Are you struggling with unexplained infertility and wondering if endometriosis could be the missing piece? Have you been told that surgery is the only way to get a diagnosis? What if a simple test could offer answers without going into the operating room?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes guest Dr. Bruce Lessey, a double board certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist with decades of research experience and over 150 peer-reviewed publications. Together they explore a groundbreaking question in reproductive medicine: can we diagnose endometriosis without invasive surgery?

Dr. Lessey and Dr. Shahine explain the science behind BCL6 testing, a biomarker found in the uterine lining that may signal inflammation linked to endometriosis. Dr. Lessey also shares how this research evolved from studying implantation markers to developing a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool, and why timing in the menstrual cycle is critical for accurate results.

They also discuss the realities of delayed diagnosis, the connection between endometriosis and unexplained infertility, and how this test is already being used in clinical settings.

In this episode you'll hear:

• [1:21] Meet Dr. Bruce Lessey
• [4:27] Why does diagnosing endometriosis take years?
• [7:16] Introducing BCL6 testing
• [16:20] Timing the biopsy window
• [22:51] IVF outcomes study
• [25:42] Fresh vs. frozen transfers
• [27:22] Treating expected endometriosis
• [28:44] Lupron and surgery explained
• [30:42] BCL6 in recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure
• [33:04] Progesterone resistance and benefits of letrozole
• [40:48] Timing and testing pitfalls
• [43:02] Future research and wrap up

Resources mentioned:

Overexpression in Eutopic Endometrium of Women With Endometriosis. doi: 10.1177/1933719116649711.

Endometrial BCL6 testing for the prediction of in vitro fertilization outcomes: a cohort study. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.09.017.

Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and unexplained infertility: twins in disguise. doi: 10.1093/hropen/hoz021.

This episode is sponsored by Cicero Diagnostics.

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

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This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

What if inflammation is quietly affecting your fertility? What if the key to improving egg quality and hormonal balance isn't just medical treatment, but the everyday choices you make? And what if understanding your body earlier could change your entire fertility journey?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes fertility specialist Dr. Natalie Crawford to explore how inflammation influences reproductive health and what women can do to support fertility from the inside out.

Dr. Natalie Crawford is the author of The Fertility Formula, and she is here to share how her own experience with infertility and pregnancy loss shaped her passion for empowering patients with science-based fertility education.

Together, she and Dr. Shahine discuss the growing role of chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors in fertility challenges. Dr. Crawford explains why fertility medicine often reacts too late in the process and why understanding hormones, ovarian reserve, and reproductive health earlier can help people advocate for themselves and make informed decisions.

In this episode you'll hear:

• [2:32] Dr. Natalie Crawford's fertility journey
• [7:00] Chronic inflammation and fertility
• [20:59] Insulin resistance impacts hormones, ovulation, & egg quality
• [26:34] The connection between stress, cortisol, and fertility outcomes
• [28:09] Sleep is an important fertility-supporting habit
• [32:41] Strength training to improve hormone health
• [41:23] Nutrition basics that work
• [48:25] Dr. Crawford's framework: Educate, Advocate, Optimize
• [54:26] Connecting with Natalie
  

Resources mentioned:

nataliecrawfordmd.com

As A Woman Podcast

@nataliecrawfordmd Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | YouTube

Ep 157 Why Sleep is the Most Powerful Habit You Can't Ignore with Dr. Meredith Broderick

Dr. Shahine's Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

Are progesterone shots really necessary for a frozen embryo transfer? Why would your doctor recommend intramuscular injections over suppositories or other less painful options? And could the type of progesterone you use actually affect implantation, miscarriage risk, or live birth rates?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explains the science behind progesterone support in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, especially why intramuscular (IM) progesterone is often recommended in certain programmed cycle protocols.

Dr. Shahine explains how progesterone supports implantation and early pregnancy, the key differences between programmed or medicated and natural or ovulatory FET protocols, and why not all progesterone options perform the same way.

Listeners will learn how IM progesterone compares to other forms and when IM progesterone may meaningfully improve FET success. You'll get some practical guidance on how to talk with your doctor about choosing the right progesterone protocol for your body and your treatment plan.

In this episode you'll hear:

• [1:11] Progesterone shot fears
• [2:30] Why progesterone matters
• [4:22] Why supplement in treatment
• [5:22] Programmed vs. ovulatory FET
• [7:31] Progesterone options explained
• [11:07] Landmark 2021 trial set up
• [13:08] Results: live birth miscarriage
• [15:14] Next steps

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.