Thinking about adding supplements to your fertility journey? A quick search online can leave you swimming in advice—or drowning. How do you know what really works and what’s just hype?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine takes a deep dive into one of the most talked-about fertility supplements: CoQ10. This naturally occurring antioxidant has been linked to improvements in egg quality and sperm health—but is it right for you?

Dr. Shahine breaks down what the research actually says, the potential benefits, and what risks to keep in mind.

In this episode, you’re getting clear, evidence-based insights that can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider—and decide if CoQ10 deserves a spot in your supplement lineup.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• [2:04] What is CoQ10?
• [3:41] How CoQ10 works
• [4:45] Possible side effects
• [5:47] Evidence of CoQ10 for female fertility
• [14:55] Evidence of CoQ10 for male factor
• [17:46] What Dr. Shahine tells her own patients about CoQ10

Resources mentioned:

Review article of nutrients for IVF, Hart et al. 2024 RBMO www.rbmojournal.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1472-6483%2823%2900869-6

Review article CoQ10 info, Rodriguez-Valera 2021 J Molecular Science www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9541

CoQ10 levels decrease in levels with age, Ben-Meir et al. 2015 Fert Stert www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001502821500374X

Animal studies showing improved egg and embryo quality with CoQ10 supplementation journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMRH.S14681

Randomized controlled trial CoQ10 aneuploidy rates in women doing IVF/ICSI, Bentov et al. 2014 Sage

journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMRH.S14681

Review article on antioxidants (including CoQ10) and male fertility, Kaltsas et al. Medicine 2023

www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/10/1769

Sperm motility improved in men given CoQ10, Balercia, G.2009 Fert Stert www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(08)00487-1/fulltext

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

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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

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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