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As a Woman

As a Woman

Written by: Natalie Crawford MD
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The Fertility, Hormones, and Health Podcast with Dr. Natalie Crawford Navigating your hormones shouldn’t feel like guesswork. Hosted by double board-certified fertility physician Dr. Natalie Crawford, this podcast cuts through the noise to bring you science-backed insights on fertility, hormone health, and reproductive wellness without the overwhelm. Whether you're trying to conceive, managing a diagnosis like PCOS or endometriosis, or simply want to understand your cycle and feel better in your body, you're in the right place. From IVF to perimenopause, egg quality to inflammation, each episode delivers real education and actionable tools plus expert interviews and powerful patient stories. This is your trusted resource for the truth about your body and your roadmap to feeling empowered in your health as a woman. Any and all guest statements and opinions are a reflection of their own experience and do not reflect the views or opinions of Natalie Crawford MD, As a Woman Podcast, or Pinnacle Podcast Network.Natalie Crawford, MD Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • The Gut-Hormone Connection: How Hormones Affect Your Digestion with Cynthia Thurlow

    The Gut-Hormone Connection: How Hormones Affect Your Digestion with Cynthia Thurlow
    Oct 14 2026
    Why are you feeling more bloated, struggling with digestion, or noticing changes in your metabolism when your usual habits haven’t changed? During perimenopause and menopause, symptoms that seem unrelated may be part of a bigger conversation about hormones and gut health. What should you pay attention to, and where should you start? In this episode of the As A Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford welcomes Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner, metabolic health expert, and author of The Menopause Gut. Cynthia explains how hormonal shifts can influence digestion and the gut microbiome, and how gut health intersects with inflammation and estrogen metabolism. She shares practical ways to support your gut, what to consider before trying probiotics or fasting, and why persistent bloating or changes in bowel habits deserve medical evaluation. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 The Menopause Gut with Cynthia Thurlow 04:56 How Do Perimenopause and Menopause Affect Digestion? 07:39 What Is Leaky Gut? 11:07 Can Hormonal Changes and Stress Slow Digestion? 14:51 How Does Gallbladder Removal Affect Digestion? 16:24 How Does Fiber Support Your Gut Microbiome? 18:46 What Are Signs of Poor Gut Health? 20:41 Bloating After Meals vs. All-Day Bloating: What’s the Difference? 23:13 How Does Alcohol Affect Gut Health and Estrogen? 25:45 How Can You Support Gut Health With PMOS (Formerly PCOS) or Endometriosis? 29:52 Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You in Perimenopause? 34:09 How Do Fermented Foods Support Gut Health? 35:14 Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: Do You Need Supplements? 36:34 Do You Need Gut Microbiome Testing? 37:25 How Can You Increase Fiber Without More Bloating? 39:32 What Is Resistant Starch? 41:40 Can GLP-1 Medications Reduce Inflammation? 43:30 Does Hormone Therapy Affect Gut Health? 45:40 How Can You Support Gut Health in Menopause? 46:46 The Menopause Gut Book and Where to Find Cynthia GUEST RESOURCES: Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_ Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777129/the-menopause-gut-by-cynthia-thurlow-np/ AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk HOST RESOURCES: Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies. Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • What PMOS & Endometriosis Reveal About Your Health with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi & Mary Alice Haney

    What PMOS & Endometriosis Reveal About Your Health with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi & Mary Alice Haney
    Oct 6 2026
    Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis can affect far more than periods or fertility. What can irregular cycles, insulin resistance, inflammation, pelvic pain, painful sex, digestive symptoms, mood changes, and fatigue reveal about your whole body health, even when pregnancy is not the goal? In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford joins SHE MD hosts Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, a world renowned OB/GYN, and women’s advocate Mary Alice Haney to explain the PMOS symptoms, testing, and treatment options patients often miss. They also explore why PMOS and endometriosis may coexist, how endometriosis can affect the entire body, why diagnosis is frequently delayed, and what to know about hormonal treatment, surgery, pregnancy planning, and fertility preservation. This conversation will help you recognize important symptoms and advocate for more comprehensive care. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Why Is PCOS Now Called Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)? 02:34 How Is PMOS Diagnosed? 05:59 Which Body Systems Does PMOS Affect? 08:14 What Is the Link Between PMOS and Insulin Resistance? 12:06 How Can PMOS Affect Mood and Inflammation? 17:32 Which Blood Tests Should Be Considered for PMOS? 24:00 What Should You Know About PMOS Before Pregnancy? 29:24 Can Metformin and GLP-1 Medications Help PMOS? 35:19 What Diet and Exercise Strategies Support PMOS? 43:05 What Are the Hormonal Treatment Options for PMOS? 48:55 Can PMOS and Endometriosis Occur Together? 54:04 What Are the Overlooked Symptoms of Endometriosis? 55:46 How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed and Treated? 59:18 What Happens After Endometriosis Surgery? 01:02:05 When Should You Consider Fertility Preservation? GUEST RESOURCES: Podcast: https://www.shemdpodcast.com Website: https://ovii.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shemdpodcast/?hl=en AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk HOST RESOURCES: Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies. Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Fertility Q&A: IVF Add-Ons, Sperm DNA Testing, and More

    Fertility Q&A: IVF Add-Ons, Sperm DNA Testing, and More
    Sep 29 2026
    Which IVF add-ons and fertility tests are actually worth considering, and what should you know before your next embryo transfer? In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, fertility doctor Natalie Crawford, MD, answers your questions about IVF add-ons, sperm DNA fragmentation testing, ICSI, fresh versus frozen embryo transfers, recurrent pregnancy loss, celiac disease, endometriosis after surgery, and more. She explains what these options can and cannot tell you, and how to think through treatment choices after a setback. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Fertility Q&A 00:22 When Can You Try Again After a Missed Miscarriage? 04:49 How Can You Avoid Gluten Cross-Contamination With Celiac Disease? 06:14 Can Adderall Affect Sperm Health and Fertility? 07:03 What Is ICSI and When Is It Used in IVF? 07:51 Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfer: Which Is Better? 09:55 Should You Change Your Fertility Protocol After Recurrent Loss? 12:51 What Comes Next for Fertility After Endometriosis Surgery? 13:54 Are Antibiotics or Steroids Helpful Before Embryo Transfer? 14:53 Should You Test Sperm DNA Fragmentation or Karyotype? 16:47 Can Stress or Recurrent Yeast Infections Affect Fertility? 17:45 What Can Cause Recurrent Pregnancy Loss With Normal Testing? 19:34 Should You Get Sperm DNA Testing for Low Sperm Morphology? AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk HOST RESOURCES: Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies. Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
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