All Episodes

October 6, 2025 38 mins

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?


Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.