Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine – Details, episodes & analysis

Why do our moods shift so dramatically across the month? What's really happening in our brains during the luteal phase of our cycle? And could understanding our hormones actually make us feel better? 

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with evolutionary psychologist and author Sarah E. Hill, PhD to talk about the fascinating link between hormones, brain function, and overall health. 

They explore how deeply our cycles shape our energy, emotions, and resilience—and why this understanding is long overdue. Dr. Hill brings her groundbreaking insights from her books This Is Your Brain on Birth Control and The Period Brain to explain how estrogen and progesterone guide us through distinct physiological "seasons." 

She and Dr. Shahine discuss PMS, PMDD, and why women have two primary sex hormones when men only have one. With empathy, curiosity, and humor, they trace the science, the evolutionary logic, and the societal biases that have kept women's hormonal health misunderstood for generations.

This episode invites you to stop fighting your biology and start partnering with it because understanding your cycle is one of the bravest, smartest things you can do for your health.

In this episode you'll hear:

• [1:56] Why PMS exists
• [6:13] A simple, clear breakdown of the menstrual cycle
• [9:48] The roles of estrogen & progesterone
• [13:05] The Brain–explained
• [24:23] A little more about progesterone
• [30:37] The link between progesterone and autoimmune disease
• [38:21] Is your PMS actually PMDD?
• [40:50] The five pillars of hormone health: sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management, and social support
• [44:13] Some surprising research
• [46:02] Stress and ovulation 
• [51:55] Hormone "balancing" is a myth
• [57:17] Practical, and hopeful, lifestyle shifts
• [1:12:19] Conclusion & final thoughts

Resources mentioned: 

sarahehill.com

@sarahehillphd on Instagram

substack.com/sarahehillphd

floatingkitchen.net/roasted-cauliflower-tacos-with-chipotle-cream

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

What does infertility feel like from a man's point of view? How do couples navigate years of uncertainty, loss, and hope when answers never come? And can creative expression, like writing a book, help rebuild connection in the midst of pain?

In this powerful and vulnerable conversation of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with The Empty Nest author Jared Walker to talk about infertility, grief, and how storytelling can bridge emotional distance between partners.

Jared shares the deeply personal journey that inspired his illustrated book The Empty Nest, written for his wife after years of infertility and miscarriage. What began as private journaling became a love letter to their shared resilience. And ultimately, a gift to the fertility community. 

Jared's story captures the isolation, longing, and quiet courage that so many couples experience. This episode is full of honesty and vulnerability that can heal and connect, even in the hardest moments.

This episode is a moving reminder that infertility is never just "her story". It's their story, and hope can take many forms.

In this episode you'll hear:

• [1:13] Jared's story of love, loss, & creation of The Empty Nest
• [5:09] Couples grieve differently 
• [9:04] The silence around men's experience with infertility
• [13:50] Vulnerability, social media, & the courage to share publicly 
• [24:14] Reading from The Empty Nest: isolation, grief, and quiet beauty 
• [30:29] Why men need to be part of the fertility conversation
• [40:03] Connect with Jared & find his book 

Resources mentioned: 

www.dollarfor.org/gethelp

@dollarfor on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | YouTube

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Trying to get pregnant in your 40s and feeling bombarded with terms like "geriatric pregnancy" or "diminished ovarian reserve"? Wondering if age is the final word in fertility? Curious about what you can do instead of what you can't?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is getting real about trying to conceive after 40—with clarity, compassion, and science-backed strategies. She covers the impact of age on fertility, the power of early testing, and why aligning your family-building goals with real timelines is more important than ever.

You'll learn practical steps to optimize your fertility, when to consider IVF, and how to feel empowered—not discouraged—by the numbers. Whether you're just starting or still holding onto hope, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating conception in your 40s with confidence.

In this episode you'll hear:

• [1:47] Age & fertility
• [9:40] An important first step: family building goals
• [12:25] Next step: don't wait for testing
• [15:38] Tips for trying to conceive
• [18:44] Is IVF right for me?

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

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The good news: IUIs can work! Intrauterine insemination (sometimes laughingly referred to as "the turkey baster method"), or IUI, can help overcome issues like low sperm count or low sperm motility by getting sperm closer to where it needs to be around the time of ovulation.

This method of dealing with infertility is also less expensive and much less invasive for the person hoping to carry the pregnancy. It can also be a great method if you're planning on using donor sperm.

The harder news to hear: it may not work the first time. 

That said, there are things you can do to increase your chances of a successful IUI, and in this episode, Dr. Shahine goes into your many options, both medical and behavioral. 

In this episode you'll hear:

[00:00] Intro to the Episode

[01:27] IUI review – what it is, how it works, how is it different from IVF

[04:31] Tips BEFORE you do your first IUI

   Tip #1 Get testing before you start 

   Tip #2 Review your family goals with your doctor

   Tip #3 Make a long-term plan – how many IUIs?

[06:10] 5 Tips for Success with IUIs

   [06:10] Tip # 1 Medications used with IUIs

   [07:25] Tip #2 Monitoring with IUI cycle: OPK vs. Ultrasounds

   [08:33] Tip#3 Use of Trigger Shots for timing IUI

   [09:11] Tip#4 Optimize sperm counts for IUI to improve success

   [10:15] Tip #5 Optimize overall health to improve success with IUI

[11:43] Chances of Success with IUI

[12:33] Fertility Story for the week – An indication for IUI that you may not have heard of before

[15:37] Summary and Outro

Resources mentioned: 

Drlorashahine.com

hello@drlorashahine.com

Tips for Timing Trying: Dr. Shahine's video on Baby-Making Tips

Tips for Ovulation: Dr. Shahine's video on How to Know When You are Ovulating

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

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Ep 47: Weight and Fertility: Optimizing Heath NOT Restriction and Shame with Dr. Stephanie Fein

 Weight loss for fertility is controversial and complicated, and to be perfectly honest, more research is needed to fully understand the link between body weight and fertility. Whatever studies find, weight loss for fertility should never involve shaming or guilt.

 In this episode, Dr. Shahine talks weight and fertility with Stephanie Fein, MD. Dr. Fein started in social psychology, then moved to Internal Medicine, where she completed a residency program. She then went on to obtain a Masters in Public Health. 

 All of these skills came together when Dr. Fein was moonlighting at a weight-loss clinic while doing her residency; a conference on weight and fertility solidified her decision to move into helping people optimize their fertility with weight loss.

 What does the research really show?

 Perhaps most important to understand, no two bodies are the same, and many of the numbers and other information you'll hear on the Internet (and maybe even from your doctor), won't apply for all.

 In this episode you'll hear:

Time Stamps

[00:00-03:18] Intro to the show and Dr. Stephanie Fein

[03:19-07:27] Dr. Fein's inspiration from medical doctor to Weight Loss for Fertility

[07:28-16:43] Research on weight and fertility – Why BMI as a marker?

[11:32-15:33] Obesity, reproductive health and Insulin, visceral fat, and hormones

[15:34-16:43] PCOS and inflammation

[16:44:19:15] Realistic weight loss expectations and sustainability 

[19:16-26:27] Why people overeat – changing your relationship with food

[26:28-30:13] Dr. Fein's advice on how to talk to your doctor about weight 

Dr. Fein answers Questions from Instagram Community Follow @drlorashahie

[30:20]- Trish asks "How does gastric bypass impact fertility and pregnancy"

[31:20]- Sara asks "Can I use Ozempic or Wegovy while trying to conceive?"

[38:14]-Samantha asks "Is it ok to try to lose weight while trying to conceive?"

[36:00-38:14] Summary and finding Dr. Stephanie Fein

If you want information about weight loss and possible impacts on fertility, you can find Dr. Fein on her website: stephaniefeinmd.com

Resources mentioned: 

Podcast 'Weight Loss for Fertility with Dr. Stephanie Fein': stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility

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

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Holiday events can mean facing some awkward questions about family building - are you ready?

"So, when are you having another?" "You had a baby? It's about time!" "When are you going to make your mom a grandma?" "Baby weight, huh?" "Should you be drinking that when you're breastfeeding?" UGH.

Holiday conversations — especially when alcohol and holiday conviviality reduces people's inhibitions — can be kind of awful. So this year, please put yourself first. Dr. Shahine has some great tips on how you can do that.

From finding an ally (hint: it doesn't have to be your partner, who is likely fighting their own conversational battles) to designing conversational strategies from polite deflection to well-deserved zingers, being prepared in advance can really help in the moment.

In this episode you'll hear:

[00:00] Intro to Baby or Bust and Episode on Holidays with Infertility 

[01:26] Intro Tips for Surviving and Thriving Thanksgiving with Infertility 

[02:05] Tip #1 Don't Go

[03:06] Tip #2 Find Your Ally

[04:38] Tip #3 Plan Your Answers to Awkward Fertility Conversations

[06:02] Tip #4 Plan an Exit Strategy

[06:33] Tip #5 Plan Self Care and Recharge

[07:51] Fertility Story: My First Holiday Season with a Baby after struggling with Infertility – the awkward fertility conversations continued

[09:51] Outro and thank you

Learn more from Dr. Shahine www.drlorashahine.com

Send your fertility stories, topics you'd like to learn about, and people you want Dr. Shahine to interview to hello@drlorashahine.com.

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

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In this episode, Dr. Shahine explores the benefits and research supporting Yoga for Fertility with master instructor and author of the first book on the subject, Lynn Jensen. 

People on fertility journeys often say they feel like their bodies don't belong to them anymore. Between the tests and the treatments and the theories, it's easy to see how people can feel disconnected physically and emotionally.

Lynn Jensen's Yoga for Fertility classes helps heal bodies AND minds. Lynn has a specialization in yoga for the fertility journey, so her students can trust that they're maximizing their physical and emotional wellness.

Lynn is a Registered Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Alliance and a Certified Yoga Therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists since 2013. 

Not only does Lynn have highly specialized training, she's been through the journey herself. Her classes often turn into impromptu counseling sessions, and her students make lifelong bonds with her and each other.

In this podcast, Lynn and Dr Shahine talk about the many ways yoga heals and strengthens the body for fertility and the mind for the challenges of the journey. 

Find Lynn and sign up for classes at her website, https://yogaforfertility.net/.

In this episode you'll hear:

[00:00] Intro to Episode 45 

[03:23] Lynn's Fertility Story and Origins of Yoga for Fertility

[08:46] What Makes Yoga for Fertility Different from Other Practices?

   [10:30 Chakra system and relation to hormones

   [11:21] Dr. Shahine describes a class she took with Lynn

   [12:28] Yoga poses changing through the menstrual cycle 

   [13:41] Lynn's favorite pose during the two week wait

[14:48] The research that supports the benefits of Yoga for Fertility

[21:03] Lynn's advice on exercise during fertility treatment like IVF

[25:37] Lynn describes a typical class

[28:39] Lynn guides Dr. Shahine through a breathing exercise

Questions from Instagram @drlorashahine:

[33:10] Sandy: Is it ok to do yoga during an IVF cycle?

[33:28] Katrina: Who are your classes for? Egg freezing? Couples?

[35:18] Anne: Can yoga help patients with miscarriage?

[37:19] How to find a certified yoga for fertility instructor?

[38:29] Tribute to Lynn from a former student

[39:11] How to find Lynn and Yoga for Fertility: https://yogaforfertility.net/instructor/

Resources mentioned in the show: 

Domar A, et al. Impact of group psychological interventions on pregnancy rates in infertile women Fertil Steril 2000 Apr;73(4):805-11. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(99)00493-8.

Dumbala et al 2020. Effect of Yoga on Psychological Distress among Women Receiving Treatment for Infertility. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32669765/

Thakur 2021. Effect of yoga on polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=yoga+and+fertility&filter=simsearch1.fha

Yoga Can Improve Assisted Reproduction Technology Outcomes in Couples With Infertility. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29112941/

Return to Zero: HOPE Kiley Hannish. Support for miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, stillbirth: https://rtzhope.org/

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

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It's easier to be shocked by the story The Retrievals podcast reports and moves on but extremely important to reflect on why it happened in order to prevent history repeating itself (again).

For months, a nurse at a Fertility Center in the United States replaced the pain reliever fentanyl with normal saline, taking the fentenyl for her own use, but left women undergoing egg retrievals without pain relief.

Patients in pain for a procedure is horrible enough, but it's extremely disturbing that the women who tried to report and question what happened felt like their concerns were ignored. 

In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine takes us through what an egg retrieval process should be like and is like, the majority of the time. Dr. Shahine also explores the history of women and the medical community and why women so often have to advocate for themselves to get even a minimum of care. She leaves with tips on how to advocate for yourself so you receive the attention and care you deserve.

Listen and share! 

Take a moment to follow the show and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts!

What you'll hear in this episode: 

[00:00] Intro to Episode: The Gender Bias in Medicine

[00:37] Intro to Baby or Bust and thank to our sponsor Seattle Sperm Bank

[01:12] Intro to the Retrievals Podcast by the New York Times and Serial Network: The Story 

[04:38] What is pain control supposed to be like for a retrieval? 

            [04:43] Fentanyl: What is it and What does it do?

            [05:12] Midazolam (Versed): What is it and What does it do?

            [10:22] What pain control is like at my clinic PNWF in Seattle

            [10:40] Propofol: What is it and Why is it different?

            [12:15] Dr. Shahine describes her own experience with her egg retrieval 

[12:52] Why did this happen? Why is it common for women to feel dismissed in medicine?

[14:43] The gender bias in medicine – pain, endometriosis, and more

[16:15] The book Doing Harm by Maya Dusenbery 

[17:02] The knowledge gap – women excluded from medical trials, lack of teaching women's health in medical training, lack of investment in research into diseases that mainly impact women

[18:30] The trust gap: doctors not trusting women's description of symptoms

[19:25] What can be done to change this?

[20:10] Learning how to advocate for YOUR care: Tips for you from Dr. Shahine 

[22:31] Recap

[23:46] Fertility Story of the Week: The patient that told Dr. Shahine about the Retrievals Podcast

[25:53] Resources and thank you

Resources mentioned:

Retrievals article in New York Times 

The Retrievals podcast on Apple

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

Follow @drlorashahine

Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books 

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is one of the scariest risk factors of IVF, but it doesn't have to be. With preparation, treatment choices, and prevention, you can avoid this uncomfortable and potentially dangerous risk factor from ovarian stimulation.

To maximize the number of eggs retrieved for IVF and egg freezing, fertility treatment involves stimulating the ovaries to mature more eggs. A higher egg number can often predict a higher success rate with treatment, but a side effect can be significant fluid shifts and bloating also known as OHSS. 

When OHSS occurs, it can be mild, moderate, or severe, with symptoms ranging from discomfort and bloating to significant dehydration, shortness of breath, nausea, and even hospitalization for recovery.

In this episode, Dr. Shahine does a deep dive into OHSS. 

You'll learn

1. What OHSS is
2. Why OHSS happens and Who is at risk
3. Ways to prevent OHSS
4. Ways to treat symptoms if it occurs so you have a speedy recovery

This week's fertility story is about an OHSS patient Dr. Shahine will never forget from her training. It's a reminder to never to ignore your care team's instructions. 

In this episode you'll hear: 

[00:00] Intro: What is OHSS and why is it scary?

[01:07] My experience caring for patients with OHSS over the years 

[02:13] OHSS Definition, Classification

[05:29] Physiology of OHSS – Why does it happen?

[07:12] Risk factors for OHSS – Who is at risk?

[09:41] Treatment options to prevent and recover quickly from OHSS

[09:55] Prevention of OHSS 

• What to know before you start stimulation 
• Choosing a protocol and medications to add to decrease risk 
• Metformin, trigger shot, cabergoline, and more

[21:47] Treatment if OHSS happens 

• How to recover faster
• Increasing electrolytes and protein at home, 
• When do you need IV fluids or hospitalization to recover (rarely)

[25:58] Fertility story of Dr. Shahine's Patient: Warning of the dangers of OHSS 

[31:51] Outro and thank you 

Resources mentioned: 

Try LMNT daily during your stimulation process to increase electrolyte intake and decrease the symptoms of bloating during IVF and egg freezing. Mix one packet in 40 ounces of water and sip throughout the day. 

LMNT has sodium and potassium to help decrease bloating as well as magnesium to prevent constipation (common after egg retrieval) 

Using this link: drinklmnt.com/DrShahine or code DrShahine at checkout to get a sample pack of all flavors with your first purchase.

 Dr. Shahine's YouTube Videos on OHSS

Mastering OHSS Prevention

OHSS is the Biggest Risk Factor for IVF: What you need to know

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

Follow @drlorashahine

Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books 

Studies mentioned in podcast

Who is at risk of OHSS? 

1. Younger age: One study showed 60% of women who got OHSS were less than 35 yo 
   • https://academic.oup.com/ajhp/article-abstract/65/12/1148/5127940?redirectedFrom=fulltext 
2. Lower BMI: Some studies show a higher risk of OHSS if BMI <23 but not all studies show an association https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7851086/  
   • A higher ovarian reserve predicts higher risk of OHSS: AMH > 5  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002937814001689 
   • Antral Follicle count >24 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0015028212005961 
   • For more information on ovarian reserve testing see my video: https://youtu.be/bYJWXIY6GHg 
3. Patients with PCOS often have a high AMH and high AFC – if you're diagnosed with PCOS – ask about OHSS risk in IVF 
4. A high response to stimulation in the IVF cycle can predict risk of OHSS 
   • Estradiol levels at time of trigger  >3500 pg/mL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12773437/ 
   • More than 20 follicles https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14647270601021743 
   • More than 15 eggs retrieved https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028213034584 

 Aspirin and OHSS: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028209001320 

Metformin and OHSS: https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/26/8/2178/645906 

Trigger shot and OHSS: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1472648310602003 

Cabergoline and OHSS: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/92/8/2931/2597480

Like our own expert Siri, Leslie Schrock should be available on-demand for anyone who's struggling with fertility.

And she can be! With two books and now on an episode of Baby or Bust, everyone can access her informed and sensitive approach to miscarriage, medically necessary abortion, and other fertility challenges.

Leslie Schrock is an author, entrepreneur, and angel investor who has been involved in health and fertility for pretty much her entire working life. Her first book, Bumpin': The Modern Guide to Pregnancy mixes clinical research with practical advice for working families. Her second book, Fertility Rules, does the same for fertility. 

After working in advertising for many years, Leslie helped found and grow Rock Health, a digital health startup incubator and venture fund and was named one of the Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company.

In this episode you'll hear:

[00:37:] Thank you to sponsors

[01:10:] Learn more about author, Leslie Schrock

[02:23:] Episode starts — How Dr. Shahine found Leslie's books and what was different about 'Bumpin' and 'Fertility Rules'

[04:54]: Leslie's fertility story — expectations crashed, recurrent pregnancy loss, terminating a highly desired pregnancy, a tough pregnancy and delivery, and more

[09:18:] What's different about Leslie's writing and her motivation – giving facts without fear, allowing all the feelings and frustrations without shame and guilt

Busting fertility myths with Leslie Schrock

[16:34:] Myth #1 "Fertility is a Woman's Problem" The role of men in reproduction — "Men need a seat at the fertility table!"

[24:00:] Myth #2 "Supplements Cure Infertility" — What you need and don't need while trying to conceive and how to find what's safe

[27:21:] Myth #3 "We Always Know the Cause of Miscarriage" — The patients with easy conception but miscarriage experience a different kind of infertility. Is it really just "bad luck"?

[32:46:] The Hope Trial at Stanford — enroll to learn more about genetics and recurrent miscarriage 

[34:50: Myth] #4 "Abortion is NOT healthcare" — Sometimes abortion is not a choice. Terminating a highly desired pregnancy for a lethal anomaly was a heartbreaking experience for Leslie

[39:25]: Learn about the non-profit Doctors for Fertility 

[39:43]: Myth #5 "Once you have a baby, no more infertility" — Secondary infertility impacted both Dr. Shahine and Leslie

[42:45:] Wrapping up and thank you

Resources mentioned: 

leslieschrock.com 

Bumpin' by Leslie Schrock

Fertility Rules by Leslie Schrock

doctorsforfertility.com

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

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