Fertility Over 40: What Actually Matters (And How to Optimize Your Chances) | #152

Part 1 of a 2-Part Series: Fertility Over 40

Fertility over 40 is becoming more common than ever, but with it comes confusion, fear, and a lot of outdated information.

In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, we begin a two-part fertility series focused on conception after age 40. We break down what actually changes with age, what matters most for fertility, and — most importantly — what you can influence.

Because chronological age is only one piece of the picture.

You’ll learn why egg quality matters more than egg count, how lifestyle and metabolic health impact fertility outcomes, and how women can support ovulation, hormone balance, and mitochondrial health as they age. If you’ve been told your age alone determines your fertility, this episode offers a more nuanced and hopeful perspective.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why chronological age doesn’t equal ovarian health

• The real role of egg quality vs. egg count (AMH explained)

• How mitochondrial health impacts fertility

• Environmental toxins and hidden fertility stressors

• Blood sugar balance and metabolic health after 40

• Inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormone disruption

• Ovulation strength and progesterone production

• Short luteal phases and why they matter for implantation

• Signs of low progesterone you shouldn’t ignore

• How lifestyle changes can meaningfully improve fertility outcomes

00:00 — Trailer & Podcast Intro

03:25 — Episode begins: Fertility over 40 overview

05:10 — Chronological age vs ovarian environment

21:30 — Egg quality, lifestyle, and metabolic health

23:58 — Inflammation, stress & nutrient deficiencies explained

24:25 — Progesterone, luteal phase & cycle changes after 40

25:10 — Signs of low progesterone to watch for

48:43 — IVF myths: why optimization matters first

49:12 — Why IVF doesn’t bypass egg or sperm quality

49:42 — Rethinking fertility decisions after 40

50:51 — Fertility as a marker of overall health

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

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