Carolyn Thomas was having a heart attack when an emergency room doctor diagnosed her with acid reflux and sent her home. For two weeks, she continued experiencing symptoms while attempting to live normally—all while her heart was in crisis. She tells this extraordinary story of survival, and talks about how it turned her into an advocate for women’s heart health. Also in this conversation: gender bias in cardiac care, why our awareness of heart diseases is actually worse than it used to be, and specific strategies women can use to advocate for themselves in medical settings. 

Click the 'Follow' button for more stories about women's health.

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Links from the episode:

My Heart Sisters blog: https://myheartsisters.org/

A Woman's Guide to Living with Heart Disease: https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/11800/womans-guide-living-heart-disease

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New to Overlooked? Welcome. Overlooked was launched in 2023 to tell the story of ovarian cancer through one woman's story. In 2024 the show started to cover other overlooked topics in women's health - and there are many. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER - learn more about Golda, the backstory to the episodes, and join a community of people who are deeply engaged with women's health topics. Sign up here: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/e4b85028b6

LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Support the show by:

- Becoming a Patron - Overlooked is on Patreon, where you can and get rewards like merch, the ability to send in questions for expert guests, and a 'backstage pass' to the show.

- Leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you're listening.

EMAIL US: [email protected]

FOLLOW US:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overlookedpod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541285/admin/dashboard/

LEARN MORE: https://overlookedpod.com/

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

Modern IUDs - intrauterine devices - are a safe form of contraception for most women. But this wasn’t always the case. Author Chikako Takeshita traces the history and development of these devices, originally created for population control in 1960s, and talks about one IUD in particular, the Dalkon Shield, which would cause widespread harm to the women who used it, and in some cases, had lethal consequences.

Click the 'Follow' button for more women's health stories.

Show notes:

The Global Biopolitics of the IUD: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262547840/the-global-biopolitics-of-the-iud/

Chikako Takeshita: Associate Professor at the University of California Riverside - https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/chikakot

More information about IUDs: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24441-intrauterine-device-iud

New to Overlooked? Welcome. Overlooked was launched in 2023 to tell the story of ovarian cancer through one woman's story. In 2024 the show started to cover other overlooked topics in women's health - and there are many. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER - learn more about Golda, the backstory to the episodes, and join a community of people who are deeply engaged with women's health topics. Sign up here: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/e4b85028b6

LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Support the show by:

- Becoming a Patron - Overlooked is on Patreon, where you can and get rewards like merch, the ability to send in questions for expert guests, and a 'backstage pass' to the show.

- Leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you're listening.

EMAIL US: [email protected]

FOLLOW US:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overlookedpod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541285/admin/dashboard/

LEARN MORE: https://overlookedpod.com/

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

What are the origins of HRT and estrogen therapy? Historian Alison Li takes us back to 1930s Canada, and the ‘endocrine gold rush’, when estrogen was extracted from hogs, then human placentas, and finally horses - to create the drug Premarin (the name comes from PREgnant MAre urINE). The making and marketing of estrogen therapy would shape how we think about menopause in particular, for decades to come.

Click the 'Follow' button for more women's health stories.

More on Alison Li and her work https://alisonli.com/

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A word from our sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Tell Every Amazing Lady®

Whether you've had an ovarian cancer diagnosis or have questions about general women's health, like your first visit to the OBGYN or you're going through menopause, Tell Every Amazing Lady® is here to help!

Tell Every Amazing Lady® supports ovarian cancer survivors and their families, provides ovarian cancer awareness, offers education on women’s health, and funds medical research. It is a powerful resource for every woman, offering education and support throughout the entire lifespan, from puberty through menopause, while remaining committed to ovarian cancer prevention at all ages.

The organization aims to help every woman understand her body and how to protect it. Visit the website TellEveryAmazingLady.org to explore all the resources available. Events and activities, both virtual and in-person, are held every month, and everyone is invited to join. More information about these activities can be found on the event central page of the website, or through social media at @telleveryamazinglady.

Tell Every Amazing Lady® wants to hear from you. Whether you're a survivor of ovarian cancer, have lost a loved one to ovarian cancer, or you're going through menopause and feel alone, your story is wanted. Email [email protected] to share.

Learn more: @TellEveryAmazingLady

website: www.TellEveryAmazingLady.org

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New to Overlooked? Welcome. Overlooked was launched in 2023 to tell the story of ovarian cancer through one woman's story. In 2024 the show started to cover other overlooked topics in women's health - and there are many. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER - learn more about Golda, the backstory to the episodes, and join a community of people who are deeply engaged with women's health topics. Sign up here: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/e4b85028b6

LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Support the show by:

- Becoming a Patron - Overlooked is on Patreon, where you can and get rewards like merch, the ability to send in questions for expert guests, and a 'backstage pass' to the show.

- Leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you're listening.

EMAIL US: [email protected]

FOLLOW US:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overlookedpod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541285/admin/dashboard/

LEARN MORE: https://overlookedpod.com/

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

When journalist Alicia Trujillo felt a sudden, searing headache while swimming, she knew something was wrong. Doctors finally uncovered the cause a few days later - a ruptured aneurysm in her brain. In this episode, Alicia recounts the harrowing days leading up to her diagnosis, the emergency brain surgery that followed, and how it changed her outlook on life. 

There's still a ton we don't know about women in midlife. Listen to other episodes about this topic:

The revelation of a midlife ADHD diagnosis, with Claire Tomkins: https://pod.link/1706322130/episode/e5b0937494315b8bd1413c92ee349bdf

Not your mother's menopause, with Dr Gillian Goddard: https://pod.link/1706322130/episode/bc6b393ad36c74d5a1a8c68ae0b6da71

🔗 Show Notes:

• Understanding Brain Aneurysms: Learn more about symptoms, causes, and risk factors from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20361483
• Mentioned in the episode: Emilia Clarke’s organization https://www.sameyou.org/

New to Overlooked? Welcome. Overlooked was launched in 2023 to tell the story of ovarian cancer through one woman's story. In 2024 the show started to cover other overlooked topics in women's health - and there are many. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER - learn more about Golda, the backstory to the episodes, and join a community of people who are deeply engaged with women's health topics. Sign up here: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/e4b85028b6

LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Support the show by:

- Becoming a Patron - Overlooked is on Patreon, where you can and get rewards like merch, the ability to send in questions for expert guests, and a 'backstage pass' to the show.

- Leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you're listening.

EMAIL US: [email protected]

FOLLOW US:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overlookedpod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541285/admin/dashboard/

LEARN MORE: https://overlookedpod.com/

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

Cervical cancer is preventable, but nobody really likes showing up at the gynecologist’s office to get their screening done - which is likely the reason the number of women who show up for screening has been falling. Now, a DIY screening kit will allow you to do the test at home. Dr Anita Lim is a cancer epidemiologist at King's College London and was the lead researcher on a major study measuring the effectiveness of 'self-sampling' in the UK. She talks about heartfelt messages she received from women in the study and why self-sampling could be a game-changer for cervical screening and women’s health.

Show notes:

Dr Anita Lim https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/anita-lim

The YouScreen study https://www.nclcanceralliance.nhs.uk/ncl-news/youscreen-self-sampling-study-results/

More on cervical cancer https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer.html

New to Overlooked? Welcome. Overlooked was launched in 2023 to tell the story of ovarian cancer through one woman's story. In 2024 the show started to cover other overlooked topics in women's health - and there are many. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER - learn more about Golda, the backstory to the episodes, and join a community of people who are deeply engaged with women's health topics. Sign up here: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/e4b85028b6

LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Support the show by:

- Becoming a Patron - Overlooked is on Patreon, where you can and get rewards like merch, the ability to send in questions for expert guests, and a 'backstage pass' to the show.

- Leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you're listening.

EMAIL US: [email protected]

FOLLOW US:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overlookedpod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541285/admin/dashboard/

LEARN MORE: https://overlookedpod.com/

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

Despite all the noise about menopause (and there’s a lot), there’s one place where we’re still not talking about it openly, and that’s the workplace. But that’s changing - slowly. Now, some companies are offering menopause benefits too. In this episode, we look at menopause in the workplace, and hear from Sarah Shepherd (Privia Health) and Isha Viij (Maven Clinic).

Want more menopause stories? We've got you covered -

The revelation of a midlife ADHD diagnosis, with Claire Tomkins: https://pod.link/1706322130/episode/e5b0937494315b8bd1413c92ee349bdf

A full hysterectomy could prevent cancer - but it also kickstarts menopause: Pamela Esposito-Amery’s story

https://pod.link/1706322130/episode/2b1e1ca954fbe57df2ec68e22c038a64

Not your mother's menopause, with Dr Gillian Goddard: https://pod.link/1706322130/episode/bc6b393ad36c74d5a1a8c68ae0b6da71

Show Notes:

Previa Health: https://www.priviahealth.com/

Maven Clinic: https://www.mavenclinic.com/

Maven Clinic’s report on the menopause experience for millennials and generation X: https://mavenpreprint.substack.com/p/millenopause-is-reframing-middle

Samantha Bee’s menopause show, which is mentioned at the start of the episode: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/samantha-bee-takes-on-menopause-in-her-new-one-woman-show/

New to Overlooked? Welcome. Overlooked was launched in 2023 to tell the story of ovarian cancer through one woman's story. In 2024 the show started to cover other overlooked topics in women's health - and there are many. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER - learn more about Golda, the backstory to the episodes, and join a community of people who are deeply engaged with women's health topics. Sign up here: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/e4b85028b6

LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Support the show by:

- Becoming a Patron - Overlooked is on Patreon, where you can and get rewards like merch, the ability to send in questions for expert guests, and a 'backstage pass' to the show.

- Leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you're listening.

EMAIL US: [email protected]

FOLLOW US:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overlookedpod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541285/admin/dashboard/

LEARN MORE: https://overlookedpod.com/

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

Earlier this year, the CDC updated its recommendations on pain management for IUD insertion (intrauterine devices used for birth control), which prompted Carine Carmy to share her story of how an IUD insertion sent her to the emergency room with severe pain, nausea, chills and a fever. She talks about what happened, and why we should have more in-depth conversations about pain management with our healthcare providers. She’s now the co-founder and CEO of Origin, a women’s health company focused on pelvic floor physical therapy, and she explains why the pelvic floor is an overlooked and crucial part of our bodies and overall health.

Listen to another episode about cervical health - 'Sharing a difficult story about cervical screening, with writer Brittany Chaffee'

https://pod.link/1706322130/episode/45572d4cdf13dcfa76517a40b5c434e6

SHOW NOTES:

CDC updates guidelines on pain relief for IUD insertion https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-to-know-about-pain-relief-iud-insertion-options-insurance/

Pelvic health 101 https://www.theoriginway.com/pelvic-floor-101

The 2024 Origin pelvic health study https://www.theoriginway.com/2024-pelvic-health-study

On this episode, we also spotlight the work of the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative of British Columbia. Learn more at https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/

SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter to get backstories and updates on the podcast - sign up at the banner on the website: www.overlookedpod.com. 

EMAIL US - get in touch with the show: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

New to Overlooked? Welcome. Overlooked was launched in 2023 to tell the story of ovarian cancer through one woman's story. In 2024 the show started to cover other overlooked topics in women's health - and there are many. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER - learn more about Golda, the backstory to the episodes, and join a community of people who are deeply engaged with women's health topics. Sign up here: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/e4b85028b6

LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Support the show by:

- Becoming a Patron - Overlooked is on Patreon, where you can and get rewards like merch, the ability to send in questions for expert guests, and a 'backstage pass' to the show.

- Leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you're listening.

EMAIL US: [email protected]

FOLLOW US:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overlookedpod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541285/admin/dashboard/

LEARN MORE: https://overlookedpod.com/

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

Claire Tomkins found out she had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in her early fifties, while going through perimenopause. When it comes to ADHD, women are generally under-diagnosed, and Claire talks about how this late diagnosis helped her understand her own actions and decisions, and the struggle of having ADHD and managing kids, jobs and relationships. 

Show notes:

More on ADHD: We thought this episode from Mayo Clinic’s Health Matters podcast was an informative listen: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/is-this-adhd/

New to Overlooked? Welcome. Overlooked was launched in 2023 to tell the story of ovarian cancer through one woman's story. In 2024 the show started to cover other overlooked topics in women's health - and there are many. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER - learn more about Golda, the backstory to the episodes, and join a community of people who are deeply engaged with women's health topics. Sign up here: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/e4b85028b6

LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Support the show by:

- Becoming a Patron - Overlooked is on Patreon, where you can and get rewards like merch, the ability to send in questions for expert guests, and a 'backstage pass' to the show.

- Leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you're listening.

EMAIL US: [email protected]

FOLLOW US:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overlookedpod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541285/admin/dashboard/

LEARN MORE: https://overlookedpod.com/

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

When Pamela Esposito-Amery discovered she had a genetic predisposition to cancer, she took a decision to undergo a full hysterectomy - which also put her in ‘surgical’ menopause. Pamela talks about the physical and emotional impact of this life-changing procedure, as well as the work of her organization, Tell Every Amazing Lady (T.E.A.L), which she started with her sister, the late Louisa M. McGregor, in Brooklyn, New York. 

In this episode, you can also hear the stories of listeners who sent in voice memos, talking about their journeys with cancer. 

If you’d like to contact the podcast and send in your story, head to our website:

https://overlookedpod.com/getintouch

SHOW NOTES

-Tell Every Amazing Lady: https://telleveryamazinglady.org/

-More on surgical menopause from Target Ovarian Cancer: https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/your-situation/im-younger-woman-diagnosis/surgical-menopause

New to Overlooked? Welcome. Overlooked was launched in 2023 to tell the story of ovarian cancer through one woman's story. In 2024 the show started to cover other overlooked topics in women's health - and there are many. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER - learn more about Golda, the backstory to the episodes, and join a community of people who are deeply engaged with women's health topics. Sign up here: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/e4b85028b6

LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Support the show by:

- Becoming a Patron - Overlooked is on Patreon, where you can and get rewards like merch, the ability to send in questions for expert guests, and a 'backstage pass' to the show.

- Leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you're listening.

EMAIL US: [email protected]

FOLLOW US:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overlookedpod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541285/admin/dashboard/

LEARN MORE: https://overlookedpod.com/

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

How do you bring women’s health innovation to life when the healthcare system is set up to resist change? In this episode, Nicole Sandford, CEO of Aspira Women’s Health, shares the hurdles her company faces in pushing forward diagnostics for ovarian cancer. As a cancer survivor, she also reflects on how her personal health journey fuels her commitment to advancing care for women.

Resources and Links:

• Learn more about Aspira Women’s Health and their ‘Ovasuite’ blood tests: https://aspirawh.com/
• Mentioned in the episode: World Ovarian Cancer Coalition: https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/

Related Episodes:

‘Diagnosis’ from Overlooked Season 1: https://overlookedpod.com/episode/diagnosis

SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter to get updates on the podcast: sign up at the banner on the website: www.overlookedpod.com. 

EMAIL US - get in touch with the show: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

New to Overlooked? Welcome. Overlooked was launched in 2023 to tell the story of ovarian cancer through one woman's story. In 2024 the show started to cover other overlooked topics in women's health - and there are many. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER - learn more about Golda, the backstory to the episodes, and join a community of people who are deeply engaged with women's health topics. Sign up here: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/e4b85028b6

LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Support the show by:

- Becoming a Patron - Overlooked is on Patreon, where you can and get rewards like merch, the ability to send in questions for expert guests, and a 'backstage pass' to the show.

- Leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you're listening.

EMAIL US: [email protected]

FOLLOW US:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overlookedpod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541285/admin/dashboard/

LEARN MORE: https://overlookedpod.com/

DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.