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Key Topics with Timestamps
- 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
- 02:30 - Dr. Anne Shippy's Background
- 05:45 - Health Journey and Transition to Medicine
- 10:15 - Discovering Functional Medicine
- 15:00 - The Fertility Crisis
- 20:30 - Male Factor Fertility
- 25:45 - Supplements for Fertility
- 30:00 - Phosphatidylcholine and Detox
- 35:15 - Female Factor and Egg Health
- 40:00 - The Preconception Revolution Book
- 45:30 - Environmental Factors and EMF
- 50:00 - Closing and Where to Find the Book
As Dr. Anna Cabeca, I've spent over 30 years as an OBGYN and functional medicine practitioner helping women reclaim their health, hormone balance, and vitality. Fertility isn't just about conception—it's a reflection of our overall well-being, hormonal harmony, and even our longevity. In a recent episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Anne Shippy, a board-certified internal medicine physician and certified functional medicine expert based in Austin, Texas. We dove deep into the world of preconception health, fertility challenges, and how to revolutionize your approach to building a family—or simply enhancing your health span.
Dr. Shippy's journey is nothing short of inspiring, and our conversation shed light on the "preconception revolution," the title of her upcoming book set to release on November 18, 2025. Whether you're actively trying to conceive, planning for the future, or just interested in optimizing your body's natural rhythms for better aging, this discussion is packed with actionable insights. I'll expand on key points from our chat here, drawing from my own clinical experience and the latest research, to help you understand how to boost fertility naturally. But trust me, the full podcast episode brings these topics to life with personal stories and expert nuance you won't want to miss.
From Chemical Engineer to Functional Medicine Pioneer
Our episode kicked off with Dr. Shippy sharing her remarkable transition from a chemical engineer at IBM to a trailblazing physician. Imagine working in a high-tech manufacturing environment, surrounded by off-gassing chemicals, electrical fumes, and even potential mold exposures—it's a recipe for toxic overload. Dr. Shippy suspects this, combined with a diet heavy in tuna (hello, mercury!) and amalgam fillings, set the stage for her health downfall.
She recounted a pivotal moment: a vacation where she likely picked up a parasite, triggering undiagnosed celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Symptoms hit hard—massive digestive distress, rapid weight loss, hair thinning, and a general feeling of malaise. Her employees even worried she had cancer. Despite visiting multiple doctors, no one connected the dots. It was only through self-education—books, diets, nutritionists, acupuncturists, and an innovative allergist—that she reclaimed her health.
This resonates deeply with me. In my practice, I've seen countless women dismissed by conventional medicine, only to thrive once we address root causes like gut health and toxins. Dr. Shippy's wake-up call came at 3 a.m. after a business trip: she decided to pursue medical school, despite never having taken a biology class. Five years of prerequisites, med school, and residency later, she emerged with a solid foundation—but realized traditional training fell short on chronic issues like nutrition, microbiome, toxins, and stress.
In my own journey, going through early menopause at 39 taught me the limitations of pill-for-every-ill medicine. Functional medicine bridges that gap, focusing on interconnected systems. Dr. Shippy echoed this, noting how med school excels at acute care but ignores holistic healing. After having two children (one in med school, one in residency), she entered traditional practice, only to develop autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome—linked to increased risks of stroke, clots, miscarriage, and infertility.
This "mess became her message," as I often say. She discovered functional medicine 20 years ago, when it was a niche field in small classrooms. Today, it's a certification powerhouse, but back then, it empowered her to heal completely—her autoimmune markers vanished, and she's remained symptom-free. In my clinic, I've witnessed similar reversals: women with PCOS, endometriosis, or low AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels turning things around by addressing inflammation and hormones naturally.
The Alarming Fertility Crisis: Why It's Time for a Revolution
Shifting gears, we tackled the elephant in the room: the global fertility crisis. One in six couples struggles to conceive after a year of trying, and it's equally split between male and female factors—sometimes both. Sperm counts have plummeted 50% in 50 years, declining 1-2% annually. Extrapolate that, and we're facing a future where IVF might be the norm, as depicted in dystopian tales like *The Handmaid's Tale* (which I recently binge-watched—chilling!).
But it's not just infertility; children's health is in crisis too. Autism rates climbed from 1 in 36 in 2020 to 1 in 31 by 2022 among 8-year-olds. Add rising autoimmunity, cancer, obesity, and mental health issues, and it's clear: our environment and lifestyles are impacting generations. Elon Musk has called fertility the next epidemic—spot on.
From my perspective, post-pandemic medicine has changed. I've seen spikes in autoimmunity, hormone imbalances, and infertility. COVID—whether from infection or vaccines—has amplified inflammation and immune dysregulation. In one case, a 41-year-old client with three COVID vaccines had a post-vaccine miscarriage and AMH of 0.03; fertility clinics turned her away. We focused on detox, inflammation reduction, and hormone support—six months later, she was pregnant naturally.
Dr. Shippy emphasizes preconception prep: 3-12 months of optimization before trying. This isn't just for parents; it's for grandparents too. We're passing on not just DNA but epigenetics and mitochondrial health, influencing everything from diabetes risk to longevity. Even if pregnancy isn't your goal, these steps enhance ovarian and adrenal function, equating health span to lifespan.
Tackling Male Factor Fertility: The Overlooked Half
Often, fertility discussions center on women, but male factors are 50% of the equation—and highly responsive to natural interventions. Dr. Shippy highlighted advanced tests like SpermQT (assessing epigenetics and methylation for baby health) and PS Sperm (measuring phosphatidylserine for egg penetration).
In practice, I counsel men on basics: wear boxers to avoid heat, exercise moderately, and ditch plastics (bisphenols disrupt hormones). Reduce alcohol, nicotine, and substances; manage blood sugar with continuous glucose monitors to prevent passing diabetes epigenetics. A new study links air pollution to sperm damage—invest in HEPA filters.
Supplements shine here: CoQ10 for mitochondrial energy, astaxanthin for sperm motility, vitamin D for hormone balance, and nitric oxide boosters like beetroot or citrulline for better blood flow. Carnitine (1,500 mg daily) supports sperm quality; studies from Scandinavian countries show prenatal use improves child neurology.
Dr. Shippy and I agree: the same protocols benefit both partners. In my experience, couples who commit to 3-6 months see dramatic improvements—higher sperm counts, better morphology, and successful conceptions without IVF.
Female Fertility: Nurturing Egg Quality and Hormone Balance
For women, fertility ties into ovarian reserve, hormone balance, and inflammation control. Low AMH doesn't mean game over—it's a signal to optimize. Dr. Shippy's approach mirrors mine: detox gently with liposomal glutathione and binders like zeolite to pull toxins.
Phosphatidylcholine is a star—essential for cell membranes, detox (knocking fat-soluble toxins loose), and methylation (gene expression). I call it my "desert island" supplement; doses of 1-2 grams daily build cells for the baby and aid brain development. IV forms, like in the PK protocol, act like a "car wash" for cells; even 10 sessions make a difference, though oral works wonders too.
Methylated B vitamins (folate as 5-MTHF) support detoxification and prevent neural tube defects. Acetyl-L-carnitine enhances mitochondrial function—I've seen patients feel energized within days. For post-COVID or high-oxidative stress cases, we use nattokinase, mightymaca (adaptogen), and progesterone cream for gentle hormone support.
Stress management is crucial: meditation, neurofeedback, clean eating (no Chick-fil-A-only diets!). One client, a stressed 16-year-old whose pregnancy diet led to her child's obesity struggles, highlights epigenetics' power. Reduce oxidative stress first before high-dose omegas to avoid fueling inflammation—test markers like MPO or lipid peroxides.
In my clinic, we've reversed early menopause diagnoses by addressing mold, toxins, and EMF.
Environmental Toxins and Emerging Threats: EMF and Beyond
Dr. Shippy's book delves into toxins: mold, parabens, bisphenols from plastics, and now air pollution. We discussed EMF and blue light—Japanese studies link excessive screen time to low testosterone in young men, potentially fueling future infertility.
Limit flights for radiation, keep phones off bodies, and cut screen time. Post-book, Dr. Shippy plans to explore 5G's impacts, especially with toxin buildup altering cellular energy. In my practice, I recommend dark retreats for a melatonin reset—your brain makes its own light!
These factors compound: toxins + EMF = disrupted hormones. Clean up: if you can't eat it, don't use it (shampoos, soaps). This preconception work prevents passing burdens to kids.
The Preconception Revolution: A Blueprint for Generational Health
Dr. Shippy's book, "The Preconception Revolution: A Science-Backed Path to Your Fertility and Generational Health", is a 600-page masterpiece. It's for aspiring parents, grandparents—anyone wanting to gift strong bodies to future souls. Backed by research, patient stories, and functional protocols, it covers autoimmunity, mold, toxins, and more.
What sets it apart? A complete plan: detox, supplements, stress tools, nutrition. Even the egg's "selective" role—energetically calling sperm, with a spark of light at conception (zinc reaction)—hints at soul-level magic. I felt it with my daughter Ava!
Available November 18, 2025, at anneshippymd.com, thepreconceptionrevolution.com (with rituals), Amazon, etc. Grandparents: devour and share!
Why This Matters for Longevity and Beyond
Boosting fertility naturally isn't just about babies—it's longevity medicine. Supporting the ovaries and adrenals enhances quality of life. We've created enough maternal guilt; let's empower generations.
In our chat, Dr. Shippy and I committed to sensible medicine: reduce toxins, clutter, stress. Our hard-won lessons fuel this mission. It's empowering, soulful medicine you need. Don't miss it!
Q&A:
Q: What is the preconception revolution?
A: It's Dr. Anne Shippy's approach to preparing the body 3-12 months before conception through detox, nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes to optimize fertility and pass on healthy epigenetics for generational health.
Q: How can men boost their fertility naturally?
A: Focus on reducing toxins (plastics, alcohol), managing blood sugar, using air filters, and supplements like CoQ10, astaxanthin, carnitine, and vitamin D. Advanced tests like SpermQT can guide improvements.
Q: What role does phosphatidylcholine play in fertility?
A: It's essential for cell membranes, detoxing fat-soluble toxins, methylation, and building new cells for the baby. Take orally (1-2g daily) or via IV for deeper cleansing.
Q: Why is the fertility crisis worsening?
A: Declining sperm counts (50% in 50 years), rising autism and autoimmunity in kids, environmental toxins, EMF, and poor lifestyles are key factors, affecting 1 in 6 couples globally.
Q: Can low AMH be reversed naturally?
A: Yes, through inflammation reduction, detox, hormone balancing (e.g., progesterone cream), and supplements. Cases show pregnancy in 6 months even at age 41 with AMH of 0.03.
Links Mentioned:
Connect with Dr. Ann Shippy:
Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:
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Disclaimers
This article is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Supplements and compounded drops should be used under professional guidance. Cosmetic suggestions are for external use only; never place creams in the eye.
