S6 Ep 39: Restoring Fertility with Key Lifestyle Changes with Dr. Sarah Pederson

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Pederson, a holistic OBGYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility, to explore a refreshing and deeply restorative approach to women’s health and fertility. After years in traditional obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Pederson recognized a gap in care, one that often prioritizes symptom management over true healing. That realization led her to build a practice centered on identifying and addressing root causes, helping women restore hormone balance and optimize fertility naturally. Together, we dive into the foundational role of nutrition, the power of continuous glucose monitoring, and the often-overlooked connection between gut health and reproductive function. This conversation challenges conventional fertility approaches and offers a hopeful, science-backed path forward for women seeking to understand their bodies more deeply. Dr. Pederson’s journey from conventional OBGYN to holistic care Why a root-cause approach is essential for hormone balance and fertility The “Six Pillars” of hormone health: diet, sleep, exercise, stress, weight, and mindset/spirituality How nutrition, especially protein intake and breakfast timing, impacts hormones The hidden effects of sugar and artificial sweeteners on inflammation and fertility How Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) provide personalized insights into metabolic health The connection between gut health and reproductive function A look into Restorative Reproductive Medicine and how it differs from conventional fertility treatments Key Takeaways 1. Fertility starts with foundational health Dr. Pederson emphasizes that true hormone balance begins with lifestyle: what we eat, how we sleep, how we manage stress, and how we care for our bodies as a whole. 2. Food is powerful data Using tools like CGMs allows women to see in real-time how their body responds to certain foods empowering personalized, effective changes. 3. Gut health matters more than you think Underlying gut dysfunction and inflammation can significantly impact fertility, and addressing these issues can lead to profound outcomes. 4. Healing over bypassing Unlike conventional approaches that may override the body’s natural processes, restorative reproductive medicine works to heal and support the body—leading to healthier pregnancies and long-term outcomes. Interested in being a Podcast Sponsor with THE HORMONE GENIUS? Check out these links next to get more detailson our SPONSORSHIP VISION! PODCAST PARTNER: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…Q0iRgHqg/viewform MONTHLY SPONSOR: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…al5nkGyA/viewform BRAND PARTNER: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…d8-G5qaA/viewform Sponsors 💛 We Heart Nutrition Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life. 🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS 🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery. 🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS 🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius Grazing Beauty Tallow Skin Care! Grazing Beauty is a small-batch, mama-inspired skincare brand specializing in grass-fed tallow products like body balms, bar soaps, and lip balm. Listeners can use the affiliate code HORMONEGENIUS at checkout for 10% off their order. grazingbeauty.com/ The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.