Perimenopause: the time in a woman's life when her hormones decide to play an elaborate game of musical chairs, and her body is just along for the ride. As if hot flashes and brain fog weren't enough, let's talk about another under-discussed topic—sexual health.

In this episode the Docs are talking all about the complexities of intimacy, desire, and connection during perimenopause because, spoiler alert, sexual health doesn't just disappear after 40 (or at least, it doesn't have to).

Joining the conversation is Dr. Leah Millheiser, a sexual medicine expert who knows a thing or two about keeping the spark alive. Alongside hosts Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch, she addresses societal myths, the science behind libido, and why "just drink some wine and relax" is possibly the worst advice ever.

They explore the role of hormones, communication, and the importance of treating sexual health like any other part of well-being—because if we don't ignore heart health, why ignore bedroom health?

From emotional intimacy to testosterone, vibrators, and even the role of Viagra in women's sexual health, this episode covers it all. If you've ever wondered why desire sometimes feels like a fickle houseguest or why talking about sex with your doctor is more awkward than a middle school health class, this episode is for you.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[3:17] The gift of good sex for Valentine Day

[6:14] Blazing a trail for female sexual medicine

[9:48] Female sexual is complex–sexual function & libido

[19:14] Communication & intimacy in relationships

[34:42] Desire mismatch & relationship goals

[40:01] Treatment options for low libido

[52:53] Vibrators & clitoral stimulation ARE important

[56:46] Navigating sexual health conversations

Resources Mentioned:

Emergency Sex and Other Desperate Measures: A True Story From Hell On Earth

5lovelanguages.com/learn

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

What do brain fog, bone health, and breast cancer all have in common? They're all part of the rollercoaster ride that is menopause.

Ever wondered how hormone therapy became such a controversial topic, or why some studies seem to contradict each other? And is it possible to navigate perimenopause without feeling like a contestant on "Survivor: Hormonal Edition"? Grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine—we won't judge) and join the Docs for an enlightening discussion.

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch tackle the ins and outs of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI)—one of the most significant studies in women's health—breaking down its design, purpose, and the ongoing debates around hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

They get into the ripple effects of the WHI findings, touching on everything from cardiovascular and bone health to diabetes and cognitive function. With a blend of expertise and wit, they cut through the noise and help you make sense of the science, while keeping it refreshingly relatable.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how hormone therapy can impact their health, the risks and benefits involved, and why individualized care is essential during perimenopause.

This episode is your roadmap to navigating menopause with confidence—and maybe even a little humor—so share with friends who could also use the help!

Learn more about the Women's Health Initiative: www.whi.org.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[:31] Recap of Women's Health Initiative (WHI)

[6:58] Hormone therapy groups and primary outcomes

[12:58] Bone health and hormone therapy

[16:07] Metabolic disease and diabetes risk

[18:09] Cardiovascular disease and hormone therapy

[20:50] Blood clot risks and hormone therapy

[22:53] Dementia and hHormone therapy

[25:05] Understanding Perimenopausal Brain Fog

[27:31] Some info on breast cancer and estrogen

[34:08] Personalized medical decisions

[37:51] Advocate for yourself

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

What do a 1940s scientific breakthrough, a 2000s public health scandal, and your perimenopause symptoms have in common? Answer: Estrogen.

In this episode, the Docs kick off a hormone therapy series by telling listeners the dramatic story of estrogen. How "she" got famous, suffered a scandal, and is beginning to resurge in light of more information on menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor–Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch mix science, history, and some observations on how medical research has typically treated women to explain how randomized controlled trials and evolving interpretations of data have reshaped our understanding of hormone therapy. And why getting the facts straight matters more than ever.

Whether you're curious about the science, interested in the drama, or just wondering how hormone therapy became so complicated, this episode delivers the goods.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[:45] Intro to Hormone Therapy Series

[5:30] The history of estrogen

[8:32] Hormone therapy on the rise

[13:24] Digging into some research

• observational studies
• randomized control studies

[23:31] HRT as preventive medicine

[25:06] HERS study: HRT and heart health

[31:52] Ethical considerations

[38:14] Coming up in our HRT series

Learn more about the Women's Health Initiative at www.whi.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

How does perimenopause show up in your life compared to others'? Why do experiences vary so widely across cultures? What factors contribute to how people experience perimenopause?

Each person's experience is completely unique, but in this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs are offering insight and wisdom to explain the complexities of perimenopause.

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch get into the epidemiology of perimenopause. They shed light on how genetics, social norms, and environmental factors play a role in shaping individual experiences. They also discuss the importance of a holistic and personalized approach to managing symptoms, emphasizing the need to go beyond the one-size-fits-all perspective.

They also address common myths, examining the impact of diet and stress – things that are actually backed by science. You'll get some practical strategies for managing all the challenges and know how to advocate for the individualized care you deserve.

Rate, review, and share! You are NOT crazy, this is happening and it's happening to someone else too!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[1:03] Introduction to perimenopause around the world

[2:26] Cultural perspectives on perimenopause

[5:29] The soy myth

[12:34] Perimenopause in the U.S.

[20:39] Challenges in diagnosing perimenopause

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

Have you seen the headlines about an increased risk of breast cancer associated with levonorgestrel IUDs? You might know these IUDs as Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, or Liletta. Before you head to your OBGYN to schedule a removal, hang on: there's so much more to the story than just the headline.

Lucky for us, our Docs, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, have dedicated this episode of OvaryActive to breaking down the science and the stats surrounding breast cancer, the role of progestins, and the implications of recent studies. What are the benefits, risks, truths, and misconceptions around birth control, including IUDs?

In this episode, our Docs define the hormone lingo, explain what the Swedish study actually means, and clear up the difference between "absolute" risk and "relative" risk. You will walk away with a much better understanding of what questions to ask your doctor about using an IUD or other birth control during perimenopause.

This discussion is a great reminder to dig deeper when you see those scary headlines. Media representation of women's health often lacks nuance, which is why OvaryActive is here for you! And don't forget to share this episode with a friend, sister, or colleague who may benefit from learning more.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:30] IUDs & breast cancer

[3:55] Progestins (different than progesterone)

[10:13] Let's talk about the Swedish study

[21:52] Uterine cancer & IUDs (it's good news)

[25:42] Other recent studies on IUDs

[31:21] IUDs in perimenopause

[37:59] Addressing misconceptions and media representation

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

What do you give to the woman who has everything? She has it all–– including hot flashes, sleepless nights, blotchy skin, unexplained weight gain, and even a decreased (or increased?) libido. Do you need just the perfect gift guide for the woman in your life who has ALL these things?

The Docs have just that for you in this episode of OvaryActive. Drs. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Amy Voedisch are sharing a curated holiday gift list to help you focus on the women in your life that are already getting the joy of perimenopause this holiday season.

They are sharing innovative products that help manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms. If self-care happens in the kitchen, the ideas for cooking gadgets and wellness solutions might be a good fit for the lady in your life. There are also suggestions for some essential reading material and sexual health.

No matter the symptom, these Docs have a solution or gift idea to make sure you help ease the discomfort of the gift that life is giving–perimenopause.

Happy Holidays and Merry Perimenopause!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[1:02] Intro to holiday gift ideas

[2:16] Hair, skin, & nails

[13:41] In the kitchen

[22:01] Warming up & cooling off

[25:57] Wellness ideas

[35:20] Helping her sleep

[42:28] Sexual health for her

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

Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su attended the Menopause Society's annual conference in September 2024. It wasn't just a chance for them to hang out with each other in person, it was also a great opportunity to gain the latest insights into perimenopause and menopause.

In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs share their top takeaways from the Menopause Society's conference. The sessions they attended covered a wide range of topics from understanding hormonal fluctuations to the significance of nutrition and weight management for women during "The Change." They also heard about new guidelines for breast cancer screenings.

The biggest takeaway of all is the importance of a personalized approach for women and their healthcare, because no two people experience perimenopause and menopause the same way.

Make sure you pass this episode along to a friend, sister, colleague, or any woman you know that maybe, just maybe, has mentioned one of the MANY symptoms that could indicate perimenopause.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:50] Annual Meeting of the Menopause Society

[3:44] Voice changes during perimenopause

[10:40] Weight changes and nutrition during perimenopause

[17:06] Sleep disturbance and insulin resistance

[24:39] Precision breast health and breast cancer screening recommendations

Links & Resources:

menopause.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

Changes to your skin––add it to the list of things women face during perimenopause. It's completely understandable that you'll want to change up your skincare routine.

However, you may want to get more information before slathering yourself with topical estrogen in response to skin changes and unwanted signs of aging.

In this episode of OvaryActive, Drs. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Amy Voedisch explain recent studies with relevant findings for women's health. First, they look at a study focused on the effects of using topical estrogen during perimenopause and menopause. They also discuss findings from a study on hormone therapy's impact on biological aging.

If all that sounds complicated, it is. Amy and Rebecca are geeking out on the findings for you, so you can simply walk away with what you need to know for your health and your skin.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[02:29] What's the deal with estrogen face cream?

[06:45] Exploring estrogen's impact

[09:14] What does this study tell us?

[27:15] Recommendations for alternative skin care

[29:43] Hormone therapy and biological aging

[36:19] Practical takeaways and future topics

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

We would have called this episode "What Fresh Hell is This?" but the title was already taken.

But this title also works, because when we mention perimenopause to people, we often get that confused German Shepherd head tilt and "periwhatnow?" Given that this podcast is focused around perimenopause, we wanted to make sure listeners were clear on what perimenopause actually is.

So what is it? If your periods are changing, if your moods are wonky, if every day something new happens, leaving you wondering "what fresh hell is this?" then it's perimenopause.

Truth is, there's no blood test or hormone level that determines perimenopause. It's a diagnosis based on clinical judgment. And frankly, we're less interested in the diagnosis and far more interested in helping you get through it healthfully and happily.

All that said, we do want you to understand what's happening in your body and how what's happening can affect mood, sleep, energy, and so much more.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] Understanding perimenopause and its phases

[1:05] Pre-, peri-, and full menopause

• Definitions
• Diagnoses
• Blood tests

[8:04] Surgical menopause

[9:35] What your hormones are up to

[17:25] Symptoms and challenges of Peri

[20:04] My perimenopause is not your perimenopause

[30:30] Treatment approaches

[31:49] Peri's potential impact on your quality of life

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

Why are women's bodies and their health so poorly understood and so often ignored, especially after their best baby-making years?

Great question. The good news is, information and truth are out there. The bad news is, so is a lot of nonsense, myth, and fear-mongering. The best news is, OvaryActive exists to get you answers about your body and what it's up to.

Drs. Amy Voedisch and Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su know a lot about women's bodies.

Both doctors are practicing ob/gyns with years of experience and knowledge. Both are champions of and advocates for women and their health, and both are really, REALLY tired of how women of all types have traditionally been treated by the healthcare industry.

In this first episode, the docs introduce themselves, give you their credentials so you know you're getting accurate, up-to-date information, and explain why they've decided to take on perimenopause in their podcast.

If you have questions, if there are women in your life you care about (including yourself), if you want to enter perimenopause and menopause armed to protect your present and future health, listen, subscribe, rate, review, and share.

What you'll hear:

[0:25] Meet Dr. Amy Voedisch – you can call her Amy

[1:08] Meet Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su

[2:10] Why focus on menopause and perimenopause?

[8:06] What you'll hear in the Ovary-Active podcast

[10:50] Two core values in the Docs' patient care

[12:42] The Docs are IN this with you

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