In this week’s episode, Erin welcomes back Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, previous podcast guest and co-author of the groundbreaking book "Real Food For Fertility." They embark on an insightful exploration of the menstrual cycle as a vital sign, the profound impact of nutrition on fertility, and the nuanced effects of hormonal contraceptives. They also navigate the terrain of timing conception, delve into male fertility considerations, and uncover key factors influencing sperm quality. Get ready for a deep dive into reproductive health as they guide you on your path to fertility success. In this episode:(7:41) Why we should consider the menstrual cycle a vital sign (9:43) The main factors that impact a woman’s fertility (19:12) Tracking your fertile signs (26:40) How stress can impact ovulation (30:16) Birth control contraceptives and how they impact fertility (42:03) The male counterpart: what men can do to improve sperm quality FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/300-the-fertility-episode Check out The Funk'tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who teaches women to chart their menstrual cycles for natural birth control, conception, and monitoring overall health. She is the author of three bestselling books The Fifth Vital Sign, the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook, and her most recent book Real Food For Fertility, which she co-authored with Lily Nichols RDN. Lisa works tirelessly to debunk the myth that regular ovulation is only important when you want children by recognizing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Drawing heavily from the current scientific literature, Lisa presents an evidence-based approach to help women connect to their fifth vital sign by uncovering the connection between the menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall health. With well over 4 million downloads, her podcast, Fertility Friday, is the #1 source for information about fertility awareness and menstrual cycle health.