Episode 109

full
Published on:

6th Oct 2025

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


đź’¬ 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.

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About the Podcast

Egg Meets Sperm
Because Fertility takes TWO.
Egg Meets Sperm: Because Fertility Takes Two.

Attention: Women and couples in their 30s & 40s, CEOs, high-achieving badasses. If you're struggling to conceive, there is likely a reason. On Egg Meets Sperm, Dr. Aumatma interviews leading experts in fertility & wellness to help you on your journey to parenthood.
Starting Season 3: Dr. Aumatma will also offer a short, informative masterclass. If you want to get answers to your burning questions, send them here: https://www.speakpipe.com/EggMeetsSpermPodcast

This podcast is for you if:
* You are a BADASS - which also means you're a high-achiever, sometimes with a tendency towards wanting control, being a "boss" and carrying the world on your shoulders
* "infertility" makes you feel powerless and hopeless
* You're not sure there's anything you can do to help get your pregnant
* You are seeking alternatives to IVF, IUI, and Ovulation induction
* Your hormones are all over the place
* You have been diagnosed with PCOS, Endometriosis, Unexplained infertility
* You've suffered from Pregnancy loss and were told it's normal
* You and your partner are a power couple that wants to bring an incredible child into this world
* You are into natural & holistic approaches
* You want to do everything in your power to get pregnant
* You have experienced a loss and are ready to take your power back

Let's GO! Let's get you FertileAF so that you can have the family you dream of!

About your host

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Aumatma Simmons