Content note for this episode: we talk in detail about menopause, infertility and IVF, chronic pain, medical dismissal, and depression.

This week, Ali is joined by longtime listener Sara, who shares a powerful Storytime about discovering she was essentially in menopause at 36. After years of symptoms like debilitating periods, anxiety, depression, fatigue, Sarah finally got answers when fertility testing revealed primary ovarian insufficiency likely caused by endometriosis.

Sarah walks us through her journey from “something feels off” to tracking her cycle, being dismissed by multiple providers, finally landing in a fertility clinic where she uncovered what had been happening to her body all along. She opens up about the emotional toll of IVF with very low ovarian reserve, moving to egg donor, navigating failed transfers, and what it has meant for her identity, her mental health, and her marriage.

In Updates, Ali is back in NYC and reflecting on relational skills she’s grown while in a relationship with Skyline.

Where to find Sara: On Instagram @blankplatepod, on TikTok @blankplatepod, at www.blankplatepodcast.com.

Timestamps: Sara joins us at around minute 22.

If you'd like to hear our personal updates before everyone else as well as other exclusive content, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcast

Want to leave us a voice note? Leave a voicemail at 929-888-7184 with your question and we will weigh in!

Thanks to this week’s partners:

Sunset Lake CBD: For 20% off all products, go to sunsetlakecbd.com/FMH and use code FMH20.

Homeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!

Bilt Rewards: Take advantage of your Neighborhood Benefits™ by going to joinbilt.com/fmh

His Grace the Duke: On sale October 28th and available wherever books are sold.

Dawn of Chaos and Fury: Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com