A Deep Dive into Fertility with Dr. Tom Hannam: What You Need to Know

Navigating fertility treatments can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and support, it can also be a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. In a recent conversation with Dr. Tom Hannam, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist and founder of Hannam Fertility Centre, we explored the intricate balance between medical care and emotional well-being that’s essential for anyone pursuing fertility care. 

For over a decade, the team at Hannam Fertility Centre has collaborated with CCRM, a world-renowned IVF lab, to get their patients exceptional results. But beyond outcomes, what truly stands out is their compassionate approach, focusing on the deeply personal nature of fertility. Whether you’re considering IVF, fertility testing, or egg freezing, Dr. Hannam believes in offering more than just medical expertise — he and his team are there to patiently and compassionately guide you through the entire process.

The Role of Lifestyle: Start Simple

“Fertility often starts with the basics,” Dr. Hannam says, emphasizing the importance of sleep, diet, and exercise. While these may not seem directly related to fertility, they can have significant impacts on reproductive health. 

“Start with the straightforward things: good sleep, a healthy relationship with food, and appropriate exercise. Once those are in place, you’ll have a clearer picture of how your body is responding,” he says.

However, despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, many people may experience irregular cycles, which can make conception more challenging. Dr. Hannam encourages anyone with an irregular cycle to seek out a trusted healthcare provider to explore what’s happening beneath the surface. “If you’re doing everything right and still having irregular cycles, that’s when individualized care becomes key,” he adds.

Building Trust with Your Clinician

Connecting with the right healthcare provider is as personal as the fertility journey itself. Dr. Hannam emphasizes the importance of trust, which comes from finding a clinician who genuinely listens and understands your unique needs. Whether it’s a nurse practitioner, family doctor, or fertility specialist, comfort and trust in the relationship are essential.

“If you don’t know where to start, your family doctor can often be a good first point of contact,” he advises, adding that much of the preliminary testing for fertility can be done through simple blood tests. Together with your clinician, you can begin to tailor a treatment plan that works for your specific situation.

The Emotional Side of Fertility

In many cases, the emotional toll of fertility challenges is just as significant as the medical side. Dr. Hannam acknowledges this, pointing out how isolating the experience can be.

“Fertility often starts as a very private journey, and it can be hard to talk about,” he says. He suggests you build a supportive community where you feel safe to share about fertility — and it’s okay if this circle is small. Whether it’s a trusted partner, a close friend, or an online support group, having someone to lean on can make all the difference.

Dr. Hannam also highlights the value of professional counseling, especially if you’re navigating the emotional complexity of fertility treatments. Fertility clinics often have counselors on hand who can provide valuable context, helping patients process their feelings and gain insight from others who have walked the same path.

“These professionals can help you understand how your story fits into the broader narrative, which can be incredibly validating,” Dr. Hannam shares.

Understanding Your Hormones: The Power of Testing

One of the most important hormones to check when embarking on a fertility journey is AMH: Anti-Mullerian Hormone, which measures ovarian reserve. 

But it’s not just about a one-and-done test. Dr. Hannam shares that hormones are complicated, and test results alone aren’t enough to make major fertility decisions. “It’s not just about the test results — it’s about having a clinician who can interpret those results in a way that supports your personal health goals,” he explains.

The Egg Freezing Decision

One of the most thought-provoking topics in fertility medicine is whether you should freeze your eggs and, if so, when. 

“Egg freezing, far from a promise, is not insurance. But it is a way to become your future egg donor if that’s what’s necessary,” shares Dr. Hannam. 

For those who envision having children later in life or are unsure about their future family plans, egg freezing can offer peace of mind. However, Dr. Hannam was clear: it’s a deeply personal decision that should be made with both emotional and scientific considerations in mind.

Balancing Information Overload

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hannam returned to the idea that fertility is often an incredibly private experience. While some people may choose to share their journeys openly, others may find it overwhelming. 

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available — especially on social media. The flow of information can sometimes feel like an onslaught, and Dr. Hannam advises that anyone dealing with fertility issues regularly check in with themselves to ensure they feel balanced and safe when consuming online content. 

“Social media can be a great source of information, but if it’s also a source of stress, it’s important to re-evaluate your relationship with it and focus on your personal goals,” he suggests.

Dr. Hannam acknowledges the pressures that social media and external voices can create, but he said it’s most important to focus on your personal goals and what is right for you.

Starting Your Fertility Journey: Knowing What You Want

Finally, when asked for advice for those just beginning their fertility journey, Dr. Hannam emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal understanding. He believes that the hardest part of the journey is figuring out what you want, whether that’s related to starting a family naturally, seeking fertility treatments, or deciding whether to freeze eggs.

Dr. Hannam’s message is a reassuring one: once you have clarity on your personal family planning goals, navigating the medical and emotional aspects of fertility becomes much more manageable.