“Why didn’t I know all this already?”        - Pretty much everyone who reads Toni Weschler’s book  The stigma around women’s reproductive systems isn’t just an inconvenience, it removes a critical way women get insight into their bodies and health overall: period power.  The menstrual cycle tells us a whole lot more than if we’re pregnant or not, or menopausal or not, says author Toni Weschler. Her seminal (oh, the irony of that adjective!) work, Taking Charge of Your Fertility, is all about understanding and taking charge of your reproductive health and being “cycle savvy.”  In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine and Toni Weschler talk about the origin of this amazing work. (Hint: it has to do with women being really angry.) And despite the title, it’s not all about helping people who are hoping to become pregnant. It’s about, says the author, “teaching women on a day-to-day basis what is going on with their body on that day” and taking advantage of all the insights into your health charting your cycle can give you.    In this episode you’ll hear: [00:00] Intro [02:26] What is ‘Taking Charge of Your Fertility’ and why Toni ‘hates’ the title [04:44] Toni’s inspiration to write the book [09:50] The difference between the rhythm method and fertility awareness  [11:22] The 3 signs of fertility explained  [14:56] What the menstrual cycle can teach you about your health [18:51] Being a pioneer: How did Toni research for her book in 1990s? [26:31] The difficult process of pitching the book – lesson in rejection from Toni [36:30] The challenges of writing the book – Toni fought for her vision Fertility Story:  [41:21] Toni’s ‘Birth Announcement’ [42:23]1 The responsibility of ‘Taking Charge of Your Fertility’ and what inspires Toni [44:42] Instagram Questions: Nikki: Is there another edition? Yes! 30th anniversary edition out in 2025 Alexa: What fertility or period apps does Toni recommend? Claudia: How can teens learn about their cycles?  [53:12] Final thoughts: Advocate for Your Care Resources mentioned: Toni’s website: www.tcoyf.com Taking Charge of Your Fertility the book: www.tcoyf.com/taking-charge-of-your-fertility Toni’s Cycle Savvy Smart Teen’s Guide to Her Body: www.cyclesavvy.com Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books