From Oceans to Ovaries: My Journey from Marine Biologist to Functional Fertility Expert

By Maria Santee, PA-C, MPH, AFMC

When people hear I was a marine biologist before becoming a functional medicine fertility expert, they often ask, “How did that happen?” The answer is deeply personal, and deeply transformational.

In a recent episode of the Original Being podcast, I shared my story, why I do this work, and what really matters when it comes to healing fertility challenges naturally. Here’s a peek into that conversation, filled with the lessons I’ve learned, the science I trust, and the healing wisdom I live by.

My Pivot from Marine Biology to Medicine

I started my professional journey researching humpback whales, teaching marine science, and working to protect ecosystems. But over time, I realized I wanted to help people directly—so I transitioned from oceans to ambulances, and eventually, to medicine. After becoming a Physician Assistant, I worked in family practice for a decade. I tried integrating nutrition and lifestyle advice into my visits, but with only 15 minutes per patient, it wasn’t enough. I wanted to get to the root of what was truly going on. That’s when I discovered functional medicine—and everything changed.

What Is Functional Medicine, Really?

People often confuse functional medicine with integrative medicine, but they’re not the same.

Integrative medicine adds complementary tools like supplements or acupuncture alongside conventional care.

Functional medicine digs deeper think way upstream, to identify and treat the root cause of disease.

Think of functional medicine as asking “Why is this happening?” rather than just “How do we treat the symptoms?”

My Fertility Story: From “Unexplained” to Empowered

My passion for fertility care started with my own struggles. I came off birth control after 13 years expecting to get pregnant easily. Instead, I faced irregular cycles and an “unexplained infertility” diagnosis.

On paper, everything looked perfect, I was healthy, active, training for Ironmans. But something wasn’t right. That disconnect led me down a rabbit hole of research: how hormonal birth control depletes key nutrients like zinc and B vitamins, how it impacts the gut microbiome, and how critical mitochondrial health is for egg quality. Eventually, IVF gave me my miracle daughters. But I knew I was meant to help others avoid that painful, confusing journey, or at least go through it with more clarity, support, and root-cause solutions.

My Approach to Fertility: Food, Function, and Foundations

Today, my approach is comprehensive and personalized. At Vital Fertility, I work with both partners, because fertility is a shared journey—statistically, 50% of fertility challenges involve the male partner.

My signature care system:

1. Reveal – uncover root causes through advanced lab testing (like the DUTCH hormone test, GI-MAP, and vaginal microbiome assessments).

2. Remove– eliminate hidden infections, food sensitivities, toxins, and inflammation.

3. Realign– support hormone balance, adrenal health, gut restoration, and mitochondrial function.

4. Receive– prepare the body and spirit to receive and sustain a healthy pregnancy.

Why the Nervous System Matters More Than You Think

Fertility is not just about hormones or ovulation—it’s about safety. Your nervous system must feel safe to bring new life into the world. That’s why nervous system regulation is foundational in my programs. We incorporate:

* Breathwork and vagus nerve support

* Circadian rhythm realignment

* Sleep quality optimization

* Creative and joyful practices (yes, even mandala coloring!)

Gut and Vaginal Microbiome: The Missing Links

One area often overlooked in traditional fertility care? The microbiome. Your gut health is directly connected to your vaginal microbiome, which plays a huge role in conception and pregnancy maintenance. I use advanced vaginal microbiome testing to assess pH, bacterial imbalances, and support rebalancing with targeted oral and vaginal probiotics.

Autoimmune Conditions, Food Sensitivities, and Inflammation

Autoimmunity and fertility are closely linked. If your immune system is in attack mode, it may struggle to tolerate an embryo. I regularly test for thyroid antibodies and inflammatory markers like homocysteine, then guide patients through gentle, anti-inflammatory protocols.

This often includes:

* A nutrient-dense, whole-foods diet (not just “gluten-free” junk)

* Strategic detox support

* Personalized food sensitivity testing

* Adrenal and mitochondrial support

What If You’re Just Starting Out?

You don’t need thousands of dollars to begin healing. Start here:

* Prioritize deep, high-quality sleep (aim for 9:30–10:30 p.m. bedtime)

* Practice daily nervous system regulation (like breathwork or nature walks)

* Eat real, unprocessed food that comes from the earth or an animal

* Get 15 minutes of morning sunlight on your skin and in your eyes

These basics alone can change your fertility trajectory.

Homeopathy: My Unexpected Healing Ally

Homeopathy is often misunderstood, but it's a powerful, safe, and affordable tool. It works on the energetic imprint of plants, minerals, and animals to nudge the body back into balance. I trained in clinical homeopathy and use it regularly for kids, pregnancy, and even post-vaccine support. It’s safe, gentle, and ideal for anyone seeking mind-body-spirit healing.

Join Me in Mexico for a Total Reset

I’m thrilled to co-lead the Restore & Reset Retreat this October 1–5 in Sayulita, Mexico with four other brilliant PA colleagues. It’s designed to heal your gut, rebalance your nervous system, and reconnect you to your true self through:

* Lymphatic drainage therapy

* Breathwork + vagus nerve activation

* Food-based gut restoration

* Community, joy, and embodiment

Space is limited, and we’d love to have you there if you’re craving deep healing.

👉 Learn More About the Retreat: https://vital-fertility.com/retreats

Let’s Stay Connected

If any part of this post resonated with you, I’d love to stay in touch. Subscribe to The Original Being Podcast and Follow me on IG to explore working together or learning more.

Website: https://vital-fertility.com

Instagram: @vital_fertility

Email: maria@vital-fertility.com

Phone: (831) 204-1264

Office Location: 406 Mission St., Suite D, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Health Reclaimed Retreat: @Health.reclaimed

🌿 “Unlock Your Fertility Potential” – A 7-minute video that shares my personal fertility story and introduces the 4R system.

Other Resources:

Functional Medicine Certification: https://schoolafm.com/

Clinical Homeopathy Certification: Certification: https://www.cedhusa.org

Homeopathic Book: https://amzn.to/4eiD1Lm

Homeopathic Remedies: https://www.boironusa.com/