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The Fertility Formula: Take Control of Your Reproductive Future
Brought to you by Penguin.
An indispensable guide to fertility, covering everything you need to know to optimise your hormones, get pregnant and take charge of your reproductive health.
Most of us are taught there’s nothing we can do to improve our fertility – that it’s simply a matter of luck – but this couldn’t be more wrong. In The Fertility Formula, fertility expert Dr Natalie Crawford breaks down the science behind fertility and guides you through what you can do, starting now, to improve your fertility and your chances of getting pregnant.
Weaving together cutting-edge science, clinical insight and patient stories, Dr Crawford gives you the tools to take control of your reproductive health,
The most common but overlooked causes of infertility – and what you can actually do about themThe truth about the ‘biological clock’, and why egg quality is about more than just ageHow to accurately track your menstrual cycle for conception, pregnancy prevention, and hormone health – and uncover the root cause of abnormal cyclesA step-by-step guide to getting pregnant, from timing intercourse with ovulation to navigating infertility treatments if neededA lifestyle plan to improve your hormone health, reduce inflammation and boost fertility through better sleep, stress-reduction, nutrition and movement20+ recipes for quick, easy, and delicious meals that support hormones and fertility
It’s time to put fertility back in your hands – and The Fertility Formula will give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to look after your reproductive future.
Published by FlightStory Books.
© Natalie Crawford 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
An indispensable guide to fertility, covering everything you need to know to optimise your hormones, get pregnant and take charge of your reproductive health.
Most of us are taught there’s nothing we can do to improve our fertility – that it’s simply a matter of luck – but this couldn’t be more wrong. In The Fertility Formula, fertility expert Dr Natalie Crawford breaks down the science behind fertility and guides you through what you can do, starting now, to improve your fertility and your chances of getting pregnant.
Weaving together cutting-edge science, clinical insight and patient stories, Dr Crawford gives you the tools to take control of your reproductive health,
The most common but overlooked causes of infertility – and what you can actually do about themThe truth about the ‘biological clock’, and why egg quality is about more than just ageHow to accurately track your menstrual cycle for conception, pregnancy prevention, and hormone health – and uncover the root cause of abnormal cyclesA step-by-step guide to getting pregnant, from timing intercourse with ovulation to navigating infertility treatments if neededA lifestyle plan to improve your hormone health, reduce inflammation and boost fertility through better sleep, stress-reduction, nutrition and movement20+ recipes for quick, easy, and delicious meals that support hormones and fertility
It’s time to put fertility back in your hands – and The Fertility Formula will give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to look after your reproductive future.
Published by FlightStory Books.
© Natalie Crawford 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Audible Audio
Published April 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 5, 2026
Here is my honest review of this book:
Pros: She covered everything. She made this book for everyone, even if you are not planing to get pregnant. This book was written make you be more in tune with your body, which is fantastic. She talked about all the topics that have a lot of misinformation online. I love her breakdown of exercise and different types and other lifestyle choices.
Cons: This is why I took off one star, supplements and recipes. There are very few supplements that have good data and impact fertility. I’ve spent months looking into this. This narrows this down to prenatal, CoQ10, vitamin D, omega-3. She doesn’t talk about choline!!! And choline is very low doses in prenatals! But she does talk about a bunch of other supplements like zinc 😅 which doesn’t have very good data for women. Melatonin, ONLY Ivf studies shown to have improvement, melatonin long term can impact your overall circadian rhythm and many sleep scientists don’t recommend it. Recipes listed at the end have very little protein, and we know that egg development is highly demanding on energy, plant protein might not be enough. Fish is a good source of protein, eggs, there are plant protein powders that are well formulated, those could have been recommendations at the end.
Also, I’m not random person looking at data, I’m a scientist with PhD so I would say I’m pretty good judge on data.
Overall, I think everyone should read this book to really understand their fertility and health. This is a good guide to what you can change and what questions you should be asking.
*If you listen to this book, you should get the pdf, it has a lot of information in it*
Pros: She covered everything. She made this book for everyone, even if you are not planing to get pregnant. This book was written make you be more in tune with your body, which is fantastic. She talked about all the topics that have a lot of misinformation online. I love her breakdown of exercise and different types and other lifestyle choices.
Cons: This is why I took off one star, supplements and recipes. There are very few supplements that have good data and impact fertility. I’ve spent months looking into this. This narrows this down to prenatal, CoQ10, vitamin D, omega-3. She doesn’t talk about choline!!! And choline is very low doses in prenatals! But she does talk about a bunch of other supplements like zinc 😅 which doesn’t have very good data for women. Melatonin, ONLY Ivf studies shown to have improvement, melatonin long term can impact your overall circadian rhythm and many sleep scientists don’t recommend it. Recipes listed at the end have very little protein, and we know that egg development is highly demanding on energy, plant protein might not be enough. Fish is a good source of protein, eggs, there are plant protein powders that are well formulated, those could have been recommendations at the end.
Also, I’m not random person looking at data, I’m a scientist with PhD so I would say I’m pretty good judge on data.
Overall, I think everyone should read this book to really understand their fertility and health. This is a good guide to what you can change and what questions you should be asking.
*If you listen to this book, you should get the pdf, it has a lot of information in it*
May 5, 2026
Insightful and tons of useful information about hormonal health and harmful products BUT I did think the author doesn’t touch enough on things that ARE good for us. I felt like most of the book was fear mongering tiny aspects of life such as thermal receipts…she talked about the danger of touching thermal receipts 3+ times.
Overall learned some new stuff but I think there are more insightful novels on the market under this category.
Overall learned some new stuff but I think there are more insightful novels on the market under this category.
April 28, 2026
Phew! I have a bone to pick with this book!
First, let’s start with the positive. This book does have some great information, and I did learn a lot about egg quality and how it changes as we age.
Now here is where I was like, ummm… I don’t fully agree with this.
When it comes to the nutrition section, I do agree that we should be eating more whole foods, veggies, and fruit. However, I personally did not agree with the protein recommendation, especially since she also recommends women strength train. If women are lifting weights, trying to support their hormones, and trying to maintain muscle, a low protein target just does not make sense to me.
I also did not love how she talked about melatonin possibly helping with egg quality. I have read different studies that suggest melatonin may not be ideal for everyone and could possibly affect ovulation. Because of that, I wish she would have explained that part better instead of making it sound like a simple egg-quality fix.
As for the supplement information, I did appreciate that she listed some of the most commonly talked-about fertility supplements. But of course, please be responsible and ask your doctor before adding anything new. Your doctor knows your health history best and can help you decide what is actually right for you.
Overall, I did learn from this book, but there were definitely parts that made me pause and question the advice.
First, let’s start with the positive. This book does have some great information, and I did learn a lot about egg quality and how it changes as we age.
Now here is where I was like, ummm… I don’t fully agree with this.
When it comes to the nutrition section, I do agree that we should be eating more whole foods, veggies, and fruit. However, I personally did not agree with the protein recommendation, especially since she also recommends women strength train. If women are lifting weights, trying to support their hormones, and trying to maintain muscle, a low protein target just does not make sense to me.
I also did not love how she talked about melatonin possibly helping with egg quality. I have read different studies that suggest melatonin may not be ideal for everyone and could possibly affect ovulation. Because of that, I wish she would have explained that part better instead of making it sound like a simple egg-quality fix.
As for the supplement information, I did appreciate that she listed some of the most commonly talked-about fertility supplements. But of course, please be responsible and ask your doctor before adding anything new. Your doctor knows your health history best and can help you decide what is actually right for you.
Overall, I did learn from this book, but there were definitely parts that made me pause and question the advice.
May 5, 2026
Highly recommend for anyone seeking more information about women’s health! Not just in the context of fertility.
April 28, 2026
I learned so much about natural reproductive health, potential setbacks, and actionable steps I can take daily to reduce all of that! This book was incredibly insightful!!
Read
May 3, 2026Highly recommend this book for all women, not just those trying to conceive. Lots of great information for overall health! As a healthcare professional, I tend to be more critical of these types of books, so I didn’t agree with all of it, but overall felt this was pretty good!
May 3, 2026
Every woman should read this book!
May 9, 2026
Very very informative and eye opening. Loved the audiobook!
Read
April 27, 2026This book brought me back to my health sci roots - so much good info about women's health that is not (but should be) common knowledge. I liked the focus on how fertility is a marker of overall health - not just those trying to conceive. There are definitely some key ideas that I will be prioritizing for my overall health. Would recommend to anyone with a uterus who wants to better understand how your body works!
Read
January 13, 2026I learned sooo much! This book really highlighted how much I *didn't* know about fertility and women's health. I think this would be an invaluable guide for anyone confused by misinformation online about hormone health and/or TTC.
With that said, didn't agree with everything in the nutrition chapter (ie. citing the EWG as a credible source). But I do think that optimizing for conception does require a more tailored and specific approach to nutrition and inflammation, so I'm mostly on-board :)
With that said, didn't agree with everything in the nutrition chapter (ie. citing the EWG as a credible source). But I do think that optimizing for conception does require a more tailored and specific approach to nutrition and inflammation, so I'm mostly on-board :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Your period is your sixth vital sign, and yet many of us were never taught to treat it that way. That is why this book feels so important.
This is not the genre I typically read, but I was genuinely excited to receive an early copy because I believe this information is critical for women. I have followed Natalie Crawford for quite some time on social media and deeply respect the way she educates about fertility in a clear, grounded, and approachable way. As we begin having more honest conversations about hormones, cycle tracking, and the long-term effects of birth control, this book feels timely, necessary, and long overdue.
The book is thoughtfully organized into five parts. It begins by explaining what we should have learned about our fertility from the start, then walks through practical tools like cycle tracking, fertility testing, and family planning options. It also covers holistic preparation, helps readers synthesize everything into a plan for them, and offers nutrition guidance to support reproductive health. It truly feels like an essential guide for understanding your body before you even start “trying.” I could see this being helpful to pick up over and over again when questions arise.
Throughout the book, Crawford includes helpful callouts that answer common questions, distills important research findings into digestible information, and shares practical pro tips to help women advocate for themselves in medical settings. The science is accessible without fear or overwhelm, equipping women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their bodies.
This is the information I hope becomes second nature by the time we are passing it down to our daughters and it is a book I would absolutely recommend to the women in my life.
Thank you to Viking Penguin and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is not the genre I typically read, but I was genuinely excited to receive an early copy because I believe this information is critical for women. I have followed Natalie Crawford for quite some time on social media and deeply respect the way she educates about fertility in a clear, grounded, and approachable way. As we begin having more honest conversations about hormones, cycle tracking, and the long-term effects of birth control, this book feels timely, necessary, and long overdue.
The book is thoughtfully organized into five parts. It begins by explaining what we should have learned about our fertility from the start, then walks through practical tools like cycle tracking, fertility testing, and family planning options. It also covers holistic preparation, helps readers synthesize everything into a plan for them, and offers nutrition guidance to support reproductive health. It truly feels like an essential guide for understanding your body before you even start “trying.” I could see this being helpful to pick up over and over again when questions arise.
Throughout the book, Crawford includes helpful callouts that answer common questions, distills important research findings into digestible information, and shares practical pro tips to help women advocate for themselves in medical settings. The science is accessible without fear or overwhelm, equipping women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their bodies.
This is the information I hope becomes second nature by the time we are passing it down to our daughters and it is a book I would absolutely recommend to the women in my life.
Thank you to Viking Penguin and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2026
Disclaimer:
Not pregnant.
Not trying.
Just someone who thinks that bowel movements and menstrual cycle(if applicable) should be something they check at yearly physicals.
Pros: This is a good start if you haven't read any other books on the topic. It's one of the most comprehensive books on infertility that I've seen in a while. I think many of the points are valid. She seems to be coming from a place of genuine care. I also can get behind the idea that lifestyle is important. LOVED the ideas for endometriosis. Her interesting note about gluten at the beginning was only the second confirmation of something I've personally experienced.
Cons: This is very much written to an upper middle class audience, who can afford to drop whatever it costs to do all those tests that she recommends. There is an obligatory "insurance should pay" line, but for the most part it's glossed over. There's a bit of snark at alt-health practitioners but if you're poor or needing to save up for a while and desperate to do something, they often cost a fraction of what IVF costs(and their odds of success--data about fertility treatments that you should probably consider--are probably just as good. Maybe that's improved since I last checked, though?). Instead of snark, maybe examine why people do that stuff in the first place and adjust practice accordingly---just a good tip in general. I know an MD who offered the earlier treatments(not IVF or retrieval) for low-income earners at his clinic for $30 in 2024.
Other data you should have under your belt: the average salary of doctors at reproductive clinics(especially "boutique" ones), and what is currently known about the longterm effects of all of these procedures and medications on the individuals involved(both physical and emotional). I mention this because I remember crying through an article a woman wrote after years of trying every intervention imaginable. And she was broken in more ways than one. Too often we see in our heads the best outcome. It's worth examining realistic ideas of what the worst looks like as well.
Not pregnant.
Not trying.
Just someone who thinks that bowel movements and menstrual cycle(if applicable) should be something they check at yearly physicals.
Pros: This is a good start if you haven't read any other books on the topic. It's one of the most comprehensive books on infertility that I've seen in a while. I think many of the points are valid. She seems to be coming from a place of genuine care. I also can get behind the idea that lifestyle is important. LOVED the ideas for endometriosis. Her interesting note about gluten at the beginning was only the second confirmation of something I've personally experienced.
Cons: This is very much written to an upper middle class audience, who can afford to drop whatever it costs to do all those tests that she recommends. There is an obligatory "insurance should pay" line, but for the most part it's glossed over. There's a bit of snark at alt-health practitioners but if you're poor or needing to save up for a while and desperate to do something, they often cost a fraction of what IVF costs(and their odds of success--data about fertility treatments that you should probably consider--are probably just as good. Maybe that's improved since I last checked, though?). Instead of snark, maybe examine why people do that stuff in the first place and adjust practice accordingly---just a good tip in general. I know an MD who offered the earlier treatments(not IVF or retrieval) for low-income earners at his clinic for $30 in 2024.
Other data you should have under your belt: the average salary of doctors at reproductive clinics(especially "boutique" ones), and what is currently known about the longterm effects of all of these procedures and medications on the individuals involved(both physical and emotional). I mention this because I remember crying through an article a woman wrote after years of trying every intervention imaginable. And she was broken in more ways than one. Too often we see in our heads the best outcome. It's worth examining realistic ideas of what the worst looks like as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
Pros: discusses specific aspects of lifestyle and environment playing a role in infertility (finally we are seeing a shift in that unexplained fertility can have an answers) gives case study examples, adds in boxes about research relevant to the chapter in small chunks, addresses questions commonly asked, importance of adding in plant-based products.
Cons: makes animal based products to be avoided at almost all costs and that "all red meat is inflammatory and organ meat is bad", also recommends supplements that you can get from eating meat, if you're eating regenerative farming that has way more bioavailable nutrients than eating soy or supplements, uses genetic things like "eat more complex carbs" but doesn't discuss the differences between simple vs complex carbs, doesn't address circadian biology and how light greatly effects our sleep, magnesium should be included in the sleep section as well as it's other benefits, melatonin isn't benign and she over-emphasizes is, says get rid of "imported cosmetics" but that is very generic and not all US companies are appropriate for cosmetics she doesn't define what that means, additionally there are editing needs such as going off on tangents that was odd.
Cons: makes animal based products to be avoided at almost all costs and that "all red meat is inflammatory and organ meat is bad", also recommends supplements that you can get from eating meat, if you're eating regenerative farming that has way more bioavailable nutrients than eating soy or supplements, uses genetic things like "eat more complex carbs" but doesn't discuss the differences between simple vs complex carbs, doesn't address circadian biology and how light greatly effects our sleep, magnesium should be included in the sleep section as well as it's other benefits, melatonin isn't benign and she over-emphasizes is, says get rid of "imported cosmetics" but that is very generic and not all US companies are appropriate for cosmetics she doesn't define what that means, additionally there are editing needs such as going off on tangents that was odd.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this from Netgalley. If you’re on this path—or if you love someone who is—please read this. You deserve this kind of support.
They say 1 in 6 people struggle with infertility and 1 in 4 experience miscarriage. I am both. After three IVF cycles and a first-trimester miscarriage last month, I know what it feels like to be the one crying on the bathroom floor, wondering how much more you can hold.
Dr. Crawford, thank you for this gift. The Fertility Formula takes a process that so often feels overwhelming, confusing, and isolating—and makes it feel understandable, grounded, and humane. Whether you’re navigating IVF protocols, egg freezing, or the quiet heartbreak of loss, this book meets you exactly where you are.
If you’re giving yourself injections tonight, or holding your breath through every scan, let this be a reminder: you don’t have to go through this in silence.
As we prepare for our next embryo transfer—carrying so much hope with us—I feel more informed, more empowered, and less alone. If you’re curious about your fertility, or deep in treatment like I am, I truly can’t recommend this enough. ✨
They say 1 in 6 people struggle with infertility and 1 in 4 experience miscarriage. I am both. After three IVF cycles and a first-trimester miscarriage last month, I know what it feels like to be the one crying on the bathroom floor, wondering how much more you can hold.
Dr. Crawford, thank you for this gift. The Fertility Formula takes a process that so often feels overwhelming, confusing, and isolating—and makes it feel understandable, grounded, and humane. Whether you’re navigating IVF protocols, egg freezing, or the quiet heartbreak of loss, this book meets you exactly where you are.
If you’re giving yourself injections tonight, or holding your breath through every scan, let this be a reminder: you don’t have to go through this in silence.
As we prepare for our next embryo transfer—carrying so much hope with us—I feel more informed, more empowered, and less alone. If you’re curious about your fertility, or deep in treatment like I am, I truly can’t recommend this enough. ✨
April 21, 2026
Love this author’s podcast, so I was excited to hear she was releasing a book. I listened as an audiobook which is such an easy way to consume nonfiction (especially with a long commute) but I’ll admit I know I don’t process the info the same way when listening compared to physically reading and it sometimes feels like an overwhelming amount of content because I can get through it so much faster. This book did make me feel (like may other health-related books) that there are just so many things that we “should” be doing to optimize health, it’s hard to know where to start or what are really the most impactful changes to make without sacrificing entirely on enjoyment and some of the conveniences of life. That being said, I love her emphasis on how fertility is a marker of overall health - it’s not just important when you are thinking about starting a family. I’m grateful to have grown up in a generation where women have the right to make decisions about their reproductive health, and I think this book does a great job providing the education that is lacking to make truly informed decisions.
May 12, 2026
I’ve been following Natalie Crawford for a long time and I’m generally a fan of her work but this book was only ok. This book is pretty basic and repetitive and a lot of her lifestyle and nutrition recommendations seem both extreme and arbitrary. She personally follows a plant based diet, so that’s what she recommends for her patients, and it seems like she’s searching for the research to back up her life choices. Nutrition studies are mostly trash so I don’t put a lot of stock into their or her conclusions. I just can’t imagine how a full time working woman struggling with her fertility would react to being told she needs to sleep 7-9 hours a night, meditate every day, exercise every day, avoid all stress and only eat whole foods cooked at home. This just doesn’t seem within reach for most people. Good audiobook well narrated by the author.
April 14, 2026
Excellent read for anyone interested in reproductive health—not just those on a fertility journey. It covers the fundamentals of male and female anatomy, the many conditions that can contribute to infertility, and evidence‑based strategies for improving both reproductive and overall health. I appreciated the charts, illustrations, and clear summary points at the end of each chapter. The resource section is extensive, and while I’m not a recipe person, I know plenty of readers will love the collection of recipes included in the back.
I first heard about this book when I saw the author in conversation with Pamela Brown from CNN in Aspen, and I knew right then I had to read it. I’m glad I followed through.
I first heard about this book when I saw the author in conversation with Pamela Brown from CNN in Aspen, and I knew right then I had to read it. I’m glad I followed through.
April 17, 2026
"The Fertility Formula" by Natalie Crawford, M.D. is an incredibly empowering resource for anyone navigating their fertility journey. It blends medical expertise with compassion, breaking down complex concepts into clear, easy-to-understand terminology with actionable guidance. I found it both reassuring and motivating, offering real clarity in an often overwhelming space. If you need to understand your cycle, this book is for you. If you plan to have a baby someday, this book is for you. A truly valuable read for anyone seeking knowledge, hope, and a sense of control in their fertility path. Well done, Dr. Crawford!
May 6, 2026
I’d highly recommend this book to any woman, especially those of reproductive age (early 20s through mid-late 30s). The sooner the better so that you can plan ahead! This book contains a wealth of information from better understanding your cycles to lifestyle changes that improve hormone health and fertility. Dr. Natalie Crawford emphasizes that fertility is not just important when wanting to conceive, but is a crucial indicator to overall health. I wish this book would’ve been written and published 5+ years ago!
May 8, 2026
I wish I could give this book 1000 ⭐️s!!! Every woman should read this book if they care remotely about their fertility, TTC, or literally just for their overall reproductive and hormone health. I learned so much from the basics of your cycles, hormones, and even lifestyle changes you can make to. I’ll read this many more times. GO GET A COPY!!!!!
May 11, 2026
This almost feels like a case of information overload, but that is because I read this book on Libby. I will probably buy it to have certain sections available to review!
A treasure trove of information for women looking to learn more about their hormones and how to reduce/address chronic inflammation.
A treasure trove of information for women looking to learn more about their hormones and how to reduce/address chronic inflammation.
April 24, 2026
Been following for awhile and have learned so much from her. I enjoyed the book, but her pre-order content (video PowerPoint learning sessions and Q&As) were more valuable to me than the book! Will reference this book and that content.
May 1, 2026
I cannot say enough good things about this book!! I HIGHLY recommend every woman reads this regardless if you want to have kids or not. I believe is is SO important to understand your body to be able to make informed decisions and advocate for yourself 💛
April 18, 2026
I wish I could travel back in time 10 years and give myself this book. **HIGHLY RECOMMEND**
April 21, 2026
Before any of my friends or family reading this get excited, I was recommended this book for my autoimmune disease symptoms lol. Very informative and love the author
April 29, 2026
Very informative and helfpful
If you want to know more about your fertility and hormones this is definitely the book for you. Loved every minute of it
If you want to know more about your fertility and hormones this is definitely the book for you. Loved every minute of it
May 6, 2026
Would recommend. Has supplement recommendations and recipes for women with different conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, etc.
May 6, 2026
The best book I have read so far this year! Very impactful and I am recommending to all of my female friends. I learned a lot - especially chapter 10 about lifestyle changes men and women can make that affect their fertility.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews