Perimenopause isn't just hot flashes and mood shifts — for many women, it can be a silent fertility disruptor. In today's episode of Living Life Naturally, Lynne Wadsworth sits down with Dr. Jaime Knopman, double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert, to talk about what's really happening with egg quality, ovulation, IVF outcomes, and why so many women feel dismissed or misdiagnosed in midlife.

We also explore practical ways to advocate for better care — from tracking cycles and symptoms, to bringing a "plus one" to appointments, to understanding why hormones can be tricky to measure in a single blood draw. And if someone you love is navigating infertility, Dr. Knopman shares one of the most powerful reminders: presence matters more than perfect words.

You'll learn:

How perimenopause impacts fertility and IVF success
Why cycles become irregular and timing gets harder
What egg freezing can do (and when it's most effective)
Why symptom + cycle tracking can be more helpful than "one lab test"
How to advocate for yourself at the doctor — and what to bring to appointment
How to support a loved one going through infertility (without saying the wrong thing)

Guest: Dr. Jaime Knopman — Medical Director of Chick Mission; former Director of Fertility Preservation at CCRM NY; Castle Connolly Top Doctor; author of Own Your Fertility.

In this episode, we cover:

Perimenopause & fertility

Why egg quantity and quality decline in perimenopause
How irregular ovulation can make conception harder
What it means for IVF outcomes and pregnancy viability

Egg freezing & planning ahead

Why freezing eggs earlier can change options later
"Serving as your own egg donor" — what that really means

Why women get missed or dismissed

Menopause "having its moment" — and why that matters
Why infertility deserves to be part of the menopause conversation too

How to support someone in infertility

The power of simply showing up
What to say when you're afraid of saying the wrong thing
Being present in someone else's discomfort

Hormone testing + advocating for care

Why hormones aren't a simple snapshot
The value of tracking cycles + symptoms
Why progesterone can swing dramatically
Questions to bring to your appointment + why a "plus one" helps

HRT, bioidenticals & pellets

Why symptom relief often matters more than chasing a number
Different options work for different bodies (no one-size-fits-all)

Mentioned in this episode:

· Book: Own Your Fertility: From Egg Freezing to Surrogacy — How to Take Charge of Your Body and Your Future (also available at Amazon or Barnes & Noble)

Connect with Dr. Jaime Knopman

Website: https://drjaimeknopman.com/

Connect with Lynne

Join the Facebook community: Energized Healthy Women's Club

Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth

👉 Get your free copy of Lynne's Flourish in Midlife eGuide.

Disclaimer: This episode is for education only and isn't medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal guidance

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LLN Episode #320: Dr. Jaime Knopman – Midlife Hormone Chaos? How To Advocate For Better Care