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

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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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