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 Sunfish

Resources mentioned:

joinsunfish.com

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

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This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

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 Involved

Resources mentioned:

resolve.org

@resolveorg on Instagram

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

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 health

Resources mentioned:

www.thewomensdietitian.com

@thewomensdietition on Instagram

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

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 up

Resources 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

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This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

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 Natalie

Resources mentioned:

nataliecrawfordmd.com

As A Woman Podcast

@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

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This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

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 steps

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

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 fluid

Resources mentioned:

cyclisity.com

tcoyf.com

@cyclisity on IG

@cyclisityapp on TikTok

@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

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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 thoughts

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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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 thoughts

Links 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

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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 testing

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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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 thoughts

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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