Functional Fertility

In this illuminating episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. Robyn Murphy () shedding light on the multifaceted world of the microbiome and its profound impact on fertility and reproductive health. They embark on an exploration of the microbiome’s role in both the gut and the reproductive tract, unveiling its significance in the conception process and the maintenance of pregnancy. Dr. Murphy delves into the pivotal factors influencing the composition of our microbiome and shares invaluable insights into recognizing when it might contribute to fertility challenges. The episode takes a compassionate look at pregnancy loss and its relationship with the microbiome, offering tried-and-true methods for nurturing robust lactobacilli. Dr. Murphy also uncovers the connections between the microbiome, immune system health, and opportunistic infections. Chronic infections in the urogenital and gastrointestinal realms are discussed, alongside the intriguing link between the gut microbiota and conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Dr. Murphy’s expertise extends to the genetic dimension, where she explores how genetics can impact our microbiome and offers guidance on assessing this aspect of our health. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, providing a holistic perspective on microbiome health and its profound influence on fertility and reproductive well-being

🎧 Find the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts, YouTube or Podbean

In this episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, registered dietitian Lindsey Lusson (.freedom.fertility) joins host Dr. Kalea Wattles to delve into the intricacies of period recovery, food freedom, and exercise. Lindsey sheds light on the common causes of a missing period and dispels myths, such as the notion that one must be underweight to experience hypothalamic amenorrhea. The episode explores the dynamic relationship between exercise, menstruation, and fertility, with Lindsey offering insights into recognizing over-exercise as a potential cause of a missing period. Lindsey tailors exercise recommendations using a F**T prescription and navigates the delicate conversation of modifying food intake to support period recovery. She shares advice on engaging with fitness trackers during this journey and discusses the emotional aspects of encouraging weight gain for fertility support. Additionally, listeners gain valuable insights into the timeline of period recovery and are treated to Lindsey’s tips for crafting the perfect period recovery lunch. This episode is a treasure trove of guidance for those seeking to restore their menstrual cycle and optimize their fertility.

In this episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, hosted by Dr. Kalea Wattles and featuring Dr. Justin Houman (.houman.md), the intricate world of male fertility takes center stage. Dr. Houman reviews his approach to treating varicoceles, one of the leading causes of male infertility. He also offers expert insights into identifying candidates for varicocele surgery, shedding light on microsurgical treatment and post-surgery expectations. Listener questions lead to engaging discussions about the connections between varicoceles and low testosterone, the increasing trend of testosterone replacement therapy, and the lifestyle factors influencing testosterone levels. The episode also delves into vasectomy reversal, exploring its effects on s***m and the timeline for fertility restoration. Dr. Houman provides valuable advice on when men should start optimizing their fertility, addressing intriguing listener questions along the way. Don’t miss this comprehensive episode that demystifies male fertility and offers actionable guidance for couples on their reproductive journey.

🎙️Find the Functional Fertility Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Podbean, or iHeartRadio

Did you know many men don’t even realize they have conditions like pre-diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, or other cardiometabolic diseases until they are being evaluated for fertility concerns?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal issues, toxic exposures, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to both cardiometabolic disease AND infertility. This really underscores the importance of using fertility challenges as a signal to dig deep and look at the determinants of health.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Even further, some interesting research from 2017 showed that men with abnormal semen parameters were more likely to develop cardiometabolic diseases like diabetes and ischemic heart disease. The researchers even proposed that “semen quality may serve as a biological marker for future health.” HELLO!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So: to all my s***m-producing friends out there! S***m quality is almost like a vital sign, giving us clues to your overall health status. If you find your s***m quality is not ideal, I encourage you to keep digging and try to address any underlying issues.

This week on the Functional Fertility Podcast, I answered the question, “Can low iron contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss?”

Many of you resonated with my story of low stomach acid leading to low iron status and wanted to know more info about supporting healthy acid levels. Here are 3 suggestions to get us started!

If you continue to struggle with your iron status, it might be time to call in the support of a functional medicine doctor to take a comprehensive look at your body systems as a whole. You can always use the Find A Practitioner tool on the Institute for Functional Medicine website at ifm.org.

You asked – I answered! This week’s Functional Fertility Podcast episode is dedicated to answering questions you submitted in my IG stories. Big thanks to my besties at for sponsoring this episode! 💗

Want to know what was covered in this fertility Q&A? Here’s the scoop!
- Does testosterone therapy affect male fertility?
- Can low iron be a cause of recurrent miscarriage?
- What is Dr. Wattles' favorite prenatal vitamin?
- Do you count spotting as cycle day 1?
- How can we increase egg-white cervical fluid?
- Should I avoid alcohol when TTC?

Thanks to all who submitted their questions. I’d love to know if you like this format and we will do some more!

Listen to the episode here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-nv4kb-14c9bbe

In this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles and guest Dr. Sterling Maximo () discuss the intricacies of fertility and preconception care. Dr. Maximo offers guidance for those contemplating pregnancy, emphasizing the significance of the "preconception window" and the importance of focusing on determinants of health during this period. The conversation delves into the role of inflammation in ovulation, highlighting its dual nature - while essential for ovulation, excessive inflammation can impair fertility. Dr. Maximo underscores the importance of discerning when inflammation becomes detrimental and shares her methods to mitigate chronic inflammation. The episode concludes with Dr. Maximo introducing the concept of hypnobirthing, its benefits for both the birthing individual and their partner, and its potential applications beyond childbirth.

Discover the often-overlooked realm of male fertility in this insightful podcast episode featuring host Dr. Kalea Wattles and esteemed guest Dr. Leah Gordon (). They explore why male factors are frequently left unexplored for extended periods and delve into essential testing recommendations for assessing male fertility. Dr. Gordon shares valuable insights into the ideal timing for a semen analysis and offers practical advice on how to obtain one. From universal recommendations for improving s***m health to understanding the timeline for lifestyle and nutrition changes, this episode uncovers the secrets to bolstering male fertility. Dr. Gordon also sheds light on a holistic approach to IVF, identifying areas where naturopathic and functional medicine can enhance success. Drawing from her own experiences, she discusses the unique support she introduced to her own fertility journey and provides guidance on counseling patients regarding cultivating foundational health before, during, and after IVF.

Hi friends! I recently connected with Annie from - she is an artist who is creating these gorgeous watercolor renditions of embryos 💗 This is a really special keepsake for anyone who has an embryo photo that they would like to bring to life with color. Annie can use your photo to create a beautiful watercolor painting and can safely ship it to you. I wanted to share as I know there are many who would be interested in these lovely works of art 💗

Prepare for an insightful exploration of egg quality and fertility with host Dr. Kalea Wattles and our special guest - women’s health & fertility detective, celebrity acupuncturist & coach, and bestselling author, Aimee Raupp (). In this episode, Aimee challenges the common medical notion that egg quality is unalterable, providing a fresh perspective on enhancing this crucial aspect of fertility. Discover telltale signs and symptoms that indicate it's time to give your egg cells some TLC and gain insights into when to start supporting egg health before attempting conception. Aimee shares her tried-and-true methods for boosting egg quality, debunking the myth that it requires costly interventions. Instead, she offers practical tips for nourishing your eggs on a budget. The episode also delves into recurrent pregnancy loss, examining common causes and essential laboratory evaluations. Tune in for an expert-guided journey towards optimal fertility where you can gain actionable advice for nurturing your reproductive health.

🎙️ Find the Functional Fertility Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and YouTube

Join Dr. Kalea Wattles and guest Dr. Hanisha Patel () in this illuminating podcast episode that explores the often-overlooked connections between thyroid health, fertility, and autoimmune conditions. Delve into the patterns and themes observed in patients with "normal" lab results who still face challenges in conceiving. Discover the subtle signs and symptoms of low thyroid function that can impact fertility and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of measuring free thyroid hormone levels. Dr. Patel demystifies thyroid antibodies, sharing insights on their potential reduction and offering valuable tools for managing autoimmune thyroid disease. Listener questions cover the timeline and safety of thyroid hormone replacement when trying to conceive, key nutrients for thyroid health, monitoring thyroid function during pregnancy, and the impact of factors like stress and exercise on ovulation and insulin sensitivity. Tune in to unearth a treasure trove of knowledge to support your fertility journey and overall well-being.

🎙️ Find the Functional Fertility podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, and iHeartRadio

PCOS and hypothyroidism share a number of characteristic features, likely contributing to the length of time it can take patients with PCOS to receive an accurate diagnosis.
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When seeking to uncover the source of these troublesome symptoms, it’s important to work with a provider who understands the complexities of connecting points between the reproductive axis and the rest of the body - out mitochondria, our cardiovascular system, our anti-inflammatory mechanisms, the health of our gut and the integrity of our intestinal lining. Highly recommend searching for a provider at the Institute for Functional Medicine website, IFM.org.
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Our exposure to environmental toxicants is an important consideration during preconception, pregnancy, and beyond. In the 3-4 months before conception, our maturing egg cells are particularly susceptible to the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals found in personal care products.

I recently teamed up with my friend and colleague to put together a list of our tried and true products. The items on this list are safe, effective, and supportive of your fertility goals.

Want to learn even more? Check out Dr. Stamer’s episode on The Functional Fertility podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and YouTube 🎙️

In honor of , join us for this enlightening podcast episode featuring Dr. Kalea Wattles and integrative dietitian, Melissa Groves Azzaro (.hormone.dietitian). Melissa is the creator of The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap™ and The Period Problems Root Cause Roadmap™ and is the author of A Balanced Approach to PCOS. In this episode, she reviews an integrative approach to PCOS, navigating beyond reductionist advice and exploring the fascinating world of systems biology. Melissa shares invaluable insights on the connections between PCOS and metabolic dysfunction, gut health, chronic inflammation, and adrenal dysfunction.

Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on effective methods for measuring metabolic markers, and Melissa shares her favorite nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for improving insulin sensitivity. Listener questions cover "lean PCOS," menstrual cycle changes, and the importance of regular ovulation. Plus, don't miss Melissa's creative hormone-friendly, egg-free breakfast recipe! Tune in for a wealth of knowledge during PCOS Awareness Month.

🎙️ Find Functional Fertility on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcasts, and iHeartRadio

Join host Dr. Kalea Wattles and renowned guest Dr. Marc Sklar () for this inspiring episode of the Functional Fertility podcast. This one is packed with actionable insights for women over age 35! As a dedicated "ovarian optimist," Dr. Sklar dispels fears surrounding "advanced maternal age," offering three immediate steps to support fertility longevity. Tune in to debunk myths about AMH levels and discover the truth about conceiving with low AMH and high FSH. Dr. Sklar shares strategies to improve AMH and explores a remarkable case study in ovarian health. Delve into the complexities of unexplained infertility, uncover common contributing factors, and learn which often-missed tests are crucial for a comprehensive fertility evaluation. Dr. Sklar addresses listener questions, providing guidance on embracing lifestyle changes while navigating the unexplained infertility puzzle. Don't miss this episode filled with expert advice and empowering insights that can redefine your fertility journey.

🎙️find Functional Fertility with Dr. Kalea Wattles on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and YouTube

Embark on a transformative exploration of the emotional dimensions of the fertility journey in this insightful episode featuring Dr. Kalea Wattles and psychotherapist Carrie Cohen (). With compassion and expertise, Carrie delves into the crucial juncture at which seeking psychotherapeutic support can make all the difference, revealing the benefits of a diverse care team. Uncover strategies for regaining control amidst the uncertainty of infertility and learn from Carrie's own lifestyle change journey. Navigate the nuances of partnership dynamics during the fertility journey and rediscover intimacy and connection. Gain invaluable advice on maintaining relationships while setting healthy boundaries and discover Carrie's top three tips for letting go of worry. Don't miss the enlightening discussion on the power of hypnotherapy in fertility support and the profound benefits it brings. Tune in for a wealth of guidance to foster emotional well-being on the path to conception.

🎙️ Find Functional Fertility on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio and Podbean

Get ready to empower your fertility journey in this enlightening episode with Dr. Kalea Wattles and special guest , a passionate advocate for understanding the impact of environmental toxins on conception. Dr. Stamer sheds light on the common routes of toxin exposure and offers invaluable advice on auditing your environment to create a fertility-friendly ecosystem. Discover her top three lifestyle modifications that can significantly reduce total toxic burden and learn about water filters, cookware recommendations, and healthy fragrance replacements. Tune in to uncover essential testing for assessing toxic exposures and explore Dr. Stamer's preconception detox strategy. Whether you're planning to conceive or just seeking a healthier lifestyle, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to make informed and impactful choices for you and your family.

Optimizing the health of our egg cells is an important part of our preconception planning.
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While not an exhaustive list, scroll for five of my favorite ways to support egg health!
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On this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles welcomes the esteemed ✨They dive deep into common period-related concerns, exploring everything from clots and heavy bleeding to super light flow. Dr. Bala shares her expertise on the most frequent causes of heavy bleeding and the essential labs to consider for diagnosis. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they discuss the surprising link between gut health and menstrual problems. Dr. Bala also sheds light on the liver's impact on menstrual symptoms, revealing signs that may indicate a need for liver support. Don't miss out on Dr. Bala's top three suggestions for promoting liver health, as well as the three things to avoid for those dealing with painful or heavy periods. Get ready to gain valuable insights into your body's health and find answers to those "is this normal?" questions you've been wondering about!

🎙️Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube, iHeartRadio

When it comes to preconception care, you know I have a mindset. Some of the most common hormonal imbalance patterns I see in patients who are struggling to get and stay pregnant include:
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- luteal phase dysfunction
- low thyroid function
- insulin resistance
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Swipe to read more about these patterns and what labs can be helpful to investigate ⏩⏩
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Reporting live from the Hormone Advanced Practice Module 🤍

A big theme I learned from this module years ago is that hormone imbalances are often an APPROPRIATE response to dysfunction going on elsewhere in our body. Our bodies are likely attempting to course correct to protect us from something else - like lots of inflammation, a damaged gut, chronic stress, or lack of high quality sleep. Under those circumstances, it might actually make sense to slow metabolism and pause reproduction, for example. The treatment for hormonal issues is SOMETIMES to give hormones, but that can never been the end of the story. Sometimes the best strategy is actually to support the body systems most in need and see how it shakes out. Addressing our unique modifiable lifestyle factors and imbalances across our body systems is 🔑 for truly happy hormones.

I had to share these super cute matcha gummies from Younger You by . This is such a fun way to support our mitochondrial health! Matcha power is a rich source of EGCG, a green tea polyphenol that can power up our antioxidant defense mechanisms. I have been working on including lots of antioxidant rich foods after doing my own biological age testing recently. More on that later, but…yikes. At any rate, EGCG may protect both egg and s***m cells from oxidative stress, and this is pretty easy medicine to take 💚💚

It’s been awhile, remember me? 😉 After taking an IG break to recharge my energy, it feels like the right time for a fresh introduction:

I’m Dr. Kalea Wattles, a naturopathic fertility specialist and certified functional medicine practitioner.

I use a body systems approach to optimizing fertility, meaning that I look beyond just the reproductive system to truly cultivate fertility in every aspect of your health.

I am a girl-mom x 2 and honorary mom to 50+ animals on the farm where I live with my family ()

I host the Functional Fertility podcast, where I combine forces with some of the most incredible voices in the fertility space to supercharge your fertility potential 🎙️

I’ve got some BIG TIME news about my clinical practice coming up soon. If you’re not already on my email list, head to www.drkaleawattles.com to be the first to know 💗

I joined Kalea Wattles and to discuss Fasting, Sustainable Dietary Change and Cardiometabolic Health. Learn more about the benefits of fasting and how to incorporate it into your day. https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/fasting-sustainable-dietary-change-and-cardiometabolic-health/?utm_campaign=elearning&utm_content=252125198&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-161260314470

How can the IFM Clinical Toolkit help to enhance patient outcomes? On an episode of our podcast, "Pathways to Well-Being," Brandilyn Binstock, ND (of Bastyr Center for Natural Health) and Briana Aspy, PA (of Parkview Health) sat down with Kalea Wattles, ND (of Functional Fertility) to discuss how they use the toolkit resources in their respective practices, as well as the impact it has on their patient care and clinical outcomes. Listen to the episode or read the transcript here: https://hubs.la/Q01T0Flx0

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In this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles explores the crucial topic of mineral status and its impact on fertility with fertility dietician, Brooke Boskovich (.fertility.dietitian). Brooke discusses the key ways mineral status influences fertility and pregnancy. She shares her favorite method for assessing mineral status globally and also provides valuable insights into identifying mineral sufficiency when testing is unavailable. One mineral that receives particular attention is iron, as it plays a vital role in fertility and pregnancy. Brooke explains why iron is important, outlines strategies for testing iron levels, and uncovers the intriguing connection between iron and copper. Furthermore, Brooke reviews the differences between heme and non-heme iron and highlight some of her favorite iron- and copper-rich foods. The episode also addresses listener questions, including tips for managing iron supplement-induced nausea and the duration of focusing on mineral sufficiency before attempting pregnancy. Lastly, the discussion expands to encompass the intersection of mineral sufficiency and gut health. The impact of gut health on mineral absorption, ways to determine adequate stomach acid levels, and methods for supporting healthy stomach acidity are all explored in this insightful episode.

I'm a type of doctor. If we’re working on improving progesterone, step one will be zoning in on dietary interventions. Having the right nutrition is foundational to any other steps we’ll take!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Low fat diets have really gone out of style, which I am so glad about in terms of hormone production. Papers dating back 20 years have shown that low fat diets are associated with lower progesterone (and estrogen). One paper from 1997 even showed that women who restrict calories from fat to below 15% of their caloric intake had progesterone levels over 30% lower than counterparts who did not restrict fat! Our hormones were a mess in the Snackwell’s Cookie era 😉
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Fat is an extremely important dietary component, and can be used therapeutically. Here are some ideas for healthy fats to incorporate:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🌀Flaxseeds: Ground flax is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids and has been associated with a lengthening of the luteal phase (a short luteal phase is a major sign of progesterone deficiency)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🌀Mono-unsaturated fats: Diets rich in MUFAs have been associated with lower rates of ovulatory disorders. Remember that ovulation = progesterone! Great sources of MUFAs include avocado, olives and olive oil, and many nuts/nut butters.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The fat sources we choose to focus on can be nourishing and anti-inflammatory. Tell me your favorite way to incorporate healthy fats into your life below ⬇️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀