Lichen Sclerosus Podcast

Lichen Sclerosus Podcast

By Kathy Ruiz-CarterHealth & FitnessEducation
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Lichen Sclerosus Podcast episodes

  • Listen to Your Body

    This week I went off script and had a frank talk about what's been going on with me. It's so important to listen when your body is telling you to slow down or something is wrong.

    Hopefully, I will be back to full strength next week and we will be back to your regularly scheduled program.

    Don't' forget to follow me on social media so you can get notified of my live events.

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lichensclerosussupportnetwork/

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lichensclerosuspodcast/

    Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQXU-nhfnn-nScR_5VyUdCQ

    Website - https://lichensclerosuspodcast.com/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

    If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers…

    trying to figure out why your body feels different…
    why your treatment isn’t working…
    or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely…
    You’re not alone.
    And more importantly—
    you’re not the problem.
    Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this.
    That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit.
    This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps.
    Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like:
    Why does my treatment stop working?
    Is this LS progression… or hormonal change?
    What order should I actually be using my medications?
    How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin?
    And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions,
    where you can hear real questions from people just like you…
    and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for.
    This is where the guessing stops.
    👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs
    If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step.
    P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.

    16 min
  • Lou's Diagnosis Story

    Our sister in Lichen Sclerosus, Lou from Australia, shares her diagnosis story with us. Her trials with everything from doctors to mental health.

    Be prepared to smile and laugh because we had fun. And although our stories are individual to ourselves we share a lot of similarities.

    So share in the sisterhood of LS. Also, stay tuned to the end for an exciting announcement.

    Don't forget to subscribe to be notified of the next episode.

    Instagram @lichensclerosuspodcast

    Facebook @lichensclerosussupportnetwrok

    Resources:

    Video Lou shared with her partner - https://vimeo.com/168204328

    Lou's doctor -

    Dr. Kathy Cook  Mercy Women's Hospital Heidleberg VIC   https://health-services.mercyhealth.com.au/our-health-services/mercy-hospital-women/   The vulva clinic only runs on a Monday, and you'll need a referral from your GP to see her.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

    If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers…

    trying to figure out why your body feels different…
    why your treatment isn’t working…
    or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely…
    You’re not alone.
    And more importantly—
    you’re not the problem.
    Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this.
    That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit.
    This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps.
    Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like:
    Why does my treatment stop working?
    Is this LS progression… or hormonal change?
    What order should I actually be using my medications?
    How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin?
    And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions,
    where you can hear real questions from people just like you…
    and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for.
    This is where the guessing stops.
    👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs
    If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step.
    P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.

    35 min
  • Do you need a support group?

    This week we dive into support groups. Why you may need one? Why they are important and what to look for in the right support group for you?

    I'll also introduce you to two Facebook support group admins and let them tell you a bit about their groups.

    Links for groups as follows:

    Lichen Sclerosus Sclerosis UK Support Group For Women

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/221930761513570/

    Website - https://lsvcukawareness.weebly.com/

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/LSclerosus & https://twitter.com/Vulvalcanceruk

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lichensclerosusuk/ & https://www.instagram.com/vulvalcancerukawareness/

    Lichen Sclerosus New International Women's Support Group

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2446165235420118/

    Lichen Sclerosus Support Network

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lichensclerosussupportnetwork/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

    If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers…

    trying to figure out why your body feels different…
    why your treatment isn’t working…
    or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely…
    You’re not alone.
    And more importantly—
    you’re not the problem.
    Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this.
    That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit.
    This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps.
    Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like:
    Why does my treatment stop working?
    Is this LS progression… or hormonal change?
    What order should I actually be using my medications?
    How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin?
    And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions,
    where you can hear real questions from people just like you…
    and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for.
    This is where the guessing stops.
    👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs
    If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step.
    P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.

    24 min
  • LS Clinical Trials with Leia Michell

    Leia Mitchell and I are back with the second part of our conversation. This week we discuss clinical trial research around Lichen Sclerosus.

    Leia tells us where the research is on LS mental health as well as where she sees future research heading. We look at what makes a good trial and the risk we need to think about when looking to participate in a trial.

    So if you're interested in where the science is going definitely check this episode out.

     Also, check out our new Facebook page for the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network to stay up to date on what's about to go down over there. Major changes are coming and I can't wait to share them with you. Follow and like https://www.facebook.com/lichensclerosussupportnetwork/

    Don't forget to subscribe so you get notified when the next episode drops.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

    If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers…

    trying to figure out why your body feels different…
    why your treatment isn’t working…
    or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely…
    You’re not alone.
    And more importantly—
    you’re not the problem.
    Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this.
    That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit.
    This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps.
    Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like:
    Why does my treatment stop working?
    Is this LS progression… or hormonal change?
    What order should I actually be using my medications?
    How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin?
    And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions,
    where you can hear real questions from people just like you…
    and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for.
    This is where the guessing stops.
    👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs
    If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step.
    P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.

    30 min
  • Not in a good place

    Hey. It's been a tough time lately and I can't be of service to you the way I want to so I will be taking some time off. I hope to be back reinvigorated.

    If you would like to keep in touch you can follow me on Instagram @lichensclerosuspodcast, email me at [email protected], or join the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network where I will be the most active at https://members.lssupport.net. I'm also going to dip my toe in Tik Tok so you can follow me at @lichen_sclerosus_podcast.

    Stay safe.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

    If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers…

    trying to figure out why your body feels different…
    why your treatment isn’t working…
    or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely…
    You’re not alone.
    And more importantly—
    you’re not the problem.
    Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this.
    That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit.
    This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps.
    Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like:
    Why does my treatment stop working?
    Is this LS progression… or hormonal change?
    What order should I actually be using my medications?
    How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin?
    And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions,
    where you can hear real questions from people just like you…
    and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for.
    This is where the guessing stops.
    👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs
    If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step.
    P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.

    8 min
  • Does Using Your Voice Really Work?

    This is the hardest episode I have ever recorded. It's raw and barely edited. It is needed. Please please please listen to this message. It is so important.

    After you listen tell me does using your voice really work?

     

    [email protected]

    lichensclerosuspodcast.com/blm

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

    If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers…

    trying to figure out why your body feels different…
    why your treatment isn’t working…
    or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely…
    You’re not alone.
    And more importantly—
    you’re not the problem.
    Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this.
    That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit.
    This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps.
    Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like:
    Why does my treatment stop working?
    Is this LS progression… or hormonal change?
    What order should I actually be using my medications?
    How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin?
    And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions,
    where you can hear real questions from people just like you…
    and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for.
    This is where the guessing stops.
    👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs
    If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step.
    P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.

    43 min
  • The State of Lichen Sclerosus Today with Leia Mitchell

    Ever wonder what's going on with Lichen Sclerosus today? With all the different perspectives and voices what does the science say?

    I speak with Leia Mitchell a clinical research coordinator, medical scribe, and clinical assistant working with some of the top names in the Lichen Sclerosus medical field.

    She lays out the findings of a recent clinical review, Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: Current Perspectives.

    We discuss what the science says about what causes LS, how it presents, and the different ways to treat it. We dive deep into the different treatments.

    From your first line corticosteroids all the way to the fourth and fifth line treatments such as Platelet-Rich-Plasma and CO2 Lasers.

    Are you applying your topical treatments correctly? Leia details what your doctor should be telling you about corticosteroids and your maintenance schedule.

    Be prepared to learn something new.

    If you are in need of a positive nurturing environment to accept your diagnosis, learn to manage your illness, and get back to living your happy healthy life join us in the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network.

    Go to lssupport.net to find out more.

    If you would like to follow me on Instagram I'm @lichensclerosuspodcast

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    https://www.dovepress.com/vulvar-lichen-sclerosus-current-perspectives-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJWH

    https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1471-0528.14747

    http://www.vulvodynia.com/research

    https://sa1s3.patientpop.com/assets/docs/161629.pdf

    https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03665584

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

    If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers…

    trying to figure out why your body feels different…
    why your treatment isn’t working…
    or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely…
    You’re not alone.
    And more importantly—
    you’re not the problem.
    Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this.
    That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit.
    This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps.
    Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like:
    Why does my treatment stop working?
    Is this LS progression… or hormonal change?
    What order should I actually be using my medications?
    How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin?
    And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions,
    where you can hear real questions from people just like you…
    and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for.
    This is where the guessing stops.
    👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs
    If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step.
    P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.

    37 min
  • Does Trauma Inform Our Lichen Sclerosus?

    This week I talked to Dr. Sanaz Yaghmai about how physical trauma affects our Lichen Sclerosus. We also discussed the difference between a psychologist and a trauma-informed coach, her new practice Alchemy of Trauma, and how Lichen Sclerosus affects her work with other Lichen Sclerosus patients.

    We had an amazing talk. She shared tips on how to relax and be mindful when preparing to be intimate if you experience pain during sex. If you feel you need someone to talk to check out her website at alchemyoftrauma.com or follow Dr. Sanaz on Instagram @dr.yaghmai.

    Don’t forget to follow me @lichensclerosuspodcast on Instagram as well. Have an amazing week.

    22 min
  • My Diagnosis Story: Dr. Sanaz Yaghmai

    Please join me and this brave lady, Dr. Sanaz Yaghmai, as she shares her Lichen Sclerosus diagnosis story. She has battled LS for the last ten years, looking for answers. At the same time transitioning from psychologist to Trauma-Informed coach, yoga teacher, and birth doula.

    Now she helps people through her new venture Alchemy Of Trauma, a Trauma-Informed practice centered around coaching for resilience-building and women’s reproductive health.

    We shared laughs, tears, and insights on sex, relationships, and doctors.

    Our conversation was so broad and deep that I had to break into two parts. Make sure you come back next week and learn how trauma informs our Lichen Sclerosus and our Lichen Sclerosus informs our trauma.

    Make sure to follow Dr. Sanaz on Instagram @dr.yaghmai and if you would like to work with her check out her website https://www.alchemyoftrauma.com/.

     

    36 min
  • What Can We Learn From Breast Cancer Awareness?

    I recorded this on World Voice Day. I decided to use my voice to tell you my mission and hope you join me. Please listen all the way through because this is a very important message. I hope you join the fight and help me change the future of Lichen Sclerosus. You are not alone! The sooner we join together, the sooner we make a change. Thank you. Don't forget to follow Clare. https://www.instagram.com/vulvalcancerukawareness/ And to find out more about my upcoming project, sign up here: https://lichensclerosuspodcast.com/advocate Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3298674/ https://time.com/4531239/breast-cancer-activism-history/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your Treatment

    If you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers…

    trying to figure out why your body feels different…
    why your treatment isn’t working…
    or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely…
    You’re not alone.
    And more importantly—
    you’re not the problem.
    Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this.
    That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit.
    This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps.
    Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like:
    Why does my treatment stop working?
    Is this LS progression… or hormonal change?
    What order should I actually be using my medications?
    How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin?
    And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions,
    where you can hear real questions from people just like you…
    and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for.
    This is where the guessing stops.
    👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs
    If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step.
    P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.

    23 min

About Lichen Sclerosus Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Our journal of learning about and living with Lichen Sclerosus from a patient's point of view. Bringing community and awareness to a disorder that hardly anyone knows about. Join me as I research…