How Women Can Improve Their Fertility & Hormone Health | Dr. Natalie Crawford

Fertility is a critical health marker for women, reflecting hormonal, metabolic, and cellular health, with infertility serving as an early warning sign for conditions like metabolic syndrome, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Menstrual cycles provide ongoing insight into health even in perimenopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should not be delayed until 12 months without a period. The episode emphasizes proactive hormone optimization within normal ranges to improve long-term health outcomes, including bone, heart, and brain health.

It reframes fertility as a core health vital sign and provides actionable guidance on using menstrual cycles and hormone therapy to improve long-term well-being.

1. 01Fertility is not just about pregnancy—it's a key indicator of overall female health, linked to metabolic, hormonal, and cellular function.
2. 02Irregular or absent cycles, even in perimenopause, signal potential health risks and should prompt evaluation of ovulation and hormone levels.
3. 03Hormone replacement therapy should be considered earlier than traditional cutoffs, based on symptoms and health goals, not just the 12-month menopause definition.