Hi there sister! Recently, I’ve received countless messages from women who are struggling with unexplained infertility. They’ve had their hormones tested, their lab work done, and have been told by their doctors that everything looks “normal.” Yet, they’re still left without answers. Today, I want to shed some light on this issue. I’m passionate about this topic because it’s crucial for women to understand how to actively partner with their practitioners. Too often, I see women acting as passive participants in their healthcare, trusting every word without question. Even with the best doctors, it’s vital to be an advocate for your own health—especially when trying to conceive.

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A Biblical Perspective on Wisdom in Healthcare

Before diving into practical advice, let’s ground ourselves in scripture. 1 Corinthians 3:19 reminds us:

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness.’”

This verse is a powerful reminder that all human knowledge, no matter how advanced, pales in comparison to God’s wisdom. Everything we know about our bodies and healthcare is a gift from Him. As Christian women, we must weigh the advice we receive with discernment, seeking to please God rather than man.

The wisdom of this world evolves. A hundred years ago, fertility knowledge was vastly different from what it is today. And a hundred years from now, if the Lord hasn’t returned, people will look back on our current understanding and realize we were only scratching the surface. Women’s healthcare, especially, has lagged behind, with much of our current knowledge only being developed in the mid-20th century. Yet, we’re blessed with incredible insights into fertility awareness methods, which empower women to understand their bodies in ways that glorify God and align with His design. My course, Fertility Framework, dives into this in even greater detail.

Be a Partner, Not a Puppet

I’ve noticed many women simply accept what their doctors say without asking questions or understanding the “why” behind decisions. Even the best doctors can’t know everything, and often, medical school doesn’t cover the intricate details of fertility awareness methods or cycle health.

When it comes to trying to conceive, it’s vital that you’re an informed and active participant in your healthcare. Here’s why:

• Many doctors test hormones without considering timing in your cycle, which can lead to incomplete or misleading results.
• Fertility awareness methods (like FEMM) can provide deeper insights into your cycle, helping you understand ovulation, hormonal health, and overall reproductive function.
• You have the right to ask questions and request specific tests to address your concerns.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about bashing doctors. Most practitioners simply haven’t been trained extensively in fertility awareness unless they’ve pursued additional education. Understanding this allows us to approach the situation with grace and wisdom while still advocating for ourselves effectively. 

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Tip #1: Charting Should Be Your First Step

No one is going to understand your body, your life, and your lifestyle factors more than you because they’re just not you and they haven’t lived in your shoes. So, it’s important to take charge of your health first and get to charting so that you know what to look for and what questions to ask in your doctor’s appointments.

Your chart reveals information about thyroid issues. Your chart reveals information about hormone imbalance of all different kinds, which impacts your conception health and wellbeing in your long-term health. Your chart reveals gynecological concerns that you may need to get addressed, tested, and treated for. Your chart reveals if you have gut health issues and that’s a big deal. We need to take that seriously. 90% of your immune system is hosted in your gut. It’s important, right? 

Your chart reveals all of this before you pay a penny to do any lab work. 

If you’re new to this concept, I am a certified hormone coach and offer a Fertility Framework course where I help educate women about fertility awareness methods (FAM) like FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management) and provide deep education about hormonal health. This course is designed to teach you how to figure out your hormones and support your body in getting pregnant!

Why At-Home Testing Helps Too

I take things a step further with my clients and encourage what I like to call “bougie charting.” Think adding at-home urine tests and basal body temperature tracking to get an even clearer picture of your health. This is especially important if:

• You’re trying to conceive.
• You’ve experienced miscarriage and want to assess your preconception health.
• You’re looking to optimize your cycle health naturally.

By doing this, you’re putting yourself in the driver’s seat. You’re not just relying on a doctor to tell you what’s going on—you’re learning to advocate for yourself with real data in hand.

Why Charting Is Your Superpower

Whether you’re on a fertility journey or just trying to understand your health better, it can feel overwhelming. But trust me, starting with charting and at-home testing can be a total game changer. Let me explain why!

When you chart your cycle, you’re essentially creating a roadmap of what’s happening in your body. This isn’t just about tracking your period (though that’s part of it!). It’s about understanding how your body works as a whole—what’s normal for you and what might be a sign that something’s off.

Think of it this way: if your body is sending you signals, your chart helps you decode them. For example, noticing patterns in your mucus, temperature, or other symptoms can give you and your doctor clues about your hormones, ovulation, and overall health. It’s like bringing a cheat sheet to your doctor’s visit—and who doesn’t love being extra prepared?

I can teach you how to chart in a way that will empower you and help you understand exactly what is happening in your body and why. You can make charting your superpower too! To learn more, check out my course Fertility Framework here.

A Real-Life Example

Let me share a quick story. I once worked with a woman who was experiencing irregular cycles and hormone imbalances. When she started charting, everything changed. Suddenly, she had a clear picture of what her body was doing each month. Armed with her charts, her doctor was able to pinpoint what tests to run and when to run them. Instead of guessing, they worked together to find the answers she needed. Charting turned a confusing process into an empowering one.

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Tip #2: Timing Lab Work with Your Cycle

So, let’s talk about lab work. If you’re getting your hormones tested through blood work, it’s essential that it’s timed with your cycle. And this is where charting comes in clutch.

Many doctors will recommend testing hormones like progesterone on cycle day 21, assuming all women ovulate on day 14. But guess what? That’s not always true! Stress, travel, and other factors can delay ovulation, so you need to know your own ovulation timing for accurate results.

Here’s how it works:

• Progesterone is best tested 5, 7, or even 9 days after ovulation (not randomly on day 21 unless that matches your cycle).
• If your doctor isn’t timing your bloodwork with your cycle, it’s worth finding someone who will.

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Tip #3: Be Your Own Advocate and Ask Good Questions

This is huge, sister. Your chart can reveal so much—potential thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, gynecological concerns, even gut health problems. And all of this insight comes before you’ve spent a penny on lab work!

If you’re working with a doctor who dismisses or doesn’t understand your chart, it might be time to find someone else. You deserve a healthcare provider who listens, respects your knowledge, and uses your chart as a tool to guide testing and treatment.

Before jumping into any lab tests, ask your doctor:

• What will you do with these results?
• Are there natural ways to address these issues?
• Will you work with my cycle timing?

Not all doctors are trained in fertility awareness or holistic approaches, and that’s okay. But knowing upfront what to expect can save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration.

Talking to Your Doctor

Now, let’s talk about the doctor’s visit itself. I know it can feel intimidating, but remember: you’re the expert on your own body! When you bring your chart to the table, you’re equipping your doctor with valuable information. It shows them you’re proactive and serious about your health, which often leads to better, more focused care.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

1. Bring Your Chart: Whether you use an app or a paper chart, have it ready to share.
2. Ask Specific Questions: Use your chart to highlight concerns like irregular cycles, unusual symptoms, or possible luteal phase issues.
3. Take Notes: Write down your doctor’s recommendations, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if something doesn’t make sense.

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Submitting Healthcare Decisions to the Lord

As you navigate your healthcare journey, remember that no doctor—no matter how knowledgeable—is God. Every piece of advice should be brought before the Lord in prayer. Seek His guidance and wisdom in every decision. It’s not about disregarding medical expertise but about holding it in humility, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God.

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Let’s Recap! Three Tips for Navigating Lab Work

To help you feel empowered and equipped, here are three tips for navigating lab work and discussions with your doctor:

1. Chart Your Cycle: Utilize fertility awareness methods to chart your cycle. This not only gives you insight into your hormonal health but also provides invaluable information to share with your practitioner.
2. Understand Timing: Hormonal tests must be done at specific points in your cycle to yield accurate results. Educate yourself on when key hormones like progesterone and estrogen should be tested.
3. Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about the rationale behind their testing methods. For example, “Why are we testing on this day?” or “What specific hormones are being checked?” This fosters collaboration and ensures you’re on the same page.

Charting is life-changing. Seriously, I tell women it should be as routine as brushing your teeth. It helps you understand your body, advocate for yourself, and make informed decisions about your health. Listen to episode 98 on the For the Love of Hormones podcast here to gather even more information on this topic.

So, before you dive into lab work, grab a thermometer, start charting, and let’s decode the beautiful language of your body together. And remember—if you need help, I’m here. Check out Fertility Framework to get the support you deserve.

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