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Ann Shippy MD

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Ann Shippy MD

Functional Medicine information and tips to improve your health She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Certified in Functional Medicine.

Dr. Shippy practices functional medicine, a method that addresses the underlying causes of disease, not simply treating the symptoms. Her unique approach combines the art and science of healing to address the care of the whole person. She integrates conventional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health and to prevent and treat disease by addressing contributing factors. Dr. Shippy is dedicated to providing proactive and personalized medicine for her patients.

04/02/2026

Emerging research continues to show that your gut plays a key role in reproductive function.

When your gut is out of balance, it can lead to inflammation and poor nutrient absorption, both of which can disrupt hormone signaling.

And this can show up in ways that directly impact fertility (for both men and women)

• Ovulation
• Implantation
• Cycle regularity
• Egg and s***m quality

If you’re thinking about pregnancy, your gut is an important place to start.

The encouraging part is that this is something you can support. Small, targeted changes can help create a healthier internal environment for conception and long-term health.

To learn the specific steps you can take, read my latest blog, The Gut–Fertility Axis: Why Healing the Gut Is Foundational for Fertility.

Comment GUT, and I’ll send you the link to read the full article. While it’s one piece of the fertility puzzle, it’s an important one to pay attention to.

Dr. Ann

03/26/2026

In case you missed it, I recently joined Mark Hyman on The Dr. Hyman Show to talk about preconception health and fertility.

One of the biggest topics we covered was mitochondria.

In this clip, we discuss how NAD is often known as a longevity supplement, but it’s actually essential for cellular energy, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function. And how when mitochondrial function declines, egg quality can decline too.

There’s also emerging research showing that NAD support, including IV therapy in certain cases, may help improve fertility outcomes.

If you’re in a season where timing matters, NAD IVs may be something to consider.

If you’re looking for a more accessible way to support NAD, comment NAD, and I’ll send you a link to learn more. 🤍

Dr. Ann

03/24/2026

Fatigue. Brain fog. Poor sleep. Skin changes. Frequent illness. Hormone imbalances. Fertility challenges.

These can all be signs of oxidative stress❗️

Here’s what’s happening at the cellular level: every time your cells produce energy, they also generate free radicals as a natural byproduct.

Under ideal conditions, your body keeps these in check with antioxidants. But when free radical production overwhelms your defenses (due to stress, toxins, poor diet, sleep deprivation, or nutrient depletion), the balance shifts.🫤

Over time, that imbalance can affect how your cells function, accelerate aging, and contribute to a wide range of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, metabolic dysfunction, autoimmune disease, and more. (See slides.)

From a functional medicine perspective, the question isn’t just “how do I take more antioxidants?” It’s: Why is the body under so much oxidative stress in the first place?

Because it’s rarely just one thing, and it requires a multi-layered approach. (Swipe for root causes + strategies.)

Antioxidants are most powerful when they work together as a network, not in isolation…the combination matters as much as the individual nutrients.

I’ve put together a Mitochondrial Kit with this in mind. Comment “KIT” and I’ll send you the link.

Dr. Ann

03/19/2026

The response to The Preconception Revolution has been incredible.

I am deeply grateful for all the positive feedback, thoughtful messages, and stories from people who have already received their copy - thank you!

Amazon is currently sold out until early April, but if you don’t want to wait, you can order it directly from my website with free shipping! ☺️

Comment “baby” and I’ll send you the link!

Dr. Ann

03/17/2026

I recently joined my friend Dr. Mark Hyman to talk about my book, The Preconception Revolution, and one of the topics that I cover. This is a subject we both feel deeply passionate about - the powerful connection between stress and fertility.❣️

Stress doesn’t just affect how you feel. It can directly influence the hormones that regulate reproduction.

When your body is under chronic stress, it activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing cortisol and other stress hormones.

Over time, this can disrupt the delicate hormonal signaling needed for fertility.

For women, elevated stress can interfere with ovulation, menstrual cycle regularity, and hormone balance.

For men, chronic stress may impact testosterone levels and s***m quality, both of which are essential for conception.

The good news is that practices like meditation 🧘 and mindfulness can help calm the nervous system and lower cortisol levels, supporting healthier hormone signaling and reproductive function.❤️

When we reduce stress and support the body’s natural balance, we create a healthier environment for conception and for the future health of the next generation.

Comment baby below and I’ll send you the link to the full episode.

Dr. Ann

03/16/2026

Many people think of stress as something emotional.
But in the body, stress is a biological state.

When stress becomes chronic, it can disrupt cortisol rhythms, strain mitochondria, destabilize blood sugar, and affect the nervous system.

Over time, this can influence energy levels, sleep quality, mood, immune balance, and metabolic health.

Chronic stress has also been associated with increased risk for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, anxiety disorders, immune dysregulation, and fertility challenges.

The good news is that the body is remarkably responsive to supportive changes.

Small daily habits can help regulate the stress response and support resilience over time.

Stress Management Strategies

✔️Prioritize consistent, high-quality sleep
✔️ Balance blood sugar with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
✔️ Spend time outdoors and in natural light
✔️ Practice meditation or deep breathing
✔️ Move your body regularly
✔️ Strengthen social connections and supportive relationships
✔️ Limit excessive caffeine and alcohol
✔️ Support mitochondrial health through nutrient-dense foods
✔️ Create technology boundaries to support nervous system recovery

👉 Targeted nutrients may also help support the body’s stress response.

👉 Ashwagandha is one of the most well-studied adaptogens and has been shown in research to support healthy cortisol levels, improve stress resilience, and promote overall well-being.

Comment STRESS to learn more about Ashwagandha.

Save this post if you’ve been feeling stuck in stress mode, and follow me for more functional medicine insights.

Dr. Ann

03/13/2026

The Preconception Revolution is currently #1 in Men’s Health on Amazon❣️

This is a powerful sign that men get it. 👏

They want to know they can do during the months leading up to conception to support fertility and a healthy baby.

Since s***m regenerate approximately every 72–90 days, this is a powerful window of opportunity for men!

The book outlines how the choices men make during this time, around nutrition, toxin exposure, sleep, stress, and lifestyle habits, don’t just influence fertility, they help shape the biological signals passed to the next generation.

This book shares the steps to take, the science behind them, and offers hope and encouragement to both men and women.❤️

To every man who has bought this book, shared it, or simply started asking questions, thank you. 🙏

This is exactly what this movement is about.

Healthier pregnancies. Healthier babies. Healthier generations.

Comment Book below and I’ll send you the Amazon link to get your copy.

Feeling grateful ☺️

Dr. Ann

menshealthmatters malefertility infertilitysup

03/04/2026

Testosterone therapy is often promoted as a quick fix for low energy, muscle loss, or libido. But when it comes to fertility, it can have the opposite effect.

I recently sat down with Dr. Kristin Brogaard, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Path Fertility.

She’s an expert in epigenetics and helped develop the SpermQT test, a groundbreaking diagnostic designed to improve how we evaluate male fertility and move beyond the trial-and-error approach many couples face.

In our conversation, we talked about why testosterone therapy can essentially act like s***micide by shutting down the body’s natural s***m production, and how more advanced testing can help us better understand s***m quality.

I use SpermQT often with patients during the preconception window, the months before you start trying to conceive, when the right interventions can make a meaningful difference in s***m health❣️

The full conversation is included inside my Preconception + Fertility Program, where we go deeper into how men can improve s***m (and egg) health and fertility before trying to conceive.

This time before conception is incredibly powerful. It’s an opportunity to support fertility and positively influence the health of your future child.👏

Comment BABY, and I’ll send you the link to learn more about my next Preconception Program starting in April.

Dr. Ann

02/26/2026

Cold and flu season isn’t over.

One simple thing you can do to protect yourself?

Get your vitamin D levels into the optimal range.👏

We’re still in winter, with less sun ☀️ exposure, which means your body is likely producing far less vitamin D3.

And that can directly impact your immune resilience during a time when you need it most.

👉First step: ask your doctor to check your levels.
In functional medicine, we typically aim for a 25(OH)D level between 50–80 ng/mL for optimal immune and overall health.

While 30 ng/mL may be considered “normal,” it’s sub-optimal.

Also important: check the form you are taking.
Vitamin D2 is the form commonly prescribed and added to fortified foods because it’s cheaper and more stable in processing.

But research shows it’s less effective at raising and maintaining blood levels, and may even lower circulating D3 in some cases.

Vitamin D3 is the form your body naturally makes from sunlight and is more effective at supporting optimal levels.

And if your levels are still low despite supplementing?
There may be underlying factors affecting absorption and activation, see slides.👆

Before increasing your dose, check your levels and make sure you’re using the right form❣️

Comment BLOG, and I’ll send you the link to learn more.

Dr. Ann

02/25/2026

I recently joined to discuss the growing infertility crisis and what both men and women can do to proactively protect their fertility.

We also talked about GLP-1s, and why building and preserving muscle becomes increasingly important as we age.

This was a lively and informative discussion that connected fertility to whole body health, longevity, and everyday choices that shape generational wellness.

Ann Shippy, MD

Click the link below to listen to the full episode.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dylan-gemelli-podcast/id1780873400?i=1000749672233

02/10/2026

Have you ever noticed your autoimmune symptoms flare after certain foods… or even after a 🍷 ?

Foods like aged cheese, fermented foods, processed meats (and even leftovers) are naturally high in histamine.

And for some people, especially those with autoimmune conditions, they can trigger symptoms like:

👉 Rosacea flares
👉 Rashes or hives
👉 Flushing
👉 Headaches
👉 Joint pain
👉 Fatigue
👉 Even worsening PMS symptoms

Histamine is a natural immune chemical involved in inflammation, gut health, and immune defense.

But when you have an autoimmune condition, your immune system is already overactive and primed to react.

High-histamine foods don’t cause autoimmune disease, but they can add fuel to an already inflamed fire, amplifying symptoms and worsening flares.
There’s also a gut connection.

Histamine is normally broken down in the gut by an enzyme called DAO (diamine oxidase).

But when you have issues like leaky gut, dysbiosis, or SIBO, your body may not produce enough DAO to break down histamine properly, allowing levels to build up.

Some people may also have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), in which immune cells release excess histamine, further intensifying symptoms.

See the slides for testing options and supportive strategies to help reduce your histamine load.❤️

Comment GUIDE, and I’ll send you the link to my Low Histamine Diet Guide.

Dr. Ann

02/06/2026

Did you know that MYHFR gene variants can make you more susceptible to a variety of health conditions?

That said, just because you have an MTHFR genetic variant doesn’t mean you’re destined for those conditions❣️

MTHFR variants can make it harder for your body to run a process called methylation. This is a foundational pathway that supports detoxification, hormone balance, mood, DNA repair, and even fertility.🥰

So when your methylation isn’t running as efficiently, the body can become more vulnerable, especially if you have nutrient deficiencies, toxin exposures, chronic stress, or inflammation.

But when you give your body the right support, you’re giving it the tools it needs to function well and helping safeguard against many of the health challenges associated with poor methylation.

👉Lifestyle really matters here.

Nutrition, toxin exposure, gut health, stress, and targeted nutrient support all influence how well methylation runs, regardless of your genetics.

See the slides 👆 for practical lifestyle tips, including nutrients and supplements that can offer additional support if needed.

If you’d like the link to the methylation support supplement I use in practice, comment MTHFR, and I’ll send it your way.

And if you’re curious about your own genetics, you can always ask your provider about MTHFR testing.

Dr. Ann

Address

6836 Bee Cave Road # 114
Austin, TX
78746

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+15127329975

Website

http://www.annshippymd.com/

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