Mushrooms, Fertility & the Microbiome: How Medicinal Mushrooms Support Hormones, Immunity & Reproductive Health

Could the secret to fertility and hormone balance be found in mushrooms? 🍄 In this fascinating conversation, we explore how medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Cordyceps can impact fertility, the vaginal and gut microbiome, and the immune system.

Join me in this episode as I interview Anna Sitkoff!

Anna Sitkoff is a licensed naturopathic doctor and medicinal mushroom expert with over a decade of experience. She is the Co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Lucidum Medicinals, the author of the Medicinal Mushrooms chapter in The Textbook of Natural Medicine, has published research in the Journal of Immunology, and is on the North American Mycological Association’s Medicinal Mushroom Committee. She frequently speaks on topics related to functional medicine, women’s health, and evidence-based herbalism.

As we dive into the science behind these powerful fungi, you’ll learn how they can help:

🌿 Regulate immune function and support women with autoimmune conditions like PCOS and Hashimoto’s

🌿 Restore vaginal microbiome balance, reducing dysbiosis that affects conception

🌿 Support the gut microbiome, helping good bacteria thrive

🌿 Enhance egg and sperm quality through antioxidant and adaptogenic properties

🌿 Address immune-related fertility challenges like recurrent pregnancy loss by balancing TH1/TH2 responses

💬 Highlights from this episode:

• Why Turkey Tail may be a surprising ally for the vaginal microbiome and HPV support
• How Reishi and Maitake work synergistically for hormone balance
• The role of Cordyceps in supporting energy, stamina, and testosterone in men
• The science behind immune regulation and fertility—and how mushrooms may help recalibrate it naturally
• Practical advice for getting started: food forms vs. extracts, dosages, and how long to take them

💡 Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally, managing PCOS or thyroid issues, or simply curious about the power of adaptogens, this episode offers research-based insights and practical tips to help you support your fertility naturally.

✨ Follow Anna on:

IG: @drannasitkoff

https://www.welcometomushroomhour.com/blogs/podcasts/ep-184-ergosterol-ergothioneine-and-mushrooms-supporting-pregnancy-feat-dr-anna-sitkov

Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.

Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:

- what you loved

- what you want to see improve

- any guests you want me to bring on

- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!

Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the place for live interactions, support, and learning on the fertility journey.

Want more amazing content?