Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine

What if your PCOS diagnosis is about more than fertility? What if the symptoms you've been told to "just manage" are actually your body asking for deeper support? And what if you could take back control in a way that feels empowering rather than restrictive? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with registered dietitian and author of PCOS is My Power Cory Ruth, RDN to explain all about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and why it's often misunderstood. Cory shares her personal journey to diagnosis and how it shaped her mission to help women better understand the metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive components of PCOS. Dr. Shahine and Cory cover the diagnostic criteria, common misconceptions (like "just lose weight"), and the evolving science around lifestyle interventions, blood sugar regulation, and long-term health outcomes. This episode will give listeners a clearer understanding of how to manage PCOS through sustainable nutrition, movement, and mindset shifts, without falling into restrictive or shame-based approaches. Cory's refreshing expertise helps us reframe PCOS as a potential catalyst for lifelong health—giving you the tools to feel informed, supported, and back in the driver's seat. In this episode you'll hear: [1:56] PCOS "triple threat": reproductive, metabolic, & hormonal [5:40] Cory Ruth's personal journey [8:01] Early signs of PCOS [11:43] The Rotterdam criteria [17:33] PCOS is a weight issue: MYTH [19:09] Nutrition is the foundation of PCOS management [22:24] Simple, realistic meal ideas to support PCOS [31:25] Intermittent fasting & PCOS [34:27] Mental health & PCOS [37:35] Long-term risks of PCOS [40:10] Sustainable lifestyle changes that actually work [43:05] Reframing PCOS as an opportunity for lifelong health Resources mentioned: www.thewomensdietitian.com @thewomensdietition on Instagram 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Are ovulation predictor kits enough to time intercourse? Can an app really tell you when you're fertile? And what if your body has been giving you the answers all along? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking to fertility awareness pioneer Dr. Are ovulation predictor kits enough to time intercourse? Can an app really tell you when you're fertile? And what if your body has been giving you the answers all along? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking to fertility awareness pioneer Toni Weschler, author of Taking Charge of Your Fertility, and her niece, software engineer, Sabrina Nowicki. These three women explore how women can confidently track ovulation, understand cervical fluid, and take charge of their reproductive health with both education and technology. Toni Weschler shares the powerful origin story behind her decades of paper charting and why she once resisted fertility apps altogether. She believed that a thermometer, a pen, and knowledge of your own body were enough. Sabrina explains how that philosophy evolved into Cyclisity, an educational cycle tracking app designed as the perfect companion to the book. Unlike predictive period apps that rely on algorithms and "average" 28-day cycles, Cyclisity follows the sympto-thermal method exactly as taught in Toni's work. It will finally make sense why basal body temperature confirms ovulation but doesn't predict it, how cervical fluid signals approaching fertility, why ovulation predictor kits can miss critical timing, and how improper app use can delay fertility diagnosis or lead to unintended pregnancy. This conversation is a masterclass in reproductive education and body literacy while blending science, privacy, and modern technology. In this episode you'll hear: [0:39] Meet the guests: Author Toni Weschler and Sabrina Nowicki [2:36] Why track your cycle? [4:03] Understanding ovulation and health [6:49] Sabrina's personal journey [10:29] Toni's period story [13:10] The push for technology [14:52] Early software resistance [18:35] The perfect team forms [22:03] Creating Cyclisity [27:07] Using book and app together [31:41] Temperature vs cervical fluid [32:53] Checking cervical fluid Resources mentioned: cyclisity.com tcoyf.com @cyclisity on IG @cyclisityapp on TikTok @wanderingsabrina on IG | on TikTok Ep 50 Over 25 Years of Taking Charge of Your Fertility with Author Toni Weschler 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!

Did you have a C-section and now notice spotting that won't quit? Are you dealing with pelvic pain, confusing symptoms, or trouble getting pregnant, and wondering if they're connected? Has anyone ever mentioned the word isthmocele to you… or is this the first time you're hearing it? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explains a condition many patients are never warned about after a C-section: an isthmocele. She tells us what an isthmocele is, how it can form in a prior C-section scar, and why it can sometimes lead to unexpected bleeding, pain, or fertility challenges. You'll learn the five key symptoms that may signal an isthmocele, how this condition can affect fertility and future pregnancy plans, and the pros and cons of monitoring versus treating. Dr. Shahine also talks us through when surgical repair may be helpful, and the exact questions to ask your doctor so you can advocate for informed, personalized care. If you've had a C-section and feel like something isn't quite right, this episode offers knowledge, reassurance, and a clear path forward. In this episode you'll hear: [0:46] Understanding C-section scars: Isthnocele [2:21] What is an isthmocele? [3:24] How common? [4:18] Getting diagnosed [6:06] Symptoms [7:36] Treatment options [9:21] Observation vs. surgical management [14:01] Important questions to ask your doctor [14:57] Conclusion & final thoughts 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

How do you make an embryo stick? Is there anything you can do to improve embryo transfer success? And how do you know which advice is science-backed versus fertility folklore? In this special solo Q&A episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine answers the questions patients ask most often when preparing for an embryo transfer. What really matters during an IVF embryo transfer? Using real questions from Instagram, YouTube, and her own practice, she walks listeners through fresh vs. frozen embryo transfer, what happens on transfer day, whether you need a full bladder, lying down afterward, Valium use, pineapple cores, French fries, genetic testing, ERA testing, and how uterine lining preparation actually works. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of embryo transfer success rates, frozen embryo transfer protocols, and implantation timing, and get their real questions answered. In this episode you'll hear: [1:27] What should I expect on transfer day? [8:00] What happens post-transfer? [9:35] Funny myths: pineapple cores & McDonalds french fries [13:46] Fresh vs. frozen transfer myths [20:18] Pre-transfer testing and ERA [24:37] Natural vs. medicated transfer protocols [28:30] Conclusion & final thoughts Links and Resources: Embryo Transfer: What to Expect on YouTube Does the Embryo Fall Out: Embryo Transfer Tips on YouTube Fresh vs. Frozen Transfers: Pros and Cons on YouTue Studies Mentioned: Randomized Controlled Trial for FET Protocols: PMID: 38944045 Retrospective analysis Perinatal Outcomes with FET protocols PMID:33926401 Randomized Controlled Trial for ERA before FET PMID: 36472596 Randomized Controlled Trial Bedrest after embryo transfer: PMID:31520259 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!

Are you starting to think about fertility testing? Have you been trying to conceive and wondering which tests actually matter? Or are you overwhelmed by conflicting advice and unsure where to begin? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down fertility testing with clarity, compassion, and evidence. Now you can move forward feeling informed instead of intimidated. Dr. Shahine covers the basics of fertility testing including the essentials of a thorough health history. She also explains how menstrual cycles, ovulation patterns, pain, PCOS, endometriosis, lifestyle factors, and mental health all shape a fertility workup. This episode empowers couples with realistic expectations, evidence-based guidance, and the confidence to advocate for personalized fertility care, because understanding your options is the first step to feeling as ready as you can for what comes next. In this episode you'll hear: [1:36] Key fertility tests for women: AMH, FSH, estradiol, ultrasound, and HSG [3:42]] The full work up: lifestyle, medical history, menstrual cycles, and past pregnancies [7:54] Ovarian reserve and AMH explained [13:19] Fertility tests for men: semen analysis and hormone evaluation [16:13] Preconception testing including genetic carrier screening [21:48] When to see a fertility specialist and what to ask your doctor after testing Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Can you really get pregnant after menopause? Why do celebrities seem to defy biology when it comes to age and fertility? And just because pregnancy is possible at later ages, is it actually safe? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explores the questions so many people are quietly asking as they navigate fertility, aging, and family-building decisions. Dr. Shahine breaks down what the science actually says about age and fertility, including why it becomes harder to conceive with age, how eggs and sperm age differently, and what role options like IVF, egg freezing, and donor eggs play. She also reviews headline-making cases of pregnancy at advanced reproductive age and explains why these headlines, while eye-catching, don't always tell the full medical story. She explains how clinicians think about risk, safety, and counseling for pregnancy later in life. This episode offers evidence-based clarity, compassionate context, and practical guidance to help you make informed decisions. At any age. In this episode you'll hear: [1:22] What record-breaking pregnancies really tell us [3:00] Understanding age & fertility [7:19] Health risks of pregnancy at 40s, 50s, and beyond [9:28] Men's reproductive age & health of pregnancy [10:21] Ethical considerations for older parents [11:27] Updated ASRM recommendations [13:35] Final thoughts Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Could your DNA explain why one-size-fits-all nutrition advice doesn't always work? Why do some people thrive on certain diets while others struggle, even when they're "doing everything right"? What if your genetics could help guide smarter nutrition choices before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and across your entire lifespan? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explores how genetics, nutrition, and reproductive health are deeply intertwined. She is joined by Dr. Steven Zeisel, a physician-scientist whose groundbreaking research helped redefine choline as an essential nutrient. Their discussion traces how decades of work in biochemistry, genetics, and medicine led to the concept of precision nutrition. Dr. Zeisel explains how nutrients like choline, folate, methylfolate, betaine, and vitamin B12 interact with our genes. And he explains why common genetic variants can change how much of these nutrients our bodies actually need. They also touch on why pregnancy, estrogen, fertility, and even sperm health are profoundly influenced by these metabolic pathways, and why traditional nutrition guidelines may miss the mark for many people. Listeners will learn how emerging genetic tests can help identify individual "roadblocks" in metabolism. This episode is a powerful reminder that when it comes to nutrition, personalized science matters. In this episode you'll hear: [0:48]Why one-size-fits-all nutrition advice doesn't work [2:19] Choline goes from non-essential to critical [8:16] The surprising role of estrogen [10:11] What can genetics influence? [15:33] Precision nutrition testing and what it can reveal [28:06] Challenges and acceptance in nutritional science [33:29] Genetic testing for personalized nutrition [45:56] What does all this research mean? Resources mentioned: genate.com @TheGenateTest on Facebook Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books Disclaimer: This episode is sponsored by SNP Therapeutics. All opinions and thoughts expressed are our own and were not influenced by the sponsor.

Have you had a C-section and now you're wondering if it could affect future conception? Are you planning one and feeling unsure how it may influence your reproductive health? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine goes beyond headlines and reviews a landmark study to better understand how C-sections may impact future fertility, miscarriage rates, and pregnancy complications. This episode will arm you with three essential questions to ask your provider and help you make informed decisions and have empowered conversations, all grounded in clarity, not fear. In this episode you'll hear: [0:50] Overview of C-section impact study [1:08] Fertility after C-section [7:59] Pregnancy risks after C-section [18:36] Benefits of a C-Section [19:45] FAQ [21:14] Advocating for your care [22:51] Final thoughts Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Are you exhausted but still can't sleep through the night? Do you wake up feeling unrefreshed, foggy, or wired-tired no matter how early you go to bed? Could your sleep habits—or an undiagnosed sleep disorder—be quietly impacting your hormones, mental health, fertility, and long-term wellbeing? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine and her guest, Dr. Meredith Broderick, invite you to rethink everything you've been told about sleep and why "pushing through" exhaustion is not a badge of honor. Dr. Broderick shares how her own experience with sleep deprivation led her into sleep medicine, why sleep disorders are vastly underdiagnosed in women, and how poor sleep is linked to conditions like depression, migraines, cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and infertility. Together, they explain the difference between true sleep and sedation, why sleeping pills and alcohol disrupt restorative sleep, and how sleep apnea and chronic insomnia show up differently in women. You'll learn when to ask for a sleep study, common red flags you shouldn't ignore (like morning headaches and daytime fatigue), and practical, evidence-based steps to start improving your sleep—without shame, perfection, or fear. In this episode you'll hear: [1:23] Sleep is a non-negotiable pillar of health [5:10] Recognizing sleep disorders [12:59] The science behind sleep [14:19] Sleep & reproductive health [19:04] Practical sleep solutions [27:52] Understanding mid-night awakenings [29:21] Cultural variations in sleep patterns [31:23] Sleep trackers [33:20] Key reasons to consider a sleep study [36:50] Conclusion & final thoughts Resources mentioned: soundsleepguru.com @sleepdoctormer on Instagram Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

How can you give yourself the best chance of conceiving in the year ahead? Which habits truly influence fertility? And when is it appropriate to seek additional support or consult a specialist? In this New Year episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine shares a practical and compassionate Fertility Reset—a clear roadmap for anyone preparing to conceive or looking for guidance after months of trying. She reviews the foundations of cycle tracking and timed intercourse, strategies for reducing harmful exposures, and lifestyle and nutrition changes that can support reproductive health. Dr. Shahine also explains how stopping birth control varies by method, why understanding ovulation is essential, and how to decide whether at-home testing or a medical evaluation is the next right step. This episode offers an evidence-based guide to enhancing fertility, improving overall wellness, and approaching the year ahead with clarity and confidence. In this episode you'll hear: [0:32] Kicking off a fertility reset [1:27] Get your health in check [2:59] Stopping birth control [5:08] Cycle tracking [7:19] Timing intercourse [9:25] Lifestyle changes: what to stop and what to start [20:31] Prenatal vitamins [21:55] When to see a fertility specialist Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Is IVF the answer for recurrent pregnancy loss? Why would IVF with genetic testing of embryo be helpful for people that are 'getting' pregnant but can 'stay' pregnant? In this educational episode, Dr. Lora Shahine explains the complex relationship between IVF, genetics, and recurrent pregnancy loss. She reviews the science behind why chromosomal imbalances are one of the most common causes of first-trimester miscarriage and discusses how preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) may help select embryos with the highest chance of success for some patients. Through real patient examples and evidence-based guidance, this episode explores the nuances of testing, timing, emotional well-being, and the ethical and financial considerations that shape decision-making. Listeners will walk away informed, empowered, and reminded that no matter their fertility path, they are not alone. In this episode you'll hear: [2:03] Why consider IVF for recurrent pregnancy loss? [4:10] IVF process & genetic testing [11:02] Real world counseling & patient scenarios [16:12] Pros & cons of IVF for recurrent pregnancy loss [24:58] Key considerations for IVF [28:15] Patient examples and recommendations [31:12] Final thoughts Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Are you confused about prenatal vitamins? Wondering whether folic acid or folate is best? And what about those MTHFR conversations on the internet? Should you be worried? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is asking the questions so many people have but rarely get clear answers to. Her guest is fertility expert Dr. Prati Sharma who is here to address the fear, the science, and the nuance behind one of the most debated supplements in pregnancy health. Folate and folic acid may sound interchangeable, but as Dr. Shahine and Dr. Sharma explain, the topic gets complicated fast — especially once genetics, supplements, and internet opinions enter the chat. Together they explain the definitions, evidence-based guidelines, genetic polymorphisms like MTHFR, and how the supplement market (and sometimes fear-based messaging) can mislead patients. Listeners will hear balanced, thoughtful insight rooted in reproductive endocrinology, science-backed recommendations, and compassionate care, not panic or overwhelm. And most importantly, you'll leave feeling calmer, more empowered, and equipped with the right questions instead of fear. In this episode you'll hear: [1:25] Why is folate vs. folic acid such a heated topic? [3:37] What is folate? [4:067 What is folic acid? [5:35] MTHFR gene variant explained [6:40] The history & science behind the recommendations [9:58] How much folic acid do you actually need? [12:56] What newer studies show [20:23] How to choose a prenatal [28:06] Final takeaways and connecting with Dr. Sharma Resources mentioned: @drpratiaharma on IG createivf.com/about/prati-sharma-fertility-doctor birdandbe.com ABOG Folic Acid Recommendations Review from Integrative Medicine Journal Review by Jen Gunter, MD Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Have you ever wondered what meaningful, supportive gifts look like when someone you love is navigating infertility or a fertility journey? How can you shop with intention, without the toxins, overwhelm, or "one-size-fits-all" gifting? Ready to treat someone special (especially yourself)? In this episode of Brave and Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites you into holiday joy with courage, compassion, and thoughtful connection, all through the lens of reproductive health and emotional well-being. She is sharing a curated list of gift ideas specifically designed with the fertility community in mind. Gift-giving isn't just about objects. It's about connection, acknowledgment, and gentle encouragement during a deeply personal chapter. Treat someone you love… and don't forget to include yourself! In this episode you'll hear: [1:43] Gift guide overview [2:12] Idea #1: SheCanter [3:43] Idea #2: Infertile Tees [5:41] Idea #3: Fertility socks [6:44] Idea #4: Candle (toxin-free!) [9:27] Idea #5: Self-care/beauty products Resources mentioned: shecanter.com Roxhill Candle Company infertiletees.com [discount code HOPE15 through 12/31/25] ivfeet.com [discount code BRAVE10 through 12/31/25] doctorrogers.com [discount code DRSHAHINE all year long] LINNÉbotanicals.com [discount code DRSHAHINE15 all year long] shopshorrette.com [discount code DRSHAHINE15 all year long] Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

What happens when chronic endometriosis meets fierce advocacy and a wicked sense of humor? What if your most painful experiences become the catalyst for empowering others? And how does a uterus-shaped wine decanter become a national conversation piece for women's reproductive health? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine chats with Erica Loring, the self-declared "brains and uterus behind Shecanter," to talk about turning pain into purpose and stigma into laughter. Erica shares her deeply personal health journey, from fainting spells through high-school to finally being heard, diagnosed, and validated after years of dismissal. Her story shines a light on endometriosis, PCOS, women's healthcare funding inequality, reproductive rights advocacy, and the power of representation through design. Her viral product line, including uterus decanters, mugs, and more, has become both a feminist cultural symbol and a fundraising tool fueling research and resources for women with reproductive health conditions. Listeners will learn how Erica transformed a frustrating medical experience into a thriving brand, using humor as activism and novelty products as conversation starters. In this episode you'll hear: [2:37] Erica's endometriosis journey [4:14] Medical dismissal [4:58] Diagnosis barriers [7:18] Women's health funding [11:40] Novelty feminist products [15:26] Patient self-advocacy [17:22] Reproductive health organizations [19:07] Product design process [23:21] Empowering healthcare advocacy [28:08] Finding and purchasing the products Resources mentioned: shecanter.com @the_shecanter on IG endometriosisassn.org pcoschallenge.org plannedparenthood.org Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books