Dr. Natalie Crawford (board-certified OBGYN + REI fertility specialist) shares why fertility starts in “trimester zero,” how inflammation impacts egg + sperm quality, and how to avoid pricey IVF add-ons that aren’t backed by solid science.
You’ll walk away with: The key labs to track, the biggest lifestyle levers for both partners (including cannabis), and the hormone-testing mistakes that can accidentally act like birth control.
Want protocols built specifically for women, live coaching, and real talk about peptides and longevity? That's what The LongHer Life is for. Private. Uncensored. Ongoing.
We talk about:
10:55 - Using the “inflammation lens” to improve hormones, egg quality, and IVF outcomes
13:20 - Building trimester zero prep that supports both egg and sperm health
17:00 - Turning fertility into a true team sport with real male partner involvement
20:55 - Using data (not nagging) to address male resistance and hidden exposures
24:55 - Understanding ovarian health as a core lever for women’s longevity
29:55 - Why pregnancy doesn’t “pause” egg loss and what actually matters for menopause timing
31:50 - Rethinking HRT timing and why earlier support may be protective
41:20 - Defining egg quality beyond age: Genetics + metabolic function
46:20 - Why pregnancy is inflammatory and how to think about inflammation correctly
49:20 - Target inflammatory markers to track for fertility and longevity
52:00 - Avoiding lab misinterpretation that can accidentally act like birth control
53:55 - Child spacing that supports uterine healing, breastfeeding reality, and maternal recovery
Questions answered in this episode:
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What does “trimester zero” mean, and why does it matter before you start trying?
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How can women tell the difference between evidence-based fertility support and expensive IVF add-ons?
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What are the 3 pillars Dr. Crawford recommends to feel more in control during fertility struggles?
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Why is inflammation such a big driver of egg quality, hormones, and IVF success?
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What does “egg quality” actually mean beyond age and what can you influence?
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How much does male fertility contribute, and what’s changing with men showing up more?
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What do you do when your partner refuses lifestyle changes that impact sperm quality?
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Why can cannabis use dramatically change IVF outcomes and why do clinics see this so often?
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How are fertility and longevity connected through ovarian health and estrogen exposure?
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Does pregnancy delay menopause or preserve eggs?
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What inflammatory markers does Dr. Crawford track (and what ranges does she aim for)?
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What does the research suggest about child spacing after a C-section and while breastfeeding?
Resources:
- Want protocols built specifically for women, live coaching, and real talk about peptides and longevity? That's what The LongHer Life is for. Private. Uncensored. Ongoing.
- Download the non-toxic baby registry guide to reduce toxic exposure and make confident, evidence-informed choices for your family—free.
- Dr. Natalie Craford’s website and Instagram
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