LISTEN TO THE PODCAST – Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, I spoke with Dr. Jennifer Mercier, naturopathic doctor, midwife, and creator of Mercier Therapy, about a topic that is incredibly close to my heart: fertility and thyroid health.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or another autoimmune condition, there’s a good chance fertility has crossed your mind… or even become a challenge. I know this firsthand. After being diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency, I was told IVF and donor eggs would likely be my only option, but through a root cause approach, I was able to conceive naturally.
In this conversation, Dr. Mercier and I explore what may be missing from conventional fertility care, why so many cases are labeled “unexplained,” and how addressing underlying imbalances – from thyroid function to pelvic health – can make a profound difference. If you’ve been told your only option is IVF, this episode will open your eyes to what else may be possible.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why “unexplained infertility” often isn’t unexplained at all. Dr. Mercier suggests that some 60% of fertility cases fall into this category, yet underlying issues like thyroid dysfunction, hormone imbalances, endometriosis, and structural problems may go undetected. Identifying root causes can improve fertility outcomes before jumping straight to IVF.
- Why a full thyroid panel matters for fertility. Testing only TSH can miss important thyroid imbalances. Dr. Mercier explains why markers like free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies can provide critical insight into conception challenges, miscarriage risk, pregnancy health, and postpartum recovery.
- How pelvic health and blood flow impact fertility. Dr. Mercier explains how scar tissue, restricted mobility, and poor circulation in the pelvic organs may interfere with hormonal signaling and ovarian function. Her targeted Mercier Therapy is designed to restore mobility, circulation, and communication within the reproductive system.
- How long-term hormonal birth control may impact fertility and cycle recovery. Dr. Mercier discusses how prolonged suppression of ovulation may contribute to delayed cycle recovery, weaker ovulation signals, and hormone imbalances in some women after discontinuing birth control.
- The surprising lifestyle factors that impact fertility (for both partners). From stress and environmental toxins to alcohol and THC use, everyday habits can significantly affect egg quality, sperm health, and overall reproductive success.
- Why preparing your body for pregnancy matters more than forcing it. Rather than rushing into aggressive interventions, Dr. Mercier emphasizes supporting the body – nutritionally, hormonally, and emotionally – to improve outcomes, whether you conceive naturally or pursue assisted options.
I’m happy to share Jennifer’s new book, Conceive: The Mercier Approach. In this deeply personal and empowering guide, Dr. Mercier blends her clinical expertise with her own journey through endometriosis, Hashimoto’s, pregnancy loss, and ultimately, successful pregnancies. She introduces her innovative Mercier Therapy approach and walks you through how pelvic health, circulation, and restoring communication within the body can support conception in ways many women have never been told about.
Guest Resources / Connect with Dr. Jennifer Mercier
- Visit the Expect a Miracle Life and Mercier Therapy websites
- Follow Dr. Mercier on Instagram
- Watch Dr. Mercier’s documentary, Fertility: The Shared Journey
- Stay tuned for Dr. Mercier’s upcoming film, Conceiving Miracles
- Pick up your copy of Dr. Mercier’s new book, Conceive: The Mercier Approach
Supplements We Discussed
- Selenium – Supports thyroid function and may help reduce thyroid antibodies, improving fertility outcomes in Hashimoto’s. Consider Rootcology Selenium + Myo-Inositol.
- Bioidentical progesterone – Helps regulate cycles, reduce inflammation, and support implantation and pregnancy maintenance. You need a prescription for bioidentical progesterone.
- Magnesium – Supports muscle relaxation, reduces menstrual cramps, and helps regulate stress and hormonal balance. Consider Rootcology Magnesium Citrate Powder.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) – Reduce inflammation and support hormone balance and reproductive health. Consider Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA.
- Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) – Provides both T4 and T3 to support optimal thyroid function when conversion issues are present.
Other Tools and Resources
- Mercier Therapy (pelvic visceral manipulation) – A hands-on therapy that improves blood flow, organ mobility, and communication between the brain and reproductive organs.
- Cycle charting – Helps identify ovulation patterns, luteal phase issues, and hormonal imbalances.
- Full thyroid panel testing – Essential for identifying hidden thyroid imbalances affecting fertility.
- Pelvic MRI or laparoscopy – Can help identify endometriosis, adhesions, or structural issues impacting conception.
Books and Articles About Fertility & Thyroid Health
- Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause book by Dr. Izabella Wentz – A roadmap to identify and remove the triggers associated with causing thyroid autoimmunity, Hashimoto’s, and hypothyroidism.
- Hashimoto’s Protocol book by Dr. Izabella Wentz – A practical pathway for healing and reversing the autoimmune damage at the root of the disease. It includes a quick-start two-week detox, advice on supplements to support the liver, an adrenal recovery plan, a personalized plan with foods, supplements, and other lifestyle interventions, tailored to each body’s own unique Hashimoto’s triggers.
- 14 Ways Birth Control Pills Rob Us of Our Health
- Seed Cycling for Hormonal Health
- The Thyroid and Fertility
- Why Essential Fatty Acids Are Essential for Hashimoto’s
Get the Full Episode Transcript
Let’s Connect!
- Follow me on Instagram: @izabellawentzpharmd
- Get my FREE weekly thyroid & gut health newsletter: Sign up here
- Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate it on Spotify!
Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🙂
About Our Host
Dr. Izabella Wentz
Dr. Izabella Wentz is a compassionate, innovative, solution-focused integrative pharmacist dedicated to finding the root causes of chronic health conditions. Her passion stems from her own diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms.
Dr. Izabella Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and Adrenal Transformation Protocol. Her latest book, IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is now out in the world, and available here!
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About Our Guest
Dr. Jennifer Mercier is a pioneering naturopathic doctor, midwife, PhD, and creator of Mercier Therapy – a groundbreaking pelvic visceral manipulation technique that supports fertility, surgical recovery, and women’s pelvic health. With over 24 years in private practice and nearly two decades training healthcare professionals globally, Dr. Mercier has helped hundreds of couples conceive naturally and supported countless women in reclaiming their health and autonomy.
She is the author of Conceive: A Compassionate Path to Empowered Fertility, and the filmmaker behind the documentary Fertility: The Shared Journey with Mercier Therapy, which has inspired women worldwide to explore holistic alternatives to conventional reproductive medicine.
Dr. Mercier is currently producing her second documentary, Conceiving Miracles, and continues to lead the charge in advancing women’s health through her clinical practice, teaching, and advocacy for personalized, bioidentical hormone therapy.
Her work blends science, compassion, and real-world experience – giving women the tools and confidence to trust their bodies and their unique journey to wellness.
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