Empowered Fertility

How Chiropractic Adjustments Improve Hormones, Stress & Fertility

When your nervous system is overwhelmed, your hormones can struggle to stay balanced—and when your hormones struggle, fertility often follows. In today’s episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked connections in reproductive health: the relationship between the spine, the nervous system, and fertility. I’m joined by Dr. Suzanne Foley, a neurological chiropractor who explains how your spine acts like the highway of your nervous system, carrying essential messages between your brain and body. When that communication is disrupted, everything from stress response to hormone regulation can be affected. In this episode, we cover: - How the nervous system influences hormone balance and reproductive function - How chiropractic adjustments improve communication between the brain and body - The role of heart rate variability (HRV) in stress management and fertility health - What neurological chiropractic is—and how it differs from traditional care - Why working with a chiropractor trained in neurological approaches can enhance outcomes + more If you’ve ever wondered whether chiropractic care could play a role in your fertility journey, this episode is packed with clarity, encouragement, and practical steps to explore. _______________________________________ 💖 CONTACT FORM FOR THERAPY AND COACHING WITH DR. SQUIRES👇 https://encourageandempowerwellness.com/efpcontactform _______________________________________ ➕CONNECT WITH DR. BRENNA SQUIRES Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/drbrennasquires Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/drbrennasquirespage Website ➡️ https://www.encourageandempowerwellness.com/ ______________________________________________ FROM OUR GUEST DR. SUZANNE FOLEY Every day for 10+ years now I get to hear the amazing, life-transforming stories and results we get to create with neurologically focused chiropractic care at Seagate! Each story continues to motivate me and inspire me to continue to make hundreds more in the Tampa Bay community. It’s always been our mission at Seagate to bring neurologically focused chiropractic and full abundant life to as many kids and families as we can here locally in the Tampa Bay area. Chiropractic found me during college where I was a pre-pharmacy major. I was two weeks away from graduation and I just knew pharmacy wasn’t the right fit for me. I made my first appointment with a chiropractor after seeing a sign for chiropractic school outside one of my finals in college. After my first adjustment I just knew I had found what I wanted to do to serve others through my career.I immediately went home and looked up how to apply to chiropractic school and when was the earliest I could start. From that day I just knew chiropractic found me and I didn’t find chiropractic. ______________________________________________ ➕CONNECT WITH DR SUZANNE FOLEY Website ➡️ www.seagatechiropractic.com Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/seagatechiropractic and https://www.instagram.com/dr.suzanne.foley Facebook➡️ https://www.facebook.com/seagatechiropractic ______________________________________________ DISCLAIMER This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Brenna Squires and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Squires, her guest, nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

Hidden Gut Issues That Are Blocking Your Fertility & How To Reverse It

Did you know that nearly 1 in 3 people experience hormone imbalances that can impact everything from energy and mood to fertility? One barrier often overlooked in the search for better health — and better fertility — is food sensitivities and their effect on the gut. When the gut becomes compromised, it can trigger inflammation, disrupt hormone balance, and interfere with nutrient absorption — all of which play a major role in reproductive health. In this episode of the Empowered Fertility Podcast, Dr. Brenna Squires sits down with functional nutritionist Erin Doepke to uncover the critical connection between food sensitivities, leaky gut, and fertility. Together, they explain how food sensitivities develop, what “leaky gut” really means, and how a functional medicine approach can help you identify root causes instead of just managing symptoms. In this episode, you'll learn: - How you become sensitive to a food as an adult - The difference between food sensitivities and allergies - What causes leaky gut and how to repair it - Why gut health is key for hormones and fertility - How to evaluate if you are sensitive to certain foods - Practical, everyday steps to restore gut balance and energy If you’ve been struggling with unexplained symptoms or fertility challenges, this episode will help you uncover one of the most overlooked keys to healing from the inside out. #ttc #leakyguthealing #foodsensitivity #malefertility #infertility #fertilitysupport #infertilityawareness #empoweredfertility #drbrennasquires #erindoepke _______________________________________ 💖 CONTACT FORM FOR THERAPY AND COACHING WITH DR. SQUIRES👇 https://encourageandempowerwellness.com/efpcontactform _______________________________________ ➕CONNECT WITH DR. BRENNA SQUIRES Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/drbrennasquires Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/drbrennasquirespage Website ➡️ https://www.encourageandempowerwellness.com/ ______________________________________________ MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST Erin is a Nurse Practitioner and owner/operator of Erin Inspire Health and Wellness. This is a virtual practice where she helps clients optimize their health, utilizing a functional medicine approach. Erin believes what the Bible tells us about our body's, that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that we have all the inherent systems in place for healing. She helps people get to the root cause of their chronic conditions and walks their healing journey with them. Her passion for this approach comes from her own lived experience with medical issues that traditional medicine could not help her with. Now, as a well person, her heart's desire is to help others become their best selves, physically, mentally, and spiritually. ______________________________________________ ➕CONNECT WITH NP ERIN DOEPKE Website ➡️ www.erininspire.com Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/erin_inspire Facebook➡️ https://www.facebook.com/p/Erin-Inspire-Health-and-Wellness-61559681205293/ ______________________________________________ DISCLAIMER This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Brenna Squires and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Squires, her guest, nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

Womb Healing Explained: What Every Woman Should Know | Dr. Katie Wood

In this episode of the Empowered Fertility Podcast, Dr. Brenna Squires is joined by Dr. Katie Wood to explore the transformative practice of womb healing—and how reconnecting with the body’s wisdom can support both fertility and emotional well-being. Dr. Wood shares her journey from conventional medicine to holistic health, highlighting the importance of embodiment, energy awareness, and self-reflection in the healing process. Together, they discuss how unprocessed emotions and stored stress can affect women’s reproductive health and how intentional practices can help release those blocks. This episode offers gentle, practical steps to begin your own healing journey, from tuning into your body’s signals to cultivating self-trust and curiosity. Whether you’re trying to conceive or simply want to reconnect with your body, this conversation will help you feel grounded, empowered, and more in tune with your inner healing power. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: - What is womb healing? - How does womb healing work? - How womb healing supports physical and emotional health. - How stagnant energy and unprocessed emotions can impact fertility. - Why healing happens in layers and requires patience and self-compassion. - How curiosity and openness can help you explore new healing modalities. - When and how to seek guidance from a practitioner for deeper support. - How to trust your intuition and honor your body’s wisdom. #ttc #wombhealing #ttccommunity #fertilitysupport #infertilityawareness #empoweredfertility #drbrennasquires #KatieWood _______________________________________ 💖 CONTACT FORM FOR THERAPY AND COACHING WITH DR. SQUIRES👇https://encourageandempowerwellness.com/efpcontactform _______________________________________ ➕CONNECT WITH DR. BRENNA SQUIRES Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/drbrennasquires Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/drbrennasquirespage Website ➡️ https://www.encourageandempowerwellness.com/ ______________________________________________ MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Katie Wood is a mother, doctor of pharmacy, and holistic fertility practitioner. Katie helps women and couples to nourish their mind, body and spirit for optimal fertility health so they can consciously and confidently conceive with ease. Katie comes with over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and in the alternative medicine space; this background in Western medicine is what first piqued her awareness that people need more intimate coaching towards health and vitality. After experiencing a lack of support and education through her fertility and pregnancy journey, she became determined to advocate for women's preconception and maternal health. ______________________________________________ ➕CONNECT WITH DR. KATIE WOOD Website ➡️ https://happynourishedmotherhood.com/ Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/the_wellness_pharmacist/ Podcast ➡️ https://finallygetpregnantnaturally.captivate.fm/listen ______________________________________________ DISCLAIMER This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Brenna Squires and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Squires, her guest, nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

Your First Fertility Step: Start with Your PCP

In this episode of the Empowered Fertility Podcast, Dr. Brenna Squires sits down with Dr. Amita Kumar to unpack the essential first steps couples should take when they begin trying to grow their families. Together, they explore how your primary care physician (PCP) can play a key role in your fertility journey, from ordering initial labs to guiding lifestyle changes that support reproductive health. Dr. Kumar shares what most patients don’t realize about their first fertility conversations, how to overcome fears and misconceptions, and why open communication with your doctor can make all the difference. They also dive into how mental health, nutrition, and stress management impact fertility—and the importance of both partners being involved in the process. If you’re wondering where to start or how to prepare for your first fertility appointment, this episode will leave you feeling informed, confident, and empowered to take the next step toward parenthood. In this episode, you'll learn: - How to prepare for your first PCP appointment when starting their fertility journey. - Common fears and misconceptions patients have about fertility- Lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep, and stress management that impact fertility. - How mental health plays a major role in conception. - When you PCP will refer you to an OBGYN or fertility specialist. - What PCP can do on their own (tests, treatment, etc.) - Self-advocacy helps you find the right healthcare provider for your needs. #ttc #pcp #ttccommunity #fertilitysupport #infertilityawareness #empoweredfertility #drbrennasquires #AmitaKumar _______________________________________ 💖 CONTACT FORM FOR THERAPY AND COACHING WITH DR. SQUIRES👇 https://encourageandempowerwellness.com/efpcontactform _______________________________________ ➕CONNECT WITH DR. BRENNA SQUIRES Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/drbrennasquires Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/drbrennasquirespage Website ➡️ https://www.encourageandempowerwellness.com/ ______________________________________________ MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Amita Kumar is a Canadian-born, board-certified Internal Medicine physician whose clinical practice emphasizes preventive medicine and patient education. After many years in primary care, she expanded her work in 2022 by completing coach training at the Health Coach Institute. Guided by intentional, values-based living, Dr. Kumar has embraced diverse opportunities that reflect both courage and purpose. She serves on the boards of Planned Parenthood South Texas and The Patient Institute, mentors medical students at a local medical school, practices medicine, coaches fellow physicians, and invests in real estate. A passionate advocate and aspiring philanthropist, she continues to explore meaningful ways to serve her community. ______________________________________________ ➕CONNECT WITH DR. AMITA KUMAR Website ➡️ www.amitakumar.com ______________________________________________ DISCLAIMER This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Brenna Squires and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Squires, her guest, nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

How to Evaluate Mens Fertility: Expert Insights from a Reproductive Urologist | Dr. Lawrence Jenkins

Male fertility is often overlooked in conversations about conception, yet men contribute to nearly 50% of infertility cases. Understanding male reproductive health — and when to seek specialized support — can make all the difference in a couple’s fertility journey. In this episode of Empowered Fertility, Dr. Brenna Squires sits down with Dr. Lawrence Jenkins — a leading reproductive urologist and expert in men’s sexual health and reproductive medicine. Together, they unpack the vital role men play in fertility, debunk common myths, and highlight the importance of early evaluation and treatment. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why male fertility deserves equal attention in conception discussions - The specialized role of a reproductive urologists vs. a regular urologist - How hormone optimization can significantly improve sperm production - Common male fertility issues like low testosterone and varicoceles - The impact of lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and sleep on reproductive health - Why semen analysis is a key in assessing male fertility - How medications like Clomid can help improve sperm counts - The importance of seeking evaluation as soon as possible when trying to conceive - How early intervention can sometimes make IVF unnecessary If you and your partner are navigating fertility challenges, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on male fertility, practical tools for taking the next step, and hope that improvement is possible. #malefertility #reproductiveurologist #menshealth #ttccommunity #fertilitysupport #infertilityawareness #mensfertility #empoweredfertility #drbrennasquires #DrLawrenceJenkins00:00 Understanding Male Fertility _______________________________________ 💖 CONTACT FORM FOR THERAPY AND COACHING WITH DR. SQUIRES👇https://encourageandempowerwellness.com/efpcontactform _______________________________________ ➕CONNECT WITH DR. BRENNA SQUIRES Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/drbrennasquires Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/drbrennasquirespage Website ➡️ https://www.encourageandempowerwellness.com/ ______________________________________________ MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Lawrence Jenkins is an Associate Professor at Tulane University School of Medicine's Department of Urology and the Director of Men's Health in New Orleans, LA. He is fellowship trained in male sexual and reproductive medicine, and his practice provides personalized care in the medical and surgical treatments for male sexual and reproductive function. ______________________________________________ ➕CONNECT WITH DR. LAWRENCE JENKINS Website ➡️ www. LJenkinsMD.com Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/LjenkinsMD Twitter/ X ➡️ https://x.com/LjenkinsMD _______________________________________ ✨ WEBSITE TO FIND A REPRODUCTIVE UROLOGIST https://ssmr.org/find-a-doctor.aspxhttps:// www.reproductivefacts.org/find-a-health-professional/ ______________________________________________ DISCLAIMER This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Brenna Squires and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Squires, her guest, nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.