There's no single "right team" for building a Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) care team. Support for your hormonal and reproductive health can span medical, natural, educational, and emotional disciplines, and the team that works for you may look different from what works for someone else. This guide, written by naturopath and fertility awareness educator Dr. Rebecca Vavilov, breaks down the four main types of RRM support so you can build the team that fits your needs.
Medical Management
RRM medical professionals investigate the root causes of reproductive dysfunction rather than only managing symptoms. Diagnosis typically starts with a cycle chart review alongside lab testing or imaging. Treatment can include medications designed to support the body's natural function, restorative surgery to preserve or enhance fertility, and other integrative therapies. The International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine (IIRRM), established in 2000, sets the research and quality standards for RRM-trained physicians. Learn more about the diagnostic philosophy behind RRM in our guide, What Is Restorative Reproductive Medicine?
Cycle Charting
Cycle charting, also known as fertility awareness, FAM, FABMs, or NFP, gives you daily insight into your hormonal and reproductive health by tracking key biomarkers. It is often called the body's fifth vital sign. Charting methods generally fall into three families: cervical fluid-based methods (Billings, Creighton Model, Two-Day), symptothermal methods that add basal body temperature tracking (Couple to Couple League, Justisse, SymptoPro), and sympto-hormonal methods that combine at-home hormone monitoring with fluid observation (Boston Cross Check, FEMM, Marquette Method). See our full comparison in Fertility Awareness Methods Compared.
Natural & Holistic Support
Nutrition, supplements, exercise, bodywork, and lifestyle changes can support your body's own healing ability and often complement medical management. Nutritionists, functional medicine practitioners, pelvic floor therapists, and bodywork specialists can each play a role depending on your needs.
Emotional & Spiritual Wellness
A difficult reproductive health journey can take a toll on mental health and relationships. Therapists and counselors, peer support groups, and spiritual or pastoral care can all help build resilience and provide healthy coping tools along the way.
Who might be on your care team
This is not an exhaustive list. Each profession has its own scope of practice within your care team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need every type of support on this list?
No. Your RRM care team is built around your specific needs and can shift as those needs change. Many people start with one or two types of support, such as a cycle charting instructor and a medical provider, and add others over time.
How do I find an RRM-trained provider?
Start with RRM Academy's provider directory to find clinicians and educators trained in Restorative Reproductive Medicine.
Is the full guide free?
"Developing Your RRM Care Team" is a free downloadable PDF written by Dr. Rebecca Vavilov, PhD, BCDNH, LEHP, covering all four categories of support in more depth, with real care-team examples.
This guide is an educational resource only. It is not a substitute for medical advice and is not intended to aid in diagnosis or treatment of any health condition. Questions about your health should be directed to your own healthcare provider.