Female Health | Huberman Lab Podcast | Dr. Natalie Crawford | Podcast Summary | The Pod Slice
In this part of the Huberman Lab podcast, host Dr. Andrew Huberman speaks with Dr. Natalie Crawford, a medical practitioner specializing in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. They delve into the complex realm of female hormones, fertility and general female health. Dr. Crawford educates listeners about how fertility and hormones are influenced from the gestational stage, extending towards menopause.
She highlights that the largest number of eggs a female will ever have is about 6 to 7 million in utero at around 20 weeks of gestation. This number significantly reduces with time, even before birth, eventually reaching a count amenable to brain signaling at puberty. Through an analogy of a “vault” inside the ovary, Dr. Crawford states that each month, a group of eggs are discarded due to the natural course of age, as a rise in Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) from the brain triggers follicle growth and estrogen production.
Dr. Crawford touches upon the different stages that females undergo before reaching puberty, including the development of breasts and the onset of secondary sexual characteristics such as genital hair and body odor. The discussion reveals that an exposure to certain odors and endocrine disruptors could potentially trigger an earlier onset of puberty. Worryingly, recent studies show the age of onset of menstruation (menarchy) has shifted from 13-15 years old to a range of 10-11 years, leading to an earlier closing of growth plates and resulting in an overall lesser adult height.
However, an important point highlighted by Dr. Crawford is that the onset of menstruation, irrespective of its age, does not affect the duration of female reproductive lifespan. This is because the eggs are constantly being dispatched from the ovarian “vault” right from embryonic development, and not just during ovulation. Finally, regarding egg harvesting for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), it was clarified that harvesting eggs doesn’t lead to an extra reduction of eggs from the “vault” beyond what would naturally occur through time.
The discussion further emphasizes the importance of the present personal choices, such as detergents used and continual exposure to certain chemicals, especially in children. The conversation also illustrates the role of endocrine disrupters like lavender, tea tree oils, and evening primrose oil on early onset secondary sex characteristics in children. Continuous exposure, especially from domestic products, can bring out early secondary sexual characteristics in girls and gynecomastia in boys. Still, it doesn’t necessarily trigger puberty.
Dr. Crawford also expands on the critical timeframe during pregnancy when the mother’s exposure to certain elements can influence the baby’s later ovarian health. Conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis can be traced back to what the mother was exposed to during pregnancy, which, in turn, affected the fetal development of the ovaries and eggs.
Moreover, the conversation also touches on other elements such as cloth versus regular diapers, breast milk versus formula feeding, and their potential impact on a child’s health and development, though concrete evidence linking these with future reproductive health is yet to be established.
In addition, they examine the female menstrual cycle: It begins with Day 1, the onset of menstruation, when the shedding of the endometrial lining starts due to progesterone dip. It signals to eggs in the ovary, which then starts to grow, stimulated by the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). As the egg grows, it produces estrogen, which stimulates the lining of the uterus to prepare for potential pregnancy. This is the follicular phase, characterized by FSH dominance, where females may feel more energetic and focused due to increased estrogen levels. When estrogen reaches its peak, indicating a mature egg, a surge of Luteinising Hormone (LH) is induced by the brain. This LH triggers ovulation, marking the start of the luteal phase. After ovulation, the remnants of the follicle form a Corpus Luteum, which is essential for pregnancy as it opens and closes the implantation window by producing progesterone.
Towards the end of the corpus luteum’s existence, if no pregnancy has occurred, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop leading to menstruation and start of a new cycle. They underscored that typically, a menstruation cycle is not exactly 28 days for every woman-the follicular phase duration may vary, but the luteal phase is relatively constant, lasting around 12 to 14 days.
This discussion between Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Natalie Crawford brings to light some crucial points surrounding the menstrual cycle and its distinct phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase. They establish a broader understanding of these two phases; the follicular phase, with its varying lengths, is dictated by the communication between the brain and the ovary. At the same time, the luteal phase consistently lasts around 10 to 14 days.
Moreover, Dr. Crawford stresses the red flags presented when an individual’s menstrual cycle duration changes from its normal timeframe, highlighting a problem in the hormonal signaling between the brain and the ovary. She especially emphasizes instances where a woman’s cycle begins to shorten, as it could signal that the ovarian reserve (the number of eggs available for fertilization) has decreased to a point that promotes noticeable clinical changes.
The conversation then pivots to the topic of nutrition, acknowledging its impact on both physical and mental health, along with its critical role in ensuring optimal cognitive functioning.
Furthermore, Dr. Crawford elaborates on birth control and its effects on the menstrual cycle and fertility. She focuses on combined oral contraception, commonly known as “the pill,” which contains ethinyl estradiol and a type of progestin. She ascertains that while the pill does not change the release of eggs from the ‘vault’ (ovarian reserve), it can suppress the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), a hormone associated with ovarian reserve, potentially lowering its value. However, the suppression is reversible, and if managed appropriately, the pill can potentially improve the chances of fertility, especially in cases of endometriosis or other conditions associated with infertility.
Interestingly, the discussion also gives insight into how the pill’s effects can contrast starkly with the uses of synthetic testosterone in males, where its usage shuts down natural testosterone production and sperm creation. This is attributed to the ongoing process of sperm production and how external influences can halt this process. In contrast, females are born with a definitive number of eggs, and their hatchings are only influenced by the suppression of the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
Lastly, Dr. Crawford dispels the myth that heat exposure such as hot tubs or saunas could be detrimental to ovulation or egg production, stating that the internal positioning of the ovaries in females does not make them susceptible to such influences. The testes in males, due to their external positioning, are more susceptible to heat changes. However, she does note that heat exposure can potentially affect embryonic development, especially organ development, during pregnancy.
In the ongoing discussion between Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Natalie Crawford, the conversation delves deeper into fertility, specifically exploring the concept of ovulation, sperm lifespan, and estimating the most fertile time frame. Dr. Crawford explains that the egg can only be fertilized within a 24-hour timeframe while it’s in the fallopian tube, highlighting that sperm can live up to 5 days. This theory introduces the idea of the fertile window, a 5-day period that concludes on the day of ovulation.
Drawing further insights into libido, Dr. Crawford offers an intriguing explanation on the relationship between estrogen, libido, and ovulation in females. Here, she states that increased estrogen levels are inherently correlated with libido, peaking just before and during the ovulation period to enhance chances of intercourse and potential pregnancy.
Interestingly, this segment uncovers insights into ‘middle schmerz,’ a term referring to ovulatory pain coursing from the rupture of the ovarian cyst as the egg is being released. Some women, particularly those in tune with their bodies, can identify the sensation linked to their period of ovulation – providing a unique look at how individuals can potentially self-identify their fertility cycle.
Seamlessly transitioning into the topic of egg quality and influence, the duo discusses how certain habits and lifestyles, such as smoking, can affect egg health. Dr. Crawford reveals that cigarette smoke is proven to decrease the number of eggs in the ovarian reserve, promoting an earlier onset of menopause and increasing the odds of abnormal chromosomes.
The dialogue then shifts to the uptake of cannabis and its potential effects on egg quality. Dr. Crawford points out that cannabis use – whether ingested through edibles or smoked – significantly impacts sperm production, motility, and morphology. Possibly most concerning is the fragmentation of sperm DNA, possibly leading to higher miscarriage rates for partners who consume cannabis.
Concluding this portion of the discussion, alcohol consumption comes under scrutiny. Highlighting the complexity of its impact, Dr. Crawford clarifies that chronic consumption, in particular, stimulates bodily inflammation, which indirectly affects egg and sperm quality. The lesser the alcohol intake, the lower the risk of complications during conception and pregnancy.
In this part of the conversation between Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Natalie Crawford, they delve into topics of contraceptives, focusing largely on the Intra Uterine Device (IUD), and also touch upon impacts of birth control.
Discussing Intravenous devices in detail, Dr. Crawford explains how these plastic devices, in T-shape, are inserted into the uterus. They work in two key ways: through hormones and through copper. The copper device, interestingly, works by creating an inflammatory, toxic environment inside the uterus, with copper creating an unfriendly atmosphere for sperm, often leading to its death. Additionally, she notes that the copper IUD does not prevent ovulation; it merely creates a less conducive atmosphere for the sperm.
Turning the spotlight on hormonal IUDs, Dr. Crawford highlights that their working mechanism mainly consists of thinning out the uterine lining. However, prolonged exposure to progesterone could lead to the lining becoming so thin that periods might not occur for a long time, leading to fear and misinformation about ovulation and fertility.
The discussion also brought up the Depo-Provera shot, a high-dose progesterone contraceptive that prevents ovulation for up to three months, which can lead to a period absence extending up to 18 months. The method is suggested only if pregnancy is not under consideration for the next 1.5-2 years.
Moving on to potential negative impacts of birth control, Dr. Crawford reinforces that the presence of synthetic estrogen and progestin in pills can affect vaginal health, possibly leading to increased sensitivity, decreased elasticity, discomfort during intercourse, and an increase in yeast infections. However, she also acknowledges the life-saving aspects of the pill for some groups, like those experiencing severe Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Syndrome (PMDS), heavy periods, or for people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
The detailed explanation continues with the side effects of birth control, where increased risks of breast cancer and masking naturally reoccurring bodily cycles are considered as common concerns. Notably, a dramatic decrease in occurrence of ovarian and endometrial cancers is highlighted as potentially vital benefits of contraceptive pills.
Finally, Dr. Crawford promotes the importance of informed consent and comprehensive education about birth control – driving home the need for women to comprehend how their bodies work and to base health decisions on that insight.
In this portion of the discussion, Dr. Crawford expands on the potential health concerns of birth control pills, highlighting the increased risk of blood clots due to the pill’s liver processing, thereby escalating clotting factors. Interestingly, she affirms that genetic analysis for mutation in Factor 5 Leiden [FVL]—a common inherited genetic disorder that increases the chance of developing abnormal blood clots—is not a standard recommendation for pill users. However, she advocates for people with a family history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) to get clotting disorders examination. She warns against FVL carriers continuing the pill, mentioning how the oral pill’s liver metabolism causes alterations in clotting factors.
The conversation progresses towards ovarian health, especially ovarian reserve. Dr. Crawford contests the American College of OBGYN’s stance against ovarian reserve screening due to ovarian reserve not predicting fertility, stating that this perspective ignores the possibilities of women making informed decisions regarding their future. From discussing costs of getting AMH levels tested (approximately $79), to contradictory follicle counts in different age groups, to the unrealistic expectation of AMH predicting fertility, Dr. Crawford emphasizes the importance of accessible ovarian reserve information for women.
The discussion then pivots to In Vitro Maturation (IVM)— a technique where eggs are matured in the lab, potentially providing better results for people with fewer eggs. However, IVM comes with its limitations and restrictions, and may require multiple cycles of egg retrieval due to the small number of eggs that can be obtained each month.
By shedding light on these topics, Dr. Crawford advocates for awareness and the empowerment of women through structured education to aid their decision-making about their health and fertility. She firmly believes that comprehensive understanding of one’s body, and the ability for the same to make informed health choices, is vital. IvM specifically offers the opportunity to learn about ovarian reserves and factors that might affect fertility, which she believes can help many people, even if they are not currently considering pregnancy.
Dr. Crawford passionately discusses the age-old assumption of simply “waiting” to consider parenthood, arguing that being proactive about understanding personal fertility can lead to valuable informed decisions. Contingent upon goals and circumstances, she suggests interventions like egg freezing around age 32-33 for optimality due to a sufficient egg quality and quantity. Further, she incorporates statistics to explain the process post egg freezing, emphasizing that assumptions have to be made due to the uncertainty of the future sperm source’s quality.
Dr. Crawford and Dr. Huberman dive into the egg harvesting process to clear misconceptions and shed light on realities. They highlight the technological strides made, leading to a 90% egg survival rate post-freezing today. However, they recognize the inevitable decrements—about 75% getting fertilized, 50% reaching implantation stage, etc.—that occur due the complex human reproduction process and potential lifestyle choices that can affect sperm quality.
Their discussion notes concerns regarding potential health risks and costs both physical and psychological, and introduces various techniques like PRP injections and varying intensity of drug administration. Further, Dr. Crawford discusses the higher probability of monozygotic twinning in IVF procedures due to potential embryo splitting after transferring it into the body. They stress giving embryos the best chance, advocating for only one implantation at a time and outlining the statistically high cumulative chances of success.
Dr. Crawford believes most modern difficulties with falling birth rates and rising infertility result from people starting families later, and lifestyle issues like chronic illness, autoimmune disease, and obesity. She maintains the importance of scrutinizing these factors, and suggests it wise to regularly check AMH levels to take proactive steps like possible egg harvesting before the significant fertility drop-off post-37 years of age.
The discussion continues with Dr. Crawford and Dr. Huberman focusing on several intriguing aspects of fertility, including the number of eggs needed to ensure a certain family size and the impact of sperm quality. Speaking on the topic of advanced paternal age and its effects, Dr. Crawford mentions that negative outcomes begin to manifest when the male is about 50 years old. She advises younger males in their late 20s or early 30s to freeze their sperm as a cautionary measure, describing the process as stable and relatively easy compared to egg freezing.
Exploring the dynamics of reproductive procedures, they delve into the effect of various hormone injections involved in stimulating egg growth. They illustrate the process as a sequence that carefully manages the development and maturation of follicles and eggs. A significant part of this process revolves around the artificial generation of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinising Hormone) that stimulate egg production.
As they delve deeper, the podcast hosts introduce a relatively new procedure known as “three parent IVF”. This technique is used to overcome genetic diseases by utilising a third, ‘donor’, egg. This donor egg with healthier, younger mitochondrial DNA carries the intended parents’ DNA, providing a potentially transformative solution for families dealing with genetic diseases. However, Dr. Crawford cautions that while this procedure has shown success in preventing certain mitochondrial diseases, using it purely for age-related fertility issues has yet to show significant success.
Lastly, they touch upon the restrictions in embryo research, due to the contentious nature of the topic in the United States. The debate over when life begins has greatly limited the amount of research possible on human embryos, which ultimately hinders the advancement of new technology in this field. They also mention how the large number of unused embryos could potentially contribute to scientific advances, but face limitations because they are often used for training embryologists rather than research.
The conversation then shifts to nutrition and supplementation to optimize egg quality, a subject that Dr. Crawford feels strongly about. Noting that she had conducted fellowship research about fertility, she emphasizes the interconnected health and wellness aspects reflected in fertility. For her, medicine should not be segregated by organ systems as it undermines the importance of overall wellbeing and its impact on various aspects, including fertility health.
Additionally, Dr. Crawford is open about her belief in nutrition in the equation of fertility. She elaborates on the significance of specific nutrients, such as CoQ10, which plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function, the powerhouse of cells. She also supports the benefits of Omega-3, Vitamin D, Folate, and prenatal vitamins. She advises those trying to conceive to have a nutritionally diverse diet with an emphasis on plant-based foods.
The discussion then centers around lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, alcohol, and caffeine and their implications on fertility. Here, Dr. Crawford elaborates that while previous thinking revolved around moderation, more recent studies reveal that these factors can considerably impact egg and sperm quality. For instance, alcohol, initially thought to be harmless in moderation, not only affects hormonal balance but also the sperm and egg interfaces.
Simultaneously, Dr. Crawford recognizes the role of genetics. Acknowledging that everyone has some level of diminished ovarian reserve due to age, she underscores that some women may genetically be predisposed to a lower egg count compared to others.
Dr. Crawford further touches upon the controversial aspect of extending the female reproductive timeline with promising technologies like egg freezing. While exciting, she also emphasizes the necessity for a deeper understanding and knowledge about their true potential as a security blanket.
Finally, Dr. Crawford and Dr. Huberman delve into embryonic research, indicating the emergence of ethical concerns around egg donations, specifically from young individuals who may not fully comprehend the implications of their decisions. While egg and sperm donation offer avenues for individuals who can’t conceive, it is also crucial to consider potential ramifications. They conclude the section with an acknowledgment of the rapidly advancing medical technologies which, while promising, also bring forth a range of ethical and medical dilemmas.
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Crawford places a spotlight on the profound implications of sleep and diet for both reproductive hormone functionality and egg and sperm quality. Sleep is emphasized as an essential element for cellular repair and for maintaining low inflammation levels. Excessive inflammation, says Dr. Crawford, can be detrimental to egg and sperm health and can create a non-optimal environment for conception.
With nutrition under the microscope, Dr. Crawford advises against the consumption of added and artificial sugars due to their capacity to cause inflammation and prompt stress reactions within the body. She implores listeners to pay attention to the food they consume daily, as these choices play a significant role in hormonal health and thus overall wellbeing.
Going into specifics of diet, Dr. Crawford warns against the regular consumption of red meat, finding a correlation between high consumption and lowered progression of embryos during In vitro fertilisation (IVF). Processed Meats, she notes, offer no nutritional advantage and can be harmful due to their carcinogenic properties. However, she does encourage a “plant-forward diet” with moderate servings of meat. Crucially, Dr. Crawford accentuates the uncertainty surrounding nutrition studies due to their observational nature and wide variability of factors considered.
The potential benefits and concerns associated with various foods are evaluated, including Tofu — which, against popular belief, does not negatively impact fertility. Dr. Crawford also emphasizes the positive effect of Omega-3 rich fish on reproduction, recommending three servings per week to balance mercury exposure potentially harmful to fetal growth. Moreover, she attests to the benefits of healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables without advocating for a strict dietary regime.
On the other hand, she raises concerns about the implications of being underweight or overweight for reproduction. Both ends of the spectrum, she warns, can decrease the chances of conceiving per month and increase the likelihood of pregnancy loss.
In conclusion, Dr. Crawford propounds holistic health recommendations, considering sleep, stress, nutritional balance, and moderation in alcohol and caffeine consumption as critical conditions for optimal reproductive health.
In this discussion, Dr. Crawford delves deeper into the conversation about reproduction, addressing crucial questions about prenatal vitamins, nutrition, supplementation, and the intricate process of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Dr. Crawford recommends those in their reproductive years, men and women alike, to take a vitamin containing folic acid even when they’re not trying to conceive, due to its importance in preventing neural tube defects and aiding cell division. She also discusses the contribution of at least 1000 international units of Vitamin D due to its impact on reproduction, highlighting that the measure will not have harmful effects but instead, prove beneficial for most people. Omega-3 fatty acids are also significant due to their anti-inflammatory benefits and the role in the brain development of a fetus.
When talking about CoQ10, a nutrient aiding cellular energy production, Dr. Crawford states that research has indicated benefits in both egg and sperm quality, recommending a dose of 200mg three times a day for those trying to conceive. She asserts, however, the importance of consistency in taking supplements, highlighting that the form of CoQ10 does not matter as long as it is being consumed consistently.
On the topic of PCOS and inositol supplementation, Dr. Crawford names myosositol as the potent driver, helping the body respond better to insulin and decreasing inflammation. She recommends roughly 2000 milligrams of myoinositol supplementation, indicating it wouldn’t matter whether taken before sleep or at any other part of the day.
As the conversation transitions to the process of IVF, Dr. Crawford shares numerous details about this reproductive journey. Necessary changes in diet or nutrition should begin at least 90 days before trying to conceive or taking fertility treatments, given the growth cycle of both eggs and sperm. The IVF process involves subcutaneous shots for about 12-14 days, causing bloating and pelvic pressure due to high estrogen. The extraction of the eggs is a 20-minute procedure carried out under IV sedation involving drugs like propofol and Fentanyl.
Dr. Crawford emphasizes the patient’s experience during this process and the need for individual attention and informed consent, particularly when it comes to the method of anesthesia. While she underscores the delicacy and precision of the egg retrieval procedure, she insists that patient comfort and pain management is critical, emphasizing transparency in clinic practices and patient understanding of the procedures involved.
In the continuation of the enlightening discussion, Dr. Crawford stresses on the importance of patient comprehension and consent with regards to pain and sedation used during the extraction process in IVF. She states that most clinics put patients to sleep using Propofol, ensuring a comfortable experience for the patient. She also labels the retrieval process a “critical and sensitive” procedure, which requires precision and patient compliance to avoid risk of infection or unwanted pregnancy.
Dr. Crawford also highlights the possibility of risk of “ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome” or “OHSS,” especially if the patient gets pregnant following the procedure. OHSS causes the continued production of estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to severe premenstrual syndrome-like symptoms, such as bloating and emotional disturbances. To mitigate risks, it’s advised that patients abstain from sexual intercourse for a period of about three weeks after the stimulation process.
The discussion also brings light to the concept of “minimal stimulation,” which is the practice of under-stimulating to get fewer eggs, opposed to the goal of collecting as many as possible. Although ideal in certain cases, Dr. Crawford warns against the overuse of this practice, hinting at the financial incentives for multiple rounds of treatment.
Shifting attention to the method of insemination, she brings in the concept of “Intracytoplasmic sperm injection” or “ICSI,” a procedure where a single sperm cell is injected directly into the egg. Dr. Crawford notes that anyone opting for egg freezing would need to have ICSI when fertilizing them Even though this method is selected based on shape and movement, Dr. Crawford adds that no current technology allows us to check for DNA damage inside the sperm cell, although there’s a search for better methods in progress.
Lastly, the insightful exchange of reproductive information shines on a unique device named “InvoCell,” designed to make IVF financially more accessible. This method allows the fertilization process to take place within the body, in a capsule placed in the vagina. The use of this device though, Dr. Crawford clarifies, is subject to patient selection and does have its own set of limitations. With continued innovation and knowledge sharing, the field of reproduction and fertility treatments can hope to make considerable advancements, making the process safer, easier and more accessible to all.
In this portion of the discussion, Dr. Crawford and Dr. Huberman delve into a comprehensive evaluation of the role of the Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and the importance of genetic testing in the IVF process.
Dr. Crawford reiterates that the use of ICSI is almost a given in every case due to its high success rate, which counters the potential risk of zero egg fertilization. A critical aspect covered in this part is DNA fragmentation in sperm cells – the disruption of DNA strands that may affect fertility. Dr. Crawford mentions the current belief among urologist that the ejaculatory process itself might cause some fragmentation in men with an abnormal DNA sperm fragmentation and low sperm counts. This issue could be potentially lessened through a sperm extraction procedure, which omits the sperm from the rigorous process of ejaculation.
The subject of genetic testing of embryos surfaces in the conversation – a strategy that allows doctors to select eggs with the right number of chromosomes which statistically increases the probability of a successful IVF procedure. This process assures greater efficiency and lessens the likelihood of failures and miscarriages saving valuable time and resources.
The discussion moves towards ’embryo banking’, enabling potential parents to store genetically normal embryos for future use. The demand for this function has been seen growing among older couples looking to start a family at later ages.
Furthering the dialogue on women’s health, they address the occurrence of menopause. Dr. Crawford discusses modifiable factors – lifestyle choices causing increased inflammation, exposure to toxins, and untreated endometriosis – that can influence the onset of menopause. The importance of estrogen levels is highlighted as a significant component in women’s longevity, cognitive health, cardiovascular health, sexual health and overall life quality.
In Dr. Crawford’s perspective, hormone replacement therapy is often recommended for patients transitioning into menopause, with a strategic focus on mimicking natural hormonal structures. She emphasizes on the choice of HRT being at lower doses that relieve symptoms, improve life quality, and ensure better health in longevity.
This segment concludes with a realization of the importance of women’s health well past menopause, and the urgency for women to feel empowered to pay attention to their bodies as they age. They discuss how cycles and symptoms signal the approach of menopause – prolonged periods of low estrogen leading to fatigue, mental fogginess, headaches, hot flashes, libido loss, vulvar-vaginal symptoms and a higher likelihood to have depressed moods.
As the discussion continues, Dr. Huberman heartily recognizes the importance of understanding fertility issues regardless of one’s age. Strikingly, he underscores the necessity of making informed decisions based on solid science, particularly shattering destructive myths concerning egg harvesting and its impact on fertility.
Appreciating the preciousness of Dr. Crawford’s time, Dr. Huberman acknowledges her multifaceted roles as a medical practitioner, a family manager, and an avid knowledge dispenser who remarkably manages her clinic, podcast, and books simultaneously. He appreciates her effort to concentrate critical information on women’s health into one place, which he feels is especially difficult to find.
Expressing his learning experience, Dr. Huberman acknowledges that following Dr. Crawford’s work has proved valuable. Recognizing her role in demystifying complex matters of women’s health and fertility is crucial, and he expresses his gratitude for her participation. In turn, Dr. Crawford thanks him for providing a platform to discuss these significant topics and asserts the importance of such discussions for people trying their best to grapple with these health issues every day.
Looking forward, they express mutual willingness to continue conversations on women’s health, with Dr. Huberman hoping to persuade Dr. Crawford to return for further discussion on quickly moved-through topics.
In the aftermath of their discussion, Dr. Huberman encourages his audience to check out Dr. Crawford’s practice, social media, and her podcast- ‘As a Woman’. He also directs listeners to support his own podcast via subscribing to his YouTube channel and leaving up to five-star reviews on Spotify and Apple.
Additionally, Dr. Huberman touches upon the sponsors contributing to the current podcast episode and expresses that continued support for these sponsors is highly beneficial to the continued production of the podcast. He also encourages his audience to follow him on various social media platforms under the username ‘Huberman Lab’ for more science-related discussions.
Lastly, he invites listeners to subscribe to a monthly neural network newsletter featuring podcast summaries and toolkits for optimizing sleep, regulating dopamine, fitness, mental health, learning, and neuroplasticity – all at no cost. With an assurance of confidentiality regarding email addresses, he concludes by again expressing gratitude to Dr. Crawford and thanking the audience for their interest in science.
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