The Fertility Dietitian | Functional Fertility Info in your Ears
Published by Brooke Boskovich | CEO & Founder of The Fertility Dietitian
Education
Self-Improvement
Health & Fitness
Nutrition
Brooke Boskovich is a Functional Medicine Dietitian specializing in Fertility and this is The Fertility Dietitian Podcast where she helps couples uncover the barriers that are preventing them from optimizing their fertility & teaches you how to work with your body to finally take home a healthy baby. Each week she will be diving into different topics on fertility and sharing her perspective on physiology, metabolic health, nutrition & lifestyle approaches that have helped hundreds of couples get pregnant after years of heartache despite unexplained infertility, recurrent loss, endometriosis, male factor infertility, PCOS and more.
If you've been told your fertility testing looks "normal" but you're still not getting pregnant, there's an important group of nutrients that may be getting overlooked. Vitamins A, D, E, and K play critical roles in egg quality, sperm health, implantation, immune function, hormone production, and your baby's earliest stages of development—yet they're rarely evaluated before fertility treatment begins. In this episode, I'm breaking down why these fat-soluble vitamins matter so much for fertility, where to find them in food, what the research says about deficiency, and why gut health and gallbladder function are just as important as the nutrients themselves. Understanding how these vitamins work together can help you build a healthier foundation before pregnancy and support better fertility outcomes naturally. "When your body has the raw materials it needs, it often performs exactly the way it was designed to." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why vitamins A, D, E, and K are essential for fertility The role of fat-soluble vitamins in egg quality and sperm health Why vitamin A has been misunderstood for years How vitamin D supports implantation and pregnancy Why vitamin E is one of the most overlooked fertility antioxidants How vitamin K works together with vitamins A and D Why oxidative stress damages reproductive cells How gut health and gallbladder function affect nutrient absorption The best food sources of fertility-supportive fat-soluble vitamins When lab testing may be helpful before trying to conceive — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If you took hormonal birth control as a teenager—or spent years on the pill before trying to conceive—you were probably told it was safe, effective, and something you could simply stop when you were ready to get pregnant. What many women weren't given was the full picture of how long-term birth control use may influence gut health, nutrient status, immune function, hormones, bone health, and the environment where your eggs are maturing. This episode isn't about fear or blaming women for choosing birth control. It's about informed consent and understanding what your body may need after years of hormonal contraception. I'm breaking down what the research tells us about birth control and fertility, why symptoms can appear after stopping the pill, and the steps you can take to rebuild nutrient stores, support your gut, improve egg quality, and prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy. "You can't undo 15 years of birth control overnight, but you absolutely can rebuild what was lost." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why hormonal birth control and fertility deserve a bigger conversation What informed consent should look like when prescribing birth control My personal experience starting birth control at 15 How hormonal birth control may alter the gut microbiome The connection between gut health, inflammation, and immune dysfunction Why long-term birth control use may increase nutrient demands Key fertility nutrients commonly impacted by hormonal contraception How birth control during adolescence may affect bone health Why the three to four months before ovulation matter for egg quality How nutrient depletion and inflammation can influence fertility Why symptoms often return after stopping birth control The difference between managing symptoms and addressing root causes What I evaluate after long-term hormonal birth control use How to rebuild your health and prepare for pregnancy after the pill — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If you've been told that surgery is your only answer for endometriosis—or maybe you've already had excision surgery and you're still struggling to get pregnant—this episode is for you. Excision surgery can be one of the most valuable tools available for women with endometriosis when it's performed by a highly skilled surgeon. But surgery alone doesn't treat the underlying immune dysfunction, inflammation, or metabolic factors that influence how endometriosis behaves. In this episode, I'm breaking down what excision surgery can and cannot do, why fertility doesn't always improve after surgery alone, and how supporting your body before and after surgery can dramatically change your long-term fertility outcomes. "Your genes may load the gun, but your environment often pulls the trigger." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why endometriosis is a whole-body inflammatory disease—not just a reproductive condition The difference between excision surgery and ablation surgery Why excision surgery has lower recurrence rates What endometriosis surgery can improve—and what it cannot How immune dysfunction affects fertility with endometriosis Why inflammation, gut health, and hormones matter after surgery The role of egg quality in endometriosis-related infertility Functional lab testing I commonly recommend before and after surgery Nutrition and lifestyle strategies that support fertility with endometriosis How to create a personalized plan beyond surgery or IVF — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If you've been trying to conceive for months or even years and no one has talked to you about your immune system, this episode is for you. One of the biggest misconceptions in fertility is that autoimmune diseases only matter once they've been diagnosed. But the reality is that immune dysfunction often begins years before symptoms ever appear. During that time, chronic low-grade inflammation can quietly influence hormone production, egg quality, implantation, and your ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy. In this episode, I'm breaking down why your immune system matters for fertility, why autoimmune conditions have become so much more common, and—most importantly—what you can do to create a healthier environment for conception. The good news? Having an autoimmune condition does not mean you can't have a healthy pregnancy. Your genes are not your destiny. Every meal, every night of restorative sleep, every walk outside, every effort to improve gut health, stabilize blood sugar, and lower inflammation sends your immune system new information. Small changes, repeated consistently over time, can completely change the environment where fertility begins. "Every meal, every night of sleep, every walk outside is sending your immune system new information." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why autoimmune diseases can affect fertility years before symptoms appear How chronic inflammation impacts egg quality, implantation, and miscarriage risk Why Hashimoto's thyroiditis is commonly missed during fertility testing The connection between gut health and immune regulation Why thyroid antibodies should be included in every fertility workup Environmental factors that increase autoimmune risk and fertility challenges How blood sugar, sleep, stress, and circadian rhythm influence immune function The nutrients that support immune balance and reproductive health Functional lab testing to investigate immune-related fertility barriers Practical strategies to calm immune dysfunction naturally — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If you've been told your age is the reason you can't get pregnant, that your eggs are "too old," or that IVF is your only option, this episode is for you. Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite client success stories because it highlights what's possible when we stop accepting "everything looks normal" as an answer and start investigating the real barriers standing in the way of fertility. Sarah and Mike (names changed for privacy) had been trying to conceive for seven years. They experienced two miscarriages, two failed IVF cycles, and were running out of hope. After taking a root-cause approach to uncovering the factors affecting both egg quality and sperm quality, they conceived naturally. In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly what we found, what we changed, and why this story offers hope for anyone navigating infertility. "Hope comes from understanding your body—not guessing what's wrong." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why age is only one piece of the fertility puzzle How egg quality is influenced by your internal environment Why unexplained infertility is often an incomplete investigation The functional lab markers that revealed Sarah's biggest fertility barriers Why sperm quality matters just as much as egg quality How nutrition, digestion, inflammation, and metabolic health affect fertility Why DNA fragmentation and sperm morphology can improve The lifestyle changes that helped support a healthy pregnancy Why fertility is about creating the right environment—not finding a magic supplemen — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If you've been trying to conceive for months or years, feel exhausted, and have been told your hormones are low, you may have been focusing on the wrong piece of the puzzle. Many women come to me with low testosterone, low metabolized cortisol, low energy, poor recovery, and low libido. They've tried supplements, changed their diet, and sometimes even pursued hormone replacement therapy, yet they still don't feel like themselves. In this episode of The Fertility Dietitian Podcast, we're exploring a missing piece of the hormone conversation that almost nobody is talking about: mitochondrial health. Your mitochondria don't just produce energy—they play a critical role in hormone production, egg quality, and fertility outcomes. When mitochondrial function declines, hormone production often struggles too. Understanding this connection can help you take a more effective root-cause approach to improving fertility. "Healthy mitochondria are the foundation of healthy hormone production." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What mitochondria are and why they're essential for hormone production The connection between mitochondrial health and fertility hormones Why normal DHEA with low testosterone and low cortisol may indicate a deeper issue Common signs and symptoms of mitochondrial dysfunction How chronic stress, poor sleep, blood sugar imbalance, and gut health impact hormone production Why mitochondria are one of the most important factors influencing egg quality The relationship between mitochondrial health and embryo development Why hormone replacement doesn't always address the root cause of low hormones Practical ways to support mitochondrial health naturally The key nutrients required for healthy mitochondrial function and fertility — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
Diet culture has spent decades teaching women that eating less is better, fat is something to avoid, carbs are the enemy, and weight loss should always be the goal. But when you're trying to conceive, those messages can work against your body in ways you may not realize. Fertility isn't about shrinking yourself—it's about creating an environment where your body feels safe, nourished, and supported enough to reproduce. In this episode of The Fertility Dietitian Podcast, I'm breaking down five common fertility nutrition mistakes rooted in diet culture and explaining why they may be impacting your hormones, ovulation, egg quality, and overall fertility. If you've been doing everything "right" according to traditional diet advice but still aren't getting the results you want, this episode will help you understand what your body actually needs to thrive. "Fertility thrives in an environment of abundance, not deprivation." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why healthy fats are essential building blocks for fertility hormones The connection between cholesterol, hormone production, and egg quality How nutrition habits from the last 90 days influence fertility today Why consistency matters more than perfection for conception The truth about carbohydrates and their role in ovulation and hormone health How low-carb diets may negatively impact fertility in some women Why whole-food fiber supports gut health and reproductive health better than processed fiber additives The link between gut microbiome diversity and fertility outcomes Common signs you may not be eating enough protein for fertility The fertility-supportive nutrients found in high-quality protein sources Why fertility thrives in an environment of nourishment—not restriction — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If you've been diagnosed with PCOS—or what is now officially called PMOS—and you've been told IVF is your next step, this episode is for you. One of the biggest misconceptions in fertility care is that PMOS automatically means IVF. In reality, many women are never given a full explanation of what's actually driving their symptoms, irregular cycles, or fertility challenges before being referred straight to treatment. In this episode, we're breaking down the recent name change from PCOS to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), what this shift means for women's health, and why PMOS is far more than an ovary condition. We'll discuss the metabolic, hormonal, inflammatory, and fertility factors involved, why a whole-body approach matters, and how addressing root causes may help improve ovulation, egg quality, fertility outcomes, and long-term health. "You deserve a deeper investigation before being told IVF is your only option." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why PCOS was officially renamed PMOS and what the change means The difference between polycystic ovary syndrome and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome Why PMOS is considered a whole-body condition, not just a reproductive disorder The connection between insulin resistance, fertility, and hormone imbalance Why many women with PMOS are undiagnosed Common misconceptions about weight, insulin resistance, and PMOS Why IVF may not address the root causes of fertility challenges in PMOS The long-term health risks associated with PMOS The diagnostic criteria for PMOS Blood work, hormone testing, and functional testing that can help identify root causes How gut health, mineral status, and thyroid function impact fertility Nutrition and lifestyle strategies that support ovulation and metabolic health Why improving overall health can improve fertility outcomes, whether or not IVF is part of your journey — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
When couples are trying to conceive, most of the conversation becomes about hormones, ovulation timing, medications, and procedures. But one of the biggest pieces of the fertility puzzle often gets overlooked: the environment your eggs are developing in. Your eggs are constantly responding to inflammation, nutrient status, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, blood sugar balance, immune signaling, and the fats that literally make up every cell membrane in your body. In this episode, we're diving into the research on fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, egg quality, implantation, IVF success, and pregnancy rates. I'm breaking down what the literature actually shows about EPA and DHA, why omega-3s are so foundational for reproductive health, and how supporting inflammation and cellular health before pregnancy can completely shift the fertility environment over time. "Fertility is responsive. Your body listens to the inputs you give it every single day." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why egg quality is influenced by your internal metabolic and hormonal environment—not just age How low fiber intake can disrupt your gut microbiome and impact ovarian health and inflammation The role of sleep in mitochondrial repair, hormone regulation, and reproductive signaling Why microplastic exposure may matter for ovarian function and endocrine disruption How chronic low carbohydrate intake can impact ovulation, progesterone, and thyroid function The connection between chronic stress, nervous system safety, and reproductive hormone output Why high-intensity exercise without adequate fuel or recovery may suppress fertility hormones Simple, realistic shifts to support a more fertile internal environment — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
Your egg quality is not as fixed as you've been led to believe. Yes, age matters—biology is real—but it is only one piece of the fertility picture. Your ovaries are constantly responding to your internal environment: blood sugar, inflammation, stress hormones, nutrient status, sleep, and even your gut health. And that means something powerful: the daily habits you think are "normal" may actually be shaping the environment your eggs are developing in. In this episode, I'm walking you through the most overlooked lifestyle patterns that may be accelerating ovarian aging—and more importantly, how to shift them in a way that actually supports your fertility. "Your ovaries are not separate from your life—they're responding to it." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why egg quality is influenced by your internal metabolic and hormonal environment—not just age How low fiber intake can disrupt your gut microbiome and impact ovarian health and inflammation The role of sleep in mitochondrial repair, hormone regulation, and reproductive signaling Why microplastic exposure may matter for ovarian function and endocrine disruption How chronic low carbohydrate intake can impact ovulation, progesterone, and thyroid function The connection between chronic stress, nervous system safety, and reproductive hormone output Why high-intensity exercise without adequate fuel or recovery may suppress fertility hormones Simple, realistic shifts to support a more fertile internal environment — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If you are doing all of the right things but still not getting pregnant, this is a conversation you need to pay attention to. Blood sugar and insulin influence every step of the fertility process—from egg development and ovulation to implantation and early pregnancy. Yet this is one of the most overlooked fertility barriers I see because most women are either not tested properly or told their labs are "normal." The tricky part is that blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance can exist for years before they show up on standard labs like fasting glucose or A1C. In this episode, I'm breaking down how blood sugar and insulin affect egg quality, hormone balance, ovulation, and pregnancy outcomes—and the simple changes that can dramatically improve fertility. "You are not broken. You may just be missing a key piece." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How blood sugar and insulin directly impact egg quality and fertility Why insulin resistance can exist years before showing up on standard labs The connection between cortisol, blood sugar crashes, and fertility stress Why low-carb diets can backfire when trying to conceive How elevated insulin impacts ovulation and testosterone production The hidden insulin resistance pattern often missed in unexplained infertility Why normal glucose labs do not rule out fertility-related insulin issues The connection between insulin resistance, PCOS, and recurrent pregnancy loss Which fertility labs to request beyond fasting glucose and A1C Simple daily habits that improve blood sugar stability naturally — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If I was trying to get pregnant, one of the first conversations I would have wouldn't be about ovulation tracking or another supplement—it would be about sperm. Because the sperm your partner has today reflects how he has been living over the last 70 to 90 days. And if you're only focusing on the female side, you're missing half of the equation. In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly what I taught my own husband about his fertility so we could shorten our time to a healthy baby. These are simple, actionable changes that directly impact sperm quality, DNA integrity, and pregnancy outcomes—and they matter far more than most couples realize. "The sperm you have today reflects how you lived the last 90 days." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why sperm health reflects the last 70–90 days of lifestyle choices How male fertility impacts miscarriage risk, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcomes The biggest lifestyle factors damaging sperm quality and DNA integrity How alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and plastics affect sperm health Why food and nutrition are foundational for building healthy sperm The impact of heat exposure on sperm production and motility How sperm health influences placenta development and long-term baby health The most effective supplements to support sperm quality and motility Why fertility is a team effort—and how to approach it together — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
A lot of couples are told their labs are "normal" and still find themselves stuck with unexplained infertility. But normal doesn't always mean optimal, especially when it comes to fertility. In this episode, we walk through the most common lab red flags she sees over and over again, why they matter, and what to do about them so you can stop guessing and start getting real answers. These lab markers are not random, and they are not just about general health. They tell us how safe the body feels, how well it is creating energy, and whether it has the resources it needs to support reproduction. Learn why fertility is so deeply connected to thyroid health, iron status, inflammation, metabolism, and immune balance, and how to begin supporting your body in a more strategic way. "Your body will not prioritize pregnancy unless it feels safe enough to do so." — Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why a TSH above 2.5 can impact fertility, even if your labs are marked "normal" How thyroid antibodies can affect implantation, miscarriage risk, and time to conception Why ferritin below 50 or above 100 may be a fertility red flag What low cholesterol and low HDL can reveal about hormone production and metabolic health How fasting insulin, CRP, prolactin, and leptin can all affect ovulation and egg quality Why under-eating, stress, poor sleep, and inflammation can all make the body feel less safe for pregnancy How to support thyroid function, iron balance, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation naturally Why fertility is highly responsive to the environment and how the right strategy can change outcomes — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If IVF has been suggested to you, or you have already been through it and it did not go the way you hoped, this episode is for you. Most IVF cycles do not fail randomly. They fail for predictable reasons, often because the foundation was never built before treatment started. IVF is not a magic fix. It is a tool, and tools only work as well as the environment they are used in. Brooke breaks down the biggest misconceptions about IVF, what is commonly missed in the conventional fertility process, and what actually needs to be addressed to improve outcomes like egg quality, fertilization, implantation, and early pregnancy support. "Rushing into IVF without preparation is one of the fastest ways to waste time." — Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why most IVF cycles fail for predictable reasons, not random ones How IVF can bypass certain steps without fixing egg quality, sperm quality, or inflammation Why rushing into IVF without prep can waste time, money, and emotional energy Why a 3 to 4 month prep phase matters for egg and sperm development What labs and markers should be assessed before IVF, including nutrients, insulin, cholesterol, and vitamin D How blood sugar balance and insulin sensitivity affect egg quality and implantation Why cholesterol, gut health, immune health, and inflammation are critical to IVF outcomes How sperm health and uterine environment can impact fertilization, embryo quality, and implantation Why unexplained infertility often means under-investigated infertility — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
When you spend years being told that IVF is your only option, it can feel like your body has stopped being on your side. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa to talk through her four-year fertility journey, the testing that changed everything, and how she and her husband were finally able to conceive naturally after getting more individualized support. What I love most about Lisa's story is that it is proof that fertility care does not have to be extreme to be effective. We talk about the power of fertility-specific testing, mineral balance, gut health, nervous system support, and realistic nutrition changes that actually fit into real life, plus how those same changes supported her through pregnancy, too. "We need that energy pouring into reproduction to help the body feel safe enough to grow an entire human." — Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why a fertility clinic's "one-size-fits-all" approach often leads straight to IVF recommendations instead of root-cause support How mineral balance, gut health, and comprehensive testing can uncover barriers to conception that generic advice misses Why sperm health matters just as much as egg health, especially when DNA fragmentation and morphology are part of the picture How nervous system regulation and stress reduction can support reproductive energy and improve fertility outcomes Why the most effective fertility nutrition plan is one you can actually follow consistently How preconception changes can carry into pregnancy and make that season feel calmer and more supported Why "doing enough" often looks less extreme than people expect when the plan is personalized — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If you've been trying to get pregnant, you've probably heard a lot of "facts" that feel urgent, scary, or final—especially if you're over 35, have a low AMH, or have already been told IVF is your only option. These messages can make you feel like your body is failing you or that you're running out of time, when in reality, many of these narratives are outdated, misunderstood, or taken completely out of context. In this episode of The Fertility Dietitian Podcast, I'm walking you through some of the biggest fertility myths that just won't die, and what both the data and real clinical experience actually show instead. We'll talk about age, AMH, prenatals, male factor fertility, stress, egg freezing, and—most importantly—what you can actually do to improve your internal environment so you can stop making decisions from panic and start moving forward with clarity and confidence. "Age matters, but the environment your eggs are developing in matters way more—and that's the part you can actually change." — Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How fertility really changes after 35 and what the data says about age and conception What AMH can and cannot tell you about your chances of getting pregnant naturally Why a prenatal alone is not a complete preconception plan Which nutrient forms and ingredients matter most in a high-quality prenatal How male factor infertility shows up in about half of cases and often goes unaddressed What changes as men age, and how sperm quality can be affected How stress impacts fertility and why "just relax" is not helpful advice What egg freezing can offer and why it is not an insurance policy How to support your internal environment to improve fertility and egg quality — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If I could sit down with every woman trying to conceive, this is exactly where I would start: your gut. Before another supplement protocol, before assuming it's just your age, and before accepting that everything is "normal," we have to look deeper. Because your gut is not separate from your fertility—it is foundational to it. Inside your gut is a complex system influencing your hormones, immune function, inflammation levels, and nutrient absorption—all of which directly impact ovulation, egg quality, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. When the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it can quietly disrupt everything downstream. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how your gut affects fertility—and what you can start doing today to support it. "Your gut is not separate from your fertility—it's one of the main systems supporting it." — Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How gut health directly impacts hormone balance and estrogen metabolism The role of the estrobolome in fertility and estrogen clearance Why inflammation and gut imbalance can affect ovulation and implantation How poor digestion limits nutrient absorption critical for egg quality The connection between gut health, immune function, and pregnancy success Why "normal labs" don't always mean optimal fertility Simple, actionable steps to start improving gut health today How your microbiome impacts your future baby's health When and why comprehensive stool testing can be a game-changer — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If you are over 35 and trying to conceive, you've probably been told that fertility declines with age. But the truth is that conversation is often incomplete. Age alone is not the whole story. What matters more is the environment your eggs and sperm are developing in—and that environment is shaped by inflammation, oxidative stress, nutrient status, metabolic health, sleep, and stress patterns. There's actually a term in research called "inflammaging," which describes the slow rise in inflammation and oxidative stress as we get older. This process can impact mitochondrial function, hormone signaling, and DNA stability—all critical factors for fertility. But here's the hopeful part: your body is incredibly responsive. When you improve the internal environment, you can support egg quality, sperm health, and overall fertility—at any age. "Fertility after 35 is not just about age—it's about the environment your eggs are developing in." — Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why age is only one piece of the fertility puzzle—and what actually matters more What "inflammaging" is and how it impacts egg and sperm quality The most important preconception lab markers to assess inflammation and metabolic health How mitochondrial function directly affects egg quality and embryo development The role of CoQ10 and key minerals in supporting reproductive health Simple nutrition strategies to lower oxidative stress and improve fertility outcomes Why sleep is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) fertility tools How strength training supports insulin sensitivity and hormone balance The connection between stress, nervous system regulation, and fertility Why "vitamin J" (joy) is a biological—not optional—part of conception — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
Recurrent miscarriage carries a weight that is difficult to put into words. If you've experienced multiple losses — especially around the same point in pregnancy — it can leave you feeling confused, discouraged, and wondering what your body is doing wrong. But after years of working with fertility patients, I want you to hear this clearly: your body is not broken. When losses consistently happen around the same stage — particularly the 5–7 week window — your body is often giving us valuable information. The timing of a miscarriage can reveal underlying patterns related to metabolic health, immune regulation, embryo development, or the internal environment supporting pregnancy. When we begin to understand those signals, we can work with your physiology to strengthen the conditions that allow pregnancy to continue developing. "Recurrent miscarriage doesn't mean your body is failing you — it often means your body is communicating something important." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why recurrent miscarriage around 6 weeks often points to identifiable physiological patterns What's happening biologically during the 5–7 week transition in pregnancy How metabolic health and insulin resistance can influence early pregnancy outcomes The role of immune balance and inflammation in sustaining early pregnancy Why gut health and the microbiome can impact miscarriage risk How mineral balance and mitochondrial function affect fertility and embryo development The connection between thyroid autoimmunity and pregnancy loss Why identifying patterns is key to improving future fertility outcomes Foundational strategies that support the body in maintaining pregnancy — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
If you've noticed your sex drive feels quieter than it used to while trying to conceive, you are not broken — and you are not failing at fertility. Low libido is one of the most misunderstood experiences in the TTC journey, yet it's one of the most honest signals your body gives you. Desire isn't random. It's information. In this episode, we reframe libido as biofeedback . Your body only prioritizes reproduction when it feels safe, nourished, rested, and supported. When stress is high, calories are inconsistent, sleep is disrupted, or emotional connection feels fragile, your nervous system down-regulates desire on purpose . Libido softening isn't a flaw — it's protective wisdom. Today, we unpack what low libido is really telling you about hormones, nervous system regulation, nutrition, and emotional safety while trying to conceive. "Low libido isn't a flaw — it's biofeedback." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why low libido is a signal , not a fertility failure How stress, under-eating, poor sleep, and inflammation suppress desire The key hormones that drive libido and why ovulation matters How TTC pressure and performance-based intimacy lower testosterone Why emotional safety and connection directly affect desire The role of protein, carbs, fats, and cholesterol in hormone production How thyroid health, blood sugar, iron, zinc, and magnesium impact libido Simple ways to restore connection without throwing strategy out the window — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast
