From a young age, Natalie knew fertility was something she needed to keep in mind. Her mother had gone through menopause in her early 40s, and she always reminded Natalie to think ahead when it came to having children. Her mother encouraged her to start a family early or, if that wasn’t possible, to take control of her future by freezing her eggs.
As Natalie entered her early 30s, the idea of freezing her eggs became more than just a passing thought—it was a decision solidified by the experiences of two close friends. Having undergone fertility preservation themselves, they enthusiastically recommended Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI), sharing their positive journeys and urging her to take action. Inspired by their encouragement and success, Natalie felt confident in moving forward with the process.
Natalie underwent fertility testing at FCI, where she was diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Given her mother’s history, she had braced herself for the possibility but hearing it from her doctor made it real. In that moment, she realized that egg freezing was no longer just an option—it was a crucial step in securing her path to parenthood.
Dr. Hobeika and his team became her guiding light throughout the process. From the beginning, he was honest yet compassionate, preparing her for the journey ahead. His cultural background resonated with her, as her father’s family was from Lebanon like Dr. Hobeika, and that connection made her feel even more at ease. He understood the familial and societal pressures she felt and provided unwavering support.
Dr. Hobeika was also there during another pivotal moment in her life: the end of a romantic relationship following her diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). She realized that her partner wasn’t truly supportive and that letting go of the relationship, while taking control of her future by freezing her eggs, was the right choice. In that moment of uncertainty, Dr. Hobeika was a pillar of strength. His reassuring words have stayed with her: “Whatever decision you make, make it with confidence and don’t look back.”
Facing Uncertainty Throughout Fertility Treatment
The hardest part of treatment was walking into every ultrasound, every blood test, and waiting to hear the number of follicles. It was an emotional rollercoaster. She had ten total cycles, two of which were canceled. Each time, she had to face the anxiety of whether her body would respond, whether she’d retrieve enough eggs, and whether she’d have to start all over again.
“Every time I went in, I held my breath until I got the results. It was exhausting, both physically and emotionally, but I knew I had to keep going,” Natalie recalls.
Physically, the most challenging aspect was the fatigue. She was on high doses of medication, and her body felt drained. She wasn’t allowed to work out, which made her feel restless. But she found ways to take care of herself—massages, facials, short walks, and surrounding herself with positive energy.
Through it all, she found strength in her support system. Her friends who had gone through egg freezing were her sounding board, and her new boyfriend, whom she met a few months after starting treatment, was incredibly supportive. He helped with medication and stood by her during every emotional moment.
A Future Filled with Possibilities
Now, with over 40 frozen eggs, she feels an immense sense of relief. The pressure—self-imposed, societal, familial—is finally lifted. She can move forward in her relationship without the looming stress of her biological clock.
Advocating for Fertility Preservation
Egg freezing has become part of her identity in a way she never expected. She has made it her mission to speak about her experience, to share her story with other women who might be considering fertility preservation. She advocates for FCI and Dr. Hobeika every chance she gets because she knows firsthand how life-changing this process can be.
To anyone considering egg freezing, she says this: “Do it. Make it a priority. There will always be excuses—money, vacations, timing—but nothing is more valuable than preserving your future fertility. Surround yourself with support, find a community, and take care of yourself. If you are with a partner who won’t commit to marriage or is uncertain about parenthood, and your values in this regard do not align, then you are not stuck, and you do not have to stay. You can end the relationship and find someone who is aligned with your future plans. Also, if you are someone with DOR, keep your head up, and do as many rounds as you can. Take it one step at a time and you will reach your end goal.”
Thanks to Dr. Hobeika and the team at FCI, Natalie now has more options for becoming a parent on her own timeline—and she couldn’t be more grateful.
Giving Back to the Fertility Community
Appreciative for the support she received, Natalie is now paying it forward. To support others still on their journey to parenthood, she is offering discounts on spa services and vitamin shots for FCI patients at her newly opened Skin Bar and Studio Medical Spa in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. Through this, she hopes to provide comfort and care to those navigating their own fertility journeys, just as she once did.
