Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine

Dr. Lora Shahine
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Fertility, reproductive health, and wellness are deeply personal—and sometimes, deeply challenging. Brave & Curious is a space for open, honest conversations about the science, emotions, and decisions that shape our reproductive journeys. Hosted by Dr. Lora Shahine, a double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, author, and advocate, this podcast blends evidence-based medicine with empathy and curiosity. Whether you’re navigating infertility, exploring reproductive health, or simply seeking knowledge, this show will equip you with insights, expert interviews, and real stories to support your journey. New episodes drop weekly—subscribe and join the conversation. Until next time, stay brave and curious.

  1. Ep 139 To Fly or Not to Fly and Other Travel Tips for Fertility

    2 DAYS AGO

    Ep 139 To Fly or Not to Fly and Other Travel Tips for Fertility

    Have you ever wondered if flying could impact your fertility? Worried about what happens if you need to travel after an egg retrieval? Curious whether that long-awaited vacation might interfere with success with embryo transfer?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Shahine answers the most common questions about fertility, flying, travel and IVF. She includes practical tips for travel days and leaves you informed to make the right decisions for you with your own doctor’s guidelines.  In this episode you’ll hear: [1:18] Flying & fertility treatments [2:20] Traveling & fertility care: what the evidence shows [4:55] Egg retrieval & travel tips [8:02] Embryo transfer & flying [10:19] Advice from a doctor [12:43] Essential travel tips for IVF patients [15:04] A few final tips   Resources mentioned:  Article on circadian rhythms, international travel, and reproductive health https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21872642/   Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    16 min
  2. Ep 138 Fertility Over 40: What You REALLY Need to Know About Conception, Testing & IVF

    26 AUG

    Ep 138 Fertility Over 40: What You REALLY Need to Know About Conception, Testing & IVF

    Trying to get pregnant in your 40s and feeling bombarded with terms like “geriatric pregnancy” or “diminished ovarian reserve”? Wondering if age is the final word in fertility? Curious about what you can do instead of what you can't? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is getting real about trying to conceive after 40—with clarity, compassion, and science-backed strategies. She covers the impact of age on fertility, the power of early testing, and why aligning your family-building goals with real timelines is more important than ever. You’ll learn practical steps to optimize your fertility, when to consider IVF, and how to feel empowered—not discouraged—by the numbers. Whether you’re just starting or still holding onto hope, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating conception in your 40s with confidence. In this episode you’ll hear: [1:47] Age & fertility [9:40] An important first step: family building goals [12:25] Next step: don’t wait for testing [15:38] Tips for trying to conceive [18:44] Is IVF right for me? Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    23 min
  3. Ep 137 CoQ10 and Fertility: What You Need for Egg and Sperm Health

    19 AUG

    Ep 137 CoQ10 and Fertility: What You Need for Egg and Sperm Health

    Thinking about adding supplements to your fertility journey? A quick search online can leave you swimming in advice—or drowning. How do you know what really works and what’s just hype? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine takes a deep dive into one of the most talked-about fertility supplements: CoQ10. This naturally occurring antioxidant has been linked to improvements in egg quality and sperm health—but is it right for you?  Dr. Shahine breaks down what the research actually says, the potential benefits, and what risks to keep in mind. In this episode, you’re getting clear, evidence-based insights that can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider—and decide if CoQ10 deserves a spot in your supplement lineup. In this episode you’ll hear: [2:04] What is CoQ10? [3:41] How CoQ10 works [4:45] Possible side effects [5:47] Evidence of CoQ10 for female fertility [14:55] Evidence of CoQ10 for male factor [17:46] What Dr. Shahine tells her own patients about CoQ10   Resources mentioned:  Review article of nutrients for IVF, Hart et al. 2024 RBMO www.rbmojournal.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1472-6483%2823%2900869-6 Review article CoQ10 info, Rodriguez-Valera 2021 J Molecular Science www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9541 CoQ10 levels decrease in levels with age, Ben-Meir et al. 2015 Fert Stert www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001502821500374X Animal studies showing improved egg and embryo quality with CoQ10 supplementation journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMRH.S14681 Randomized controlled trial CoQ10 aneuploidy rates in women doing IVF/ICSI, Bentov et al. 2014 Sage  journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMRH.S14681 Review article on antioxidants (including CoQ10) and male fertility, Kaltsas et al. Medicine 2023  www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/10/1769 Sperm motility improved in men given CoQ10, Balercia, G.2009 Fert Stert www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(08)00487-1/fulltext   Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    20 min
  4. Ep 136 How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Understanding Caffeine and Fertility

    12 AUG

    Ep 136 How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Understanding Caffeine and Fertility

    Is your morning coffee helping or hurting your fertility? Should you quit caffeine cold turkey while trying to conceive—or during pregnancy? And where can you turn for solid, trustworthy advice? (Hint: NOT random internet forums) In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down what we really know about caffeine and reproductive health—from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives.  Dr. Shahine shares the actual caffeine content in your favorite drinks, answers the most common questions she hears from patients, and offers guidance on how to personalize your caffeine habits based on your own goals and body. Listeners will walk away with clear, practical information—and a little more peace of mind. Just remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so be sure to check in with your own healthcare provider, too. In this episode you’ll hear: [1:55] Western evidence-based approach to caffeine and fertility [7:00] Eastern medicine approach to caffeine and fertility [9:27] How much caffeine is in your favorite pick-me-ups? [10:30] Dr. Shahine’s personal recommendations Resources mentioned:  Caffeine Chart - find out how much is in what you’re having: www.cspinet.org/caffeine-chart 1988 Wilcox Study Caffeine Harms Fertility Large Danish Study Reassuring Results on Caffeine and Fertility Men’s Fertility and Caffeine Study mentioned  Planting the Seeds of Fertility: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care    Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    12 min
  5. Ep 135 You’re Pregnant, Now What? Your Guide to the First Trimester

    5 AUG

    Ep 135 You’re Pregnant, Now What? Your Guide to the First Trimester

    Wondering what’s actually ‘normal’ in the first trimester? You’re not the only one frantically Googling every twinge and symptom. Early pregnancy can feel like a rollercoaster of questions—and not always a fun one.  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks you through the first trimester with clarity and calm. She shares the most common concerns she hears from patients and what might warrant a closer look, all while offering practical advice to help you feel more grounded. This episode is a reassuring guide through those uncertain early weeks. And if it’s not the right time to listen, that’s okay too—save it for when you’re ready, and always talk to your own provider about your specific care. In this episode you’ll hear: [2:24] What is going on in your body during the first trimester? [4:45] Common symptoms during the first trimester [10:10] Top first-trimester questions: weight gain, cramping, bleeding/spotting, foods to avoid, and exercise [17:15] Tips for taking care of yourself during the first trimester   Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    19 min
  6. Ep 134 Detox Your Home: Cleaning House with Lindsay Dahl

    29 JUL

    Ep 134 Detox Your Home: Cleaning House with Lindsay Dahl

    Is your makeup messing with your hormones? Could your cleaning products be impacting your fertility? And how do we make informed choices without spiraling into fear or perfectionism?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites us to ask bold questions about the everyday products we use—and the hidden chemicals within them. Joining her is activist and author Lindsay Dahl, who’s spent her career fighting for consumer safety and pulling back the curtain on toxic chemicals. They talk about the science behind endocrine disruptors, the power of personal storytelling in policy change, and the importance of asking “what’s really in this?”—even when the label says “natural.” Lindsay’s new book: Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid Our Homes of Toxic Chemicals is full of real life examples, engaging stories, and many resources on safety and advocacy.  Listeners will walk away with practical tips for reducing chemical exposure, a deeper understanding of how U.S. regulations compare globally, and an empowering reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.  In this episode you’ll hear: [1:07] Storytelling as advocacy: Meet Lindsay Dahl [5:30] Understanding harmful chemicals for reproductive health [8:39] 4 Practical tips to reduce chemical exposure [21:03] Legislative wins [30:56] Navigating product labels, including greenwashing [34:19] Social media’s role in health discourse [42:23] Comparing chemical regulations for US and EU [44:57] Resources for advocacy and consumer safety Resources mentioned:  EWG Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org › skindeep madesafe.org toxicfreefuture.org saferstates.org   lindsaydahl.com https://lindsaydahl.substack.com @lindsay_dahl on Instagram @lindsay-dahl on LinkedIn Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid our Homes of Toxic Chemicals by Lindsay Dahl   Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    48 min
  7. Ep 133 Is Your Tilted or Retroverted Uterus Harming Your Fertility?

    22 JUL

    Ep 133 Is Your Tilted or Retroverted Uterus Harming Your Fertility?

    Is a tilted uterus stopping you from getting pregnant? Could it be the reason for painful periods or backaches? Has the term “retroverted uterus” been brought up at one of your recent doctor’s appointments? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is taking the mystery out of the retroverted (or tilted) uterus. She explains what it is, how common it is, and whether it impacts fertility or pregnancy. Good news: in most cases, it doesn’t.  Dr. Shahine also sheds light on when a tilted uterus might signal something more—like endometriosis, pelvic infections, or fibroids—and how that can influence reproductive health. Listeners will walk away with a solid understanding of what a retroverted uterus is (and isn’t), what symptoms to watch for, and when it’s worth checking with your medical provider. In this episode you’ll hear: [1:22] What is a retroverted or tilted uterus? [2:59] How common is it to have one? [4:34] Retroverted uterus and fertility [6:25] Retroverted uterus and pregnancy [6:48] Advice for patients [7:41] Final thoughts Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    9 min
  8. Ep 132 Unicornuate Uterus: What It Means for Fertility, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy

    15 JUL

    Ep 132 Unicornuate Uterus: What It Means for Fertility, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy

    Do you know that uteruses come in different shapes? How about a unicornuate uterus?  You can have a uterine anomaly without symptoms and it can impact your reproductive health, miscarriage risk, and pregnancy outcomes.  Inspired by Celina Spooky Boo’s fertility story, this episode of Brave & Curious explores unicornuate uterus. Dr. Lora Shahine explains this congenital anomaly, how it’s diagnosed, and the spectrum of potential outcomes it can create for fertility and pregnancy. Dr. Shahine also offers critical questions to ask your healthcare provider, helping you advocate for your reproductive health with knowledge and bravery. Follow @celinaspookyboo on Instagram In this episode, listeners will learn: [1:06] What is a unicornuate uterus? [6:43] How common is it? [7:17] Diagnosing a unicornuate uterus [9:01] Impact on fertility [11:41] Pregnancy risks [13:45] Treatment options [15:30] How to advocate for your care [17:07] Final thoughts Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    18 min
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About

Fertility, reproductive health, and wellness are deeply personal—and sometimes, deeply challenging. Brave & Curious is a space for open, honest conversations about the science, emotions, and decisions that shape our reproductive journeys. Hosted by Dr. Lora Shahine, a double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, author, and advocate, this podcast blends evidence-based medicine with empathy and curiosity. Whether you’re navigating infertility, exploring reproductive health, or simply seeking knowledge, this show will equip you with insights, expert interviews, and real stories to support your journey. New episodes drop weekly—subscribe and join the conversation. Until next time, stay brave and curious.

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