November 11, 2025
Episode 14: Root Cause Infertility: Inflammation, Insulin Resistance & Hormones Explained with Natalie Crawford
The BeingBrigid Show: Top Science-Backed Women’s Health Podcast for Hormones, Inflammation, Gut Health & MoreAbout this episode
If “everything is normal” but getting or staying pregnant isn’t happening, this episode will change your playbook. Brigid sits down with double board-certified fertility specialist Dr. Natalie Crawford to unpack how chronic inflammation—from blood sugar swings to endocrine-disrupting chemicals—can quietly derail women’s health, hormone health, egg quality, and cycles. You’ll learn how to spot red-flag symptoms, track ovulation like a pro, and use functional nutrition to lower inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, and support gut health for real, root-cause healing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why inflammation is a core driver of fertility problems Blood sugar, insulin resistance & hormones: what’s really happening Environmental toxins that impact hormones—and what to swap Cycle tracking that works A nutrition strategy for fertility AMH testing: what it tells you (and what it doesn’t) Supplements Dr. Crawford recommends Men’s factors that matter Timestamps 00:50 How inflammation hijacks fertility 03:55 Self-advocacy after dismissal & losses 08:46 Endometriosis delay & why pain varies 10:06 Dr. Crawford’s story: losses, research, root-cause lens 18:39 Gluten, elimination trials & individualized nutrition 22:09 Endocrine disruptors: air, water, plastics, cookware, coffee makers 31:59 Building a hormone-supportive plate: fiber, fats, protein variety 38:09 Blood sugar & insulin resistance + easy fixes 44:41 Cycle tracking that’s actually accurate (Oura/Natural Cycles, OPKs, mucus) 53:23 Prenatals & folic acid 61:15 AMH testing, ovarian longevity & perimenopause clues 66:49 Sneaky fertility killers & male factors Next Steps & Resources If you’re ready to improve energy, support hormones, and pursue root cause healing, start with small swaps and consistent nutrition accountability. Watch the full episode on YouTube Brigid’s Website Brigid’s Instagram Dr. Crawford’s Website Dr. Crawford’s Instagram The Fertility Formula Book