The Progesterone Puzzle: Clinical Insights for Fertility Care
Presenter: Stefani Hayes, ND, Lac & Khivan Oberoi, ND
Original Date: April 11, 2026
The hormonal conditions of endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are often approached through addressing estrogen dominance. What would change in our treatment strategies and therapeutic outcomes if we looked, instead, at these conditions through a different lens? New research is discovering that both endometriosis and PCOS are influenced by progesterone resistance and often progesterone deficiency. This leads to the possibility that a patient’s estrogen dominance is only relative to that deficiency/ resistance and not the driving pathology. This lecture will explore the pathophysiology involved in understanding PCOS and endometriosis as progesterone resistant conditions. Guided by two Integrative Fertility experts, this lecture will explore the variety of benefits that can be achieved through approaching these conditions differently and how to apply this information into a fertility or women’s health focused practice.
Bio: Dr. Khivan Oberoi, ND (she/her) specializes in Integrative Fertility care with a focus on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and the ethical application of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In her private practice, she focuses on reproductive endocrinology including fertility and perimenopausal hormone management, blending scientific insight with a systems-oriented approach. A patient and provider of fertility care herself; Dr. Oberoi brings lived understanding to her work and is deeply committed to removing barriers to care, improving access, and offering transparent, affirming guidance throughout each stage of the reproductive journey.
Dr. Stefani Hayes, ND, LAc (she/her) specializes in Integrative Fertility care, with a focus on complex fertility conditions, such as Endometriosis, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. She practices at a large integrative natural medicine clinic in Portland, Oregon and addresses complex fertility cases by using an integrative, collaborative, whole-body approach. She is specially trained in the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, as well as skilled in performing non-hormonal Intra-uterine Inseminations (IUI) and intra-uterine Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). Dr. Stefani’s passion is assisting all types of families in not only realizing their goals of parenthood but also enjoying that time.
Dr. Oberoi and Dr. Hayes have been collaborating together since 2019, starting with co-teaching an Advanced Fertility elective at NUNM with Dr. Windstar. In 2023, they co- founded Art of Fertility (www.art-of-fertility), a professional education platform that provides multiple levels of fertility training and mentorship for medical students and health care professionals interested in learning how to ethically and effectively practice integrative fertility medicine. They are both passionate about increasing access to high quality integrative fertility education for healthcare providers and regularly host preceptors, supervise naturopathic residents and speak at professional conferences.
NUNM is accredited by the North American Naturopathic Continuing Education Council (NANCEAC). This activity qualifies for 1.25 General, 0.25 Pharmacology CEUs Total.