Skin is often seen as a mirror of our internal health, and when it comes to fertility, it can reveal far more than we realize. We interviewed Dr. Lora Shahine—double board-certified OB-GYN, Reproductive Endocrinologist, and host of The Brave and Curious Podcast—who shares her expert perspective on the fascinating connection between skin health, hormones, and fertility. From signs like hormonal acne and dry skin to deeper issues such as insulin resistance and thyroid dysfunction, Dr. Shahine helps decode what your skin might be saying about your reproductive health. She also addresses common misconceptions about AMH, explains the nuanced relationship between stress and fertility, and shares her go-to product for winter skin support.

Skin Changes and Fertility:

As a reproductive endocrinologist, I often see that skin changes can be a reflection of underlying hormonal imbalances that may affect fertility. For example:

• Acne, especially along the jawline or chin, can be a sign of elevated androgens (male hormones), commonly seen in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility.

• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism) or thinning hair on the scalp may also point to hormonal imbalances tied to ovulatory dysfunction.

• Dark, velvety patches of skin on the neck or underarms—called acanthosis nigricans—can indicate insulin resistance, which is often linked with PCOS and reduced fertility.

• Dry, flaky skin or hair loss might be symptoms of hypothyroidism, another condition that can interfere with regular ovulation and menstrual cycles.

While these changes aren’t definitive diagnoses, they can be important clues and should prompt further evaluation by a healthcare provider, especially if you’re trying to conceive.

Myth busting: Low AMH means infertility 

As a reproductive endocrinologist, I want to reassure you that a low AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) does not mean you are infertile. AMH is a hormone produced by small follicles in the ovaries and is often used to estimate the remaining egg supply. While it reflects ovarian reserve, it doesn’t measure egg quality or your ability to conceive right now. Many people with low AMH go on to get pregnant naturally or with fertility treatment—it’s just one piece of the fertility puzzle.

Stress and infertility

As a reproductive endocrinologist, I often get asked whether stress causes infertility. While stress alone doesn’t causeinfertility, it can play a role in disrupting the delicate balance of hormones that regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles. In some people, high levels of chronic stress can delay or even stop ovulation, making it harder to conceive. Stress may also impact behaviors that affect fertility—like sleep, diet, or adherence to treatment. That said, many people under significant stress still get pregnant, and infertility itself can be a major source of stress, creating a difficult cycle. Managing stress through support, therapy, and self-care is important—not because it guarantees pregnancy, but because your emotional well-being matters throughout the journey.

Favorite product: Replenish Oil

I absolutely love the replenish oil and use it all over after a shower to treat and prevent dry skin. It’s essential for me in Seattle ski season!