The labs we run when IVF doesn't work

The labs we run when IVF doesn't work

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the story of one of our clients who came to us after nearly 2 years of infertility, a missed miscarriage, 3 failed IUIs, and an unsuccessful attempt at starting IVF because her body simply wasn’t responding to stimulation medications the way it should. After being told IVF was essentially her only option, she felt stuck. Like she had reached the end of the road. If IVF wasn't working....what would?! But once we ran a deeper, more comprehensive look at her foundational health, we uncovered several major patterns that had never been addressed: * Significant insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction * High systemic inflammation * Mineral depletion from chronic stress * Nutrient deficiencies impacting ovarian function and implantation * Gut and foundational health issues affecting overall fertility resilience In this episode, I walk you through: * Why “normal labs” often miss major fertility roadblocks * The connection between insulin resistance and ovarian response * How inflammation can interfere with implantation and egg quality * Why foundational health matters for both natural conception and IVF outcomes * The exact areas we focused on in her personalized treatment plan And most importantly… I share the incredible update she gave me after implementing her protocol for just one month: Her body is now responding appropriately to IVF stimulation meds. This means IVF is now a viable option, and she once again has hope that having a child is possible for her. This episode is for anyone who feels like they’ve run out of options, feels defeated after failed fertility treatments, or has been told to just “keep trying.” There is always a reason the body is struggling. And there are often answers that haven’t been uncovered yet. If you’d like support from our team, you can schedule a consultation call directly with me through the link below. Click HERE [https://connectedhealingllc.com/apply/] to apply to work with us (first step is that consultation call with me to make a game plan).

I Got My Fertility Lab Results Back...Here's What They Revealed

When I asked my doctor if there was any testing we should do, I was told two things: • Labs aren’t usually run until after three miscarriages • Even if we did test, there isn’t much we could look for But from a functional fertility perspective, that simply isn’t true. In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact lab panel I ran after my miscarriage and the key insights it revealed... including thyroid dysfunction, immune stress, and mineral deficiencies that could impact early pregnancy. More importantly, I’m sharing why these markers matter for implantation, early pregnancy, and miscarriage risk, and how this information is guiding my own fertility protocol moving forward. Because when you understand what your body is telling you, you can stop guessing... and start making intentional changes that support getting and staying pregnant. In This Episode We Cover • Why conventional medicine rarely investigates miscarriage until after multiple losses  • The functional fertility lab panel I ran after my miscarriage  • How immune function impacts implantation and miscarriage risk  • Why blood sugar and metabolic health matter for early pregnancy  • The connection between liver function, detox pathways, and hormone balance  • Why thyroid health is one of the biggest factors in sustaining pregnancy  • Signs of cellular energy dysfunction that can affect embryo development  • The critical roles of copper and zinc in implantation and placental development  • Why progesterone production depends on mineral balance  • The overlooked role of male factor fertility and why semen analysis matters  • How lab data can provide clarity and peace of mind after pregnancy loss The Biggest Findings From My Labs The most important patterns that showed up in my results were: • Signs of immune system strain • Suboptimal thyroid function by functional standards • Struggles with cellular energy production • Low levels of two key fertility minerals: copper and zinc These are all factors that can directly influence implantation, progesterone signaling, placental development, and early embryo growth. Want to Run These Labs for Yourself? If you're navigating fertility struggles or pregnancy loss and want real answers about what's happening in your body, I created a Functional Fertility Lab Bundle that includes: • The complete fertility lab panel discussed in this episode  • A recorded lab analysis from one of our fertility practitioners  • A personalized action plan based on your results  • A live Q&A call to walk through your protocol Link to grab the bundle is HERE [https://connectedhealing.practicebetter.io/?mcp_token=eyJwaWQiOjEyODkzNTEsInNpZCI6MjcwMTUxMDcyLCJheCI6IjFmNzFjMmJkMzQ4Y2Q3NzdjODZlZTkzYjI5NTU1MzU4IiwidHMiOjE3Nzk1Mzk3MjMsImV4cCI6MTc4MTk1ODkyM30.X_HsZNNMVy_uUtUJH-uOokPmlAoOrTqTYVmf6uW0Exk#/6827801a146ea170168387d9/bookings?p=695ed6033f6fdaca6cd8ffa0&step=package&flavor=mobileapp]. Resources Mentioned • Episode 5: The Labs to Order If You've Had One or Several Miscarriages [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewriting-fertility/id1874074811?i=1000749998343] • Episode 7: Low Progesterone? Here's How to Tell, Test, & Fix It (Without Missing the Root Cause) [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewriting-fertility/id1874074811?i=1000752381505] • At-home semen analysis used in this episode (my link gives you 15% off): Bird&Be [https://birdandbe.com/CAITRIATHIELE] If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and review the podcast. Your support helps more women find the answers they deserve on their fertility journey. 🤍

Low Progesterone? Here’s How to Tell, Test, and Fix It (Without Missing the Root Cause)

If you’ve ever been told your progesterone is “fine,” been prescribed progesterone without much explanation, or you’re stuck wondering why supplementing isn’t moving the needle...this episode is for you. Today I’m breaking down what progesterone is, what it does for implantation and pregnancy, how to tell when it’s low, the right  time to test it, and the biggest missing piece: low progesterone is usually not the root cause...it’s a signal to look upstream. You’ll also learn the three common categories that progesterone issues fall into (and what each one looks like when you’re tracking your cycle), plus a crucial warning about taking progesterone at the wrong time. In this episode, we cover: * What progesterone is and where it’s made (and when the placenta takes over in pregnancy) * Why progesterone is essential for implantation, immune tolerance, and reducing uterine contractions * The most common signs progesterone may be low (including luteal phase length + spotting) * How to use basal body temperature (BBT) patterns to assess progesterone trends * The biggest testing mistake I see: testing progesterone on the wrong cycle day * Western vs functional progesterone ranges (luteal phase + early pregnancy) * Why one blood draw isn’t the whole story (progesterone is pulsed) * Root causes of low progesterone: ovulation quality, thyroid, gut hormone clearance, inflammation, blood sugar, nutrients, stress, and sleep * Why bioidentical/supplemental progesterone doesn’t always “fix” it * A very important PSA: using progesterone at the wrong time can work against conception * Listener Q&A: * “Can it hurt to take progesterone if I’m not sure I need it?” * “What if progesterone is okay but estrogen is high in comparison?” Key takeaways * Progesterone is a downstream marker. If it’s low, the goal is to identify what’s driving it. * Timing matters. The best time to test progesterone is 5–7 days after confirmed ovulation (not a blanket “cycle day 21”). * Tracking gives context. BBT patterns, cycle length, symptoms, and tools like Inito can help you see what’s happening across the whole cycle. * Supplementation isn’t a shortcut. If the root cause is thyroid dysfunction, inflammation, blood sugar issues, gut dysbiosis, nutrient depletion, or chronic stress, progesterone alone may not be enough. Want to go deeper? If you’re ready to stop guessing and look upstream, the Functional Fertility Lab Bundle  is your next stop.  The bundle includes comprehensive fertility labs, a recorded lab review, a personalized action plan, and a live call with our team.  ➡️ Link to grab the bundle HERE [https://connectedhealing.practicebetter.io/?mcp_token=eyJwaWQiOjEyODkzNTEsInNpZCI6MjcwMTUxMDcyLCJheCI6IjFmNzFjMmJkMzQ4Y2Q3NzdjODZlZTkzYjI5NTU1MzU4IiwidHMiOjE3Nzk1Mzk3MjMsImV4cCI6MTc4MTk1ODkyM30.X_HsZNNMVy_uUtUJH-uOokPmlAoOrTqTYVmf6uW0Exk#/6827801a146ea170168387d9/bookings?p=695ed6033f6fdaca6cd8ffa0&step=package&flavor=mobileapp]. 👉 Want to chat with Caitria directly, to discuss your case and build out a fertility optimization plan that will set you up to get and stay pregnant? Apply to work with us one-on-one HERE [https://connectedhealingllc.com/apply/] Resources mentioned in this episode: * Basal Body Temperature thermometer linked HERE [https://amzn.to/4rHtdR2] * Inito fertility tracker linked HERE [https://www.inito.com/] (use code CAITRIA89 for 40% off) If you loved this episode… Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s been told “everything looks normal” but knows something is off. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.

From 3 Miscarriages to Successful Pregnancy: A Client Case Study

After three miscarriages, being told her labs were “normal,” and trying everything she’d been told should work… this client finally found the missing pieces that allowed her to get - and stay - pregnant. In this episode, I’m walking you through a real functional fertility case study... including the exact labs we ran, the root causes we uncovered, and how a personalized, strategic protocol helped her move from recurrent loss to a healthy second-trimester pregnancy. If you’ve experienced recurrent miscarriage, unexplained infertility, hormone imbalance, thyroid issues, or gut health struggles, this episode will help you understand why deeper testing and a root-cause approach can make all the difference. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why “normal” fertility labs can still hide major red flags * The overlooked connection between chronic stress, cortisol, and progesterone * How H. pylori and gut infections can impact nutrient absorption, inflammation, and implantation * The role of vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium in sustaining early pregnancy * How microbiome imbalances influence estrogen metabolism and immune signaling * What low secretory IgA means for fertility and miscarriage risk * Why thyroid conversion issues can exist even when TSH looks perfect * The exact order we used to rebuild this client’s fertility foundation The Backstory This client came to us after: * 3 pregnancy losses * “Unexplained infertility” * Slightly low AMH and elevated FSH * Extensive supplement routines that weren’t working Through comprehensive functional fertility testing, we discovered: ✔️ Adrenal and systemic stress patterns  ✔️ Low vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium  ✔️ H. pylori infection and inflammatory bacteria  ✔️ Depleted beneficial gut microbes  ✔️ Low mucosal immune resilience (secretory IgA)  ✔️ Sneaky hypothyroid patterns impacting energy and progesterone signaling Instead of chasing symptoms, we rebuilt her foundation... starting with digestion, nutrients, and nervous system support before addressing infections and hormones. Two cycles later, she conceived. She is now in her second trimester with a healthy, growing baby. Recurrent miscarriage is rarely caused by just one issue. Often, it’s a combination of: * Gut health * Immune regulation * Nutrient status * Thyroid function * Nervous system stress This episode gives you a real look at how functional fertility work identifies and addresses the deeper layers that conventional testing often misses. You are not broken...and you are not out of options. Want us to run (and analyze) these labs for you too? The Functional Fertility Lab Bundle is exactly what you've been looking for. Inside, you’ll receive: * Comprehensive fertility lab testing * A detailed functional analysis * A personalized protocol * Expert guidance so you can stop guessing and start healing 👉 CLICK HERE [https://connectedhealing.practicebetter.io/?mcp_token=eyJwaWQiOjEyODkzNTEsInNpZCI6MjcwMTUxMDcyLCJheCI6IjFmNzFjMmJkMzQ4Y2Q3NzdjODZlZTkzYjI5NTU1MzU4IiwidHMiOjE3Nzk1Mzk3MjMsImV4cCI6MTc4MTk1ODkyM30.X_HsZNNMVy_uUtUJH-uOokPmlAoOrTqTYVmf6uW0Exk#/6827801a146ea170168387d9/bookings?p=695ed6033f6fdaca6cd8ffa0&step=package&flavor=mobileapp] to grab the bundle 👉 Want to chat with Caitria directly, to discuss your case and build out a fertility optimization plan that will set you up to get and stay pregnant? Apply to work with us one-on-one HERE [https://connectedhealingllc.com/apply/] Related Episode 🎧 Episode 5: The most important labs for recurrent miscarriage linked HERE [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewriting-fertility/id1874074811?i=1000749998343] ⭐️ If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and review the podcast. Your support helps more women find real answers beyond “everything looks normal.”

The labs to order if you've had one or several miscarriages

We’re getting super nerdy in this episode...but the goal is clarity, not overwhelm. I’m walking you through the key “puzzle pieces” that matter for getting and staying pregnant, and why so many of them are routinely overlooked in conventional care. If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” after a loss OR even more likely...you were told there's no reason to run labs until you've had MORE losses… this one is for you. In this episode, we cover: * Why thyroid function is a foundational regulator of fertility (and why TSH alone can miss dysfunction) * The thyroid labs that give a fuller picture (T4/T3, free vs total, T3 uptake, reverse T3) * Why thyroid antibodies (TPO + thyroglobulin) matter for implantation and miscarriage risk * Iron status beyond ferritin: serum iron + TIBC/UIBC + transport/utilization patterns * Why vitamin A, copper, and ceruloplasmin can be the “missing link” in iron issues * Iron sequestration: why the body may “hide” iron when infections/pathogens are present * CBC + CMP as foundational labs for blood, immune patterns, and overall terrain * Inflammation markers: CRP and ESR (and why the next step is identifying the root cause) * Metabolic health and miscarriage: fasting glucose, insulin, and A1C * Nutrients that matter: vitamin D, magnesium (RBC magnesium), zinc * Homocysteine: methylation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood flow to the placenta * Why leptin and cholesterol can offer additional clues in root-cause fertility work * Male factor: why a semen analysis (ideally including DNA fragmentation) deserves a seat at the table Resources mentioned: * Bird&Be at-home semen analysis linked HERE [https://birdandbe.com/CAITRIATHIELE] * At-home semen analysis with DNA fragmentation linked HERE [https://www.sapyen.co/products/semen-analysis-and-dna-fragmentation-test-kit]  * CLICK HERE [https://connectedhealing.practicebetter.io/?mcp_token=eyJwaWQiOjEyODkzNTEsInNpZCI6MjcwMTUxMDcyLCJheCI6IjFmNzFjMmJkMzQ4Y2Q3NzdjODZlZTkzYjI5NTU1MzU4IiwidHMiOjE3Nzk1Mzk3MjMsImV4cCI6MTc4MTk1ODkyM30.X_HsZNNMVy_uUtUJH-uOokPmlAoOrTqTYVmf6uW0Exk#/6827801a146ea170168387d9/bookings?p=695ed6033f6fdaca6cd8ffa0&step=package&flavor=mobileapp] to grab our Functional Fertility Lab Bundle, including the exact labs Caitria evaluates for all her fertility clients. * Want this level of root cause-focused functional insight on your fertility journey? Apply to work with us one-on-one HERE [https://connectedhealingllc.com/apply/] Next episode: I’m sharing a client story: multiple miscarriages, told IVF was her only option, and what happened when we ran functional fertility labs, identified the real blockers, and addressed them. Spoiler alert...she’s now in her second trimester of pregnancy 🥳