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

April 13, 2026Dr. Natalie Crawford hormones health medicine longevity

TL;DR

Fertility markers like AMH, FSH, and egg count serve as powerful windows into overall health, vitality, and longevity beyond pregnancy planning
Anti-inflammatory diets and specific supplements can support hormone health and fertility outcomes at any age
Environmental exposures including microplastics and synthetic fragrances negatively impact reproductive hormones in both men and women
Hormone replacement therapy, egg freezing, and IVF protocols require personalized approaches based on individual biomarkers and health status
Understanding reproductive markers empowers informed decision-making about fertility, career timing, and long-term health planning
Lesser-known lifestyle and environmental factors significantly deplete fertility and vitality in ways most people don't realize

Key Moments

0:00

Introduction to fertility markers as windows into overall health

12:00

Understanding AMH, FSH, and what reproductive biomarkers reveal

28:00

Environmental toxins, microplastics, and synthetic fragrances impact on hormones

42:00

Anti-inflammatory diets and supplements for hormone health

58:00

Hormone replacement therapy, egg freezing, and IVF considerations

Episode Recap

Dr. Natalie Crawford joins Andrew Huberman to discuss the critical importance of reproductive health markers as indicators of overall wellness and longevity. Rather than viewing fertility only through the lens of pregnancy, Crawford emphasizes that hormonal and reproductive biomarkers provide valuable insights into systemic health, aging, and vitality for both men and women at every life stage. The conversation explores key biomarkers including AMH (anti-mullerian hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and egg count, explaining what these numbers actually reveal about reproductive capacity and metabolic health. Crawford addresses common misconceptions about these markers and how they change across the lifespan, offering practical context for interpreting test results and making informed health decisions. The episode delves into various fertility preservation and enhancement strategies, including egg freezing, IVF protocols, and hormone replacement therapy. Crawford provides evidence-based guidance on when these interventions make sense and how individual circumstances should shape treatment decisions. She discusses the importance of personalized medicine in reproductive health, noting that one-size-fits-all approaches often fail to address individual needs. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on modifiable lifestyle factors and environmental exposures that impact fertility and hormone health. Crawford highlights the detrimental effects of microplastics on hormonal systems, explaining accumulation pathways and health consequences. She also discusses synthetic fragrances and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in personal care products, household items, and food packaging. The episode covers nutritional approaches to supporting hormone health, including anti-inflammatory dietary patterns and targeted supplementation strategies. Crawford explains the mechanisms by which certain nutrients support reproductive function and overall metabolic health. She provides practical dietary recommendations for both men and women seeking to optimize fertility markers and hormone balance. The conversation addresses lesser-known factors that deplete fertility and vitality, moving beyond standard reproductive health advice. Crawford discusses sleep quality, stress management, toxin exposure, and other lifestyle variables that significantly influence reproductive outcomes and hormonal function. Throughout the discussion, Crawford emphasizes how better understanding of personal reproductive markers can empower individuals to make proactive health choices aligned with their life goals, whether those goals involve pregnancy, long-term health optimization, or informed career planning.