Love and Science Fertility

This Mother's Day, we're sitting with the hard and the hopeful. Dr. Erica Bove welcomes Dr. Rebecca N. Thompson — family medicine and public health physician, and author of Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love — for a conversation that is equal parts raw, wise, and deeply affirming.Dr. Thompson shares the deeply personal journey behind her collaborative memoir, including her own life-threatening pregnancy complications, three losses, and the decade-long process of weaving her story together with those of 21 patients, colleagues, and friends — half of them healthcare professionals. What emerged is a book that doesn't just document struggle, but transforms it into community.In this episode, we explore:Why stories are always harder to tell in the present tense — and why that's okayThe isolating experience of pregnancy loss as a physician and what "the knowledge didn't protect me" really meansWhat Mother's Day can feel like when you're in the thick of fertility challenges — and how to navigate it with self-compassionThe difference between false optimism and authentic hope — and why "everything happens for a reason" may not serve usHow channeling sadness into strength isn't toxic positivity — it's agencyThe power of ordinary things (a hike, a pet, a phone call) when the world feels performativeCommunity as a place to both lend strength and borrow itWhy "the suffering is in the gap between expectations and reality"Friendships across different seasons of life — and how they can fracture and repairHow medicine must make room for the humanity of its healersQuote from this episode:"We aren't unique in our struggles. Others have prevailed over hardships before us, and we too can find joy in the most trying of times." — Dr. Rebecca N. ThompsonResources:Held Together by Dr. Rebecca N. Thompson: rebeccanthompson.comOrder via the affiliate link on her site to support Postpartum Support InternationalBook club discussion questions and speaking/teaching resources also available on her websiteProceeds support: Resolve, Planned Parenthood, Children's Literacy Foundation, and the Trevor ProjectIf this episode resonated with you, you are not alone. You are held.  Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

In this episode of the Love & Science podcast, Dr. Erica Bove walks through her complete framework for evaluating fertility — including which tests she routinely orders, what each one actually tells her, and which expensive panels are often unnecessary.From AMH and hormone testing to semen analysis, uterine cavity evaluation, and fallopian tube testing, this episode explains how reproductive endocrinologists think through infertility workups in a practical, evidence-based way.We cover: • What AMH really means (and what it doesn’t) • Why Day 3 labs matter: FSH, estradiol, and LH • How ultrasound and antral follicle count guide fertility treatment • Sonohistogram vs HSG: what each test is best for • When to evaluate fallopian tubes more closely • The role of prolactin, thyroid testing, vitamin D, A1C, and PCOS labs • Expanded carrier screening and preconception testing • Why semen analysis is essential — and often delayed too long • Which fertility tests are evidence-based • Common tests that may be overordered or unnecessaryThis episode is designed to help you better understand your fertility workup, ask informed questions, and feel more empowered navigating next steps.Because fertility testing should not feel random or confusing — it should tell a clear story about what your body is doing and how to move forward strategically.Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

If your cycles are irregular, ovulation is inconsistent, or something just feels off — prolactin may be a missing piece.In this episode of the Love & Science podcast, we break down prolactin, a hormone that is often misunderstood, sometimes overtested, and sometimes completely overlooked in fertility care.While prolactin plays an important role in pregnancy and lactation, elevated levels can disrupt ovulation, impact hormone signaling, and ultimately affect fertility outcomes in both women and men.We cover: • What prolactin is and how it functions in the body • How elevated prolactin disrupts ovulation and hormone signaling • The connection between prolactin, GnRH, and reproductive function • When prolactin should actually be tested (and when it shouldn’t) • Why false elevations are common — and how to test correctly • Symptoms to watch for (including headaches, galactorrhea, and cycle changes) • When to evaluate for a pituitary adenoma (and why imaging matters) • How prolactin impacts male fertility and testosterone • Treatment options and when normalization can restore fertilityThis episode is especially important if you’ve been told everything looks “normal,” but ovulation still isn’t happening consistently — or if you’re navigating unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIf your thyroid labs have been labeled “normal,” but you’re still struggling to conceive — this episode is for you.In this episode of the Love & Science podcast, we break down the real relationship between thyroid function and fertility, including why standard lab ranges don’t always tell the full story.You’ll learn when TSH levels may still be impacting ovulation, implantation, and early pregnancy — even when they fall within the “normal” range — and why thyroid antibodies can be an overlooked but important piece of the puzzle.We cover: • What TSH actually reflects (and what it doesn’t) • Optimal vs “normal” ranges for fertility • When to test thyroid antibodies (TPO, TG) • How thyroid dysfunction can affect ovulation and implantation • The connection between thyroid antibodies and miscarriage risk • Why some patients are told everything is “fine” when it may not be • When treatment or further evaluation may be appropriateThis episode is designed to help you better understand your labs, ask more informed questions, and identify whether your thyroid could be playing a role in your fertility journey.If you’ve been told your labs are normal but something still feels off — this conversation will give you clarity.Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIf you’ve ever wondered whether surrogacy could be part of your fertility journey—this episode will open your eyes.Today, I’m joined by Dr. Alyssa Small Layne, a board-certified OBGYN and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, who shares both her professional expertise and deeply personal journey through infertility, loss, and ultimately becoming a mother through surrogacy.In this episode, we cover:• What surrogacy actually is (and what it’s not)• Who may need a gestational carrier• The emotional reality of infertility, miscarriage, and loss• How Dr. Alyssa navigated IVF, pregnancy complications, and hysterectomy• The true cost of surrogacy—and how to do it more affordably• Independent vs agency surrogacy (what most people don’t know)• Timeline, process, and what to expect step-by-step• Common misconceptions about surrogacy• How to know if surrogacy is right for youThis is more than a medical conversation—it’s a story of resilience, faith, and redefining what motherhood can look like.If you feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing is working, this episode is a reminder:there may still be a path forward.About  Dr. Alyssa Small LayneI am Dr. Alyssa Small Layne, a board-certified OB/GYN and fellowship trainedendometriosis excision and fibroid surgeon. My professional career has centered on helping patients with fibroids, endometriosis, and infertility. I currently serve as the Director for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Howard University.I see myself in my patients and clients because my personal journey is marked byfibroids, IVF, and ultimately becoming a mother through surrogacy. This gives me an unshakable understanding of the emotional and physical toll families face.Surrogacy is one of the most complex paths to parenthood: it’s expensive,overwhelming, and too often without a clear roadmap. In an industry where agencies and professionals compete for attention, intended parents and surrogates are left underserved—hungry for trustworthy resources and meaningful guidance. [email protected] www.gojunie.com Surrogacy Made Simple Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIf your period is late… your ovulation feels unpredictable… or your fertility treatments aren’t going as planned—this episode is for you.Today, we’re breaking down LH surges and ovulation dynamics, especially in busy, high-achieving women. Because ovulation is not just “on or off”—it exists on a spectrum, and even subtle disruptions can impact your ability to conceive.In this episode, we cover:• What an LH surge actually does (and why it matters)• How stress, sleep, and lifestyle can suppress ovulation• Why your cycle may be delayed—even with negative pregnancy tests• The connection between LH, luteal phase quality, and implantation• How age and hormonal shifts impact ovulation quality• The overlap between hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) and PCOS• Signs your LH surge may be weak, delayed, or suboptimal• Why “regular cycles” don’t always mean optimal fertilityIf you’ve ever felt confused by your cycle—or like your body isn’t doing what it’s “supposed to”—this episode will give you clarity, validation, and a path forward.Fertility is not one single problem—it’s a series of small factors working together. And the good news? Many of them are modifiable.Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIf you’ve ever looked at your fertility labs and felt confused by your FSH level, this episode is for you.Today, we’re breaking down what FSH actually means, why timing is everything, and how estradiol plays a critical role in whether your results can even be interpreted accurately.Because here’s the truth:An FSH value on its own doesn’t tell the full story.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why FSH must always be interpreted alongside estradiol• The best time in your cycle to check these labs (and why it matters)• What “baseline” hormones actually look like• When an FSH level becomes concerning• How elevated estradiol can falsely lower your FSH• Why one “normal” result doesn’t always mean everything is okay• How ovarian aging shows up in your labs over time• What high FSH may indicate about ovarian response and stimulationWe also walk through real examples so you can understand how to think about your own numbers in a more nuanced, accurate way.This is not about one snapshot in time.Fertility is dynamic, and your labs should be interpreted that way.If you’ve been told your labs are “normal” but something still feels off, or if you’ve seen fluctuations and don’t know what they mean, this episode will give you a clearer framework.As always, this is for education and empowerment only and not medical advice.If you’re ready for personalized guidance, we’d love to support you inside a private fertility consult.You are not behind. You are not broken.You just need the right lens. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love & Science podcast, Dr. Erica Bove is joined by Dr. Vanessa Calderon for a deeply honest conversation about infertility, miscarriage, secondary infertility, surrender, and what it means to stay empowered when the path to parenthood does not go according to plan.Dr. Vanessa Calderon is a former emergency medicine department chief, educator, trauma-informed master coach, speaker, retreat leader, podcaster, and founder of Alderaan Co. Her work centers on helping women come home to themselves, reconnect with their power, and create lives that feel aligned, resourced, and deeply authentic.Together, Dr. Bove and Dr. Calderon explore the emotional and physiologic toll of infertility, the pain of recurrent pregnancy loss, and the subtle but powerful shift that can happen when women move from control and attachment into deeper trust and surrender.In this conversation, they discuss:Dr. Vanessa Calderon’s experience with miscarriage and secondary infertilitywhy so many women, especially physicians, feel pressure to keep performing even in the middle of lossthe link between stress, attachment, control, and the fertility journeyhow disempowering thoughts shape physiology and behaviorwhat surrender actually means in the context of infertilityhow self-compassion and nervous system safety can change the experience of treatmentthe difference between forcing an outcome and staying open to the way parenthood may unfoldthe role of vulnerability, intuition, and ancestral wisdom in healingwhy fertility journeys can become deeply transformative experiencesThis episode is a powerful reminder that infertility is not just a medical experience. It is emotional, spiritual, relational, and deeply human. And while the path may not unfold the way we planned, there is still room for hope, meaning, healing, and profound trust.If you are navigating infertility, miscarriage, or a season of deep uncertainty, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone, that your worth is not defined by outcomes, and that there may still be more possibilities ahead than you can currently see.If you are a female physician looking for a more personalized, physiology-based, and supportive approach to your fertility journey, Love & Science Fertility offers consultative support designed with women in medicine in mind.You know how much we love you. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn today’s episode, we’re diving into a deeply important and often overlooked topic: AMH levels, diminished ovarian reserve, and infertility in female physicians.While infertility affects about one in six couples in the general population, female physicians face significantly higher rates, with studies suggesting up to one in four experiencing infertility and even higher rates among surgeons.In this conversation, we explore why.From delayed childbearing and demanding training schedules to financial barriers and the emotional weight of building a family alongside a medical career, the reality for female physicians is complex. We also discuss what I see clinically, including higher rates of low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, and patterns like lean PCOS.We also touch on• The difference between quantitative and qualitative fertility markers• The possible role of stress on egg quality and reproductive outcomes• Secondary infertility and the emotional toll it carries• Increased risks of miscarriage and pregnancy complications in physicians• Why the data still leaves us with more questions than answersThis episode is both a clinical discussion and an invitation to look deeper at how we support women in high-demand careers who are trying to build families.Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapToday we’re diving into one of the most important and often confusing topics in fertility care: endometrial thickness and uterine lining quality.As embryo selection continues to improve, many patients are left asking the same question:Why aren’t my high-quality embryos implanting?In this episode, we walk through what the science actually says about endometrial thickness, what we know (and don’t know) about uterine lining quality, and how to think about your individual situation when preparing for transfer.We cover:What endometrial thickness really means and why it mattersIs there a “minimum” thickness needed for implantation?Does a thicker lining always lead to better outcomes?The role of trilaminar (patterned) vs non-trilaminar liningsWhy “normal” doesn’t always mean optimalHow protocols (medicated vs natural cycles) can impact liningWhat to consider if your lining is consistently thinCurrent evidence on blood flow, ultrasound findings, and newer technologiesMost importantly, this episode is about helping you move from confusion → clarity.Because fertility is not one-size-fits-all, and understanding your own patterns, history, and physiology is what leads to better outcomes.If this is something you’ve been navigating, you’re not alone — and there are thoughtful, individualized ways to approach it.This episode is part of Season 1 of The Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — a clinical series examining the physiology that drives reproductive outcomes. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode, we take a clear, evidence-based look at fertility supplements — what may support reproductive outcomes, what remains uncertain, and where it’s important to proceed thoughtfully.We review foundational nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin D, iron, calcium, and DHA, along with commonly discussed supplements including CoQ10, melatonin, DHEA, and inositols. We also touch on supplements for sperm health and why lifestyle factors often play a much larger role than any single product.This conversation is designed to help you make informed, balanced decisions and focus your energy on what truly matters throughout your fertility journey.This episode is part of Season 1 of The Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — a clinical series examining the physiology that drives reproductive outcomes. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this thoughtful and deeply human conversation, Dr. Erica Bove is joined by integrative pediatrician Dr. Kirin Palmer to explore how we can prepare for parenthood emotionally, physically, and mentally.They discuss the impact of anxiety and scarcity mindset on fertility and early parenting, how emotional health during pregnancy can influence child development, and why building self-trust before conception is essential. Dr. Palmer also shares insights from the pediatric side of the fertility journey, including common patterns seen in families after infertility and how integrative pediatrics supports long-term child health.The conversation expands into a powerful reflection on grief, resilience, and learning to hold joy alongside loss, as Dr. Palmer shares her personal experience navigating her father’s illness while building her medical practice and raising her son.This episode is for anyone preparing for parenthood, navigating fertility uncertainty, or moving through difficult seasons while still seeking meaning, connection, and hope.About Dr. Kirin PalmerDr. Kirin Palmer is an integrative general pediatrician and the founder of Pure Joy Pediatrics in Portland, Oregon. After more than two decades in medicine, she’s come to see joy as a steadying force — something that allows us to live with intention and authenticity, even in the middle of busy, complicated lives. Dr. Palmer believes that joy is found in the simple things: the colors of the sunrise, the sparkle in a child’s eyes as they talk about their birthday, the quiet moments that remind us we’re alive. Soaking in moments of joy is like taking out an insurance policy for the soul — it doesn’t prevent life’s challenges, but it gives us the resilience to move through them with grace. Her mission is to help parents find their way back to joy and help their children thrive one mindful moment at a time.Connect with Dr. Palmer:purejoypediatrics.comInstagram: Kirin Palmer MD Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapProgesterone is one of the most talked-about — and most misunderstood — hormones in fertility care.Patients are often told to “check their progesterone,” but what do these numbers actually mean? Can they predict whether a cycle will succeed or fail? And how should progesterone be interpreted in natural cycles, IVF, or early pregnancy?In this episode, Dr. Erica Bove explains the physiology of progesterone, why levels fluctuate throughout the luteal phase, and why a single blood test often provides an incomplete picture.She discusses how progesterone functions in ovulation, implantation, pregnancy maintenance, and assisted reproduction — and why clinical history frequently matters more than any single laboratory value.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How progesterone is produced after ovulation• Why progesterone secretion is pulsatile and difficult to interpret• What a mid-luteal progesterone level can actually tell you• How progesterone monitoring differs in natural cycles vs IVF cycles• Evidence around progesterone thresholds in frozen embryo transfer• The role of progesterone in pregnancy maintenance• When progesterone supplementation may be helpful• Why frequent hormone checking can sometimes increase anxiety without improving outcomesThis conversation is designed to help you better understand your body, your treatment experience, and the science behind progesterone — while also providing clarity in an area that often feels confusing or overwhelming.If you are navigating fertility treatment or trying to understand hormone testing, this episode offers both evidence-based insight and compassionate perspective.This episode is part of Season 1 of The Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — a clinical series examining the physiology that drives reproductive outcomes. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love & Science Fertility Framework, Dr. Erica Bove explores how environmental exposures may affect fertility, egg quality, sperm development, hormone production, and long-term ovarian health.Environmental toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals are often overlooked in fertility care, yet growing research suggests they may influence IVF outcomes, fertilization rates, pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and even the timing of menopause.In this episode, Dr. Bove discusses:how endocrine-disrupting chemicals may affect egg and sperm developmentthe relationship between environmental toxins and infertilityPFAS, phthalates, parabens, BPA, PVC, and other common exposureshow these chemicals may influence hormone signaling, ovarian function, and reproductive longevitythe association between toxic exposures and decreased egg yield, fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth in IVFthe connection between environmental chemicals, early menopause, cardiovascular health, and longevitypractical ways to reduce exposure in daily life, including changes to plastics, food storage, personal care products, processed foods, and household itemsoccupational exposures in labs, farming, welding, plumbing, and other high-risk environmentsDr. Bove also reviews simple, practical steps to reduce toxic burden without becoming overwhelmed, emphasizing the importance of controlling what you can and letting go of what you cannot.This episode is part of Season 1 of The Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — a science-based series exploring the physiologic factors that shape fertility outcomes.Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love & Science Fertility Framework, Dr. Erica Bove explores luteal phase defect and its impact on fertility and early pregnancy.The luteal phase begins after ovulation and is sustained by progesterone produced by the corpus luteum. Adequate progesterone exposure is essential for implantation and maintenance of early pregnancy.Topics discussed include:• The physiology of the corpus luteum• Progesterone production and negative feedback• What defines a short luteal phase• Premenstrual spotting as a clinical clue• Luteal phase defect in PCOS• Diminished ovarian reserve and shortened cycles• Recurrent pregnancy loss and progesterone support• Letrozole vs. luteal progesterone supplementation• Why serum progesterone levels in natural cycles can be misleading• IVF luteal support and target progesterone levelsDr. Bove discusses why luteal phase defect is often a reflection of upstream ovulatory dysfunction — and why correcting the follicular phase may be more effective than simply supplementing progesterone.Understanding cycle timing and physiology is key to identifying and correcting luteal phase dysfunction.This episode is part of Season 1 of The Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — a clinical series examining the physiology that drives reproductive outcomes. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love & Science Fertility Framework, Dr. Erica Bove explores the relationship between chronic inflammation and oocyte quality.Chronic inflammation affects folliculogenesis, meiotic integrity, hormonal balance, immune signaling, and embryonic developmental competence. While acute inflammation is essential to physiologic processes like ovulation and implantation, persistent immune upregulation may disrupt reproductive outcomes.Topics discussed include:• How cytokines and oxidative stress affect egg maturation• Inflammation and meiotic spindle abnormalities• Smoking and DNA methylation changes in granulosa cells• Insulin resistance and inflammatory signaling in PCOS• GLP-1 medications and inflammatory pathway interruption• Autoimmune disease and fertility outcomes• Endometriosis and inflammatory pelvic microenvironments• Ovarian fibrosis and follicular atresia• The role of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ• Diet, microbiome health, and anti-inflammatory nutrition• CoQ10, vitamin D, and antioxidant supportDr. Bove also discusses modifiable lifestyle factors that influence inflammatory signaling, including diet, exercise, smoking cessation, stress reduction, and sleep optimization.Chronic inflammation represents both a risk factor and an opportunity — as many contributors are within our control.This episode is part of Season 1 of The Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — a clinical series examining the physiology that drives reproductive outcomes. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love & Science Fertility Framework, Dr. Erica Bove explores how circadian rhythms influence reproductive function and fertility outcomes.Circadian rhythms regulate hormone secretion, ovulation, inflammation, and implantation physiology. When sleep schedules are disrupted — whether from shift work, long call hours, or chronic stress — the reproductive system is directly affected.Topics discussed include:• GnRH pulse generator disruption and anovulation• Brain–ovary signaling and altered hormonal secretion• HPA axis activation and cortisol elevation• Stress physiology and reproductive suppression• Melatonin production and uterine receptivity• Clock genes and light exposure• Sleep disruption and testosterone levels• Inflammation and implantation outcomes• The impact of chronic sleep irregularity on fertilityDr. Bove reviews the physiologic mechanisms linking sleep disruption to ovulatory dysfunction, implantation challenges, and miscarriage risk — and discusses why circadian stability may be particularly important for women in high-demand professions.This episode is part of Season 1 of The Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — a clinical series examining the physiology that drives reproductive outcomes. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love and Science podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Ali Domar, PhD — internationally recognized expert in stress and infertility and Chief Compassion Officer at Inception Fertility.We cover the most controversial question in reproductive medicine: does stress impact fertility and IVF outcomes?In this conversation, you’ll learn:-How stress and infertility interact (and why infertility distress is comparable to other major medical diagnoses)-What the research shows about psychological interventions and pregnancy rates-How cortisol may predict IVF outcomes, including emerging physiologic measures-Why the stimulation phase of IVF may be the most physiologically stressful part of the cycle-How chronic stress can affect inflammation, blood flow, uterine receptivity, and potentially egg quality-What mind body programs actually include and why there isn’t one “magic” intervention-How to cope with loss, the two week wait, and the social pain of infertilityThis episode is part of our Love and Science Fertility Framework series: Season 1, The Biology Beneath the Surface — where we explain fertility physiology in a clear, evidence-based way.About Dr. Ali Domar Alice “Ali” Domar, Ph.D., joined Inception Fertility™ in 2022 as Chief Compassion Officer. She is also currently the Director of the Inception Research Institute and an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, part-time, at Harvard Medical School.Dr. Domar is a health psychologist who focuses on the application of mind/body medicine to women’s health issues. Her research focuses on the relationship between stress and infertility, with a focus on the impact of cognitive behavioral interventions as well as access to care and patient retention.@prelude_fertility@inceptionfertility Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapOvarian reserve testing is widely used — but interpretation requires nuance.In this episode, Dr. Erica Bove reviews a practical framework for interpreting AMH, antral follicle count (AFC), FSH, and estradiol in clinical practice, with emphasis on how those values influence treatment strategy.Discussion includes:• AMH as a surrogate for cohort size and medication responsiveness• AFC correlation and discordance with AMH• Elevated FSH as a compensated ovarian state• Brain–ovary feedback physiology• FSH resistance and stimulation response• IVF medication dosing considerations• Predicting ovarian response and hyperstimulation risk• Why ovarian reserve is not synonymous with fertilityRather than weighting one marker over another, Dr. Bove outlines a physiology-based framework that integrates laboratory values, age, genetics, and reproductive goals into individualized treatment planning.This discussion is part of Season 1 of the Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — a series examining the physiology that drives reproductive outcomes. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapWhat does Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) really tell you about your fertility?In this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove, reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist, breaks down everything you need to know about AMH — what it is, what it is not, and how it’s actually used in clinical practice.AMH is often misunderstood as a “fertility test,” but it is more accurately a marker of ovarian reserve — meaning it reflects egg quantity, not egg quality. Dr. Bove explains how AMH levels change over time, what causes fluctuations, and how it influences IVF medication dosing, PCOS diagnosis, egg freezing decisions, and ovarian hyperstimulation risk.In this episode, we cover:• What Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) measures• AMH and ovarian reserve vs. egg quality• How AMH changes with age• Why AMH is not a fertility test• High AMH and PCOS• Low AMH and what it actually means• AMH and IVF medication dosing• Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)• AMH and egg freezing decisions• Birth control, smoking, weight loss, and seasonal variation effects on AMH• Why age is still the strongest predictor of egg qualityIf you’ve ever wondered whether your AMH level predicts your ability to conceive — naturally or through IVF — this episode will give you clear, science-based answers.Whether your AMH is high, low, or somewhere in the middle, understanding the nuance can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health and fertility timeline.This is part of Season 1 of the Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — where we unpack the physiology shaping fertility outcomes.Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIf you’re worried about declining egg quality, low AMH, or ovarian aging, this video explains what actually drives the process.In this episode, Dr. Erica Bove breaks down the science behind ovarian aging, including egg quality, egg number, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), mitochondrial function, and how fertility changes over time. We discuss why women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, how those eggs decline from fetal life through menopause, and what influences both egg quantity and egg quality.You’ll learn:• What ovarian aging really means• The difference between egg number and egg quality• How AMH reflects ovarian reserve• Why age is the strongest predictor of egg quality• How smoking accelerates egg decline• The impact of diet, antioxidants, and CoQ10 on egg health• The role of BMI, inflammation, and metabolic health in fertility• How endocrine-disrupting chemicals and environmental toxins may affect ovarian aging• The connection between oxygen, sleep apnea, and IVF outcomes• Emerging therapies like ovarian PRP and rapamycinWe also explore the genetics of ovarian aging, why menopause timing often runs in families, and what current research suggests about slowing reproductive decline.If you are navigating infertility, low ovarian reserve, diminished egg quality, IVF, or simply want to understand how fertility changes with age, this episode provides a clear and science-based explanation of what drives ovarian aging.This is part of Season 1 of the Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — where we unpack the physiology shaping fertility outcomes. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Mel Thacker — board-certified otolaryngologist and rhinologist, master coach, host of the podcast Surgeons of Purpose, and co-founder of Hippocratic Collective — for a powerful conversation about surgeon burnout, nervous system regulation, trauma response, and building a purposeful life in medicine.Dr. Thacker shares how unresolved trauma and chronic overachievement led to panic attacks in the operating room during the pandemic, forcing her to stop pushing through and finally listen to her body. She explains David Brooks’ “two mountains” framework (achievement → meaning), how coaching helped her heal, and why she ultimately left a lucrative private practice to focus on resourcing surgeons.You’ll hear practical insights on:• Recognizing “whispers” from the body before burnout hits• Trauma response vs. drama response vs. empowered response• Why you can’t solve problems from a scared brain• Embodiment tools for anxiety (including pendulation)• Redefining failure, shame, and self-criticism in high-stakes work• Infertility stress in women surgeons and the language of “failed” cycles• Protecting the asset: sleep, nutrition, movement, and recovery in a demanding cultureThis episode is especially relevant for women physicians and surgeons navigating burnout, anxiety, infertility-related stress, and the pressure to “push through” at all costs.About Dr. Mel ThackerDr. Mel Thacker is a board certified otolaryngologist, rhinologist, master coach, host of the podcast surgeons with purpose, co-founder of the multi-media company Hippocratic Collective, and two-time TEDx speaker.website: https://www.melthackercoaching.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_surgeon_coach/ Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this deeply moving episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Tasha Faruqui — pediatrician, author, speaker, and mother of a daughter with a rare, life-limiting genetic condition.Dr. Faruqui shares the early signs that something wasn’t right, the years-long diagnostic journey, and the reality of parenting a medically complex child while navigating anticipatory grief. Together, they explore powerful parallels between raising a child with uncertainty and walking the fertility journey.In this conversation, they discuss:• Trusting your intuition as a physician and patient• Advocating for yourself within a broken medical system• Balancing trust and self-advocacy• The emotional weight of infertility and uncertain outcomes• What anticipatory grief really means• Letting go of the life you planned• Choosing joy intentionally in the middle of suffering• How to support families facing complex medical diagnosesWhether you are navigating infertility, parenting through uncertainty, experiencing miscarriage, or supporting someone in a medically complex season, this episode offers wisdom, honesty, and hope.Dr. Faruqui is also the author of Keep Your Head Up: A Mother’s Story of Chasing Joy in the Face of Grief, and she shares how writing her story became part of her family’s healing.This conversation is a reminder that grief and joy can coexist — and that you do not have to walk hard seasons alone.About Dr. Tasha FaruquiTasha Faruqui joined the National Health Service Corps following her graduation from medical school. Her plan was to take over her father’s practice once her commitment was complete, but this was diverted when her second daughter, Soraya, was born with a rare, little-known genetic disorder that remains largely a mystery thirteen years later.Tasha’s focus then shifted to pediatrics, with particular attention to advocacy andsupport for parents of medically complex children and those with a limited lifeexpectancy. Today, she regularly brings her dynamic message of fierce and loving hope to medical students at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the top pediatric medical facility in the country, Make-A-Wish events, and her Instagram community (@thefaruqui5). Her debut memoir, Keep Your Head Up: A Mother’s Story of Chasing Joy in the Face of Grief, was published by Jossey-Bass in September 2025. Tasha was named a top doctor by Cincinnati Magazine in 2022, 2024, and 2025. Connect and learn more at www.tashafaruqui.com. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIf you’ve ever been told your embryos are “high quality” but your transfers keep failing, this episode will change how you think about implantation.In this powerful and science-forward conversation, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Sadikah Behbehani — board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and fellowship-trained Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon — to unpack one of the most overlooked causes of IVF failure: endometriosis.Up to 50% of women undergoing IVF may have undiagnosed endometriosis. Yet many are told everything “looks normal.”In this episode, we explore:• Why high-quality embryos fail to implant• The role of inflammation in recurrent implantation failure• Silent endometriosis and unexplained infertility• When to consider laparoscopy• Excision surgery vs. Lupron suppression• How endometriomas impact egg quality and ovarian reserve• Adenomyosis and its effect on embryo transfer outcomes• Natural pregnancy rates after endometriosis surgery• What REIs may miss — and when to advocate for deeper evaluationDr. Behbehani explains why endometriosis is not just a pain disorder — it is an inflammatory disease that can distort anatomy, disrupt egg development, and interfere with implantation, even when embryos are genetically normal.This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating IVF, recurrent failed transfers, diminished ovarian reserve, chronic pelvic pain, or a diagnosis of “unexplained infertility.”If you’ve felt like something is being missed in your fertility journey, this conversation offers clarity, nuance, and a path forward grounded in both love and science.About Dr. BehbehaniDr. Sadikah Behbehani is a nationally recognized OBGYN and one of the leading endometriosis doctors in Los Angeles & Newport Beach, specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, as well as Minimally Invasive Gynecologic and Robotic Surgery. With double fellowship training, which is an achievement held by only a handful of physicians in the country, Dr. Behbehani offers a unique blend of surgical expertise and fertility care. As an experienced endometriosis excision surgeon and pelvic pain specialist Los Angeles, she is highly skilled in treating even the most complex gynecologic conditions affecting fertility, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Her advanced training allows her to address these challenging medical conditions with precision, helping patients achieve better health outcomes and improved quality of life.Find her:Instagram: dr.sadikahbehbehani Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapWhat does authentic hope really look like in fertility care especially when outcomes are uncertain?In this episode of Love & Science Fertility, we explore how hope can remain steady and empowering without drifting into false reassurance or unrealistic expectations. Grounded in evidence-based medicine and compassionate care, this conversation reframes hope as something patients can build, not just wait for.We discuss how clear communication, structured treatment roadmaps, and an understanding of individual clinical factors—such as age, embryo quality, and diagnosis can help patients feel informed rather than overwhelmed. Rather than bypassing difficult emotions, authentic hope allows space for uncertainty while still supporting resilience, clarity, and forward movement.This episode is for anyone navigating fertility treatment who wants to feel supported, informed, and emotionally anchored even when the path ahead feels unclear. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, we explore the often-unspoken energetic and subconscious blocks that can show up on the fertility journey—especially for high-achieving women who are used to being in control.We discuss how limiting beliefs, attachment to outcomes, fear of change, and self-judgment can quietly keep the nervous system in survival mode, making it difficult to feel grounded, safe, and receptive.This conversation introduces Human Design as a framework for self-understanding and decision-making, and Infinity Healing as a gentle modality for shifting subconscious beliefs that no longer serve you. The episode also includes a guided Infinity Healing meditation focused on releasing fear, restoring self-trust, and reconnecting with a sense of inner safety and empowerment.This episode is for anyone who:Feels stuck or overwhelmed on the fertility journeyStruggles with control, timing anxiety, or attachment to outcomesFeels disconnected from their body or intuitionWants a compassionate, whole-person approach to healingIn this episode, we cover:Why infertility and loss often create subconscious survival patternsCommon fertility-related limiting beliefs (control, lack, fear, worthiness)The difference between desire vs attachmentHow Human Design can help guide next steps when you feel uncertainReleasing fear around change, support, identity, and timingA full guided Infinity Healing meditation (best listened to in a safe, quiet space)Listener note: Please do not listen to the meditation while driving or operating machinery.About Dr. Stacy Cisneros -FraustoDr. Stacy Cisneros -Frausto is a practicing Wound Care Physician in Skokie, IL and is a certified Human Design Coach, and Infinity Healing Practitioner and Trainer.  She uses these modalities to bring precise transformation to her clients by shifting long-standing subconscious beliefs quickly, gently, and permanently.  She helps professionals break through their limiting beliefs to up level to their desires.www.infinitelevelhealings.comwww.facebook.com/InfiniteLevelHealingswww.instagram.com/InfiniteLevelHealingswww.youtube.com/@infinitelevelhealings8141 Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapPCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility—and also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we break down how PCOS is diagnosed, why ovulation can shut down even when “labs look normal,” and why many women are pushed into a cookie-cutter fertility plan too early.We explore a root-cause lens: insulin resistance, inflammation, gut health, nutrient depletion, and lifestyle factors that can either support or suppress ovulation. This is a practical conversation for anyone trying to get pregnant with PCOS—especially if you want a more individualized, whole-body approach.What You’ll LearnHow PCOS is diagnosed (and why you don’t need cysts to have PCOS)The 3 diagnostic criteria and what “2 out of 3” actually meansHow to think about PCOS as a spectrum (not just a checkbox diagnosis)Why “normal labs” can still coexist with irregular ovulationThe role of insulin resistance, inflammation, and gut health in fertilityWhat nutrition strategies support ovulation, hormones, and egg qualityWhy restrictive dieting can worsen symptoms for some womenWhen exercise helps… and when it can push hormones further off trackWhy supplements can help, but often aren’t the full answerThe #1 key to better outcomes: an individualized fertility planGuest DetailsDr. Angela Potter is an integrative fertility doctor, nutritionist and leading expert in PCOS. She is the creator of the PCOS Fertility Protocol. This proven protocol helps women with an individualized approach to get regular periods, consistent ovulation and the best chance at getting pregnant. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love and Science podcast, we sit down with Dr. Tina Segocio, an OBGYN and menopause specialist with over 20 years of experience, to talk about the menopausal transition especially when it shows up in the years women are still trying to build their families.Dr. Tina shares her personal perimenopause experience, including brain fog, memory changes, joint pain, and the moment she realized she needed to “save herself first” in order to care for her patients at the highest level. Together, we unpack why perimenopause is often missed in women in their 30s and 40s, how diminished ovarian reserve can show up earlier than expected, and why “normal” labs don’t always tell the full story.You’ll hear practical, physician-level insight on:Perimenopause symptoms that often start 10–15 years before menopauseFertility in perimenopause and what makes these cycles harder to predictKey labs and timing considerations when ovarian function is changingWhy both partners must be evaluated (and why semen analysis matters early)When generalists should refer sooner to avoid losing critical timeThe role of sleep, stress, and physician burnout in fertility outcomesPreventive care that shouldn’t be missed during fertility treatment (Pap, mammogram, colonoscopy)Donor egg and donor embryo options—and why menopause doesn’t have to be the end of family buildingReframing menopause as an awakening, not an endingThis conversation is for anyone navigating perimenopause, infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, or menopause and especially for high-achieving women and female physicians who need evidence-based guidance and a more honest roadmap.About Dr. Tina SogocioDr. Tina Sogocio is an OB/GYN with a special focus on menopause and midlife women’s health. She’s known for making complex topics feel approachable, honest, and even a little fun. Dr. Tina is passionate about helping women understand what’s happening in their bodies without fear or shame, so they can feel informed, supported, and confident through fertility challenges, perimenopause, menopause, and the years beyond. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Carolyn Moyers, a board-certified OBGYN, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and International Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health.This is a deep, honest conversation about fertility, sexual health, intimacy, and personalized care especially during high-stress seasons like fertility treatment, perimenopause, and midlife transitions.We explore:How fertility treatments impact sexual desire, intimacy, and relationshipsWhy sex often becomes medicalized — and how to reconnect with pleasureVaginal estrogen, vulvar care, lubricants, and what’s actually safe during fertility treatmentPainful sex, endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, and how to truly identify the sourceThe role of pelvic floor physical therapy in healing sexual painEmotional, relational, and body-image factors that affect intimacyWhy women’s sexual health is often overlooked — and how to close the care gapMasculine vs. feminine energy, receiving vs. controlling, and how this shows up in fertility and relationshipsWhy time, listening, and holistic care change everythingDr. Moyers also shares how her osteopathic training and women-centered practice allow her to provide deeply individualized, compassionate care — something many women never experience in traditional medical settings.Whether you’re navigating fertility, struggling with painful sex, entering perimenopause, or simply craving more connected, evidence-based women’s healthcare, this episode offers clarity, validation, and a new way forward.About Dr. Carolyn MoyersDr. Carolyn Moyers is a board-certified OB/GYN, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and International Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. She is the founder of Sky Women’s Health in Fort Worth, Texas, where she provides expert, compassionate care with a focus on menopause, sexual health, and genitopelvic pain disorders. Through her Menopause Masterclass for clinicians and the Sky Women’s Health Podcast, Dr. Moyers is on a mission to close the care gap and empower women in midlife with evidence-based solutions. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapHello, my Loves — today’s episode is one so many physicians and high-achieving caregivers will feel in their bones.I’m joined by Dr. Dympna Weil, a board-certified OBGYN, master coach, speaker, and host of the Prescribing Possibility Platform. With over 20 years in medicine, Dr. Weil understands firsthand how burnout, chronic stress, and professional pressure can disconnect us from our humanity — especially when life gets hard.In this conversation, we talk about the way forward when you’re carrying:physician burnout and survival modeinfertility and IVF traumashame, secrecy, and feeling alonepregnancy anxiety after infertilityhypervigilance, compartmentalization, and “turning emotions off”how to safely “turn them back on” without falling apartDr. Weil shares her personal fertility journey — including TTC at 32, workups, Clomid, IUIs, IVF, pregnancy with twins, loss at 11 weeks, and a complicated pregnancy — while navigating the daily triggers of practicing OB/GYN and caring for patients.We also explore trauma in medical training, how it shapes our nervous systems, and tools that help physicians regulate and heal — including tapping (EFT), coaching, and creating emotionally safe spaces where shame can finally dissolve.If you’re a physician, caregiver, or high-achieving woman who feels like you’ve been in survival mode for too long… this episode will make you feel seen — and give you language for what you’ve lived.About Dr. Dympna WeilWith over 20 years in medicine as a board certified OBGYN, I know firsthand the toll that burnout, stress, and professional pressures can take on a person’s well-being. As a Master Coach, physician wellness advocate, speaker and podcaster, I empower physicians and others who identify as caregivers, to move from burnout to brilliance—and beyond—to a life of fulfillment, joy, and harmony. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

 Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love and Science Fertility Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Kerry Reller, owner of Clearwater Family Medicine and Allergy, for a deep, practical conversation on allergies, asthma, and pregnancy.If you’re trying to conceive, going through IVF, or newly pregnant and struggling with seasonal allergies, asthma, chronic congestion, or medication questions — this episode is for you.We cover:What allergy and asthma medications are safe during preconception and pregnancyWhy asthma control is critical for maternal and fetal healthThe truth about antihistamines, nasal steroids, inhalers, and decongestantsHEPA filters, dust mites, pets, and environmental changes that actually helpAllergy shots (immunotherapy): when they’re safe — and when to avoid themProgesterone reactions, fertility medications, and allergic-type responsesWhat to avoid during pregnancy (including common OTC products)How allergies, asthma, and inflammation can impact sleep, energy, and overall fertility healthWhether you’re early in your fertility journey or already expecting, this episode provides reassurance, safety guidance, and practical next steps.Today we also celebrate our 100th episode of Love and Science Fertility! With so much gratitude, we are so honored to be doing this work. As always I love you! Guest Details:Dr. Kerry Reller is a board-certified Family and Obesity Medicine physician and the owner of Clearwater Family Medicine and Allergy in Florida. A former electrical engineer turned doctor, she blends primary care, allergy, and obesity medicine to help patients prevent disease and build sustainable habits for healthier living.  Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

In this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Yemi Famuyiwa, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and founder of Montgomery Fertility Center in Rockville, Maryland, for a powerful conversation on personalized fertility care.Dr. Yemi shares her journey into reproductive endocrinology, from her early love of medicine to her research years at the NIH and her decision to build a private practice centered on patient connection, innovation, and individualized treatment.Together, they explore how fertility care has evolved, the limitations of one-size-fits-all IVF approaches, and why truly personalized medicine is essential for better patient outcomes. Dr. Yemi discusses innovative tools such as PRP therapy in select fertility patients, advances in uterine and endometrial treatments, and the importance of careful patient selection, realistic expectations, and ethical practice.The conversation also highlights Dr. Yemi’s donor egg program and why culturally aligned, ethically sourced donor options are critical for diverse patient populations. She explains how fertility treatment extends beyond lab results and protocols, touching on emotional healing, trauma, and the mind-body connection in reproductive health.Dr. Yemi also shares insights from her forthcoming book, The Quest for Fertility, which uses real patient stories to explain reproductive science and offer hope to individuals navigating complex fertility journeys.This episode is a must-listen for patients, physicians, and anyone interested in the future of fertility care, precision medicine, and compassionate, science-based healingGuest Details:Oluyemisi Famuyiwa, MD-Board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and the Founder and Medical Director of Montgomery Fertility Center in Rockville, Maryland. -She completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health and serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at George Washington University School of Medicine. -Dr. Famuyiwa is the author of the forthcoming book The Quest for Fertility and the host of the Fertile Talks podcast, where she bridges clinical insights with empowering fertility education.  Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

In this powerful episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Esra Shermadou, a board-certified family medicine physician, to explore premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) through both a medical and deeply personal lens.Diagnosed with cancer at just 21 years old, Dr. Shermadou shares how chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant led to POI, shaping her understanding of hormone health, fertility, and long-term wellbeing. Together, Erica and Esra unpack why POI is often misunderstood, how outdated hormone narratives have left many women under-treated, and what women truly need to protect their overall health.This conversation goes beyond fertility and speaks to the emotional, physical, and identity-shaping impact of a POI diagnosis.In this episode, you’ll learn about:• What premature ovarian insufficiency really is• POI after chemotherapy and cancer treatment• Hormone therapy myths and what women actually need• Long-term health risks of untreated POI• Strength training, lifestyle medicine, and longevity• Reclaiming agency and confidence after diagnosisIf you or someone you love has been diagnosed with POI or feels confused about hormone care, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope.Guest Details: Dr. Esra ShermadouDr. Esra Shermadou is a board-certified family medicine physician and a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. After navigating her own journey with premature ovarian insufficiency, she became deeply passionate about women’s health, hormone therapy, and sustainable lifestyle change.She is the founder of Sakinah Health, a direct primary care clinic in Dayton, Ohio (opening mid-November 2025), offering personalized, root-cause care to help women and men feel like themselves again.Connect with Dr. Esra ShermadouWebsite: https://SakinahHealth.comInstagram: @dresra_shermadou_do and @dresrasgottheiron Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapIn this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Robyn Tiger, a double board-certified physician in diagnostic radiology and lifestyle medicine, trauma-informed mind-body expert, and founder of Stress-Free MD.Dr. Robyn shares her powerful personal journey through chronic, unexplained physical symptoms that ultimately stemmed from severe chronic stress — and how discovering yoga, meditation, and lifestyle medicine quite literally saved her health and her life.Together, Dr. Erica and Dr. Robyn explore what it truly means to integrate science, medicine, and whole-person care, especially for women navigating high-stress medical careers, fertility journeys, and life transitions.This conversation is grounded, compassionate, and deeply practical, offering both hope and actionable tools for healing.How Dr. Robyn reclaimed her health and life after years of unexplained symptoms, beginning with yoga and nervous system regulation.We discuss: Her unexpected pregnancy complicated by a fetal anomaly, the grief that followed, and how she found the courage to move forwardWhy chronic stress is often the missing diagnosis in modern medicineEvidence-based stress reduction techniques that actually workHow lifestyle medicine, trauma-informed care, and coaching can be integrated for true whole-person healingGuest Details:Robyn Tiger, MD, DipABLM is a double board-certified physician inDiagnostic Radiology and Lifestyle Medicine and a trauma informedmind-body expert. As founder of StressFreeMD, she uniquelycombines her trainings in medicine, yoga therapy, meditation & lifecoaching to teach physicians a whole person approach to relieve stresswhile increasing both lifespan and healthspan. Her innovativecoaching, courses, presentations, retreats, podcast and book focus oncreating effective behavior changes in the key topics of stress relief,nutrition, exercise, sleep, social connection and nature whilecultivating physical, mental, and emotional well-being and resilience.stressfreemd.net Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapHigh achieving women are often told to try harder.But in infertility, striving can quietly keep the body stuck.In this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica introduces Starting To Thrive, a 12 module course created from over a decade of clinical experience in reproductive endocrinology.She shares why infertility so often overwhelms the nervous system, why information alone is not enough when the body is in survival mode, and how real transformation begins when the mind and body return to safety.In this conversation, Dr. Erica explores:Why chronic striving increases stress and blocks healingHow calming the nervous system supports fertilityThe role of authentic hope grounded in scienceMaking empowered, values based decisionsNavigating triggers, bad news, and waitingBuilding support and community in an isolating journeyThis episode marks the official launch of the Starting To Thrive Course, which includes a structured 12 week program, practical tools for meaningful change, and 18 CME credits for physicians and other health aligned professionals.If you have been doing everything right but still feel exhausted, anxious, or stuck, this conversation offers a grounded and compassionate path forward.You do not need to push harder.There is another way, and it starts with learning how to thrive.www.loveandsciencefertility.com/starting-to-thrive-courseSupport the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

In this episode of the Love and Science Fertility Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove explores the power of intentional reflection and goal-setting during the fertility journey. She shares how writing down intentions can help reframe negative narratives around fertility treatments, while honoring both loss and growth along the way.Erica discusses the importance of managing emotional energy, practicing self-care, and nurturing supportive relationships during this season. This conversation offers grounding guidance for anyone navigating fertility challenges who wants to move forward with clarity, compassion, and hope.Whether you’re in treatment, taking a pause, or supporting someone you love, this episode invites you to reflect, reset, and reconnect with what truly matters. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapThe winter solstice reminds us that even in the darkest season, the light begins to return.In this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica reflects on the symbolism of light overcoming darkness and how this truth can offer comfort and perspective during the fertility journey. Drawing from personal experience, seasonal rhythms, and wisdom traditions, she explores how hope and possibility can exist even when the path feels uncertain.This conversation is an invitation to soften into the season rather than fight it. Erica shares gentle reflections on protecting your energy, nurturing kindness toward yourself and others, and allowing moments of service, rest, and self-care to support you through difficult times.She also guides listeners through a short meditation to help process emotions, release what no longer serves you, and reconnect with a sense of inner peace and personal agency.This episode is not about forcing optimism or bypassing pain. It is about honoring where you are, creating space for hope, and remembering that light can emerge in ways we may not yet see.Wherever you find yourself this season, may this be a gentle reminder that you are allowed to move at your own pace and that possibility still exists. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Have you ever felt like you suffered in silence? Like no one else understood your situation or your struggles?Dr. Trina Dorrah is a certified physician coach who shares her experience of the fertility journey before she discovered coaching. She shares:how coaching tools could have helped her navigate the process with much less shame, blame, self-judgment, and overwhelmmindset shifts which could be applied to women physicians undergoing this processher eating disorder journey including taking time for recovery, notably after her fertility journeythe parallels between intuitive eating and trusting one's body along the wayThank you, Dr. Dorrah, for generously sharing your story with us. We are not alone, and we are stronger together. Guest Details:Dr. Trina Dorrah is an internal medicine physician and life coach for women physicians. She’s been a hospitalist for 18 years and understands the exhaustion, overwhelm, and self-doubt that can come with a career in medicine.Trina started her coaching journey in 2020 after training at The Life Coach School and later earning her ICF certification through Symbiosis. She’s also a Certified Relationship-Centered Communication Coach and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Her varied interests reflect her belief that true well-being comes from caring for both mind and body—with compassion, curiosity, and balance.Known as The Affordable Life Coach, Trina believes good coaching doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Through her work, she helps women physicians beat burnout, improve communication, and reconnect with the joy that brought them to medicine in the first place.Learn more at theaffordablelifecoach.com. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

What is the hardest part about forgiving ourselves? How can we better support physicians navigating trauma and burnout?Join us as we welcome the insightful and inspiring Dr. Kathy Gibney, a mentor, friend, and PhD psychologist whose career spans decades of dedication to physician wellness. Dr. Kathy shares her wisdom on the emotional landscape of medicine and the powerful simplicity of genuine human connection.Topics we discuss: Building relational trust in medicineAddressing moral injury and stigmaForgiving and celebrating ourselvesFilling our personal wellUnlearning the doctor identityThis conversation illuminates the essential path toward reclaiming our lives and humanity, reminding us that we are always more than our titles.Guest Details: Kathleen C Gibney, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Diplomat of the American Board of Professional PsychologistsKathy is retired now and finding she is busy and happy spending time “doing whatever she likes.” Her last full-time position was as the Director of The Center for Physician Wellbeing at AdventHealth Orlando. The Center focused on providing counseling & coaching, consulting, education, and collegial opportunities to physicians and mid-level practitioners and their families for the nine central region Florida Hospitals. She has been a keynote speaker and workshop presenter at conferences and retreats. Her past experiences have increased her passion and appreciation for the personal and professional journeys of individuals and the stories those adventures write in people’s hearts. She has been a mentor and consulting professional dedicated to walking with others on this challenging journey of living and thriving. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapDr. Sarah Wittry was just a resident when she realized she and her husband had infertility. In this deeply personal and reflective episode, she shares:her initial journey of unsuccessful fertility treatments and deciding to pivotthe heartache of navigating her fertility journey without emotional supportbeing open to many different pathways to parenthoodhow she wished she had discovered self compassion soonerher experience with IVF towards the end of her journeyhow she grounds herself daily to show up for herself and her family with love, emotional awareness and authenticityI am confident that her story will resonate with you, and that you will feel a little bit less alone.Guest Details: Dr. Sarah Wittry is a hospice palliative physician and certified mind-body coach dedicated to empowering women physicians. She balances a rich family life with her passions for yoga, books, travel, and engaging in deep conversations over good coffee. Sarah's holistic approach to well-being inspires those around her to find harmony in both their personal and professional lives. She specializes in stress resilience, emotional regulation and nervous system regulation.Relevant Episode:Ep. 83: Overcoming Decision Fatigue: How One Graduate Recentered and Became a Mother Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Is the holiday season, especially while navigating a fertility journey, stealing your joy? Learn practical, actionable strategies to manage stress, set boundaries, and cultivate moments of joy, even when faced with expectations and triggers.Discussion Points: How to define joy and cultivate more of itTips for preventing triggers and also dealing with them in real timeSuggestions on setting boundariesUnderstanding gratitude and how it relates to stress managementMy goal is for you to use these tools to help you find more moments of beauty, connection, and joy this holiday season. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapChoosing between a Fresh and a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?Join us as we explore the history, current success rates, and the specific clinical and practical reasons why one approach might be better for your unique situation.Topics Covered:The evolution of IVF success rates and the role of freezing technologyClinical indications for a Freeze All/FETPractical factors like cost savings and streamlined timing/efficiencyNatural, Modified Natural, and Fully Medicated CyclesAs research continues to push the boundaries of reproductive medicine, I keep watching how these protocols evolve to offer insights on the best possible chance at building families.Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Love & Science Fertility was founded two years ago this November. I’m deeply grateful for everyone who listens to this podcast, trusts me to walk with them on their fertility journey, and for the community of professionals who help bring this mission to life.Sunny Smith graciously shares her wisdom and experience on today's episode, both in terms of her personal and ongoing journey finding wellness as well as how she empowers other women physicians to do the same. We discuss the following:her journey into coaching, first with awareness of thoughts, and then embodied awarenesshow to notice emotional activationhow to calm the nervous system her own story of a diagnosis of infertilityhow awareness of our feelings and needs can lead to meaningful changeshow embracing our humanity can make all of the differencehow we can challenge the status quo and charter a better path for ourselves (and potentially others) moving forwardGuest Details:Sunny Smith MD is the Founder and CEO of Empowering Women Physicians.Dr Smith brings her background as an awarded Medical Educator, Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health, Community Director, Course Director, Medical Director, and long history of being an advocate for medical student and physician wellness into the coaching space.She advocates for physician wellness through her comprehensive and collaborative coaching program, podcast, retreats and Facebook group that seek to change the culture of medicine through normalizing and humanizing the experience of being a physician. Dr. Smith is the recipient of multiple teaching awards including Humanism in Medicine, Excellence in Teaching, and Outstanding Community Leader award. Her work has been published in many peer-reviewed journals including JAMA and she has been featured in Forbes, Inc5000, and Entrepreneur Magazine.https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Have you ever wondered what will happen if your fertility treatments don't end up working? If at some point you decide to stop treatments and live a childfree life? I believe deeply that we need to consider these questions much earlier in the process. It does not mean that we are giving up, but rather that there are many meaningful ways to live this life, both with and without children.Lana generously shares her journey with us, in terms of the following:her IVF journey which did not yield childrenher decision to stop treatments and not pursue adoption or third party reproductionthe lack of closure with her REI and how childfree should be offered as an option moving forward her identity crisis and lack of grounding when the goal of motherhood was no longer presenther journey towards authenticitynavigating feelings of failure/shame/blamehow to have meaningful relationships with family and friends who are not childfreehow awareness of the stories we are telling ourselves is crucial to reframing our experience and choosing stories which serve us and allow us to live the best, most meaningful lives possibleGuest Details:Lana Manikowski is a certified life coach, author, and infertility advocate who helps women thrive after infertility. After a seven-year fertility journey that ended without children, she created the support she yearned for but was never offered. She went on to write the bestselling book So Now What?, founded The Other’s Day Brunch, an annual event honoring women without children, and hosts The "So Now What?" Podcast.Through her coaching and community, Lana guides women to release shame, heal their relationship with their bodies, strengthen their marriages or partnerships, and reconnect in meaningful relationships with friends and family who have children. She helps childless women create purposeful, joyful lives beyond motherhood.She holds advanced certifications in grief and post-traumatic growth and is a proud member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and an active volunteer with RESOLVE.Her signature message: Your story isn’t over. It’s just beginning.https://lanamanikowski.com Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Have you ever been told that your rheumatologic disease precluded you from trying to conceive? Or that the medications you needed were unsafe in pregnancy and that would dictate your trajectory? Or that nothing could be done for your diminished ovarian reserve in the context of a rheumatologic diagnosis? Please join us today as we challenge previously held assumptions about the following:The crossover between infertility and rheumatologic disease, and the "why" of it all DiagnosisTreatmentMedication combinations and possibilitiesFertility preservationPatient advocacyDr. Panico takes a patient-centered, whole health approach to her patients. May you borrow her wisdom and take with you pearls which might help you along your own journey, whether you have a rheumatologic diagnosis or not. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

In this very moving and powerful episode, my mentor, Dr. Una, shares her wisdom so generously with our community.We discuss the following: her mission of helping 100,000 physicians live life on their own terms  possibility thinking mindset work for creating belief and then massive resultscultivating your "A" teamthe power of communityWe can be vision boards for each other, if we allow ourselves to dream.Guest DetailsDr. Nneka Unachukwu is the founder of EntreMD, a company on a mission to help 100,000 physicians build profitable 7 and 7+ figure businesses so they have the freedom to live life and practice medicine on their terms. She does this through the EntreMD Business School, the only school of its kind for physician entrepreneurs, the EntreMD podcast, a top 1% podcast, and her best-selling books. Dr. Una, as she is fondly called has also been featured in Forbes and her company was on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately held companies in America two years running.www.entremd.com Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Can you really “test” your fertility? Is everything you’ve heard about fertility assessments kind of a myth?This week I’m revealing why “fertility testing” isn’t what most people think it is and how they don’t actually define your fertility or your worth.Topics in this episode:AMH numberssemen analysisanatomy scansholistic care and coaching toolsturning survival mode off You’ll leave with more clarity, more hope, and the sense that you’re not as far off as you think. Listen to find out how Love and Science can help you thrive, no matter where you are on your fertility journey.Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Today's episode is very dear to me-- a Love and Science graduate shares her successful fertility journey. Although she joined less than a year prior to the date of this recording, her next transfer was successful, and now she is a mother. Please listen with the understanding that someone just like you has walked this journey and, with the help of a trusted guide, is on the other side of parenthood--whole, supported, and grateful. We discuss the following:her personal story prior to joining Love and Science (sadly including 4 miscarriages, one of which was a PGT-a tested embryo)how Love and Science helped her to center her thoughts and get rid of much fear and negativityhow taking a thorough history and using additional testing added to her IVF treatment planhow she navigated difficult news and uncertainty even during her pregnancyhow she continues to use Love and Science tools as a new parent Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapHave you ever done an IVF cycle and lost a good amount of your hair? Or suffered from adult acne which you don't remember ever having before? Or how about noticing new wrinkles and gray hair and being told you can't use certain products like Botox, Retin A or hair dye? How can you feel good in your own skin while going through this process? In this episode we discuss:hair loss and strategies to prevent ithormonal acne and safe and effective treatmentsBotox and fillers Melasma Seeing yourself with love and self compassionDon't miss this high yield and relevant episode.Guest DetailsDr. Laura McGevna is a board certified dermatologist and owner of SWAE Skin. After attending Yale University and moving on to medical school, Dr. McGevna fell in love with dermatology. She became a teacher of dermatology, and went on to establish her own practice after she learned how much needs to be done at home for prevention instead of treatment.www.swaeskin.com Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove

Download The Physician Fertility Roadmap- a 6-step, evidence-based plan to optimize your fertility over the next 6-12 months. https://support.loveandsciencefertility.com/The-Physician-Fertility-RoadmapHave you ever asked your fertility physician if you should eliminate gluten and/or dairy? Have you wondered if your diet and gut health are optimal enough for a successful outcome? Have you done all of the elimination diets and then beat yourself up after having a pastry or something similar?You are not alone. The majority of people in your situation have these recurrent thoughts, and the question is--how do we sort what is evidence-based and what is not? How do we live our lives with some enjoyment of food instead of strict rules and shame?In this mind-blowing episode, Dr. Vivian walks us through the following:the 3 components of gut healththe most common ways gut issues and fertility issues show up togetherevidence-based, foundational nutrition strategies for optimal health integrative tools for improving outcomes, including intuitive eatingthe gut brain axis and working through trauma elimination diets and what everyone should avoid You will not regret listening. May we each take with us something which will improve our health and our outcomes.Guest DetailsDr. Vivian Asamoah is Board-certified in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. She completed her fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Post fellowship, she earned her certification in Functional Medicine through The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM.) She is CEO of Houston Castro Institute, a private practice serving the West Houston community in Houston-Texas, for over a decade.She is an international speaker, educator, and patient advocate. She has run continuing medical education for healthcare professionals in conventionalgastroenterology, as well as the non-allopathic fields of naturopathic medicine, chiropractic care, and dietetics.Facebook: @vivianabenaasamoahInstagram: @drvivianasamoah Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove