Ep 130 Ovarian Cysts Explained: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What exactly is an ovarian cyst—and should you be worried if you have one? Could your pain be more than just a normal part of your cycle? And how do you even begin the conversation with your doctor? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites you to get curious about your body, embrace the power of knowledge, and tackle the unknowns of ovarian health with bravery and clarity. Dr. Shahine walks through the five most important things to know: symptoms, types, causes, treatment options, and red flags. From the commonly harmless functional cysts to more complex types like endometriomas and dermoid cysts. She explains how cysts form, why they matter, and when they might signal something more serious. Finally, Dr. Shahine shares the three must-ask questions for anyone navigating a new diagnosis of an ovarian cyst. In this episode, listeners will hear: [0:44] Symptoms of ovarian cysts [0:49] Types of ovarian cysts [12:47] Causes of ovarian cysts [14:10] Treatment options for ovarian cysts [16:35] When to worry [17:38] Important questions to ask your doctor Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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Ep 129 Fewer Shots, Same Success: A New IVF Protocol with Dr. Linnea Goodman
What if IVF didn’t have to mean so many shots? Could a new protocol allow for fewer shots, less office visits, AND be less expensive? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Linnea Goodman to answer these questions and more. They review Dr. Goodman’s research into a protocol, not new to the fertility field around the world, but new to most listeners in the United States that has many benefits to IVF patients. Dr. Linnea Goodman is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. Throughout her career, Dr. Goodman has been dedicated to advancing the field of reproductive medicine through both clinical excellence and innovative research. Currently, Dr. Goodman practices at Virginia Fertility & IVF, where she specializes in minimally invasive office procedures aimed at optimizing fertility outcomes. In this episode you’ll hear: [1:16] Meet Dr. Linnea Goodman: reproductive endocrinologist and researcher [2:24] IVF shots & their necessity [4:45] Provera Protocol is a game-changer [14:35] Research & evidence for the Provera Protocol [22:19] A patient-centered approach [25:00] Research Outcomes [27:07] Innovations in IVF: Progestins [29:32 The patient experience: benefits and side effects of progestins [32:36 What does the future hold? Resources mentioned: http://vafertility.com Massin N, et al. New stimulation regimens: endogenous and exogenous progesterone use to block the LH surge during ovarian stimulation for IVF. Hum Reprod Update. 2017 Mar 1;23(2):211-220. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmw047.PMID: 28062551 R Beguería, et al. Medroxyprogesterone acetate versus ganirelix in oocyte donation: a randomized controlled trial. Hum Reprod. 2019 May 1;34(5):872-880 doi:10.1093/humrep/dez034. PMID: 30927417 Giles J, et al. Medroxyprogeseterone acetate is a useful alternative to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in ooxyte-donation: a randomized controlled trial. Fert Stert 2021;116: 404-412. PMID: 33814126. DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.02.036 Welp A, et al. Oral medroxyprogesterone acetate for the use of ovulation suppression in in vitro fertilization: a cohort trial. Fertil Steril 2024 May;121(5):806-813. PMID: 38253117 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.01.026 Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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Ep 128 Clean Beauty and Skin Care with Jenna Levine
What’s really in your skincare products? Can “natural” actually mean effective? And how do we navigate the beauty aisle with both curiosity and caution? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Jenna Levine, founder of LINNÉ Botanicals, for a brave and eye-opening conversation about skincare that’s safe, minimal, and deeply rooted in integrity. Jenna brings her passion for formulation, ingredient sourcing, botany, and herbal medicine to life through her brand LINNÉ Botanicals. Her story is personal—shaped by her path to motherhood and her commitment to creating products she trusts for herself and her family. She opens up about the mission behind LINNÉ, a brand built on clean ingredients, thoughtful sourcing, and a belief in the power of pure, unadulterated botanicals to truly nourish the skin. Together, Dr. Shahine and Jenna explore everything from greenwashing in the industry to the surprising sameness behind many "different" products on the shelf. In this episode, listeners will hear: [1:32] Meet Jenna Levine, founder of LINNÉ Botanicals [7:58] Innovative ingredients and their benefits [13:15] Challenges in the beauty industry [22:21] LINNÉ’s philosophy [28:50] Problems with ‘clean’ in beauty [32:46] Decoding ingredient lists [35:09] Beauty myths––BUSTED [40:41] Ingredient transparency [43:20] LINNÉ’s recommended products [47:42] Upcoming products [53:29] Connect with Jenna & LINNÉ Bontancials Resources mentioned: LINNÉbotanicals.com Use Code DRSHAHINE15 for a 15% discount on all LINNÉ products (use once per customer and on one time orders, not subscriptions) Connect on IG @linnebotanicals Episode 80: Finding Safer Products with Lanning Ardente: Let Sorette Do the Research for You Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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Ep 127 Egg Freezing Top 10 Questions
What exactly is egg freezing? Is there an ideal age to do it? How many eggs should you freeze to give yourself the best shot at future fertility? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks listeners through the top 10 most Googled questions about egg freezing. From the basics of what the process entails to more nuanced questions about success rates and cost, she provides clear, thoughtful answers rooted in science and clinical experience. In this episode, listeners will hear: [1:12] Question #1: What is egg freezing? [2:45] Question #2: Why would I want to freeze your eggs? [4:46] Question #3: What is the best age to freeze your eggs? [6:53] Question #4: How many eggs should you freeze? [9:36] Question #5: What is the egg freezing process? [10:42] Question #6: What are the risks of egg freezing? [12:18] Question #7: What is the cost of egg freezing? [13:26] Question #8: Does egg freezing guarantee a baby? [14:16] Question #9: Does an IUD have to be removed to freeze your eggs? [14:36] Question #10: How long will the eggs last? This episode will give listeners a better understanding of why someone might choose to freeze their eggs, how to evaluate if and when it’s the right choice, and what to expect logistically, emotionally, and financially. Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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Ep 126 Normalize It with Dr. Jessica Zucker: Shame, Stigma & Women’s Stories
What happens when we stop whispering about miscarriage and start telling our stories out loud? How can we begin to shed the shame and silence that so often surround women’s health experiences? And why is open dialogue so essential in shifting the cultural narrative around infertility, menopause, and mental health? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by psychologist and author Jessica Zucker, founder of the #IHadAMiscarriage movement. Drawing from her own experience of miscarriage and her professional expertise, Jessica shares how storytelling and vulnerability have the power to change the way we view and talk about women's health. Jessica’s book Normalize It further explores these themes, encouraging women to own their experiences and find connection through honesty and shared truth. Together, Dr. Shahine and Jessica dive into the many ways women are pressured to stay silent about their bodies and emotions—from miscarriage and infertility to menopause and mental health. In this episode you’ll hear: [2:19] Jessica’s personal journey #IHadAMiscarriage [5:05] Impact of #IHadAMiscarriage movement [12:16] Exploring the themes in Normalize It [17:04] Healing potential of storytelling [20:55] Breaking down stigma through community [25:02] Personal experience integrated with professional practice [30:19] Societal pressures on women [34:58] Empowerment through shared experiences [36:35] The importance of education and open dialogue Resources mentioned: drjessicazucker.com Normalize It by Jessica Zucker, PhD Follow Jessica on IG - @ihadamiscarriage Inside Amy Schumer - Last F**kable Day (ft. Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Patricia Arquette Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Fertility, reproductive health, and wellness are deeply personal—and sometimes, deeply challenging. Brave & Curious is a space for open, honest conversations about the science, emotions, and decisions that shape our reproductive journeys.
Hosted by Dr. Lora Shahine, a double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, author, and advocate, this podcast blends evidence-based medicine with empathy and curiosity. Whether you’re navigating infertility, exploring reproductive health, or simply seeking knowledge, this show will equip you with insights, expert interviews, and real stories to support your journey.
New episodes drop weekly—subscribe and join the conversation. Until next time, stay brave and curious.
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