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Why IVF Isn’t Fixing the Fertility Crisis (and What Actually Will) | Dr. Ann Shippy

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Mar 11, 2026

Guest

Ann Shippy

Dr. Ann Shippy, a functional medicine physician and author focused on preconception health, explains why fertility is often a symptom of deeper issues. She discusses the critical 3–36 month preconception window, how diet and toxins rapidly affect sperm and eggs, and practical steps—diet, detox, mitochondrial support—to improve reproductive and generational health.

01:05:27

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ANECDOTE

47 Year Old Conceived Naturally After Preconception Work

Ann Shippy describes a 47-year-old patient who conceived naturally after three months of microbiome, toxin, and inflammation work.
The patient is due at 48 and experienced an easy pregnancy after the preconception tune-up.

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ADVICE

Lower Toxin Load With A Focused Preconception Detox

Reduce toxic body burden before conception with targeted detox: liposomal glutathione, liver support, binders, sauna, and dietary changes for at least three months.
Shippy recommends testing where possible and using resources like EWG to minimise exposures.

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INSIGHT

Mitochondria As A Fertility Lever

Mitochondrial support is central to fertility for both sexes; nutrients that boost mitochondrial function also boost reproductive outcomes.
Shippy highlights CoQ10, B vitamins, NAD, and phosphatidylcholine as key supportive supplements.

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Why preconception matters

03:12 • 6min

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Ann's path to functional medicine

08:59 • 2min

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Defining the preconception window

11:11 • 1min

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Biological vs chronological age

12:35 • 2min

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Infertility as a 'check engine' signal

14:42 • 4min

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Why IVF isn't always the first answer

18:18 • 2min

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Getting started: diet and metabolic health

20:22 • 2min

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Epigenetics and intergenerational effects

22:18 • 59sec

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Men's role and quick sperm changes

23:17 • 2min

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Environmental toxins and fertility

25:03 • 1min

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Detox strategies and clinical testing

26:11 • 2min

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Practical prep when resources are limited

27:56 • 2min

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Supplements for mitochondrial health

29:58 • 2min

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Phosphatidylcholine's outsized benefits

32:03 • 2min

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Generational case study

33:40 • 3min

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Preventing neurodevelopmental and autoimmune risks

36:27 • 5min

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Practical exposure reduction tips

41:12 • 53sec

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Biomarkers to check before conception

42:05 • 5min

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Autoimmunity and fertility can reverse

46:43 • 4min

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Sperm as a male health biomarker

50:33 • 3min

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NAD and mitochondrial therapies

53:48 • 3min

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Stress, meditation, and fertility

57:12 • 5min

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Hopeful alternatives to immediate IVF

01:02:12 • 52sec

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Resources and course offer

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

The Fertility Diet presents groundbreaking research from the Nurses' Health Study, highlighting how dietary changes can improve fertility. It suggests reducing red meat and trans fats, increasing protein and iron from vegetables and nuts, and consuming whole-fat dairy products. The book provides meal plans and recipes to make these changes practical and enjoyable.

#11252

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

The Preconception Revolution

Ann Shippy

#421

• Mentioned in 69 episodes

Lifespan

Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To

David Sinclair

In this book, Dr. David Sinclair presents a bold new theory on why we age, arguing that aging is a disease that can be treated. He discusses recent breakthroughs from his own lab at Harvard, including the activation of newly discovered vitality genes and the role of epigenetics and metabolism in aging. The book explores lifestyle changes such as intermittent fasting, cold exposure, and exercise, as well as emerging anti-aging therapies, to help people live younger and healthier for longer. Sinclair also delves into the philosophical and ethical implications of extending human lifespan, emphasizing that these methods are not against nature but rather a continuation of human efforts to improve health and longevity.

#5758

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

Our stolen future

Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence, and Survival?

Theo Colborn

The book chronicles the development of the endocrine disruptor hypothesis and its implications on human and wildlife health. It discusses how synthetic chemicals can alter fetal development, leading to reduced disease resistance, diminished fertility, and compromised intelligence and behavior. Written for a general audience, the book uses clear and simple language to explain complex scientific concepts and their real-world impacts.

Fertility struggles are often treated as a problem to solve only after they appear. But what if they’re actually a signal from the body that something deeper needs attention? On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I sit down with functional medicine physician Dr. Ann Shippy, author of The Preconception Revolution, to talk about why the months—even years—before conception may shape not only your health, but your future child’s long-term health as well. Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. In this conversation, we explore: • What fertility challenges may be signaling about your health, and why infertility may be the body’s “check engine light” • Why the 3–36 month preconception window can shape fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and your child’s long-term health • How just three weeks of ultra-processed food can change sperm quality, and what that reveals about fertility • What couples can start doing now to improve fertility, from strengthening metabolic health to reducing toxic exposures • How preparing your body before pregnancy may reduce your child’s risk of chronic disease later in life Preparing for pregnancy isn’t just about fertility. Many of the factors that influence fertility are within your control, and your body often responds in remarkable ways. View Show Notes From This Episode

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(0:00) Introduction to fertility issues and Dr. Hyman's personal health journey

(3:48) The Preconception Revolution and the current fertility crisis

(7:03) Dr. Ann Shippy's career and personal health journey

(9:18) The functional medicine approach to fertility and conception

(11:01) Biological vs. chronological age and older women conceiving

(13:02) Sperm quality, infertility signals, and lifestyle changes

(17:07) Strategies for preconception health and diet's role in fertility

(22:05) Environmental toxins, endocrine disruptors, and detoxification

(26:13) Supplements and patient examples in enhancing fertility

(33:02) Neurodevelopmental issues in children and foundational health for fertility

(37:37) Postpartum recovery and reducing toxin exposure

(38:30) Tests and biomarkers for assessing fertility

(43:02) Addressing autoimmune issues to improve fertility

(48:52) NAD's role in longevity and reproductive health

(52:02) The impact of stress and stress management on fertility

(56:43) Holistic fertility treatments and the importance of neurofeedback

(59:27) Introduction to Food Fix Uncensored and engagement strategies

(1:01:46) Acknowledgment of sponsors and closing remarks

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