Fertility is declining while menopausal symptoms are appearing earlier. Metabolic dysfunction, chronic stress, and environmental exposures are reshaping reproductive health for both women and men.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Mao Shing Ni, co founder of Tao of Wellness and Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to unpack how Eastern medicine and modern science can work together to optimize fertility, support egg freezing outcomes, and reframe menopause as a powerful Second Spring. We break down sympathetic versus parasympathetic signaling, how stress suppresses ovulation, why metabolic health drives PCOS and sperm quality, and how acupuncture, targeted herbs, infrared therapy, and nutrition strategies can increase live birth rates and extend hormonal vitality.

We also explore how tools like continuous glucose monitoring, berberine, GLP 1 support, Tai Chi, sleep optimization, and strategic hormone therapy can shift reproductive biology at any stage, from preconception to menopausal transition.

Dr. Mao Shing Ni, DOM, PhD, LAc, is a 38th generation doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine with over 40 years of clinical experience in integrative longevity, reproductive, and anti aging medicine. He is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, including Secrets of Longevity, co founder of Tao of Wellness and Yo San University, and an internationally recognized speaker in reproductive, hormonal, and longevity medicine.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) Fertility Decline and Earlier Menopausal Symptoms
(06:05) Stress, Cortisol, and the Reproductive Axis
(13:03) Foundational Fertility Protocol: Diet, Sleep, and Exercise
(16:26) Key Supplements and Herbs for Egg Quality
(22:46) Acupuncture and Live Birth Rate Data
(26:00) Tai Chi, Qigong, Massage, and Blood Flow Optimization
(30:48) Metabolic Health, GLP 1, and Ozempic Pregnancies
(31:34) PCOS as a Metabolic Disorder and CGM Strategies
(33:41) Male Fertility, Testosterone, and Sperm Quality
(37:39) Hormone Replacement Therapy and the First Five Years of Menopause
(40:19) Gut Health, SIBO, and Hormone Conversion
(46:27) East West Collaboration in Longevity and Reproductive Care

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Nexthealth: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Mao Shing Ni

Website: https://www.taoofwellness.com/

Website: https://askdrmao.com/

144. Dr. Mao Shing Ni: Fertility Optimization, Egg Freezing, and Menopause as "Second Spring"

Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

144. Dr. Mao Shing Ni: Fertility Optimization, Egg Freezing, and Menopause as "Second Spring"