Why Waiting for a Fertility Problem Is a Mistake | Dr. Natalie Crawford

What if fertility care didn't start when something went wrong, but before? In this episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford MD, a board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, and author of The Fertility Formula, joins Beth for a refreshingly honest conversation that blends medical expertise with lived experience. Dr. Crawford opens up about her own infertility journey and shares what she wishes more people knew earlier about fertility, inflammation, and reproductive health. You'll hear why early fertility testing matters, what key labs like AMH and thyroid levels can reveal, and how lifestyle and chronic inflammation quietly impact reproductive outcomes. Together, we unpack the gaps in fertility education, why so many patients feel dismissed, and how shifting from reactive treatment to preventive care can change everything. This episode is equal parts empowering, informative, and hopeful, especially if you want to understand your fertility sooner, advocate for better care, or feel less alone navigating the unknown. If you've ever wondered whether you should be testing earlier, asking better questions, or trusting your intuition about your body, this conversation is for you.   FOLLOW OUR GUEST: Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD is a nationally recognized fertility physician who is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is co-founder of Fora Fertility, a boutique fertility practice in Austin, Texas and CEO and co-founder of Pinnacle, a professional leadership community for women in medicine. Dr. Crawford completed her undergraduate education at Auburn University obtaining a degree in Nutrition Science, Medical School at University of Texas Medical Branch, Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Texas Southwestern, and Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of North Carolina, concurrently obtaining a Master of Science in Clinical Research. She is an Affiliate Clinical Professor of Women's Health at the University of Texas Dell Medical School.  Dr. Crawford is a leading expert on natural fertility with a personal mission to educate women about their reproductive health and hormones. She is a frequent speaker at events and national news outlets, a thought leader in the space, and has large social media platforms providing fertility education - Instagram/TikTok @nataliecrawfordmd, twitter @ncrawfordmd, and You Tube "Natalie Crawford, MD." Dr. Natalie Crawford is also the host of the widely popular As a Woman podcast with over 5 million downloads. Dr. Crawford's debut book The Fertility Formula will be published by Penguin Life (US) and Ebury/Flight books (UK) in early 2026. IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd/#  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataliecrawfordmd  Website:https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/  Podcast: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/podcast    We Also Talk About: The importance of understanding biological realities of fertility and ovarian reserve. Advocacy for earlier fertility testing and proactive healthcare approaches. Personal experiences with infertility, including pregnancy losses and emotional challenges. The impact of inflammation on fertility and reproductive health. The role of lifestyle and environmental factors in influencing fertility outcomes. The significance of comprehensive health assessments, including thyroid and autoimmune screenings. Encouragement for women to track menstrual cycles and recognize signs that warrant further evaluation. The need for patient empowerment and self-advocacy in navigating healthcare systems. Discussion of the societal pressures and misconceptions surrounding the timing of childbearing. The emotional toll of infertility and the importance of informed decision-making in reproductive health. Resources Subscribe on YouTube Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Follow on Pinterest Therapy Support Website   Visit the QTC Website for our current list of Affiliates: https://quiettheclock.com/    Affiliate Links:  Osea - Skincare By The Sea - Use code QTCPOD10 to receive a one time use 10% off your order at oseamalibu.com Mowellens - Organic. 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