The Truth About Diminished Ovarian Reserve: IVF Expectations & Menopause Risk – Part 2

Get to Know Us: The Real Women Behind the White Coat

You hear them answer your questions every week, but how did Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins end up here in the first place? What drew them to medicine? And what happens when two physicians take a break from talking about symptoms and studies to talk about themselves?  In this special episode, Dr. Lucky and Dr. Alicia pull back the curtain and share the personal stories that shaped their careers, their friendship, and the way they practice medicine today, and reflect on the winding paths that led them to become advocates for women's health. The conversation explores the realities of balancing ambition with family life, the pressure to "do it all," and how their perspectives on wellness, aging, and success have evolved over time. They open up about building businesses, finding confidence in their 40s, navigating their own health challenges, and the importance of female friendships, creativity, and making space for joy outside of productivity.  Plus: the supplements they actually take, the wellness trends they're cautiously optimistic about, the health habits they're still working on, and the one thing they wish every woman knew before turning 40.   IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE...  You:  Wait… how did these two become fertility and menopause doctors in the first place??  Also You:  Okay but are doctors actually following all of their own health advice??  3AM You:  Is it normal to hit your 40s and suddenly want to reinvent your entire life???    IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS…  * How do doctors choose their specialty?  * What made Dr. Lucky go into fertility medicine?  * What inspired Dr. Alicia to focus on perimenopause?  * What is lifestyle medicine?  * Do doctors struggle with burnout too?  * How do you balance career and motherhood?  * Are female friendships actually good for your health?  * Why do women feel more confident in their 40s?  YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!  In today’s chat we cover:  [01:26] Personal style & fashion icons  [06:16] What a perfect, unplugged Saturday actually looks like  [07:37] Burnout, becoming homebodies & learning to rest  [08:43] Dr. Lucky's path to medicine & why she almost rebelled against it  [09:54] The fertility research internship that changed everything  [10:40] Dr. Alicia's trip to Haiti & discovering a passion for women's health  [12:28] The patient who inspired Dr. Alicia's focus on perimenopause  [14:07] The "aha moment" that changed her career forever  [14:54] The extra education that medical training doesn't provide  [15:25] The challenges of navigating healthcare—even as a doctor  [16:37] Have they ever ignored their own medical advice?  [16:50] Stress, overwork & the pressure to be "perfect"  [18:30] Alcohol, balance & being realistic about healthy living  [19:47] Why female friendships are one of the best forms of self-care  [21:30] The supplements they actually take: magnesium, creatine, vitamin D & more  [22:27] Menstrual migraines, magnesium & what's worked for Dr. Lucky  [23:07] Protein, muscle building & health in your 40s  [24:46] Their biggest health fears as they get older  [25:32] GLP-1s, insulin resistance & changing perspectives on medicine  [26:02] Evidence-based vs. evidence-informed healthcare  [28:58] The viral Allegra + Pepcid PMDD trend: overhyped or worth trying?  [31:36] What they wish someone had told them at 35  [31:52] Body image, diet culture & why being strong matters more than being thin  [33:28] The wellness creators they actually trust  [34:54] The best part about getting older: confidence, clarity & not caring what people think  [37:50] Why they started this podcast—and what they hope listeners take away  Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.   Follow Us on Instagram:   * @callyourdoctorpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/callyourdoctorpodcast/?hl=en]   * @lucky.sekhon [https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en]    * @aliciarobbinsmd [https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/?hl=en]  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The Truth About Diminished Ovarian Reserve: IVF Expectations & Menopause Risk – Part 2

In Part 2 of this DOR deep dive, Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins tackle the questions women ask most after receiving a low ovarian reserve diagnosis. They break down what IVF and egg retrievals actually look like when you have DOR, why fewer eggs doesn't necessarily mean worse outcomes, and how fertility specialists tailor treatment protocols to maximize success. They explain concepts like priming, embryo banking, egg freezing versus embryo freezing, and why social media narratives around "fried eggs" and minimal stimulation IVF often don't align with the evidence.  The conversation also explores the connection between diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and early menopause. They discuss the emotional impact of fertility treatment, comparison culture, donor eggs, and why a low AMH should be viewed as information—not a prediction of your future.    IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE...  You:  Okay, but if I only get a few eggs during IVF, does that mean the cycle failed?  Also You:  My AMH is low... does this mean I'm going through menopause soon???  3AM You:  Should I freeze my eggs right now even if I'm not ready for kids yet?  IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS…  * Can you have a successful IVF cycle with low AMH?  * How many eggs is normal with DOR?  * What is embryo banking?  * Should I freeze eggs or embryos?  * Does low AMH mean early menopause?  * What is primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)?  * Can AMH predict menopause?  * Can low AMH improve?  * What hormone replacement should women with POI take?  * Can you get pregnant after premature menopause?  * Do donor eggs work?  * What is the difference between DOR and POI?  YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!  In today’s chat we cover:  [08:00] Why IVF expectations need to be different for women with DOR  [11:00] Defining success when ovarian reserve is low  [11:15] Priming protocols explained  [12:50] Minimal stimulation IVF: what patients are being told  [13:45] The myth that fertility medications "fry your eggs"  [14:30] When lower-dose IVF protocols may make sense  [15:00] Why many women with DOR need multiple retrieval cycles  [15:45] Embryo banking and planning for future children  [16:30] Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing  [17:30] Why embryos provide more information than frozen eggs  [18:00] The emotional toll of fertility comparison culture  [19:00] Why comparing retrieval numbers can be harmful  [20:00] Fertility, luck, and the randomness of reproduction  [20:45] DOR, perimenopause, menopause & the ovarian aging spectrum  [21:15] A patient story about premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)  [22:00] Why DOR and POI exist on a continuum  [23:00] POI is more than a fertility diagnosis  [24:00] Bone health, cardiovascular health & estrogen loss  [25:00] Can AMH predict menopause?  [26:00] What low AMH means in your 40s vs. your 20s  [26:45] Research on AMH and menopause timing  [27:30] Can low AMH ever improve?  [28:00] Birth control pills and falsely suppressed AMH levels  [28:45] Why low AMH is a signal—not a sentence  [30:00] Recognizing symptoms of POI and early menopause  [30:30] Why women with POI are often undertreated  [31:00] Hormone replacement therapy vs. birth control pills  [32:00] Why physiologic estrogen replacement matters  [33:00] Brain health, mood, heart health & bone health in POI  [33:30] Osteopenia, osteoporosis & early estrogen loss  [34:00] DEXA scans, vitamin D & weight-bearing exercise  [35:00] The emotional impact of POI  [35:30] Mental health support and online communities  [36:00] Donor eggs and future family building  [37:00] Why menopause does not prevent pregnancy with IVF  [38:00] Listener question: "My AMH is 0.5 and I'm single. Should I freeze my eggs?"  [40:00] Why fertility planning doesn't have to happen overnight  [40:30] Listener question: "Both my embryos were abnormal. Should I keep trying?"  [42:00] Knowing when to continue treatment and when to pivot  [42:30] Listener question: "I'm 24 with an AMH of 0.3. Should I be worried?"  [43:00] Why proactive planning beats panic  [44:00] Final takeaways: Your AMH is a starting point, not a prediction  [45:00] Why DOR doesn't define your worth, your fertility, or your future  Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.   Follow Us on Instagram:   * @callyourdoctorpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/callyourdoctorpodcast/?hl=en]   * @lucky.sekhon [https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en]    * @aliciarobbinsmd [https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/?hl=en]  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Low AMH, High Anxiety: Let's Talk About Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) - Part 1

Getting told you have “low AMH” or diminished ovarian reserve can feel devastating, especially when you’re young, still getting regular periods, and suddenly being told your biological clock is “running out.” For many women, it spirals into panic, shame, obsessive Googling, and the terrifying feeling that your body is somehow failing you.  In part one of this series, Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins break down what diminished ovarian reserve actually means, what fertility markers like AMH and FSH can — and cannot — tell you, and why context matters so much more than a single lab result. They explain the critical difference between egg quantity and egg quality, why low AMH does not automatically mean infertility, and how ovarian reserve changes over time. The conversation explores the emotional weight of fertility diagnoses, what IVF can realistically look like with DOR, the many factors that may influence ovarian reserve and why so many women internalize blame for something that is often far beyond their control. They also unpack the growing fertility wellness industry and the social media marketing targeting vulnerable women desperate for answers.  Tune in next week for part two to dive into patient questions around DOR and IVF, early menopause, and making a plan that is right for you and your family.    IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE...  You:  Wait… my AMH is HOW low???  Also You:  Does this mean I’m running out of eggs already??  3AM You:  Okay but why did my doctor make it sound like I’m basically infertile now???  IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS…  * What is diminished ovarian reserve?  * What does low AMH actually mean?  * Can you get pregnant naturally with low AMH?  * Does low AMH mean poor egg quality?  * Can stress cause diminished ovarian reserve?  * Can endometriosis lower AMH?  * Should I freeze my eggs if I have DOR?  * Does DOR mean early menopause?  * Can ovarian reserve improve?  YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!  In today’s chat we cover:  [01:00] Burnout & trying to “do it all”  [03:00] How girls are socialized to tolerate discomfort  [06:15] What diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) actually means  [07:05] Why low AMH is NOT a fertility sentence  [07:40] Dr. Lucky opens up about her own fertility journey & IVF experience  [11:30] Defining ovarian reserve, AMH & antral follicle count (AFC)  [13:00] Why AMH has to be interpreted based on age  [15:30] FSH explained: what elevated levels actually mean  [17:00] Egg quantity vs. egg quality  [18:00] How fertility doctors evaluate embryo quality  [19:00] Why ovarian aging is not linear  [20:00] Menopause, follicle depletion & the biology of ovarian aging  [21:00] Genetics, viral triggers & possible causes of DOR  [22:00] Longevity science, accelerated aging & ovarian decline  [23:00] Irregular cycles, ovulation & fertility warning signs  [24:00] Idiopathic DOR: when there’s no clear explanation  [25:00] Why blaming stress or childhood trauma for DOR can feel harmful  [27:00] Age, genetics & family history of early menopause  [29:00] BRCA mutations & ovarian reserve  [30:00] Endometriosis, ovarian surgery & fertility preservation  [31:00] Fragile X, Turner mosaicism & autoimmune testing  [32:00] Plastics, BPA, pesticides & environmental toxin concerns  [33:00] Chemotherapy, radiation & fertility preservation  [34:00] Mold exposure & fertility myths online  [35:00] Smoking, vaping & ovarian aging  [36:00] Fertility wellness scams & the truth about “fixing” DOR  [37:00] Why timing & treatment strategy matter most  [38:00] CoQ10: the evidence, dosing & who may benefit  [39:30] Lifestyle medicine, inflammation & fertility health  [41:00] DHEA supplements: hype vs. evidence  [43:00] Ovarian PRP explained & why it remains experimental  [45:00] Supplement stacks, fertility marketing & social media misinformation  [46:00] Rapamycin, longevity science & ovarian aging research  [48:00] Why more research is still needed on ovarian longevity treatments  [49:00] Part one recap & what’s coming in next week’s episode  [50:00] Dr. Lucky’s message for anyone newly diagnosed with DOR  Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.   Follow Us on Instagram:   * @callyourdoctorpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/callyourdoctorpodcast/?hl=en]   * @lucky.sekhon [https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en]    * @aliciarobbinsmd [https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/?hl=en]  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

"You Have an Ovarian Cyst” … Now What?

Getting told you have an ovarian cyst can feel terrifying — especially when the message comes through a patient portal with zero explanation. Suddenly you’re spiraling, Googling ovarian cancer symptoms at 2AM, and wondering whether surgery is inevitable. But here’s the reality: most ovarian cysts are completely benign and many resolve on their own.  In this episode, Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins break down the different types of ovarian cysts, what they actually mean, and how doctors determine whether a cyst is something to watch, treat, or remove surgically. They explain the key difference between simple and complex cysts, why the type matters more than the size, and what symptoms should never be ignored. The conversation also dives into endometriomas, dermoid cysts, ovarian torsion, fertility preservation, and why some cysts can impact egg quantity or egg quality over time. They unpack the nuance behind “watchful waiting,” discuss when surgery truly makes sense, and explain why many women feel dismissed or anxious when they’re told to “just monitor it.”  Plus: a much-needed reality check about ovarian cancer fears, why most cysts are not cancer, and how ovarian cysts are evaluated differently after menopause.  IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE...  You:  Wait… I have an ovarian cyst?? Should I be freaking out???  Also You:  Why did my doctor say we’re just “watching it” instead of removing it??  3AM You:  Okay but HOW do they know it’s not ovarian cancer???    IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS…  * What is an ovarian cyst?  * What’s the difference between a simple and complex cyst?  * Can ovarian cysts go away on their own?  * Can ovarian cysts affect fertility?  * Can ovarian cysts cause torsion?  * When do ovarian cysts need surgery?  * What size ovarian cyst is dangerous?  * Can ovarian cysts be cancerous?  * Should I freeze my eggs if I keep getting ovarian cysts?  * What symptoms of ovarian torsion feel like?  * YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!  In today’s chat we cover:  [01:21] Medical misinformation online & fertility “experts” on social media  [09:16] Why hearing “you have a cyst” causes so much anxiety  [11:01] What ovarian cysts actually are  [11:29] Functional cysts, corpus luteum cysts & normal ovulation  [12:40] Simple cysts vs. complex cysts  [12:58] Endometriomas (“chocolate cysts”) explained  [13:20] Dermoid cysts & the wild things they can contain  [14:44] PCOS and why “polycystic ovaries” is a misleading name  [15:27] What radiologists look for on ultrasound  [16:57] CA-125, MRI imaging & ovarian cancer red flags  [20:24] Endometriomas, endometriosis & fertility concerns  [23:37] Egg freezing considerations before cyst surgery  [25:53] Dermoid cysts, ovarian torsion & emergency symptoms  [29:59] “Watchful waiting” — why many cysts don’t need surgery  [35:17] Ovarian cysts after menopause  [39:20] Listener question: “I have a 4cm cyst — should I panic?”  [40:43] Listener question: “Can I still get pregnant with one ovary?”  Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.   Follow Us on Instagram:   * @callyourdoctorpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/callyourdoctorpodcast/?hl=en]   * @lucky.sekhon [https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en]    * @aliciarobbinsmd [https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/?hl=en]  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

PMOS (formerly known as PCOS) Part 2: Connecting the Hormonal Dots

PCOS has a new name! What was Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is now Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). Read more about this name change here: https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2026/pcos-name-change [https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2026/pcos-name-change] PMOS is often treated like a fertility problem — but for millions of women, it impacts so much more than just getting pregnant. Acne that won’t respond to skincare. Weight gain that feels impossible to control. Hair thinning, facial hair growth, irregular periods, anxiety, depression, insulin resistance… and years of feeling dismissed by doctors who only focus on one symptom at a time.  In part two of their PMOS deep dive, Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins unpack what it’s actually like to live with PMOS long-term. This week, they explore the real symptoms women experience, why weight management with PMOS is physiologically different, and how the condition affects mental health, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and even cancer risk over time. They also break down what treatment should actually look like and long-term action plans. Most importantly, this episode is about reframing PMOS as the lifelong hormonal and metabolic condition it truly is — not just something women are told to worry about when they want a baby.   IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE...   You:   Why is it SO much harder for me to lose weight than everyone else?  Also You:  Wait… could my acne and hair loss actually be hormonal?  3AM You:  If I’m not trying to get pregnant right now… do I still need to treat my PCOS???  IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS…   Why is PCOS weight loss so difficult?  Does PCOS cause insulin resistance?  Why do women with PCOS get facial hair?  Can PCOS cause hair thinning?  Do I need treatment for PCOS if I’m not trying to conceive?  What are the long-term risks of PCOS?  Can PCOS increase cancer risk?  Should I take Metformin for PCOS?  Are GLP-1 medications helpful for PCOS?  Does birth control “mask” PCOS?  What supplements actually help PCOS?  What doctor should manage PCOS long-term?  Can PCOS affect mental health?  YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!    In today’s chat we cover:   [02:24] Why PCOS conversations often stop at fertility  [04:02] The emotional and physical symptom burden of PCOS  [05:14] Acne, hirsutism, and hair thinning explained  [07:18] Depression, anxiety, and body image struggles with PCOS  [08:01] Why weight loss with PCOS is physiologically harder  [08:52] Long-term risks: diabetes, endometrial cancer & cardiovascular health  [11:16] Birth control, spironolactone & hormonal treatment options  [14:16] Metformin, GLP-1s & managing insulin resistance  [15:20] Lifestyle changes that actually help PCOS  [18:00] Inositol, berberine & supplement myths  [22:09] Listener questions: weight stigma, long-term care & treatment goals  [28:06] How PCOS changes during perimenopause and aging  Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.   Follow Us on Instagram:   * @callyourdoctorpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/callyourdoctorpodcast/?hl=en]   * @lucky.sekhon [https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en]    * @aliciarobbinsmd [https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/?hl=en]  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].