Hormone Cafe

Are You Ovulating? How to Spot Ovulation Dysfunction | Episode 14

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, explains the ovulation process, how to know if you are ovulating, types of ovulation dysfunction, and strategies to treat ovulatory issues.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
💡 What is Ovulation?
The process where a dominant follicle releases an egg, usually around 14 days before the next period.
Ovulation starts months before the egg is released, as follicles are recruited over a 3–4 month period.
Steps:
Brain hormone FSH stimulates follicle growth.
Follicle produces estrogen, promoting its own growth and triggering an LH surge.
LH surge causes the follicle to rupture, releasing the egg.
Corpus luteum forms from the ruptured follicle, producing progesterone and estrogen for the luteal phase (~14 days).
🩺 How Do You Know if You Are Ovulating?
Regular periods usually suggest ovulation, but bleeding can occur without ovulation (anovulatory bleed).
Confirmation methods:
Blood tests: LH surge + post-ovulation progesterone >4 ng/mL
Urine monitors: LH + PDG (progesterone metabolite) rise
Ultrasound: Follicle growth, rupture, and corpus luteum formation
⚠️ Types of Ovulation Dysfunction
Anovulation: No ovulation; common in low hormones, PCOS, excessive exercise, or under-nutrition
Oligo-ovulation: Ovulates irregularly; sometimes seen in perimenopause or ovarian insufficiency
LUF Syndrome (Luteinized Unruptured Follicle): Follicle develops but does not rupture; often linked to endometriosis or ovarian cysts
Luteal Phase Defect: Corpus luteum does not produce enough hormones; luteal phase <12 days; may be due to nutritional deficiencies
🌿 Treatment of Ovulation Dysfunction
Address root causes: Nutrition, stress, sleep, inflammation, and underlying endocrine issues (thyroid, prolactin, adrenal health)
Support hormone balance: Foods and supplements that support estrogen and progesterone production
Medications (when needed):
Ovulation induction (Clomid, Letrozole)
Gonadotropins (FSH or LH injections) to stimulate follicle growth
Ongoing cycle tracking: Ensures high-quality ovulation for current and future follicles
Key Takeaways:
Ovulation is essential for fertility and cycle regularity.
Irregular cycles or poor-quality ovulation can be caused by hormonal imbalances, stress, nutrition, or structural issues.
Diagnosis involves blood, urine, and/or ultrasound to confirm ovulation.
Treatments focus on addressing root causes, supporting hormone production, and sometimes using medications to ensure a healthy ovulatory cycle.
Cycle-to-cycle hormone balance is crucial for recruiting healthy eggs over time.
Resources & Next Steps:Dr. Sarah and her team at Vera Health and Fertility can evaluate ovulation and create a personalized plan for hormone optimization and fertility support.
📍 Westminster, Colorado🌐 Schedule a consultation: verafertility.com📧 Follow along: @verafertility on Instagram & TikTok
 
#Ovulation #Fertility #HormoneBalance #LUFSyndrome #LutealPhaseDefect #Anovulation #PCOS #WomenHealth #HormoneCafe #VeraFertility

Why Your Periods Are Irregular & What to Do About It | Episode 13

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, discusses irregular bleeding. She explains what counts as an irregular period, the possible causes—from hormonal imbalances to structural issues—and how to properly evaluate and treat irregular cycles.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
💡 Definition & Differential Diagnosis
Normal cycles: 24–35 days, varying by no more than 3 days per cycle.
Signs of irregular bleeding:
Too few or too many periods per year
Spotting or brown bleeding before a period
Very heavy (multiple pads/hour) or very light flow
Mid-cycle bleeding or bleeding after intercourse
Causes can be grouped into:
Hormonal: Estrogen too high or low, progesterone imbalance, thyroid issues, high prolactin, adrenal dysfunction
Structural: Ovarian cysts, fibroids, uterine or cervical polyps, cervical ectropion
Blood-related: Genetic or acquired clotting disorders (e.g., Factor V Leiden)
🩺 Workup of Irregular Bleeding
Hormone testing: Estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH, thyroid hormones, prolactin, testosterone
Cycle mapping with urine tracking (e.g., Mira, NEDO) and blood work at multiple points in the cycle
Ultrasound: Assess ovaries, uterine lining, fibroids, cysts, or polyps
Pelvic exam and cervical check, including vaginal swabs for infections
Endometrial biopsy for uterine health or infection
🌿 Treatment & Management
Nutrition & Lifestyle: Foods and supplements to support hormone balance; tailored to whether estrogen, progesterone, or other hormones are high or low
Medical Interventions:
Bioidentical hormones to correct estrogen or progesterone imbalances
Medication or surgery for ovarian cysts, fibroids, or polypsCervical treatments (e.g., silver nitrate) for ectropion
Antibiotics or probiotics for infections
Monitoring & Tracking: Chart cycles to ensure interventions are effective; cycle mapping helps identify hormone shifts and empowers long-term management
Key Takeaways:
Irregular periods are not “normal” and often signal underlying hormonal, structural, or blood-related issues.
Comprehensive evaluation—including hormone testing, imaging, and pelvic exams—is essential to identify causes.
Treatment can include lifestyle changes, supplements, medical interventions, and monitoring.
Balancing hormones and achieving regular cycles may take 3–6 months, but long-term consistency leads to improved health and well-being.
Resources & Next Steps:Dr. Sarah and her team at Vera Health and Fertility can help evaluate and treat irregular cycles with a personalized, holistic plan. 📍 Westminster, Colorado 🌐 Schedule a consultation: verafertility.com 📧 Follow along: @verafertility on Instagram & TikTok

Is Your Period Too Painful? Causes, Workup & Treatment Tips | Episode 12

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, dives into the topic of painful cycles. She breaks down what a normal period looks like versus a painful cycle, explores the different causes, how to properly evaluate your pain, and shares treatment strategies to help reduce discomfort.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
💡 Definition & Differential Diagnosis
Normal periods should allow you to function without needing excessive pain relief.
Signs your cycle may be too painful: severe cramps requiring multiple ibuprofen doses, missed school/work, or reliance on heating pads for hours.
Potential causes include:
General inflammation (autoimmune issues, gut inflammation, leaky gut)
Endometriosis or scar tissue on/around the uterus
Adenomyosis (inflammation within the uterine walls)
Endometritis (infection inside the uterus)
Cervical inflammation
Vaginal dysbiosis or infection
🩺 Workup of a Painful Cycle
Labs: ANA, ESR, CRP to check for inflammation or autoimmune conditions
Gut health testing for leaky gut or bacterial overgrowth
Imaging: ultrasound or MRI to detect adenomyosis, cysts, or swelling
Procedures: biopsy, laparoscopy, or vaginal swabs to check for endometriosis, infections, and bacterial imbalances
Comprehensive evaluation is key, especially if prior treatments (like endometriosis surgery) did not fully relieve pain
🌿 Treatment & Management
Lifestyle & Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory diet (low sugar, high magnesium, leafy greens, protein), regular exercise for blood flow
Supplements: Omega-3, curcumin (turmeric), magnesium
Medical Interventions:
Surgery for endometriosis or scar tissue
Antibiotics and probiotics for endometritis or vaginal infections
Long-term inflammation management for adenomyosis
Advocate for yourself: proper evaluation can uncover treatable causes and significantly reduce period pain
Key Takeaways:
Painful cycles are not “normal”—you should be able to function on your period.
Multiple factors can contribute to pain, from gut inflammation to endometriosis and infections.
A thorough evaluation is essential to identify and treat underlying causes.
Lifestyle, diet, supplements, and medical interventions can all help reduce discomfort.
Resources & Next Steps: If you experience painful periods, Dr. Sarah and her team at Vera Health and Fertility can provide a full evaluation and personalized plan to help you manage and reduce cycle pain. 📍 Westminster, Colorado 🌐 Schedule a consultation: verafertility.com 📧 Follow along: @verafertility on Instagram & TikTok

You Just Had a Baby… Now What? Real Postpartum Self-Care Tips That Work | Episode 11

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, sits down with Nurse Practitioner Emily, a women’s health specialist who recently experienced postpartum herself. They discuss key strategies for postpartum self-care, covering sleep, partner support, vaginal and perineal health, breast care, nutrition, exercise, sex, and returning periods.
They share practical tips to help new moms recover, manage expectations, and maintain wellness for themselves and their families.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
💡 Sleep & Partner Support
Expect broken sleep every 2–4 hours in the early weeks.
Short naps and scheduled shifts help manage fatigue.
Partner communication and clearly defined responsibilities are critical for restorative sleep and reducing stress.
🛡️ Vaginal & Perineal Care
Tears are common and can cause soreness; ice packs, witch hazel, Tucks pads, and sitz baths help.
Create “mom-care stations” with all essentials for easy access.
Take time for personal care—even small daily routines improve healing.
Stool softeners may be necessary for safe, comfortable bowel movements.
⚕️ Breast Health & Lactation
Frequent feeding, pumping, or hand expression prevents engorgement and mastitis.
Use lanolin nipple cream as needed, primarily after feeding.
A rolling postpartum cart with supplies within reach is helpful.
Consult lactation specialists—many visits may be covered by insurance.
🌿 Nutrition
Breastfeeding requires increased caloric intake; prioritize nutrient- and calorie-dense foods.
Focus on iron, protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
Smoothies, hearty meals, and balanced snacks support energy, recovery, and milk production.
Adequate hydration is essential.
🏃 Exercise & Pelvic Health
Cleared at 6 weeks postpartum (vaginal birth) or 8 weeks (C-section).
Begin with walks, gentle stretching, and yoga; gradually return to running or weights.
Pelvic floor therapy is recommended for urinary leakage, excessive gas, or other pelvic symptoms.
❤️ Sex & Intimacy
Hormonal and body changes can affect libido and comfort.
Communication with your partner is key.
Non-sexual touch, cuddling, and small moments of connection help maintain intimacy.
Resume sexual activity only when medically cleared and comfortable.
🩸 Periods & Hormonal Recovery
Return of menstruation is variable; influenced by breastfeeding and prolactin levels.
Some may resume cycles within two months; others after weaning.
First postpartum periods may differ in flow and regularity.
Hormone monitoring can help with family planning and overall wellness.
Key Takeaways:
Postpartum recovery is highly individual—prioritize self-care and realistic expectations.
Sleep, partner support, and communication are essential for wellness.
Vaginal, breast, and nutritional care support healing and milk production.
Exercise and pelvic floor therapy aid physical recovery and prevent complications.
Intimacy and menstruation may change; open communication and monitoring hormones help navigate this period.
Resources & Next Steps: If you are pregnant, planning for a baby, or currently postpartum, Dr. Sarah and her team at Vera Health and Fertility can help you develop a personalized, holistic postpartum support plan. 📍 Westminster, Colorado 🌐 Schedule a consultation: verafertility.com 📧 Follow along: @verafertility on Instagram & TikTok

Navigating Postpartum Mental Health: Anxiety, Depression & Support | Episode 10

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, sits down with Nurse Practitioner Emily, a women’s health specialist who recently experienced postpartum herself. They discuss one of the most important and often underdiscussed aspects of postpartum care: postpartum anxiety and depression (PPAD).
They cover how to recognize the difference between typical “baby blues” and more serious mental health concerns, strategies for prevention, treatment options (both holistic and medical), and how friends and family can provide support.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
💡 What Postpartum Anxiety & Depression Are
Baby blues are common (up to 80% of women), but PPAD is more intense, persistent, and impacts daily function.
Symptoms include persistent anxiety, ruminating thoughts, sadness beyond baseline, and difficulty caring for yourself or your baby.
🛡️ Prevention Strategies
Start before birth: set expectations, establish support systems, plan postpartum logistics.
Maintain nutrition, hydration, sleep, and supplementation (vitamins, omega-3s, iron, magnesium).
Partner communication and clearly divided responsibilities.
⚕️ Treatment Options & Getting Help
Lifestyle adjustments: diet, exercise, sleep, hydration, supplementation.
Mental health support: therapy (CBT, DBT, couples therapy) and perinatal specialists.
Medication: safe during pregnancy/postpartum if needed; do not abruptly stop without provider guidance.
Hormone and thyroid testing, nutrient testing, and monitoring sleep patterns can all support recovery.
🌿 Holistic & Lifestyle Support
Build a supportive postpartum “village” of family, friends, and accountability partners.
Prepare for the unexpected (C-section, induction, birth complications).
Nutrition, hydration, and scheduled self-care can mitigate symptoms.
Awareness of hormone fluctuations postpartum and addressing deficiencies.
🤝 Supporting Others Postpartum
Only approach those you have an intimate relationship with.
Use compassionate, non-judgmental language: e.g., “I’ve noticed XYZ, I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
Open the door to support without diagnosing; allow them space to seek help when ready.
Key Takeaways:
PPAD is common but can be debilitating if left untreated.
Prevention starts before birth with planning, support, and self-care.
Treatment can include lifestyle changes, therapy, supplementation, and medication if needed.
Friends and family play a critical role in support—but approach with empathy and discretion.
A proactive approach, awareness, and testing (hormones, thyroid, vitamins) can help restore balance and well-being.
Resources & Next Steps:
If you or someone you love is experiencing postpartum anxiety or depression, Dr. Sarah and her team at Vera Health and Fertility can help you develop a personalized, holistic support plan.
📍 Westminster, Colorado 🌐 Schedule a consultation: verafertility.com 📧 Follow along: @verafertility on Instagram & TikTok

Male Fertility 101: How to Improve Sperm Quality Naturally | Episode 9

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson teams up with Physician Assistant Sierra Wolfe to break down one of the most overlooked areas in fertility: men’s reproductive health.
With male factors contributing to 30–60% of infertility cases, understanding sperm health is essential — yet most men never get evaluated.
🧪 How We Test Sperm Health
Most fertility clinics use outdated methods — having men produce a sample alone in a clinic room. But WHO6 guidelines (2021) show sperm quality is higher when collected:
Through intercourse
Using a sterile, non-spermicidal collection condom
At home, in a natural environment
Delivered promptly to the clinic for analysis
Sierra explains exactly how this works and why it improves sample accuracy and comfort.
🔬 What a Semen Analysis Measures
A semen analysis evaluates both the fluid and the cells. It checks:
Count. How many sperm are present.
Motility. How well they move — and whether movement is strong enough to reach the egg.
Morphology. Shape of the sperm:
Normal vs. abnormal heads
Normal vs. abnormal tails
Indicators of DNA fragmentation
Morphology helps predict whether a sperm can successfully fertilize an egg.
Why it matters:Semen analysis is the only definitive test to determine whether male factors are contributing to infertility.
 
📅 When Men Should Get Tested
Any man planning to conceive
Especially couples who have tried for a few months without success
Because men’s reproductive cells are uniquely exposed to environmental damage (heat, toxins, age)
Studies now show that men’s fertility declines more sharply with age than previously understood.
🥦 Nutrition for Better Sperm Quality
These foods hurt sperm quality:
Processed meats (sausage, deli meat, brats)
Frequent high-fat red meat
Fast food / fried foods
High-sugar diets
High-fat dairy (whole milk is good for women — not for men)
These foods help sperm quality:
Oysters (huge zinc boost)
Salmon & fatty fish (omega-3s needed for sperm formation)
Fruits & vegetables (antioxidants reduce DNA damage)
“Oxidative stress is exactly what causes abnormal sperm DNA — antioxidants are essential.”
🍺 Alcohol, Caffeine & Substances
Alcohol
Best: avoid completely while trying to conceive
Acceptable:
No more than 2 drinks at a time
No more than 7 drinks per week
Sperm take 3 full months to regenerate — so 3 months of being alcohol-light = new, healthier sperm.
Caffeine
Limit to ≤200 mg/day
About 2–3 cups of coffee
Nicotine (including Zyn)
Constricts blood vessels → reduces blood flow to testicles → lowers sperm count and quality.
Marijuana
THC binds to receptors in the testicles → directly suppresses sperm production. Men who use regularly have lower counts, poorer motility, and worse morphology.
🌡️ Temperature Matters
Testicles must stay 3°C cooler than the rest of the body. Heat exposure damages sperm.
Avoid:
Saunas
Hot tubs
Long hot baths
Tight pants
Long bike rides
Sitting for hours with legs closed
Cooling Therapy (“Ice the balls”)
Options:
Snowballs underwear (ice-pack underwear specifically designed for fertility — Sierra’s favorite)
Frozen peas over underwear (never on bare skin)
30 minutes/day significantly improves sperm quality over several months.
💉 Testosterone & Male Fertility
External testosterone acts as male birth control:
Shuts off natural testosterone production
Stops sperm production entirely
Semen analysis often shows zero sperm
Good news: There are safe ways to raise testosterone without shutting down fertility — and Sierra teaches this to patients daily.
🏋️‍♂️ Exercise, Sleep & Stress
Exercise
Best: resistance training + cardio
Too much of one type is not ideal
Cardio helps endurance during intercourse
Strength training supports testosterone
Sleep
Missing one night of sleep can drop testosterone by 50%.
During sleep, men naturally get erections to increase blood flow to the testicles — crucial for maintaining sperm health.
Stress
Stress hormones constrict blood vessels → reduces blood flow → affects:
Sperm production
Testosterone
Libido
Erectile function
Long-term stress = long-term fertility impact.
Key Takeaways
Male fertility is just as important as female fertility.
Sperm health can change significantly in 3 months.
Focus on:
Clean nutrition
Reducing heat exposure
Cooling therapy
Limiting alcohol & caffeine
Avoiding nicotine and marijuana
Prioritizing sleep and stress reduction
Balanced exercise
Testosterone therapy is not fertility-friendly — there are safer options.
“Easy on the beer, ice your balls, sleep well, eat real food, and your sperm will thank you.”
Resources & Next Steps
If you or your partner want to test sperm health, improve male fertility, or get personalized holistic guidance, connect with the Vera team:
📍 Vera Health & Fertility – Westminster, CO 🌐 verafertility.com 📧 Follow: @verafertility

How to Improve Egg Quality Naturally - What Actually Works | Episode 8

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson tackles one of the most common myths in women’s health — that your egg quality can’t be improved. Spoiler: it can.
She explains how egg quality is measured through key tests like antral follicle count, AMH, and FSH/LH levels, and breaks down what those numbers actually mean.
From there, Dr. Pederson shares her holistic approach to improving egg quality through nutrition, supplements, movement, and targeted therapies—all rooted in the belief that your body can heal and thrive at any age.
You’ll Learn
🧫 How We Measure Egg Quality
Antral Follicle Count (AFC): Measured on ultrasound; around 10 follicles per ovary is ideal. Too high may indicate PCOS; too low may signal lower reserve.
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): A Goldilocks hormone—aim for 2–3. Too high can signal ovarian stress; too low can correlate with poor egg quality.
FSH & LH: These brain hormones should be balanced and under 10. Higher numbers mean your brain is “working too hard” to ovulate—often linked to lower egg quality.
🥦 Nutrition: The Foundation of Egg Health
The most powerful way to improve egg quality starts with your plate.
Eat 3–6 servings of vegetables daily, focusing on greens (spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts).
Eat your vegetables whole—not juiced or blended—to retain antioxidants and fiber.
Add berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) and green tea for extra antioxidant support.
Include turmeric for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
“Antioxidants are what improve our egg quality — vegetables should be your new best friend.” — Dr. Sarah Pederson
💪 Movement & Blood Flow
Gentle, consistent movement improves ovarian blood flow.
Aim for at least 15 minutes of cardio, 3x a week.
Movement nourishes your ovaries, reduces stress, and supports hormone balance.
💊 Supplements for Egg Quality
Supplements fill in the gaps when diet alone isn’t enough—but more isn’t always better.
Dr. Pederson recommends no more than three antioxidant supplements at a time to prevent “supplement fatigue.”
Top egg-quality boosters:
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)
Myo-inositol
Melatonin (short-term use)
Resveratrol
NAC (N-acetylcysteine) → precursor to glutathione
Alpha-lipoic acid
💉 Advanced Medical Support
When lifestyle and supplements aren’t enough, Dr. Pederson explores medical and procedural options:
Testosterone therapy: Supports follicle development and energy.
Steroid protocols: Can reduce inflammation and improve egg maturation.
Growth hormone: Helps boost follicle growth in select patients.
Intra-Ovarian PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections:
Uses your own healing cells to rejuvenate the ovaries.
Can increase AMH, improve egg quality, and even restore fertility in perimenopausal women.
“It’s like giving your ovaries a facial.”
Key Takeaways
Egg quality can absolutely be improved — it’s not fixed at birth.
Focus first on nutrition, antioxidants, and blood flow.
Add supplements only as needed, and under guidance.
Medical options like PRP and hormones can help when deeper support is needed.
“You have the organs you were born with—but that doesn’t mean you can’t make them stronger.”
Resources & Next Steps
If you want to test your egg quality, learn about your fertility health, or explore personalized ways to optimize your ovaries, connect with Dr. Pederson and the Vera team:
📍 Vera Health & Fertility – Westminster, CO 🌐 verafertility.com 📧 Follow: @verafertility

Can Miscarriages Be Prevented? What Every Woman Should Know | Episode 7

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility, tackles one of the most emotional and misunderstood topics in women’s health — miscarriage.
Dr. Sarah shares the four main causes she sees most often and how to prevent them: poor egg quality, hormone imbalance, uterine lining issues, and inflammation. She walks you through how each of these areas affects fertility and offers practical, science-backed ways to strengthen your body, balance your hormones, and increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
You’ll learn why one miscarriage is reason enough to do a full workup — and how small optimizations can make a big difference in future pregnancies.
 
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🩸 Why You Deserve Answers After a Miscarriage
You shouldn’t have to wait for multiple miscarriages before getting tested.
A single miscarriage can reveal important clues about your health and hormones.
A full fertility workup helps prevent future loss.
🧬 1. Egg and Sperm Quality
Up to 90% of miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo.
Egg quality depends heavily on antioxidants — eat leafy greens, berries, avocado, turmeric, and drink green tea daily.
Key supplements that support egg and sperm health: CoQ10, resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid (under provider guidance).
Don’t forget your partner — poor sperm quality contributes just as much as poor egg quality.
A sperm analysis can check for morphology, motility, and chromosomal integrity.
🌸 2. Hormone Balance
It takes 3–4 months for your body to recruit and mature an egg — hormone health during that time is crucial.
Estrogen must rise steadily in the follicular phase to prepare a strong follicle.
After ovulation, the luteal phase relies on progesterone and estrogen balance to support implantation.
Signs of imbalance: short luteal phase, spotting before period, PMS, or inconsistent cycles.
Each healthy cycle builds momentum — strong hormone flow month to month improves egg quality and future fertility.
🏡 3. Uterine Lining Health
The uterine lining (endometrium) needs to be thick, healthy, and inflammation-free to support implantation.
Endometrial biopsies can reveal hidden issues like infection or chronic inflammation.
Red flags: brown spotting, pain, light or irregular periods.
A healthy uterus should “shed clean” each month — incomplete shedding can build unhealthy layers over time.
Think of your uterus like a hardwood floor, not a shag carpet — smooth, stable, and strong for implantation.
🔥 4. Inflammation & Whole-Body Health
Systemic inflammation can affect your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Common root causes:
Autoimmune disease or undiagnosed immune activation
Gut inflammation or leaky gut
Chronic infections or viruses
Environmental allergies or food sensitivities
Addressing gut health is key — the intestines sit directly over reproductive organs and can spread inflammation.
Supporting the immune system, identifying triggers, and using anti-inflammatory nutrition or therapies helps restore balance.
Key Takeaways:
Miscarriage is not random — most have identifiable, treatable causes.
Testing after one miscarriage can save time, heartbreak, and future loss.
Focus on four core areas: egg quality, hormone balance, uterine health, inflammation.
Each cycle is an opportunity to improve your future fertility.
You deserve a provider who will dig deeper, not tell you to “wait and see.”
Resources & Next Steps:
If you’ve experienced a miscarriage or are preparing for pregnancy and want to optimize your fertility, Dr. Sarah and the Vera team can help uncover root causes and create a customized treatment plan.
📍 Westminster, Colorado 🌐 Learn more or schedule a visit: verafertility.com 📧 Follow along on social: @verafertility

Let’s Talk Vaginal Health – What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Worry | Episode 6

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, dives into one of the most important (and often ignored) topics in women’s health: vaginal health.
She explains why your vaginal microbiome matters for fertility, hormones, and everyday comfort—and what it means when something feels “off.” From dryness, odor, and discharge to recurrent infections and spotting, Dr. Sarah breaks down what’s normal, what’s not, and when to get tested.
You’ll learn how vaginal health connects to your hormones, gut, and fertility—and how to support your microbiome naturally through the right testing, treatments, and habits.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
💡 Why Vaginal Health Matters
The vagina is connected to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and even your abdomen—meaning vaginal health impacts your whole reproductive system.
A balanced vaginal microbiome supports fertility, pregnancy, and hormone health.
🔍 Common Signs Your Vaginal Health Is Off
Dryness or pain during intercourse
Too much or too little cervical mucus
Itching or discomfort (inside or outside)
Odor or changes in smell—especially during your period
Spotting or bleeding between cycles or after sex
Recurrent miscarriage or fertility struggles
🧫 Testing the Vaginal Microbiome
Dr. Sarah uses comprehensive vaginal swabs that test 25+ species, compared to standard OB-GYN tests that only check 1–2.
Common findings: bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast species, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, and Prevotella (which can form biofilms).
Testing can be done in-clinic or at home for convenience.
⚕️ Treatment & Retesting
Oral or vaginal antibiotics (when appropriate)
Probiotics and boric acid to restore balance
Retesting is essential to confirm infections are cleared
Treating both partners is critical—many bacteria are shared
New studies show men should be treated for BV-related infections too
🌿 Holistic & Lifestyle Support
Avoid harsh soaps, douching, or inserting unapproved substances (like yogurt or oils)
Use pH-balanced lubricants (Dr. Sarah recommends Refresh pH Gel)
Maintain balanced estrogen for healthy vaginal tissue
Cut back on sugar and refined carbs to prevent yeast overgrowth
Support gut health—gut and vaginal microbiomes are connected
🚩 When to Get Tested
Unexplained spotting, itching, odor, or discomfort
Difficulty conceiving after 3+ months
History of miscarriage
Recurrent yeast or BV infections
Key Takeaways:
Your vaginal microbiome affects fertility, hormones, and everyday comfort.
BV, yeast, and other infections can exist without obvious symptoms.
Always retest after treatment to ensure full healing.
Vaginal health starts with testing, treating both partners, and supporting balance holistically.
A healthy vagina = one you never have to think about.
Resources & Next Steps:
If you’re struggling with recurrent infections, dryness, or fertility challenges, Dr. Sarah and her team can help you restore your vaginal health naturally and completely.
📍 Westminster, Colorado 🌐 Schedule a consultation: verafertility.com 📧 Follow along: @verafertility on Instagram & TikTok
#VaginalHealth #WomensHealth #Fertility #Microbiome #BV #YeastInfection #HormoneHealth #HolisticOBGYN #HormoneCafe #VeraFertility #WomensWellness

Endometritis: The Hidden Infection That Can Affect Fertility | Episode 5

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, discusses endometritis (also called metritis), a commonly overlooked uterine condition that can cause chronic pain and infertility.
Dr. Sarah explains what endometritis is, how it develops, the signs and symptoms to watch for, and why it’s important to get tested. She also shares her holistic approach to treatment, including antibiotics, uterine washes, PRP therapy, diet, lifestyle, and immune support, along with strategies to prevent recurrence.
If you’ve ever wondered why you experience unexplained pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or fertility struggles, this episode is a must-listen.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🧠 What Is Endometritis?
Inflammation or infection in the inner lining of the uterus
Difference from endometriosis
Common causes: postpartum, miscarriage, IUDs, DNCs, and other uterine procedures
💥 Symptoms & Red Flags
Pelvic or uterine pain, especially on periods
Abnormal odor during menstruation
Brown spotting between cycles or leading up to periods
Often subtle or asymptomatic, making testing important
🔍 Diagnosis
Endometrial biopsy (“like an advanced pap smear”)
Pathology and CD138 staining to identify inflammation and white blood cells
Tissue cultures to detect bacterial infectionAcute vs. chronic endometritis
⚕️ Treatment Options
Oral antibiotics with probiotics to protect gut health
Uterine washes: antibiotics, steroid flushes, or PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
Retesting after treatment to ensure infection is fully cleared
🌿 Holistic Support & Lifestyle
Anti-inflammatory diet and adequate protein to support estrogen and blood flow
Immune system support with nutrition and supplements
Avoiding excess sugar and inflammatory foods
💡 Why This Matters
Untreated endometritis can contribute to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and fatigue
Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment improve reproductive health and overall well-being
Key Takeaways:
Endometritis is treatable—but often overlooked.
Symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions.
Proper testing, targeted treatment, and lifestyle support are critical for healing.
Holistic care supports uterine health, fertility, and immune function.
Resources & Next Steps:
If you suspect you might have endometritis or want a personalized plan for treatment and healing, Dr. Sarah and the team at Vera Health and Fertility can help. 📍 Westminster, Colorado 🌐 Schedule a consultation: https://verafertility.com 📧 Follow along: @verafertility on Instagram & TikTok
#Endometritis #HormoneHealth #WomensHealth #Fertility #UterineHealth #HolisticOBGYN #ImmuneSupport #HormoneBalance #ChronicPainRelief #FunctionalMedicine #HormoneCafe #VeraFertility #WomensWellness