Natalie Crawford, MD

Natalie Crawford, MD Fertility Physician
Host: As a Woman Podcast
YouTube: Natalie Crawford, MD

Instagram: nataliecrawfordmd
Blog: www.nataliecrawfordmd.com

Dr. Natalie Crawford is a board certified ONGYN and REI (reproductive endocrinologist and infertility) and circle-founder of Fora Fertility, a boutique fertility practice in Austin, Texas. She hosts the As a Woman podcast and promotes fertility awareness and education. Training and Education:

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, NC

Masters of Science in Clinical Research
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, NC

Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Texas Southwestern - Dallas, TX

M.D. University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, TX

B.S. Nutrition Science
Auburn University - Auburn, AL

01/30/2026

Should I freeze my eggs?

Egg freezing is not a “one-size-fits-all” decision, it’s a personal choice based on your timeline, goals, and fertility markers.

It depends on two things: when you want to get pregnant & how many kids you want. The highest odds for egg quality and success are around ages 32–33, although, it’s never too early to consider your options.

Egg freezing may be worth considering if:

* you’re not ready for pregnancy yet but want more options later
* you’re approaching your mid-to-late 30s
* you have low ovarian reserve or a family history of early menopause
* you want to reduce pressure to find a partner or start a family quickly

But egg freezing is not a guarantee. It’s an investment in possibility, not a promise.
It also requires time, hormones, and cost and it’s best done when egg quality is still strong.

If you’re curious, the first step is getting an AMH test and a fertility consult so you can make an informed decision based on your own biology, not timelines or societal expectations.

Your future self will thank you for having the information — even if you never use it.

01/30/2026

Is insulin resistance impacting your fertility?�
Insulin resistance and inflammation can start long before you’re diagnosed with prediabetes or before anything on your labs is flagged as abnormal. That’s because blood work often detects disease, not optimization. And in fertility, normal doesn’t always mean optimal.�
This week on YouTube, I’m breaking down insulin resistance in detail, including what insulin actually does in the body, how inflammation quietly interferes with ovulation, egg quality, and the brain–ovary connection, why “normal” labs can still miss the problem, which tests to ask for, and the daily lifestyle changes that can improve metabolic health and fertility outcomes.�
Watch now on Natalie Crawford, MD.

01/29/2026

The Fertility Formula Fact of the day: Does eating pineapple core help you get pregnant?
There are currently no studies showing that eating pineapple or pineapple core improves pregnancy or implantation rates.

That said, pineapple core contains bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties, along with vitamin C, B vitamins, and fiber. Because inflammation can influence the implantation environment, some people choose to include pineapple core around the implantation window as part of an overall anti-inflammatory dietary pattern.
If you enjoy it and tolerate it well, it can be part of a balanced diet.�Just remember that fertility outcomes are not determined by one ingredient or one meal.

When you pre-order The Fertility Formula*, you get immediate access to the Hormone and Lifestyle Guide, The IVF Course, and Book Club with a monthly live Q+A (pre-orders only).

The Fertility Formula is available April 14th and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on it! XO

01/28/2026

If you are TTC I want you to focus on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods that support hormone balance and reproductive health. Try to incorporate one of these foods each day over the next week:

- Tart cherries support sleep and reduce oxidative stress with melatonin, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which are important for egg and s***m quality.

- Chia seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids and fiber to support hormone signaling and combat insulin resistance.

- Walnuts are rich in vitamin E and omega-3s linked to improved fertility outcomes.

- Grapefruit delivers vitamin C and myo-inositol to support ovarian function and hormonal balance.

- Eggs supply choline, selenium, and vitamin B12, essential for fertility and early fetal brain development.

- Broccoli provides vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folic acid to support ovulation and healthy fetal development.

Small, intentional food choices can make a meaningful difference

01/27/2026

How does skeletal muscle shape your hormones, metabolism, and fertility—at every stage of life?

This week on As a Woman, I’m joined by physician and muscle-centric medicine expert Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to explore why muscle isn’t just about strength or aesthetics; it’s essential for long-term health.

We cover:
- Why skeletal muscle is a key driver of hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity
- How “muscle span” impacts fertility, pregnancy, and health across the lifespan
- The connection between muscle, insulin sensitivity, and reproductive outcomes
- Practical ways women can begin strength training at any age or fitness level
- How protein intake, training stimulus, and mindset support resilience and confidence

new book The Forever Strong PLAYBOOK: A Six-Week, Science-Based Plan to Sharpen Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body, and Get Healthy at Any Age is out now!

Watch or listen to this episode, “Muscle as Medicine: Strength Training for Hormonal Health | Gabrielle Lyon, MD,” on YouTube, Spotify, or the Learn at Pinnacle App.

01/27/2026

Egg quality is a combination of genetic normalcy of the egg and the metabolic environment it develops in. It reflects how well an egg can mature, fertilize, and develop—and in the IVF lab, we can actually assess aspects of egg quality under a microscope.

What we’re looking for is a symmetric egg without fragmentation, which signals healthy development and proper maturation. Age and genetics play a role, but so do inflammation, metabolic health, nutrient status, sleep, stress, and environmental exposures. These factors shape the environment your eggs are growing in long before ovulation.

You can’t control everything, but you can support the conditions your eggs develop in. Understanding egg quality is really about understanding your overall health, not just fertility.

All of the data is clear: there is no safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy—and that matters. This isn’t controversial. Th...
01/26/2026

All of the data is clear: there is no safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy—and that matters. This isn’t controversial. This is evidence.

Alcohol is inflammatory. Inflammation disrupts hormone signaling, ovulation, gut health, and ultimately fertility. Normalizing alcohol use around conception and pregnancy isn’t empowering—it’s misleading.

If you’ve heard me talk about fertility before, you know this: inflammation hijacks your body’s ability to get pregnant, and alcohol is one of the most common, overlooked contributors.

Alcohol is a beahvioral toxin, something you make a choice to consume or not. And if you are trying to conceive or struggling with infertility, not drinking is one positive choice you can make.

01/26/2026

Endometriosis can be tricky to spot, but recognizing the warning signs early can make a big difference in diagnosis and treatment. Here are red flags to watch for:

Painful periods – cramps that interfere with daily life

Pain with in*******se – discomfort during or after s*x

Bloating or pain with urination or bowel movements – especially during periods

Other GI symptoms – Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea

Infertility – especially if diagnosed with unexplained infertility

I talk more about endometriosis, inflammation, and how it can affect fertility in my book, The Fertility Formula. When you pre-order The Fertility Formula, you get immediate access to the Hormone and Lifestyle Guide, The IVF Course, and Book Club with a monthly live Q+A (pre-orders only).

We were 21 when we started dating and can't believe we are both now 44! Happiest birthday to the guy who brings more fun...
01/25/2026

We were 21 when we started dating and can't believe we are both now 44! Happiest birthday to the guy who brings more fun into my life everyday .tx. SHMILY 🧡

Let’s talk about lubricants and fertility. If you’re TTC, the type of l**e you use can either support or sabotage your c...
01/25/2026

Let’s talk about lubricants and fertility. If you’re TTC, the type of l**e you use can either support or sabotage your chances of conceiving.

Here’s what research shows:
All impact s***m in some way as an extra barrier for s***m to swim through - but some harm s***m directly.

Ideal pH for l**e is the same pH as the cervical mucus at ovulation = 7.2-8.5

Water based l**e that are hydroxyethylcellulose based are typically safer, while those with glycerin are harmful.

For oil based l**e, mineral oil is your best option.

Saliva is your worst choice. It has a lower pH and contains the amylase enzyme which actually breaks down s***m

No l**e improves your fertility. BUT if you need lubricant to have in*******se without pain - please feel free to use a fertility friendly option.

If you’re on a TTC journey, choosing the right lubricant is a small but powerful step you can take to optimize your chances.

01/24/2026

TFF fact of the day: Inositol plays a powerful role in fertility because it helps your cells communicate with each other.
Hormones don’t work unless their messages are received. Inositol supports insulin signaling and ovarian cell communication, helping the body respond appropriately instead of staying stuck in confusion. When those signals improve, we often see better ovulation, more regular cycles, and healthier egg development.
Fertility isn’t just about hormone levels, it’s about how well your cells are listening and responding.

When you pre-order The Fertility Formula*, you get immediate access to the Hormone and Lifestyle Guide, The IVF Course, and Book Club with a monthly live Q+A (pre-orders only).

The Fertility Formula is available April 14th and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on it! XO

01/24/2026

Insulin resistance is what happens when your body stops responding to a hormone that’s supposed to keep things balanced. Blood sugar stays higher, insulin stays elevated, and your system stays stressed.

That stress shows up as fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight, irregular cycles, skin issues, and inflammation often years before labs are ever flagged as “abnormal.”

This week on the I am breaking down what your hormones look like through every decade of your life. Listen now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or the learn at pinnacle app!

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