Lab testing for female reproductive hormones offers insight into menstrual cycle irregularities, fertility concerns, and understanding where you are on the perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause trajectory. Dr. Natalie Crawford and Mike Haney discuss how the brain and ovaries communicate during the different phases of the menstrual cycle, when to test female hormones, how oral contraception affects hormone levels, and how to advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office.

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🎙 What Natalie Crawford, MD, & Mike Haney discuss:

(08:03) — Women’s reproductive health concerns sometimes get dismissed

(09:08) — The intersection of fertility and functional medicine

(14:17) — The reason to check anti-Mullerian hormone

(24:19) — The brain communicates with the ovaries

(26:17) — Inflammation can disrupt the menstrual cycle

(30:44) — Data from biomarker testing can be motivating

(32:05) — When to do baseline testing for female hormones

(37:47) — Menstrual cycle history and the big picture are important

(40:12) — Menstrual cycle irregularities should be investigated

(42:55) — The role of hormonal birth control and how it affects hormone levels