LISTEN TO THE PODCAST – Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I spoke with Cristy Murray, a nurse practitioner trained in the Creighton Model and NaProTechnology, about how learning to understand our bodies’ natural signs can transform the way we approach fertility and hormonal health.
As someone who experienced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) alongside Hashimoto’s in my twenties, and was told that IVF with donor eggs was my only option for my second pregnancy, I know how overwhelming and discouraging fertility challenges can feel. Working with a NaProTechnology provider was an important part of my pregnancy journey, and I’m passionate about helping women understand that underlying factors may be worth exploring before assuming they have run out of options.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- You might be ovulating on a completely different day than you think. Learn how tracking one often-overlooked sign can reveal your unique fertility window, and why “day 14” doesn’t always tell the whole story.
- What if your fertility struggles are a clue, not a dead end? Discover how NaProTechnology uses your cycle patterns to investigate potential root causes, from hormone imbalances to underlying conditions that may be overlooked.
- This tiny detail about cervical mucus could change how you approach conception. Find out why it plays an important role in fertility and how supporting it and better timing intercourse may make a difference.
- Painful periods that leave you missing life aren’t something to just push through. Cristy explains why severe menstrual pain deserves a closer look, and what endometriosis could have to do with your fertility.
- Your cycle might be telling you more about perimenopause than you realize. Learn how tracking cervical mucus and bleeding patterns can give you valuable clues to discuss with your provider when navigating hormone therapy.
- Your cycle chart could change more than your understanding of your body. Hear how sharing these patterns can help partners recognize stress, communicate differently, and become more connected throughout the fertility journey.
Connect with Cristy
- Cristy offers a Precision Hormone Optimization Test for women who want a deeper look at their hormone patterns and better insight into what may be contributing to symptoms such as fatigue, sleep changes, mood shifts, brain fog, cycle changes, and other concerns commonly experienced during the perimenopause years.
- For women who want more comprehensive support after testing, Cristy offers her 8-Week Hormone Reset Program – a deeper look at the foundations that influence hormonal health and a personalized plan for moving forward.
- Cristy’s website
- Follow Cristy’s Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok
- Listen to Cristy’s podcast, The Blue Veil Wellness Show
Fertility and Hormonal Health Resources Mentioned
- Creighton Model FertilityCare System: A standardized method of charting cervical mucus and other cycle observations to help women understand their reproductive patterns.
- NaProTechnology (Natural Procreative Technology): A medical approach that uses a woman’s cycle charting to help guide the evaluation and management of reproductive and hormonal concerns.
- Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): A condition involving reduced ovarian function before age 40 that may affect menstrual cycles and fertility.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal condition that can affect ovulation and menstrual regularity.
- Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and may contribute to pelvic pain and fertility challenges.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Hormone treatment that may be used to manage symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.
- Thyroid Function Testing: Blood testing used to evaluate thyroid function, which can be relevant when assessing menstrual irregularities and fertility concerns.
Supplements and Fertility Products
- Guaifenesin: An expectorant that may be used for fertility purposes – if you are interested in trying it, please discuss this with a qualified healthcare provider.
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC): A form of cysteine that was mentioned in the discussion of approaches to supporting cervical mucus. Rootcology Pure N-Acetyl Cysteine is a high-quality option.
- Pre-Seed Fertility-Friendly Lubricant: A lubricant formulated for couples trying to conceive, discussed in relation to supporting sperm movement in the fertile window.
Get the Full Episode Transcript
Let’s Connect!
- Follow me on Instagram: @izabellawentzpharmd
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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 available here.
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About Our Guest
Cristy Murray, APRN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with 25+ years of clinical experience and a U.S. Army veteran. She holds additional training in functional medicine and nutritional endocrinology. She’s the first Creighton/NaPro provider in Alaska. Cristy is the founder of Blue Veil Wellness, a faith-integrated women’s health ministry helping Catholic and Christian women navigate hormone health, perimenopause, and PCOS through nutrition, functional medicine, and NaProTechnology, without birth control or IVF. She also sees patients via telehealth through MyCatholicDoctor.
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The Blue Veil Wellness Show
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