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Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine
Fertility, reproductive health, and wellness are deeply personal—and sometimes, deeply challenging. Brave & Curious is a space for open, honest conversations about the science, emotions, and decisions that shape our reproductive journeys. Hosted by Dr. Lora Shahine, a double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, author, and advocate, this podcast blends evidence-based medicine with empathy and curiosity. Whether you're navigating infertility, exploring reproductive health, or simply seeking knowledge, this show will equip you with insights, expert interviews, and real stories to support your journey. New episodes drop weekly—subscribe and join the conversation. Until next time, stay brave and curious.
- 232 - Ep 184 TFMR Support: Finding Help After Termination for Medical Reasons
Have you experienced a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) and struggled to find support for your grief? How do you navigate the heartbreak of ending a wanted pregnancy while facing feelings of isolation, guilt, or judgment? Where can you find a community that truly understands your experience and helps you move forward with hope?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Sabrina Fletcher, a TFMR doula and founder of the TFMR Support Circle, for a compassionate conversation about pregnancy loss, grief, and healing after termination for medical reasons.
Sabrina shares her personal experience of receiving a devastating prenatal diagnosis, making an impossible decision, and navigating the emotional aftermath without the support she desperately needed. Now, she helps others facing similar circumstances find connection, understanding, and a safe space to grieve without judgment.
Together, Dr. Shahine and Sabrina explore the unique challenges of TFMR grief, why termination for medical reasons deserves recognition as pregnancy loss, and how specialized support groups and grief doulas can help families heal.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:08] Understanding TFMR and Pregnancy Loss [6:14] Navigating a Devastating Prenatal Diagnosis [15:11] Finding TFMR Grief Support [17:12] Building Community After Pregnancy Loss [20:15] TFMR vs Baby Loss [23:22] Trying to Conceive After TFMR [29:49] Navigating Pregnancy After Loss [37:40] IVF and Fertility Treatment After TFMR [39:51] Finding TFMR Support Groups and ResourcesResources mentioned:
Our TMFR Stories Podcast: thetfmrdoula.com/podcast
Join our Free Facebook Group: thetfmrdoula.com/facebookgroup
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 03 Nov 2026 - 41min - 231 - Ep 183 Is Infertility Killing Your Sex Life? Get Intimacy Back with Dr. Nichole McNichols
Has trying to conceive turned sex from something fun and spontaneous into another task on your fertility checklist? Are ovulation tracking, timed intercourse, and fertility treatments putting a strain on your relationship? How can you rebuild intimacy and sexual desire when infertility has taken the joy out of your sex life?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Dr. Nicole McNichols, human sexuality expert, University of Washington professor, and author of You Could Be Having Better Sex, for an honest conversation about how infertility impacts sexual intimacy and relationships.
Together, they explore why the pressure to conceive can decrease sexual desire, create tension between partners, and turn physical connection into a clinical process. From the emotional toll of negative pregnancy tests and IVF treatments to the challenges of timed intercourse, they discuss why maintaining intimacy while trying to get pregnant can feel so difficult.
Dr. McNichols shares tips for reducing performance pressure, prioritizing nonsexual physical affection, and creating opportunities for intimacy outside the fertile window. They also discuss sexual dysfunction, painful intercourse, and when to seek support from a sex therapist or couples counselor.
This episode offers compassionate, actionable advice to help you strengthen your relationship while trying to conceive.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:29] How Infertility Impacts Sexual Desire [9:02] The Emotional Toll of Trying to Conceive [16:15] Sharing the Fertility Journey [20:56] Timed Intercourse and Performance Pressure [26:06] Infertility, Self-Blame, and Body Image [28:50] Rebuilding Sexual Intimacy [32:26] Sexual Dysfunction and Fertility [41:26] Painful Intercourse and Treatment Options [48:51] Strengthening Relationships During InfertilityResources mentioned:
@nicole_thesexprofessor on Instagram
@nicole_thesexprofessor on TikTok
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 20 Oct 2026 - 55min - 230 - Ep 182 Are Your Hormones Giving You ADHD with Dr. Jolene Brighten
Have you suddenly found it harder to focus, stay organized, or remember why you walked into a room? Can hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle or perimenopause make ADHD symptoms worse? And how can you tell the difference between ADHD and hormone-related brain fog?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with author of the brand-new book ADHD and Women, Dr. Jolene Brighten.
Together they explore ADHD in women and the powerful connection between hormones and the brain. They discuss why ADHD often looks different in women, why so many women aren't diagnosed until their 30s and 40s, and how shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones throughout the menstrual cycle and perimenopause can affect executive function, focus, motivation, mood, and emotional regulation.
You'll learn how to recognize common signs of ADHD in women, why symptoms may intensify before your period or during perimenopause, and what other conditions, including thyroid dysfunction and iron deficiency, should be ruled out.
Dr. Brighten also shares practical strategies for supporting brain health through exercise, sleep, and nutrition; what to know about ADHD medications and hormone therapy; and how tracking your symptoms can help you have a more productive conversation with your healthcare provider.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:09] Meet Dr. Jolene Brighten [2:41] What ADHD really is [6:50] How ADHD shows up in girls [8:41] Dr. Brighten's diagnosis story [11:56] Signs to watch for [14:47] Perimenopause or ADHD [20:11] Rule out thyroid and iron [24:47] How to talk to your doctor [28:43] Exercise, sleep, & brain energy [35:15] Medication & evidence [44:24] Hormones & brain development [46:37] Superpower vs. disability [49:08] Advice for late diagnosisResources mentioned:
@drjolenebrighten on Instagram
Buy the book: drbrighten.com/adhd-and-women
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 06 Oct 2026 - 53min - 229 - Ep 181 Preeclampsia and Your Heart: Why Pregnancy Predicts Your Future Cardiac Health
Can preeclampsia affect your health long after pregnancy ends? Does high blood pressure during pregnancy increase your future risk of heart disease or stroke? And what can you do now to protect your cardiovascular health?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explains why pregnancy can act like an early stress test for the heart. She breaks down chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia, reviews common risk factors, and shares what research reveals about the connection between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and future cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Shahine also offers practical ways to advocate for better postpartum care, including sharing your pregnancy history with every healthcare provider, getting regular cardiovascular screenings, supporting heart health through nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management, and making your own long-term wellness a priority.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:22] Why Preeclampsia Matters [2:50] Hypertension Types Explained [4:28] Risk Factors for Hypertension [5:22] Research Links to Heart Disease [7:30] Postpartum Care Gaps [8:48] Advocacy and Prevention TipsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 22 Sep 2026 - 13min - 228 - Ep 180 Do Fertility Medications Cause Cancer? What the Research Actually Says
Do fertility medications increase the risk of breast cancer? Could IVF raise the chances of ovarian or uterine cancer later in life? And how can you separate scientific fertility research from fear-provoking headlines?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine examines why this fear exists and explores what decades of research actually reveal about fertility medications, IVF, and cancer risk. She explains why this topic is difficult to study, including the need to distinguish the effects of fertility treatment from underlying infertility diagnoses such as endometriosis, PCOS/PMOS, anovulation, and never having carried a pregnancy.
Dr. Shahine also discusses the important nuance around prolonged Clomid use, the role of personal risk factors and routine cancer screening, and why patients deserve to make fertility treatment decisions based on evidence rather than fear.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:32] A Common Question: Do fertility medications increase my risk of breast cancer? [2:27] Why Research Is Hard [4:44] Breast Cancer Evidence [5:50] Key Study Highlights [9:27] Clomid Cycle Nuance [10:05] Other Cancer Risks (Uterine Cancer, Ovarian Cancer) [12:46] Takeaways And ScreeningDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 08 Sep 2026 - 16min - 227 - Ep 179 How to Prepare for Your First Fertility Doctor Appointment: What to Ask & What to Expect
How can you make the most out of your first fertility visit? What should you bring? What should you be prepared to talk about? And what questions can help you leave the consultation feeling informed, prepared, and confident about your next steps?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explains how to prepare for an initial fertility consultation, whether you are trying to conceive, experiencing recurrent miscarriage, exploring egg freezing or embryo freezing, considering IVF, or looking for inclusive family-building options.
She shares which medical records to send ahead of time, what health and reproductive history your doctor may ask about, and why partners are encouraged to participate in the appointment when possible.
Dr. Shahine also reviews possible fertility treatment options, from ovulation medications and IUI to IVF, donor eggs, donor sperm, and gestational surrogacy, and offers five essential questions to ask before leaving your first fertility specialist appointment.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:36] Why See a Specialist [8:12] Send Records Early [9:44] What To Bring (hint: lists of things you don't want to forget) [11:42] What Doctors Ask [14:25] Testing Overview [19:40] Treatment Options [22:09] Five Questions To Ask [24:48] Next StepsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 25 Aug 2026 - 25min - 226 - Ep 178 PCOS Got a New Name: PMOS with Dr. Allison Rodgers
Why is PCOS being renamed? And what does the new name PMOS mean? Could irregular periods, acne, hair growth, hair loss, or insulin resistance be signs of a larger whole-body condition? And does a PCOS or PMOS diagnosis mean you will need IVF to get pregnant?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Allison Rodgers, reproductive endocrinologist, joins Dr. Lora Shahine for a hopeful, practical conversation about the shift from polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS.
They explain why the updated name better reflects the condition's effects on hormones, metabolism, ovulation, fertility, and lifelong health, not simply the appearance of the ovaries. They discuss common symptoms of PCOS and PMOS, how the condition is diagnosed, and why it can affect people of every body size.
Dr. Shahine and Dr. Rodgers also explore fertility treatment options, nutrition, exercise, and supplements. They get into long-term risks including diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and uterine cancer. Most importantly, they emphasize that PMOS is manageable, ovulation can often be restored, and there is plenty of reason to feel hopeful about building a family.
In this episode, you'll hear:
[0:25] Meet Dr. Rodgers
[2:42] PCOS Becomes PMOS
[7:38] Testing and Diagnosis
[10:15] Fertility Outlook
[13:58] Long-Term Health
[18:37] Lifestyle Support
[22:32] PMOS Medications
[36:11] Supplements and Nutrition
[44:53] Supplement Safety
[49:06] Egg Quality
[52:55] IVF Necessity
[54:09] Teen PMOS
[58:08] Hope and Advocacy
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.fcionline.com/doctors/allison-rodgers/
Review Article on Supplements for PCOS/PMOS
@dr.allison.rodgers on Instagram and TikTok
This episode is sponsored by Bird and Be.
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 - 1h 00min - 225 - Ep 177 Too Old to Conceive? When is it Too Late?
Can you be too old to conceive? What does it really mean when celebrities have babies over 50? And when fertility treatments like IVF, donor eggs, frozen eggs, and embryo transfer make pregnancy possible after menopause, how do we decide when it is safe, ethical, and medically appropriate?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explores one of the biggest and most emotionally loaded questions in reproductive medicine: when is it too late to have a baby? Using the latest 2025 American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines as a starting point, Dr. Shahine breaks down advanced reproductive age, age-related infertility, IVF success with own eggs versus donor eggs, pregnancy after menopause, and the very real health risks that can come with pregnancy over 45 or 50. She also looks at paternal age, sperm health, and why age matters for both partners when building a family.
Listeners will understand that there is no one-size-fits-all answer—only thoughtful counseling, informed consent, and brave conversations about the risks, benefits, and possibilities of family building at an advanced reproductive age.
In this episode you'll hear:
[00:56] Age & Fertility overview [01:41] Record-breaking pregnancy stories [02:37] Why does it get more difficult to get pregnant as we get older? [07:52] Health risks of pregnancy [09:15] Men: reproductive age and health of pregnancy [10:07] Ethical considerations [11:13] 2025 ASRM guidelines [13:42] Next stepsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 28 Jul 2026 - 14min - 224 - Ep 176 Acupuncture and IVF Success with Hannah Pearn
Can acupuncture really support IVF success? When should you start fertility acupuncture if you're trying to conceive? And how do you know whether an acupuncturist is truly trained in fertility care, or just really confident with a sign on the door?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Hannah Pearn, a fertility acupuncturist based in London and host of the podcast. Together, they explore how acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and Western fertility treatment can work side by side to support patients through IVF, embryo transfer, egg quality concerns, endometriosis, PCOS, recurrent pregnancy loss, male factor infertility, and the emotional stress of trying to conceive.
Listeners will learn what to expect at a first fertility acupuncture appointment, how acupuncture treatment may change during different stages of IVF, what questions to ask when choosing a practitioner, and why the evidence around acupuncture and fertility is promising but still complicated.
Dr. Shahine and Hannah also answer listener questions about needle fear, PGT-A testing, microbiome testing, follicle count, and the balance between doing everything you can and remembering that infertility is never your fault.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:09] Fertility acupuncture basics [7:28] Hannah's acupuncture path [11:18] Finding specialists and Questions to Ask [29:46] Acupuncture meets IVF [34:34] Needle fear [36:58] PGT-A testing [42:43] When to start [47:31] Can you boost your egg count? [50:38] Microbiome testing [54:46] Evidence and acupunctureResources mentioned:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 14 Jul 2026 - 1h 00min - 223 - Ep175 IUDs and Your Fertility with Dr. Said Daneshmand
Can a hormonal IUD affect your fertility later? If you used a progestin IUD, should you take it out months before trying to conceive? And how do patients make sense of fertility advice when even doctors are debating the evidence in real time?
In this episode of Brave & Curious Dr. Said Daneshmand joins Dr. Lora Shahine for a thoughtful, nuanced conversation about hormonal IUDs, endometrial lining, uterine adhesions, and fertility planning.
Their conversation is sparked by a recent online debate in the reproductive medicine community. Dr. Shahine and Dr. Daneshman explore what is known, what is still being studied, and why clinical experience matters alongside published research.
Listeners will learn how levonorgestrel IUDs may affect the uterine lining in a small subset of patients, what current research says about return to fertility after IUD removal, and why "rare" does not mean "impossible."
This episode offers reassurance, context, and practical guidance for anyone using an IUD, planning pregnancy, navigating infertility, or trying to make informed decisions about contraception and reproductive health.
Ongoing Research Study through UCSF: FeRTILE Study is being done to learn whether long-term use of an intrauterine device (IUD) affects how long it takes to become pregnant. By taking part, participants may help researchers learn more about fertility and birth outcomes after IUD use. Learn more here.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:40] What is the IUD and Fertility Controversy? [1:11] IUDs: Benefits and Context [7:43] What We're Seeing in Our Practice [15:25] Dr. D's Research on IUDs and Endometrial Lining [20:45] Reflection on Topic [33:56] Future Research PlansResources:
Studies mentioned
Abel 2021 J Assist Reprod Genet
Carr 2021 Contraception
Peipert 2022 Am J OBGYN
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 - 38min - 222 - Ep 174 Menopause Symptoms and Hormone Therapy with the OvaryActive Doctors
Could your sleepless nights, mood swings, joint pain, or "I just don't feel like myself" feelings be connected to perimenopause? Do you really need hormone testing to know what is happening? And is menopause hormone therapy actually as scary as we were once told?
Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch, hosts of OvaryActive and co-authors of Estrogen, Interrupted, join Dr. Lora Shahine for this episode of Brave & Curious. Their conversation opens up a thoughtful, funny, and myth-busting conversation about menopause, perimenopause, hormone health, and why women deserve to understand their bodies.
They also explain the difference between menopause and perimenopause, why symptoms can start years before periods stop, why hormone labs often do not tell the full story, and how symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, vaginal dryness, weight changes, itchy ears (yes, we said "itchy ears"), burning mouth, and joint pain can all fit into the bigger picture.
Perimenopause is often a "story-based" diagnosis rather than a single lab result, and treatment options are available. This conversation will walk listeners through all of that and more. Listeners will feel informed, validated, and ready to ask better questions.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:24] Meet The Doctors of Ovaryactive Podcast [10:45] Defining menopause and perimenopause [14:55] Common Symptoms (More than Hot Flashes) [18:37] Why labs fall short [23:07] Unusual menopause symptoms [28:05] Diagnosing perimenopause and menopause [32:17] Non-hormonal treatment options [42:18] The WHI study [50:45] Breast cancer risk and Hormone Therapy [59:51] Talking to your doctorResources mentioned:
perimenopausedrs.com/ovaryactive
Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube
Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch
More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:
Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su
LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su
More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:
Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 - 1h 03min - 221 - Ep 173 Ovarian Rejuvenation: The Race to Extend Fertility with Roohi Jeelani, MD
What if the "final frontier" of fertility care is not IVF technology, but the aging ovary itself? Can science help improve egg quality, mitochondrial function, and reproductive lifespan? And how do patients sort through what is proven, what is promising, and what is still very much in the "ask your doctor before you try this" category?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Roohi Jeelani for a fascinating conversation about ovarian rejuvenation, age-related fertility decline, and the future of fertility treatment.
Together, they discuss why age remains one of the biggest factors in IVF success, how egg quality changes over time, and why topics like oxidative stress, mitochondrial health, inflammation, and lifestyle optimization are becoming such important parts of the fertility conversation.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:07] Meet Dr. Roohi Jeelani [2:32] Age and fertility [4:23] Egg quality basics [8:06] Sleep and fertility [9:35] Stress and cortisol [14:58] Movement and PCOS [16:54] Nutrition for fertility [18:51] Trimester zero prep: Small, sustainable changes [29:25] CoQ10, Inositol, Melatonin [35:38] NAD and egg quality [43:56] GLP-1 fertility questions [47:22] Peptides and PRP [55:33] Ovarian rejuvenation research [1:01:04] Future fertility medicineResources mentioned:
@roohijeelanimd on Instagram | LinkedIn
@onto-health-co on LinkedIn
Your Leggings Could be Causing Infertility? with Dr. Lora Shahine on YouTube
Can CoQ10 Improve Egg Quality and Sperm Health for TTC? with Dr. Lora Shahine on YouTube
Does Growth Hormone Improve IVF Outcomes? with Dr. Lora Shahine on YouTube
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 02 Jun 2026 - 1h 01min - 220 - Ep172 Unexplained Infertility: Finally Explained
Have you been told your fertility tests are normal, but pregnancy still isn't happening? What does unexplained infertility actually mean when it clearly feels like something is going on? And how do age, egg quality, sperm function, endometriosis, inflammation, and implantation issues factor into a diagnosis that can feel more frustrating than reassuring?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine takes a compassionate deep dive into unexplained infertility to explain how it's diagnosed, why it affects so many patients, and what may be happening behind the scenes when standard fertility testing does not reveal a clear answer.
Listeners will learn the most common hidden contributors to unexplained infertility, treatment options, and when moving to IVF may be the most effective path forward.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:49] Dr. Lora Shahine's personal fertility story [3:06] How Diagnosis Works [4:31] How Common is Unexplained Infertility? [8:07] Possible Cause #1: Age & Fertility [11:51] Possible Cause #2: Hidden Sperm Factors [13:48] Possible Cause #3: Egg Quality Unknowns [14:13] Possible Cause #4: Implantation Mysteries [15:19] Possible Cause #5: Tubal Function Problems [16:49] Possible Cause #6: Endometriosis Link [19:233 Possible Cause #7: Inflammation and Lifestyle [20:39] What to Do Next [23:38] Treatment Plans: IUI vs IVF [31:31] Wrap up and next stepsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 19 May 2026 - 33min - 219 - Ep 171 What Your Semen Analysis is Not Telling You with Jeff Lysiak, PhD
Are you frustrated by a diagnosis of unexplained infertility? What if a "normal" semen analysis is not telling the whole story about sperm health? Could a new male fertility test help explain why fertilization is not happening, even when sperm count, motility, and morphology look fine?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Jeff Lysiak, PhD. He is a reproductive biologist, and co-founder and Chief Science Officer of PS Fertility. He is here to to talk about what standard semen analysis may miss.
Together, Dr. Shahine and Dr. Lysiak explore the science behind sperm fertilization competence, the role of phosphatidylserine (PS) on live sperm, and how Dr. Lysiak's research led to PS Direct, a diagnostic test designed to measure sperm's ability to bind and fertilize an egg beyond traditional semen parameters.
Dr. Shahine and Dr. Lysiak also discuss the future of male reproductive health research, including lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and the growing need for more precise answers earlier in the fertility journey.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:39] Meet Jeff Lysiak, PhD [2:01] From Placenta to Sperm [3:24] PS Discovery Explained [5:01] How Sperm Meets Egg [9:02] From Lab to Clinic [10:19] Limits of Semen Analysis [12:46] PS Score and Misdiagnosis [14:12] At Home PS Test Kit [18:20] Where PS Fits Clinically [21:13] Varicocele & Repair Surgery [24:14] Using PS to Guide Care [27:26] Lifestyle Factors [33:006] Future Research Directions [34:21] Where to Find the Test & Connect with JeffResources mentioned:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was sponsored by PS Fertility.
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 05 May 2026 - 35min - 218 - Ep 170 Cost of Fertility Care: Solutions with Angela Rastegar from Sunfish
What if the hardest part of your fertility journey isn't the medicine, it's affording the best treatment? How do you plan for IVF costs when coverage is unclear or incomplete? And is there a smarter, more supported way to navigate the financial stress of building a family?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Angela Rastegar, CEO and founder of Sunfish, joins Dr. Lora Shahine. They are honoring National Fertility Week through their conversation that explores the real cost of fertility care and why financial planning is just as critical as medical care.
Angela shares her deeply personal fertility journey, including multiple rounds of egg freezing without financial support, and how that experience led her to build a platform designed to support patients through every step of their family-building journey, from egg freezing and IVF to surrogacy. Dr. Shahine and Angela talk about the hidden gaps in insurance coverage, the rising reality of fertility-related debt, and how Sunfish's data-driven, AI-powered programs aim to reduce uncertainty with personalized care plans, cost transparency, and even financial protections for IVF and egg freezing outcomes.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:34] Angela Rastegar's personal journey, without financial support [3:28] Along comes Sunfish [5:45] The IVF Success Program [8:35] The hidden costs of IVF [13:40] Common misconceptions with insurance coverage [19:53] Step-by-step breakdown of cost [23:01] Grants, loans, and creative solutions [27:08] New AI-powered egg freezing program [30:55]The "silent tax" of egg freezing [37:00] Getting connected to SunfishResources mentioned:
Sunfish provides personalized financial plans using proprietary software to estimate costs for each Program. If actual costs exceed projections, eligible patients may receive a partial refund under program terms. Sunfish is not a medical provider. Terms and conditions apply.Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 - 37min - 217 - BONUS Ep 169 Fighting for Fertility with RESOLVE CEO Danielle Melfi
IVF is under fire. So, what happens when access to IVF is suddenly at risk? How much power should policy have over your ability to build a family? And what can one voice, or one story, really do to protect fertility care for millions?
In this timely episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Danielle Melfi, the new CEO of RESOLVE, who brings a powerful blend of policy expertise, personal fertility experience, and a deep commitment to family-building equity.
Airing at the start of National Infertility Awareness Week, Dr. Lora Shahine and Danielle are talking about the real-world impact of recent legislative threats to IVF, including the Alabama ruling that temporarily halted treatment. They explore how advocacy organizations mobilize quickly to protect patients.
Danielle shares her own egg freezing journey, her background in government and healthcare advocacy, and how RESOLVE is working to expand access, improve patient education, and fight misinformation in an increasingly complex fertility landscape.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:41] Meet Danielle Melfi, CEO of RESOLVE [5:45] Why IVF Stopped in Alabama [10:55] What RESOLVE Does [14:15] Fertility Care Coverage in California and Recent Advocacy Wins [19:29] The Power of Fertility Stories [21:48] Restorative Reproductive Medicine Movement: A Threat in Disguise? [23:12] Personhood Bills Explained [36:55] RESOLVE's Strategic Plan [38:31] Get InvolvedResources mentioned:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Sun, 19 Apr 2026 - 40min - 216 - Ep 168 Taking Charge of Your PCOS with Cory Ruth, RDN
What if your PCOS diagnosis is about more than fertility? What if the symptoms you've been told to "just manage" are actually your body asking for deeper support? And what if you could take back control in a way that feels empowering rather than restrictive?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with registered dietitian and author of PCOS is My Power Cory Ruth, RDN to explain all about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and why it's often misunderstood. Cory shares her personal journey to diagnosis and how it shaped her mission to help women better understand the metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive components of PCOS.
Dr. Shahine and Cory cover the diagnostic criteria, common misconceptions (like "just lose weight"), and the evolving science around lifestyle interventions, blood sugar regulation, and long-term health outcomes.
This episode will give listeners a clearer understanding of how to manage PCOS through sustainable nutrition, movement, and mindset shifts, without falling into restrictive or shame-based approaches. Cory's refreshing expertise helps us reframe PCOS as a potential catalyst for lifelong health—giving you the tools to feel informed, supported, and back in the driver's seat.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:56] PCOS "triple threat": reproductive, metabolic, & hormonal [5:40] Cory Ruth's personal journey [8:01] Early signs of PCOS [11:43] The Rotterdam criteria [17:33] PCOS is a weight issue: MYTH [19:09] Nutrition is the foundation of PCOS management [22:24] Simple, realistic meal ideas to support PCOS [31:25] Intermittent fasting & PCOS [34:27] Mental health & PCOS [37:35] Long-term risks of PCOS [40:10] Sustainable lifestyle changes that actually work [43:05] Reframing PCOS as an opportunity for lifelong healthResources mentioned:
@thewomensdietition on Instagram
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 - 46min - 215 - Ep 167 Endometriosis Diagnosis Without Surgery? Dr. Bruce Lessey
Are you struggling with unexplained infertility and wondering if endometriosis could be the missing piece? Have you been told that surgery is the only way to get a diagnosis? What if a simple test could offer answers without going into the operating room?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes guest Dr. Bruce Lessey, a double board certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist with decades of research experience and over 150 peer-reviewed publications. Together they explore a groundbreaking question in reproductive medicine: can we diagnose endometriosis without invasive surgery?
Dr. Lessey and Dr. Shahine explain the science behind BCL6 testing, a biomarker found in the uterine lining that may signal inflammation linked to endometriosis. Dr. Lessey also shares how this research evolved from studying implantation markers to developing a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool, and why timing in the menstrual cycle is critical for accurate results.
They also discuss the realities of delayed diagnosis, the connection between endometriosis and unexplained infertility, and how this test is already being used in clinical settings.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:21] Meet Dr. Bruce Lessey [4:27] Why does diagnosing endometriosis take years? [7:16] Introducing BCL6 testing [16:20] Timing the biopsy window [22:51] IVF outcomes study [25:42] Fresh vs. frozen transfers [27:22] Treating expected endometriosis [28:44] Lupron and surgery explained [30:42] BCL6 in recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure [33:04] Progesterone resistance and benefits of letrozole [40:48] Timing and testing pitfalls [43:02] Future research and wrap upResources mentioned:
Overexpression in Eutopic Endometrium of Women With Endometriosis. doi: 10.1177/1933719116649711.
Endometrial BCL6 testing for the prediction of in vitro fertilization outcomes: a cohort study. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.09.017.
Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and unexplained infertility: twins in disguise. doi: 10.1093/hropen/hoz021.
This episode is sponsored by Cicero Diagnostics.
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 24 Mar 2026 - 45min - 214 - Ep 166 Is Inflammation Hijacking Your Fertility? Answers from Natalie Crawford, MD
What if inflammation is quietly affecting your fertility? What if the key to improving egg quality and hormonal balance isn't just medical treatment, but the everyday choices you make? And what if understanding your body earlier could change your entire fertility journey?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes fertility specialist Dr. Natalie Crawford to explore how inflammation influences reproductive health and what women can do to support fertility from the inside out.
Dr. Natalie Crawford is the author of The Fertility Formula, and she is here to share how her own experience with infertility and pregnancy loss shaped her passion for empowering patients with science-based fertility education.
Together, she and Dr. Shahine discuss the growing role of chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors in fertility challenges. Dr. Crawford explains why fertility medicine often reacts too late in the process and why understanding hormones, ovarian reserve, and reproductive health earlier can help people advocate for themselves and make informed decisions.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:32] Dr. Natalie Crawford's fertility journey [7:00] Chronic inflammation and fertility [20:59] Insulin resistance impacts hormones, ovulation, & egg quality [26:34] The connection between stress, cortisol, and fertility outcomes [28:09] Sleep is an important fertility-supporting habit [32:41] Strength training to improve hormone health [41:23] Nutrition basics that work [48:25] Dr. Crawford's framework: Educate, Advocate, Optimize [54:26] Connecting with NatalieResources mentioned:
@nataliecrawfordmd Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | YouTube
Ep 157 Why Sleep is the Most Powerful Habit You Can't Ignore with Dr. Meredith Broderick
Dr. Shahine's Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 10 Mar 2026 - 55min - 213 - Ep 165 Do Progesterone Shots Improve Frozen Embryo Transfer Success?
Are progesterone shots really necessary for a frozen embryo transfer? Why would your doctor recommend intramuscular injections over suppositories or other less painful options? And could the type of progesterone you use actually affect implantation, miscarriage risk, or live birth rates?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explains the science behind progesterone support in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, especially why intramuscular (IM) progesterone is often recommended in certain programmed cycle protocols.
Dr. Shahine explains how progesterone supports implantation and early pregnancy, the key differences between programmed or medicated and natural or ovulatory FET protocols, and why not all progesterone options perform the same way.
Listeners will learn how IM progesterone compares to other forms and when IM progesterone may meaningfully improve FET success. You'll get some practical guidance on how to talk with your doctor about choosing the right progesterone protocol for your body and your treatment plan.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:11] Progesterone shot fears [2:30] Why progesterone matters [4:22] Why supplement in treatment [5:22] Programmed vs. ovulatory FET [7:31] Progesterone options explained [11:07] Landmark 2021 trial set up [13:08] Results: live birth miscarriage [15:14] Next stepsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 - 17min - 212 - Ep 164 Taking Charge of Cycle Tracking with Author Toni Weschler
Are ovulation predictor kits enough to time intercourse? Can an app really tell you when you're fertile? And what if your body has been giving you the answers all along?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking to fertility awareness pioneer Dr.
Are ovulation predictor kits enough to time intercourse? Can an app really tell you when you're fertile? And what if your body has been giving you the answers all along?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking to fertility awareness pioneer Toni Weschler, author of Taking Charge of Your Fertility, and her niece, software engineer, Sabrina Nowicki. These three women explore how women can confidently track ovulation, understand cervical fluid, and take charge of their reproductive health with both education and technology.
Toni Weschler shares the powerful origin story behind her decades of paper charting and why she once resisted fertility apps altogether. She believed that a thermometer, a pen, and knowledge of your own body were enough.
Sabrina explains how that philosophy evolved into Cyclisity, an educational cycle tracking app designed as the perfect companion to the book. Unlike predictive period apps that rely on algorithms and "average" 28-day cycles, Cyclisity follows the sympto-thermal method exactly as taught in Toni's work.
It will finally make sense why basal body temperature confirms ovulation but doesn't predict it, how cervical fluid signals approaching fertility, why ovulation predictor kits can miss critical timing, and how improper app use can delay fertility diagnosis or lead to unintended pregnancy.
This conversation is a masterclass in reproductive education and body literacy while blending science, privacy, and modern technology.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:39] Meet the guests: Author Toni Weschler and Sabrina Nowicki [2:36] Why track your cycle? [4:03] Understanding ovulation and health [6:49] Sabrina's personal journey [10:29] Toni's period story [13:10] The push for technology [14:52] Early software resistance [18:35] The perfect team forms [22:03] Creating Cyclisity [27:07] Using book and app together [31:41] Temperature vs cervical fluid [32:53] Checking cervical fluidResources mentioned:
@wanderingsabrina on IG | on TikTok
Ep 50 Over 25 Years of Taking Charge of Your Fertility with Author Toni Weschler
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 - 49min - 211 - Ep 163 C-Section Scar and Fertility: Should Isthmocele Be Treated?
Did you have a C-section and now notice spotting that won't quit? Are you dealing with pelvic pain, confusing symptoms, or trouble getting pregnant, and wondering if they're connected? Has anyone ever mentioned the word isthmocele to you… or is this the first time you're hearing it?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explains a condition many patients are never warned about after a C-section: an isthmocele. She tells us what an isthmocele is, how it can form in a prior C-section scar, and why it can sometimes lead to unexpected bleeding, pain, or fertility challenges.
You'll learn the five key symptoms that may signal an isthmocele, how this condition can affect fertility and future pregnancy plans, and the pros and cons of monitoring versus treating. Dr. Shahine also talks us through when surgical repair may be helpful, and the exact questions to ask your doctor so you can advocate for informed, personalized care.
If you've had a C-section and feel like something isn't quite right, this episode offers knowledge, reassurance, and a clear path forward.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:46] Understanding C-section scars: Isthnocele [2:21] What is an isthmocele? [3:24] How common? [4:18] Getting diagnosed [6:06] Symptoms [7:36] Treatment options [9:21] Observation vs. surgical management [14:01] Important questions to ask your doctor [14:57] Conclusion & final thoughtsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 - 15min - 210 - Ep 162 Optimizing Embryo Transfer Success: Your Questions Answered
How do you make an embryo stick? Is there anything you can do to improve embryo transfer success? And how do you know which advice is science-backed versus fertility folklore?
In this special solo Q&A episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine answers the questions patients ask most often when preparing for an embryo transfer.
What really matters during an IVF embryo transfer? Using real questions from Instagram, YouTube, and her own practice, she walks listeners through fresh vs. frozen embryo transfer, what happens on transfer day, whether you need a full bladder, lying down afterward, Valium use, pineapple cores, French fries, genetic testing, ERA testing, and how uterine lining preparation actually works.
Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of embryo transfer success rates, frozen embryo transfer protocols, and implantation timing, and get their real questions answered.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:27] What should I expect on transfer day? [8:00] What happens post-transfer? [9:35] Funny myths: pineapple cores & McDonalds french fries [13:46] Fresh vs. frozen transfer myths [20:18] Pre-transfer testing and ERA [24:37] Natural vs. medicated transfer protocols [28:30] Conclusion & final thoughtsLinks and Resources:
Embryo Transfer: What to Expect on YouTube
Does the Embryo Fall Out: Embryo Transfer Tips on YouTube
Fresh vs. Frozen Transfers: Pros and Cons on YouTue
Studies Mentioned:
Randomized Controlled Trial for FET Protocols: PMID: 38944045
Retrospective analysis Perinatal Outcomes with FET protocols PMID:33926401
Randomized Controlled Trial for ERA before FET PMID: 36472596
Randomized Controlled Trial Bedrest after embryo transfer: PMID:31520259
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 - 29min - 209 - Ep 161 Understanding Fertility Testing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Couples
Are you starting to think about fertility testing? Have you been trying to conceive and wondering which tests actually matter? Or are you overwhelmed by conflicting advice and unsure where to begin?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down fertility testing with clarity, compassion, and evidence. Now you can move forward feeling informed instead of intimidated.
Dr. Shahine covers the basics of fertility testing including the essentials of a thorough health history. She also explains how menstrual cycles, ovulation patterns, pain, PCOS, endometriosis, lifestyle factors, and mental health all shape a fertility workup.
This episode empowers couples with realistic expectations, evidence-based guidance, and the confidence to advocate for personalized fertility care, because understanding your options is the first step to feeling as ready as you can for what comes next.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:36] Key fertility tests for women: AMH, FSH, estradiol, ultrasound, and HSG [3:42]] The full work up: lifestyle, medical history, menstrual cycles, and past pregnancies [7:54] Ovarian reserve and AMH explained [13:19] Fertility tests for men: semen analysis and hormone evaluation [16:13] Preconception testing including genetic carrier screening [21:48] When to see a fertility specialist and what to ask your doctor after testingDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 - 24min - 208 - Ep 160 Age, Fertility, and Pregnancy: What's Possible and What's Safe
Can you really get pregnant after menopause? Why do celebrities seem to defy biology when it comes to age and fertility? And just because pregnancy is possible at later ages, is it actually safe?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explores the questions so many people are quietly asking as they navigate fertility, aging, and family-building decisions.
Dr. Shahine breaks down what the science actually says about age and fertility, including why it becomes harder to conceive with age, how eggs and sperm age differently, and what role options like IVF, egg freezing, and donor eggs play.
She also reviews headline-making cases of pregnancy at advanced reproductive age and explains why these headlines, while eye-catching, don't always tell the full medical story. She explains how clinicians think about risk, safety, and counseling for pregnancy later in life.
This episode offers evidence-based clarity, compassionate context, and practical guidance to help you make informed decisions. At any age.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:22] What record-breaking pregnancies really tell us [3:00] Understanding age & fertility [7:19] Health risks of pregnancy at 40s, 50s, and beyond [9:28] Men's reproductive age & health of pregnancy [10:21] Ethical considerations for older parents [11:27] Updated ASRM recommendations [13:35] Final thoughtsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 - 15min - 207 - Ep 159 How Your Genetics Can Guide Your Nutrition with Dr. Steven Zeisel
Could your DNA explain why one-size-fits-all nutrition advice doesn't always work? Why do some people thrive on certain diets while others struggle, even when they're "doing everything right"? What if your genetics could help guide smarter nutrition choices before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and across your entire lifespan?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explores how genetics, nutrition, and reproductive health are deeply intertwined. She is joined by Dr. Steven Zeisel, a physician-scientist whose groundbreaking research helped redefine choline as an essential nutrient.
Their discussion traces how decades of work in biochemistry, genetics, and medicine led to the concept of precision nutrition. Dr. Zeisel explains how nutrients like choline, folate, methylfolate, betaine, and vitamin B12 interact with our genes. And he explains why common genetic variants can change how much of these nutrients our bodies actually need.
They also touch on why pregnancy, estrogen, fertility, and even sperm health are profoundly influenced by these metabolic pathways, and why traditional nutrition guidelines may miss the mark for many people.
Listeners will learn how emerging genetic tests can help identify individual "roadblocks" in metabolism. This episode is a powerful reminder that when it comes to nutrition, personalized science matters.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:48]Why one-size-fits-all nutrition advice doesn't work [2:19] Choline goes from non-essential to critical [8:16] The surprising role of estrogen [10:11] What can genetics influence? [15:33] Precision nutrition testing and what it can reveal [28:06] Challenges and acceptance in nutritional science [33:29] Genetic testing for personalized nutrition [45:56] What does all this research mean?Resources mentioned:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Disclaimer: This episode is sponsored by SNP Therapeutics. All opinions and thoughts expressed are our own and were not influenced by the sponsor.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 - 47min - 206 - Ep 158 How a C-section May Impact Your Future Fertility: What the Evidence Shows
Have you had a C-section and now you're wondering if it could affect future conception? Are you planning one and feeling unsure how it may influence your reproductive health?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine goes beyond headlines and reviews a landmark study to better understand how C-sections may impact future fertility, miscarriage rates, and pregnancy complications.
This episode will arm you with three essential questions to ask your provider and help you make informed decisions and have empowered conversations, all grounded in clarity, not fear.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:50] Overview of C-section impact study [1:08] Fertility after C-section [7:59] Pregnancy risks after C-section [18:36] Benefits of a C-Section [19:45] FAQ [21:14] Advocating for your care [22:51] Final thoughtsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 - 23min - 205 - Ep 157 Why Sleep Is the Most Powerful Health Habit You Can't Ignore with Dr. Meredith Broderick
Are you exhausted but still can't sleep through the night? Do you wake up feeling unrefreshed, foggy, or wired-tired no matter how early you go to bed? Could your sleep habits—or an undiagnosed sleep disorder—be quietly impacting your hormones, mental health, fertility, and long-term wellbeing?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine and her guest, Dr. Meredith Broderick, invite you to rethink everything you've been told about sleep and why "pushing through" exhaustion is not a badge of honor.
Dr. Broderick shares how her own experience with sleep deprivation led her into sleep medicine, why sleep disorders are vastly underdiagnosed in women, and how poor sleep is linked to conditions like depression, migraines, cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and infertility.
Together, they explain the difference between true sleep and sedation, why sleeping pills and alcohol disrupt restorative sleep, and how sleep apnea and chronic insomnia show up differently in women.
You'll learn when to ask for a sleep study, common red flags you shouldn't ignore (like morning headaches and daytime fatigue), and practical, evidence-based steps to start improving your sleep—without shame, perfection, or fear.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:23] Sleep is a non-negotiable pillar of health [5:10] Recognizing sleep disorders [12:59] The science behind sleep [14:19] Sleep & reproductive health [19:04] Practical sleep solutions [27:52] Understanding mid-night awakenings [29:21] Cultural variations in sleep patterns [31:23] Sleep trackers [33:20] Key reasons to consider a sleep study [36:50] Conclusion & final thoughtsResources mentioned:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 06 Jan 2026 - 38min - 204 - Ep 156 The Fertility Reset: How You Can Eat, Exercise, and Maximize Your Reproductive Health for the New Year
How can you give yourself the best chance of conceiving in the year ahead? Which habits truly influence fertility? And when is it appropriate to seek additional support or consult a specialist?
In this New Year episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine shares a practical and compassionate Fertility Reset—a clear roadmap for anyone preparing to conceive or looking for guidance after months of trying.
She reviews the foundations of cycle tracking and timed intercourse, strategies for reducing harmful exposures, and lifestyle and nutrition changes that can support reproductive health. Dr. Shahine also explains how stopping birth control varies by method, why understanding ovulation is essential, and how to decide whether at-home testing or a medical evaluation is the next right step.
This episode offers an evidence-based guide to enhancing fertility, improving overall wellness, and approaching the year ahead with clarity and confidence.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:32] Kicking off a fertility reset [1:27] Get your health in check [2:59] Stopping birth control [5:08] Cycle tracking [7:19] Timing intercourse [9:25] Lifestyle changes: what to stop and what to start [20:31] Prenatal vitamins [21:55] When to see a fertility specialistDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 30 Dec 2025 - 25min - 203 - Ep 155 Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Is IVF the right step for you?
Is IVF the answer for recurrent pregnancy loss? Why would IVF with genetic testing of embryo be helpful for people that are 'getting' pregnant but can 'stay' pregnant?
In this educational episode, Dr. Lora Shahine explains the complex relationship between IVF, genetics, and recurrent pregnancy loss. She reviews the science behind why chromosomal imbalances are one of the most common causes of first-trimester miscarriage and discusses how preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) may help select embryos with the highest chance of success for some patients.
Through real patient examples and evidence-based guidance, this episode explores the nuances of testing, timing, emotional well-being, and the ethical and financial considerations that shape decision-making. Listeners will walk away informed, empowered, and reminded that no matter their fertility path, they are not alone.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:03] Why consider IVF for recurrent pregnancy loss? [4:10] IVF process & genetic testing [11:02] Real world counseling & patient scenarios [16:12] Pros & cons of IVF for recurrent pregnancy loss [24:58] Key considerations for IVF [28:15] Patient examples and recommendations [31:12] Final thoughtsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 - 33min - 202 - Ep 154 Folic Acid vs. Folate: Why the Controversy? with Dr. Prati Sharma
Are you confused about prenatal vitamins? Wondering whether folic acid or folate is best? And what about those MTHFR conversations on the internet? Should you be worried?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is asking the questions so many people have but rarely get clear answers to. Her guest is fertility expert Dr. Prati Sharma who is here to address the fear, the science, and the nuance behind one of the most debated supplements in pregnancy health.
Folate and folic acid may sound interchangeable, but as Dr. Shahine and Dr. Sharma explain, the topic gets complicated fast — especially once genetics, supplements, and internet opinions enter the chat.
Together they explain the definitions, evidence-based guidelines, genetic polymorphisms like MTHFR, and how the supplement market (and sometimes fear-based messaging) can mislead patients.
Listeners will hear balanced, thoughtful insight rooted in reproductive endocrinology, science-backed recommendations, and compassionate care, not panic or overwhelm. And most importantly, you'll leave feeling calmer, more empowered, and equipped with the right questions instead of fear.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:25] Why is folate vs. folic acid such a heated topic? [3:37] What is folate? [4:067 What is folic acid? [5:35] MTHFR gene variant explained [6:40] The history & science behind the recommendations [9:58] How much folic acid do you actually need? [12:56] What newer studies show [20:23] How to choose a prenatal [28:06] Final takeaways and connecting with Dr. SharmaResources mentioned:
createivf.com/about/prati-sharma-fertility-doctor
ABOG Folic Acid Recommendations
Review from Integrative Medicine Journal
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 - 30min - 201 - Ep 153 Holiday Shopping Guide Ideas from Dr. Lora Shahine
Have you ever wondered what meaningful, supportive gifts look like when someone you love is navigating infertility or a fertility journey? How can you shop with intention, without the toxins, overwhelm, or "one-size-fits-all" gifting? Ready to treat someone special (especially yourself)?
In this episode of Brave and Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites you into holiday joy with courage, compassion, and thoughtful connection, all through the lens of reproductive health and emotional well-being.
She is sharing a curated list of gift ideas specifically designed with the fertility community in mind. Gift-giving isn't just about objects. It's about connection, acknowledgment, and gentle encouragement during a deeply personal chapter.
Treat someone you love… and don't forget to include yourself!
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:43] Gift guide overview [2:12] Idea #1: SheCanter [3:43] Idea #2: Infertile Tees [5:41] Idea #3: Fertility socks [6:44] Idea #4: Candle (toxin-free!) [9:27] Idea #5: Self-care/beauty productsResources mentioned:
infertiletees.com [discount code HOPE15 through 12/31/25]
ivfeet.com [discount code BRAVE10 through 12/31/25]
doctorrogers.com [discount code DRSHAHINE all year long]
LINNÉbotanicals.com [discount code DRSHAHINE15 all year long]
shopshorrette.com [discount code DRSHAHINE15 all year long]
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 - 15min - 200 - Ep 152 The Brains and Uterus Behind Shecanter: Erica Loring's Bold Take on Women's Health and Humor
What happens when chronic endometriosis meets fierce advocacy and a wicked sense of humor? What if your most painful experiences become the catalyst for empowering others? And how does a uterus-shaped wine decanter become a national conversation piece for women's reproductive health?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine chats with Erica Loring, the self-declared "brains and uterus behind Shecanter," to talk about turning pain into purpose and stigma into laughter.
Erica shares her deeply personal health journey, from fainting spells through high-school to finally being heard, diagnosed, and validated after years of dismissal. Her story shines a light on endometriosis, PCOS, women's healthcare funding inequality, reproductive rights advocacy, and the power of representation through design.
Her viral product line, including uterus decanters, mugs, and more, has become both a feminist cultural symbol and a fundraising tool fueling research and resources for women with reproductive health conditions.
Listeners will learn how Erica transformed a frustrating medical experience into a thriving brand, using humor as activism and novelty products as conversation starters.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:37] Erica's endometriosis journey [4:14] Medical dismissal [4:58] Diagnosis barriers [7:18] Women's health funding [11:40] Novelty feminist products [15:26] Patient self-advocacy [17:22] Reproductive health organizations [19:07] Product design process [23:21] Empowering healthcare advocacy [28:08] Finding and purchasing the productsResources mentioned:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 02 Dec 2025 - 30min - 199 - Ep 151 Surviving the Holidays While Dealing with Infertility and Miscarriage
What if you could walk into every holiday gathering feeling grounded instead of guarded? How would it feel to have a plan when the nosy fertility questions inevitably come your way? And what if you could protect your emotional well-being while enjoying the holidays full of joy and with boundaries intact?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine tackles the complicated reality of holiday conversations, fertility questions, and family-building pressure.
Listeners will learn practical, empowering tools for navigating holiday gatherings with confidence: how to identify an ally for support, and how to use communication strategies that range from soft deflection to strong boundary-setting.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:08] Tip #1 Don't Go [2:47] Tip #2 Find Your Ally [4:55] Tip #3 Plan Your Answers to Awkward Fertility Conversations [6:20] Tip #4 Plan an Exit Strategy [6:50] Tip #5 Plan Self Care and RechargeDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 25 Nov 2025 - 08min - 198 - Ep 150 A Gay Dad's Real Talk on IVF & Surrogacy with Richard Westoby
What does it really take for men to build a family through IVF and surrogacy? How do you navigate the maze of sperm testing, egg donors, legal contracts, and international laws? And where do transparency, trust, and heart fit into this complex process?
In this honest and empowering episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking to Richard Westoby, author, advocate, and host of IVF Daddies. Their conversation pulls back the curtain on the real journey of gay men pursuing parenthood.
Richard shares his deeply personal experience of becoming a father to twins through surrogacy and his decade-long mission to help others do the same. Together, he and Dr. Shahine break down every step of the process. They talk about everything from fertility testing and choosing an egg donor to finding the right clinic, lawyer, and surrogate.
With humor and compassion, they discuss the emotional highs and lows, the legal and ethical complexities, and the hard truths about cost, timelines, and international options.
This conversation offers clarity, courage, and connection for anyone dreaming of becoming a parent through IVF and surrogacy.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:51] Meet Richard Westoby: author, advocate, and podcast host [4:29] Richard's personal story [6:05] Choosing the right egg donor [15:57] Fresh vs. frozen donor eggs [22:14] Finding the right clinic [30:48] International surrogacy insights [35:59] Legal must-knows [40:28] Realistic timeline & budgets [41:54] Red flags & green flags [43:19] Making it manageable [57:03] Trusted resourcesResources mentioned:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 18 Nov 2025 - 1h 00min - 197 - Ep 149 Decoding Trump's IVF Promises with ASRM Director of Government Affairs, Jessie Losch
What does Trump's "Father of Fertility" claim really mean? How might his new IVF announcements impact real patients? And could policies disguised as "restorative" actually restrict reproductive freedom?
In this timely episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Jessie Losch, Director of Government Affairs at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), to talk about the politics, promises, and pitfalls surrounding the latest White House statements on fertility care.
Jessie helps clarify what the October 16th announcement actually said — and what it didn't. Together, they explain Trump's partnership with pharmaceutical company EMD Serono, the creation of TrumpRx, and the proposed insurance coverage changes that claim to make IVF more affordable.
With so much misinformation swirling, Jessie explains how ASRM advocates for patients and providers in a rapidly shifting policy landscape, especially as fertility care becomes increasingly politicized in a post-Roe world.
Listeners will learn what's real and what's rhetoric in these "pro-IVF" promises, what the emerging term Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) really means, and how it could threaten access to standard fertility treatments.
Dr. Shahine and Jesse discuss the nuance behind headlines, the importance of informed consent, and practical steps patients and clinicians can take to support advocacy efforts through ASRM and RESOLVE.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:12] Understanding ASRM's role in advocacy [6:15] An explanation of Trump's IVF announcement [12:13] What is TrumpRX? And what does it mean for patients? [19:55] The red flags in "root cause" language [26:28] The rise of restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) [38:05] Legislation to watch: the Restore Act and Moral Framing [47:11 How to stay informed and take actionPlease note there is no funding or sponsorship for this episode. See links below for facts and updates as policies change.
Resources mentioned:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 - 52min - 196 - Ep 148 PMS Explained and Made Better: The Period Brain with Sarah Hill, PhD.
Why do our moods shift so dramatically across the month? What's really happening in our brains during the luteal phase of our cycle? And could understanding our hormones actually make us feel better?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with evolutionary psychologist and author Sarah E. Hill, PhD to talk about the fascinating link between hormones, brain function, and overall health.
They explore how deeply our cycles shape our energy, emotions, and resilience—and why this understanding is long overdue. Dr. Hill brings her groundbreaking insights from her books This Is Your Brain on Birth Control and The Period Brain to explain how estrogen and progesterone guide us through distinct physiological "seasons."
She and Dr. Shahine discuss PMS, PMDD, and why women have two primary sex hormones when men only have one. With empathy, curiosity, and humor, they trace the science, the evolutionary logic, and the societal biases that have kept women's hormonal health misunderstood for generations.
This episode invites you to stop fighting your biology and start partnering with it because understanding your cycle is one of the bravest, smartest things you can do for your health.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:56] Why PMS exists [6:13] A simple, clear breakdown of the menstrual cycle [9:48] The roles of estrogen & progesterone [13:05] The Brain–explained [24:23] A little more about progesterone [30:37] The link between progesterone and autoimmune disease [38:21] Is your PMS actually PMDD? [40:50] The five pillars of hormone health: sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management, and social support [44:13] Some surprising research [46:02] Stress and ovulation [51:55] Hormone "balancing" is a myth [57:17] Practical, and hopeful, lifestyle shifts [1:12:19] Conclusion & final thoughtsResources mentioned:
floatingkitchen.net/roasted-cauliflower-tacos-with-chipotle-cream
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 04 Nov 2025 - 1h 13min - 195 - Ep 147 Men's Perspective on Infertility with Jared Walker
What does infertility feel like from a man's point of view? How do couples navigate years of uncertainty, loss, and hope when answers never come? And can creative expression, like writing a book, help rebuild connection in the midst of pain?
In this powerful and vulnerable conversation of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with The Empty Nest author Jared Walker to talk about infertility, grief, and how storytelling can bridge emotional distance between partners.
Jared shares the deeply personal journey that inspired his illustrated book The Empty Nest, written for his wife after years of infertility and miscarriage. What began as private journaling became a love letter to their shared resilience. And ultimately, a gift to the fertility community.
Jared's story captures the isolation, longing, and quiet courage that so many couples experience. This episode is full of honesty and vulnerability that can heal and connect, even in the hardest moments.
This episode is a moving reminder that infertility is never just "her story". It's their story, and hope can take many forms.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:13] Jared's story of love, loss, & creation of The Empty Nest [5:09] Couples grieve differently [9:04] The silence around men's experience with infertility [13:50] Vulnerability, social media, & the courage to share publicly [24:14] Reading from The Empty Nest: isolation, grief, and quiet beauty [30:29] Why men need to be part of the fertility conversation [40:03] Connect with Jared & find his bookResources mentioned:
@dollarfor on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | YouTube
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 28 Oct 2025 - 43min - 194 - Ep 146 Embryos from Skin Cells: Science and the Future with Dr. Paula Amato
What if your skin cells could help you have a baby? Could the future of fertility mean having genetically related children even if a woman is in menopause or lost fertility due to cancer treatments?
In this fascinating episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Dr. Paula Amato, reproductive endocrinologist and researcher at Oregon Health & Science University, to unpack the groundbreaking study that made headlines around the world — creating human embryos from skin cells.
Dr. Amato explains the science behind this breakthrough, known as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), and how her team combined genetic material from skin cells and eggs to explore what could one day help people with infertility. She describes the painstaking process of somatic cell nuclear transfer, the ethical oversight behind this research, and the incredible collaboration that led to this first step forward.
Together, Dr. Shahine and Dr. Amato break down complex genetics, discuss the difference between this and "three-parent IVF," and reflect on what it all means for the future of reproductive medicine.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:06] Ripped from the headlines: Human Embryos Made From Skin Cells [4:15] A refresher on chromosomes [7:55] Step-by-step explanation of the science [11:27] Introducing IVG (in vitro gametogenesis ) [15:24] IVG vs IVF [19:38] Who does this benefit? [22:20] How might it change the future? [25:37] Ethical and societal questions [28:03] Balancing progress with responsibility [33:45] What is next in fertility science?Resources mentioned:
Research Study in Nature Communications
OHSU Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 21 Oct 2025 - 34min - 193 - Ep 145 Dr. Shahine's Fertility Journey: Interview by Jennifer Edmonds
What happens when a fertility doctor becomes the patient? How does infertility change the way you practice medicine? And what can we all learn from a journey that blends science, compassion, and lived experience?
In this special episode of Brave and Curious, the tables are turned as Dr. Lora Shahine takes the guest seat to share her personal fertility story. Interviewed by fertility advocate Jennifer Edmonds, this heartfelt conversation dives into the vulnerable, complex, and sometimes humorous realities of being both doctor and patient on the path to parenthood.
Dr. Shahine opens up about her own struggles with infertility, secondary infertility, and the emotional rollercoaster of IVF. She offers insight into how those challenges deepened her empathy for patients and reshaped her medical approach.
Together, she and Jennifer explore the evolution of fertility care over the past two decades, the importance of early education, and how social media has transformed community and connection in the fertility world.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:26] Meet the interviewer: Jennifer Edmonds [0:49] Dr. Lora Shahine's fertility journey [2:15] Professional background & teacher [3:08] Social media & support [9:23] Fertility trends and patient insights [13:15] Holistic health & fertility [17:02] Stress management & mental health [24:33] Realistic expectations & success rates [30:05] Advice for the journeyResources mentioned:
Your Journey to Fertility Podcast with Jennifer Edmonds
Follow Jen on Tiktok @elementpilatesandyoga
Follow Jen on YouTube @elementpilatesyoga
Follow Jen on IG @jen.elementpilatesyoga
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 - 33min - 192 - Ep 144 Hair Loss in Women: Why and What You Can Do with Dr. Joyce Park
Why does hair loss happen to so many women? And how do you know when it's more than just shedding? Could stress, hormones, or nutrition be the culprit? And most importantly, when should you see a dermatologist instead of just buying another supplement from social media?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with dermatologist and hair loss expert, Dr. Joyce Park, to answer your most pressing questions about female hair loss. Their conversation uncovers the science behind shedding and the practical steps to support healthy regrowth.
Dr. Park explains the hair growth cycle, from anagen to telogen, and why stressful life events like childbirth, major illness, or even weight loss can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary but dramatic shedding phase. You'll also learn when to see a dermatologist, what to expect from a scalp biopsy, and how to advocate for yourself when your concerns are dismissed as "just normal shedding."
Listeners will walk away with clear, actionable guidance. This episode will empower women to better understand their bodies, seek expert care, and take thoughtful steps toward hair health.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:46] Hair loss is an emotional issue [2:58] What is telogen effluvium? [3:23] Dr. Joyce Park explains the three stages of the hair cycle [6:07] You should see a dermatologist, not your primary doctor [14:04] Nutritional factors [17:14] Hormonal factors [18:36] How minoxidil (Rogaine) works [24:04] Everyday habits to support hair regrowth [28:34] Supplements for hair loss [32:51] Does red light therapy help? [37:14] What is PRP therapy? [38:34] Dr. Park summarizes her key takeawaysResources mentioned:
@TeawithMD: YouTube, Tiktok, and Instagram
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 07 Oct 2025 - 42min - 191 - Ep 43 Preventing and Treating OHSS: A Scary IVF Risk
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is one of the scariest risk factors of IVF, but it doesn't have to be. With preparation, treatment choices, and prevention, you can avoid this uncomfortable and potentially dangerous risk factor from ovarian stimulation.
To maximize the number of eggs retrieved for IVF and egg freezing, fertility treatment involves stimulating the ovaries to mature more eggs. A higher egg number can often predict a higher success rate with treatment, but a side effect can be significant fluid shifts and bloating also known as OHSS.
When OHSS occurs, it can be mild, moderate, or severe, with symptoms ranging from discomfort and bloating to significant dehydration, shortness of breath, nausea, and even hospitalization for recovery.
In this episode, Dr. Shahine does a deep dive into OHSS.
You'll learn
- What OHSS is Why OHSS happens and Who is at risk Ways to prevent OHSS Ways to treat symptoms if it occurs so you have a speedy recovery
This week's fertility story is about an OHSS patient Dr. Shahine will never forget from her training. It's a reminder to never to ignore your care team's instructions.
In this episode you'll hear:
[00:00] Intro: What is OHSS and why is it scary?
[01:07] My experience caring for patients with OHSS over the years
[02:13] OHSS Definition, Classification
[05:29] Physiology of OHSS – Why does it happen?
[07:12] Risk factors for OHSS – Who is at risk?
[09:41] Treatment options to prevent and recover quickly from OHSS
[09:55] Prevention of OHSS
What to know before you start stimulation Choosing a protocol and medications to add to decrease risk Metformin, trigger shot, cabergoline, and more[21:47] Treatment if OHSS happens
How to recover faster Increasing electrolytes and protein at home, When do you need IV fluids or hospitalization to recover (rarely)[25:58] Fertility story of Dr. Shahine's Patient: Warning of the dangers of OHSS
[31:51] Outro and thank you
Resources mentioned:
Try LMNT daily during your stimulation process to increase electrolyte intake and decrease the symptoms of bloating during IVF and egg freezing. Mix one packet in 40 ounces of water and sip throughout the day.
LMNT has sodium and potassium to help decrease bloating as well as magnesium to prevent constipation (common after egg retrieval)
Using this link: drinklmnt.com/DrShahine or code DrShahine at checkout to get a sample pack of all flavors with your first purchase.
Dr. Shahine's YouTube Videos on OHSS
OHSS is the Biggest Risk Factor for IVF: What you need to know
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter
Follow @drlorashahine
Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Studies mentioned in podcast
Who is at risk of OHSS?
- Younger age: One study showed 60% of women who got OHSS were less than 35 yo https://academic.oup.com/ajhp/article-abstract/65/12/1148/5127940?redirectedFrom=fulltext Lower BMI: Some studies show a higher risk of OHSS if BMI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7851086/ A higher ovarian reserve predicts higher risk of OHSS: AMH > 5 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002937814001689 Antral Follicle count >24 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0015028212005961 For more information on ovarian reserve testing see my video: https://youtu.be/bYJWXIY6GHg Patients with PCOS often have a high AMH and high AFC – if you're diagnosed with PCOS – ask about OHSS risk in IVF A high response to stimulation in the IVF cycle can predict risk of OHSS Estradiol levels at time of trigger >3500 pg/mL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12773437/ More than 20 follicles https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14647270601021743 More than 15 eggs retrieved https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028213034584
Aspirin and OHSS: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028209001320
Metformin and OHSS: https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/26/8/2178/645906
Trigger shot and OHSS: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1472648310602003
Cabergoline and OHSS: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/92/8/2931/2597480
Mon, 30 Oct 2023 - 32min - 190 - Ep 42 Busting Fertility Myths with Angel Investor and Author Leslie Schrock
Like our own expert Siri, Leslie Schrock should be available on-demand for anyone who's struggling with fertility.
And she can be! With two books and now on an episode of Baby or Bust, everyone can access her informed and sensitive approach to miscarriage, medically necessary abortion, and other fertility challenges.
Leslie Schrock is an author, entrepreneur, and angel investor who has been involved in health and fertility for pretty much her entire working life. Her first book, Bumpin': The Modern Guide to Pregnancy mixes clinical research with practical advice for working families. Her second book, Fertility Rules, does the same for fertility.
After working in advertising for many years, Leslie helped found and grow Rock Health, a digital health startup incubator and venture fund and was named one of the Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company.
In this episode you'll hear:
[00:37:] Thank you to sponsors
[01:10:] Learn more about author, Leslie Schrock
[02:23:] Episode starts — How Dr. Shahine found Leslie's books and what was different about 'Bumpin' and 'Fertility Rules'
[04:54]: Leslie's fertility story — expectations crashed, recurrent pregnancy loss, terminating a highly desired pregnancy, a tough pregnancy and delivery, and more
[09:18:] What's different about Leslie's writing and her motivation – giving facts without fear, allowing all the feelings and frustrations without shame and guilt
Busting fertility myths with Leslie Schrock
[16:34:] Myth #1 "Fertility is a Woman's Problem" The role of men in reproduction — "Men need a seat at the fertility table!"
[24:00:] Myth #2 "Supplements Cure Infertility" — What you need and don't need while trying to conceive and how to find what's safe
[27:21:] Myth #3 "We Always Know the Cause of Miscarriage" — The patients with easy conception but miscarriage experience a different kind of infertility. Is it really just "bad luck"?
[32:46:] The Hope Trial at Stanford — enroll to learn more about genetics and recurrent miscarriage
[34:50: Myth] #4 "Abortion is NOT healthcare" — Sometimes abortion is not a choice. Terminating a highly desired pregnancy for a lethal anomaly was a heartbreaking experience for Leslie
[39:25]: Learn about the non-profit Doctors for Fertility
[39:43]: Myth #5 "Once you have a baby, no more infertility" — Secondary infertility impacted both Dr. Shahine and Leslie
[42:45:] Wrapping up and thank you
Resources mentioned:
Fertility Rules by Leslie Schrock
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Mon, 23 Oct 2023 - 45min - 189 - Ep 41 Tips for Choosing a Sperm Donor with Seattle Sperm Bank's Director Angelo Allard
Baby or Bust is back - better than ever.
After a little break, your podcast about all things fertility is back. Same host, Dr. Lora Shahine, same goals to educate and support the fertility community but new format and new production team. We're moving away from seasons and delivering weekly content. We listened to your feedback and will continue interviews but adding episodes with in-depth education from Dr. Shahine on certain topics.
Send us topics you'd like to learn about and interview suggestions to hello@drlorashahine.com
In this episode, we answer the question: How does a sperm bank work with donors to meet the needs of patients?
Host Dr. Lora Shahine interviews Angelo Allard, the General Supervisor at Seattle Sperm Bank (SSB) — one of the largest and most respected sperm banks in the country. For almost 15 years, Angelo has been working with patients to find the right donors and build happy, healthy families.
Angelo explains in-depth every step of the process, from how SSB vets and approves donors, through the regulation and oversight of sperm banks and how SSB supports recipients in choosing their donor, to how much gametes cost, and even how you can return unused vials.
Angelo also answers listeners' questions, so if you still have unanswered questions after the episode, be sure to connect with Dr. Shahine or the Seattle Sperm Bank for answers!
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:00-03:28] Intro
[03:29-4:54] Angelo's role at Seattle Sperm Bank
[04:55-11:54] Can anyone donate? Learn how donors are screened
[11:55-14:27] Are sperm counts really falling around the world? Angelo says "Yes."
[14:28-16:50] Are sperm banks regulated? Learn about lab and sperm bank oversight.
[16:51-26:18 ]How do recipients choose a donor? What do they learn about the donor? Photos?
[26:18-30:02] How do you know what type of sperm preparation to buy? Learn about the different labels and preparation.
[30:03-30:21] How much does donor sperm cost?
[30:22-32:55] How many vials of donor sperm should someone buy?
[32:56-33:22] Can you return donor sperm you don't use?
[33:23-36:17] Can a donor truly be anonymous?
[36:18-39:01] How many children can a donor have from donation?
Questions from Instagram:
[39:02- 40:16] How do you appeal to different races and ethnicities to donate?
[40:17-42:03] Any impact on sperm banks or use of donor sperm after overturn of Roe v Wade?
[42:04-44:02] How do recipients learn about any new health information on donors in the future?
[44:03-48:16] Angelo's memorable and inspirational patient story
[48:17-49:55] Outro
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter
Follow @drlorashahine
Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Mon, 16 Oct 2023 - 49min - 188 - Ep 40 Chris Charbonneau on Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Rights
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, reproductive rights have been called into question—including IVF. On this episode of Baby or Bust, our host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Chris Charbonneau, the longest-serving CEO of Planned Parenthood and host of the Fall of Roe podcast, for her take on what's coming.
Roe v. Wade is about much more than elective abortion, and this timely episode breaks down the national implication for American residents. Chris shares her wisdom on the anti-choice movement, the misunderstandings about abortions, the power of words, and why fertilized embryos for IVF may also be at risk.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 29 May 2023 - 41min - 187 - Ep 39 Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin on Acupuncture and Fertility
If you're struggling with infertility, you'll often try anything to get that family you desire—including acupuncture. Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin, an internationally recognized and award-winning doctor of acupuncture, meets with host Dr. Lora Shahine to dispel myths and share truths about Eastern Medicine and fertility.
With over 30 peer-reviewed research publications about acupuncture and fertility, Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin is a true master of the craft. In this episode, she teaches about the Eastern Medicine approach to fertility care, including lifestyle modifications, herbs, and acupuncture, along with the science behind this approach.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 22 May 2023 - 28min - 186 - Ep 38 Mikki Morrissette on Choosing Single Motherhood
There's a movement of single women creating families by choice—and today's guest is a leading voice on the topic. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Lora Shahine is joined by Mikki Morrissette, author of Choosing Single Motherhood and founder of the online resource Choice Mom.
As a single mom by choice, Mikki is deeply familiar with the unique fulfillments and challenges of starting a family solo. In this episode, she details the financial considerations and career implications of becoming a choice mom, discusses finding a sperm donor, shares benefits of being a single mom by choice, and more. This episode
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 15 May 2023 - 31min - 185 - Ep 37 Brett Russo on Her Memoir About IVF
When you're used to checking off boxes for life's milestones—college, husband, career, friends—infertility can be a tough pill to swallow. In this episode, our Baby or Bust guest Brett Russo dishes the details behind her memoir The Underwear in My Shoe: My Journey through IVF, Unfiltered with host Dr. Lora Shahine.
While there are many infertility memoirs out there, Brett's story takes honesty to a whole new level. In this episode, she details starting pregnancy in her late 30s, witnessing friends get easily pregnant, going through IUI, experiencing IVF, grief, and what she would change if she could do it all over again.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 08 May 2023 - 35min - 184 - Ep 36 Dr. Lariah Edwards on Environmental Toxins and Fertility
You are what you eat, but you can also be what you apply and breathe. In this episode of Baby or Bust, environmental research scientist Dr. Lariah Edwards shares her findings on the latest research about toxins and reproductive health with our host Dr. Lora Shahine.
As a research scientist in the Department of Health Science at Columbia University and alumna of the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice Fellowship, Dr. Edwards is an expert in hormone-altering chemicals. Together with Dr. Shahine, she shares where we can find toxins, the impact on fertility, how chemical regulation works, and where to start with reducing exposure.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 01 May 2023 - 33min - 183 - Ep 35 Louise Brown on Being the First IVF Baby
On July 25, 1978, family building changed forever when the world's first IVF baby was born. On today's episode of Baby or Bust, our host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with now-adult Louise Brown to discuss her experience as a living symbol of the powers of fertility medicine.
Over 10 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilization worldwide, and Louise Brown was the first. She shares her parents' journey of choosing IVF, questions she got from friends growing up, and how she advocates for IVF.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 24 Apr 2023 - 31min - 182 - Ep 34 Arden Cartrette on Pregnancy Loss
Miscarriage is common, but many feel alone and unsupported as they process their loss. On today's Brand Therapy episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Arden Cartrette, The Miscarriage Doula, to discuss grief, support systems, miscarriage doulas, and pregnancy loss.
A certified birth and bereavement doula, Arden established an online community and team of doulas to help bring empathetic support to people who have experienced miscarriages. As someone who's experienced infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, Arden shares how people process miscarriage, the risks of toxic positivity, pregnancy after miscarriage, triggers, and the benefits of a miscarriage doula.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 17 Apr 2023 - 28min - 181 - Ep 33 Alison Prato on Secondary Infertility
When you have a child and are ready to have another, secondary infertility can be confusing and devastating. Baby or Bust host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Alison Prato, a journalist, podcaster, and co-founder of Fertility Rally, to discuss the misconceptions and experiences of secondary infertility.
Alison got pregnant with her first child at 34 without reproductive assistance, and she never expected to have struggles getting pregnant with her second. After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, she was diagnosed with secondary infertility, which changed her life forever. This episode explores the pressure of creating a sibling, grief about changed family plans, assumptions about fertility, and recommendations for advocating for your care.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 10 Apr 2023 - 23min - 180 - Ep 32 Dr. Temeka Zore on the Two-Week Wait
The two-week wait can be an agonizing time for hopeful parents. In this Baby or Bust episode, reproductive endocrinologists Dr. Lora Shahine and Dr. Temeka Zore discuss the science of early pregnancy, including the two-week wait, a positive pregnancy test, and first-trimester bleeding.
Whether you are trying for a baby with or without reproductive assistance, the two-week wait and early pregnancy can be overwhelming. Dr. Temeka Zore has valuable insights from helping patients during this time, and in this episode, she teaches the signs of implantation bleeding, early symptoms of pregnancy, progesterone's impact on menstruation, and why you can get false positives on home tests.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 03 Apr 2023 - 27min - 179 - Ep 31 Chiemi Rajamahendran on Intimacy and Grief
Infertility can impact every part of your life—including your relationship with your partner. Baby or Bust host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with guest Chiemi Rajamahendran, an infertility and grief coach, to discuss the mental aspects of fertility, including sadness, anger, resentment, and shame.
Chiemi Rajamahendran supports individuals and couples worldwide who are facing infertility and loss, and in today's episode, she shares her techniques for grappling with the emotional rollercoaster of fertility. From acknowledging your emotions (positive and negative) to processing trauma to prioritizing communication to enjoying intimacy, this episode will help you show compassion for yourself, your partner, and your experiences.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
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Mon, 27 Mar 2023 - 32min - 178 - Ep 30 Jessica Valant on Fitness and Fertility
Fitness and fertility can be a confusing juggling act of myths, recommendations, and reality. In today's Baby or Bust episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with licensed physical therapist and Pilates teacher Jessica Valant to discuss her fertility journey and her fitness recommendations when you're trying to conceive.
Jessica is an open book during this episode, and she shares her endometriosis diagnosis, pregnancy journey, IVF experience with multiple failed cycles, and healing your body through movement. Lora and Jessica also discuss honoring fear, exercising during IVF and pregnancy, listening to your body, and busting common exercise myths. This episode will help you feel empowered to feel safe in your own body.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
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Mon, 20 Mar 2023 - 28min - 177 - Ep 29 Kellee Stewart on Fertility Advocacy and Education
We've come a long way in fertility education, but many individuals aren't aware of family-building options. Baby or Bust host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with guest Kellee Stewart (Hot Tub Time Machine, All American, Chicago Med) to discuss her fertility journey's trajectory from egg freezing to advocacy.
In this heartfelt and educational episode, Kellee shares how her lack of fertility knowledge kickstarted a lifelong commitment to fertility advocacy. She shares her perspective on egg freezing, educational lapses on reproductive health, systemic healthcare biases against Black women, and why she's determined to be a force for change. This episode is informative, fascinating, and deeply inspiring.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 13 Mar 2023 - 31min - 176 - Ep 28 Andrea Helton León on the Taboo of Infertility
It seems like the stigma of infertility is coming out of the shadows, but is that true for all communities? On today's Baby or Bust, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Andrea Helton León (also known as @hotmessivfmom) to discuss the taboo of infertility in the Latinx community.
Andrea experienced eight recurrent pregnancy losses and felt isolated. Between her family and her Spanish congregation church community, no one acknowledged or discussed infertility. Andrea decided to share her fertility journey online publicly, and now, with a community of over 150k people, she's paving the way for meaningful infertility discourse in her culture. This episode is a gripping discussion about shame, community, IVF, and IUI through a Hispanic lens.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 06 Mar 2023 - 28min - 175 - Ep 27 Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo on Celebrity Fertility News
Lights, camera, fertility. Today's Baby or Bust episode brings back season one guest, stand-up comedian, writer, and fertility advocate Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo to discuss the misrepresentations of infertility in celebrity news with reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine.
Fertility can be a lonely journey, and it doesn't help when headlines skip over important details. Our guest Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo drills down into the implications of fertility headlines in the news, including Kourtney Kardashian and IVF, Hilary Swank getting pregnant with twins at 48, Chrissy Teigen's pregnancy loss, and more.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 27 Feb 2023 - 30min - 174 - Ep 26 Sarah Herron from The Bachelor on Mental Health and IVF
Infertility is both a physical and emotional struggle, and today's guest is an open book about hers. On this episode of Baby or Bust, our host Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Sarah Herron, a three-time Bachelor contestant whose fertility journey coincided with a diagnosis of type two bipolar disorder.
This episode focuses on Sarah's experience caring for her mental health with infertility. She shares her many different diagnoses—endometriosis, infertility, bipolar disorder—and the way she supported herself while building her family.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 20 Feb 2023 - 31min - 173 - Ep 25 Tarun Verma on His Infertility Film "Conception"
Many infertility journeys happen behind closed doors, but the new film "Conception" puts IVF in the spotlight. In this Baby or Bust episode, reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with writer, producer, and director Tarun Verma to discuss the making of his film about infertility.
As a former pharmacist who was heavily involved in the fertility space, Tarun was inspired to create a story that followed a couple undergoing IVF. Now debuting his film "Conception," he shares the thoughtful considerations behind this project. Dr. Lora Shahine and Tarun discuss real-life moments that inspired the script, assembling a diverse cast, capturing the complexity of experiencing infertility, and where you can view the film.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 13 Feb 2023 - 25min - 172 - Ep 24 Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh on Egg Freezing
Two reproductive endocrinologists walk into a podcast recording... And the result is a fascinating discussion about egg freezing. In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh (also known as "The Egg Whisperer") to articulate the controversies, misunderstandings, and opportunities with egg freezing.
As a leading voice in oocyte cryopreservation, Dr. Aimee has shaped public discourse around egg freezing through her wildly popular podcast and social media presence. She shares the ins and outs of egg freezing (Who should do this? What's the process? What should we know?) and why you might want to make this empowering choice.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 06 Feb 2023 - 26min - 171 - Ep 23 Samantha Busch on Surrogacy and Infertility Advocacy
To many, getting pregnant can feel like a struggle, and today's guest transformed that struggle into strength. In this Baby or Bust episode, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with IVF advocate and entrepreneur Samantha Busch about everything she learned in her fertility journey.
Samantha knew she wanted to be a mom, but what she didn't expect was experiencing infertility at 25. To our host, Samantha shares her family-building journey with her husband, Kyle Busch, complete with PCOS, Clomid, IVF, surrogacy, and her journey towards advocacy.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 30 Jan 2023 - 33min - 170 - Ep 22 GG from Shahs of Sunset Shares Her Fertility Journey
fReality TV has many ups and downs, and your fertility journey can often be the same. In this Baby or Bust episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi for a frank discussion about her tumultuous journey toward motherhood—and no topic is off limits.
GG always knew she wanted to be a mother, but life seemingly had other plans. With Dr. Shahine, GG reflects on pregnancy loss, including an ectopic pregnancy, losing both fallopian tubes, using a sperm donor, utilizing IVF, and being a single mom by choice.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 23 Jan 2023 - 30min - 169 - Ep 21 Amanda Knox on Fertility and Incarceration
Doing time in prison is one thing, but doing it during childbearing years can be a lifetime sentence of its own. In this gripping episode of Baby or Bust, Amanda Knox shares her experience of wrongfully losing her most fertile years in prison with our host Dr. Lora Shahine.
Since being in an Italian prison for four years and on trial for murder for another eight, Amanda Knox has used her platform to speak out about the fertility consequences on women in prison. In an honest discussion with host and reproductive endocrinologist Lora Shahine, Amanda shares her lifelong desire to be a mom, women's unique challenges of becoming mothers after prison, her grief with a miscarriage, trauma's impact on fertility, and more.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Mon, 16 Jan 2023 - 35min - 168 - Ep 20 Separating Fact from Fiction with COVID-19 and Fertility
Fasten your seatbelts for a controversial—and educational—episode about COVID-19 and fertility. In this intimate episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine provides an illuminating medical overview of the pandemic's impact on the fertility community.
This episode quells COVID-19 rumors and fears by deciphering studies about infections and vaccinations. Lora highlights the origins of misleading COVID-19 vaccine fears, addresses COVID-19's effect on menstrual cycles and fertility, and provides her take on risks associated with getting vaccinated. For a digestible analysis of COVID-19 and fertility data, listen to this episode.
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 01 Jun 2022 - 27min - 167 - Ep 19 Environmental Toxins and Reproduction Health: Potential Countdown to Human Extinction with Dr. Shanna Swan
Today's men have almost 60% less sperm than their parents or grandparents, and research points to environmental toxins as the likely culprit. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Dr. Shanna Swan, an award-winning scientist, and researcher, to talk through toxins' impact on our reproductive and overall health.
With over 200 scientific papers (including one that went viral) and a successful book, Dr. Swan is a leading voice in toxins awareness in fertility medicine. This episode tackles big topics about humanity—Are humans on their way to extinction? Why are sperm counts dropping? Does our species have a reproductive problem?—and get specifics about actions to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors.
You can learn more about Dr. Swan here: https://www.shannaswan.com/
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media!
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 25 May 2022 - 32min - 166 - Ep 18 History and Perspective of Assisted Reproduction from Living Fertility Legend Dr. Cappy Rothman
Building a family with donor sperm is more common today than ever before. In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine meets with the father of modern sperm donation, Dr. Cappy Rothman, who explores the past, present, and future of the sperm donation process.
As the co-founder of California Cryobank, the world's largest sperm bank, Dr. Rothman has been at the forefront of assisted reproduction since its inception. Dr. Shahine and Dr. Rothman dig into the history of sperm banking (spoiler alert: The concept wasn't well-received when first shared in the 1950s) and his advocacy for sperm bank access for couples experiencing infertility. The episode also touches upon 23andMe and Ancestry.com's implications with donor anonymity, what people generally want in a donor, the information captured by sperm banks, and much, much more.
You can learn more about Dr. Rothman here: https://www.laweekly.com/the-god-of-sperm/
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 18 May 2022 - 22min - 165 - Ep 17 Sperm Donation: Myths vs. Reality from a Sperm Donor
Sperm donation is more common than ever, but it's rare to hear about the donor's motivations and repercussions—until now. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with long-time sperm donor Zack to learn about his experience discovering, applying, and becoming a frequent donor.
Zack's initial motivation for becoming a sperm donor seems like something out of a movie script: He was a starving student who needed to pay the rent. What started as a solution to make ends meet has grown into a mission to help others build families, and this Baby or Bust episode explores the ins and outs of embracing this much-needed role in the fertility process. From detailing the application process to remembering his own family's reactions, this refreshing discussion will open your eyes to the possibilities that come from sperm donations.
You can learn more about The Seattle Sperm bank here: https://www.seattlespermbank.com/
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Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 11 May 2022 - 27min - 164 - Ep 16 Surrogacy: Finding Purpose and Fighting Misconceptions with Eloise Drain
Surrogacy is shrouded in misconceptions, and it's often the answer to the end of a long infertility journey. Eloise Drane, the owner of egg donor and surrogacy agency Family Inceptions, tackles the misunderstood topic head-on with Baby or Bust host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine.
Eloise Drane is deeply familiar with the surrogacy process—personally and professionally. As a six-time egg donor and three-time gestational surrogate, this episode highlights Eloise's perspective on traditional vs. gestational surrogacy, the role of a surrogacy agency, considerations with surrogacy compensation, and advice for intended parents. Together with Dr. Shahine, this episode gives an honest depiction of surrogacy while dispelling common stigmas.
You can learn more about Eloise here: https://familyinceptions.com/about-us/meet-our-team/
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media!
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 04 May 2022 - 38min - 163 - Ep 15 Men Matter: The Other Half of Infertility from Male Fertility Expert Dr. Paul Turek
Male infertility: How common is it, and what can you do to beat the odds? In this information-packed episode of Baby or Bust, reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine speaks with Dr. Paul Turek, a leading innovator in male reproductive health and founder of The Turek Clinic, to separate fact from fiction with male infertility.
This episode gives you all the must-knows about improving male fertility—from the food you consume and the lifestyle you lead. Dr. Turek shares his wisdom on why history is the most crucial consideration for a low sperm count, clarifies what evidence says about ideal nutrition, and addresses if someone can *really* be too fit to be fertile. Our host and guest also touch upon marijuana's effect on sperm motility, the risks of BPA exposures with reproductive health, supplements that might improve sperm count, and Dr. Turek's views on COVID-19's relationship to sperm production. A must-listen for anyone interested in the male factor of infertility.
You can learn more about Dr. Paul Turek here: https://www.theturekclinic.com
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media!
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 27 Apr 2022 - 31min - 162 - Ep 14 Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis: Fighting Misconception and Finding Hope with Pelvic Pain Specialist Dr. Sonia Bahlani
Many women suffer in pain—from periods, intercourse, and everyday life—for years before getting a diagnosis. In today's episode, Dr. Lora Shahine meets with guest Dr. Sonia Bahlani, a chronic pelvic pain specialist, to uncover advice that helps listeners advocate for the care they need and deserve.
The two doctors discuss our society's acceptance of pain as part of the female experience (spanning back to the 1800s) if periods are supposed to be painful, and common signs of endometriosis. Dr. Bahlani also shares her recommendations for listening to your body, rejecting gaslighting, recognizing racial bias in medical environments, and considering a holistic approach to health for pain relief.
You can learn more about Dr. Sonia Bahlani here: https://www.pelvicpaindoc.com
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media!
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 20 Apr 2022 - 32min - 161 - Ep 13 Love Makes a Family: An Adoption Story with Cathie Quillet
There are many ways to build a family, and today we're talking about adoption. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Cathie Quillet, a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and public speaker, to expound on the ins and outs of adoption.
This episode focuses on Cathie's endometriosis diagnosis that forever changed her perspective on building a family. Cathie shares her story on overcoming immense fertility challenges—including multiple miscarriages, IVF, partial hysterectomy, and oophorectomy—as part of her journey to adoption. Additional topics discussed include an overview of adoption agencies, deciding between domestic and international adoptions, adoption waiting lists, adoption costs, and a step-by-step guide to adoption.
You can learn more about Cathie here: https://thequilletinstitute.com/about-cathie/
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 13 Apr 2022 - 31min - 160 - Ep 12 Against the Odds: Having a Baby Naturally After Failing IVF with Kaci Aitchison Boyle
Each person's fertility journey can be full of surprises, and Baby or Bust guest Kaci Aitchison Boyle is no exception. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with communications master (and former patient) Kaci to discuss her experience undergoing years of fertility treatments—and a surprise pregnancy at age 40.
This episode focuses on Kaci's fertility story, starting with the common misconception from adolescence that getting pregnant is easy for everyone. Kaci shares her challenges starting a family, learning about different fertility treatments, undergoing multiple rounds of IUI and IVF, and the experience of being a parent after loss. For anyone struggling to build a family, this episode will provide you with comfort and hope.
You can learn more about Kaci here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaciaitchison/
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 06 Apr 2022 - 33min - 159 - Ep 11 Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Through Infertility with Dr. Ali Domar from Harvard University
Let's get to the heart of emotional stress and its impact on physical health. Reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Dr. Ali Domar, a world leader in mind-body medicine, for an honest discussion about stress, infertility, grief, empathy, and the many different emotions that come with family building.
Dr. Domar is a pioneer in the application of mind/body medicine and reproductive health, and in this episode, she sheds light on the discoveries she's made about stress and the body throughout her career. Dr. Shahine and Dr. Domar dive right into stress and its correlation with infertility, along with the benefits of developing mind/body management skills. Additional points of discussion include the differences between the way men and women process stress with infertility, the emotional impact of IVF between partners, and celebrities' impact—for better and for worse—on the way we understand infertility.
You can learn more about Dr. Domar here: www.dralicedomar.com
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 30 Mar 2022 - 39min - 158 - Ep 10 When Infertility is the Man's Fault with Laura and Jon Summers from Infertility Man
Infertility can feel like a women's club, but men are also affected by the emotional tolls. Dr. Lora Shahine speaks with Jon and Laura of Infertility Man (a website, YouTube channel, and soon-to-be book) to share their perspective on building a family through IVF after Jon survived testicular cancer.
Jon and Laura chat about their decision to proceed with IVF, document their fertility story online, and mission to illuminate the male factor in infertility. The two recount undergoing 14+ egg retrievals and IVF cycles, share tips for improving couples' communication and discuss finding normalcy through daily routines.
You can learn more about Jon and Laura here: https://www.infertilityman.com
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 23 Mar 2022 - 27min - 157 - Ep 9 IVF is Not Like Ordering Off A Menu and Other Celebrity Misconceptions with Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo
Buckle up for some frank conversations about infertility. In this episode of Baby or Bust, host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo, an award-winning writer, stand-up comic, and infertility advocate, to discuss pop culture's role in misconceptions about IVF and fertility.
Our guest, an infertility warrior and women's health advocate, brings a refreshing voice to mainstream fertility discussions. Lora and Jennifer discuss the nuances of fertility-related controversies by prominent figures (including Paris Hilton, Chrissy Teigen, Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Obama, Lena Dunham, and Janet Jackson) and clarify misunderstandings about fertility in public discourse.
You can learn more about Jennifer here: https://wonderwomanwriter.com/
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 16 Mar 2022 - 36min - 156 - Ep 8 Validating Your Own Fertility Journey with Kaela McDougall from 'Infertile Mafia' Podcast
This episode acknowledges the loneliness of infertility and support systems to help. Reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with podcaster and advocate Kaela McDougall to discuss the pain of infertility, humor as a tool for healing, and the special connection shared between those who have experienced infertility.
Kaela is the co-host of The Infertile Mafia, a podcast dedicated to sharing truths about infertility, IVF, and trying to conceive. In this episode of Baby or Bust, Kaela tells her story about experiencing infertility, starting her podcast, and finding solace in the strong community she's discovered on social media. Lora and Kaela explore the benefits of honoring your emotions, finding strength in vulnerability, and advocating for yourself.
You can find more about Kaela here: https://infertilemafia.podbean.com/
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 09 Mar 2022 - 26min - 155 - Ep 7 When and How to See a Fertility Specialist with Dr. Natalie Crawford from Fora Fertility
It's tough to know when to see a fertility doctor, and this episode will help you figure out the right time. Host Dr. Lora Shahine joins friend and fellow reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Natalie Crawford for an informative chat about their work, including misleading media portrayals and relationships with infertility patients.
As doctors who have committed their careers to helping others build families, Dr. Shahine and Dr. Crawford have seen it all. This episode debunks common misconceptions—IVF recommendations, waiting periods before seeing a fertility doctor, patient ages—through a lens of compassion. This episode gives a run-through of what you can expect in your first visit, finding a clinic that's a good fit, and considerations with at-home testing.
You can learn more about Dr. Natalie Crawford here: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 02 Mar 2022 - 31min - 154 - Ep 6 Lesbian Family Building Options with Jaimie and Robin from 'If These Ovaries Could Talk' Podcast
When you're in the LGBTQ+ community, there's a lot to navigate with parenthood. Today, host Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Jaimie Kelton and Robin Hopkins, creators and authors of the podcast and book If These Ovaries Could Talk, for an enlightening conversation about building—and celebrating—families of all forms.
This episode is a crash course on the reproductive possibilities within the LGBTQ+ community. Jaimie, Robin, and Lora discuss reproductive discrimination, second-parent adoption laws, and deciding the road that's right for you. Lora also shares her medical insight on reproductive possibilities among a couple with uteruses and ovaries, such as receiving donor sperm and undergoing reciprocal IVF.
You can find more about Jaimie and Robin here: https://www.ovariestalk.com
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 23 Feb 2022 - 36min - 153 - Ep 5 Donor Egg Family Building with Dr. Shannon Clark from Babies After 35
Today, we're talking all about egg donors as a way of building your family. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Dr. Shannon Clark, a double board-certified OB/GYN, and maternal-fetal medicine specialist, who became pregnant via egg donor after multiple failed cycles of IVF.
While Dr. Clark is a physician, she's also experienced life as a fertility patient. In this episode, Dr. Clark tells her story about building a family after 40 and the ultimate decision to use an egg donor. She and Dr. Shahine discuss the beauty of egg donations, egg donor registry selections, celebrating your journey, and more.
You can learn more about Dr. Shannon Clark here: https://www.babiesafter35.com
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
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This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 16 Feb 2022 - 27min - 152 - Ep 4 Black Women and Fertility: Less Judgement, More Understanding with Filmmaker Chiquita Lockley
Infertility affects people from all walks of life, but why are Black women twice as likely to suffer from infertility and half as likely to seek treatment?
In this thought-provoking episode of Baby or Bust Chiquita Lockley, film director, and producer, discusses the perception and reality of infertility in the Black community with our host Dr. Lora Shahine.
This episode explores the complex relationship between fertility treatment and the Black community, spawning from historical burdens, stigmas, assumptions, and shame. With a determination to educate through documentary filmmaking, Chiquita reflects on the mission and goals for her ground-breaking documentary film on fertility in the Black community,Eggs Over Easy.
What you'll hear in this episode:
[0:00] Infertility in the Black community
[2:18] Chiquita's personal journey and inspiration for her documentary
[6:39] The impacts of infertility and miscarriage
[11:08] The financial and medical barriers of infertility
[14:31] Shame and stigma around infertility in the Black community
[16:20] Personal stories and advocacy
[19:18] Representation and education
[19:37] What you can do to help
Connect with Chiquita Lockley:
LinkedIn- www.linkedin.com/in/chiquita-lockley-61333692
IG - @quitawrites
Easy Over Easy Film www.eggsovereasyfilm.com
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
This episode of Baby Or Bust was produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, Bray's Run Productions, and Greg Moga. Executive produced by Nick Panella and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media.
Wed, 09 Feb 2022 - 35min - 151 - Ep 3 Are Fertility Support Groups Right for You? with Kim Nicholson from Resolve.org
Can a fertility support group help you on your family building journey?
Experiencing infertility can feel lonely, but our guest, Kimberly Nicholson, shares how a community support group, organized by the national fertility organization RESOLVE, helped her navigate the roller coaster of emotions. Kimberly has now founded her own RESOLVE fertility support group and shares the benefits she sees helping others through similar struggles.
In this conversation, Kimberly and Dr. Shahine discuss the pros and cons of fertility support groups, resources for finding local groups, what a typical meeting looks like, and valuable tips for anyone thinking of joining an infertility support group.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:51] Finding support and overcoming isolation
[8:25] The role of support groups in infertility
[10:57] Building lifelong friendships in support groups
[19:27] The challenges of support groups
[22:46] Starting a support group and finding participants
[24:40] How support groups differ from the support of family and friends
[27:15] Normalizing infertility and sharing knowledge
[28:12] Connecting with the infertility community
You can learn more about finding a support group near you at resolve.org/support/find-a-support-group.
If you're in or near Bellevue, Washington, you can register to join Kimberly's group here: resolve.org/event/wa-bellevue-general-infertility-peer-led-support-group/2024-09-10
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
This episode Baby Or Bust was produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, Bray's Run Productions, and Greg Moga. Executive produced by Nick Panella and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media.
Wed, 02 Feb 2022 - 29min - 150 - Ep 2 Closer to a Cure for Miscarriage with Dr. Ruth Lathi from Stanford University
One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, yet many with this experience suffer in the shadows. In this Baby or Bust episode, host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Dr. Ruth Lathi, an OB/GYN professor and Director of the Multi-specialty Recurrent Pregnancy Loss program at Stanford University, to discuss pregnancy loss and finding support.
Our guest shares her motivation to open a repeat pregnancy loss center, misconceptions about miscarriage, common causes of miscarriage, and bringing compassion to patients. With multiple references to studies and patient stories, Dr. Shahine and Dr. Lathi broach this challenging topic with information and empathy.
You can learn more about Dr. Ruth Lathi here: https://profiles.stanford.edu/ruth-lathi
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 26 Jan 2022 - 25min - 149 - Ep 1 Introducing: Baby Or Bust
Baby Or Bust season 1 teaser.
Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media!
Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn
Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
Wed, 05 Jan 2022 - 34min - 148 - Ep 143 DNA Surprises, Family Secrets, and Finding Belonging in One Big Happy Family with Actress and Writer Lisa Brenner
What happens when a DNA test reveals more than you bargained for? How do you process finding out that your family story isn't what you thought it was? And can identity, belonging, and love transcend genetics?
In this moving episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with actress and writer Lisa Brenner to explore how an unexpected DNA result changed her life and inspired her new film, One Big Happy Family.
Lisa shares the deeply personal journey of discovering she was an NPE (non-parent expected), what it meant for her relationship with her mother, and how decades of secrecy around fertility treatments in the 1960s and 70s shaped her story. Through candid reflection and humor, Lisa reveals how grief, resilience, and identity intertwine with the powerful theme of family—both the one we are born into and the one we build.
Listeners will learn about the hidden history of fertility medicine, the emotional complexity of uncovering DNA surprises, and the healing power of transparency and connection. This episode is filled with honesty, curiosity, and hope, reminding us that family is love—no matter how it's formed.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:58] Lisa Brenner's "just for fun" DNA test [5:36] A life-changing moment [9:57] Fertility treatments in the 1960s and 70s [20:47] One Big Happy Family, the film, is born [28:46] Nature vs. nurture [32:33] Reflections on faith, belonging, & reconciling a hidden identity [42:48] Lisa's message of hopeResources mentioned:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 30 Sep 2025 - 45min - 147 - Ep 142 Fact Vs. Fiction on Fertility, Egg Freezing, and IVF Today with Dr. Lucky Sehkon
What's the truth about egg freezing success rates? Is IVF really a guarantee for building a family? And how do you separate fertility facts from fiction when the internet is full of clickbait headlines?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with her friend and fellow reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Lucky Sekhon, to explore the myths and realities of modern fertility care. Dr. Sekhon shares both science and lived experience through her personal journey with IVF and personal expertise in guiding patients through tough choices.
This episode focuses on how fertility education, patient empowerment, and evidence-based medicine intersect in today's world of reproductive health. It's a conversation that blends heart, hope, and hard science to give you tools to make informed choices on your fertility journey.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:19] Online fertility education: empowering but overwhelming [8:32] Dr. Lucky Sekhon's personal story [13:19] Grief, shame, and resilience: the emotional side of IVF [23:29] Balancing patient expectations with IVF success rates [26:50] ERA and other 'add-ons': the truth [32:21] Creating reliable online resources for patients [34:12] No more scary headlines: Tylenol, autism, and fertility myths [38:49] Dr. Sekhon's book The Lucky EggResources mentioned:
The Lucky Egg by Dr. Lucky Sekhon
Fertility 101 with Dr. Lucky Sekhon on YouTube
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 23 Sep 2025 - 48min - 146 - Ep 141 Balance and an Eastern Approach to Fertility Care with Lorne Brown, Dr.TCM
What does balance really mean in fertility care? Can Eastern medicine like acupuncture and herbs truly support reproductive health? And how can Western and Eastern approaches come together for better outcomes?
In this episode of Brave and Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine leans into these big questions in a conversation that bridges two worlds of medicine. Joining Dr. Shahine is Dr. Lorne Brown, acupuncturist and host of the Conscious Fertility podcast, who brings a holistic perspective rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
Together, they explore how Eastern practices—like acupuncture, nutrition, and stress reduction—align with Western science and treatments such as IVF, IUI, and recurrent miscarriage care. This integrative dialogue sheds light on how patients can benefit from both evidence-based medicine and time-honored approaches.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:37] Welcome Dr. Lorne Brown and Dr. Lora Shahine [3:15] Men's role in fertility and miscarriage [6:10] Integrating Eastern and Western medicines in fertility care [9:20] Myths & realities with age and fertility [14:07] Optimizing fertility through lifestyle and health [19:24] Embryo transfers: fresh vs. frozen [26:49] The importance of sperm health [33:18] The role of stress in fertility [41:44] Nutritional guidance for fertility [47:22] Recommended supplements for fertility [49:09] Final thoughts and resourcesResources mentioned:
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 16 Sep 2025 - 51min - 145 - Ep 140 Amanda Knox: Sentenced to Infertility
What happens when the most fertile years of your life are taken from you? How do you rebuild when trauma collides with your deepest hopes for motherhood? What does it mean to pursue fertility after prison?
In this powerful episode of Brave & Curious, you'll hear Dr. Lora Shahine's conversation with Amanda Knox who spent four years in an Italian prison and eight years fighting a wrongful murder conviction. Amanda has turned her pain into purpose.
With the recent release of her groundbreaking miniseries on Hulu 'The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox', she sheds light on an often overlooked consequence of incarceration: the profound impact on women's reproductive health.
In this conversation with Dr. Shahine, Amanda shares her journey through miscarriage, the emotional weight of delayed motherhood, and the stigma women face when fertility collides with trauma and injustice.
In this episode you'll hear:
[0:50] Amanda Knox's background and wrongful conviction
[1:34] The impact of incarceration on fertility
[4:27] Amanda's fertility journey & personal struggles
[7:36] A new beginning with Christopher Robinson
[14:51] Amanda's miscarriage experience
[17:04] Reflections on miscarriage and fertility
Learn more about Amanda Knox, her books, podcasts, and projects at amandaknox.com.
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 09 Sep 2025 - 36min - 144 - Ep 139 To Fly or Not to Fly and Other Travel Tips for Fertility
Have you ever wondered if flying could impact your fertility? Worried about what happens if you need to travel after an egg retrieval? Curious whether that long-awaited vacation might interfere with success with embryo transfer?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Shahine answers the most common questions about fertility, flying, travel and IVF. She includes practical tips for travel days and leaves you informed to make the right decisions for you with your own doctor's guidelines.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:18] Flying & fertility treatments
[2:20] Traveling & fertility care: what the evidence shows
[4:55] Egg retrieval & travel tips
[8:02] Embryo transfer & flying
[10:19] Advice from a doctor
[12:43] Essential travel tips for IVF patients
[15:04] A few final tips
Resources mentioned:
Article on circadian rhythms, international travel, and reproductive health https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21872642/
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 02 Sep 2025 - 16min - 143 - Ep 138 Fertility Over 40: What You REALLY Need to Know About Conception, Testing & IVF
Trying to get pregnant in your 40s and feeling bombarded with terms like "geriatric pregnancy" or "diminished ovarian reserve"? Wondering if age is the final word in fertility? Curious about what you can do instead of what you can't?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is getting real about trying to conceive after 40—with clarity, compassion, and science-backed strategies. She covers the impact of age on fertility, the power of early testing, and why aligning your family-building goals with real timelines is more important than ever.
You'll learn practical steps to optimize your fertility, when to consider IVF, and how to feel empowered—not discouraged—by the numbers. Whether you're just starting or still holding onto hope, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating conception in your 40s with confidence.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:47] Age & fertility [9:40] An important first step: family building goals [12:25] Next step: don't wait for testing [15:38] Tips for trying to conceive [18:44] Is IVF right for me?Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 26 Aug 2025 - 22min - 142 - Ep 137 CoQ10 and Fertility: What You Need for Egg and Sperm Health
Thinking about adding supplements to your fertility journey? A quick search online can leave you swimming in advice—or drowning. How do you know what really works and what's just hype?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine takes a deep dive into one of the most talked-about fertility supplements: CoQ10. This naturally occurring antioxidant has been linked to improvements in egg quality and sperm health—but is it right for you?
Dr. Shahine breaks down what the research actually says, the potential benefits, and what risks to keep in mind.
In this episode, you're getting clear, evidence-based insights that can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider—and decide if CoQ10 deserves a spot in your supplement lineup.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:04] What is CoQ10? [3:41] How CoQ10 works [4:45] Possible side effects [5:47] Evidence of CoQ10 for female fertility [14:55] Evidence of CoQ10 for male factor [17:46] What Dr. Shahine tells her own patients about CoQ10Resources mentioned:
Review article of nutrients for IVF, Hart et al. 2024 RBMO www.rbmojournal.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1472-6483%2823%2900869-6
Review article CoQ10 info, Rodriguez-Valera 2021 J Molecular Science www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9541
CoQ10 levels decrease in levels with age, Ben-Meir et al. 2015 Fert Stert www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001502821500374X
Animal studies showing improved egg and embryo quality with CoQ10 supplementation journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMRH.S14681
Randomized controlled trial CoQ10 aneuploidy rates in women doing IVF/ICSI, Bentov et al. 2014 Sage
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMRH.S14681
Review article on antioxidants (including CoQ10) and male fertility, Kaltsas et al. Medicine 2023
www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/10/1769
Sperm motility improved in men given CoQ10, Balercia, G.2009 Fert Stert www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(08)00487-1/fulltext
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 19 Aug 2025 - 20min - 141 - Ep 136 How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Understanding Caffeine and Fertility
Is your morning coffee helping or hurting your fertility? Should you quit caffeine cold turkey while trying to conceive—or during pregnancy? And where can you turn for solid, trustworthy advice? (Hint: NOT random internet forums)
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down what we really know about caffeine and reproductive health—from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives.
Dr. Shahine shares the actual caffeine content in your favorite drinks, answers the most common questions she hears from patients, and offers guidance on how to personalize your caffeine habits based on your own goals and body.
Listeners will walk away with clear, practical information—and a little more peace of mind. Just remember: there's no one-size-fits-all answer, so be sure to check in with your own healthcare provider, too.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:55] Western evidence-based approach to caffeine and fertility [7:00] Eastern medicine approach to caffeine and fertility [9:27] How much caffeine is in your favorite pick-me-ups? [10:30] Dr. Shahine's personal recommendationsResources mentioned:
Caffeine Chart - find out how much is in what you're having: www.cspinet.org/caffeine-chart
1988 Wilcox Study Caffeine Harms Fertility
Large Danish Study Reassuring Results on Caffeine and Fertility
Men's Fertility and Caffeine Study mentioned
Planting the Seeds of Fertility: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 12 Aug 2025 - 12min - 140 - Ep 135 You're Pregnant, Now What? Your Guide to the First Trimester
Wondering what's actually 'normal' in the first trimester? You're not the only one frantically Googling every twinge and symptom. Early pregnancy can feel like a rollercoaster of questions—and not always a fun one.
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks you through the first trimester with clarity and calm. She shares the most common concerns she hears from patients and what might warrant a closer look, all while offering practical advice to help you feel more grounded.
This episode is a reassuring guide through those uncertain early weeks. And if it's not the right time to listen, that's okay too—save it for when you're ready, and always talk to your own provider about your specific care.
In this episode you'll hear:
[2:24] What is going on in your body during the first trimester? [4:45] Common symptoms during the first trimester [10:10] Top first-trimester questions: weight gain, cramping, bleeding/spotting, foods to avoid, and exercise [17:15] Tips for taking care of yourself during the first trimesterStay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 - 19min - 139 - Ep 134 Detox Your Home: Cleaning House with Lindsay Dahl
Is your makeup messing with your hormones? Could your cleaning products be impacting your fertility? And how do we make informed choices without spiraling into fear or perfectionism?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites us to ask bold questions about the everyday products we use—and the hidden chemicals within them.
Joining her is activist and author Lindsay Dahl, who's spent her career fighting for consumer safety and pulling back the curtain on toxic chemicals. They talk about the science behind endocrine disruptors, the power of personal storytelling in policy change, and the importance of asking "what's really in this?"—even when the label says "natural." Lindsay's new book: Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid Our Homes of Toxic Chemicals is full of real life examples, engaging stories, and many resources on safety and advocacy.
Listeners will walk away with practical tips for reducing chemical exposure, a deeper understanding of how U.S. regulations compare globally, and an empowering reminder that you don't have to be perfect to make a difference.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:07] Storytelling as advocacy: Meet Lindsay Dahl [5:30] Understanding harmful chemicals for reproductive health [8:39] 4 Practical tips to reduce chemical exposure [21:03] Legislative wins [30:56] Navigating product labels, including greenwashing [34:19] Social media's role in health discourse [42:23] Comparing chemical regulations for US and EU [44:57] Resources for advocacy and consumer safetyResources mentioned:
EWG Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org › skindeep
https://lindsaydahl.substack.com
Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid our Homes of Toxic Chemicals by Lindsay Dahl
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 29 Jul 2025 - 48min - 138 - Ep 133 Is Your Tilted or Retroverted Uterus Harming Your Fertility?
Is a tilted uterus stopping you from getting pregnant? Could it be the reason for painful periods or backaches? Has the term "retroverted uterus" been brought up at one of your recent doctor's appointments?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is taking the mystery out of the retroverted (or tilted) uterus. She explains what it is, how common it is, and whether it impacts fertility or pregnancy. Good news: in most cases, it doesn't.
Dr. Shahine also sheds light on when a tilted uterus might signal something more—like endometriosis, pelvic infections, or fibroids—and how that can influence reproductive health.
Listeners will walk away with a solid understanding of what a retroverted uterus is (and isn't), what symptoms to watch for, and when it's worth checking with your medical provider.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:22] What is a retroverted or tilted uterus? [2:59] How common is it to have one? [4:34] Retroverted uterus and fertility [6:25] Retroverted uterus and pregnancy [6:48] Advice for patients [7:41] Final thoughtsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 22 Jul 2025 - 09min - 137 - Ep 132 Unicornuate Uterus: What It Means for Fertility, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
Do you know that uteruses come in different shapes? How about a unicornuate uterus?
You can have a uterine anomaly without symptoms and it can impact your reproductive health, miscarriage risk, and pregnancy outcomes.
Inspired by Celina Spooky Boo's fertility story, this episode of Brave & Curious explores unicornuate uterus. Dr. Lora Shahine explains this congenital anomaly, how it's diagnosed, and the spectrum of potential outcomes it can create for fertility and pregnancy.
Dr. Shahine also offers critical questions to ask your healthcare provider, helping you advocate for your reproductive health with knowledge and bravery.
Follow @celinaspookyboo on Instagram
In this episode, listeners will learn:
[1:06] What is a unicornuate uterus? [6:43] How common is it? [7:17] Diagnosing a unicornuate uterus [9:01] Impact on fertility [11:41] Pregnancy risks [13:45] Treatment options [15:30] How to advocate for your care [17:07] Final thoughtsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 - 18min - 136 - Ep 131 Considering IUI vs. IVF: Which One is Best for You?
What's the difference between IUI and IVF? Which one is right for you? And how do you navigate the emotional and financial rollercoaster of fertility treatment with clarity and courage?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine offers a compassionate, clear-eyed look at the two most common fertility treatments: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
She goes through the pros, cons, and personal factors that should guide this deeply personal decision.
In this episode, listeners will learn:
[0:21] Understanding IUI and IVF [1:22] IUI: Process and Pros [2:24] IVF: Process and Pros [4:11] Comparing success rates [11:52] Factors influencing treatment choice [14:53] Ethical and financial considerationsDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 - 18min - 135 - Ep 130 Ovarian Cysts Explained: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What exactly is an ovarian cyst—and should you be worried if you have one? Could your pain be more than just a normal part of your cycle? And how do you even begin the conversation with your doctor?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites you to get curious about your body, embrace the power of knowledge, and tackle the unknowns of ovarian health with bravery and clarity.
Dr. Shahine walks through the five most important things to know: symptoms, types, causes, treatment options, and red flags. From the commonly harmless functional cysts to more complex types like endometriomas and dermoid cysts.
She explains how cysts form, why they matter, and when they might signal something more serious. Finally, Dr. Shahine shares the three must-ask questions for anyone navigating a new diagnosis of an ovarian cyst.
In this episode, listeners will hear:
[0:44] Symptoms of ovarian cysts [0:49] Types of ovarian cysts [12:47] Causes of ovarian cysts [14:10] Treatment options for ovarian cysts [16:35] When to worry [17:38] Important questions to ask your doctorDr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 - 19min - 134 - Ep 129 Fewer Shots, Same Success: A New IVF Protocol with Dr. Linnea Goodman
What if IVF didn't have to mean so many shots? Could a new protocol allow for fewer shots, less office visits, AND be less expensive?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Linnea Goodman to answer these questions and more. They review Dr. Goodman's research into a protocol, not new to the fertility field around the world, but new to most listeners in the United States that has many benefits to IVF patients.
Dr. Linnea Goodman is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. Throughout her career, Dr. Goodman has been dedicated to advancing the field of reproductive medicine through both clinical excellence and innovative research. Currently, Dr. Goodman practices at Virginia Fertility & IVF, where she specializes in minimally invasive office procedures aimed at optimizing fertility outcomes.
In this episode you'll hear:
[1:16] Meet Dr. Linnea Goodman: reproductive endocrinologist and researcher [2:24] IVF shots & their necessity [4:45] Provera Protocol is a game-changer [14:35] Research & evidence for the Provera Protocol [22:19] A patient-centered approach [25:00] Research Outcomes [27:07] Innovations in IVF: Progestins [29:32 The patient experience: benefits and side effects of progestins [32:36 What does the future hold?Resources mentioned:
Massin N, et al. New stimulation regimens: endogenous and exogenous progesterone use to block the LH surge during ovarian stimulation for IVF. Hum Reprod Update. 2017 Mar 1;23(2):211-220. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmw047.PMID: 28062551
R Beguería, et al. Medroxyprogesterone acetate versus ganirelix in oocyte donation: a randomized controlled trial. Hum Reprod. 2019 May 1;34(5):872-880 doi:10.1093/humrep/dez034. PMID: 30927417
Giles J, et al. Medroxyprogeseterone acetate is a useful alternative to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in ooxyte-donation: a randomized controlled trial. Fert Stert 2021;116: 404-412. PMID: 33814126. DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.02.036
Welp A, et al. Oral medroxyprogesterone acetate for the use of ovulation suppression in in vitro fertilization: a cohort trial. Fertil Steril 2024 May;121(5):806-813. PMID: 38253117 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.01.026
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 24 Jun 2025 - 38min - 133 - Ep 128 Clean Beauty and Skin Care with Jenna Levine
What's really in your skincare products? Can "natural" actually mean effective? And how do we navigate the beauty aisle with both curiosity and caution?
In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Jenna Levine, founder of LINNÉ Botanicals, for a brave and eye-opening conversation about skincare that's safe, minimal, and deeply rooted in integrity.
Jenna brings her passion for formulation, ingredient sourcing, botany, and herbal medicine to life through her brand LINNÉ Botanicals. Her story is personal—shaped by her path to motherhood and her commitment to creating products she trusts for herself and her family.
She opens up about the mission behind LINNÉ, a brand built on clean ingredients, thoughtful sourcing, and a belief in the power of pure, unadulterated botanicals to truly nourish the skin. Together, Dr. Shahine and Jenna explore everything from greenwashing in the industry to the surprising sameness behind many "different" products on the shelf.
In this episode, listeners will hear:
[1:32] Meet Jenna Levine, founder of LINNÉ Botanicals [7:58] Innovative ingredients and their benefits [13:15] Challenges in the beauty industry [22:21] LINNÉ's philosophy [28:50] Problems with 'clean' in beauty [32:46] Decoding ingredient lists [35:09] Beauty myths––BUSTED [40:41] Ingredient transparency [43:20] LINNÉ's recommended products [47:42] Upcoming products [53:29] Connect with Jenna & LINNÉ BontancialsResources mentioned:
Use Code DRSHAHINE15 for a 15% discount on all LINNÉ products
(use once per customer and on one time orders, not subscriptions)
Connect on IG @linnebotanicals
Episode 80: Finding Safer Products with Lanning Ardente: Let Sorette Do the Research for You
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Tue, 17 Jun 2025 - 55min
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