Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) is a personalized approach to fertility care that focuses on identifying and treating the underlying causes of reproductive issues—rather than bypassing them. Instead of using procedures like IVF to work around infertility, RRM works to restore normal function to a woman’s cycle, hormone balance, and overall reproductive health. It combines advanced diagnostic tools with targeted medical, surgical, and lifestyle treatments to help couples conceive naturally and achieve long-term reproductive wellness.
What Makes RRM Different?
Conventional fertility treatments like IVF tend to bypass the underlying reason for infertility. They may induce ovulation or fertilize an egg outside the body without fully investigating why natural conception isn’t happening.
RRM does the opposite. It’s built around three key steps:
- In-depth diagnosis: RRM practitioners go beyond the standard fertility workup. They often use cycle charting and lab testing timed to your individual cycle to uncover specific problems—like low progesterone, thyroid dysfunction, PCOS, endometriosis, or other hormonal imbalances.
- Restoration of function: Once the issue is identified, treatment focuses on correcting the underlying problem. That might include:
- Hormone support (such as progesterone) that is cooperative with your cycle
- Lifestyle changes to address weight, stress, or nutrition
- Treatment for underlying infections or autoimmune conditions
- Laparoscopic surgery to remove endometriosis or adhesions
- Male fertility evaluation and support if needed
- Natural timing and support: RRM often uses fertility awareness-based methods (such as the Creighton Model, FEMM, or sympto-thermal methods) to help couples understand and track their fertility signs, which improves the timing of both testing and conception.
Working with women and couples in their journey with irregular cycles, infertility, or recurrent miscarriages is a privilege, and one of the most meaningful aspects of my work. I enjoy empowering women to understand their hormone health and its impact on their physical and emotional well-being. I also enjoy individually tailoring the diagnosis and treatment plan to each woman or couple’s circumstances and goals. Restorative reproductive medicine is simply the type of healthcare that women deserve, and it is applicable to women at any stage of their reproductive life, from puberty through menopause.
– Dr. Brooke Gensler
What Conditions Can RRM Treat?
RRM has been used successfully to treat:
- Unexplained infertility
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Low progesterone or luteal phase defects
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Irregular, heavy, or absent periods
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Perimenopause and menopause symptoms
- Thyroid disorders
- Male factor infertility Rather than treating these as roadblocks, RRM works to correct them so that the body can have healthy ovulatory cycles and can achieve and maintain a healthy pregnancy naturally.
Who Should Consider RRM?
RRM may be a great fit for you if:
- You’ve been trying to conceive for more than 6 months, or sooner if already tracking your fertility signs
- You’ve experienced miscarriage or early pregnancy loss
- You have irregular, painful, or heavy periods
- You’ve been diagnosed with a hormone-related condition
- You want an approach that prioritizes long-term health
- You’re looking for a faith-aligned or non-IVF path to fertility
- You would like guidance on charting with fertility awareness-based methods, an asset to your current health and your future fertility
Why Many Couples Choose RRM
Many people turn to RRM because it:
- Treats the whole person, not just the reproductive organs
- Focuses on lasting health improvements, not just short-term results
- Often costs less than IVF and has fewer physical side effects
- Respects the body’s natural functioning and rhythms
- Improves chances of a healthy pregnancy and reduces risk of miscarriage
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been told that IVF is your only option, or if you’re frustrated by a lack of clear answers, Restorative Reproductive Medicine might offer the clarity and care you’ve been searching for. It’s not a quick fix—but it is a thoughtful, science-based approach that helps restore your health and your hope.