Is your morning coffee helping or hurting your fertility? Should you quit caffeine cold turkey while trying to conceive—or during pregnancy? And where can you turn for solid, trustworthy advice? (Hint: NOT random internet forums)

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down what we really know about caffeine and reproductive health—from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives.

Dr. Shahine shares the actual caffeine content in your favorite drinks, answers the most common questions she hears from patients, and offers guidance on how to personalize your caffeine habits based on your own goals and body.

Listeners will walk away with clear, practical information—and a little more peace of mind. Just remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so be sure to check in with your own healthcare provider, too.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• [1:55] Western evidence-based approach to caffeine and fertility
• [7:00] Eastern medicine approach to caffeine and fertility
• [9:27] How much caffeine is in your favorite pick-me-ups?
• [10:30] Dr. Shahine’s personal recommendations

Resources mentioned:

Caffeine Chart - find out how much is in what you’re having: www.cspinet.org/caffeine-chart

1988 Wilcox Study Caffeine Harms Fertility

Large Danish Study Reassuring Results on Caffeine and Fertility

Men’s Fertility and Caffeine Study mentioned

Planting the Seeds of Fertility: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Wondering what’s actually ‘normal’ in the first trimester? You’re not the only one frantically Googling every twinge and symptom. Early pregnancy can feel like a rollercoaster of questions—and not always a fun one.

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks you through the first trimester with clarity and calm. She shares the most common concerns she hears from patients and what might warrant a closer look, all while offering practical advice to help you feel more grounded.

This episode is a reassuring guide through those uncertain early weeks. And if it’s not the right time to listen, that’s okay too—save it for when you’re ready, and always talk to your own provider about your specific care.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• [2:24] What is going on in your body during the first trimester?
• [4:45] Common symptoms during the first trimester
• [10:10] Top first-trimester questions: weight gain, cramping, bleeding/spotting, foods to avoid, and exercise
• [17:15] Tips for taking care of yourself during the first trimester

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Is your makeup messing with your hormones? Could your cleaning products be impacting your fertility? And how do we make informed choices without spiraling into fear or perfectionism?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites us to ask bold questions about the everyday products we use—and the hidden chemicals within them.

Joining her is activist and author Lindsay Dahl, who’s spent her career fighting for consumer safety and pulling back the curtain on toxic chemicals. They talk about the science behind endocrine disruptors, the power of personal storytelling in policy change, and the importance of asking “what’s really in this?”—even when the label says “natural.” Lindsay’s new book: Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid Our Homes of Toxic Chemicals is full of real life examples, engaging stories, and many resources on safety and advocacy.

Listeners will walk away with practical tips for reducing chemical exposure, a deeper understanding of how U.S. regulations compare globally, and an empowering reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• [1:07] Storytelling as advocacy: Meet Lindsay Dahl
• [5:30] Understanding harmful chemicals for reproductive health
• [8:39] 4 Practical tips to reduce chemical exposure
• [21:03] Legislative wins
• [30:56] Navigating product labels, including greenwashing
• [34:19] Social media’s role in health discourse
• [42:23] Comparing chemical regulations for US and EU
• [44:57] Resources for advocacy and consumer safety
  

Resources mentioned:

EWG Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org › skindeep

madesafe.org

toxicfreefuture.org

saferstates.org

lindsaydahl.com

https://lindsaydahl.substack.com

@lindsay_dahl on Instagram

@lindsay-dahl on LinkedIn

Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid our Homes of Toxic Chemicals by Lindsay Dahl

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books