Welcome back to the annual holiday classic Merry Perimenopause. While there's not much "jolly" about perimenopause, these gifts can add a little more joyeux to your noël!

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch jingle all the way through help for your hot flashes, cold flashes, brain fog, bad backs, night sweats, and the eternal question: why does perimenopause feel like puberty, déjà vu, and a hangover all rolled into one?

In this episode of OvaryActive, they kick things off with the biggest news of all: the Docs very own book on perimenopause is officially available for pre-order! With Estrogen, Interrupted you can now gift yourself the knowledge your hormones refuse to give you.

Merry Perimenopause 2025 is your official gift guide for yourself or the lucky person in your life that needs to know they are not crazy, this is really happening. Gift ideas include favorite books, gadgets, creams, cushions, food delivery obsessions, and tech that has saved their sanity this year.

It's a roundup that covers body, brain, home, kitchen, and holiday spirits.

After this episode you'll have great ideas for what to read, what to buy, what to smear on your face, what to sleep on, what to stick on your nails, what ice cream machine makes protein shakes taste like dessert, and where to order life-changing pies, kringles, crabcakes, and lobster rolls.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:54] Exciting news! Preorder Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch

[2:39] Book recommendations

[6:43] Body & health

[13:28] Cognition

[17:32] Fashion

[23:17] Tech gadgets

[27:56] Skin & nails

[32:24] Kitchen essentials

[42:05] Travel ideas

[46:36] A fun extra or two

Links: Merry Perimenopause 2025 PDF download: https://bit.ly/4pvS34R

Preorder Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Perimenopause: that magical stage where your body suddenly decides it's the boss, your pants shrink overnight, and your motivation to exercise hides under the bed.

On the episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch welcome the hilarious and whip-smart Dr. Marily Oppezzo from Stanford. She is a behavior-change expert who's figured out how to help people actually do the healthy things they already know they should be doing. Spoiler: it involves fewer "shoulds" and more squats.

Dr. Oppezzo shares her "Stronger" philosophy, a refreshingly guilt-free approach to perimenopausal wellness that's all about adding joy and ditching deprivation. From "strength snacks" (two-minute squats you can do between Zoom calls) to "breaking the dishes" (yes, that's cardio), she helps women fit movement into real life without the drama.

No boot camps, no macro counting, no shame spirals—just scrunchies, science, and a sense of humor.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:41] Meet Marily Oppezzo PhD, MS, RDN, DipACLM

[1:33] Behavioral change and healthy habits

[4:13 Strength training is your new bestie

[6:16] Exercise "snacks" vs. sessions

[9:24] Technique & tips for the squat

[19:28] Finding a balance between cardio and strength training

[22:13] Cardio tips

[25:07] Nutrition myths BUSTED

[27:40] Protein's role

[37:08] Healthy snack ideas

[39:59] Concluding thoughts and future plans

Links:

profiles.stanford.edu/marily-oppezzo

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

You've seen it all over social media, testosterone is apparently the miracle cure for every perimenopausal woe. Low libido? Tired? Losing muscle tone? Influencers say "Just add T!" The Docs say…not so fast

Ready for the truth? In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su are here for just that. Even though it is not exactly what you're seeing on social media––it is science, sarcasm, and a few chin-year jokes.

The Docs explain what testosterone actually does in women's bodies, why testing it is tricky, and how misinformation has turned a controlled substance into a so-called "elixir of youth." They compare estrogen's unfairly bad reputation with testosterone's sudden celebrity moment. And they also explain why some promises from "hormone balancing" gurus should make you raise an eyebrow.

Listeners will learn the good, the bad, and the hairy: when testosterone might be appropriate, the real risks and irreversible side effects, and how to approach hormone therapy safely.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[1:03] Is testosterone a "fountain of youth"?

[5:30] What are the risks?

[11:16] Testing is unreliable (and meaningless)

[15:15] Can testosterone help libido?

[22:04] Testosterone deficiency isn't why you're losing muscle

[28:50] The truth about testosterone pellets

[30:33] How to use it safely, IF your doctor advises you to [37:47] "We're not here to make friends. We're here to tell women the truth."

Resources Mentioned:

thecut.com/article/women-in-menopause-taking-testosterone

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Feeling overwhelmed by the supplement aisle? Are there pills that might actually help during perimenopause or are you just buying expensive urine?

This episode of OvaryActive dives into the pharmacy aisle of supplements. The Docs are talking about everything from influencer "miracle" blends to your best friend's turmeric obsession. Separating data from drama and giving you the straight, if sarcastic, scoop.

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch explain what your body truly needs (hello, vitamin D and calcium), what might help (fiber and omega-3s for the win), and what should probably stay in the compost bin (looking at you, wild yam cream).

They share LOL takes on supplement marketing…"clinically proven" by whom exactly? And they shine a light on the difference between food, vitamins, and herbal remedies.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:30] The supplement struggle is real

[1:33] Defining the basics

[4:43] If the gut works, use it!

[6:32] Natural does not mean safe

[8:54] "Clinically proven" is NOT a thing

[12:06] The short list: vitamin D, omega-3s, and fiber

[19:00] When natural turns dangerous

[27:44] Myths and facts

[32:26] What to skip if you've had hormone-related cancers

[34:57] Final truth bomb: balanced real food wins every time

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Resources Mentioned (a.k.a. The Real Receipts):

menopause.org

fda.gov

ods.od.nih.gov

heart.org

ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.htm

Perimenopause: your hormones have packed up and left, your skin starts new hobbies, and your vulva occasionally throws a tantrum.

In this episode of OvaryActive, we're talking about that neglected body part everyone loves to ignore—until it itches, burns, bleeds, or grows suspicious bumps.

Joining the conversation are gynecologists and fellow podcasters Dr. Ashley Fuller and Dr. Meredith McClure, the brilliant, and hilarious, minds behind Labia Logic. Ashley and Meredith spend their days — and an entire podcast — focused on vulvas, menopause, sexual health, and the often-overlooked conditions that live "down there."

They're here to shine a light on the things nobody learns in residency, medical school, or, let's be honest, middle school health class.

You'll hear about what's normal, what's not, and when to stop Googling and actually see a doctor. Consider this your crash course in vulvar self-awareness sprinkled with humor, honesty, and just enough TMI to keep things interesting.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:33] Welcome Drs. Ashley Fuller and Meredith McClure from Labia Logic

[3:00] Your vulva and perimenopause

[5:28] Annual check ups

[7:33] Lumps, bumps, bleeding, and spotting

[12:59] Vulvar biopsies

[16:57] Lichen sclerosus

[19:37] The power combo: topical steroids+vaginal estrogen

[22:13] Want more? Labia Logic podcast is dedicated to all things vulva

Follow Labia Logic for the sex ed you should have gotten in the first place!

@labia_logic on Instagram | @LabiaLogic on YouTube

Catch full episodes at ashleyfullermd.com/labia-logic-podcast.

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Perimenopause is already a rollercoaster—hot flashes, brain fog, and now…SURPRISE! cancer screenings.

In this episode of OvaryActive, Amy and Rebecca sit down with Gynecologic Oncologist Fernanda Musa, MD MS to tackle the less-fun-but-super-important reality: perimenopause is also prime time for gynecologic cancers.

Think of it as the sequel nobody asked for, but everybody needs to watch.

Dr. Musa brings her scalpel-sharp expertise (she is a surgeon, afterall ) and a refreshingly candid approach to topics we'd rather avoid. Cervical and uterine cancers and pesky fibroids that multiply like bad ex-boyfriends both made the list.

She tells you what's common, what's rare, and when you should actually worry. Hmmm…not every bloated belly means ovarian cancer, but you shouldn't ignore it either.

Bottom line? Now you'll know when to laugh off your perimenopausal chaos, and when to call your gynecologist.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:28] Guest intro: Dr. Fernanda Musa

[2:28] Understanding cervical cancer

[5:19] HPV screening and vaccines

[14:15] Symptoms & diagnosis of endometrial cancer

[18:11] Hormone therapy after uterine cancer

[20:28] Fibroids vs tumors (with symptoms!)

[25:55] Risks & symptoms of ovarian cancer

[32:23] Don't brush off abnormal bleeding!

[34:20] Final thoughts and encouragement

More about Dr. Fernanda Musa:

swedish.org/doctors/gynecologic-oncology/wa/everett/fernanda-musa-1700044054

Dr. Musa on Instagram @ferniebo

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Perimenopause: when sneezing, laughing, or even thinking too hard about a trampoline suddenly becomes a bladder hazard. And guess what!? Kegels aren't the cure-all we were promised.

In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch take us below the belt to talk pelvic floor health—the underappreciated muscle group that keeps your insides from falling out and your basement from springing a leak.

Joining the Docs is Tanya Goodrich, founder of Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy and proud owner of the best blueberry analogy you'll ever hear. Tanya is here to prove that pelvic floor therapy isn't scary—it's empowering, practical, and sometimes even hilarious.

In this conversation, you'll learn why incontinence isn't inevitable, what "panic bladder" really means, and why your pelvic floor might be too tight (not just too loose).

Tanya also shares her signature "poo poo ritual," tips for pain-free sex, and a crash course in blueberry lifting—yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. By the end, you'll walk away with real strategies for bladder, bowel, and bedroom health… and a few jokes you'll never un-hear.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:56] Meet Tanya Goodrich

[3:18] What the heck is the pelvic floor?

[5:17] Pelvic floor PT

[6:37] Perimenopause and incontinence

[8:56] Kegels are cancelled

[11:01] Stop peeing "just-in-case"

[20:01] Let's talk about poop

[27:44] Chronic pelvic pain

[33:18] Sex, menopause, & pain

[42:34] Self-care is NOT scary

Links:

healthypelvis.com

@thehealthypelvis on Instagram

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

If perimenopause has turned your brain to mush and your patience to vapor, fear not—we've got your next reading list and your next excuse to hide in a closet with a book.

In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch tackle the hot topic of hot flashes and paperbacks, reminding us that reading is not just fundamental—it's survival.

These two brilliant minds dive into why reading is a legit form of self-care during perimenopause––wine and doomscrolling can only take you so far. From brain health and stress reduction to reconnecting with yourself when your hormones have ghosted you, they make the case for curling up with a good book—no matter the genre.

You'll get recs for everything from practical guides like The Menopause Manifesto and The Vagina Bible, to erotica that might just make your estrogen do a double take. Plus, empowering fiction, spicy sci-fi, feminist fantasy, and memoirs that scream "same, girl, same."

Tune in to fill your TBR pile and your soul. Share this episode and start a book club!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:34] Reading is fundamental

[2:54] Reading instead of scrolling

[5:20] Book Recs: Women's health, perimenopause, and sexual health

[19:04] Book Recs: Erotica, romance, & beach reads

[24:47] Book Recs: Throwbacks, perimenopause fiction, hot "flush", & fun fiction

[37:26] Fun Reads from Rebecca: Sci-fi and fantasy

[42:20] Fun reads from Amy: Historical fiction, light reads, murder mysteries

[47:23] Final thoughts

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Welcome to the wild west of perimenopause, where hot flashes meet hashtags and popular influencers suddenly have a lab test recommendation—thanks, TikTok. Hormone lab testing is "trending" and the Docs are taking a skeptical scalpel to the flood of hormone lab testing trends that have invaded exam rooms and inboxes alike.

In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su go over which hormone tests are actually helpful and which ones are just good at emptying your wallet. Remember: just because your favorite influencer swears by a saliva test doesn't mean your ovaries agree.

They explain why testing isn't always the best next step, even if AI says so. This episode has everything you wanted to know about hormone testing (minus the woo, plus the wisdom).

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:45] Social media and AI's influence on patient expectations

[2:45] Understanding labs

[3:37] Estrogen, progesterone, and other commonly requested tests

[11:16] Progesterone: When and why to test

[16:07] FSH and LH: Key hormones in menopause

[20:03] What you need to know about thyroid testing

[26:02] Understanding cortisol

[30:43] The Role of DHEA in hormone production

[36:28] Pitfalls of unnecessary testing

[40:04] Testing methods: blood vs. urine vs. saliva

[41:58] The Importance of symptom-based treatment

[43:37] A few things to remember

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs dive headfirst into the hot (flash) topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for breast cancer survivors. It's complicated, it's emotional, and yes, it's got a healthy splash of perimenopause thrown in—because nothing says "fun" like navigating midlife with a side of oncology.

They talk all about the swirling myths, the clickbait headlines, and the TikTok "experts" who got their MDs from the comments section. Dr. Dunsmoor-Su even shares her own experience with breast cancer and menopause, adding a real-world lens to the science.

We've got real talk on estrogen's role in cancer risk, the current scientific consensus on HRT post-diagnosis, and why early detection still matters.

You'll walk away with a clearer sense of what's fact, what's fiction, and what to actually bring up with your doctor (hint: not what Becky from Instagram said).

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:57] The "Influencer Effect"

[1:18] Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su's experience with breast cancer and menopause

[7:40] The Gold Standard: Mammograms

[11:25] Alternative screening methods: myths and facts

[16:48] Estrogen's role in breast cancer

[20:43] Understanding HRT & breast cancer

[30:24[ Tamoxifen & Aromatase inhibitors: a comparison

[39:22] Women's health needs more research

Resources:

thewisdomstudy.org

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html