The Catholic Fertility Podcast

The Catholic Fertility Dietitian
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

The Catholic Fertility Podcast is for Catholic women who want to support their hormones, restore cycle health, and conceive naturally while honoring their faith and the way God designed their body. Hosted by Lucia Harmeling, MS, RDN, LD—functional dietitian, women’s health expert, and mom of two—this podcast explores the root causes behind hormone imbalance, irregular cycles, PMS, infertility, and miscarriage. Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    How to Get Pregnant with High DHEA-S: DHEA-S & Fertility | Ep. 7

    If you’ve been told your DHEA-S levels are high and you’re struggling to conceive, this episode is for you. Today, I’m breaking down what elevated DHEA-S actually means, why it happens, and how high DHEA-S levels can impact ovulation, hormone production, adrenal health, and fertility. We talk about the deeper root causes behind high DHEA-S in women — including chronic stress, blood sugar dysregulation, inflammation, mineral imbalances, and nervous system dysfunction. I also explain common symptoms associated with elevated DHEA-S like acne, hair loss, irregular cycles, weight gain, and unexplained infertility, along with why many women are often told their labs are “normal” despite still experiencing symptoms. This episode will help you better understand the connection between adrenal hormones and fertility while giving you practical steps to begin supporting hormone balance naturally. In this episode, we cover: What DHEA-S is and why it matters for fertilitySymptoms of high DHEA-S in womenThe connection between stress, cortisol, and adrenal hormonesBlood sugar imbalance and insulin resistanceWhy inflammation can impact fertilityWhy “normal” labs may not tell the full storyFunctional testing for hormone imbalances and infertilityMineral balance, nervous system regulation, and hormone healthNatural ways to support lower DHEA-S levels Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:09 – What DHEA-S is 04:26 – Adrenal health and stress response 06:23 – Blood sugar and insulin resistance 08:39 – Inflammation and poor sleep 10:17 – Mineral balance and nervous system health 12:22 – Symptoms of elevated DHEA-S 14:44 – Weight gain, stress, and fertility 16:49 – Why normal labs aren’t always optimal 19:54 – Supporting hormone balance naturally 22:47 – Gut health and minerals 24:07 – Advocating for your health 25:14 – Encouragement for women navigating infertility Resources Mentioned: A Catholic Women’s Guide to Unexplained InfertilityHair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) - get your minerals tested with me! Blood Sugar & Fertility Podcast Episode Connect with Lucia Harmeling:Instagram @catholic.fertility.dietitianWebsite: www.savorli.co If this episode helped you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with another woman navigating hormone imbalances or infertility. Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a practitioner-client relationship. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or healthcare plan.

    28 min

  2. May 27

    Low Progesterone: Signs, Root Causes & Natural Fertility Support | Ep.6

    Episode Summary In today’s episode of the Catholic Fertility Podcast, I’m opening up about one of the biggest pieces of my own fertility journey: low progesterone. From charting my cycles long before I was married, to discovering low progesterone during my first pregnancy, I’m sharing the personal story that completely changed how I view hormone health, fertility, and supporting the body naturally. We’re diving into what progesterone actually does, the signs your levels may be low, and the root causes I see most often in women struggling with irregular cycles, infertility, anxiety during the luteal phase, or recurrent miscarriage. Most importantly, I’m walking you through practical, holistic ways to support healthy ovulation and progesterone production naturally — through nourishment, blood sugar balance, nervous system regulation, sleep, stress support, and more. If you’ve ever felt like something is “off” in your body, this episode will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and empowered with actionable next steps. Timeline: [00:00] - Introduction to progesterone and fertility [01:37] - Lucia’s personal journey with low progesterone and cycle charting [10:57] - Understanding progesterone’s role in pregnancy and hormone health [17:02] - Common signs and symptoms of low progesterone [26:59] - How to naturally support healthy progesterone production Links & Resources ⁠A Catholic Woman's Guide to Unexplained Infertility: The 5 Labs You Need To Get Pregnant⁠⁠Apply for 1:1 fertility support⁠⁠Intuitively Full⁠⁠ Lucia’s book on healing, food, and faith Connect With Me Instagram: ⁠@catholic.fertility.dietitian⁠ Website: ⁠www.savorli.co⁠ Loved this episode? Share & leave a review! If this episode spoke to you, I’d love for you to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might need this encouragement on her fertility journey. 💛 Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a practitioner-client relationship. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or healthcare plan.

    35 min

  3. May 13

    Signs Your Fertility Is Improving (Before Getting a Positive Pregnancy Test) | Ep. 5

    Your fertility is improving long before a positive pregnancy test ever appears. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the biggest signs that your fertility is improving — even if you’re still waiting to conceive. Because healing and optimizing fertility is about so much more than one test result. Your body gives you clues every single day that things are moving in the right direction. We’re talking about the connection between nourishment, nervous system regulation, hormones, sleep, metabolism, inflammation, cervical mucus, PMS, energy, mindset, and so much more. I also share why so many women feel discouraged during the fertility journey and how to start recognizing the “small wins” that actually signal your body is becoming healthier, safer, and more fertile. If you’ve been feeling frustrated, exhausted, anxious, or stuck in the waiting, this episode will encourage you and help you understand what real progress can look like before pregnancy happens. In This Episode: How to know if your fertility is improvingThe role nourishment plays in hormone healthSigns your metabolism is healingWhat cervical mucus and BBT can reveal about ovulationWhy PMS and painful periods matterThe connection between nervous system regulation and fertilityInflammation and unexplained infertilityHow sleep impacts egg qualityWhy mindset and emotional health are part of the fertility journeyTimeline Highlights: [1:42] Why fertility progress isn’t only measured by a positive pregnancy test[5:18] The importance of nourishment and eating enough for hormone health[12:07] Set point weight and how your body determines safety[18:34] Cervical mucus, ovulation, and cycle regularity explained[25:40] Signs your metabolism and energy are improving[33:15] Why sleep is one of the most underrated fertility tools[39:58] Nervous system regulation and how stress impacts fertility[48:20] Inflammation, brain fog, bloating, and fertility struggles[55:04] Mindset shifts, anxiety, and supporting your body emotionally[1:02:11] Why mineral testing can be a game changer for fertilityLinks & Resources Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) Testing Bundle Free Guide: A Catholic Woman's Guide to Unexplained Infertility Apply to work with me IG: catholic.fertility.dietitian Website: www.savorli.co If this episode encouraged you… Please take a second to rate, follow, review, and share the podcast with a friend who may need this encouragement on her fertility journey. Your support helps this podcast reach more women who need hope and healing. ❤️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a practitioner-client relationship. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or healthcare plan.

    29 min

  4. May 1

    Blood Sugar & Fertility: The Missing Piece for Better Periods & Natural Pregnancy | Ep. 4

    💛 Episode Summary In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of the most overlooked—but foundational—pieces of fertility and hormone health: blood sugar. If you’ve been told you have “unexplained infertility,” are dealing with irregular cycles, low progesterone, or just feel like something is off in your body… this episode is for you. I’m breaking down how blood sugar impacts ovulation, hormone production, energy, mood, and even your body’s ability to feel safe enough to conceive—all in a simple, practical way. We also talk about why so many women are unknowingly dealing with blood sugar dysregulation (even without a diagnosis), how this connects to cortisol and stress, and what your body might already be telling you through symptoms like fatigue, cravings, or waking up in the middle of the night. Plus, I’ll walk you through simple, realistic ways to start supporting your blood sugar today—without restriction or cutting out carbs. ⏱️Timestamps [00:03] – Why blood sugar is one of the most overlooked factors in fertility[03:30] – “Unexplained infertility” and why I don’t believe in it[06:45] – The Catholic perspective on supporting your body vs. defaulting to IVF[09:10] – How blood sugar signals safety (or stress) to your body[13:20] – The connection between blood sugar, cortisol, and ovulation[18:40] – How high cortisol can lower progesterone and impact pregnancy[23:15] – Common signs your blood sugar may be off (energy crashes, cravings, waking at night)[29:50] – My personal experience using a glucose monitor[33:10] – Simple, practical ways to balance your blood sugar daily[38:45] – Why you shouldn’t cut carbs for hormone health 🔗 Links and Resources: Free Catholic Woman's Fertility Guide: The 5 Labs You Need To Help You Get PregnantApply to get 1:1 fertility support Blood Glucose Monitor (Stelo) If this episode resonated with you, I would love for you to share it with a friend who needs to hear this. And if you haven’t already, make sure to follow, rate, and leave a review—it truly helps this podcast reach more women who are looking for natural, faith-centered fertility support. 💛 Keywords: natural fertility, Catholic fertility, hormone balance, blood sugar and fertility, progesterone levels, irregular cycles, natural conception, women’s health, fertility awareness, cycle health, holistic fertility, cortisol and hormones, blood sugar regulation Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a practitioner-client relationship. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or healthcare plan.

    32 min

  5. May 1

    The First Diet Change to Make When Trying to Conceive | Ep. 3

    If you feel like you’re doing everything right—eating healthy, taking supplements, tracking your cycle—but still not getting pregnant, this episode might completely shift your perspective. In this episode, I’m sharing the very first nutrition change I make with clients who are trying to conceive—and it’s probably not what you expect. Before supplements, protocols, or advanced fertility testing, your body needs one essential signal to feel safe enough to ovulate: enough nourishment. We’re diving into why under-eating is one of the most overlooked root causes of fertility struggles and how supporting your body with adequate food can be the missing piece. We’re unpacking why eating too little—even when your diet looks “clean”—can disrupt hormones, delay ovulation, and impact progesterone production. I walk you through the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs your body isn’t getting enough fuel and explain how energy intake directly affects your metabolism, thyroid, and menstrual cycle. You’ll also learn how to start nourishing your body in a way that supports fertility, balances hormones, and promotes a healthy cycle—without overcomplicating your routine or feeling overwhelmed. Timestamps [00:00] – Why eating enough is the first step I take with every fertility client[02:23] – Why your body views reproduction as “non-essential” and shuts it down when energy is low[04:11] – The hidden downside of eating “too healthy” (and why low-calorie clean eating can backfire)[07:17] – Common under-eating habits: skipping meals, intermittent fasting, and long gaps between eating[09:32] – How chronic under-eating impacts metabolism, thyroid function, and ovulation[11:52] – Your menstrual cycle as a vital sign: what irregularities reveal about your nutrition[13:31] – Physical signs you may not be eating enough (hint: it’s not about willpower)[16:44] – Waking up between 2–4am? How blood sugar and under-eating are connected[19:49] – The mindset piece: how food restriction creates stress in the body[21:45] – Reconnecting with hunger cues and understanding intuitive eating[24:32] – Practical ways to increase calories without overwhelm[26:39] – Where to start today: simple, sustainable nutrition shifts for fertility Signs You May Not Be Eating Enough Irregular or missing periodsShort luteal phase (under 10 days)Light or absent menstrual flowAlways feeling cold (especially hands and feet)Afternoon energy crashesEvening cravings for carbs or sugarHair thinning or sheddingWaking between 2–4amBloating or constipationBrain fog or trouble concentratingIrritability or anxiety when hungryLinks and Resources 📖 Intuitively Full — My book on healing your relationship with food 📖 The Intuitive Eating Workbook⁠— A step-by-step guide to reconnecting with hunger cues 📖 ⁠The Intuitive Eating Book 🧪 Download Our Free Guide: The Five Fertility Labs to Help You Get Pregnant 💛 Apply here to work with our team Connect With Me Instagram: ⁠catholic.fertility.dietitian⁠ Website: ⁠www.savorli.co⁠ If this episode spoke to you, I’d love for you to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might need this encouragement on her fertility journey. 💛 Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a practitioner-client relationship. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or healthcare plan.

    28 min

  6. May 1

    How I Got Pregnant Naturally After 10 Years Without A Period | Ep. 1

    Episode Summary If you’re a Catholic woman trying to conceive, dealing with missing periods, or feeling stuck in the world of “unexplained infertility,” this episode is for you. In this very first episode of The Catholic Fertility Podcast, I open up about my personal journey—what it looked like to go over 10 years without a cycle and how I eventually conceived both of my children naturally. I’m walking you through what actually restores fertility—not quick fixes, but rebuilding your foundation, nourishing your body, and learning to trust God’s timing in the process. We’ll talk about the real root causes behind hormone imbalances, how stress and nutrition play a role, and what it means to approach fertility in a way that aligns with your faith. What I Cover in This Episode My story: going over a decade without a menstrual cycleThe connection between stress, undernourishment, and hormone healthWhy foundational healing matters more than quick fixesBirth control and why it doesn’t restore natural cyclesMisdiagnosis vs. identifying the true root cause of amenorrheaHealing your relationship with food and your bodyThe role of faith in your fertility journeyCycle tracking and understanding your hormonesWhat it looked like to conceive naturally after years of struggleTimeline Highlights [00:00] – Welcome + introduction to the podcast[00:30] – My story: 10 years without a cycle[02:21] – Dieting, body image, and early patterns[03:48] – College years + chronic stress[07:27] – Medical approaches vs. foundational healing[08:25] – Nutrition, sleep, and creating safety in the body[10:13] – Healing in the right order[11:04] – Birth control explained[11:34] – PCOS vs. true root causes of missing periods[12:02] – Faith and being led toward healing[13:27] – Getting my cycle back[14:24] – Learning through cycle tracking[16:01] – Trying to conceive[16:57] – Pregnancy story[18:21] – A faith-aligned approach to fertility[18:49] – Encouragement for your journey[19:47] – Resources[20:17] – Closing thoughts Links & Resources Intuitively Full Lucia’s book on healing, food, and faith A Catholic Woman's Guide to Unexplained Infertility: The 5 Labs You Need To Get Pregnant Apply to work with our team 1:1 Connect With Me Instagram: @catholic.fertility.dietitian Website: www.savorli.co If this episode spoke to you, I’d love for you to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might need this encouragement on her fertility journey. 💛 Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a practitioner-client relationship. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or healthcare plan.

    17 min

  7. May 1

    When Your Labs Are “Normal” but You’re Not Getting Pregnant - My Functional Labs to Fertility Journey | Ep. 2

    If you’ve been told your labs are “normal,” but you’re still not getting pregnant, this episode is for you. Especially if you’re a Catholic woman trying to conceive and feeling stuck in the frustration of not having answers. In this episode of The Catholic Fertility Podcast, I’m sharing how functional lab testing shifted my own fertility journey postpartum—when I knew something in my body was off, even though conventional labs didn’t show anything wrong. We’re talking about what functional testing actually looks like, why “normal” labs don’t always mean optimal health, and how to uncover the root causes behind hormone imbalances, missing ovulation, and unexplained infertility. I also walk you through the deeper factors that impact fertility—like nutrient deficiencies, undernourishment, gut health, and postpartum depletion—and how to begin restoring your body in a way that aligns with your faith and supports natural conception. What I cover in this episode: What functional lab testing is and how it’s different from conventional labsMy postpartum experience and discovering nutrient depletionWhy “normal” labs don’t always mean optimal fertilityThe connection between under-eating, depletion, and hormone imbalanceHow minerals, gut health, and nourishment impact ovulationWhy data + interpretation matters in fertility careAdvocating for yourself when something feels offTrusting your body and God’s design in the healing processTimestamps [00:00] – Introduction + why functional lab testing matters[02:00] – Postpartum depletion and early symptoms[05:00] – “Something feels off”: learning to trust your body[07:00] – Functional labs vs. conventional labs[10:00] – Why “normal” labs don’t mean optimal health[13:00] – Nutrient deficiencies and hormone imbalance[16:00] – Restoring nourishment + getting your cycle back[19:00] – Gut health and deeper healing work[22:00] – Advocating for yourself in your fertility journey[25:00] – Trusting God’s design and next steps Links & Resources Download our free guide: A Catholic Woman's Guide to Unexplained Infertility: The 5 Labs You Need To Get Pregnant⁠ Apply to work with our fertility team Connect With Me Instagram: catholic.fertility.dietitianWebsite: www.savorli.co If this episode spoke to you, I’d love for you to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might need this encouragement on her fertility journey. 💛 Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a practitioner-client relationship. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or healthcare plan.

    13 min

  8. Trailer

    Welcome | Catholic Fertility Podcast

    The Catholic Fertility Podcast is for Catholic women who want to support their hormones, restore cycle health, and conceive naturally while honoring the faith and the design of their body. Hosted by Lucia Harmeling, MS, RDN, LD—functional dietitian, women’s health expert, and mom of two—this podcast explores the root causes behind hormone imbalance, irregular cycles, PMS, infertility, and miscarriage. Episodes launching May 1, 2026! Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a practitioner-client relationship. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or healthcare plan.

    26 sec

Trailer

5
out of 5
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About

The Catholic Fertility Podcast is for Catholic women who want to support their hormones, restore cycle health, and conceive naturally while honoring their faith and the way God designed their body. Hosted by Lucia Harmeling, MS, RDN, LD—functional dietitian, women’s health expert, and mom of two—this podcast explores the root causes behind hormone imbalance, irregular cycles, PMS, infertility, and miscarriage. Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

Information

  • Creator
    The Catholic Fertility Dietitian
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Catholic Fertility Dietitian
  • Show Website
    The Catholic Fertility Podcast

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