RRM Explained: Answers and True Healing
- Naomi Whittaker, MD
- Jun 1
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 25
Women carry silent trauma in the current reproductive healthcare model, a journey often marked by years of feeling dismissed, their pain downplayed, their deepest concerns unmet.
They describe being "gaslit," their suffering made invisible, as they navigate a healthcare system that frequently offers only symptom suppression fixes—whether facing painful cycles, infertility, or hormone imbalances, the experience is often the same–prescriptions for hormonal birth control, dismissals of pain, or referrals for assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
Women have a right to know about their body and for a physician who will truly listen, who will see their invisible suffering and bring truth to light. This is the painful reality for many before they discover that a different way forward exists.
Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) offers a holistic, evidence-based approach to women’s reproductive health. It seeks not just to suppress or bypass symptoms, but to restore the body’s natural reproductive function by identifying and treating underlying health issues.
What Is Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM)?
Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) is a model of conventional medicine focused on diagnosing and correcting the underlying causes of reproductive and hormonal issues.
What is restorative reproductive medicine in simple terms?
Restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) is a medical approach that looks for—and fixes—the real causes of women’s reproductive or hormonal issues. Instead of simply giving medicine to hide symptoms, RRM works to restore your body's natural function so you can feel truly healthy.
Is RRM only for couples trying to conceive?
No, RRM supports anyone facing cycle, hormonal, or reproductive health issues, at any life stage—not just those trying for pregnancy.
What makes RRM “restorative”?
Restorative means RRM works with your body’s natural cycles to restore health, instead of using temporary fixes or suppressive treatments.
RRM treatments cooperate with or restore normal or optimal functioning of the human reproductive system. It avoids all treatments that seek to suppress, circumvent, or destroy functioning of the human reproductive system out of a respect for the value and integrity of the human body.
Recognizing that many women carry the impact of past medical experiences where they felt unheard or dismissed, RRM is fundamentally trauma-informed. It strives to offer a healing place that acknowledges these experiences and offers genuine support for women who may have been victimized by the current medical model.
This commitment is reflected in a strong emphasis on the rights of fully informed consent and adherence to appropriate scientific standards.
RRM practitioners use in-depth cycle tracking combined with advanced diagnostics to tailor treatments to each woman’s unique biology. Rather than viewing the reproductive system in isolation—or fertility as a switch to turn on or off—RRM approaches the cycle as a vital sign of a woman’s overall health.
Core principles of RRM:
Works with, not against, the body’s natural cycles
Identifies and treats the root causes of dysfunction, not just symptoms
Combines medical, surgical, and lifestyle interventions
Relies on detailed cycle tracking (Fertility Awareness-Based Methods, or FABMs)
Empowers women with knowledge about their own health
Why is cycle tracking so important in RRM?
Cycle tracking helps reveal real-time hormone patterns and root causes, so treatment is tailored to your unique biology.
How does RRM empower women?
RRM teaches women to understand their own cycles—giving you knowledge and agency in your health journey.
What are Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs)?
FABMs are techniques to observe and chart natural fertility biomarkers, helping your provider find and solve underlying issues.
By recognizing that a woman’s menstrual cycle reflects broader systemic health, RRM becomes a powerful diagnostic and healing tool—not just for those trying to conceive, but for all women seeking optimal hormonal and reproductive wellness.
How RRM Model Differs from Standard Model Reproductive Care
How is RRM different from IVF or birth control?
RRM aims to restore your cycle’s natural function, while IVF and birth control often focus on bypassing or suppressing your body’s biology.
If standard treatments haven’t worked, can RRM help me?
RRM is especially valuable for women who haven’t found answers through traditional approaches.
A common question is: How is RRM different from what my OB-GYN or fertility specialist offers?
Aspect | Standard Reproductive Medicine | Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) |
Model | Acute disease model (often-symptom focused) | Chronic disease model (addresses underlying, ongoing factors) |
Diagnosis | Focuses on symptoms | Seeks root causes |
Treatment | Often suppressive (e.g., birth control, IVF) | Restorative and individualized |
Menstrual cycle | Viewed as optional | Treated as a key diagnostic tool |
Hormonal therapy | One-size-fits-all | Cycle-specific and bioidentical |
Fertility | Completely on or off, like a switch | Supported and enhanced |
Example: The standard model of conventional medicine might address irregular periods by prescribing the pill for symptomatic 'regulation,' while RRM takes a different approach. By meticulously studying cycle biomarkers, RRM practitioners identify underlying root causes such as hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, or nutritional deficiencies. This enables the prescription of hormones and other interventions that cooperate with the body's natural hormonal signals, aiming to restore healthy function rather than simply manage symptoms.
“Women deserve individualized answers, not a one size fits all approach addressing symptoms.” —Dr. Whittaker, OB-GYN & Co-Founder, RRM Academy
What Conditions Can RRM Treat?
Can RRM help with PCOS, endometriosis, or painful periods?
Yes, RRM addresses the root causes behind conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, irregular cycles, and more.
Does RRM have solutions for hormonal imbalances or low progesterone?
Absolutely. RRM uses cycle-specific evaluations to tailor hormone or lifestyle support that fits your needs.
Restorative Reproductive Medicine is not just for couples trying to conceive. It provides solutions for a wide range of women’s health conditions, including:
Infertility and subfertility
Irregular or painful menstrual cycles
Hormonal imbalances, including low progesterone
Ovulatory dysfunction
Because RRM focuses on restoring whole-cycle health, it’s an ideal approach for adolescents, women seeking options besides hormonal contraception, or those approaching perimenopause who want clarity around their changing cycles. You can explore patient-focused information about these conditions through organizations like FEMM Health and FACTS About Fertility.
What Does an RRM Approach Look Like in Practice?
While no two treatment plans are alike, RRM care often includes:
Cycle tracking with a Fertility Awareness-Based Method (FABM)
Timed hormone testing and interpretation
Bioidentical hormone support (if needed)
Targeted nutrition or lifestyle interventions
Diagnostic and corrective surgery (e.g., for endometriosis)
Collaborative care between OB-GYNs, reproductive endocrinologists, and family physicians
The most distinguishing feature of RRM is its reliance on real-time data from a woman’s own cycle. This makes the treatment proactive and personalized, rather than reactive or generalized. RRM practitioners may use hormone evaluations done at precise phases of the cycle (like peak +7 progesterone levels, also referred to as 7 DPO or days post ovulation) to fine-tune treatment. This level of detail allows for effective solutions without defaulting to IVF or suppressive therapies. You can see examples of this in action at clinics like Veritas Fertility & Surgery or Caritas Women’s Care.
Why Fertility Awareness Matters in RRM
Are FABMs just “natural family planning”?
FABMs are critical medical tools for diagnostics and treatment, not just for birth control.
How do I learn cycle charting?
Your rrm provider or a certified instructor will teach you how to chart your unique cycle signs.
A woman’s cycle is not just about fertility—it reflects hormonal health, thyroid function, metabolic balance, and more. Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs) are not “natural birth control” but biomarkers for tracking reproductive health. When interpreted by a trained provider, a woman’s chart can help detect:
Luteal phase defects
Ovulatory dysfunction
Estrogen/progesterone imbalances
Early signs of endometriosis
Patterns linked to PCOS
That’s why organizations like IIRRM and FACTS are investing in educating clinicians and expanding research in this space. You can also find educational resources and clinical tools through Natural Womanhood’s FABM resource center.
Why RRM Matters Now More Than Ever
In an era where too many women feel like they’re being treated with a “band-aid approach” to health, RRM offers something radically different: time, attention, and science-based compassion. Whether you’re navigating infertility, chronic pain, or just want better answers about your cycle, Restorative Reproductive Medicine helps you ask the right questions—and gives you the tools to restore balance, function, and hope.
RRM is also fully aligned with the latest research on women’s health from sources like the NIH, CDC, and Office on Women’s Health. Its methods are data-driven, rigorous, and grounded in biology—not ideology. And most importantly, it honors the dignity of every woman’s body and story.
How to Learn More About RRM
Is RRM covered by insurance?
Many diagnostic and consult services are covered; discuss costs and coverage with your provider’s office.
What kind of outcomes can I expect with RRM?
Many women experience restored cycles, improved hormonal balance, and renewed hope—even if they’ve struggled with symptoms or fertility before.
Whether you’re new to RRM or already exploring fertility awareness, here are trusted resources:
FEMM Health – Cycle health education and hormonal protocols
FACTS About Fertility – Medical training and public resources
IIRRM – Global network advancing RRM research and training
RESTORE Center for Endometriosis – Endometriosis focused education and care
Natural Womanhood – General reproductive and hormonal health info
RRM Academy – In-depth learning, provider tools, and professional training opportunities
You can also follow our founder, Dr. Naomi Whittaker on Instagram and stay tuned to RRM Academy’s commentary section for in-depth content, upcoming podcast features, and professional training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM):
Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) is an approach to reproductive health that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of infertility and other reproductive health issues, rather than solely relying on assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. It emphasizes restoring natural reproductive function through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and fertility awareness methods.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Core Principles:
Holistic Approach:
RRM considers the overall health and well-being of both partners, not just the woman's reproductive system.
Identifying Root Causes:
It aims to diagnose and treat the underlying causes of infertility or other reproductive issues, such as hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, or infections, rather than simply masking symptoms.
Natural Conception:
RRM prioritizes natural conception and pregnancy when possible, focusing on supporting the body's natural reproductive processes.
Education and Empowerment:
RRM empowers couples to understand their reproductive health and take an active role in managing their fertility.
Ethical Considerations:
RRM often aligns with ethical and moral frameworks that prioritize natural conception and respect for the reproductive process.
Key Components:
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs):
RRM utilizes FABMs, like the Billings Ovulation Method, the Creighton Model (a method of natural family planning, not considered FABM), and FEMM, which involve tracking and interpreting biomarkers of a woman's cycle to identify fertile periods and potential health issues.
Targeted Medical Interventions:
Based on the information gathered through FABMs and other diagnostic testing, RRM practitioners may recommend interventions like hormone therapies, ovulation induction, or other medical treatments to address specific issues.
Lifestyle Modifications:
RRM often emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene in optimizing reproductive health.
Collaborative Care:
RRM practitioners often work with other healthcare professionals, such as cycle charting educators, nurses, dietitians, and lifestyle coaches, to provide comprehensive care.
Conditions Addressed by RRM:
Infertility (in men and women):
RRM can be used to address infertility, including cases where IVF has failed.
Recurrent Miscarriage:
RRM can help identify and address the underlying causes of recurrent miscarriages.
Endometriosis and PCOS:
RRM can be used to manage and improve these conditions.
Hormonal Imbalances:
RRM can help restore hormonal balance in both men and women.
Other reproductive and gynecological conditions:
RRM can also be used to address conditions like irregular cycles, heavy menstrual bleeding, and painful periods.
In essence, RRM offers a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to reproductive health, emphasizing natural conception and addressing the root causes of infertility and other reproductive health issues.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Women’s Healthcare is RRM
Restorative Reproductive Medicine is more than just another option—it’s a paradigm shift in how we care for women’s reproductive health. By combining cutting-edge science, whole-person care, and cycle-informed insight, the RRM model helps women reclaim agency over their health journeys. If you’re ready to move beyond symptom suppression and into a space of true healing, RRM may be the approach you’ve been looking for.