Episode 42 - The Fifth Vital Sign: Fertility Awareness Uncovered with Lisa Henderson-Jack

The Inner Rhythms Podcast

🐚 Topics covered

• Introduction to the guest and an overview of their work.
• Understanding fertility awareness and its benefits for users.
• Using the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) with irregular cycles and during postpartum.
• Exploring the diversity of cervical fluid patterns, how these may differ from standard examples in books.
• Discussion on whether FAM practices are based predominantly on white bodies and how to ensure inclusivity in FAM teachings.
• Closing thoughts and key wisdom shared by Lisa

About Lisa
Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who trains women’s health practitioners to use their menstrual cycle as a vital sign in their practices. She is the founder of the Fertility Awareness Mastery MentorshipTM program. She is the author of three bestselling books: Real Food For Fertility (co-authored with Lily Nichols), The Fifth Vital Sign, and the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook.

Lisa works tirelessly to debunk the myth that regular ovulation is only important when you want children by recognizing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Drawing heavily from the current scientific literature, Lisa presents an evidence-based approach to help women connect to their fifth vital sign by uncovering the connection between the menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall health — something our education systems have consistently failed to do. With well over 4 million downloads, her podcast, Fertility Friday, is the #1 source for information about fertility awareness and menstrual cycle health.

When she’s not researching, writing, and mentoring women's health professionals, you’ll find her spending time with her husband, her two sons, and her baby girl.

Where to find Lisa

Website: www.fertilityfriday.com

Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/fertilityfriday/

About the Host
I’m Iris Josephina—functional hormone specialist, orthomolecular hormone coach, and entrepreneur. Through Cycle Seeds and The Inner Rhythms Podcast, I support people in reconnecting with their cyclical nature, deepening body literacy, and reclaiming hormonal harmony from a place of sovereignty and embodied knowledge. Most people know me from Instagram, where I share stories, tools, and inspiration on cyclical living, menstrual cycles, fertility, hormones and more.
Let’s stay connected:
📸 Instagram: @cycleseeds
📧 Join my newsletter: https://www.cycleseeds.com/
💻 Visit the Cycle Seeds website: https://www.cycleseeds.com/
📝 Check out the blog: https://www.cycleseeds.com/blog
🎓 Holistic Hormone & Cycle Coaching Certification Training: https://www.cycleseeds.com/hhcc-training-2025-selfstudy-vip
📚Join my courses: https://www.cycleseeds.com/courses-masterclasses

Chapters

1. Introduction to Lisa Henderson Jack - Pioneering Fertility Awareness Educator (00:00:00)

2. Lisa's Personal Journey: From Birth Control Pills to Fertility Awareness (00:03:18)

3. What is Fertility Awareness? Understanding the Basics and Benefits (00:11:33)

4. Managing Irregular Cycles with Fertility Awareness Methods (00:17:19)

5. Postpartum Fertility Awareness: When and How to Start Tracking (00:31:51)

6. Cervical Fluid Patterns: Understanding Variations and Research Findings (00:38:04)

7. Birth Control's Impact on Cervical Health and Fertility (00:46:16)

8. Getting Started with Fertility Awareness: Essential Resources and Tips (00:52:39)

9. Connect with Lisa: Social Media, Podcast, and Professional Resources (00:55:34)

10. Episode Wrap-up and Call to Action (00:57:17)