Egg Meets Sperm

This is one of the most important conversations happening in women’s health right now. For decades, hormonal birth control has been prescribed as the default solution for everything from acne to cramps — often without any explanation of long-term consequences. Today, we unpack the truth: how the pill affects your body, your hormones, your fertility, your mental health, and even your future relationships.This episode dives deep into the science, the lived experiences, and the lesser-known side effects women face after years on synthetic hormones. If you’ve ever taken the pill, considered it, struggled to get pregnant post-pill, or wondered why your body changed after stopping — this is essential listening.Joining me in this conversation is Elizabeth Katzman. She is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and the founder of Strong Choices. She specializes in helping women in their reproductive and midlife years uncover the root causes of hormone imbalances, fatigue, stubborn weight gain, and gut issues—often tied to years on hormonal birth control. Using advanced lab testing, functional protocols, and personalized strategies, Elizabeth empowers women to reclaim their energy, strength, and clarity. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:1. Why the Pill Is Over-PrescribedDoctors hand it out for acne, cramps, and irregular cyclesTeens & young women are rarely given informed consentWhy the pill is used as a band-aid instead of addressing root causes2. The “Pill Hangover”Many women experience:Missing periodsAnovulationAcne reboundMood swingsGut issuesThyroid dysfunctionFertility delaysNutrient deficienciesWe explain why these issues don’t magically disappear after stopping the pill.3. How Synthetic Hormones Disrupt Natural HormonesThe pill:Shuts down communication between the brain & ovariesBlocks natural progesteroneExposes your body to synthetic progestins linked to anxietyDisrupts thyroid conversion (T4 → T3)Weakens bone density when taken before age 30Leads to gut dysbiosis & leaky gutReduces B vitamins, especially in women with MTHFR mutationsImpairs libido & alters mate selectionIncreases risk of UTIs due to pH imbalance4. Fertility After the PillWe break down why some women ovulate right away, while others need:Liver detoxificationGut repairThyroid supportNutrient replenishmentHormone balancingNervous system regulationAnd why the pill → IVF pipeline is becoming increasingly common.5. Understanding Your Menstrual CycleYoung women are rarely taught:You are only fertile 2–5 days per monthHow to read cervical mucusHow LH strips workHow to track cycles naturallyHow nutrition affects hormonesHow menstruation is a monthly health “report card”Cycle literacy is empowerment — not fear.6. Natural Strategies for Hormone + Fertility RecoveryWe cover:Probiotics for gut & vaginal healthCastor oil packsSaunas & niacinLiver support supplementsProtein intake for hormone productionFiber for estrogen clearanceReducing toxic exposuresNervous system supportHow to restore ovulation naturally7. Stories, Real Examples & Emotional TruthsWe discuss relationship impacts, fertility challenges, identity shifts, and how long-term pill use can change everything — including who you’re attracted to.🌿 Who This Video Is ForWomen on the pillWomen coming off the pillAnyone trying to conceiveAnyone with undiagnosed period issuesTeens & young adults wanting informed consentMoms raising daughtersWomen with thyroid, gut, or mood symptomsAnyone pursuing natural fertilityFollow Elizabeth on: @strongchoices1💬 Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:- what you loved- what you want to see improve- any guests you want me to bring on- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the place for live interactions, support, and learning on the fertility journey.Want more amazing content? Join me on IG.If you found this podcast episode useful, we’d love it if you could take 15 seconds to give us a positive review on whichever platform you’re listening to this episode.🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

We’ve been told for decades that fertility is all about age — but what if that’s only part of the story?In this deeply insightful and science-backed conversation, we uncover why biological age — not chronological age — may be the most important factor influencing fertility, egg quality, embryo development, and pregnancy outcomes.In this amazing episode, I am joined by Dr Katherine Zagone! Dr. Katherine Zagone, ND, Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Clockwize, has been supporting women and couples easily conceive their healthiest babies for almost a decade. Afterhaving her own successrewinding her biological clock, she is now on a mission to support women everywhere in having healthy babies on their timeline. She's excited to bring effective science, a warm heart, and an industry-changing approach to the world through Clockwize, Inc.Biological age reflects the health of your cells, your DNA, and your epigenetic expression. And unlike your birthdate, biological age can be measured — and even reversed.In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research and real clinical experience showing that:Women who improve their cellular health can improve fertility outcomesYounger women with advanced biological age may struggle more than older women with healthier cellsEpigenetics, methylation, toxins, stress, and trauma directly influence reproductive healthFertility is an early indicator of overall health and longevityYou’ll hear how biological age testing works (using blood-based epigenetic markers), what methylation really means for fertility, and why conditions like MTHFR mutations, inflammation, mold exposure, and chronic stress can quietly accelerate the biological clock.🌱 The FAST Framework for Rewinding Biological AgeThis episode breaks down a holistic approach to fertility optimization, including:Food: nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, low-toxin nutritionFasting: strategic timing to support cellular repair (when appropriate)Fitness: finding the sweet spot between movement and recoveryAssociated conditions: blood sugar issues, hormone imbalances, genetic pathwaysSleep: circadian rhythm regulation and hormonal repairStress & Mind-Body Work: meditation, breathwork, nervous system regulationSupplementation: personalized support for methylation and cellular healthToxins & Trauma: reducing chemical exposure and healing stored stressOne of the most powerful takeaways?👉 The mind-body connection may be the single most important fertility intervention.Our thoughts, beliefs, and internal stress responses directly affect our cells. When the body feels safe, it can shift into rest, repair, and reproduction.This conversation also looks toward the future of fertility — including emerging AI-powered fertility prediction models that may soon help couples understand their chances before IVF, allowing them to optimize outcomes naturally first.✨ Whether you’re trying to conceive now, freezing eggs, navigating IVF, or simply wanting to protect your reproductive health for the future, this episode offers education, empowerment, and hope.📌 Topics CoveredBiological age vs chronological ageFertility over 30, 35, and 40Epigenetics and methylation explained simplyIVF, egg freezing, and embryo qualityToxins, trauma, and generational healthNatural fertility and reproductive longevity💛 Follow Dr Zagone on IG: drzagoneDon't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:- what you loved- what you want to see improve- any guests you want me to bring on- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the place for live interactions, support, and learning on the fertility journey.Want more amazing content? Join me on IG.If you found this podcast episode useful, we’d love it if you could take 15 seconds to give us a positive review on whichever platform you’re listening to this episode.🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

So many women on a fertility journey are told to eat less, train harder, cut carbs, and push through. But what if those very strategies are the reason your hormones feel off, your cycles are irregular, or ovulation has quietly disappeared?In this powerful and validating conversation, we unpack the critical connection between metabolic health, female hormones, and fertility — and why so many well-intentioned health habits actually send the body into survival mode, where reproduction becomes the lowest priority.Joining me in this conversation is Ashley Fillmore! Ashley is a leading expert in sustainable weight loss. She helps women heal their metabolism, balance their hormones, and achieve body-composition changes that last a lifetime. Ashley has a BSc in Exercise and Nutrition and is a certified personal trainer, professional nutrition coach, and health educator with nearly twenty years of experience! Ashley is the host of the Cheers to Your Success Podcast and the founder and president of Metabolic Fix™ – a premium online coaching company that has helped thousands of women finally break free from chronic dieting and achieve long-term, sustainable results using the Metabolic Fix Method™. She is deeply committed to helping women better their lives and strives to inspire others to embrace the life of health, happiness, and self-love they deserve.If you’ve ever thought:“I’m eating clean, but my cycles are getting worse.”“I’m trying to lose weight, but my hormones feel broken.”“I don’t even know if I’m ovulating anymore.”“Why does fertility feel so hard when I’m doing everything right?”…this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.In this episode, we cover:🧠 What metabolic health really is and why it’s foundational for fertility🔥 How chronic dieting and under-eating signal danger to the body🌙 Why sleep is essential for insulin sensitivity and hormone balance📉 How low-carb and calorie restriction can suppress progesterone📊 Why basal body temperature (BBT) tracking is still one of the best fertility tools🩸 The role of blood sugar regulation and when CGMs may be helpful🍳 Why that first morning meal (especially protein-rich) matters so much🏃‍♀️ The truth about HIIT, overtraining, and exercise stress when trying to conceive🥔 Why women are not small men — and why male-based nutrition advice can harm female hormones🌱 How fertility can be restored by creating safety, nourishment, and consistencyOne of the biggest takeaways?Your body isn’t broken — it’s adaptive.When nutrients are scarce, stress is high, and rest is low, your body prioritizes survival over reproduction. And that response makes sense.The good news: with personalized nutrition, adequate fuel, restorative sleep, and hormone-supportive movement, fertility can come back — often faster than you think.💛 If this episode resonates with you, share it with a woman who feels stuck, frustrated, or unheard on her fertility journey.Your body is wise. It’s listening. And it wants to heal.👍 Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:- what you loved- what you want to see improve- any guests you want me to bring on- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the place for live interactions, support, and learning on the fertility journey.Want more amazing content? Join me on IG.If you found this podcast episode useful, we’d love it if you could take 15 seconds to give us a positive review on whichever platform you’re listening to this episode.🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Preparing for pregnancy starts long before a positive test — and today, pediatrician Dr. Gator (Dr. Joel Warsh) reveals why the preconception period may be the most important window for your baby’s future health.In this powerful conversation, we explore how nutrition, toxins, lifestyle, stress, and resilience shape fertility, conception, and the long-term well-being of your future child. Whether you're trying to conceive, struggling with fertility, or planning ahead, this episode will give you practical steps you can begin using today.This conversation was also featured from the summit I hosted last year. Since this conversation is powerful and a must-listen, I am now featuring it here on Egg Meets Sperm!Joel Warsh, aka Dr. Joel Gator of the popular parenting Instagram, is a Board-Certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles, California, who specializes in Parenting, Wellness, and Integrative Medicine. He grew up in Toronto, Canada, and completed degrees in Kinesiology, Psychology, Epidemiology, and Community Health before earning his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical College. He completed his Pediatric Medicine training at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) and worked in private practice in Beverly Hills before founding his current practice, Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine Studio City, in 2018.Dr. Gator has published research in peer-reviewed journals on topics including childhood injuries, obesity, and physical activity. He has been featured in numerous documentaries, films, summits, podcasts, and articles, including CBS, Fox, LA Parent, MindBodyGreen, and many others. He is also the founder of the Parenting Masterclass Series, Raising Amazing, which can be found at RaisingAmazingPlus.com✨ Topics we cover:00:00 – Opening excerpt00:18 – Why children’s health begins before conception02:10 – How parental health influences fertility & baby’s future wellness04:40 – Why small lifestyle changes can dramatically increase conception rates06:30 – What “healthy eating” really means (beyond dieting)08:05 – How toxins impact fertility & how to reduce exposure11:25 – Air, water & household products: where to start14:10 – Stress, hormones & conception — what the research suggests17:40 – Building resilience in kids: what it actually means20:15 – Dr. Gator’s top preconception tips for future parents23:00 – Encouragement for parents who feel “it’s too late”24:50 – Final thoughts from a pediatrician’s perspective💚 Key Takeaways:Your baby’s health begins before pregnancyEven 5–10% improvements in stress, diet, or toxin load can dramatically support fertility“Healthy eating” = eating real, minimally processed foodYour mindset and daily choices create the foundation for your child’s resilienceSmall shifts → big impact over time👶 Who this episode is for:Anyone trying to conceiveWomen & couples experiencing fertility challengesThose interested in natural, holistic fertility supportParents planning for a healthier future childrenAnyone wanting to understand how lifestyle shapes lifelong healthFollow Dr Joel on:IG: drjoelgatorWebsite: www.raisingamazingplus.com🧡 Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:- what you loved- what you want to see improve- any guests you want me to bring on- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the place for live interactions, support, and learning on the fertility journey.Want more amazing content? Join me on IG.If you found this podcast episode useful, we’d love it if you could take 15 seconds to give us a positive review on whichever platform you’re listening to this episode.🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Endometriosis is finally being understood for what it truly is: a whole-body inflammatory, immune-dysregulating disease that affects far more than the pelvis—and far more than just your period. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by doctors, confused by contradictory information, or overwhelmed by your symptoms, this conversation is going to feel like someone finally turning on the lights.In this interview, I sit down with Dr Jessica Drummond! Dr. Jessica Drummond, DCN, CNS, PT, NBC-HWC, has been passionate about supporting, caring for, and empowering people who struggle with women’s and pelvic health concerns throughout her 24 year career working as a physical therapist and clinical nutritionist.Dr. Drummond’s trademarked approach is holistic, multi-pronged, and comprehensive, which combines science-informed research, functional nutrition application, lifestyle medicine strategies, nervous system regulation, mind-body connection, hormone balance, physical & manual therapy, and so much more. While her private clients hold a special place in her heart, Dr. Jessica Drummond is equally passionate about educating and supporting clinicians and wellness professionals to become certified health coaches so they can confidently and safely provide integrative tools and treatment to their clients.In this in-depth interview, we unpack 20+ years of clinical experience and research to help you understand:🌿 What Endometriosis Really IsEndo is NOT just uterine lining growing outside the uterus. Lesions are molecularly distinct tissue with the ability to:Create their own estrogenDevelop their own blood supplyHijack the immune systemTrigger systemic inflammationThis explains why endo can show up:On the ovaries & fallopian tubesThe bowel & bladderThe diaphragm & lungsEven the nose, joints & musculoskeletal tissuesEndo is a full-body disease. And it’s far more common than most people realize.🔍 Why Diagnosis Takes 10–12 YearsSymptoms can appear as:Digestive issuesAnxietyFatigueHeat intoleranceBloatingIrregular painPain with sex or bowel movementsOr no pelvic pain at allMany girls begin having symptoms at 8–12 years old—long before their cycles stabilize—making it even harder to recognize.Add medical gaslighting, misdiagnosis, and birth control masking symptoms… and it’s no surprise women go a decade or more without answers.🧡 Endometriosis & Fertility: The Hidden Immune ConnectionEndometriosis doesn’t just affect pain—it deeply impacts fertility because:It alters egg qualityIt influences DNA integrityChronic inflammation damages ovarian tissueImmune dysregulation interferes with implantationThe body may perceive an embryo as “foreign”This means endometriosis is often more of a reproductive immunology issue than a hormone issue.💥 The Estrogen Dominance MythYou’ll learn:Why lesions can create their own estrogenWhy some respond to estrogen suppression—and most don’tWhy saying endo is “estrogen dominance” oversimplifies the conditionThe 4 types of lesions (estrogen receptor–dominant, progesterone-dominant, mixed, neither)Why you can’t know your lesion type without surgical histologyThis is the clarity women desperately deserve.🔪 Excision Surgery: Who Needs It & Why It Helps FertilityWe explore:Why excision is the gold standardWhy surgeon skill is EVERYTHINGHow surgery reduces autoimmune activityWhy fertility often temporarily improves after surgeryWhen surgery is essential—and when it’s optionalHow to vet a surgeon so you don’t risk unnecessary repeat surgeries🌱 Real Healing Strategies (Integrative + Evidence-Informed)✓ Nervous system regulation✓ Lowering inflammation✓ Gut microbiome repair✓ Liver + bowel support✓ Myofascial & pelvic floor therapy✓ Enzymes for adhesion support (serrapeptase!)✓ NAC, pycnogenol, fish oil, curcumin✓ Peptide bioregulators✓ Sleep, circadian rhythm, HRV tracking✓ Trauma-informed care✓ Targeted nutrition without food fearYou’ll hear why focusing on systems, not symptoms, leads to real, sustainable improvements—not just temporary band-aids.💬 This episode is for you if:You suspect you have endometriosisYou’ve been dismissed or misdiagnosedYou struggle with fertility or egg qualityYou experience pelvic pain, endo belly, or chronic digestive issuesYou want natural options that support your WHOLE bodyYou’re overwhelmed after receiving a diagnosisYou want hope, clarity, and an actual plan💛 You deserve to feel heard. You deserve answers. You deserve options.Follow Dr Drummond on:IG @drjessicadrummondDon't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:- what you loved- what you want to see improve- any guests you want me to bring on- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the place for live interactions, support, and learning on the fertility journey.Want more amazing content? Join me on IG.If you found this podcast episode useful, we’d love it if you could take 15 seconds to give us a positive review on whichever platform you’re listening to this episode.🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!