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

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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

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Is a tilted uterus stopping you from getting pregnant? Could it be the reason for painful periods or backaches? Has the term “retroverted uterus” been brought up at one of your recent doctor’s appointments?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is taking the mystery out of the retroverted (or tilted) uterus. She explains what it is, how common it is, and whether it impacts fertility or pregnancy. Good news: in most cases, it doesn’t.

Dr. Shahine also sheds light on when a tilted uterus might signal something more—like endometriosis, pelvic infections, or fibroids—and how that can influence reproductive health.

Listeners will walk away with a solid understanding of what a retroverted uterus is (and isn’t), what symptoms to watch for, and when it’s worth checking with your medical provider.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• [1:22] What is a retroverted or tilted uterus?
• [2:59] How common is it to have one?
• [4:34] Retroverted uterus and fertility
• [6:25] Retroverted uterus and pregnancy
• [6:48] Advice for patients
• [7:41] Final thoughts

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

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Do you know that uteruses come in different shapes? How about a unicornuate uterus?

You can have a uterine anomaly without symptoms and it can impact your reproductive health, miscarriage risk, and pregnancy outcomes.

Inspired by Celina Spooky Boo’s fertility story, this episode of Brave & Curious explores unicornuate uterus. Dr. Lora Shahine explains this congenital anomaly, how it’s diagnosed, and the spectrum of potential outcomes it can create for fertility and pregnancy.

Dr. Shahine also offers critical questions to ask your healthcare provider, helping you advocate for your reproductive health with knowledge and bravery.

Follow @celinaspookyboo on Instagram

In this episode, listeners will learn:

• [1:06] What is a unicornuate uterus?
• [6:43] How common is it?
• [7:17] Diagnosing a unicornuate uterus
• [9:01] Impact on fertility
• [11:41] Pregnancy risks
• [13:45] Treatment options
• [15:30] How to advocate for your care
• [17:07] Final thoughts

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

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What’s the difference between IUI and IVF? Which one is right for you? And how do you navigate the emotional and financial rollercoaster of fertility treatment with clarity and courage?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine offers a compassionate, clear-eyed look at the two most common fertility treatments: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

She goes through the pros, cons, and personal factors that should guide this deeply personal decision.

In this episode, listeners will learn:

• [0:21] Understanding IUI and IVF
• [1:22] IUI: Process and Pros
• [2:24] IVF: Process and Pros
• [4:11] Comparing success rates
• [11:52] Factors influencing treatment choice
• [14:53] Ethical and financial considerations

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

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What exactly is an ovarian cyst—and should you be worried if you have one? Could your pain be more than just a normal part of your cycle? And how do you even begin the conversation with your doctor?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites you to get curious about your body, embrace the power of knowledge, and tackle the unknowns of ovarian health with bravery and clarity.

Dr. Shahine walks through the five most important things to know: symptoms, types, causes, treatment options, and red flags. From the commonly harmless functional cysts to more complex types like endometriomas and dermoid cysts.

She explains how cysts form, why they matter, and when they might signal something more serious. Finally, Dr. Shahine shares the three must-ask questions for anyone navigating a new diagnosis of an ovarian cyst.

In this episode, listeners will hear:

• [0:44] Symptoms of ovarian cysts
• [0:49] Types of ovarian cysts
• [12:47] Causes of ovarian cysts
• [14:10] Treatment options for ovarian cysts
• [16:35] When to worry
• [17:38] Important questions to ask your doctor

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

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What if IVF didn’t have to mean so many shots? Could a new protocol allow for fewer shots, less office visits, AND be less expensive?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Linnea Goodman to answer these questions and more. They review Dr. Goodman’s research into a protocol, not new to the fertility field around the world, but new to most listeners in the United States that has many benefits to IVF patients.

Dr. Linnea Goodman is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. Throughout her career, Dr. Goodman has been dedicated to advancing the field of reproductive medicine through both clinical excellence and innovative research. Currently, Dr. Goodman practices at Virginia Fertility & IVF, where she specializes in minimally invasive office procedures aimed at optimizing fertility outcomes.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• [1:16] Meet Dr. Linnea Goodman: reproductive endocrinologist and researcher
• [2:24] IVF shots & their necessity
• [4:45] Provera Protocol is a game-changer
• [14:35] Research & evidence for the Provera Protocol
• [22:19] A patient-centered approach
• [25:00] Research Outcomes
• [27:07] Innovations in IVF: Progestins
• [29:32 The patient experience: benefits and side effects of progestins
• [32:36 What does the future hold?
  

Resources mentioned:

http://vafertility.com

Massin N, et al. New stimulation regimens: endogenous and exogenous progesterone use to block the LH surge during ovarian stimulation for IVF. Hum Reprod Update. 2017 Mar 1;23(2):211-220. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmw047.PMID: 28062551

R Beguería, et al. Medroxyprogesterone acetate versus ganirelix in oocyte donation: a randomized controlled trial. Hum Reprod. 2019 May 1;34(5):872-880 doi:10.1093/humrep/dez034. PMID: 30927417

Giles J, et al. Medroxyprogeseterone acetate is a useful alternative to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in ooxyte-donation: a randomized controlled trial. Fert Stert 2021;116: 404-412. PMID: 33814126. DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.02.036

Welp A, et al. Oral medroxyprogesterone acetate for the use of ovulation suppression in in vitro fertilization: a cohort trial. Fertil Steril 2024 May;121(5):806-813. PMID: 38253117 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.01.026

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

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