Aimee Raupp | The Fertility Authority Podcast

Beth Gulotta, host of the Quiet the Clock podcast, shares her journey from freezing her eggs at 37 and easily conceiving her first son at 39 to navigating secondary infertility, failed embryo transfers, and five miscarriages while trying for a second child. She ultimately conceived naturally at 44 and welcomed her second son.

After giving birth to her first son at 40, Beth expected growing her family to be straightforward. At 42, the pressure she felt around age led her straight to the eggs she had frozen five years earlier. Those eggs produced five euploid embryos, but her first transfer did not implant, and her second ended in miscarriage.

Beth began searching for answers beyond being told to keep trying. She learned she had Hashimoto’s, pursued additional uterine and immune testing, and sought out practitioners who would take her concerns seriously. Along the way, she worked with Aimee while continuing medical care, making nutrition and lifestyle changes, and developing an individualized reproductive immunology treatment plan with her doctors.

While preparing for another transfer, Beth became pregnant naturally again, despite trying to avoid pregnancy that cycle. With a treatment plan already established, she and her care team moved quickly to arrange her medications and monitoring. She also speaks openly about the anxiety of pregnancy after repeated loss and the months she spent waiting to hold her son.

We discuss what secondary infertility felt like after an uncomplicated first pregnancy, the emotional and financial burden of searching for answers, and why Beth began questioning the pressure to rush. She shares what it meant to have another advocate beside her, change clinics when she felt unheard, and use her platform to help other women ask questions. Her story reflects her own experience with treatment and pregnancy, rather than a prediction of anyone else’s outcome.

Key Topics

* Beth’s Quiet the Clock podcast began as a conversation about societal expectations and timeline anxiety, then expanded as she shared her fertility journey.

* At 37, Beth froze 14 eggs while she and her partner were not yet aligned on when to have children. She describes the financial, physical, and emotional weight of that decision.

* She conceived her first son quickly at 39 and gave birth at 40, which shaped her expectations about trying for another child.

* When she was ready for baby number two at 42, Beth went straight to her frozen eggs because she believed using younger eggs would give her the best chance.

* Beth reports that 12 eggs fertilized, eight embryos reached the blastocyst stage, and five were euploid.

* Before her first transfer, she learned her TSH was elevated and began thyroid medication. The transfer did not implant, and she later learned she had Hashimoto’s.

* After an impersonal experience and unclear communication at her first clinic, she moved her embryos and care to another clinic.

* Her second transfer implanted, but the pregnancy ended in miscarriage at about eight weeks. Beth describes both the grief and feeling unprepared for the physical experience of the loss.

* When she began asking for further investigation, Beth says she was told she needed to have more miscarriages before some practitioners would evaluate her.

* She sought nutrition and functional medicine support and worked on food, supplements, lifestyle, and thyroid care. Finding an approach that suited her took time and changes in practitioners.

* Beth experienced additional losses after IUI and naturally conceived pregnancies. She came to understand her immediate struggle as staying pregnant rather than becoming pregnant.

* Uterine biopsies identified endometritis, and a later hysteroscopy found scar tissue. These findings prompted questions about which tests had been offered before earlier transfers.

* Her third embryo transfer, in January 2025, did not implant. She then sought a clinic willing to investigate further, including reproductive immunology testing.

* Aimee and Beth review the immune and clotting-related findings discussed in her report, including antiphospholipid syndrome, and how those findings informed her individualized medical care.

* Beth worked with Aimee during this part of her journey and describes the value of having support while communicating with her medical team.

* After five miscarriages in total, Beth was preparing for a fourth transfer when she discovered she was naturally pregnant again at 44.

* Because her treatment plan was already established, Beth and her care team worked quickly to arrange medications and immune monitoring for the unexpected pregnancy.

* Beth describes physician-managed treatment that included IVIG, Lovenox, and prednisone, with monitoring and medication adjustments during pregnancy.

* Pregnancy after loss brought anxiety between appointments and on the way to ultrasounds. Beth relied on her partner and family for support.

* Beth welcomed her second son and still has two embryos remaining from the eggs she froze at 37.

* Aimee and Beth discuss why it can be difficult to pause treatment, seek a second opinion, or change clinics after investing so much time, money, and hope.

* They discuss informed consent, access to testing, clinic communication, and the importance of being able to ask questions about a proposed plan.

* Beth has carried changes in food and household choices into family life and discusses combining those habits with the medical care she received.

* Her closing message centers on finding support for self-advocacy, asking questions when choosing a clinic, and noticing when fear of time is driving decisions.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to The Fertility Authority01:48 - Introducing Beth’s Story of Hope and life with her second son03:24 - Beth joins Aimee and introduces Quiet the Clock05:08 - Timeline anxiety and the value Beth found in motherhood at 4007:42 - Freezing her eggs at 3708:30 - Conceiving her first son at 39 and giving birth at 4009:41 - Trying for a second child at 42 and choosing her frozen eggs10:08 - From 14 frozen eggs to five euploid embryos10:55 - Thyroid concerns before the first transfer and learning about Hashimoto’s13:17 - An impersonal clinic experience and learning to trust her concerns14:21 - The second transfer and miscarriage at about eight weeks15:50 - Searching for answers and being told to wait for more losses17:23 - Nutrition, lifestyle, and finding the right thyroid care17:57 - IUI, naturally conceived pregnancies, and repeated losses18:26 - Uterine testing, endometritis, and questions about informed consent19:56 - A third transfer does not implant20:26 - Changing clinics for immune testing and further uterine evaluation21:55 - Reviewing Beth’s immune findings and individualized treatment plan24:46 - Preparing for another transfer and discovering a new pregnancy26:00 - Sponsor break: Aimee Raupp Beauty27:05 - Naturally pregnant at 44 while trying to avoid pregnancy28:36 - Moving quickly to arrange medication and pregnancy monitoring29:30 - Why having another advocate mattered30:31 - IVIG costs and waiting for insurance clearance31:05 - Changing clinics during pregnancy and adjusting treatment32:00 - The emotional reality of pregnancy after loss32:28 - A frightening Doppler appointment and the need for sensitive care35:19 - Welcoming her second son and the two embryos still remaining35:54 - Looking back at the search for reproductive immunology care38:14 - Why it can be hard to reassess treatment or leave a clinic42:44 - How age-focused fertility messaging shaped Beth’s decisions44:23 - Discussing gaps in communication across approaches to care46:00 - Testing options, costs, and having a say in the plan47:21 - Beth’s experience of being dismissed and advocating for herself48:50 - Questions Beth wishes she had known to ask about a clinic50:40 - Different paths to parenthood and the emotional work they can involve51:38 - The fifth miscarriage, slowing down, and the work already in place53:57 - Why sharing personal fertility stories matters55:43 - What Beth carr…

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe

Jillian shares her fertility journey from five miscarriages in three years and repeatedly being told her age was the problem to finding a more supportive medical team and giving birth to a healthy baby girl four days after her 44th birthday.

After conceiving her first daughter naturally at 37 and giving birth at 38, Jillian never expected that growing her family would become so difficult. Her first miscarriage happened at 39, followed by four more early losses. An American living in Rome, she saw multiple doctors, tried prescribed treatments, and began to feel increasingly discouraged by the message that IVF or donor eggs were her only remaining options.

But Jillian felt there was more to her story.

At 42, she joined Aimee’s group coaching and fertility eCourse. Together, they looked more closely at her history of pregnancy loss, family history of autoimmune disease, physical symptoms, nutrition, and emotional well-being. Aimee connected her with Dr. Vidali, whose referral led Jillian to a doctor in Rome who pursued more extensive testing and identified additional immune-related findings.

We discuss the fear of taking a break from trying, the emotional impact of being told you are too old, and the importance of finding practitioners who take your concerns seriously. Jillian also shares how nutrition changes, meditation, visualization, and boundaries around online fertility groups helped her feel more supported throughout the process.

Jillian became pregnant at 43, approximately three months after starting the additional treatment prescribed by her specialist. With close medical monitoring and continued support, she welcomed her second daughter at 44. Her story is an honest conversation about pregnancy after loss, self-advocacy, and learning to trust yourself while finding the care you need.

Key Topics

* Jillian had her first daughter in 2016 after conceiving naturally at 37 and giving birth at 38.

* Her first miscarriage happened at 39, beginning a period of five early pregnancy losses over approximately three years.

* Although the losses happened around five or six weeks, Jillian describes them as devastating.

* As an American living in Rome, she was navigating fertility care away from her home country, with the pandemic adding another layer of difficulty.

* Jillian saw approximately five different OBs and repeatedly heard that her age was the main explanation for her losses.

* Doctors introduced blood-thinning medication and progesterone, but Jillian experienced three further miscarriages while following that treatment approach.

* A family history of autoimmune disease led Jillian to wonder whether something beyond age needed to be investigated.

* Her own research introduced her to Dr. Braverman’s work, but she still felt stuck and unsure how to access the right support.

* At 42, Jillian joined Aimee’s group coaching and fertility eCourse, which she describes as a turning point.

* Aimee explains why Jillian’s history prompted her to seek a more detailed evaluation of possible immune-related contributors to her losses.

* They paused trying to conceive while pursuing additional testing and making changes to Jillian’s nutrition and lifestyle.

* Taking a break felt frightening because Jillian was already worried about time and getting older, but she also knew she needed a different approach.

* Aimee connected Jillian with Dr. Vidali, whose referral helped her find a specialist in Rome.

* Her new doctor ordered more extensive testing and took her concerns seriously after she had felt dismissed by other practitioners.

* Jillian describes feeling discouraged by her AMH and FSH results, but says her specialist helped her stay focused on the broader treatment plan.

* Aimee and Jillian review symptoms beyond fertility, including eczema, dry skin, fatigue, digestive concerns, and a history of heavy periods.

* Jillian followed Aimee’s nutrition plan for approximately six months and continued it into early pregnancy.

* She prepared her own bone broth and adapted the plan to the foods and supplements she could access in Italy.

* Their conversation also covers supplements, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and abdominal massage as parts of Jillian’s individual care experience.

* Mindset work included noticing ways her body was supporting her and working through anger and the feeling that her body was failing.

* Aimee encouraged Jillian to protect her energy and hope by setting boundaries around fertility groups that increased her fear.

* Although Jillian is a therapist and coach herself, she recognized that she still needed support rather than expecting herself to figure everything out alone.

* Meditation and visualization became regular practices that helped Jillian reconnect with hope during a painful period.

* Additional testing identified immune-related markers, and her specialist added medication discussed in the episode as Neupogen.

* Jillian reports becoming pregnant approximately three months after starting that additional treatment.

* Her specialist monitored her closely during pregnancy, including regular bloodwork, which helped her feel more supported despite her anxiety.

* Jillian discusses continuing prescribed medications during pregnancy and the reassurance of having an individualized medical plan.

* She later transitioned to an OB and midwife whom she describes as supportive and shares the story of her second daughter’s birth.

* Her baby girl was born four days after Jillian’s 44th birthday, within approximately 18 months of beginning her work with Aimee.

* Jillian reflects on how the experience changed her personally and shaped the mother she became.

* She describes how repeated messages about being too old affected her confidence, and how coaching helped her question those beliefs.

* Choosing a small number of trusted practitioners and supportive communities helped reduce information overload.

* Jillian says she felt better with the nutrition and lifestyle changes, noticing improvements in her skin and reconnecting with activities that brought her joy.

* Aimee and Jillian discuss approaching nutrition as a form of care rather than punishment.

* Jillian shares why investing in support was difficult to justify at first and why she ultimately felt it was worthwhile.

* Aimee emphasizes that Jillian needed additional medical support alongside the nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional work.

* Jillian’s message to other women is to trust themselves, seek meaningful support, and make room to invest in their own care.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to The Fertility Authority and Aimee’s root cause approach

01:48 - Introducing Stories of Hope

02:28 - Jillian’s story: five miscarriages and a baby at 44

04:11 - The conversation begins: learning to advocate for yourself

05:00 - A first daughter at 38, followed by five early losses

05:45 - The first miscarriage at 39 and being told it was age

06:11 - Seeing multiple doctors and trying prescribed treatments

06:45 - Researching other explanations and a family history of autoimmune disease

07:37 - Finding Aimee’s group coaching and fertility eCourse

08:20 - Connecting with Dr. Vidali and looking more closely at Jillian’s case

09:26 - Previous treatment, a clotting factor, and the decision to pause

10:03 - Why taking a break from trying felt frightening

10:15 - Sponsor break: Aimee Raupp Beauty

11:21 - Taking a leap of faith and trying a different approach

11:35 - Finding a specialist in Rome through Dr. Vidali

12:58 - More extensive testing after feeling dismissed

13:26 - AMH, FSH, and the emotional impact of discouraging results

14:23 - Following Aimee’s nutrition plan

14:30 - Looking at physical symptoms beyond fertility

15:51 - Committing to the diet and preparing food in Italy

16:30 - Reviewing Jillian’s supplements and complementary care

17:42 - Mantras and rebuilding trust in her body

18:24 - Setting boundaries around triggering fertility groups

18:39 - Why therapists and coaches need support too

19:04 - Meditation, visualization, and mindset work

19:59 - Additional immune-related findings and a change in treatment

20:36 - Pregnant approximately three month…

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe

What’s Really Behind Low AMH, Part 2: Real Women, Real Labs, Real Results

In part two of this series, Aimee Raupp takes the NLRP3 inflammation framework from part one and shows what it looks like in real women’s bodies, with real labs, real numbers, and real timelines. She shares the stories of women who were told donor eggs were their only option, then walks through one case in full detail to show exactly how she connects the pieces: thyroid, vitamin D, iron, leptin, metabolic famine, blood flow, and the emotional work that so often gets skipped.

Key topics:

* A quick recap of part one: AMH as a smoke detector, not a verdict

* How the NLRP3 inflammasome damages the granulosa cells that make AMH

* A woman with an AMH of 0.1, six failed IVFs, and five losses who got pregnant naturally at 42

* A medical professional who went from six failed IVFs with zero normal embryos to two euploid embryos at 44

* Why “your only option is donor eggs” is so often the wrong answer

* Judy’s full case: five miscarriages, a falling AMH, and a doctor pushing donor eggs

* The labs that told the real story: TSH, vitamin D, iron, and leptin

* Metabolic famine: how undereating, near keto eating, and overexercising suppress fertility

* Feeding your ovaries instead of your waistline

* Blood flow support with acupuncture, castor oil packs, and abdominal massage

* Why trauma and nervous system work are fundamental, not optional

* How Judy’s AMH rose from 0.7 to 1.2, and why that wasn’t the headline

* Looking back with 2026 clinical eyes: the hidden insulin resistance pattern

* Why low carb isn’t right for most women in their reproductive years

* An inside look at The AMH Protocol, Aimee’s new six week program

Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to The Fertility Authority01:48 - Recap of part one: AMH as a smoke detector02:16 - The NLRP3 alarm system and granulosa cells03:01 - Real women, real numbers, the same verdict03:11 - AMH of 0.1, six failed IVFs, pregnant naturally at 4204:14 - Five REs said donor eggs: two euploid embryos at 4405:45 - Different women, different numbers, same wrong answer06:26 - Judy’s story: five miscarriages and a falling AMH07:02 - The labs at the time of loss: TSH and vitamin D07:20 - Clotting factor disorder already identified and controlled07:57 - AMH dropping from 1.5 to 0.7 and the push for donor eggs08:09 - What the full picture showed: iron, blood deficiency, leptin08:54 - Near keto, skipped breakfasts, and daily intense exercise09:22 - Feeding her ovaries, not her waistline10:30 - Rebuilding her blood with food and Chinese herbs10:34 - Blood flow support: acupuncture, castor oil packs, abdominal massage10:39 - The emotional work and fertility trauma coaching11:06 - A word from Rejoova12:41 - Trauma as background noise for the nervous system13:12 - The toll on her marriage and honoring the desire13:48 - Ongoing coaching, hysteroscopy, and endometrial biopsy14:41 - Repeat labs and what improved15:15 - The email: letting go and a surprise pregnancy16:01 - AMH from 0.7 to 1.2, and why that’s not the headline16:48 - Numbers are data, not destiny17:16 - Looking back with 2026 clinical eyes: insulin resistance17:43 - Why low carb isn’t good for most women trying to conceive18:30 - The labs most women never get run18:52 - Introducing The AMH Protocol19:20 - The six weeks: diagnostics, nutrition, blood flow, mindset, supplements, integration20:04 - Daily lessons, weekly live Q&A, and private community20:23 - Enrollment details and October 12 start date21:19 - Find the fire, put it out22:00 - The DIY option: Yes, You Can Get Pregnant22:54 - Closing and how to work with Aimee

Resources & Links:

* The AMH Protocol (enrollment closes October 10 at 11:59 PM, program begins October 12)

* Fertility Lab Testing Panel

* Yes, You Can Get Pregnant: Revised Edition by Aimee Raupp

* The Egg Quality Diet by Aimee Raupp

* Part 1: What’s Really Behind Low AMH

* NLRP3 Inflammasome research

* Rejoova: use code AIMEE20 for 20% off any individual supplement (not valid on bundles)

Connect with Aimee Raupp:

* Instagram

* Website

* Substack

* Work with Aimee and her team

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe

Endometriosis researcher and clinical nutritionist Savannah Regensburger joins me on The Fertility Authority to discuss why endometriosis gets missed, what deserves a closer look, and how we can better support women who are still searching for answers.

Savannah brings a background in neuroscience, clinical nutrition, and clinical research, along with her work as an educator, women’s health advocate, and co-founder of I Am Endometriosis. Together, we look at endometriosis through the lens of research and clinical practice, including the gaps that leave women waiting years for a diagnosis.

We discuss why the conversation needs to go beyond painful periods. From painful ovulation and persistent bloating to fatigue, digestive concerns, and fertility struggles, we explore the patterns that prompt us to ask more questions—and why symptoms need to be considered in the context of the whole person.

We also talk about silent endometriosis, questions around AMH and ovarian reserve, and the role of imaging and specialist evaluation. Savannah shares how her own experience navigating misdiagnoses informs the way she approaches patient education and advocacy.

Our conversation covers nutrition, sleep, the nervous system, environmental exposures, and ongoing support after surgery. We discuss what it looks like to build a sustainable approach to care without turning health into another full-time job or expecting perfection.

We also explore the emerging interest in GLP-1 medications and endometriosis research. Savannah shares her personal experience with physician-supervised tirzepatide use after excision surgery, and we discuss investigational treatments, unanswered questions, and the need for more research.

Finally, we talk about the emotional weight of a diagnosis, finding community, and why women deserve providers who are willing to listen, investigate, and work together.

Key Topics

* Savannah’s background in neuroscience, clinical nutrition, and research, and how these fields shape her approach to endometriosis education.

* Why believing patients and taking their concerns seriously are essential starting points in the diagnostic process.

* Gaps in medical education and the challenges women face when seeking answers about endometriosis.

* Looking beyond painful periods when discussing symptoms, including back pain, fatigue, painful ovulation, and persistent bloating.

* Silent endometriosis and the questions that can arise when fertility challenges occur without significant period pain.

* How AMH, ovarian reserve, and endometriomas enter the conversation about endometriosis and fertility.

* The overlap between endo belly, digestive symptoms, celiac disease, and other conditions that may need separate evaluation.

* Why Savannah considers sleep and circadian rhythm important parts of her approach to supporting health.

* The emotional and physical demands of chronic illness, surgery, and fertility treatment, and the importance of nervous system support.

* Building realistic nutrition and lifestyle habits while allowing room for individual needs and imperfect days.

* Savannah’s experience with excision surgery and the ongoing care she describes needing afterward.

* The role of pelvic MRI, ultrasound, and experienced specialists in evaluating symptoms and interpreting findings.

* Savannah’s personal experience with GLP-1 medications under physician supervision, including side effects and the changes she reports noticing.

* Why adequate nutrition, protein, fiber, muscle mass, and bone health remain part of the medication conversation.

* Research questions around inflammation, metabolic health, and fertility, including the limitations of the evidence discussed.

* Investigational endometriosis therapies and why early research needs to progress through clinical trials.

* How I Am Endometriosis connects women through community, education, and advocacy.

* The emotional complexity of finally receiving a diagnosis and why continued support matters.

* The need for earlier recognition, better collaboration, and care that takes women’s experiences seriously.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to The Fertility Authority01:48 - Introducing Savannah Regensburger and today’s conversation03:55 - A note about medical advice and physician guidance04:10 - The conversation with Savannah begins04:33 - From neuroscience to clinical nutrition and research06:05 - Misdiagnoses and finally receiving an endometriosis diagnosis07:48 - What could shorten the path to diagnosis?08:09 - Believing patients and discussing clinical diagnosis09:06 - Gaps in endometriosis education11:23 - Fertility concerns and looking beyond painful periods12:14 - Sponsor break: Aimee Raupp Beauty13:20 - Back pain, fatigue, and overlapping conditions13:47 - Silent endometriosis and fertility14:41 - AMH, ovarian reserve, and endometriomas15:16 - Painful ovulation and persistent inflammation16:07 - Endo belly, digestive symptoms, and celiac disease18:21 - Discussing autoimmune overlap and individual differences19:14 - Connecting neuroscience and endometriosis care20:10 - Sleep, circadian rhythm, and consistency20:49 - The nervous system and the burden of chronic illness21:39 - Environmental exposures and personal triggers22:18 - Surgery and ongoing support23:12 - Discussing gut health and the estrobolome24:39 - Pelvic MRI, ultrasound, and specialist interpretation26:21 - Symptom monitoring and conversations about future fertility27:10 - Introducing the discussion about GLP-1 medications27:40 - Savannah’s research background and interest in inflammation28:46 - Bringing treatment questions to her physician29:13 - Savannah’s experience with semaglutide and tirzepatide30:29 - Side effects and physician-guided dose adjustments31:32 - Changes Savannah reports in symptoms and lab results32:33 - Nutrition, protein, fiber, and adequate intake33:19 - Research questions around inflammation and fertility35:18 - Individualized care and combining approaches36:58 - Gaps in research involving pregnancy37:40 - Investigational endometriosis treatments and clinical trials40:26 - Building the I Am Endometriosis community41:17 - Education, policy, and Capitol Hill advocacy44:08 - What Savannah wishes women knew before diagnosis44:18 - Mental health and support after diagnosis45:26 - Earlier recognition and looking deeper into symptoms46:18 - Digestive and skin concerns in the broader health picture48:28 - Addressing dismissal and improving collaboration49:54 - Where to find Savannah and I Am Endometriosis51:04 - Aimee’s key takeaways52:43 - Emotional support and finding your community53:28 - Closing encouragement and additional resources

Resources / Helpful Links

* Aimee Raupp Resources & Freebies

* Aimee Raupp Fertility Books

* Aimee Raupp Substack

* Work with Aimee and Her Team

* Savannah Regensburger on Instagram: @savannahregensburger

* I Am Endometriosis on Instagram: @iamendometriosis

Episode Sponsor

Aimee Raupp Beauty — visit aimeeraupp.com and use code PODCAST20 for 20% off, as shared in this episode.

This episode is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please speak with your physician before making changes to your care, especially medications.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe

Jen shares her fertility journey from frozen eggs, failed IVF, miscarriage, and being told she had about a 1% chance of success to ultimately conceiving naturally and giving birth to a healthy baby girl at 44.

After freezing eggs years earlier as an “insurance policy,” Jen returned to fertility treatment at 43 believing IVF was her only option. Instead, all five of her previously frozen eggs were lost during the thaw, embryos from another retrieval stopped developing, and her clinic told her it was time to consider donor eggs.

Jen decided she was not ready to accept that answer.

She began working with a fertility-focused naturopath, discovered Aimee Raupp’s best selling fertility book: Yes, You Can Get Pregnant, and eventually joined Aimee’s fertility program. Together, they looked beyond fertility statistics and focused on nutrition, hormones, thyroid health, supplements, digestion, stress, emotional healing, and rebuilding trust in her body.

We discuss how age-shaming affected Jen’s confidence, why self-forgiveness and surrender became such an important part of her fertility journey, and what changed when she stopped treating fertility as something she had to control perfectly and instead focused on becoming healthier, supported, and more compassionate toward herself.

After another miscarriage and an incredibly difficult year that included losing her father, Jen conceived naturally again at 44. That pregnancy resulted in her healthy daughter, Ruby James.

Key Topics

* Jen came to Aimee at 43, approaching 44, after experiencing miscarriage and a difficult fertility treatment journey.

* She had frozen five eggs in 2016 while single, believing egg freezing would serve as an “insurance policy” for having children later.

* When she and her partner decided to start a family at 43, Jen returned to the same fertility clinic believing IVF was essentially her only option.

* Jen describes experiencing significant age-shaming during fertility treatment and being made to feel that her chances of becoming a mother were extremely low.

* Her clinic attempted to use her previously frozen eggs alongside eggs from another retrieval, but all five frozen eggs died during the thaw and three embryos from the new retrieval stopped developing after three days.

* After the failed cycle, Jen was told she had approximately a 1% chance because of her age and was encouraged to consider donor eggs or possibly IUI instead of another IVF cycle.

* Walking away from that clinic became a major turning point, and Jen decided she wanted to explore another approach rather than accept that her fertility journey was over.

* Jen began working with a fertility-focused naturopath who evaluated hormones and bloodwork that she says had not previously been explored in depth.

* Around six weeks after her retrieval, Jen tried naturally and became pregnant on the first attempt, but that pregnancy ended in miscarriage at eight weeks.

* Discovering Aimee’s book Yes, You Can Get Pregnant dramatically changed Jen’s perspective because it was one of the first resources she found that gave her hope about pregnancy after 40.

* Jen says the emotional component of Aimee’s work became just as important as nutrition and supplements because she carried years of regret about not becoming a mother sooner.

* A major part of their work involved forgiving her younger self, processing grief, and questioning the belief that she had somehow “missed her chance.”

* Jen eventually realized that motherhood was happening at the right time for her life, her relationship, and the person she had become.

* Letting go of the age-shaming she experienced in fertility treatment became another important part of rebuilding confidence in her body.

* Jen incorporated Aimee’s nutrition approach and made major lifestyle changes around sugar, soy, dairy, alcohol, coffee, and other foods.

* Instead of seeing the diet only as something she had to do to become pregnant, Jen began viewing it as a way to improve her overall health.

* Having a supportive partner helped make the nutrition changes more sustainable, particularly because Jen worked in the restaurant industry and her partner was a chef.

* Aimee and Jen discuss monitoring hormones, progesterone, estrogen, digestion, thyroid function, supplements, herbs, and other health markers during their work together.

* Jen experienced significant improvements in digestion and overall health while working on these areas.

* During the fertility journey, Jen’s father passed away, adding another major source of grief and stress during an already difficult period.

* Instead of expecting perfection during that time, Jen continued following much of the plan while allowing herself more flexibility.

* In February 2021, while working with Aimee, Jen discovered that she was naturally pregnant again at 44.

* Jen says this pregnancy felt very different because she felt stronger physically and emotionally and believed she had done everything she reasonably could to support her body.

* Although pregnancy after 40 came with anxiety and some minor complications, Jen describes feeling physically well throughout the pregnancy.

* Her experience with her new OB was also very different from her earlier fertility treatment experience, with her care team being supportive rather than focusing primarily on her age.

* Jen gave birth at 44 and turned 45 approximately one month later.

* Her daughter’s name, Ruby James, carries a special connection to Jen’s late father. Ruby was his July birthstone, while James was his first name.

* Aimee had unknowingly helped inspire the name Ruby during one of their conversations when she commented on Jen’s ruby necklace.

* Jen says one of the hardest parts of the fertility journey was learning to surrender control after miscarriage.

* As a business owner who was accustomed to being in control, she struggled with the uncertainty of fertility and pregnancy.

* Through Aimee’s teachings, emotional work, and mantras, Jen began practicing trust instead of trying to control every possible outcome.

* She learned to trust her instinct to try naturally and trust that she was taking the right steps even though she could not control exactly how the story would unfold.

* Aimee discusses the importance of creating a sense of safety in the body, not only through nutrition and physical health but also by addressing fear, urgency, stress, and what she calls mental inflammation.

* Jen says the emotional work of stopping self-blame and feeling that she was “not enough” became one of the most important parts of her journey.

* She also emphasizes that fertility support should not be about perfectly checking every diet or supplement box.

* Building the right support team became another major lesson for Jen, including practitioners, Aimee, her partner, and other people who genuinely believed in and supported her.

* Jen says accountability and structure helped reduce the overwhelming amount of fertility information available online.

* She encourages women to choose a path and trusted team rather than constantly jumping between different fertility recommendations.

* Jen also learned to give herself grace when she was not perfect with food, supplements, or other parts of the plan.

* Her message to other women navigating fertility is to recognize that it is a journey, give yourself compassion, surround yourself with the right support, and keep trusting yourself.

* Jen ultimately conceived naturally after being told she had roughly a 1% chance and gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 44.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to The Fertility Authority and Aimee’s root cause approach01:20 - Introducing Jen’s Story of Hope02:05 - Life with baby Ruby almost one year later03:20 - Starting the fertility journey at 43 after miscarriage04:05 - Freezing eggs in 2016 as an “insurance policy”05:05 - Returning to fertility treatment at 43 and believing IVF was the only option06:10 - Age-shaming and being told the odds were extremely low07:30 - Losing all five frozen eggs during the thaw08:15 - Embryos stop developing and everything is lost09:00 - Being told she…

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryThis episode explores groundbreaking research from 2023 to 2026 that is transforming our understanding of female fertility and ovarian aging. Hosted by Aimee Raupp, a seasoned fertility expert, it covers inflammation, AMH, insulin resistance, NAD+, light exposure, stress, and oral health, offering practical insights for women seeking to optimize their reproductive health.

Keywordsfemale fertility, ovarian aging, inflammation, AMH, insulin resistance, NAD plus, fertility research, reproductive health, stress, oral health

Key Topics

* Chronic inflammation and its effect on egg quality

* The role of AMH and inflammation in fertility

* Insulin resistance as a driver of IVF success

* NAD+ levels and mitochondrial health in eggs

* Impact of light exposure and circadian rhythms on ovaries

* Stress and ovarian reserve decline

* Oral inflammation and systemic reproductive effects

* Practical steps to improve the ovarian environment

Sound Bites

* “Inflammation ages your tissues faster than your birthday”

* “Low AMH reflects inflammation, not just egg count”

* “NMN and resveratrol fuel mitochondrial health”

Chapters00:00 Introduction to New Fertility Research02:25 Chronic Inflammation and Female Fertility06:37 Peritoneal Endometriosis and AMH Levels10:44 Insulin Resistance and IVF Outcomes15:21 NAD+ and Cellular Energy in Eggs20:31 Light Exposure and Ovarian Function21:25 Stress and Its Impact on Ovarian Reserve23:45 Oral Inflammation and Reproductive Health

10 Things You Can Do With This Research

* Get your inflammation markers checked — hs-CRP, homocysteine.

* Look at your gut — a major driver of the inflammaging pattern.

* Stop fearing a low AMH number by itself; it’s a data point, not a verdict.

* Prioritize protein and fiber at breakfast to support insulin sensitivity.

* Move your body after meals — even a 10-minute walk helps glucose regulation.

* Get morning sunlight within the first hour of waking.

* Put your phone away 30–60 minutes before bed.

* Build in real nervous system downtime — acupuncture, breathwork, meditation, nature walks.

* Don’t skip your dental checkups.

* Work with someone who looks at your whole picture — gut, blood sugar, inflammation, sleep, stress.

Perfection doesn’t equal pregnancy. It’s consistency and frequency that moves the needle.

ClosingEgg quality isn’t a fixed countdown. It’s shaped by inflammation, metabolic health, mitochondrial energy, circadian rhythm, and nervous system regulation. Age is a modifier, not a mandate.

Before you go: there’s exciting new endometriosis research I haven’t covered yet — that’s coming as its own dedicated episode soon. If endo might be part of your story, ask your doctor about a pelvic MRI or 3D sonohysterogram in the meantime.

Ready to work on this? Head to aimeeraupp.com and book a coaching call. Grab the revised edition of Yes, You Can Get Pregnant — it has the full lab panel, the nutrition breakdown, and every protocol I referenced today. And follow me on Substack, Instagram, and right here on the podcast for more research like this every week.

Research Citations

* Ameho & Klutstein — “The effect of chronic inflammation on female fertility,” Reproduction, 2025. PMID: 39932461

* [Authors incl. AW Horne] — AMH decreased in superficial peritoneal endometriosis with elevated inflammatory profile, University of Edinburgh, Reproduction and Fertility, 2026 (venous blood n=105, peritoneal fluid n=38). DOI: 10.1530/RAF-25-0127

* Bai et al. — Insulin resistance and IVF outcomes, Human Fertility, 2025 (cohort n=1,193). PMID: 40684365

* NAD+ gene expression and human oocyte quality, single-oocyte RNA-seq (n=46), JARG, 2025. DOI: 10.1007/s10815-025-03720-1

* Ying et al. — Circadian rhythm disruption and ovarian follicular development, EBioMedicine, 2026. PMID: 41797048

* Jiang et al. — Chronic stress and meiotic arrest/ovarian reserve decline, Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023. PMID: 37720535

* Kles et al. — Chronic oral inflammation impairs female reproduction, Journal of Dental Research, 2026. DOI: 10.1177/00220345251412768

Note: only studies #2 (Edinburgh AMH) and #3 (Bai IVF cohort) are direct human clinical data; the rest are animal/rodent models or ex vivo human tissue.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe

Miranda shares her five year fertility journey, from low AMH and multiple failed IVF cycles to an endometriosis diagnosis, immune support, gut healing, and finally a healthy natural pregnancy at 42. Aimee Raupp guides the conversation with clinical context, showing how the bigger picture emerged only after looking beyond standard IVF protocols.

We discuss why repeated IVF did not work, how endometriosis and inflammation showed up in Miranda’s symptoms and outcomes, and what changed once the team focused on root causes like uterine scar tissue, immune dysfunction, gut health, and environmental exposure.

Key Topics

* Miranda’s fertility journey began after marriage in her late 30s, with an initial AMH of 0.545 at age 37 and early warning signs that standard IVF might be a poor fit.

* She was told she had the egg count of a 50 year old woman and would likely need multiple retrievals, leading to a major financial and emotional burden as a cash pay patient.

* Her first IVF cycle was derailed when she ovulated through stimming medications, a sign that the standard protocol was not adequately suppressing ovulation for her body.

* A severe allergic reaction to a COVID vaccine, treated with prednisone, coincided with her second retrieval and may have influenced that cycle, which produced 7 eggs, 4 fertilized, 3 blasts, and 2 PGT normal embryos.

* Both transferred embryos ended in a chemical pregnancy, followed by a third retrieval with poor egg quality and no usable blasts, deepening frustration with the first clinic.

* A second RE changed protocols with estradiol priming, but Miranda experienced intense headaches and a severe reaction pattern that Aimee flagged as a clue for estrogen dominance and possible endometriosis.

* Miranda ultimately pursued a consultation with Dr. Check and then Dr. Vidali after recognizing that endometriosis, inflammation, and low ovarian reserve might be driving the repeated failures.

* Dr. Check encouraged timed intercourse and later IVF, but Miranda had repeated failures, including one cycle where no eggs were retrieved and another where she ovulated too soon and the cycle converted to an unsuccessful IUI.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe

Rethinking AMH and Ovarian Reserve: The Inflammation Connection

In this episode, Aimee Raupp challenges traditional beliefs about AMH levels and ovarian reserve, emphasizing how inflammation plays a crucial role in ovarian aging. She discusses groundbreaking research suggesting that ovarian decline isn’t solely about egg quantity but also the health of the ovarian environment.

Key topics:

* The history and misconceptions surrounding AMH testing

* Why AMH is not a definitive measure of total egg reserve

* The impact of systemic inflammation on ovarian aging

* The discovery of ovarian stem cells and the potential for new egg formation

* How chronic inflammation damages granulosa cells, reducing AMH

* The importance of understanding the ovarian environment in fertility

* The influence of autoimmune conditions, gut health, and diet on ovarian reserve

* Practical steps to identify and reduce ovarian inflammation

* The significance of current research outpacing mainstream medical guidance

* Encouragement to look beyond AMH numbers to understand true fertility health

Timestamps:

00:41 - Introduction and the history of AMH testing

01:09 - Why a high or low AMH isn’t the full fertility story

01:52 - Inflammation’s role in ovarian health and aging

02:22 - Limitations of AMH as a fertility marker

03:20 - The analogy of the factory to explain AMH fluctuations

04:16 - Women in menopause still have eggs: myth vs. reality

04:45 - Ovarian environment vs. egg quantity

05:13 - The American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s stance on AMH

05:48 - Challenging the dogma: Are we really running out of eggs?

06:16 - Recent studies and the impact of ovarian stem cell research

07:07 - Breakthrough research by Jonathan Tilly on ovarian stem cells

08:05 - Evidence supporting the regeneration of follicles in adults

09:03 - The lag between research and clinical practice

09:32 - The myth of running out of eggs and new findings

10:01 - The longevity of eggs in menopause

11:01 - Rethinking ovarian aging and the role of inflammation

11:32 - How inflammation damages the ovarian support system

12:02 - NLRP3 inflammasome system and chronic stress

12:29 - The destruction of granulosa cells and declining AMH

13:28 - How turning off the inflammatory alarm can slow ovarian aging

13:53 - Linking inflammation to conditions like endometriosis and Hashimoto’s

14:16 - Impact of diet and gut health on ovarian reserve

15:18 - Numbers are data points, not destiny

15:46 - Viewing AMH as a smoke detector for inflammation

16:10 - Root cause workup and anti-inflammatory strategies

16:39 - Invitation to explore part two of the series for practical insights

Resources & Links:

* Yes You Can Get Pregnant – Revised Edition by Aimee Raupp

* Jonathan Tilly - Northeastern University (search for his current publications)

* NLRP3 Inflammasome research

Connect with Aimee Raupp:

* Instagram

* Website

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe

SHOW NOTES

This is one of the most remarkable fertility journeys I have ever had the privilege of witnessing in over 21 years of clinical practice.

Rebecca came to me as an acupuncture patient in 2012. Over the next decade I watched her freeze eggs in her mid thirties, improve her AMH and FSH through diet and lifestyle, navigate a demanding career in New York City, find her person, and then embark on one of the most grueling and ultimately triumphant paths to motherhood I have ever seen up close.

Seven retrievals. Two failed transfers. Two mock cycles. Hysteroscopies. Endometrial biopsies. Seven rounds of PRP. Two IUIs. A chronic endometritis diagnosis that changed everything. A clinic switch. And one sweet, perfect baby boy.

She was 45 when she got pregnant. She gave birth at 46.

In this episode Rebecca shares everything. The failed transfers and what we found when we dug deeper. The immune panel that finally gave us answers. The decision to switch clinics. The ovarian PRP. The Egg Quality Diet. The emotional work. The mantra she said to herself every single day. And what she wants every woman in the thick of this journey to know.

This is not a story about luck. This is a story about belief, about doing the work, and about what becomes possible when you refuse to accept that your biology is fixed.

What we cover in this episode:

Why the foundations you build in your mid thirties matter enormously even years later. How Rebecca's AMH and FSH actually improved between her first and second egg freeze through diet, acupuncture, and lifestyle. What chronic endometritis is, why it is so frequently missed, and how it was affecting her transfers. The immune panel that changed the entire clinical picture. Why switching clinics and moving to low stim and mini stim protocols made a difference. Ovarian PRP and what Rebecca noticed cycle by cycle. The Egg Quality Diet and how she implemented it fully. Managing a high stress career while going through fertility treatment. The emotional and spiritual work that held her together. Her mantra and why she credits belief as one of the most important parts of her journey.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Yes, You Can Get Pregnant by Aimee Raupp, revised 2026 edition: aimeeraupp.com/booksThe Egg Quality Diet by Aimee Raupp: aimeeraupp.com/booksWork with Aimee and her team: aimeeraupp.com/coachingThe Fertility Authority on Substack: aimeeraupp.com/substack

Rebecca's mantra:

I am worthy. I prayed and it is coming. I am doing all I need to do. We are ready.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe

Ovarian Communication Meditation

Your ovaries are listening.

This 8-minute guided meditation is an invitation to slow down, drop in, and open a line of communication with your ovaries. Through breath, visualization, and intentional awareness, you will send love, energy, and healing directly to your reproductive center -- and learn to listen to what your body is trying to tell you in return.

This is the kind of practice that no protocol, supplement, or lab result can replace. It is you, your body, and the quiet wisdom that lives within.

Settle in. Press play. Your ovaries are ready.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe

I recorded this meditation for a program I am running and it felt too good not to share. It is short, it is calming, and it is exactly the kind of nervous system reset I think so many of you need right now, especially if you have been deep in the research from this series. Press play, close your eyes, and give yourself five minutes. You deserve it.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aimeeraupp.substack.com/subscribe