Trying to Conceive with Dr. Sasha Hakman

IVF medication protocols can be one of the most confusing parts of fertility treatment. In this solo episode, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Sasha Hakman explains how IVF medications actually work, why different patients may need different stimulation protocols, and how factors like AMH, ovarian reserve, age, previous IVF response, and risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) influence treatment decisions. In this episode, we cover: How the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis controls the menstrual cycle, including the roles of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone How IVF medications recruit multiple follicles and why AMH, antral follicle count, and ovarian reserve influence your stimulation protocol and medication dose The main IVF stimulation medications, including recombinant FSH, human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG/Menopur), GnRH agonists, GnRH antagonists, and hCG How IVF trigger shots work, including Lupron vs. hCG, dual or co-triggers, double Lupron triggers, final egg maturation, and meiosis The antagonist IVF protocol, how Ganirelix and Cetrotide help prevent premature ovulation, and why this is one of the most commonly used IVF protocols Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), how hCG and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contribute to risk, and why trigger selection matters for high responders The microdose Lupron flare protocol, who may benefit from it, and why Dr. Sasha often considers it for diminished ovarian reserve or a previous poor response to IVF stimulation The long Clomid protocol, Provera protocols, and mini IVF, including when lower-dose stimulation may make sense and why mini IVF does not automatically mean better egg quality IVF add-ons including letrozole, Clomid, and Omnitrope (growth hormone), what the research actually shows, and why letrozole may be useful for breast cancer, endometriosis, and other estrogen-sensitive conditions IVF priming with birth control, estrogen, testosterone or AndroGel, and growth hormone, plus why Dr. Sasha does not routinely recommend DHEA supplementation How estrogen priming and luteal-phase starts may help patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) prevent early follicle recruitment and improve follicle synchrony Why a previous IVF cycle can provide valuable information for choosing your next protocol, and the surprising research on repeating the same IVF protocol vs. switching protocols after a poor response Why there is no single “best” IVF protocol and when individualized protocols may matter most, particularly for patients approaching or over 40, diminished ovarian reserve, poor egg maturity, or previous failed IVF cycles Episodes Dr. Sasha mentions: IVF 101: A foundational breakdown of IVF, follicle development, and the IVF process Dr. Sasha's IVF cycles at 32 and 37: Dr. Sasha shares the different medication protocols she personally used and how her blastocyst yield compared between cycles five years apart Quick terminology guide: HPO axis = hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis | GnRH = gonadotropin-releasing hormone | FSH = follicle-stimulating hormone | LH = luteinizing hormone | AMH = anti-Müllerian hormone | hMG = human menopausal gonadotropin | hCG = human chorionic gonadotropin | OHSS = ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome | VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor | DOR = diminished ovarian reserve Follow Dr. Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd @tryingwithdrhakman Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingwithdrhakman YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors! For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at ⁠Tumbleliving.com⁠/DRSASHA Support your cells and how you age with Mitopure® Gummies from Timeline. Visit ⁠timeline.com/SASHA⁠ and 20% off your Mitopure® Gummies. Use my link ⁠thrivemarket.com/TRYING⁠  to get $20 off your first three orders —  That covers your membership fee! Sign up now before this exclusive offer ends. Visit ⁠Carawayhome.com/DRSASHA⁠ to take an additional 10% off your next purchase Head to ⁠AquaTru.com⁠ now and get 20% off your purifier using promocode DRSASHA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We share more with a reproductive endocrinologist than you'd think — hormones drive skin and hair just as much as fertility. In this episode, Dr. Sasha sits down with triple board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano to break down what's really behind hormonal acne and hair loss, the environmental factors quietly wrecking our skin, and the exact prescriptions, supplements, and skincare routines that actually work. In this episode, we cover: Why acne is so common (80-90%+ of women experience it) and why it's rising in adulthood The environmental theories behind the "acne epidemic" — diet, sugar, dairy, fiber intake, caffeine, microplastics, and endocrine disruptors Why chronic stress, poor sleep, and constant phone/screen stimulation are affecting our hormones and skin How to tell if your acne is truly "hormonal" — jawline breakouts, cystic bumps, and the testosterone-to-estrogen ratio (not the absolute number) that drives flares PMOS (formerly PCOS) and how androgen imbalances show up as cystic acne, hirsutism, and hair loss Dr. Turegano's diagnostic workup: history, hormone testing, functional medicine referrals, Dutch tests, and gut microbiome testing The acne treatment ladder — topical retinoids, spironolactone, isotretinoin (Accutane), and where supplements like omega-3s, zinc, pumpkin seed oil, vitex, and DIM fit in Why the type of progestin in your birth control can make acne better or worse — and the role of drospirenone (Yasmin) Coming off birth control or spironolactone without your skin spiraling Normal vs. abnormal hair shedding, telogen effluvium vs. androgenic alopecia, and why postpartum hair loss hits so hard The most common hidden cause of hair loss: iron deficiency (even without anemia) — plus the trick to actually absorbing your iron supplement Dr. Turegano's hair loss lab panel: thyroid (TSH, free T3/T4, antibodies), vitamin D, zinc, ANA, ferritin, and androgens Hair growth treatments ranked: topical and oral minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, spironolactone, and the supplements worth trying (Nutrafol, Viviscal Pro, biotin myths) The truth about biotin — why it can mask a real heart attack on lab testing Building a skincare routine: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen as the non-negotiable foundation, plus where retinoids and vitamin C serums fit in Dr. Turegano's personal AM/PM skincare routine and product picks Follow Dr. Mamina Turegano! Instagram/social: @dr.mamino Follow Dr. Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code DRSASHA at oneskin.co/DRSASHA Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that’s actually covered by insurance. Visit Rula.com/DRSASHA to get started Use my link at thrivemarket.com/trying to get $20 off your first three orders —  That covers your membership fee! Sign up now before this exclusive offer ends. Head to vitaclean.co and use code DRSASHA at checkout for 20% off your Starter Kits purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secondary infertility affects millions of women — and yet it remains one of the most isolating diagnoses in the fertility space. You already have a child, so you feel like you can't complain. But the confusion, grief, and frustration are completely real. In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman breaks down exactly what secondary infertility is, why it happens, and what to do about it — including causes that will genuinely surprise you. If you've been pregnant before and are struggling to get pregnant again, this episode was made for you. In this episode, we cover: What secondary infertility actually is by definition — and why pregnancy loss counts too, even if you never brought a baby home Ovulatory dysfunction: why it's the #1 cause of secondary infertility, how PCOS, thyroid disease, and high prolactin play a role, and how postpartum weight changes can quietly shut down ovulation How to track your cycle and confirm ovulation at home — including Dr. Sasha's favorite tools (Inito, LH strips, and progesterone testing) The age factor no one talks about enough: what the statistics actually say about childless-not-by-choice rates for women 35–40 and 40+ Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI): why some women enter early menopause between babies — and why waiting too long between pregnancies can dramatically change your options Tubal disease and endometriosis: how tubes that were once open can become blocked between pregnancies, and what an HSG actually involves Uterine factors: fibroids, polyps, Ashman syndrome, and why a saline infusion sonogram catches what a regular ultrasound misses Male factor infertility: why "he already has kids" is not a reason to skip the semen analysis, and how sleep deprivation, weight gain, and lifestyle changes after baby can tank sperm quality Unexplained secondary infertility: why it's the most frustrating diagnosis, and how Dr. Sasha expands her workup to look for hidden endometriosis, insulin resistance, and sleep disruption C-sections and fertility: what a meta-analysis of 600,000 women found about C-section's impact on subsequent pregnancy and live birth rates Isthmocele explained: what it is, how a C-section scar defect can trap fluid and create a hostile environment for embryos, and how it's diagnosed and treated Why Dr. Sasha pursued a VBAC after her first C-section — and the fertility reasoning behind that decision The full diagnostic workup for secondary infertility: what your doctor should be evaluating and what to ask for if they're not Treatment options: from super ovulation with IUI to IVF, to surgical correction of structural issues — and how the approach depends entirely on what the workup reveals Why breastfeeding may be the simplest thing standing between you and your next pregnancy Follow Dr. Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors! If you're in the infant stage or know someone who is, check out the Momcozy Night Pro Bottle Warmer or the DeepClean Bottle Washer D8. They're offering 20% off if you go to momcozy.com and use code TRYING. For a limited time, our listeners get $20 off to unlock their new health intelligence. Head over to Superpower.com and use code TRYING for $20 off your $199 Superpower membership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most women have been told at some point that their menstrual cycle should dictate how they train, that fasted workouts are wrecking their hormones, or that muscle-building becomes nearly impossible after 40. In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with researcher and women's health expert Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to separate what the science actually shows from what the fitness industry is selling. They break down why cycle syncing isn't backed by the data, whether fasted training really matters, how much protein your body can actually use at once, and what's really true (and not true) about building muscle in perimenopause and menopause. If you've ever felt confused, discouraged, or like you needed to buy one more program to finally "get it right," this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why the fitness industry profits from confusion — and how "cycle syncing" programs oversell the effect of hormones on your training Fasted vs. fed training: does it affect fat loss, muscle growth, or strength adaptations? (Spoiler: no) Low energy availability explained — who's actually at risk, and why it's different from simply training fasted The truth about the "anabolic window" and post-workout protein timing How much protein your body can actually use in one sitting, and why more isn't always better Why weight training under stable, loaded conditions beats unstable-surface or "functional" exercises for building muscle Understanding "the neighborhood of failure" — how close to failure you really need to train, and how to get started if you're intimidated by the weight room Rep ranges myths: why sets of 5 and sets of 25 can build the same amount of muscle Does the menstrual cycle affect training performance or adaptation? What the actual research says (not the extrapolated animal studies) Hormonal birth control, "brain changes," and exercise capacity — what's real and what's not Why so much of exercise science excluded women — and why that gap is closing faster than the internet gives it credit for Testosterone and muscle growth: why massive differences in testosterone levels between men and women don't translate to massive differences in ability to build muscle Can you make up for "lost time" if you didn't start lifting until your 40s, 50s, or later? Menopause and muscle: does estrogen decline really make it harder to build muscle, and does hormone therapy change that? Supplements that are actually worth your money — creatine dosing, why BCAAs are a waste, and why collagen is a poor protein source for muscle Whey vs. pea protein, jumping for bone health, and whether weighted vests actually do anything The single biggest myth stopping women from reaching their fitness goals Follow Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple! Instagram: @drlaurencs1 Follow Dr. Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  Use code DRSASHA at ⁠carawayhome.com⁠ for 10% off Head to https://airdoctorpro.com/ and use promo code DRSASHA and get up to $300 off ANY of their select AirDoctor models, plus you will get a 3-year warranty,absolutely FREE!  All AirDoctor air purifiers come with a 30-day money back guarantee.  Get this exclusive, podcast-only offer NOW at https://airdoctorpro.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You asked for it, and here it is. In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman walks through her own two IVF cycles in full detail — the exact medications, doses, trigger decisions, lab outcomes, and the reasoning behind every choice she made. As a reproductive endocrinologist who has navigated IVF both as a clinician and a patient, she brings a level of transparency you rarely get from a doctor. From a purely elective embryo freeze at 32 to a second retrieval at 37, this episode breaks down what actually goes into building a family through IVF — and helps you understand your own protocol along the way. In this episode, we cover: Why Dr. Sasha chose to freeze embryos at 32 — before she was ready to have children — and the reasoning behind creating embryos vs. freezing eggs Her diagnosis of Non-Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (NCAH), what it is, and how it contributed to her ovulatory dysfunction Her baseline fertility stats: AMH of 4 ng/mL and 30+ follicles — even while on continuous birth control pills Cycle 1 at age 32: antagonist protocol, 275 units of Gonal-F + 75 units of Menopur, and why she chose a combination Lupron + low-dose hCG trigger The OHSS she developed after her first retrieval — how bad it got, and how she managed it at home Why she got 26 eggs but only 11 were mature — and why she was so disappointed with that outcome Cycle 2 at age 37: what changed in her protocol, and what the data from cycle 1 taught her Final embryo outcome: 6 blastocysts, 3 euploid (1 male, 2 female), 3 aneuploid ICSI — why she chose it even without a male factor diagnosis, and the case for doing it even when sperm looks great Assisted hatching — what it is, why she opted in, and the small but real risk of monozygotic twinning PGT-A genetic testing — how it works and why she would never transfer an aneuploid embryo Delayed vs. immediate egg stripping — an inside look at embryology lab practices most patients never hear about What she did NOT add to her protocol — no growth hormone, no embryo glue — and why she kept it evidence-based and simple The future of IVF: personalized genetic protocols that could one day predict how your ovaries will respond before your first injection Pregnancy update: 23 weeks, scheduled for a fetal echo, and feeling every bit of the third trimester Follow Dr. Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  Head to AquaTru.com now and get 20% off your purifier using promocode DRSASHA  Thanks to today’s sponsor, Ogee: A higher standard for beauty. Go to ogee.com/DRSASHA and use code DRSASHA to get 20% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury. Support your cells and how you age with Mitopure® Gummies from Timeline. Visit timeline.com/SASHA and 20% off your Mitopure® Gummies. That’s timeline.com/SASHA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 10 women, yet the average patient waits years for a diagnosis — often after being told their pain is normal. In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with board-certified OB/GYN and endometriosis surgeon Dr. Mallory Stuparich to break down what endometriosis actually is, why it's now understood as a systemic immune and neuro-inflammatory condition rather than a purely hormonal one, and how patients can push back when they're being dismissed. If you've ever been told your pain is "just part of being a woman," this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: What endometriosis actually is — and why "endometrial-like tissue" outside the uterus is now understood as part of a systemic neuro-inflammatory and neuro-immune disorder, not just a hormonal one Why endometriosis so often overlaps with mast cell activation, POTS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, autoimmune conditions, and migraines The leading theories on what causes endometriosis, and why retrograde menstruation alone doesn't explain it Normal period pain vs. abnormal period pain — and the questions to ask yourself to know the difference Red flag symptoms beyond pelvic pain: GI issues (painful bowel movements, incomplete emptying, bleeding), bladder urgency, pelvic floor dysfunction, painful sex, and brain fog Why the amount of pain a patient feels doesn't always correlate with how much disease is actually present What a real diagnostic workup looks like, and why a "normal" ultrasound or MRI does not rule out endometriosis Post-surgical hormone therapy — why suppression after excision matters, and who isn't a candidate Adenomyosis explained: what it is, how it differs from fibroids, and treatment options including adenomyomectomy, uterine artery embolization, and microwave ablation The links between endometriosis, infertility, and miscarriage — including why 50% of women with endo do not experience infertility Recurrence after excision surgery, and why what looks like "recurrence" is often incomplete removal the first time around Lightning round: Is endometriosis genetic? Can you have it with completely normal labs and imaging? Does a hysterectomy cure it? Can it still affect you after menopause? Follow Dr. Mallory Stuparich! Instagram/social: @MalloryStuparichMD Follow Dr. Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  Head to bioptimizers.com/drsasha and use code DRSASHA try OneSkin with 15% off using code DRSASHA at oneskin.co/DRSASHA Head to vitaclean.co and use code DRSASHA for 20% off Shower head Starter Kits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy loss affects 15–25% of clinically recognized pregnancies, yet so many people are left without answers — or without hope. In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman breaks down everything you need to know about miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss: the five major causes, how each one is diagnosed, what treatment actually looks like, and which lifestyle factors are (and aren't) worth worrying about. If you've experienced a loss and are searching for answers, this episode is for you — and remember, it is not your fault. In this episode, we cover: Why miscarriage is so common, and how the definition of "recurrent pregnancy loss" has evolved to include biochemical losses Bucket 1 — Genetic/Chromosomal causes: why random chromosomal errors (like trisomy 16 and Turner syndrome) account for up to 75% of losses, the U-shaped age-risk curve, and when to test for balanced translocations via karyotype Bucket 2 — Anatomic causes: uterine septums, scar tissue (Asherman syndrome), fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, and how they're diagnosed via saline infusion sonogram or HSG Bucket 3 — Immune/Autoimmune causes: antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the antibodies involved, and why diagnostic criteria may lag behind clinical reality Bucket 4 — Endocrine causes: thyroid dysfunction, high prolactin, insulin resistance/diabetes, PCOS, and luteal phase defects The "5th bucket": unexplained pregnancy loss — and additional testing some REs order beyond ASRM guidelines (clotting disorders, chronic endometritis, vaginal microbiome) Treatment options by diagnosis, including PGT-SR, Lovenox + baby aspirin for APS, metformin, and surgical correction of uterine abnormalities Modifiable risk factors: smoking, alcohol, caffeine (the real data), weight/GLP-1 agonists, sleep, sedentary behavior, and why stress is often unfairly blamed The encouraging stats: a 70% live birth rate in the pregnancy following a loss, and how high-touch prenatal care can improve outcomes Follow Dr. Sasha!  TikTok: @sashahakmanmd  Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod  YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DRSASHA for an exclusive 20% off. Use code DRSASHA at carawayhome.com for 10% off Subscribe, rate, and review if this episode helped you — and share it with someone who needs to hear it. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha dives into one of the most requested topics on the podcast: trying to conceive and being pregnant after 40. She cuts through the noise of misleading celebrity headlines and online misinformation to give you a clear, honest, and compassionate look at the biology, statistics, and real options available to you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why more women are having babies in their 40s than ever before — and why that's a good thing The biology of egg aging: how quantity and quality decline, and what's actually happening at the cellular level (mitochondrial dysfunction, meiosis errors, chromosomal abnormalities) What your AMH level means after 40, and why high ovarian reserve can be a game-changer Natural fertility rates by age and when ASRM guidelines say to seek immediate care IVF success rates broken down by age: from 43% live birth rate under 35, all the way down to 3% over 42 Follow Dr. Sasha!  TikTok: @sashahakmanmd  Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod  YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/DRSASHA! #honeylovepod For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code DRSASHA at oneskin.co/DRSASHA. Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code DRSASHA to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers, including the 3500, 4000, and 5500 models New episodes of Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman drop weekly. If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs a doctor they can trust in their corner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever gone through a failed embryo transfer and wondered why , this episode is for you. Dr. Sasha sits down with Jeremy Grushcow, co-founder and CEO of Juniper Genomics, to break down a groundbreaking advancement in IVF: whole genome and transcriptome embryo testing. Jeremy holds a PhD in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago, along with a law degree, and has published research in DNA repair, cancer, gene therapy, bioethics, and patent law. He's building the technology that could change the odds for IVF patients everywhere. In this episode, we cover: What whole genome sequencing actually is — and why IVF has lagged behind every other field of clinical medicine in adopting it The brilliant "books on a shelf" analogy that finally makes PGT-A vs. whole genome sequencing click Why failed embryo transfers are not your fault, your doctor's fault, or your lab's fault — and what the embryo's genetics have to do with it What the transcriptome tells us that the genome alone can't The difference between PGT-A, PGT-M, and Juniper's PGT-G testing How Juniper looks at both the embryo and the parents' DNA to identify where variants are coming from (egg or sperm?) The 6,000+ known genetic diseases — and why 10–15% of embryos being transferred today carry a detectable single-gene disorder that standard carrier screening missed Why "reduced viability variants" matter and how they impact IVF success rates The emotional and financial cost of failed transfers — and how more information can reduce both Pricing breakdown: what Juniper's PGT-A and PGT-G costs, how to make it more affordable, and how it stacks up against the cost of a failed transfer cycle Why patient autonomy in the US and Canada is driving better IVF outcomes globally Follow Dr Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingwithdrhakman YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Resources & Links: Juniper Genomics website: junipergenomics.com Instagram: ⁠@junipergenomics⁠ Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more !If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! If this episode helped you, the best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, review, and share it with a friend. So many women deserve this information, help get it to them. Episodes drop every Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it actually mean to try as a woman, as a patient, as a person navigating a healthcare system that wasn't built with you in mind? In this first solo episode of the newly rebranded Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman, Dr. Sasha shares why she changed the name, what this podcast is really about, and who it's for. She opens up about the conversation that sparked the rebrand, the reality of practicing medicine in a field driven by IVF incentives, and why she started a podcast in the first place. She also shares a personal update (18 weeks pregnant with baby #3!) and answers one of the most frequently asked questions from her community: how do you know if you can actually trust your doctor? In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why Dr. Sasha rebranded from Trying to Conceive to Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman What a Reproductive Endocrinologist actually specializes in beyond IVF How to know if your doctor's IVF recommendation is truly evidence-based or financially motivated The green flags to look for when choosing a fertility doctor or clinic How to read online reviews and pregnancy success rates without being misled What actually makes an exceptional doctor Follow Dr. Sasha!  TikTok: @sashahakmanmd  Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod  YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors! head to http://www.bioptimizers.com/DRSASHA and use my exclusive code DRSASHA to get 15% off any order Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DRSASHA Go to ogee.com/DRSASHA and use code DRSASHA for 20% off. New episodes of Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman drop weekly. If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs a doctor they can trust in their corner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you being told to stop exercising while trying to conceive or going through IVF? You're not alone and according to today's guest, you're also likely being given advice that isn't backed by science. In this episode, Dr. Shannon joins us for a conversation that is equal parts empowering and eye-opening. As both a physical therapist and a patient who exercised throughout her own fertility journey, she brings a rare dual perspective to the table. She and host Dr. Sasha take on the pervasive fear around exercise during fertility treatment, break down why the "rest and raise your legs" mentality is outdated (and potentially harmful), and share a practical, research-backed framework for building and maintaining muscle at every stage of the journey. Whether you're in the thick of fertility treatments, newly pregnant, postpartum, or just trying to understand your body better, this episode is packed with actionable guidance and a refreshing dose of truth. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why most doctors tell patients to stop exercising during IVF — and why there's no evidence behind it How months of exercise restriction can harm your long-term recovery and postpartum body The REPS Framework: the four principles that actually build muscle while TTC or pregnant What "training to failure" really means — and why it's safe even during fertility treatment Why you need to train near failure just to maintain the muscle you already have How to choose exercises that actually target the right muscles (and why combo moves fall short) Protein targets for TTC and pregnancy, and how to realistically hit them When HIIT is okay to keep during TTC — and when it may be hurting your chances How to safely return to exercise postpartum without setting yourself back One simple trick to improve your form without a personal trainer Follow Dr. [email protected] @evlofitness  Follow Dr Sasha!TikTok: @sashahakmanmdInstagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepodYouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Resources Mentioned: Evlo App (Dr. Shannon's fitness app) — Use code DRSASHA for 6 weeks free (first 2-week trial + 1 month at $0) American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — exercise contraindications list available on their website Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more!If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! New episodes of Trying to Conceive with Dr. Sasha Hakman drop weekly. If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with someone on their fertility journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha goes deep on one of her most-requested topics: endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). What they are, where they're hiding, how they affect your hormones and fertility, and exactly what you can do about it. As a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, she brings both clinical expertise and personal practice to this conversation. This episode is grounded in evidence-based research, including a 136-page scientific statement from the Endocrine Society, and is designed to inform, not alarm. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What the endocrine system is and why hormones are the body's "keys and locks" The definition of EDCs and why exposure is considered a global public health crisis Why even tiny exposures can have outsized health impacts (it's not always dose-dependent) The major classes of EDCs to know: BPA/bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS (forever chemicals), parabens, glyphosate, heavy metals, and triclosan and where each one hides The 4 mechanisms EDCs use to disrupt your hormones - including epigenetic modification that can be passed down through generations Why in utero exposure is the most critical window, and what effects have been linked to fetal EDC exposure (including hypospadias, cryptorchidism, diminished egg reserve, and premature ovarian insufficiency) How EDC exposure impacts puberty, fertility, and the TTC window specifically - including the finding that phthalate metabolites were detected in the follicular fluid of 99% of women undergoing egg retrieval The link between EDC exposure and sperm count decline (down 50% in 50 years, per Dr. Shanna Swan's research) Health risks in adulthood: endometriosis, PCOS/PEMOS, diminished ovarian reserve, thyroid dysfunction, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and more The Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 framework for prioritizing what to eliminate first Why "BPA-free" is a marketing gimmick and what to look for instead Why "unscented" ≠ fragrance-free - and what that means for your products Why fragrance is banned entirely in IVF embryology labs (and what that tells us) A study showing BPA urinary levels drop significantly after just 3 days of cutting out heated plastic Follow Dr Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepodYouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks. Thank you to our sponsors!  Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code DRSASHA to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DRSASHA for an exclusive 20% discount. New episodes of Trying to Conceive with Dr. Sasha Hakman drop weekly. If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with someone on their fertility journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Sasha Hakman is finally joined by her husband, Dr. Eryk Hakman. In this honest, funny, and surprisingly emotional episode, Sasha and Eryk sit down together for the first time to share the full story: how they met on labor and delivery, why Eryk almost didn't commit, and what it has really been like to navigate three rounds of IVF as a couple, including a failed embryo transfer that hit them both harder than either expected. Eryk opens up about feeling powerless in a process driven by his wife's expertise, what grief looked like from the partner's side, and what finally convinced him to say yes to baby number three. They wrap it all up with a fertility quiz that is equal parts educational and hilarious. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Sasha and Eryk met during residency, why Eryk ghosted her, and the ultimatum that changed everything Why Sasha froze embryos early in their relationship and how it led to their first son, Remy What IVF felt like from Eryk's perspective as the non-REI doctor in the relationship The male side of fertility treatment: the semen collection experience, lifestyle changes, and feeling like a passenger How they conceived Rocky naturally after Sasha ovulated on her own for the first time post-IVF Why Eryk initially said they were done after two kids and what changed his mind Their decision to pursue gender selection for family balancing and what that process looked like The emotional weight of their failed embryo transfer: the biochemical pregnancy, the grief, and the delayed reaction Why Sasha chose a programmed cycle with progesterone in oil for the second transfer despite the pain and the disagreement it caused How two doctors with completely different approaches to data and uncertainty navigate fertility decisions together Eryk's fertility quiz results and the one lie Sasha told him about his own sperm Follow Dr Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepod YouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors: Go to aquatrue.com and use code DRSASHA for 20% off Go to bioptimizers.com and use code DRSASHA for 15% off Go to oneskin.co and use code DRSASHA for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Sasha Hakman goes solo to finally answer the question her community has been asking for weeks: what exactly did she do differently for her second embryo transfer, the one that worked? Now 14 weeks pregnant, Dr. Sasha walks through her full protocol in detail, from the switch to a programmed FET to every medication, supplement, and lifestyle change she made. She also opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of a failed transfer, a terrifying bleed at seven weeks, and what it's like to be a fertility doctor going through fertility treatment herself. This episode is one of the most personal and detailed she's ever shared, and it's been a long time coming. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why Dr. Sasha switched from a modified natural cycle to a programmed FET, and what that actually means Her exact medication protocol: estrace, progesterone in oil, Prometrium suppositories, Ganirelix, and prednisone , with doses and timing What the antihistamine protocol is (prednisone + Pepcid + Claritin) and why she added it despite limited evidence How acupuncture became a non-negotiable addition to her second cycle Why she took a full week off work after transfer and what she did instead Her supplement stack, pescatarian diet, and why she stopped being so strict about sugar this time The emotional experience of home testing, a lighter line, spiraling, and what snapped her out of it Her beta number progression and what she was watching for The scary seven-week bleed, the subchorionic hematoma diagnosis, and how her colleague met her at the clinic at 8pm How she emotionally survived a failed transfer and built her "plan A through G" for what came next How she manages non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) and why it influenced every protocol decision Follow Dr Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepod YouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks.If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsor Ogee Beauty. Go to ogee.com/DRSASHA and use code DRSASHA for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Dr. Felice Chan, a Chinese medicine practitioner and licensed acupuncturist based in Los Angeles, to explore how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can support women's health and fertility. What starts as a curiosity from a fertility doctor who regularly refers patients for acupuncture quickly turns into one of the most eye-opening conversations yet covering everything from reading the tongue to treating endometriosis, PCOS, and preparing for IVF. Dr. Felice shares her unexpected journey from a pre-med neuroscience track to becoming a Chinese medicine practitioner, and breaks down the four pillars of TCM: acupuncture, herbal medicine, food as medicine, and nervous system-focused lifestyle practices. Together, they bridge the gap between Eastern and Western approaches (they're more compatible than you might think). Follow Felice Chan Instagram: @drfelicechan @feliceacupuncture Follow Dr Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepod YouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Resources Mentioned: Pericardium 6 acupressure point (for nausea relief) Ear seeds for at-home acupressure Erewhon Pinnacle Trail Mix (goji berries + walnuts — blood nourishing!) Chrysanthemum tea for stress and liver support Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I’m breaking down one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: hormonal contraceptives. With so much misinformation online, it’s easy to feel confused or even scared about your options. As a reproductive endocrinologist, I want to give you the science-based facts so you can make informed decisions about your body and your future fertility. I walk you through the different types of hormonal birth control, including the pill, patch, ring, IUD, Depo shot, and implant. I explain how they actually work in your body, the real risks versus exaggerated claims you might see online, and the benefits that often get overlooked. We also dive into some of the biggest questions I get from patients and my community: Does birth control cause infertility? What happens when you stop the pill? Is there a link to cancer or blood clots? Can it affect your mood, gut health, or brain? Which option is best if you plan to conceive in the future? I also share my personal experience with birth control, how different formulations can affect you differently, and why there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re currently on birth control, considering starting it, or planning to stop soon to try to conceive, this episode will give you clarity and confidence in your choices. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your reproductive health. Follow Dr Sasha!TikTok: @sashahakmanmdInstagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepodYouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you're the picture of health, crushing it in your career, and then find out you can't get your partner pregnant? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Mazza, entrepreneur, founder of High Performance Lifestyle Training, and one of the few men openly talking about male infertility. Brian shares his deeply personal journey from receiving devastating test results to navigating IVF, relationship strain, and ultimately becoming a father to two boys through ICSI. We talk about the moment he found out about his low sperm count, motility, and morphology, and how that diagnosis made him feel like a failure despite being in incredible shape. Brian opens up about the shame, the embarrassment, and the defensiveness that came with being told he was the reason they couldn't conceive naturally. He also shares how it nearly broke his marriage, the moment he offered his wife a divorce so she could have kids with someone else, and the turning point that brought them back together. This conversation goes beyond the medical side of infertility. We dive into the emotional toll on men, the lack of conversation around male factor infertility, and why so many guys suffer in silence. Brian explains why he decided to go public with his story, how he raised over $80,000 by running 50 miles from Cornell to his home, and why he believes every man should get tested early and often. We also talk about fatherhood, what it means to show up for your kids every single day, and why Brian has made a personal pledge to never let his sons see him tired or drink alcohol. His approach to parenting is rooted in presence, discipline, and leading by example, and it's clear that his infertility journey shaped the father he is today. If you're a man navigating infertility, a woman supporting a partner through it, or anyone who wants to understand the male perspective on fertility struggles, this episode will give you insight, hope, and a reminder that infertility does not define your masculinity or your ability to be an incredible parent. Brian's story is proof that with the right medical care, emotional resilience, and a strong partnership, you can get through this and come out the other side with everything you've been hoping for. _____ Follow Brian Mazza on Instagram: @brianmazzaHigh Performance Lifestyle Training: @hpltraining Follow Dr Sasha!TikTok: @sashahakmanmdInstagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepodYouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more!If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks.If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman is a women's health podcast hosted by a reproductive endocrinologist, covering everything from fertility and IVF to perimenopause, endometriosis, and hormonal health, all in plain, evidence-based language. No jargon, no shame, just the answers you've been searching for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices