before Trying to Conceive

38:39 When to Consider a Semen Analysis

39:44 Egg Quality, Mitochondria, and CoQ10

40:23 Courtney Swan and Realfoodology

GUEST RESOURCES:

Website: https://www.realfoodology.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodology

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trying to conceive and wondering whether it is too late to get pregnant after 35? Being labeled “advanced maternal age” can make one birthday feel like a fertility cliff. But trying to get pregnant at 35 and 40 are not the same conversation, so should you keep trying on your own, get tested now, or discuss treatment before more time passes?

In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Natalie Crawford explains what actually changes as you move through your late 30s and into your 40s. She breaks down your chances of pregnancy, egg quality and miscarriage risk, when to request a fertility evaluation, which tests to ask for, how to track ovulation, and where egg freezing, IUI, IVF, and PGT may fit, helping you understand your options and use your time intentionally without letting fear make the decision for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 What Happens to Fertility After 35?

01:24 Is 35 Too Late to Get Pregnant?

03:19 What Are Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Each Month?

04:17 Egg Quantity vs. Egg Quality After 35

05:26 What Are Your Chances of Getting Pregnant at 38?

06:29 What Are Your Chances of Getting Pregnant After 40?

07:35 How Does Age Affect Chromosomal Abnormalities?

11:04 Does Paternal Age Affect Fertility?

13:01 Can You Carry a Healthy Pregnancy in Your 40s?

14:33 What Does Advanced Maternal Age Mean?

16:00 When Should You Get Fertility Testing After 35?

18:13 What Does an AMH Test Tell You About Fertility?

20:33 Is Egg Freezing Worth It After 35?

22:20 How Can You Get Pregnant After 40?

23:17 How to Track Ovulation When Trying to Conceive

24:50 What Fertility Treatment Is Best After 35?

26:08 Should You Do PGT With IVF After 35?

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices