Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman

Pursuit Network
Pursuit Network
  • 4.8 (16)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

As a double board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist, I've dedicated my career to helping women understand and navigate their reproductive health, but my passion for this podcast goes beyond my clinical background. My own personal experience with infertility gives me a firsthand understanding of the emotional and physical weight of this journey, and it's what drives me to show up for this community every week. Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman has grown because the conversation needed to grow too. Yes, we still cover the trying-to-conceive journey: the IUIs, the IVFs, the unexplained infertility, the grief, and the hope. But we also go deeper: hormones, PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid health, perimenopause, egg freezing, cycle tracking, and everything in between. Every episode, I break down complex science in plain language with no jargon, no shame, no sugarcoating, through expert interviews, real patient stories, and the latest innovations in women's health. Because the more you understand your body, the more power you have.

  1. 2d ago

    What IVF Protocol Did a Fertility Doctor Choose for Herself?

    You asked for it, and here it is. In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman walks through her own two IVF cycles in full detail — the exact medications, doses, trigger decisions, lab outcomes, and the reasoning behind every choice she made. As a reproductive endocrinologist who has navigated IVF both as a clinician and a patient, she brings a level of transparency you rarely get from a doctor. From a purely elective embryo freeze at 32 to a second retrieval at 37, this episode breaks down what actually goes into building a family through IVF — and helps you understand your own protocol along the way. In this episode, we cover: Why Dr. Sasha chose to freeze embryos at 32 — before she was ready to have children — and the reasoning behind creating embryos vs. freezing eggs Her diagnosis of Non-Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (NCAH), what it is, and how it contributed to her ovulatory dysfunction Her baseline fertility stats: AMH of 4 ng/mL and 30+ follicles — even while on continuous birth control pills Cycle 1 at age 32: antagonist protocol, 275 units of Gonal-F + 75 units of Menopur, and why she chose a combination Lupron + low-dose hCG trigger The OHSS she developed after her first retrieval — how bad it got, and how she managed it at home Why she got 26 eggs but only 11 were mature — and why she was so disappointed with that outcome Cycle 2 at age 37: what changed in her protocol, and what the data from cycle 1 taught her Final embryo outcome: 6 blastocysts, 3 euploid (1 male, 2 female), 3 aneuploid ICSI — why she chose it even without a male factor diagnosis, and the case for doing it even when sperm looks great Assisted hatching — what it is, why she opted in, and the small but real risk of monozygotic twinning PGT-A genetic testing — how it works and why she would never transfer an aneuploid embryo Delayed vs. immediate egg stripping — an inside look at embryology lab practices most patients never hear about What she did NOT add to her protocol — no growth hormone, no embryo glue — and why she kept it evidence-based and simple The future of IVF: personalized genetic protocols that could one day predict how your ovaries will respond before your first injection Pregnancy update: 23 weeks, scheduled for a fetal echo, and feeling every bit of the third trimester Follow Dr. Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  Head to AquaTru.com now and get 20% off your purifier using promocode DRSASHA  Thanks to today’s sponsor, Ogee: A higher standard for beauty. Go to ogee.com/DRSASHA and use code DRSASHA to get 20% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury. Support your cells and how you age with Mitopure® Gummies from Timeline. Visit timeline.com/SASHA and 20% off your Mitopure® Gummies. That’s timeline.com/SASHA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Jul 15

    Does a Hysterectomy Cure Endometriosis? An Endo Surgeon Answers Your Top Googled Questions

    Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 10 women, yet the average patient waits years for a diagnosis — often after being told their pain is normal. In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with board-certified OB/GYN and endometriosis surgeon Dr. Mallory Stuparich to break down what endometriosis actually is, why it's now understood as a systemic immune and neuro-inflammatory condition rather than a purely hormonal one, and how patients can push back when they're being dismissed. If you've ever been told your pain is "just part of being a woman," this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: What endometriosis actually is — and why "endometrial-like tissue" outside the uterus is now understood as part of a systemic neuro-inflammatory and neuro-immune disorder, not just a hormonal one Why endometriosis so often overlaps with mast cell activation, POTS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, autoimmune conditions, and migraines The leading theories on what causes endometriosis, and why retrograde menstruation alone doesn't explain it Normal period pain vs. abnormal period pain — and the questions to ask yourself to know the difference Red flag symptoms beyond pelvic pain: GI issues (painful bowel movements, incomplete emptying, bleeding), bladder urgency, pelvic floor dysfunction, painful sex, and brain fog Why the amount of pain a patient feels doesn't always correlate with how much disease is actually present What a real diagnostic workup looks like, and why a "normal" ultrasound or MRI does not rule out endometriosis Post-surgical hormone therapy — why suppression after excision matters, and who isn't a candidate Adenomyosis explained: what it is, how it differs from fibroids, and treatment options including adenomyomectomy, uterine artery embolization, and microwave ablation The links between endometriosis, infertility, and miscarriage — including why 50% of women with endo do not experience infertility Recurrence after excision surgery, and why what looks like "recurrence" is often incomplete removal the first time around Lightning round: Is endometriosis genetic? Can you have it with completely normal labs and imaging? Does a hysterectomy cure it? Can it still affect you after menopause? Follow Dr. Mallory Stuparich! Instagram/social: @MalloryStuparichMD Follow Dr. Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  Head to bioptimizers.com/drsasha and use code DRSASHA try OneSkin with 15% off using code DRSASHA at oneskin.co/DRSASHA Head to vitaclean.co and use code DRSASHA for 20% off Shower head Starter Kits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Jul 8

    What Causes Miscarriage? A Fertility Doctor's Full Breakdown

    Pregnancy loss affects 15–25% of clinically recognized pregnancies, yet so many people are left without answers — or without hope. In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman breaks down everything you need to know about miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss: the five major causes, how each one is diagnosed, what treatment actually looks like, and which lifestyle factors are (and aren't) worth worrying about. If you've experienced a loss and are searching for answers, this episode is for you — and remember, it is not your fault. In this episode, we cover: Why miscarriage is so common, and how the definition of "recurrent pregnancy loss" has evolved to include biochemical losses Bucket 1 — Genetic/Chromosomal causes: why random chromosomal errors (like trisomy 16 and Turner syndrome) account for up to 75% of losses, the U-shaped age-risk curve, and when to test for balanced translocations via karyotype Bucket 2 — Anatomic causes: uterine septums, scar tissue (Asherman syndrome), fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, and how they're diagnosed via saline infusion sonogram or HSG Bucket 3 — Immune/Autoimmune causes: antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the antibodies involved, and why diagnostic criteria may lag behind clinical reality Bucket 4 — Endocrine causes: thyroid dysfunction, high prolactin, insulin resistance/diabetes, PCOS, and luteal phase defects The "5th bucket": unexplained pregnancy loss — and additional testing some REs order beyond ASRM guidelines (clotting disorders, chronic endometritis, vaginal microbiome) Treatment options by diagnosis, including PGT-SR, Lovenox + baby aspirin for APS, metformin, and surgical correction of uterine abnormalities Modifiable risk factors: smoking, alcohol, caffeine (the real data), weight/GLP-1 agonists, sleep, sedentary behavior, and why stress is often unfairly blamed The encouraging stats: a 70% live birth rate in the pregnancy following a loss, and how high-touch prenatal care can improve outcomes Follow Dr. Sasha!  TikTok: @sashahakmanmd  Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod  YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DRSASHA for an exclusive 20% off. Use code DRSASHA at carawayhome.com for 10% off Subscribe, rate, and review if this episode helped you — and share it with someone who needs to hear it. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Jul 1

    Fertility After 40: Real Stats, Real Options, Real Talk

    In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha dives into one of the most requested topics on the podcast: trying to conceive and being pregnant after 40. She cuts through the noise of misleading celebrity headlines and online misinformation to give you a clear, honest, and compassionate look at the biology, statistics, and real options available to you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why more women are having babies in their 40s than ever before — and why that's a good thing The biology of egg aging: how quantity and quality decline, and what's actually happening at the cellular level (mitochondrial dysfunction, meiosis errors, chromosomal abnormalities) What your AMH level means after 40, and why high ovarian reserve can be a game-changer Natural fertility rates by age and when ASRM guidelines say to seek immediate care IVF success rates broken down by age: from 43% live birth rate under 35, all the way down to 3% over 42 Follow Dr. Sasha!  TikTok: @sashahakmanmd  Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod  YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/DRSASHA! #honeylovepod For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code DRSASHA at oneskin.co/DRSASHA. Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code DRSASHA to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers, including the 3500, 4000, and 5500 models New episodes of Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman drop weekly. If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs a doctor they can trust in their corner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Jun 24

    The IVF Test That Could Finally Explain Your Failed Transfers with Jeremy Grushcow of Juniper Genomics

    If you've ever gone through a failed embryo transfer and wondered why , this episode is for you. Dr. Sasha sits down with Jeremy Grushcow, co-founder and CEO of Juniper Genomics, to break down a groundbreaking advancement in IVF: whole genome and transcriptome embryo testing. Jeremy holds a PhD in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago, along with a law degree, and has published research in DNA repair, cancer, gene therapy, bioethics, and patent law. He's building the technology that could change the odds for IVF patients everywhere. In this episode, we cover: What whole genome sequencing actually is — and why IVF has lagged behind every other field of clinical medicine in adopting it The brilliant "books on a shelf" analogy that finally makes PGT-A vs. whole genome sequencing click Why failed embryo transfers are not your fault, your doctor's fault, or your lab's fault — and what the embryo's genetics have to do with it What the transcriptome tells us that the genome alone can't The difference between PGT-A, PGT-M, and Juniper's PGT-G testing How Juniper looks at both the embryo and the parents' DNA to identify where variants are coming from (egg or sperm?) The 6,000+ known genetic diseases — and why 10–15% of embryos being transferred today carry a detectable single-gene disorder that standard carrier screening missed Why "reduced viability variants" matter and how they impact IVF success rates The emotional and financial cost of failed transfers — and how more information can reduce both Pricing breakdown: what Juniper's PGT-A and PGT-G costs, how to make it more affordable, and how it stacks up against the cost of a failed transfer cycle Why patient autonomy in the US and Canada is driving better IVF outcomes globally Follow Dr Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingwithdrhakman YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Resources & Links: Juniper Genomics website: junipergenomics.com Instagram: ⁠@junipergenomics⁠ Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more !If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! If this episode helped you, the best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, review, and share it with a friend. So many women deserve this information, help get it to them. Episodes drop every Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Jun 17

    The Truth About Women's Health, Medical Misinformation, and Advocating for Yourself

    What does it actually mean to try as a woman, as a patient, as a person navigating a healthcare system that wasn't built with you in mind? In this first solo episode of the newly rebranded Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman, Dr. Sasha shares why she changed the name, what this podcast is really about, and who it's for. She opens up about the conversation that sparked the rebrand, the reality of practicing medicine in a field driven by IVF incentives, and why she started a podcast in the first place. She also shares a personal update (18 weeks pregnant with baby #3!) and answers one of the most frequently asked questions from her community: how do you know if you can actually trust your doctor? In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why Dr. Sasha rebranded from Trying to Conceive to Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman What a Reproductive Endocrinologist actually specializes in beyond IVF How to know if your doctor's IVF recommendation is truly evidence-based or financially motivated The green flags to look for when choosing a fertility doctor or clinic How to read online reviews and pregnancy success rates without being misled What actually makes an exceptional doctor Follow Dr. Sasha!  TikTok: @sashahakmanmd  Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod  YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors! head to http://www.bioptimizers.com/DRSASHA and use my exclusive code DRSASHA to get 15% off any order Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DRSASHA Go to ogee.com/DRSASHA and use code DRSASHA for 20% off. New episodes of Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman drop weekly. If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs a doctor they can trust in their corner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Jun 17

    Your Doctor Is Wrong About Exercise: What a Doctor of Physical Therapy Wants You to Know

    Are you being told to stop exercising while trying to conceive or going through IVF? You're not alone and according to today's guest, you're also likely being given advice that isn't backed by science. In this episode, Dr. Shannon joins us for a conversation that is equal parts empowering and eye-opening. As both a physical therapist and a patient who exercised throughout her own fertility journey, she brings a rare dual perspective to the table. She and host Dr. Sasha take on the pervasive fear around exercise during fertility treatment, break down why the "rest and raise your legs" mentality is outdated (and potentially harmful), and share a practical, research-backed framework for building and maintaining muscle at every stage of the journey. Whether you're in the thick of fertility treatments, newly pregnant, postpartum, or just trying to understand your body better, this episode is packed with actionable guidance and a refreshing dose of truth. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why most doctors tell patients to stop exercising during IVF — and why there's no evidence behind it How months of exercise restriction can harm your long-term recovery and postpartum body The REPS Framework: the four principles that actually build muscle while TTC or pregnant What "training to failure" really means — and why it's safe even during fertility treatment Why you need to train near failure just to maintain the muscle you already have How to choose exercises that actually target the right muscles (and why combo moves fall short) Protein targets for TTC and pregnancy, and how to realistically hit them When HIIT is okay to keep during TTC — and when it may be hurting your chances How to safely return to exercise postpartum without setting yourself back One simple trick to improve your form without a personal trainer Follow Dr. Shannon@dr.shannon.dpt @evlofitness  Follow Dr Sasha!TikTok: @sashahakmanmdInstagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepodYouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Resources Mentioned: Evlo App (Dr. Shannon's fitness app) — Use code DRSASHA for 6 weeks free (first 2-week trial + 1 month at $0) American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — exercise contraindications list available on their website Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more!If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! New episodes of Trying to Conceive with Dr. Sasha Hakman drop weekly. If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with someone on their fertility journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Jun 3

    A Reproductive Endocrinologist's Guide to Protecting Your Hormones

    In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha goes deep on one of her most-requested topics: endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). What they are, where they're hiding, how they affect your hormones and fertility, and exactly what you can do about it. As a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, she brings both clinical expertise and personal practice to this conversation. This episode is grounded in evidence-based research, including a 136-page scientific statement from the Endocrine Society, and is designed to inform, not alarm. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What the endocrine system is and why hormones are the body's "keys and locks" The definition of EDCs and why exposure is considered a global public health crisis Why even tiny exposures can have outsized health impacts (it's not always dose-dependent) The major classes of EDCs to know: BPA/bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS (forever chemicals), parabens, glyphosate, heavy metals, and triclosan and where each one hides The 4 mechanisms EDCs use to disrupt your hormones - including epigenetic modification that can be passed down through generations Why in utero exposure is the most critical window, and what effects have been linked to fetal EDC exposure (including hypospadias, cryptorchidism, diminished egg reserve, and premature ovarian insufficiency) How EDC exposure impacts puberty, fertility, and the TTC window specifically - including the finding that phthalate metabolites were detected in the follicular fluid of 99% of women undergoing egg retrieval The link between EDC exposure and sperm count decline (down 50% in 50 years, per Dr. Shanna Swan's research) Health risks in adulthood: endometriosis, PCOS/PEMOS, diminished ovarian reserve, thyroid dysfunction, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and more The Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 framework for prioritizing what to eliminate first Why "BPA-free" is a marketing gimmick and what to look for instead Why "unscented" ≠ fragrance-free - and what that means for your products Why fragrance is banned entirely in IVF embryology labs (and what that tells us) A study showing BPA urinary levels drop significantly after just 3 days of cutting out heated plastic Follow Dr Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepodYouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks. Thank you to our sponsors!  Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code DRSASHA to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DRSASHA for an exclusive 20% discount. New episodes of Trying to Conceive with Dr. Sasha Hakman drop weekly. If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with someone on their fertility journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

As a double board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist, I've dedicated my career to helping women understand and navigate their reproductive health, but my passion for this podcast goes beyond my clinical background. My own personal experience with infertility gives me a firsthand understanding of the emotional and physical weight of this journey, and it's what drives me to show up for this community every week. Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman has grown because the conversation needed to grow too. Yes, we still cover the trying-to-conceive journey: the IUIs, the IVFs, the unexplained infertility, the grief, and the hope. But we also go deeper: hormones, PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid health, perimenopause, egg freezing, cycle tracking, and everything in between. Every episode, I break down complex science in plain language with no jargon, no shame, no sugarcoating, through expert interviews, real patient stories, and the latest innovations in women's health. Because the more you understand your body, the more power you have.

Information

  • Channel
    Pursuit Network
  • Creator
    Dr Sasha Hakman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Provider
    Pursuit Network

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