
Episode #330
330: Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill: Perimenopause: The Silent Fertility Disrupter with Dr. Jaime Knopman
In this episode of Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill, Dr. Jill Carnahan welcomes reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist Dr. Jaime Knopman to explore the often-overlooked connection between perimenopause, fertility decline, and reproductive health. With infertility now affecting an estimated one in six people worldwide, Dr. Knopman explains why fertility should be treated as an essential marker of women's health—not a conversation that begins only when someone is ready to become pregnant. Together, they discuss ovarian reserve, AMH testing, egg freezing, delayed motherhood, fertility after cancer treatment, and what women need to understand about their reproductive timeline. Whether you're planning a family now, considering pregnancy later, or entering perimenopause, this conversation provides practical insights to help you make informed decisions about fertility and your future. 5 Key Discussions ① Perimenopause & the Fertility Window ⇨ Fertility naturally declines with age, even while menstrual cycles and ovulation may continue during perimenopause. ⇨ Understanding your reproductive timeline earlier gives you more options for future family planning. ② Egg Freezing & Fertility Preservation ⇨ Egg freezing can provide an important option for women delaying pregnancy or facing treatments that may affect fertility. ⇨ Fertility preservation is increasingly becoming part of proactive reproductive healthcare rather than something considered only after a medical diagnosis. ③ Understanding AMH & Ovarian Reserve ⇨ AMH blood testing and antral follicle counts can help estimate the quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries. ⇨ Ovarian reserve reflects egg quantity—not egg quality—and results must always be interpreted alongside age and medical history. ④ What Really Influences Fertility? ⇨ Age remains one of the most important factors, but metabolic health, sleep, smoking, genetics, diet, and environmental exposures may also influence reproductive health. ⇨ Severe menstrual symptoms should never simply be dismissed, as they may signal underlying conditions affecting fertility. ⑤ The Future of Fertility Medicine ⇨ Artificial intelligence and advances in embryo genetic screening are helping fertility specialists improve treatment selection and outcomes. ⇨ Better testing, earlier education, and personalized fertility planning are giving women greater reproductive autonomy. ⭐ Key Takeaways Fertility should be considered an important marker of women's overall health. Perimenopause does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Age remains one of the most significant factors affecting egg quality and fertility. AMH measures ovarian reserve but does not independently predict whether a woman can become pregnant. Fertility preservation can provide women with more options when delaying parenthood. Earlier education allows women to make more informed decisions about their reproductive future. ⚕️ Guest Biography Dr. Jaime Knopman is a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist and serves as Director of Fertility Preservation at CCRM Fertility of New York. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr. Knopman completed her residency and fellowship training at NYU Medical Center. She is nationally recognized for her expertise in reproductive endocrinology, IVF, egg freezing, fertility preservation, and reproductive care for patients facing cancer treatment. Dr. Knopman has authored landmark research on fertility preservation for cancer patients and has been consistently recognized as a New York Super Doctor, Castle Connolly Top Doctor, and New York Magazine Top Doctor. She also serves as Medical Director of Chick Mission and on the advisory boards of CoFertility and The Breasties, helping expand fertility education, advocacy, and access to reproductive care. Website: https://drjaimeknopman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjaimeknopman/






