Listen as Dr. Zoe Rodriguez shares her medical and patient-advocating expertise about life before and after hysterectomy.

Episode Summary

Join Fempower Health as we discuss hysterectomies with Dr. Zoe Rodriguez, the Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. 

In this episode, we address the misconceptions, diverse cultural perspectives, and crucial insights surrounding hysterectomies. We talk about different hysterectomy options, recovery expectations, and the significant impact of surgical choices on women's health. Whether you are considering this procedure or seeking deeper understanding, this discussion offers valuable guidance to navigate your health decisions confidently.

Key Takeaways

• The different types of hysterectomy surgery—including total, supracervical, and partial hysterectomy—and why it’s so important to know the different options.
• How cultural backgrounds influence perceptions of healthcare and surgical decisions, particularly within the Latina community.
• The importance of setting realistic expectations and being well-informed about post-surgical recovery, hormonal impacts, and sexuality after hysterectomy.
• Debunking common misconceptions that Western physicians are “eager to perform surgeries,” plus ethical considerations and patient-centric approaches adopted by modern medicine.
• Minimally invasive procedures for fibroids and other conditions that can be alternatives to hysterectomy.
• The role of informed consent and ensuring patients are fully aware of what their surgery entails, including the potential removal of ovaries and subsequent hormonal implications.
• Tips for patients on how to interact effectively with healthcare providers to ensure all their concerns are addressed.
• Dr. Rodriguez’s vision for accessible, high-quality healthcare for all, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause
• Learn about ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists): A leading organization in women's health care, providing guidelines and practice bulletins for medical practitioners.
• Learn about The Menopause Society: Likely referring to The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), which provides guidance and information on menopause management.
• Learn about ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine): An organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine, including fertility preservation.

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 Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 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 YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our 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!

Guest Bio

Zoe Rodriguez, MD, serves as Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and holds the position of Vice Chair of Operations at Mount Sinai’s Downtown campus. Dr. Rodriguez is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is recognized for her expertise in minimally invasive gynecological surgery and is an APGO (Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics) Surgical Scholar specializing in hysteroscopic procedures.

**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.**

Dr. Maggie Sibley explains the often-misunderstood reality of women with ADHD, from evaluation and treatment to symptom management and hormonal changes.

Episode Summary

In this fascinating episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs is joined by Dr. Maggie Sibley, a renowned women’s ADHD specialist and researcher. As a clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Sibley shares her research-based knowledge and unique perspective on the often overlooked and misunderstood topic of ADHD in adult women. 

Listen as we discuss the complexities of ADHD beyond childhood, the relationship between ADHD and hormones in women with attention disorders, and practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms across different life stages.

Key Discussion Points:

• Common misconceptions about ADHD being a children’s condition and the reality of how symptoms persist into adulthood.
• Research on the trajectory of ADHD from adolescence to adulthood and why it’s so important to recognize ADHD in adults.
• How ADHD symptoms in women manifest differently than men, including internalized symptoms like inattention and executive dysfunction. 
• Connections between societal expectations of women and why ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women until later in life.
• How women’s hormonal changes impact regions in the brain that are associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
• Ways to treat and manage adult ADHD, including lifestyle modifications, medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and personal coping strategies. 
• The importance of structure, routine, exercise, and healthy diet for effective ADHD symptom management. 
• Tips for navigating the healthcare system during the evaluation stage and treatment plans after diagnosis to ensure specialized care for women with ADHD.
• The importance of community support and further research for women with ADHD.

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Mental Health
• Related episode: Living With ADHD: Your Brain’s Not Broken
• Learn more about Dr Margaret Sibley
• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): This is the major advocacy organization for ADHD, providing support, resources, and community connections for both children and adults.
• ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association): This organization focuses on the adult ADHD community, offering tools, resources, and networking opportunities for adults dealing with ADHD.
• Psychology Today: A resource for finding therapists who specialize in ADHD and other psychological conditions. Dr. Sibley recommends using their therapist finder tool to locate experts who specialize in cognitive behavioral approaches and other treatments for ADHD.

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 Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 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 YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our 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!

Guest Bio

Dr. Margaret Sibley is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She has authored over 120 scholarly publications on ADHD in adolescence and adulthood with research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Institute of Education Sciences. She is Secretary of the American Professional Society for ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD), a Professional Advisory Board Member for Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), and an Associate Editor of the Journal of Attention Disorders. She is the author of Parent-Teen Therapy for Executive Function Deficits and ADHD: Building Skills and Motivation published by Guilford Press in 2017.

**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.**

Learn the correlation between women’s health and menopause. Dr. Lauren Streicher shares the essentials of menopause management and tips for healthy aging.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Streicher, a distinguished expert in menopause management, joins to share her insights on this important life stage. Dr. Streicher discusses the complexities of menopause, offering facts and practical advice for women. With a career dedicated to enhancing women's health, she brings a wealth of knowledge from her clinical experience, research, and as the author of several pivotal books on menopause. This conversation explores the main aspects of menopause, from symptom management to the importance of open communication with healthcare providers, and how to embrace this transformative stage of life. 

Key Discussion Points

• An overview of women’s health and menopause, including high blood pressure, joint pain, insulin resistance, sleep disturbances, and hair loss.
• The complex relationship between menopause and painful intercourse, and the importance of accurate diagnosis beyond genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
• Strategies for finding access to a menopause specialist.
• The role of estrogen in the management of menopausal symptoms.
• Potential benefits and considerations for menopause hormone therapy.
• Efficacy, precautions, and recommendations regarding cannabis for menopause relief.
• The relationship between menopause and mental health, and how this can impact cognitive function.
• How to prepare for doctor's appointments when managing menopause and wanting to address your symptoms and concerns.
• Viewing menopause and aging as opportunities to focus on health, well-being, and embracing a new chapter in life.

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause
• Read Dr. Streicher’s story and follow her on LinkedIn
• Midi Health: www.joinmidi.com 
• Check out Dr Streicher’s Inside Information podcast

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 Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 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 YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our 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!

Guest Bio

Dr. Lauren Streicher, MD, is a renowned expert in women's health, specializing in menopause and sexual medicine as the Medical Director of Community Education and Outreach for Midi Health and the founding director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Menopause and Sexual Medicine. A Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Dr. Streicher is a Certified Menopause Practitioner, contributing to the journal Menopause and a Senior Research Fellow at the Kinsey Institute. As a best-selling author, she provides insights on menopause through books like "Sex Rx" and "Hot Flash Hell" and hosts the informative podcast “Dr. Streicher’s Inside Information.” Featured on top media outlets like The Today Show, CNN, and NPR, Dr. Streicher’s contributions to women’s health and menopause are widely recognized.

**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.**

Learn how your vaginal flora and gut microbiome contribute to your reproductive health. Dr. Caroline Mitchell shares her expertise and research on this important but overlooked topic.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. Dr. Caroline Mitchell, distinguished reproductive health researcher and faculty member at the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, shares her profound insight on why a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial in women's health. 

With a background in Women’s Studies at Harvard College and groundbreaking research funded by prestigious organizations, Dr. Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. She explains the complexities of understanding vaginal flora, the challenges posed by bacterial vaginosis (BV), and the intriguing connections between gut health and vaginal health. 

Listen to learn about some of the most significant yet overlooked aspects of women's reproductive health. We discuss how to balance the vaginal microbiome, what to do about chronic bacterial vaginosis, use cases for a vaginal microbiome transplant, and what innovative treatments are emerging in women’s health. 

Key Discussion Points

• Why a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial for women's overall health and how imbalances can lead to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
• The difficulties of limited funding and the complexity of research regarding the vaginal microbiome.
• Symptoms of BV, its limited treatment options, and common misdiagnoses such as vulvodynia.
• Yeast infection vs. BV vs. UTI symptoms.
• The impact of antibiotic use on the vaginal and gut microbiomes, plus the need for caution and further research.
• Vaginal microbiome transplants and the potential of lactobacillus crispatus in treating BV, plus the future of an at-home vaginal microbiome test.
• What to consider when looking for the best women's probiotics for vaginal health, and how to avoid unnecessary products and irritants.
• The importance of accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management for vaginal health.

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome
• Follow Dr. Caroline Mitchell on Instagram and  LinkedIn. Follow her lab on Instagram.
• Learn more about Dr Mitchell’s research and consider enrolling in her clinical trials 
• MOTIF (be a donor recipient)
• MOTIF (be a donor)  
• VIBRANT study, looking at a live biotherapeutic
• Learn about the VITA Study
• Companies working on products include Osel, Freya Biosciences, and BioNTech
• Test kits for women with altered vaginal flora: Evvy

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 Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 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 YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our 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!

Guest Bio

Dr. Caroline Mitchell, a distinguished faculty member at the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, has a remarkable career that bridges clinical practice with groundbreaking research. After earning her BA in Women's Studies from Harvard College and serving in the Peace Corps in Southern Africa, she returned to Harvard Medical School for her MD, followed by OB/Gyn residency and an MPH degree at the University of Washington in Seattle. At MGH since 2014, Dr. Mitchell dedicates her research to understanding the vaginal microbiota's role in reproductive health, supported by prestigious grants from organizations like NIH, the Doris Duke Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. As the Director of the Vulvovaginal Disorders Program and chair of the OB/Gyn Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at MGH, her clinical and research work includes pioneering the first randomized trial of vaginal fluid transplant for recurrent infections and investigating novel vaginal biotherapeutics, underlining her commitment to advancing women's health globally.

**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
• 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

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 Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 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 YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our 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.**

The ovaries play a key role in overall health, not just reproduction. More scientific findings are revealing that the ovaries even influence mood, behavior, and longevity. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Garrison from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging explains the intricate relationship between the brain and reproductive organs. She covers topics including the science of aging, the “hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis”, menopause and health, hormone replacement therapy, and the importance of understanding ovarian function.

Dr. Jennifer Garrison is a PhD scientist and the head of a research lab at the Buck Institute, an independent institute dedicated to studying aging as a risk factor for diseases. Listen as Dr. Garrison explores how age is the primary risk factor for most chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Discussed in this episode:

• How the brain controls female physiology, including reproductive function
• Early menopause and POI/POF 
• Menopause and how it relates to overall health 
• The fascinating story women’s ovaries can tell us about aging 
• Understanding hormones as messengers in the body
• The impact of diet and exercise on aging and fertility 
• How understanding the aging process can help target and treat age-related diseases
• Hormone replacement therapy for hormonal imbalances during aging
• Physical and emotional symptoms associated with periods, motherhood, and menopause

Related to this episode:

• Related episodes: Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and Menopause | Dr. Mandy Leonhardt
• Related episode: Women’s Health and the Ovulation Cycle | Dr. Jerilynn Prior
• Dr. Garrison’s Lab at Buck Institute: www.buckinstitute.org/lab/garrison-lab 
• Dr. Jennifer Garrison on Twitter and LinkedIn 
• Find Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (GCRLE) on Twitter,  Instagram, and LinkedIn
• Resources and episodes on Breaking Taboos
• Recommended Books on Hormones and Menstrual Health
• 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 Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 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 YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our 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.**

Throughout history, there have been incredible findings about female sexual anatomy that you wouldn’t believe. Reproductive sexual health reporter, science journalist, and author of Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage, Rachel E. Gross, reveals these findings, uncovers hidden truths, and celebrates exciting shifts in women's health today.

In this episode, Rachel E. Gross sheds light on the challenges faced by women and people with vulvas throughout the centuries. She discusses the evolution of gender affirmation surgery for trans women, misconceptions about female reproductive biology, ineffective treatments for various vaginal conditions, and dismissive attitudes toward women in the medical field. 

Rachel's book, inspired by her own mysterious medical experience, addresses the lack of knowledge and care surrounding women's health issues. Vagina Obscura challenges the societal norms and biases that have shaped our understanding of the female body. 

Listen as Rachel shares her research, opening our eyes to the complexities and nuances that make all bodies worth advocating for.

Discussed in this episode:

• How Rachel’s experience with vaginal problems shaped her perspective on women's health
• Sigmund Freud's influence on the field of gynecology and medicine
• Examples of medical conditions that are often dismissed or misdiagnosed in women
• Challenges in the current market for vaginal products and the need for FDA-approved vaginal probiotics
• How gender affirmation surgery for trans women has evolved to prioritize individual experiences and desires, emphasizing body similarities rather than differences
• Stigmas around bacterial vaginosis and the current treatments available 

Related to this episode:

• Get the Book: Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage by Rachel E. Gross
• Rachel’s Website: www.rachelegross.com 
• Rachel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelegross 
• Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gross_out 
• Related Episode: Exploring Science of the Vaginal Microbiome 
• Resources and episodes on Breaking Taboos
• Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual 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 Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 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 YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our 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.**

Dr. Sarah E. Hill, PhD is a research psychologist and expert in the effects of birth control on women’s lives. She is the author of the book, "This is Your Brain on Birth Control" and has dedicated her research to uncovering the science behind hormonal birth control and its potential impacts. 

In this episode, Dr. Sarah E. Hill discusses the importance of understanding the science of birth control and its influence on choices women make, such as pursuing education, careers, and even romantic partners. She presents recent developments and research on birth control, including the approval of over-the-counter options and the potential effects of the Roe v. Wade overturn. 

Listen as Dr. Sarah E. Hill shares her expertise and insights on the conversation surrounding birth control in our modern society, and how it relates to women’s health empowerment today.

Discussed in this episode:

• The impacts of birth control on hormones and health
• How hormones affect mood, behavior, and mental health in women
• Can birth control affect attraction and partner choices?
• Why individual women respond differently to birth control pills
• The importance of women being aware of potential birth control side effects 
• Exploring the question: is birth control bad?
• Sex education and birth control
• Learning to self-monitor when starting or switching birth control methods 
• Access to birth control after Roe v. Wade overturned
• The need for women’s health education on their hormones and other birth control alternatives 

Related to this episode:

• Get Dr. Hill’s Book: This is Your Brain on Birth Control 
• Related Episode: Your Period: What Your Doctor Never Told You | Dr. Lara Briden
• On the Blog: What Women Want & Need to Know About Birth Control
• Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual 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 Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 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 YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our 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.**

In this episode, psychotherapist Catherine Goldhouse sheds light on the often misunderstood condition of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). Catherine explains the goals of different treatments for OCD, with a focus on exposure and response prevention (ERP) and inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT). Catherine provides compelling examples to illustrate these OCD treatments, emphasizing the importance of living a meaningful life despite anxiety and fear.

Learn about the common misconceptions surrounding OCD, the challenges faced by individuals seeking appropriate treatment, and the importance of specialized training in the field. Explore the less-often-discussed reality of postpartum OCD, and help increase awareness, understanding, and support for new mothers experiencing these symptoms.

Catherine Goldhouse is an OCD specialist, offering support to individuals who experience intrusive thoughts and fears related to their relationships, morality, and safety. She is particularly passionate about raising awareness of postpartum OCD and advocating for proper training for pediatricians to offer appropriate care for new mothers who develop this condition.

Discussed in this episode:

• How OCD therapy works
• Comparing ICBT and ERP for OCD
• Differences between anxiety, OCD, and phobias
• Various types of OCD including harm OCD, relationship OCD, and sexual orientation OCD
• Recognizing that individuals with OCD are often kind and sensitive
• The importance of finding a supportive community for those who have OCD
• Common onsets of OCD 
• Postpartum OCD 
• What loved ones can do to help, but not enable, OCD individuals 

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Mental Health
• Catherine Goldhouse’s Website: www.catherinegoldhouse.com 
• Catherine Goldhouse’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/catherinegoldhouse

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 Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 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 YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our 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.**

The standard American diet doesn’t often support people’s gut health. Processed foods, imbalanced nutritional intake, and lifestyle stressors all contribute to a weakened gut microbiome. In this episode, Dr. Chris Damman, gastroenterologist and functional food expert, shares important findings on diet and the gut microbiome. He shares the importance of balancing your gut microbiome, what we can all do to live a healthier lifestyle, and more.

Dr. Chris Damman formerly led the functional food and microbiome initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. and a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington Department of Medicine and Global Health. He is a board-certified gastroenterologist and currently serves as the Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at Supergut, a company that makes prebiotic products that support the gut.

Discussed in this episode:

• Health and diet standards in different populations and how it affects public health
• Why a balanced microbiome is so critical for health 
• The biggest diet mistake people make that harms gut health
• Processed foods vs eating healthy in a busy society 
• What causes gas?
• Why fiber supports the gut microbiome
• How gut health changes in different phases of someone’s life
• Antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics in the gut
• The Four F's, the Four M's, and the Big C

🔍 Time Stamps:

00:30 - Introduction to the relationship between diet and the microbiome.

02:15 - Unraveling the four Ms and their impact on gut health: microbes, meals, movement, and mindfulness.

05:10 - The four Fs and their role in nurturing a healthy gut: fiber, fermented foods, fatty acids, and fluids.

08:45 - Simple dietary changes that can positively influence your gut microbiome.

11:20 - Debunking common misconceptions about gut health and diet.

14:05 - Practical tips for incorporating gut-friendly foods into your daily meals.

17:30 - Q&A session with Dr. Chris Damman, addressing popular questions from our listeners.

21:05 - Wrapping up with key takeaways and next steps for improving your gut health.

Related to this episode:

• Chris Damman on LinkedIn
• Chris Damman on Twitter
• Chris Damman talk: What is a Healthy Microbiota?
• Supergut: www.supergut.com 
• Resources and episodes on Nutrition & Exercise
• Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome

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 Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 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 YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for our 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.**