Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Listen to Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, physician and attorney, discuss the safety, legal, and clinical considerations regarding psychedelic therapy in the U.S.

Episode Summary

In this second episode of the three-part series on psychedelic-assisted therapy, Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, a physician and attorney specializing in psychedelics, discusses various aspects of psychedelics and their integration into healthcare. 

Dr. Morski shares her journey and how she became passionate about educating clinicians on psychedelic medicine. We discuss the current legality of psychedelics in healthcare, safety concerns, and the lack of protocols. Dr. Morski talks about what to consider when choosing a psychedelic therapy provider, emphasizing the importance of training, ethics, and safety measures. We touch on the debate of whether therapists should have personal psychedelic experiences before offering guided psychedelic therapy, and the potential for psychedelics to become part of mainstream healthcare. 

Listen to this insightful conversation to explore the challenges of psychedelic therapy, the potential benefits of psychedelics for women's health, and advice for physicians and patients interested in exploring psychedelic treatments. Learn about the exciting developments in psychedelic research, including the investigation of psychedelics for stroke recovery and the exploration of non-hallucinatory psychedelics.

Key Takeaways

• The need for clinician education on the use and potential benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy
• The legality of psychedelics as medical treatment medicine in the U.S.
• The need for safety protocols and guidelines in psychedelic therapy 
• The importance of vetting facilitators and retreat centers that offer psychedelic therapies, and how to go about that process 
• The debate on whether therapists should have personal psychedelic experiences to have common ground with patients
• Legal challenges and potential lawsuits that currently limit the mainstream use of psychedelics in healthcare

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Mental Health

• Listen to the series on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
• Check out the Psychedelic Medicine Association or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram 
• Check out the Psychedelic Medicine Podcast.  Follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
• Stay in touch with Dr Lynn Marie Morski 

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Guest Bio

Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD, is the president of the Psychedelic Medicine Association, host of the Psychedelic Medicine Podcast, and the Director of Education at Unlimited Sciences. She sits on the advisory boards of Psychedelics Today, Cybin, VETS, Inc. (Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions), the Oxenberg Foundation, and the Ketamine Task Force.

Dr. Morski received her medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine, completed family medicine residency at Mayo Clinic, and did her sports medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona. She later received her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and is a member of the California Bar.

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Learn about the ethics and healthcare policies involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert join to discuss the implications.

Episode Summary

Welcome to the first episode in our three-part series where we explore the world of psychedelic therapy. In this episode, health policy experts Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert join to discuss the experiences of psychedelic-assisted therapy and its profound social implications. This series aims to uncover the complexities and potential of psychedelic mental health treatment options.

Key Takeaways

• Controversial medical debate on whether psychedelic therapy practitioners should have personal psychedelic experiences
• Concerns around cultural appropriation in psychedelic therapies and the need for respectful acknowledgment of indigenous practices
• The complexity of patient-clinician dynamics if a patient prefers a provider who has personal experience of their condition
• Significance of professional practice guidelines that ensure ethical and culturally sensitive approaches in guided psychedelic therapy
• The future of psychedelics in therapy and its potential to revolutionize mental health care

Enjoy this insightful first episode as we unravel psychedelics and mental health with Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert. Tune in for the next two episodes of this exciting series dedicated to exploring psychedelic therapy research.

Related to this episode:

• Resources for Mental Health
• Learn more about the Rockingstone Group
• Connect with Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert
• Article on first NDA for psychedelics

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Welcome to Season 5 of Fempower Health where we empower you to advocate for your health through every stage of life.

Every week, we engage in discussions with women’s health experts on topics like sexual wellness, mental health, pelvic floor, aging, women-related cancers, relationships, and much more.

Some topics we’ll cover in Season 5 include:

• Psychedelics Deep Dive: Navigating Health Policy, Ethical Practice, and Cultural Considerations, Integration into Healthcare, and the Latest Psychedelic Research and Mental Health Implications
• Endometriosis Deep Dive: The Path to Earlier Endometriosis Diagnosis, A Deep Dive into Endometriosis Pathophysiology Diagnostics, and Treatments, Expert Perspective on Laparoscopy, and a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist's Tips for Managing Pelvic Pain
• A Discussion on Tongue Tie & Breastfeeding
• Metabolic Health Specific to Women
• Hysterectomies: Do You Need One and If you Do, What to Prepare for
• Fertility Treatments: Discussing Atypical Patient Use Cases
• C-Sections: Nothing but the Facts

Special thanks to Jordanna Davis, Jacqueline Lampert, Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, Andrew Penn, RN, MS, NP Katie Boyce, BCPA, Dr. Shanti Mohling, Caitlyn Tivy, DPT, Margaret Melville, Justine Witzke, Victoria Facelli, and all who helped make these women’s health episodes accessible to all. 

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.

Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Thyroid plays an essential role in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. There are several things we should all know about healthy thyroid levels, whether living with an existing thyroid condition or experiencing unexpected hormone changes after conception.

In this episode, Dr. Katie Rothwell shares her expertise on all things thyroid health. Dr. Katie Rothwell is a naturopathic doctor and educator who specializes in thyroid problems and pregnancy. She covers how to understand your thyroid levels in pregnancy, ideal thyroid levels for fertility, and what women should consider when trying to conceive if they have a diagnosed thyroid condition. 

Discussed in this episode:

• Important things to understand about thyroid during fertility and pregnancy
• How to know optimal thyroid levels in pregnancy
• Thyroid testing and pregnancy
• TSH and other important thyroid screenings for fertility 
• Secondary infertility and Hashimoto’s disease 
• Lactation production and hormones 
• Can pregnancy cause thyroid problems?
• What should women with thyroid conditions do when pursuing pregnancy? 
• Managing stress during pregnancy and postpartum 

“There is so much that changes during pregnancy and postpartum — we don’t always attribute those changes to thyroid health. But we really need to be screening our women in those time frames, especially if they have a known thyroid issue.” - Dr. Katie Rothwell

🔍 Time Stamps:

00:30 - Introduction to the importance of thyroid levels during pregnancy.

02:10 - Exploring the role of thyroid hormones in fetal development.

04:55 - Common thyroid disorders and their impact on pregnancy.

08:20 - Key symptoms to watch out for and when to consult a healthcare professional.

11:15 - Strategies for managing thyroid levels and promoting a healthy pregnancy.

14:40 - Expert advice on balancing thyroid medication and pregnancy.

17:55 - Q&A session with Dr. Katie Rothwell, addressing common listener questions.

21:40 - Closing thoughts and next steps for maintaining optimal thyroid health.

Related to this episode:

• Related Episode: Could Your Undiagnosed Symptoms Be Thyroid Disease? | Denise Roguz
• Related Episode: Thyroid Disease: You’re Not Alone | Victoria Gasparini
• Related Episode: Managing Thyroid Disease: The Missing Pieces to the Thyroid Jigsaw Puzzle | Rachel Hill
• Follow Dr. Rothwell on Instagram: @your.thyroid.nd 
• The Thyroid Academy: www.thethyroidacademy.com

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Have you ever felt the urge to take a break from social drinking? In this episode, Karolina Rzadkowolska, author of “Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You” shares her insights on the topic. She talks about the benefits of quitting alcohol and how it can empower you to be your best self. Whether you’re sober-curious or simply fed up with the social pressure to drink, this episode is for you.

Discussed in this episode:

• Karolina’s experience with ditching alcohol in her 30s
• Benefits of taking a break from alcohol
• How can someone become alcohol-free?
• Being honest about your emotions and not using alcohol as a crutch
• The process of quitting alcohol for people who feel overwhelmed by social pressure
• How alcohol affects women and mothers in today’s society

“At the end of the day, it’s not about the beverage. It’s about truly making space for what you want most in life. When people let go of something that no longer serves them, they allow more goodness to come into their lives.” - Karolina Rzadkowolska

Related to this episode:

• Get the Book: Euphoric by Karolina Rzadkowolska
• Karolina’s Website: www.euphoricaf.com
• Recommended: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks 

• Resources and episodes on Mental Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Ever wondered how to sleep better at night? If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you may feel stressed, disappointed, and even burnt out. Studies show that those who regularly lack sleep have an increased risk for chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease, as well as difficulty experiencing optimal focus. But stressing over this fact can actually prevent you from sleeping even further!

In this episode, Dr. Chris Winter shares some of the common sleep issues and stressors that prevent sleep, as well as practical tips covered in his book to get better sleep. Georgie and Dr. Winter discuss menopause sleep issues, specific sleep solutions for women, and how to sleep better during menopause and postpartum. 

Dr. Chris Winter is a sleep specialist and the owner of the Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine clinic. He helps professional athletes and sports organizations optimize sleep schedules, and hosts the popular medical podcast Sleep Unplugged.

Discussed in this episode:

• Dispelling the worries over falling asleep and waking up 
• Menopause sleep problems and how to address them 
• Why do you wake up in the middle of the night, and is it normal?
• The relationship between sleep and postpartum 
• The importance of rest — not just sleep
• Understanding how sleep works in order to effectively treat insomnia 
• Does melatonin work?
• The secret to great sleep for improved quality of life 

“In today’s medical system, physicians let women down all the time. Sleep and menopause are maybe two of the biggest ways we do that.” - Dr. Chris Winter

Related to this episode:

• Chris Winter’s Book: The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It
• Chris Winter’s Book: The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired, or Irritable Child May Have a Sleep Disorder--And How to Help 
• Dr. Chris Winter’s Website: www.wchriswinter.com 
• Listen to the Sleep Unplugged Podcast

• Resources and episodes on Mental Health

• Recommended Books on Menopause

  
  

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Grief is a normal part of life. But sometimes, we have to grieve the loss of a loved one who is still living, which isn’t as socially welcomed as the grief of physical death. In this episode, author Stephanie Sarazin joins Fempower Health to explore what she termed “ambiguous grief.”

We discuss the important lessons from her book, “Soul Broken: A Guidebook for Your Journey Through Ambiguous Grief,” including infidelity, divorce, coming to terms with grief, and the difference between false hope and acceptance. 

Discussed in this episode:

• Different types of grief and the social norms around them
• How to comfort someone who is grieving
• What is ambiguous grief and how do you get through it?
• The dangers of misdirected hope 
• Finding recovery from the compounded stress of ambiguous grief 
• How do people recover from grief, let go, and live their lives?
• Navigating grief and then paying it forward

“Recovery is a place where I’m living as my whole self, I’ve integrated my grief, and I’m okay.” - Stephanie Sarazin

Related to this episode:

• Get the Book: Soul Broken by Stephanie Sarazin
• Stephanie’s Website: www.stephaniesarazin.com
• Stephanie’s Instagram: @stephing_thru
• Stephanie’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesarazin 

• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

According to Tufts Research, 93% of adults in the U.S. have some form of metabolic dysfunction today. Metabolic syndrome is a list of chronic conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease including diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. What does gut health have to do with metabolic syndrome? 

In this episode, neuroendocrinologist and author Robert H. Lustig, MD, shares expert insights on all things metabolic syndrome. He explains common misconceptions about diet including gluten and sugar, and explores what real food is. He shares the importance of education and social change surrounding food, nutrition, and medicine today, and encourages all of us to take charge of our health. 

Robert H. Lustig is a retired pediatric neuroendocrinologist and hypothalamus doctor who specializes in helping children overcome hormonal problems. He’s devoted his retirement to finding solutions for the food supply chain, reducing human suffering, and reversing environmental damage. He is the author of best-selling books including Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine as well as Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease.

Discussed in this episode:

• What is metabolic syndrome?
• The importance of gut health
• What fructose has to do with gut health and metabolic disease
• Are processed foods safe to eat? 
• What is the definition of food?
• Education and social change about food and nutrition
• Gluten vs wheat — and how they affect gut health
• What to know about fructose and sucrose
• Are weight loss pills effective?

“When you don’t feed your gut, your gut will feed on you.”  - Robert H. Lustig, MD

🕐 Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and guest speaker, Dr. Robert H. Lustig, MD.

01:14 - Exploring the concept of metabolic syndrome and its impact on overall health.

05:22 - Unveiling the fascinating relationship between gut health and metabolic syndrome.

09:36 - The role of diet and lifestyle in the development and management of metabolic syndrome.

14:45 - Shedding light on the gut microbiome and its influence on metabolic health.

19:58 - Practical tips for optimizing gut health and mitigating metabolic syndrome risks.

24:17 - Discussing the impact of stress and sleep on gut health and metabolic syndrome.

29:03 - Exploring the potential future developments in the field of metabolic health and gut microbiome research.

33:41 - Closing remarks and key takeaways from the enlightening conversation.

Related to this episode:

• Book: Metabolical by Robert H. Lustig
• Book: Fat Chance by Robert H. Lustig 
• Book: The Fat Chance Cookbook
• Book: The Hacking of the American Mind by Robert H. Lustig
• Robert Lustig’s Website: www.robertlustig.com 
• International Food Information Council: www.ific.org 

• Resources and episodes on Nutrition & Exercise

• Resources and episodes on Autoimmune & Chronic Disease

• Book Mentioned: The TIGER Protocol

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
6. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

If you’ve ever heard that menopausal hormone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer, this new health report may surprise you. 

In this bonus episode, women’s health and menopause management expert Dr. Mindy Goldman sheds light on the complex world of Menopause Hormone Therapy. We explore pivotal insights from the Ester Trial, revealing potentially safer transdermal estrogen. We talk about a fascinating Today article that uncovers the impact of statistical manipulation on reported studies, especially concerning the relationship between breast cancer and hormone therapy.

Dr. Mindy Goldman shares her expert opinion on how estrogen alone might be safer than we thought, and why synthetic progesterone requires a closer look. We also discuss the controversial use of testosterone in women, the challenges with federal laws, and FDA-approved options for improving libido.

Dr. Goldman is a Clinical Professor in the Department of OB/GYN at UCSF and the Director of the Gynecology Center for Cancer Survivors and At-Risk Women. In addition to her role as Midi’s Chief Clinical Officer, she’s a nationally recognized expert in the management of women’s health issues, including menopause, for women with cancer or at high risk. She helped author guidelines for the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and has won several notable awards.

Discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Mindy’s work with breast cancer survivors as an OBGYN
• Common myths of menopause hormone therapy
• A discussion on the ESTHER Study and recent menopause data release in Today
• Risks and safety of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone therapy
• FDA-approved drugs for women’s sexual function 
• Gender disparities in medical research 
• Hormone therapies and other treatment options for high-risk populations such as cancer survivors 
• Menopause symptoms in breast cancer treatment 
• Hormone therapies, medications, and lifestyle strategies as post-cancer treatment options 
• Dr. Mindy Goldman’s professional experience as a menopause advocate combining breast oncology with gynecology

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter

• Menopause health report (Dec 2023): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37847875 
• ESTHER Study: Learn more.
• Dr. Goldman’s story: www.joinmidi.com/post/mindy-goldman 
• Dr. Mindy Goldman on Linkedin
• Midi Health: www.joinmidi.com 
• Menopause book recommendations: www.bookshop.org/lists/top-picks-for-menopause

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.

Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pelvic pain and debilitating periods. Up to 80% of women may experience fibroids before the age of 50, but this condition remains under-researched and misunderstood. 

In this episode, Tanika Gray Valbrun joins to discuss uterine fibroid facts and share hope for women grappling with this condition. She tells her story, voicing her commitment to raising awareness through her organization, The White Dress Project. 

Tanika leads the conversation about patient-doctor communication, listening to women’s voices, and the importance of community support. We discuss the link between black women and fibroids, and consider why there remains a lack of research in women’s reproductive health.

Tanika Gray Valbrun is the Founder and Senior Advocate of The White Dress Project, a non-profit organization committed to spreading uterine fibroids awareness. Ms. Valbrun is an award-winning journalist, educator, and non-profit founder with a passion for women’s health. She works with doctors, health advocates, and elected officials across the country to get legislation passed, including having July declared as “Fibroids Awareness Month.”

Discussed in this episode:

• Facts about uterine fibroids
• Tanika’s experience of uterine fibroids, surgery, and advocacy
• Racial disparities regarding uterine fibroids
• Patient advocacy when communicating with healthcare providers
• Uterine fibroid treatment options
• Challenges in women’s health research today 
• The White Dress Project and its influence on women’s access to uterine fibroid support

Related to this episode:

• Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids and Heavy Periods
• Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids | Minimally Invasive Surgeon Dr. Jessica Opoku-Anane
• Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids and the Need for Better Standard of Care
• The White Dress Project: www.thewhitedressproject.org 
• White Dress Project Instagram: @wecanwearwhite 
• Tankika’s Instagram: @tgvwearswhite
• Twitter: @wecan_wearwhite
• Facebook/Meta: The White Dress Project: We CAN Wear White
• Mentioned: 'Sex Matters' by Dr. Allison McGregor
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: www.acog.org 
• Recommended Books on Your Body and Menstrual Health 

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.

Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**