691: The Fertility Crisis No One Talks About: Why Your Health Today Impacts Future Generations with Dr. Ann Shippy
Millions of women struggle with infertility worldwide. And if you’re one of them, you’re not alone.
But in this inspiring episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Ann Shippy to unpack the growing fertility crisis—and more importantly, what you can do to turn things around.
Dr. Shippy shares how the integrative and functional medicine approach helps women heal their gut, support detoxification, manage stress, and supercharge their mitochondria to naturally boost fertility and have healthier pregnancies.
We also dive into the world of epigenetics—how the choices you make before conception can literally shape how your baby’s genes are expressed for lifelong health.
Dr. Shippy’s message is clear: preconception care isn’t just about getting pregnant, it’s about setting up the next generation for success.
Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, taking time to optimize your health before conceiving can make all the difference for you AND your baby.
Tune in to learn how intentional steps today can lead to healthier pregnancies, thriving babies, and an empowered path to motherhood.
Dr. Ann Shippy
Dr. Ann Shippy is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and certified Functional Medicine practitioner. Before entering the world of medicine, Dr. Shippy spent years as a chemical engineer—a role that shaped her precision-driven, systems-based approach to health. Her transition to medicine was born from personal health struggles and a desire to uncover the root causes of illness rather than treating just symptoms alone. As the founder of Every Baby Well, Dr. Shippy empowers couples to prepare for healthy pregnancies through science-backed protocols, lab testing, and functional strategies. Motivated by the rising rates of chronic illness and developmental challenges in children, she authored The Preconception Revolution: A Science-Backed Path to Your Fertility and Generational Health, a practical and hopeful guide to optimizing health before conception.
IN THIS EPISODE
How changes in lifestyle can alter fertility AND epigenetics
Functional medicine approaches for boosting fertility
The importance of healthy preconception practices for fertility and the long-term health of your children
Getting your partner involved for preconception success
Non-negotiable supplements in addition to your prenatal
Why a 90-day+ detoxification can boost conception success
Practical lifestyle and nutrition recommendations for fertility
The numbers and science behind the current fertility crisis
QUOTES“What I realized is that as we're improving fertility, we're also changing something called epigenetics– how the genes are getting expressed, the little time capsules that are being passed on to the babies with the egg and the sperm, and it would help the kids be healthier.”
“What I hope happens with this message is that even people in their 20s have access to this information about how important it is for them to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. “
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Pre-order Dr. Ann Shippy’s Book: The Preconception Revolution
https://annshippymd.com/the-preconception-revolution/
Pre-order The Preconception Revolution on Amazon
https://amzn.to/43aDxH5
Dr. Ann Shippy’s Website
Every Baby Well Website
Dr. Ann Shippy on Instagram
RELATED EPISODES
#530: The Critical Role That Nutrient Deficiencies Play In Fertility and Conception And How To Close The Gap with Lisa Dreher
#428: The Most Important Solutions To Implement to Protect Our Fertility with Dr. Christiane Northrup
688: Unlock Cellular Energy and Longevity with Urolithin A + Mitochondrial Optimization with Jen Scheinman
683: Aging in Reverse: How Women Over 40 Can Boost Energy, Lose Weight & Rewrite Their Story with Natalie Jill
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BONUS: Menopause, HRT, and Breast Cancer + How to Advocate for Yourself with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz
Dealing with menopause symptoms is rough enough, but navigating a cancer diagnosis at the same time causes even more stress and anxiety.
As a holistic-focused physician going through menopause, a diagnosis of breast cancer put a bump in the road for Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, leading to concerns about how she would navigate her own journey.
It can be hard to feel heard by your physician, and advocating for things like holistic healing options, lab testing, and hormone replacement therapy can become an endless battle.
But as a women’s empowerment advocate and a public educator, Dr. Suzanne is here today to help YOU advocate for your needs and to speak up about your situation because you deserve to be heard.
Hearing Dr. Suzanne’s story can help you get through any tough times you’re facing. Especially for the breast cancer community– there are ways you can manage your longevity and your health now going forward for the better. Check out this podcast to find out how!
Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD
Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz earned her medical degree from the USC School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She frequently appears as an expert in women’s health and integrative medicine in print, online, and on TV, where she’s the Chief Medical Correspondent for the Drew Barrymore Show. She’s the author of MENOPAUSE BOOTCAMP: Optimize Your Health, Empower Your Self, and Flourish as You Age.
IN THIS EPISODE
Dr. Suzanne’s perimenopause and menopause journey
Opening up about a breast cancer diagnosis
Recognizing symptoms of perimenopause vs. other health issues
Non-negotiables for women’s health in our 40s and beyond
Hormone therapy options in midlife
Advocating for yourself with your primary physician
Adaptogenic herbs that are helpful in midlife
Stress, sleep, and cardiometabolic tips for optimal health
Grassroots and community building via the Menopause Bootcamp Facilitator Certification
RESOURCES MENTIONEDUse code ENERGIZED and get $100 off on your CAROL Bike purchase
https://carolbike.pxf.io/GK3LaE
Menopause Bootcamp Certification Course
Get 20% off with Code: Energized20
Get Dr. Suzanne’s book HERE: Menopause Bootcamp
Dr. Suzanne’s Website
Dr. Suzanne’s Socials:
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
RELATED EPISODES
#590: Dispelling Myths About Breast Cancer And Mammograms + Navigating Hrt After Breast Cancer With Dr. Jenn Simmons
579: Hormone Replacement Options And Hormone Testing For Women In Midlife + Self Advocacy For Optimal Health With Esther Blum
#547: What You Need To Know About The Opill And Hormone Changes In Perimenopause With Dr. Carrie Jones
#404: Do Women Need To Wait Till Menopause To Begin Hormone Replacement Therapy? With Esther Blum
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BONUS: The Secret to Optimal Sleep, Resilience, Performance and Emotional Wellbeing with Dr. Kristen Holmes
As women in midlife, we’re constantly juggling all the things.
So, what can we do to balance all of our to-dos without feeling totally burnt out?
In this episode, we’re diving into the reality of energy changes during midlife and why committing to your own well-being is non-negotiable.
I’ve invited Dr. Kristen Holmes– an expert in optimizing human performance, especially in women– to share her powerful strategies for enabling autonomic control so you can feel your best in your body.
We’re talking:
Boosting mitochondrial energy
Improving recovery and metabolic health
And feeling fully resourced every. single. day
We’ll break down the simple yet impactful habits you can start to help you reclaim your vitality—even with a packed schedule.
Because the truth is, no one is looking out for you the way YOU can. It’s time to prioritize yourself, show up fully, and start feeling amazing again!
Dr. Kristen Holmes
Dr. Kristen Holmes is the Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist at WHOOP. She engages with industry-leading researchers to better understand individual and team biometric and performance data to drive product innovation, strategy, and coaching. Kristen blends her academic and applied background in athletics, coaching, performance technology, psychology, and exercise physiology to drive research, partnership, and product development initiatives to strengthen WHOOP.
IN THIS EPISODE
Core behaviors that enable autonomic control
The importance of HRV metrics for health, fitness, and wellness
Surprising insights from WHOOP data
The science behind sleep for optimal recovery
Non-negotiable habits for boosting your energy
Your autonomic nervous system and your stress response
Incorporating movement easily into your daily routine
QUOTES
“If we focus on improving the health of our autonomic nervous system, we're going to then improve not only our competitive advantage just as a human but most importantly our survival advantage.”
“I think it's really important for us to have the resilience to overcome the stressors and to show up for the people we love in this world.”
“It's a cross we bear in perimenopause and menopause. We can't afford to wing it. And that's why I think this data can be really helpful.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Use code THRIVE15 and get 15% off on your Berkeley Life order
https://berkeleylife.pxf.io/Vxvdja
Dr. Kristen’s Instagram
Dr. Kristen’s NEW Podcast: Science and Soul
Dr. Kristen’s Linked In
WHOOP Podcast with Kristen Holmes
Try WHOOP HERE!
RELATED EPISODES
#527: The Science Of Energy Production and Recovery & How To Balance Out Cortisol and Melatonin with Kristen Holmes
#626: Own Your Morning to Feel Energized and Ready to Show Up for Your Day with Liz Plosser
#599: How to Wake Up Feeling Well Rested by Optimizing Sleep & Your Sleep-Wake Cycle with Lynne Peeples
580: Mastering Your Sleep, Metabolism and Overall, Health in Midlife with Cynthia Thurlow
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BONUS: Perimenopause Myths That Are Ruining Women’s Health + How To Take Back Your Power, Energy and Health
Feeling stuck in perimenopause?
Navigating perimenopause can feel overwhelming, especially when women’s health is so often treated like men’s.
But it’s time to change that!
We’re so used to these deep-seated societal beliefs about women in midlife– putting us at a disadvantage when it comes to whole body health and disease prevention, especially as we age.
So if you’re struggling to get answers in perimenopause from your doctors, I’m here to connect the dots and empower you with knowledge.
In this episode, we break down women’s healthcare, common perimenopause symptoms, and how to recognize the early signs of hormonal shifts. Plus, I’m sharing a sneak peek into my upcoming book, The Perimenopause Revolution, coming this fall!
Tune in here to get the perimenopause answers you’ve been looking for.
IN THIS EPISODE
The need to differentiate women’s health from men’s health
Common changes and symptoms of perimenopause
Addressing perimenopause: where do you start?
Menstrual cycle changes and hormone fluctuations
Defining changes in biomarkers during perimenopause
Lifestyle tweaks and habits for ultimate hormonal health
About my book release this fall: The Perimenopause Revolution
QUOTES
“I believe it's an average of 6 to 7 doctor visits before they get any help at all or that they are recognized as being in perimenopause at all.”
“Many women are plagued with confusion over issues like these, and they're having a difficult time connecting the dots because they're being told otherwise. Yet, when it comes to perimenopause, in order to understand what's not normal, you must first know your own baseline.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Use code ENERGIZED and get 20% off on your first TIMELINE order
http://timeline.com/ENERGIZED
Order my book: The Perimenopause Revolution
https://peri-revolution.com/
Thriving in Perimenopause: Your Ultimate Survival Guide
http://drmariza.com/perimenopausesurvival
RELATED EPISODES
#572: How To Know You Are In Perimenopause Including The 40+ Symptoms Associated With Declining Hormones
#600: We Need To Address Why Women Don’t Feel Like Themselves Anymore In Perimenopause With Dr. Mariza
586: What You Can Do In Perimenopause To Optimize Your Energy, Resilience And Brain Power With Dr. Mariza
#620: What You Need To Know About Premature Menopause, Perimenopause, Hrt And Your Options With Dr. Salome Masghati
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690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self
Sadly, so many women are left totally in the dark about the massive hormonal transition that goes on during perimenopause.
That’s why I’m here to set the record straight and answer every question you have so you can feel your most confident self in midlife and beyond.
In this episode, I’m celebrating the release of my brand-new book, The Perimenopause Revolution — a guide designed to empower you with the knowledge you need in perimenopause to help you confidently advocate for yourself!
This book is for the high achiever doing everything “right” but still running on empty, and for the caretaker whose body is begging her to finally listen.
Together, we’re rewriting the story of midlife — one rooted in strength, clarity, and self-connection.
Remember, perimenopause isn’t the beginning of the end — it’s the beginning of a more energized, more powerful, and more alive YOU than ever before!
IN THIS EPISODE
Symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause
Why so many women are left in the dark about perimenopause
Releasing my brand new book: The Perimenopause Revolution!
How to get FREE VIP access to my Perimenopause Solution event
Gaining confidence and resilience in midlife and beyond
What you can expect in my book: The Perimenopause Revolution
QUOTES“Hands down, one of the biggest, most overlooked areas of women's health is the transition to menopause, known as perimenopause. And until we normalize the systemic changes that occur in every organ system in the body, we won't be able to fully optimize women's health.”
“With this book, I want to validate your experience and respond to your most frequently asked questions with straightforward science-backed solutions that work. I also want to flip the script on fear.”
“I have left no stone unturned. I want you to know that you're going to have everything you need, a full blueprint and roadmap to thrive.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Order my book: The Perimenopause Revolution
https://peri-revolution.com/
Claim your FREE pass to The Perimenopause Solution event
https://hayh.site/pr_bl_ap-snyder_a_snyder
ENERGIZED podcast on YouTube
RELATED EPISODES
689: The Hidden Brain Shift: Why Perimenopause Symptoms Start Earlier Than You Think
686: Your Second Puberty Explained: What’s Really Happening to Your Body in Perimenopause
678: How to Turn Perimenopause Into Your Metabolic Window of Opportunity + My Simple Daily Protocol To Feel Amazing
655: The Hidden Truth About Perimenopause That No One’s Talking About (And Why It Changes Everything About How You Age)
Energized host and bestselling author Dr. Mariza Snyder puts the power back in your hands so that you can age powerfully and live life to the fullest. Get ready to navigate your hormone and metabolic journey with wisdom and grace throughout your forties and beyond.
Each episode will leave you feeling empowered with the knowledge of how your body actually works by providing root-cause explanations for the symptoms you’re facing (with a side of real talk) along with proven, research-driven solutions to reset your metabolism, fatigue, and hormones. In each information-packed episode, you will discover solutions designed to reclaim your energy and aliveness so that you can feel ENERGIZED in your body and become the CEO of your health.
Visit www.drmariza.com for hundreds of free recipes and resources, plus game-changing programs, products, and incredible support designed to optimize your metabolism, energy, and brain function as you powerfully navigate the second half of your life.
This podcast was formerly named "Essentially You with Dr. Mariza".