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.
Join my NEW private community at thelongherlife.com for ongoing protocols, live coaching, and deeper support.
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:
- Join my NEW private community at thelongherlife.com for ongoing protocols, live coaching, and deeper support.
- 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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