If you've been told you have premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), it can feel final as if your ovaries have stopped working and your only hope is donor eggs. But the truth is more complex. Research shows that spontaneous ovulation is still possible. In this episode, we're looking at POI through both a conventional and functional fertility lens, exploring what it really means for your pregnancy potential, and how timing, preparation, and immune balance all matter.

You'll learn:

• The difference between menopause and POI and why ovarian function can "flicker" back on
• What autoimmune activity, gut health, and toxins have to do with ovarian function
• The realistic chances of natural pregnancy with POI and how to detect spontaneous ovulation
• When hormone therapy or IVF with your own eggs might make sense
• Why donor eggs often lead to high success rates when functional foundations are addressed

Sarah Clark is the founder of Fab Fertile Inc. and the host of Get Pregnant Naturally. Her team specializes in functional approaches for low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, recurrent miscarriage and helping couples prepare their bodies for pregnancy success naturally or with IVF.

This episode is especially for you if:

• You've been told POI or "early menopause" means you'll never get pregnant
• You're considering IVF or donor eggs and want to understand your options
• You want a clear, functional fertility plan to prepare your body for pregnanc

·     Not sure where to start? Download our most popular resource: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH. It breaks everything down step by step to help you understand your options and take action.

·     For personalized support to improve pregnancy success, book a call here.

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TIMESTAMPS 

00:00 — The truth about POI and pregnancy
POI isn't always the end of the road. Learn how spontaneous ovulation and functional fertility preparation can open new possibilities even after a diagnosis of premature ovarian insufficiency.

01:00 — What POI really means (and how it differs from early menopause)
Conventional vs functional views of ovarian function — why "flickering" ovarian activity matters for pregnancy potential.

02:30 Underlying imbalances behind POI
How autoimmune issues, gut dysfunction, toxins, and stress affect ovarian function and fertility outcomes.

04:00 Realistic chances of pregnancy with POI
Research-backed data showing 5–10% of women with POI conceive naturally, plus factors that improve success rates.

06:00 Spontaneous ovulation and how to catch it
Tracking methods like Mira, Inito, and PDG tests that can help you detect rare ovulations and time intercourse or IVF cycles effectively.

08:00 Managing stress and nervous system regulation
Why chronic stress and HPA-axis dysfunction shut down ovulation and how the nervous system work restores reproductive signaling.

10:00 Gut, immune, and environmental testing for POI
Why stool, food sensitivity, and mycotoxin testing matter for egg quality, implantation, and autoimmune balance.

12:00 Nutrients and mitochondrial support for egg quality
How CoQ10, magnesium, selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3s support ovarian function and improve outcomes.

15:00 IVF with your own eggs and donor egg options
When IVF may still work for women with POI, and how to prepare your body functionally before considering donor eggs.

18:00 Hope and next steps for POI and fertility
Why POI doesn't mean no chance from spontaneous ovulation to IVF and donor eggs, discover how health-first strategies improve success.

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RESOURCES

·        📩 Get your free 10-day elimination diet plan! Email hello@fabfertile.ca with the subject line 10 DAY to receive your guide and take the first step toward reconnecting with your fertility.

Get Pregnant Naturally with Low AMH, Diminished Ovarian Reserve or POF: (Sarah's Story) https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/get-pregnant-naturally-with-low-amh-diminished-ovarian-reserve-or-pof?_pos=15&_sid=86a653303&_ss=r

Is Your Thyroid Impacting Egg Health? The Hidden Connection to Low AMH, DOR & Fertility Success: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/is-your-thyroid-impacting-egg-health-the-hidden-connection-to-low-amh-dor-fertility-success?_pos=6&_sid=81c11854e&_ss=r

Autoimmune Roadblocks to IVF: How ANA Affects Fertility: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/autoimmune-roadblocks-to-ivf-how-ana-affects-fertility?_pos=1&_sid=d10e6427f&_ss=r

Is Your Thyroid Impacting Egg Health? The Hidden Connection to Low AMH, DOR & Fertility Success: https://fabfertile.com/blogs/podcasts/is-your-thyroid-impacting-egg-health-the-hidden-connection-to-low-amh-dor-fertility-success?_pos=6&_sid=b14f3ecff&_ss=r

Our favorite fertility tracker Inito (use code FABFERTILE15 to save 15)