What if your pain, irritation, or sexual discomfort was being dismissed because no one ever taught your doctor how to look for the real cause?

There’s a reason vulvar conditions like lichen sclerosus are often missed or misdiagnosed—and it’s not because they’re rare. It's because most doctors aren't trained to recognize the signs. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jill Krapf, a dedicated gynecologist and vulvar skin expert, to unpack the truth about vulvar dermatoses, why it takes so long to get diagnosed, and what can be done when scarring, pain, and sexual dysfunction start taking over your life.

We don’t just skim the surface—we go deep into the subtle (and not-so-subtle) symptoms, the stories of people who were told nothing was wrong when something clearly was, and what really works when managing chronic vulvar skin conditions. Jill also shares insights about how women of color are even more likely to be overlooked and misdiagnosed because of gaps in training and representation in medical education.

If you’ve ever been told “it’s just in your head,” or if you’ve silently dealt with vulvar discomfort, pain with sex, or itching that won’t go away—this episode is a must. There is real hope and effective care available. You just need to know where to look—and what to ask.

💡 Highlights:

• Why vulvar conditions are so often missed in both OB-GYN and dermatology settings
• The different types of lichen (and why not all itching is the same)
• Scarring, fissures, and sexual pain: when to ask about surgical options
• How patients of color face even more barriers to diagnosis and care
• What to know about emerging treatments like JAK inhibitors and lasers

Dr. Krapf’s Bio:

Dr. Jill Krapf is a board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist specializing in female sexual pain disorders and Director of the Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders Florida in Tampa, Florida, USA. She is active in research and has published chapters and peer-reviewed articles on vulvodynia and vulvar lichen sclerosus.

She is Associate Editor for the medical journal Sexual Medicine, as well as for the textbook Female Sexual Pain Disorders, 2 nd Edition. She is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) and a Fellow and Board Member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), serving on the Education Committee and the Social Media Committee. Dr. Krapf is a co-author on the trade book “When Sex Hurts: Understanding and Healing Pelvic Pain.” She shares educational content on social media @jillkrapfmd.

If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you language to advocate for your health, don’t keep it to yourself. Like, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on women’s health.

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Menopause can sneak up on you, turning everyday tasks into overwhelming challenges. One moment you’re thriving, and the next, you’re questioning your memory, your confidence, and your health.

When Tamsen  Fadal found herself on the bathroom floor during a live news broadcast, she had no idea menopause was to blame. Brain fog had been chipping away at her confidence for months, and no one had prepared her for what was happening. After countless appointments and endless Google searches, she realized that so many women suffer in silence, simply because they don’t have the right information.

In this episode, we discuss the real struggles of menopause — from the frustrating search for answers to the overwhelming amount of misinformation online. Tamsen shares how she finally found the right treatment, including hormone therapy and testosterone, and why she’s dedicated her career to helping women take charge of their health.

We also explore the role of advocacy, the dangers of predatory wellness trends, and how partners can play a vital role in supporting women during this transition. Tamsen’s powerful story is a reminder that you don’t have to suffer alone — there are answers, and it starts by asking the right questions.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed by your doctor or overwhelmed by conflicting advice, this episode is for you.

Highlights:

• How a terrifying on-air episode led Tamsen to uncover her menopause symptoms
• The emotional toll of brain fog and memory loss — and how it impacts confidence
• Why hormone therapy and testosterone became game-changers in Tamsen’s journey
• The surprising role partners can play in helping women navigate menopause
• How Tamsen turned her experience into a powerful documentary and book to help others

If you found this episode helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe to the podcast. Giving a review on Apple Podcasts helps spread the word and empowers more women to advocate for their health.

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We've talked before about how women’s health issues are often overlooked, but new research is challenging what we thought we knew about bacterial vaginosis (BV). What if BV is actually an STI?

For years, we've treated bacterial vaginosis as a frustrating yet common vaginal infection. But new research suggests BV may actually be sexually transmitted — and that changes everything.

In this episode, I dive into a groundbreaking study from the New England Journal of Medicine that reveals treating a woman's partner with antibiotics may reduce BV recurrence. This finding has huge implications for how we diagnose and manage this condition, especially since BV is linked to serious complications like infertility, preterm labor, and increased risk of other infections.

I also unpack why the feminine hygiene industry continues to prey on women’s insecurities — selling products that often do more harm than good. While some vaginal health products may seem promising, they can upset your vaginal microbiome, potentially increasing your risk of infections like BV.

Finally, I break down practical strategies for preventing and treating recurrent BV, from partner treatment to emerging solutions like boric acid suppositories and innovative medications designed to break down stubborn bacterial biofilms.

If you've struggled with recurring BV or want to know how to better advocate for your vaginal health, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

• New research showing BV may be sexually transmitted
• Why treating male partners could reduce BV recurrence
• The dangers of feminine hygiene products that disrupt vaginal health
• The role of boric acid in breaking down stubborn biofilms
• Why vaginal health products often target women’s insecurities — and what to watch out for

If this episode gave you a new perspective, please like, subscribe, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps spread the word and empower more people with the information they need to advocate for their health.

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We’ve talked many times about how women’s sexual health has been ignored, underfunded, and dismissed—but what’s actually changing? At this year’s ISSWSH conference, the latest research is pushing the field forward in ways we’ve never seen before.

If you’ve been following this show, you already know that women’s sexual health has been historically neglected in research and medicine. We’ve talked about the lack of funding, the outdated medical perspectives, and the frustrating gaps in knowledge. But this year’s ISSWSH conference gave us something new—real momentum, new studies, and potential breakthroughs that could finally shift the conversation from what’s missing to what’s next.

From redefining orgasm disorders to new treatments for sexual pain, the field of sexual medicine is evolving. Testosterone in women’s health is still a hot debate, but the latest data challenges many of the old assumptions. We’re also seeing new medications in the pipeline, more discussions about the impact of mental health, and growing recognition that sexual health is far more than just a biological issue—it’s psychological, social, and deeply personal.

So where do we go from here? What does the future of sexual medicine look like? And most importantly, how do we make sure these advancements actually reach the people who need them? 

• We already know women’s sexual health is underfunded—so what’s actually changing?
• New research from ISSWSH on orgasm disorders, painful sex, and hormone therapy.
• Why testosterone remains controversial for women—and what the latest data says.
• The growing role of mental health in understanding sexual dysfunction.
• What’s next: new treatments in the pipeline and the fight for better access.

The conversation is shifting, but there’s still work to do. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcast to help bring more attention to these critical issues.

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What if midlife wasn’t the beginning of the end, but the start of something bigger? Marcella Hill thought she had it all figured out—until she lost herself completely.

Midlife has a way of forcing women to wake up. For Marcella Hill, it came in waves—divorce, reinvention, success, then the sudden and unexplained loss of energy, libido, and joy. She was doing everything “right,” yet her body was shutting down.

After years of being dismissed by doctors, she took matters into her own hands. From finding the right hormones to breaking free from deeply ingrained sexual shame, Marcella shares how she not only reclaimed her body but also her power.

Her journey didn’t stop with her own awakening. One viral TikTok turned into a movement, leading thousands of women to the resources they desperately needed. Now, she’s on a mission to make sure no woman has to suffer in silence again.

In this episode, Marcella and I get real about everything—hormones, libido, the lies we’ve been told about aging, and how women can rewrite their midlife stories on their own terms.

• The moment Marcella realized her body was shutting down—and why doctors ignored it
• How testosterone completely transformed her energy, mood, and sex drive
• Breaking free from religious and cultural shame around pleasure and desire
• Why women over 40 are feeling invisible—and how to change that
• The rise of midlife awakenings and how Marcella is helping women take control

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment! And view the show on Apple Podcasts.

Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts and tag a friend who needs to hear this.

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Why is half the world’s population walking around with an ignored, misunderstood body part? If the clitoris and penis are made of the same tissue, why is one thoroughly studied and the other barely mentioned in medical training?

The clitoris is more than just a pleasure center—yet most doctors barely acknowledge it, let alone know how to examine it properly. Dr. Rachel Rubin joins me to expose the medical blind spots surrounding clitoral health, including the shocking lack of education on clitoral adhesions and why so many women suffer in silence.

We also dive into the impact of testosterone in women’s health, how outdated medical biases are keeping life-changing treatments out of reach, and why the FDA’s warning labels on vaginal estrogen are doing more harm than good.

Dr. Rachel Rubin shares her groundbreaking research on sexual medicine, why simple procedures like clitoral lysis can be life-changing, and how she’s fighting to get doctors to start asking the right questions about sexual function.

This episode is packed with critical insights on women’s health, pleasure, and the science that’s been overlooked for far too long.

• Why the clitoris and penis are made of the same tissue—but only one gets studied
• The hidden problem of clitoral adhesions and how they impact sensation
• How testosterone plays a crucial role in women’s health (and why most doctors ignore it)
• The truth about vaginal estrogen, the FDA’s misleading warning, and the fight to fix it
• The urgent need for better education on sexual health in medical schools

If you found this episode eye-opening, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment! Share your thoughts and help us spread the conversation about women’s sexual health.

Dr. Rubin’s Bio

Dr. Rachel S. Rubin is a board certified urologist with fellowship training in sexual medicine. She is an assistant clinical professor in urology at Georgetown University and owns her own practice in Washington DC. Dr. Rubin provides comprehensive care to all genders. She treats issues such as pelvic pain, menopause, erectile dysfunction, and low libido. Dr. Rubin is the former education chair and current Director-at-Large for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), and she serves as associate editor for the Journal of Sexual Medicine Review and the Video Journal of Sexual Medicine. Her work has been featured in the NYT, NPR and PBS. She was named a Washingtonian Top Doctor in 2019-2024.

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Hair loss isn’t just about vanity—it’s about confidence, identity, and health. Yet, despite being a billion-dollar industry, so much misinformation surrounds it. Why do so many treatments fail? Why do some dermatologists avoid it? And most importantly, what actually works?

Hair loss is often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, but for millions of people, it’s deeply personal and frustrating to treat. In this episode, this week I talk with Dr. Omer Ibrahim, a leading dermatologist, to break down the real science behind hair loss and hair thinning, especially in women. From postpartum shedding to perimenopausal hair loss and PCOS-related thinning, we explore the complex factors that influence hair health and why most treatments aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

Dr. Ibrahim shares why many dermatologists don’t prioritize hair loss treatment, the role of stress and nutritional deficiencies, and why early intervention is key. We also dive into cutting-edge treatments—from oral minoxidil and exosomes to laser therapy and PRP injections—and whether hair transplants are actually worth it.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed or confused about your hair loss, this episode is packed with expert insights that will help you advocate for the right care.

Episode Highlights:

• Why hair loss isn’t taken seriously in dermatology
• The biggest myths about hair thinning (and what actually works)
• How postpartum, perimenopause, and PCOS impact hair health
• The latest treatments, from oral minoxidil to exosomes
• Why early intervention is crucial (and when to seek help)

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a comment! Your support helps us continue bringing expert insights to the conversation.

Dr. Ibrahim’s bio:

Omer Ibrahim, MD FAAD is a board-certified, fellowship trained dermatologist and co-director of research at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. He completed his residency at Cleveland Clinic, followed by an ASDS-accredited fellowship in cosmetic, laser and dermatologic surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Boston. Dr. Ibrahim serves as adjunct faculty at Cleveland Clinic and Rush University where he teaches residents the fundamentals of cosmetic and surgical dermatology.

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Sexual health is often misunderstood and neglected in medical training. What happens when a passionate student decides to challenge the system and ignite change?

The medical field often hesitates to tackle less-explored topics, but Dr. Jen Romanello is breaking new ground as a young advocate for advancing sexual medicine.As a medical student, Jen identified a glaring gap in education on female sexual health and decided to act. She founded the Medical Student Forum on Female Sexual Medicine, an initiative that has expanded to impact students across the U.S. and beyond.

In this episode, we delve into Jen’s journey from medical student to resident, exploring her mission to tackle the stigma surrounding sexual health in medical education. From collaborating with leading experts like Dr. Rachel Rubin and Dr. Andrew Goldstein to hosting groundbreaking symposiums, Jen has made waves in an underserved area of healthcare.

We also explore the challenges of navigating medical systems that often overlook sexual medicine and how Jen’s leadership is paving the way for students, clinicians, and patients alike. Whether it’s addressing medical trauma or fostering a deeper understanding of patient care, Jen’s work highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and a patient-first approach.

Her insights go beyond the clinic, offering practical advice for medical students, residents, and professionals interested in bridging gaps in education and care.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that showcases how one person’s determination can spark systemic change and improve countless lives.

Don’t miss this eye-opening episode. If you enjoyed the conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network to spread awareness about the importance of sexual medicine. Your feedback helps us continue these critical discussions!

Dr. Romanello’s Bio:

Jen Romanello MD is an intern physician in internal medicine at NYU and attended medical school at Rush Medical College in Chicago. She is President of the Medical Student Forum on Female Sexual Medicine (The Forum), which she founded in 2020. The Forum is an independent trainee-led organization that has facilitated over 1000 trainees to connect to educational, writing, research, conference, and mentorship opportunities in the field of Female Sexual Medicine (FSM).

Her professional interests include sexual medicine and menopause, reproductive mental health, neuroplastic pain, metabolism and nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. Her clinical research and publications have focused on topics including clitoral adhesions,chronic pelvic pain, and medical education.  

She is a member of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health, the Menopause Society, and the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms. She loves speaking with medical students who are deciding which specialty to pursue about how there are many great ways to approach this field.

Don’t miss this eye-opening episode. If you enjoyed the conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network to spread awareness about the importance of sexual medicine. Your feedback helps us continue these critical discussions!

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What happens when two menopause experts swap their own stories of brain fog, joint pain, and midlife panic attacks? Spoiler: It’s raw, relatable, and eye-opening.

This episode is like no other. I sit down with my colleague and friend, Dr. Heidi Flagg, for one of the most open and candid conversations I’ve had on the podcast. We don’t just talk about the science of menopause—we share our own symptoms, challenges, and the surprising ways hormones have shaped our journeys.

Dr. Flagg and I explore the lesser-discussed symptoms of menopause, including brain fog, joint pain, and more. I share my own experience with a midlife panic attack and how it opened my eyes to the complexities of this transition. Together, we debunk myths about hormone therapy, dive into the vital connection between estrogen and brain health, and highlight the transformative power of lifestyle changes like weight training and improving sleep. This episode is all about addressing the symptoms no one talks about and empowering you with the knowledge to thrive.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling with menopause symptoms, this episode will show you that even the experts have been there—and we’re here to help. With humor, honesty, and a ton of actionable insights, we explore how to navigate midlife with confidence.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Flagg and I get real about our own menopause struggles
• The truth about hormone therapy and why it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” solution
• How brain fog and panic attacks are linked to hormonal changes
• Practical tips for improving cognitive and physical health in midlife
• The power of social connection and breaking the stigma around menopause

Enjoyed this conversation? Don’t keep it to yourself—subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Leave a comment on my Instagram about what you would like to see or what you got out of today’s episode. 

Your support helps us reach more listeners!

Dr. Flaggs Bio:

Dr. Heidi Snyder Flagg is a founder and managing partner of Spring ObGyn, a private practice in NYC. Since completing her ObGyn residency at Brown’s Woman & Infant’s Hospital in 1999, Dr. Flagg’s clinical interests have spanned the woman’s reproductive cycle with a current focus, as a certified menopause specialist, on peri menopausal and menopausal issues, challenges and treatments. 

Dr. Flagg sits on the Every Mother Counts Founder’s circle as a medical advisor and speaker.  She holds positions on the HL Snyder Medical Foundation and The Experimental Science Now boards. 

In addition, Dr. Flagg is a medical advisor to Flow Health and Let’s Talk Menopause.

Dr. Flagg lives in New York City with her husband, Chris, and two kids.

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What if the secret to weight loss success lies not just in the medication but in how it transforms your brain? Dr. Alexandra Sowa shares groundbreaking insights into GLP-1 medications and their profound impact on both the body and mind.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Alexandra Sowa, a leader in obesity medicine and the author of The Ozempic Revolution, to uncover the truths and misconceptions about GLP-1 medications. Drawing on her decade-long journey in treating patients, Dr. Sowa shares how a holistic approach—rooted in education, behavioral shifts, and a deep understanding of the brain-body connection—can lead to sustainable health transformations.

We delve into the transformative impact of GLP-1 medications, not as a magic bullet but as a critical tool within a comprehensive, intentional strategy for achieving long-term health. Dr. Sowa explains the science behind these treatments and how they work to regulate cravings, metabolic function, and even brain pathways linked to food and addiction. She also addresses common misconceptions, including the much-discussed “Ozempic face,” and reveals why slow and steady weight loss is key to preserving muscle and overall well-being.

Beyond the individual level, Dr. Sowa highlights the broader societal implications of these medications, including their role in reducing stigma around obesity and pushing for more accessible, equitable healthcare solutions. Her expertise sheds light on how addressing the cognitive and emotional barriers to weight loss can create lasting, meaningful change—not just for individuals but for the healthcare industry as a whole.

If you’ve ever wondered how medications like GLP-1s can be part of a holistic health journey or how they are reshaping the landscape of weight loss and healthcare, this episode is packed with insights and strategies you won’t want to miss.

Highlights:

• The science of GLP-1 medications and their role in holistic weight loss strategies
• How behavioral and cognitive factors impact weight management success
• Dispelling myths about “Ozempic face” and muscle loss
• The societal impact of GLP-1s on obesity stigma and healthcare reform
• Key lessons from The Ozempic Revolution to empower patients and practitioners alike

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