The Fertility Dietitian | Functional Fertility Info in your Ears

Brooke Boskovich is a Functional Medicine Dietitian specializing in Fertility and this is The Fertility Dietitian Podcast where she helps couples uncover the barriers that are preventing them from optimizing their fertility & teaches you how to work with your body to finally take home a healthy baby. Each week she will be diving into different topics on fertility and sharing her perspective on physiology, metabolic health, nutrition & lifestyle approaches that have helped hundreds of couples get pregnant after years of heartache despite unexplained infertility, recurrent loss, endometriosis, male factor infertility, PCOS and more.

Estrogen Balance and Fertility: How High or Low Estrogen Impacts Ovulation, Periods, and Getting Pregnant 01/29/2026

Estrogen Balance and Fertility: How High or Low Estrogen Impacts Ovulation, Periods, and Getting Pregnant Estrogen gets a bad rap in the fertility world. If you’ve ever been told you have “estrogen dominance,” you’ve probably been made to feel like estrogen is the problem — something to suppress, detox, or eliminate. But here’s the truth: estrogen is essential for fertility, pregnancy, and long-term health. We don’t want to get rid of estrogen. We want to help her stay balanced and working with your body, not against it. In this episode of The Fertility Dietitian Podcast, we’re breaking down what estrogen actually does in the body, how both high and low estrogen can interfere with fertility, and the biggest nutrition and lifestyle factors that influence estrogen metabolism. This is a short but powerful episode (15 minutes) that will completely change how you think about estrogen, hormone balance, and what actually supports healthy cycles and implantation. “Estrogen isn’t the villain — she’s essential. The goal isn’t suppression, it’s balance.” - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why estrogen is a Goldilocks hormone — and why both high and low levels can impact fertility Common signs and symptoms of high estrogen vs. low estrogen How estrogen supports ovulation, implantation, cervical mucus, mood, bone health, and heart health Why “normal” estrogen labs don’t always tell the full story The critical role of progesterone in balancing estrogen How gut health and the estrobolome influence estrogen recycling Why liver function matters for estrogen detox and metabolism How blood sugar, stress, over-exercising, and under-fueling disrupt estrogen balance The nutrients required for healthy estrogen metabolism Why genetics is not destiny when it comes to hormones My top three nutrition and lifestyle strategies to support estrogen balance Why blindly supplementing to “lower estrogen” can backfire When deeper testing (like the DUTCH test) is actually helpful Connect & Learn More: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast /episode/index/show/1da16243-0058-4d18-ac62-5ec215f55d2d/id/39895725

Oral Health & Fertility: How Gum Disease Impacts Conception, Miscarriage & Pregnancy 01/22/2026

Oral Health & Fertility: How Gum Disease Impacts Conception, Miscarriage & Pregnancy We talk a lot around here about gut health, hormones, blood sugar, inflammation, and nutrient status—all the big pillars that influence fertility. But today, we’re backing things up literally to the mouth. Because here’s something that still surprises a lot of couples: you cannot fully optimize fertility without paying attention to oral health. What’s happening in your mouth does not stay in your mouth. Oral bacteria and gum inflammation directly impact systemic inflammation, immune function, hormone signaling, sperm quality, implantation, pregnancy outcomes, and miscarriage risk. And yes—this matters for both female and male fertility. Oral health is now considered a critical part of preconception care, not just something to think about when you’re due for a dental cleaning. “Bleeding gums are common, but they are not normal—and inflammation anywhere affects fertility everywhere.” - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How oral bacteria enter the bloodstream and drive systemic inflammation Why gum disease is linked to longer time to conception and pregnancy complications The connection between oral health, sperm quality, and DNA integrity Signs your oral health may be impacting fertility (even subtle ones) Fertility-friendly oral hygiene habits you can start today Key nutrients that support both oral and reproductive health Connect & Learn More: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast /episode/index/show/1da16243-0058-4d18-ac62-5ec215f55d2d/id/39796925

Improving Iron for Fertility — Without Supplements: Binding, Transport & Clotting Explained 01/15/2026

Improving Iron for Fertility — Without Supplements: Binding, Transport & Clotting Explained If you haven’t listened to Episode 27 on iron supplementation and fertility yet, I highly recommend starting there. In that episode, we broke down why blindly supplementing iron can actually backfire, why low iron on labs doesn’t automatically mean iron deficiency, and why iron never works alone. Today’s episode builds on that foundation and goes even deeper into what’s really going on with iron and fertility. Here’s the truth most women are never told: fertility-related iron issues are rarely about iron intake. They’re about iron regulation. Transport. Binding. Inflammation. And clotting risk. Your body is actually very efficient with iron — so when labs look “low,” the real question isn’t how much iron are you eating? It’s why isn’t your body able to use the iron it already has? That’s exactly what we’re unpacking today. “Most iron issues in fertility aren’t about intake — they’re about regulation.” - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why most fertility-related iron issues are regulation problems, not true iron deficiency How inflammation causes iron to get “stuck” — and why supplementing often makes this worse The critical role copper, ceruloplasmin, vitamin A, and magnesium play in iron transport Why food-based (heme) iron supports fertility better than iron supplements How excess or poorly regulated iron increases clotting risk and can impair implantation The specific lab patterns that point to functional iron deficiency vs. true deficiency Connect & Learn More: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast /episode/index/show/1da16243-0058-4d18-ac62-5ec215f55d2d/id/39726490

Ovulation 101: What Healthy Ovulation Actually Looks Like (and How to Time It Right) 01/08/2026

Ovulation 101: What Healthy Ovulation Actually Looks Like (and How to Time It Right) If you’ve been trying to get pregnant and ovulation feels confusing, stressful, or like a moving target every single month — this episode is for you. Ovulation is talked about constantly in the TTC world, but very rarely explained in a way that actually helps you understand what your body is doing in real time. And without that clarity, timing can quickly turn into pressure instead of empowerment. In this episode, I’m breaking down ovulation from the inside out — what healthy ovulation truly looks like, how to identify your fertile window with confidence, and why timing matters more than frequency when it comes to conception. This is your Ovulation 101 reset, so you can stop guessing and start working with your body instead of against it. “Cervical mucus isn’t gross — it’s one of the most powerful fertility signs you have.” - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What ovulation actually is (and why it’s a hormonal event, not just a calendar day) The signs of healthy ovulation and what they should look and feel like How cervical mucus signals your fertile window — and what’s considered normal When LH strips should be darkest, and what a positive test really means How to confirm ovulation using basal body temperature and blood work The best day to try for conception (and why trying more isn’t always better) How progesterone reflects egg quality and ovulation strength Why stress, under-fueling, and poor sleep quietly disrupt ovulation Connect & Learn More: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast /episode/index/show/1da16243-0058-4d18-ac62-5ec215f55d2d/id/39598970

Free Fertility Hacks That Work Better Than Most Supplements 12/25/2025

Boost Blood Flow for Better Fertility: Simple Shifts to Nourish Your Ovaries, Uterus & Sperm Health 12/18/2025

Boost Blood Flow for Better Fertility: Simple Shifts to Nourish Your Ovaries, Uterus & Sperm Health When we talk about fertility, blood flow rarely gets the spotlight, but it should. Healthy circulation is what delivers oxygen, nutrients, antioxidants, and hormones to your ovaries, uterus, and sperm-producing tissue. When blood flow is sluggish, those essential building blocks struggle to reach where they’re needed most, impacting egg quality, uterine lining development, and sperm health. The good news is that supporting circulation doesn’t require extreme protocols or expensive interventions. Small, consistent shifts with food, movement, hydration, and lifestyle can make a meaningful difference. In this episode of The Fertility Dietitian Podcast, I walk you through simple, research-supported ways to nourish reproductive blood flow for both partners—because fertility is always a couple-level conversation. “Blood flow is the delivery system for oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and antioxidants—and fertility depends on all of it.” - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why blood flow is foundational for egg quality, uterine lining health, and sperm DNA integrity How oxidative stress and poor circulation affect both male and female fertility Fertility-supportive foods that naturally enhance nitric oxide and vascular function Why hydration and mineral balance matter for blood volume and circulation The role of movement, clothing, and heat exposure in reproductive blood flow Gentle, holistic strategies to support pelvic circulation without over-stressing the body Connect & Learn More: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast /episode/index/show/1da16243-0058-4d18-ac62-5ec215f55d2d/id/39410020

From Recurrent Loss to Pregnant at 40 Without IVF: Meghann’s Story 12/11/2025

Product Swaps for Fertility: In, On & Around Your Body 12/04/2025

Product Swaps for Fertility: In, On & Around Your Body Building a fertility-friendly environment doesn’t require a full lifestyle overhaul or endless product research—it starts with a few strategic, high-impact swaps. In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact places to begin so you can lower endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure and protect your egg and sperm health with confidence. We’re using a simple, practical framework: what goes in your body, what goes on your body, and what goes around your body. From cookware and food storage to underwear fabrics, dish soap, water filtration, fragrances, deodorants, and indoor air quality, this episode breaks down the swaps that matter most—and the ones that aren’t worth your stress. You’ll walk away knowing where to start, how to choose safer products, and which daily habits help reduce toxic load while supporting healthy cycles, implantation, and better reproductive outcomes. “Protecting egg and sperm health starts with reducing the exposures you can control.” - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How everyday EDCs (BPA, BPS, phthalates, PFAS, parabens) impact ovarian function, sperm health, implantation, and IVF outcomes The cookware materials that protect fertility—and why nonstick pans are a hidden exposure source How plastic food storage and heating increase BPA migration (and what to use instead) The most important water-filtering steps for reducing PFAS and chlorine exposure Why thermal paper receipts are a major source of BPA/BPS absorption The safest swaps for laundry detergent, dish soap, and home cleaning products How fragrance in personal care products disrupts hormones Which fabrics positively or negatively affect reproductive health The safest sunscreen, lotion, and deodorant choices for preconception How candles, air fresheners, and indoor dust influence hormone health The simple home-air improvements that immediately lower toxic burden Practical, budget-friendly ways to start swapping without overwhelm Connect & Learn More: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast /episode/index/show/1da16243-0058-4d18-ac62-5ec215f55d2d/id/39249030

Cold Plunging & Fertility: What Women (and Men) Should Know 11/27/2025

Cold Plunging & Fertility: What Women (and Men) Should Know Today we’re unpacking a buzzy wellness trend: cold plunging. You’ve probably seen the hype—ice baths, breathwork, big promises. But when it comes to female fertility, the picture is more nuanced. Cold plunging is not the superpower habit it’s marketed to be, especially if you’re trying to conceive. Timing and context matter. And once we factor in menstrual cycle physiology, the story changes even more. Male fertility is a different conversation, with clearer potential benefits around temperature management for sperm. In this episode, we walk through physiology, fertility-specific research, and the real-world considerations to help you decide what’s right for you. “Your luteal phase runs warmer for a reason—fighting that natural heat with a cold plunge works against your biology.” - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why cold plunging is not a fertility booster for women trying to conceive How a woman’s core body temperature shifts across the menstrual cycle Why the luteal phase is especially vulnerable to cold-induced stress How cold exposure affects stress hormones, cortisol, and norepinephrine When (and if) women can safely use cold exposure without disrupting ovulation Signs you should avoid cold plunging altogether Why targeted cooling—not whole-body plunges—may support male fertility Lifestyle factors that increase scrotal heat and impair sperm parameters How to think about metabolic and mitochondrial claims around cold exposure What to choose instead if you love the mental health benefits of cold Connect & Learn More: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast /episode/index/show/1da16243-0058-4d18-ac62-5ec215f55d2d/id/39196670

Fibermaxxing for Fertility: The Gut–Fertility Connection Continued 11/20/2025

The Truth About Sperm Health: Why Male Preconception Care Matters for Fertility, Pregnancy & Your Future Baby’s Health 11/13/2025

The Truth About Sperm Health: Why Male Preconception Care Matters for Fertility, Pregnancy & Your Future Baby’s Health We talk about women’s preconception care all the time — but sperm health plays an equally important role in fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and the lifelong health of your baby. In this episode, Brooke shares how male preconception care influences conception success, miscarriage risk, and even your child’s long-term well-being. You’ll learn what impacts sperm DNA, why sperm counts are declining, and the simple, science-backed ways to improve sperm health naturally. "Sperm health isn’t just about getting pregnant — it shapes the health of your future baby for a lifetime." - Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why sperm health is just as important as egg quality for fertility and healthy pregnancy outcomes How sperm carries epigenetic information that influences your baby’s metabolism and long-term health The global 50% decline in sperm counts since the 1970s and what it means for men’s health The role of oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in poor sperm quality and miscarriage risk How smoking, alcohol, stress, poor diet, and toxin exposure damage sperm DNA Why obesity and nutrient deficiencies alter sperm DNA methylation and fertility potential The optimal semen parameters to look for (count, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation) — and why most labs use outdated ranges How long it takes to see results — sperm regenerates every 74 days Simple nutrition and lifestyle strategies to boost sperm health: Eat fatty fish for omega-3s Prioritize sleep and strength training Get more vitamin C, zinc, and selenium Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and tight clothing Ditch plastics and synthetic fragrances How a personalized preconception supplement plan can fill nutrient gaps and reduce oxidative stress Why male preconception care is essential for faster conception, lower miscarriage risk, and your baby’s lifelong health Connect & Learn More: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: brooke@thefertilitydietitian.health Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast /episode/index/show/1da16243-0058-4d18-ac62-5ec215f55d2d/id/39021330