Endometriosis researcher and clinical nutritionist Savannah Regensburger joins me on The Fertility Authority to discuss why endometriosis gets missed, what deserves a closer look, and how we can better support women who are still searching for answers.
Savannah brings a background in neuroscience, clinical nutrition, and clinical research, along with her work as an educator, women’s health advocate, and co-founder of I Am Endometriosis. Together, we look at endometriosis through the lens of research and clinical practice, including the gaps that leave women waiting years for a diagnosis.
We discuss why the conversation needs to go beyond painful periods. From painful ovulation and persistent bloating to fatigue, digestive concerns, and fertility struggles, we explore the patterns that prompt us to ask more questions—and why symptoms need to be considered in the context of the whole person.
We also talk about silent endometriosis, questions around AMH and ovarian reserve, and the role of imaging and specialist evaluation. Savannah shares how her own experience navigating misdiagnoses informs the way she approaches patient education and advocacy.
Our conversation covers nutrition, sleep, the nervous system, environmental exposures, and ongoing support after surgery. We discuss what it looks like to build a sustainable approach to care without turning health into another full-time job or expecting perfection.
We also explore the emerging interest in GLP-1 medications and endometriosis research. Savannah shares her personal experience with physician-supervised tirzepatide use after excision surgery, and we discuss investigational treatments, unanswered questions, and the need for more research.
Finally, we talk about the emotional weight of a diagnosis, finding community, and why women deserve providers who are willing to listen, investigate, and work together.
Key Topics
* Savannah’s background in neuroscience, clinical nutrition, and research, and how these fields shape her approach to endometriosis education.
* Why believing patients and taking their concerns seriously are essential starting points in the diagnostic process.
* Gaps in medical education and the challenges women face when seeking answers about endometriosis.
* Looking beyond painful periods when discussing symptoms, including back pain, fatigue, painful ovulation, and persistent bloating.
* Silent endometriosis and the questions that can arise when fertility challenges occur without significant period pain.
* How AMH, ovarian reserve, and endometriomas enter the conversation about endometriosis and fertility.
* The overlap between endo belly, digestive symptoms, celiac disease, and other conditions that may need separate evaluation.
* Why Savannah considers sleep and circadian rhythm important parts of her approach to supporting health.
* The emotional and physical demands of chronic illness, surgery, and fertility treatment, and the importance of nervous system support.
* Building realistic nutrition and lifestyle habits while allowing room for individual needs and imperfect days.
* Savannah’s experience with excision surgery and the ongoing care she describes needing afterward.
* The role of pelvic MRI, ultrasound, and experienced specialists in evaluating symptoms and interpreting findings.
* Savannah’s personal experience with GLP-1 medications under physician supervision, including side effects and the changes she reports noticing.
* Why adequate nutrition, protein, fiber, muscle mass, and bone health remain part of the medication conversation.
* Research questions around inflammation, metabolic health, and fertility, including the limitations of the evidence discussed.
* Investigational endometriosis therapies and why early research needs to progress through clinical trials.
* How I Am Endometriosis connects women through community, education, and advocacy.
* The emotional complexity of finally receiving a diagnosis and why continued support matters.
* The need for earlier recognition, better collaboration, and care that takes women’s experiences seriously.
Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome to The Fertility Authority01:48 - Introducing Savannah Regensburger and today’s conversation03:55 - A note about medical advice and physician guidance04:10 - The conversation with Savannah begins04:33 - From neuroscience to clinical nutrition and research06:05 - Misdiagnoses and finally receiving an endometriosis diagnosis07:48 - What could shorten the path to diagnosis?08:09 - Believing patients and discussing clinical diagnosis09:06 - Gaps in endometriosis education11:23 - Fertility concerns and looking beyond painful periods12:14 - Sponsor break: Aimee Raupp Beauty13:20 - Back pain, fatigue, and overlapping conditions13:47 - Silent endometriosis and fertility14:41 - AMH, ovarian reserve, and endometriomas15:16 - Painful ovulation and persistent inflammation16:07 - Endo belly, digestive symptoms, and celiac disease18:21 - Discussing autoimmune overlap and individual differences19:14 - Connecting neuroscience and endometriosis care20:10 - Sleep, circadian rhythm, and consistency20:49 - The nervous system and the burden of chronic illness21:39 - Environmental exposures and personal triggers22:18 - Surgery and ongoing support23:12 - Discussing gut health and the estrobolome24:39 - Pelvic MRI, ultrasound, and specialist interpretation26:21 - Symptom monitoring and conversations about future fertility27:10 - Introducing the discussion about GLP-1 medications27:40 - Savannah’s research background and interest in inflammation28:46 - Bringing treatment questions to her physician29:13 - Savannah’s experience with semaglutide and tirzepatide30:29 - Side effects and physician-guided dose adjustments31:32 - Changes Savannah reports in symptoms and lab results32:33 - Nutrition, protein, fiber, and adequate intake33:19 - Research questions around inflammation and fertility35:18 - Individualized care and combining approaches36:58 - Gaps in research involving pregnancy37:40 - Investigational endometriosis treatments and clinical trials40:26 - Building the I Am Endometriosis community41:17 - Education, policy, and Capitol Hill advocacy44:08 - What Savannah wishes women knew before diagnosis44:18 - Mental health and support after diagnosis45:26 - Earlier recognition and looking deeper into symptoms46:18 - Digestive and skin concerns in the broader health picture48:28 - Addressing dismissal and improving collaboration49:54 - Where to find Savannah and I Am Endometriosis51:04 - Aimee’s key takeaways52:43 - Emotional support and finding your community53:28 - Closing encouragement and additional resources
Resources / Helpful Links
* Aimee Raupp Resources & Freebies
* Aimee Raupp Fertility Books
* Aimee Raupp Substack
* Work with Aimee and Her Team
* Savannah Regensburger on Instagram: @savannahregensburger
* I Am Endometriosis on Instagram: @iamendometriosis
Episode Sponsor
Aimee Raupp Beauty — visit aimeeraupp.com and use code PODCAST20 for 20% off, as shared in this episode.
This episode is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please speak with your physician before making changes to your care, especially medications.
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