Functional Fertility with Dr. Kalea Wattles

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by Sarah Thompson, L.Ac., CFMP, and doula, for a deep dive into the nutritional and functional medicine strategies that support a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia. They explore the specific dietary patterns shown to lower risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension, key lifestyle interventions that offer protection, and the essential lab markers—like uric acid, homocysteine, and vitamin D—that can provide early insight into a patient’s risk profile. Sarah shares how genetic polymorphisms can influence nutrient metabolism and pre-eclampsia risk, offering guidance on when to consider genetic testing. The episode wraps with actionable tips on preparing the body for the energetic demands of childbirth through targeted nutritional strategies.

On this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Nicole Fennell to unpack the vital connection between thyroid health and fertility. If you’re trying to conceive, you’ve likely heard about the importance of thyroid function—but did you know that even “normal” lab results don’t always tell the full story? Nicole shares why some patients still struggle with infertility despite seemingly optimal thyroid levels, the key nutrients that support both thyroid and reproductive health, and what your body temperature might reveal about your hormones. Plus, we tackle listener questions on Hashimoto’s, medication, and persistent hair shedding. If you’re looking to optimize your thyroid for a healthy conception, this episode is a must-listen!

On this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by Dr. Yousef Elyaman to explore the fascinating connection between PCOS, uric acid, and inflammation - and how these factors influence metabolic and reproductive health! Dr. Elyaman unpacks why uric acid might be elevated in people with PCOS, its role in chronic inflammation, and why screening for it is critical in conditions like pre-eclampsia. We dive into how fructose impacts uric acid levels and which foods and drinks to be cautious about. Plus, we tackle myths, testing recommendations, and actionable tips for managing uric acid to support fertility and overall health. This episode is sponsored by NEEDED, my most trusted perinatal nutrition brand. Tune in to learn about how I incorporate Needed products into my preconception plans, and head to thisisneeded.com and use code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY for 20% of your first order!

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by holistic fertility expert Dr. Aumatma Simmons to discuss the complexities of unexplained infertility, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The conversation begins with the frustration surrounding a diagnosis of unexplained infertility and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive lab workup to uncover underlying conditions. Dr. Aumatma shares her insights on diagnosing and treating premature ovarian insufficiency, including key interventions she uses in her practice. The discussion transitions to recurrent pregnancy loss, detailing the laboratory workup she offers, common patterns observed, and the role of advanced testing such as sperm DNA fragmentation in cases involving male partners. This episode provides practical, evidence-based guidance for patients navigating these challenging fertility scenarios.

When you're trying to conceive, there is nothing more frightening than finding out you aren't ovulating regularly. If you have found yourself in this startling situation, this episode will make the investigation less spooky and more strategic. In this episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles reviews some of the most common causes of anovulation, including PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea, adrenal dysfunction, hypothyroidism, elevated prolactin, and illness or fever. We’ll discuss how to test for these conditions and some tricks (treats?) for managing them! Thank you to NEEDED for sponsoring this episode! Functional Fertility podcast listeners can get 20% off their first month of Needed products by visiting thisisneeded.com and using code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY.

Join Dr. Kalea Wattles as she chats with Jess Tims, a Certified Fertility Doula and mom who turned her own journey with unexplained infertility into a mission to support others. In this episode, we dive into: - What exactly is a fertility doula, and how can they guide you on your path to pregnancy? - The emotional rollercoaster of infertility, pregnancy loss, and IVF—and the mind-body tools Jess uses to help her clients find peace. - Real-life success stories that show the transformative power of compassionate support. Tune in to hear Jess's heartfelt wisdom, inspiring stories, and the advice she shares with almost every client. Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or looking for hope after a loss, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical tips.

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles connects with Nectar Health (https://www.mynectarhealth.com/) Founder and CEO, Diane Ducarme, to discuss the connection between migraines and fertility. In this show, we'll talk about: - The connection between migraines and the menstrual cycle- The gut-brain axis and the role of the gut in both reproductive health and migraines- Superfoods that can help those with migraines- How to communicate to your partner the severity and impact of migraine pain- How working to address the underlying causes of migraines improves fertility outcomes as well Thank you to our season 2 sponsor - Needed! In this episode, we highlight Needed's Pre/Probiotic, a clinically-studied blend of probiotics, prebiotics, and polyphenols to support the gut and vaginal microbiome. Listeners can receive 20% off at thisisneeded.com with code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY.

In this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles helps you to identify your own "gut health persona" with a series of gut health assessments designed to help you identify signs of low digestive enzymes, dysbiosis, hypochlorhydria, and low bile acid. We'll review signs and symptoms, findings you might see on your lab work, and tried-and-true solutions for improving gut health. Need a refresher on the gut-fertility connection? This episode also offers a brief review of the connecting points between our digestive health and fertility outcomes. Thanks to our season 2 sponsor Needed! Podcast listeners can enjoy 20% off their order of the highest quality perinatal supplements at thisisneeded.com with code FUNCTIONALFERTILITY.

In this episode of The Functional Fertility Podcast, host Dr. Kalea Wattles is joined by Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Everest Goldstein to explore the intricate connections between stress and fertility. They delve into the effects of stress on hormonal and gut health, emphasizing how these factors can significantly impact reproductive health. The conversation then shifts to mental health, particularly in the context of fertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. They address the importance of managing mental health, especially for those with a history of anxiety or depression. The discussion highlights the key nutrients that, when deficient, can exacerbate anxiety while also being critical for reproductive health. Everest shares insights on the physiological benefits of meditation and mindfulness and emphasize how these practices can help reduce stress and improve fertility. She also answers an important listener question about the challenges of discontinuing anti-anxiety medication before pregnancy.

In this episode of The Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles welcomes Oova founder Dr. Amy Divaraniya to discuss at-home hormone testing, a tool that's reshaping fertility monitoring. They discuss various hormones that can be measured from home and answer listener questions about integrating these tests with traditional methods like tracking basal body temperature or cervical mucus. Dr. Divaraniya highlights the benefits of at-home monitoring for understanding fertility issues, comparing hormone levels detected by Oova with those measured in blood tests. They explore how at-home tests can reveal hormonal patterns that might not be detected through other means, aiding women with irregular cycles and those preparing for IVF. This discussion underscores the value of at-home hormone monitoring in providing deeper insights into reproductive health.

On this episode of The Functional Fertility Podcast, guest Carrie Levine explores the profound impact of functional medicine on women’s health and fertility. This episode describes why functional medicine stands out as a vital support for women navigating the complex journey of fertility. Discover the most common infertility issues encountered in Carrie's practice and the pivotal functional tests she utilizes to uncover the underlying causes of a woman’s infertility challenges. They also offer compassionate advice for women striving to conceive outside the conventional medical framework or those who have faced traumas within it. Furthermore, they draw an intriguing parallel between menopause and pregnancy, emphasizing the physical, spiritual, and emotional demands of these life stages. They conclude with transformative insights on health enhancements during the preconception period that not only support fertility but also bolster hormonal health as women approach menopause. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of functional medicine’s role in fostering women’s health and fertility.

In this episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, host Dr. Kalea Wattles welcomes guest Lisa Hendrickson-Jack for a deep-dive into the world of fertility awareness. This conversation begins with the basics, exploring what fertility awareness is and how it can significantly enhance a woman’s chances of conceiving. Lisa, a pioneer in treating the menstrual cycle as a crucial health indicator, shares invaluable insights into why understanding our cycles is vital for overall health and fertility planning. We tackle pressing listener questions, from discerning the final days of your period to navigating the stress of tracking basal body temperature. We'll also delve into the effectiveness of fertility awareness for women with irregular cycles, the intricacies of timing sex during long, unpredictable PCOS cycles, and distinguishing between PCOS and hypothalamic amenorrhea. Discover how a nutritional approach, as outlined in "Real Food For Fertility," aids in restoring normal menstrual cycles and boosting fertility. Plus, get expert advice on transitioning off hormonal birth control, with tips on avoiding pregnancy during the preparation phase for conception. Don't miss this episode packed with essential knowledge for anyone looking to understand their fertility better and optimize their reproductive health.

Dive into the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine with host Dr. Kalea Wattles and guest Dr. Amy Galvan on this week's episode of the Functional Fertility podcast. Ever wonder why traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to periods as "Heavenly Waters"? Or how it uncovers the myriad of roots causing period problems and infertility? Dr. Galvan demystifies these questions, revealing how an understanding of TCM's unique perspective can lead to targeted treatments for long-standing issues. She'll guide us through the vital connection between mind, body, and lifestyle, and how making specific shifts can dramatically improve menstrual health. Expect to learn about the five lifestyle changes rooted in TCM that anyone can adopt for better periods, the modern habits that might be worsening your symptoms, and nourishing food recommendations to satisfy cravings while boosting your menstrual wellbeing. Plus, get inspired to create the ultimate happy-period gift basket with Dr. Galvan's top three must-haves. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to harmonize their cycle naturally and reclaim their health. Tune in to transform your understanding of periods from a monthly ordeal to a harmonious flow with the wisdom of Chinese Medicine.