SHE MD

Naomi Watts joins SheMD alongside renowned sexual arousal researcher Dr. Cindy Meston for a candid conversation about sex, desire and what happens to women’s bodies during perimenopause and menopause.

Naomi shares her experience learning in her 30s that she was likely entering early menopause, the shame and isolation she initially felt and how opening up about her changing body ultimately transformed her relationship with intimacy.

Dr. Meston explains why female sexual desire may work differently than many women have been taught, including why arousal can sometimes come before desire. She also breaks down the physical and psychological factors that can affect sex, from hormones, blood flow and vaginal changes to stress, sleep, body image and relationships.

Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi discusses treatment options for women experiencing painful sex, vaginal dryness and changes in libido, including vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, vaginal estrogen and testosterone.

Plus, Naomi explains why she believes menopause can be an empowering new chapter rather than the end of pleasure, intimacy or good sex.

Sponsors

Sarah Pharmaceuticals / The PreTRM Test: Learn more about the PreTRM test at pre-term.com and talk with your healthcare provider about whether it may be appropriate for you.

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David Protein: Buy four cartons and get the fifth free at davidprotein.com/cmd.

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What You’ll Learn

• Why Naomi Watts' personal experience with early menopause inspired her to help change the conversation around women's health.
• The lesser-known symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including brain fog, sleep disruption, dry eyes, vaginal dryness, and painful sex.
• How hormonal changes can affect vaginal health, lubrication, and urinary symptoms.
• Why sexual arousal can precede desire for many women, particularly during perimenopause and menopause.
• How stress, exercise, relationship dynamics, and negative thoughts can influence sexual arousal and intimacy.
• What treatment options are available for vaginal dryness and painful sex, including moisturizers, lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and other therapies.
• Why open communication with your partner and a knowledgeable healthcare provider is essential to navigating changes in sexual health.
• How Naomi's experiences and conversations with women inspired Stripes' sexual wellness products.
• Why menopause can be a new chapter of confidence, self-advocacy, and sexual fulfillment rather than the end of a satisfying sex life.

Key Timestamps

00:00 Naomi Watts on why good sex doesn't have an age limit

04:51 The overlooked symptoms of perimenopause and menopause

07:32 Vaginal dryness, painful sex, and recurring UTIs

12:32 How arousal, body image, and negative thoughts affect intimacy

18:55 Naomi's experience navigating menopause in a new relationship

22:08 The science of arousal, exercise, and blood flow

31:42 Vaginal estrogen and long-term vaginal health

40:31 How stress, sleep, and relationship dynamics affect desire

42:00 Why women should never feel they have to tolerate painful sex

45:24 The connection between psychological arousal, physical response, and communication

51:16 Testosterone therapy and the Mona Lisa laser

56:38 Naomi's menopause tips, favorite Stripes products, and rapid-fire questions

58:05 The language around menopause that needs to change

1:00:38 Dr. Meston's advice for women navigating menopause

1:02:29 Reframing menopause as an empowering new chapter

Key Takeaways

• Menopause affects more than hot flashes. Hormonal changes can influence sleep, mood, cognition, skin, eyes, vaginal health, and sexual comfort, sometimes years before menopause itself.
• Female desire and arousal don't always follow a linear pattern. For many women, particularly as they age, arousal can come before desire. Understanding this can help women move away from the expectation that sexual desire must always happen spontaneously.
• Sexual health involves both the mind and the body. Physical changes, stress, fatigue, body image, relationship dynamics, and distracting thoughts can all influence arousal and intimacy.
• Painful sex should not be accepted as an inevitable part of aging. Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and other treatment options may help, depending on individual needs and medical history. Women experiencing persistent pain should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
• Communication can transform intimacy. Talking openly with a partner outside the bedroom about changing needs, comfort, and pleasure can help couples adapt and maintain connection throughout different stages of life.
• Women deserve individualized, evidence-informed care. There is no single approach to sexual health during menopause. Working with a clinician knowledgeable in menopause and sexual medicine can help women understand their options.
• Menopause is not the end of a fulfilling sex life. Naomi's story underscores the importance of challenging stigma, listening to women's experiences, and giving women the confidence to advocate for their health and pleasure.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are revisiting one of our favorite SheMD conversations with SZA.

SZA joins her longtime physician Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney for an intimate conversation about her health, family history and the anxiety that can come with trying to understand what is happening inside your own body.

Dr. A walks through SZA’s breast cancer risk assessment, family history, genetic testing and why a negative genetic test does not necessarily mean someone has an average lifetime risk of breast cancer.

SZA also talks candidly about health anxiety, therapy, trauma, relationships, creativity and learning to accept the parts of herself that do not fit the traditional idea of being a “nice girl.” She reflects on the drive that helped build her career, why outside validation once mattered so much to her and what she is still learning about trusting herself.

Plus, SZA talks about getting off the internet, motherhood, life beyond music and the people who have shaped who she is today.

This conversation was originally recorded before SZA went on to win three Grammys following the release of SOS.

Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women's health and well-being.

Sponsors

Blueland: Get 15% off your first order at blueland.com/shemd.

Ladder: Take the quiz at ladder.fit/shemd to find your perfect plan and get a free 7-day trial plus $10 off your first month.

Huel: Get 15% off online with code SheMD at huel.com/shemd. New customers only.

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Sequencing.com: Get up to 10% off your full genome test plus free shipping at sequencing.com with promo code SheMD.

What You'll Learn

• Where the name SZA comes from and what each letter represents.
• Why every woman should know her lifetime risk of breast cancer, even without a family history.
• How factors like height, weight, breast density, family history, and genetic testing change a lifetime risk score.
• Why women with a lifetime risk above 20% should start breast imaging at 30 instead of 40.
• What a fibroadenoma is and why imaging catches cancers years before a lump can be felt.
• How a family history of cancer can create lasting health anxiety, and why being your own advocate matters.
• The story behind SOS and SZA's journey away from trying to be a "nice girl."
• SZA's advice for young artists on protecting their health and creativity.

Key Takeaways

• The average woman has a 12.5% lifetime risk of breast cancer, and every woman should have her personal risk calculated by her doctor.
• A negative genetic test does not mean low risk, since family history, breast density, and other factors still affect a woman's lifetime risk.
• Women with a lifetime risk above 20% should begin breast imaging at 30, not 40, and may be missed if risk is never calculated.
• By the time a lump can be felt, it has often been there for years, which is why regular imaging is essential.
• Watching loved ones go through cancer can create real health anxiety, and advocating for yourself is better than assuming something is nothing.
• Integrating every part of yourself, including your edge, can be a source of strength rather than shame.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Miranda McKeon was only 19 when she noticed a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with stage three, hormone positive, HER2 negative invasive ductal carcinoma. 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Miranda joins SheMD to share the full story of her diagnosis, treatment and life after breast cancer. She opens up about the breast dimpling she initially dismissed, learning she carried a CHEK2 mutation despite having no family history of cancer, freezing her eggs before chemotherapy, undergoing a double mastectomy and radiation, and entering medically induced menopause in her early 20s.

Miranda also talks candidly about painful sex, vaginal dryness, low libido, dating, body image, fertility and the emotional impact of experiencing cancer during what should have been her college years.

Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi explains breast changes women should pay attention to, how genetics and breast density can affect risk, and why knowing your own baseline and speaking up when something changes can matter.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that breast cancer does not only affect older women and that knowing your body is an important part of advocating for your health.

Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

Sponsors

SmileSet: Listeners get an additional 35% off clear aligners at smileset.com/shemd.

Arca Wealth: Book a complimentary financial planning call with an Arca advisor at arcawealth.com/shemd. Arca Wealth is a fee-only fiduciary firm. This is a paid endorsement. See arcawealth.com for important disclosures.

AG1: For a limited time, get a free immune support bundle (omega-3 fish oil and vitamin D3 K2) with your first AG1 NextGen or AG1 Pro subscription order at drinkag1.com/shemd.

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Larine: Listeners get up to 50% off Larine remineralizing gum at buylarine.com/shemd.

What You'll Learn

• Why breast cancer rates are rising faster in women under 50, and why young women's symptoms are so often dismissed.
• The early signs of breast cancer beyond a lump, including skin dimpling, nipple changes, discharge, and persistent one-sided flaky skin.
• How CHEK2 mutations and polygenic risk scores shape breast cancer risk, even without a family history.
• Why a one-size-fits-all mammogram age misses individual risk, and how breast density, family history, and genetics change the picture.
• How to calculate your lifetime breast cancer risk with the Tyrer-Cuzick model and when high-risk screening should begin.
• How chemotherapy can affect fertility, and why egg freezing should come before treatment.
• What medically induced menopause looks like for a young woman, including hot flashes, low libido, and vaginal dryness.
• How vaginal estrogen and CO2 laser treatments can help with painful sex.
• How to cope emotionally with a young-onset diagnosis, from therapy to gratitude lists to a trusted inner circle.

Key Takeaways

• Breast cancer is more common after 50, but rates are rising faster in younger women, and one in six new invasive cases occurs before age 50.
• Skin dimpling and other changes are symptoms too. A young woman may not recognize them as warning signs, which can delay diagnosis.
• Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history, so a lack of family history is not a guarantee of low risk.
• Mammograms starting at 40 treat everyone alike. Breast density, genetics, family history, and polygenic risk can all change when screening should begin.
• Every woman should know her lifetime breast cancer risk by 30. A risk of 20% or more means earlier imaging, which may include mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI.
• Egg freezing should be part of the first conversation before chemotherapy, because chemo's effect on ovarian reserve is unpredictable.
• Medically induced menopause can bring severe symptoms, including painful sex, and women shouldn't feel ashamed to bring them up with their doctors.
• A double mastectomy leaves some residual breast tissue, so ongoing monitoring is still important.
• Know what's normal for your breasts and report changes promptly.
• Therapy, gratitude, and a trusted circle can help you get through a young-onset diagnosis.

Guest Bio -  Miranda McKeon

Miranda McKeon is a breast cancer survivor, women’s health advocate, and content creator who was diagnosed with stage 3 hormone-positive, HER2-negative invasive ductal carcinoma at just 19 years old. After discovering a lump in her breast while home from college, Miranda underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and medically induced menopause. She later learned that she carries a CHEK2 genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.    

Since her diagnosis, Miranda has become an outspoken advocate for young women navigating cancer, sexual health, fertility, body image, and life after treatment. She openly shares her experience with intimacy and medically induced menopause and uses her platform to encourage women to understand their bodies and advocate for their health.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This one is a full-circle moment. Our guest isn't just one of Mary Alice's oldest friends (25 years and counting), she's also one of Dr. A's real-life patients, the doctor who actually froze her eggs. Whitney Cummings, comedian, actress, and creator of 2 Broke Girls and Whitney, has built a career saying the things women usually only whisper about. Today she says them out loud, with us.

Whitney was talking about freezing her eggs before it was a mainstream conversation (she did it at 33), and she is refreshingly, hilariously honest about getting pregnant at 40, being handed the term "geriatric pregnancy," the postpartum depression that came after her son, and the body image struggles she's carried for years. She and the hosts get into fertility, the real cost of waiting, why "biology is sexist," and the money advice she gives every young woman (skip the designer bag, save it for your eggs).

Funny, tender, and the kind of honesty that makes you feel less alone.

Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women's health and well-being.

Sponsors

Prolon: For a limited time, get 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to the 5-day program. Visit prolonlife.com/shemd.

Egglife: Find Egglife egg white wraps in the fridge at Aldi, Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, Walmart, and more. Visit egglifefoods.com to find a retailer near you.

OHHO: Get 20% off your first order at ohho.co with code SheMD20.

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Skylight: Get $30 off the 15-inch Skylight Calendar at myskylight.com/shemd.

What You'll Learn

• Why Whitney froze her eggs at 33 and how it eased her anxiety about dating and timing.
• Why Dr. A tells patients never to use all of their frozen eggs to make embryos with a partner.
• How egg quantity and quality decline with age, and what that means for miscarriage risk.
• The lifestyle changes Whitney made before conceiving naturally at 40.
• The testing and monitoring Dr. A recommends for advanced maternal age pregnancies, including preterm birth screening, low-dose aspirin, and growth ultrasounds.
• Why delivery at 39 weeks is recommended for women over 40.
• The difference between postpartum blues and postpartum depression, and how long the postpartum period really lasts.
• Whitney's approach to co-parenting, forgiveness, and choosing a partner.

Key Takeaways

• Egg freezing can reduce the pressure and anxiety around timing, and women should always keep some of their own eggs rather than using them all for embryos with a partner.
• Both egg quantity and quality decline with age, but many women still have healthy pregnancies in their 40s with the right care and awareness of their personal risk factors.
• Advanced maternal age pregnancies benefit from closer monitoring, including preterm birth screening, low-dose aspirin, regular growth ultrasounds, and delivery at 39 weeks.
• Postpartum depression affects about one in seven women, can appear up to a year after birth, and is more likely without strong support at home.
• Asking for help, leaning on your village, and letting motherhood change you are essential parts of postpartum recovery.
• Choosing a partner based on respect and integrity, and co-parenting with kindness, creates a healthier environment for your child.

Guest Bio - Whitney Cummings

Whitney Cummings is a comedian, actress, director, and writer. She is the co-creator of 2 Broke Girls, the creator and star of NBC's Whitney, and the host of the podcast Good for You. Known for her disarmingly honest stand-up specials, Whitney has spoken openly about egg freezing, body image, sobriety, and her recovery from an eating disorder. She became a mom at 40 to her son Henry and has been candid about her pregnancy and postpartum journey.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it actually mean to age well as a woman?

Dr. Elizabeth Poynor joins SheMD to explore longevity through a female and hormonal lens. Drawing on her background in gynecologic oncology, cancer prevention and women’s health, she explains why midlife can be a critical turning point and what may begin changing in the body years before menopause.

Dr. Poynor breaks down the roles of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, including their connections to sleep, mood, brain fog, body composition, metabolic health and overall well-being. She also discusses hormone therapy, GLP-1s, protein intake, strength training, genetic testing, cancer prevention and why she believes movement is one of the most important habits women can build for long-term health.

Plus, Dr. Poynor shares her own experience with BRCA1, why she believes women should take a more proactive approach to prevention, and the mindset shift she wants women to make about aging.

Midlife is not just something to get through. It may be one of your greatest opportunities to take control of how you age.

Sponsors

Midi Health: It's time to get back to feeling like you again. Visit joinmidi.com  right now to book your first visit today.

Talkiatry: Head to talkiatry.com/shemd to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.

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What You’ll Learn

• Why midlife is a critical window for women to take a proactive approach to longevity and health
• How hormonal changes in the late reproductive years can affect sleep, mood, brain health, metabolism, and body composition
• The role of strength training, protein, sleep, nutrition, and stress management in healthy aging
• What women should know about hormone therapy, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
• How GLP-1 medications may fit into midlife health and body composition, and why maintaining muscle is so important
• Why women’s longevity needs to be understood through a hormonal lens—and where more research is still needed

Key Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to SHE MD Podcast

00:41 From Oncologist To Longevity Expert

04:04 Why Cancer Rates Are Rising

05:11 Genetic Testing And BRCA Story

07:47 Foundational Pillars For Health

09:42 Protein Intake For Midlife Women

11:44 GLP-1s And Body Composition

19:19 The Midlife Hormonal Turning Point

26:44 When To Start Hormone Therapy

31:46 Oral Vs Transdermal Estrogen

41:07 Progesterone And Testosterone Explained

46:37 Why Midlife Is A Critical Window

50:03 Movement As The Top Longevity Habit

51:12 Peptides: Where The Research Stands

53:10 Women's Longevity Vs Men's

Key Takeaways

• Midlife is a critical opportunity to take a proactive approach to health and longevity.
• Hormonal changes can impact sleep, mood, brain health, metabolism, and body composition.
• Strength training and daily movement are foundational for healthy aging.
• Protein and muscle preservation become increasingly important as women age.
• Hormone therapy should be personalized and discussed with a knowledgeable healthcare professional.
• More research is needed on hormones, GLP-1s, peptides, and women’s longevity.
• Healthy habits built earlier in life can create a stronger foundation for long-term health.
• Women’s longevity should be studied through a female-specific hormonal lens.

Guest Bio - Dr. Elizabeth Poyner

Dr. Elizabeth Poynor is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist, pelvic surgeon, and women’s health expert specializing in menopause, hormone health, and complex gynecologic conditions. She is Chair of Women’s Health and Gynecology at the Atria Health and Research Institute and a Clinical Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She combines her expertise in gynecologic oncology, surgery, and midlife women’s health to help women better understand and navigate their health.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Muscle is having its moment, and the woman leading the charge trains one of the most famous bodies in the world. Senada Greca, Kim Kardashian's trainer, joins Dr. A and Mary Alice to make the case that strength is a woman's birthright, and that lifting heavy will not make you bulky. It will make you powerful, capable, and built to last. 

Senada shares how she went from using exercise to punish her body to using it to build herself, and how strength training became a tool that helped her heal. She and the hosts get into why so many of us were taught to fear the weight rack, what strength really does for your bones, your brain, and your longevity as you age, and how to start moving from a place of love instead of punishment. 

Her advice for every woman listening: move, move mindfully, and move heavy. 

Follow SheMD and share this with a woman who's ready to feel strong. @SheMDPodcast, shemdpodcast.com 

Content note: this conversation includes an honest discussion of disordered eating and recovery. If you're struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or a qualified professional. 

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Some products or services discussed may involve sponsorships or paid advertising..

Sponsors

Sera: You can visit PreTRM.com to learn more and talk with your provider about whether the PreTRM test might be right for you.

Momentous: If you want to try Momentous Signature Spec Creatine, head to livemomentous.com and use code sheMD for up to 35% off your entire first order.

Opill: Preventing pregnancy is as easy as Opill. You can find Opill at most major retailers, in-stores and online.

Egglife: Find egglife wraps chillin' in the fridge at Aldi, Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, Walmart & more. Visit www.egglifefoods.com to find a retailer near you.

Ladder: If you have an iPhone, head to ladder.fit/shemd and take a quick quiz to find your perfect Ladder plan. You'll get a free seven-day trial, no credit card required, and $10 off your first month when you join.

What You’ll Learn

• Why women shouldn’t be afraid of lifting heavy weights and why strength training won’t automatically make you bulky
• How strength training can support muscle mass, bone health, cognitive health, and longevity as women age
• How to start strength training safely, from mastering basic movements to gradually increasing weight
• Why progressive overload and proper form matter more than how much weight you can lift
• How protein, carbohydrates, and creatine can support strength, muscle, and overall health
• How to shift your relationship with exercise from punishment to a way of caring for and building your body
• How strength can translate beyond the gym into greater confidence, capability, and trust in yourself

Key Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to SHE MD Podcast

01:29 Her Battle With Anorexia & Binge Eating

03:35 The Shift From Punishment to Strength

07:04 Kim's 5x a Week Heavy Lifting Revealed

07:51 Why Women Are Terrified of Weights

10:14 Progressive Overload Explained

19:01 How Beginners Should Start Lifting

23:18 "Will Lifting Make Me Bulky?" Myth Busted

25:35 Muscle, Bone Density & Alzheimer's Link

25:46 Why Protein Is Non-Negotiable

28:11 Sonata's Daily Protein & Creatine Ritual

40:41 Free Resources for Beginners

47:46 Farmer's Carries, Age & Menopause

Key Takeaways

• Start where you are. Even five minutes of movement can help build a consistent habit.
• Focus on moving well and mindfully before adding more weight.
• Strength training is about becoming stronger and more capable, not shrinking yourself.
• Gradually increasing the challenge, while maintaining good form, is key to building strength.
• Aim for consistency over perfection. Three intentional strength-training sessions per week can be effective.
• Protein is an important part of supporting muscle growth and strength, particularly as women get older.
• Strength training becomes increasingly important for supporting muscle and bone health as we age and move through perimenopause and menopause.
• Movement can be an act of self-care: move to protect your future self, support your longevity, and build trust in your body.
• As Senada puts it: move, move mindfully, and move heavy.

Guest Bio - Senada Greca

Senada Greca is a certified personal trainer, breathwork and meditation teacher, and the strength coach behind Kim Kardashian's viral heavy-lifting transformation. After overcoming her own struggle with anorexia, binge eating, depression, and anxiety, she built her career around helping women reframe fitness as a tool for strength rather than punishment. She holds an MBA and is the founder of We Rise, a fitness and self-development platform and app that combines strength training with mental health support, career development, and community-building for women.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rhea Seehorn is up for an Emmy this weekend for her extraordinary performance in Pluribus, so we're bringing back one of our most personal, most-loved episodes. Because to Mary Alice, Rhea isn't just an award-winning actress. She's her best friend, and the stepmom to her two boys.

In this conversation, Mary Alice and Rhea tell the wild (and very true) story of how they met, and how Mary Alice ended up setting Rhea up with her own ex-husband. They get honest about building a thriving blended family over twelve years, co-parenting after divorce, dating in your 30s, the female friendships that hold everything up, and the health scare a dozen doctors waved off as "probably hormonal" before Rhea pushed for a real answer. She closes with five pieces of hard-won advice every woman needs to hear, starting with "you're already enough."

Whatever happens on Emmy night, we could not be prouder of her.

A companion to our episode with parenting coach Betsy Brown Braun. Follow SheMD and share this with a woman navigating divorce, dating, or a blended family of her own. @SheMDPodcast ·shemdpodcast.com

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Some products or services discussed may involve sponsorships or paid advertising.

Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

Sponsors

Midi Health: It's time to get back to feeling like you again. Visit joinmidi.com  right now to book your first visit today.

Huel: Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with code SheMD at Huel.com/SheMD.

Acely: Visit Acely.com and use code SHEMD for 20% off.

Toothpillow: For a limited time, SheMD listeners can get a free video assessment. Just head to toothpillow.com/shemdorshemdpod and use code SheMD at checkout

Gusto: Try Gusto today at gusto.com/shemd and get three months free when you run your first payroll.

Key Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to SHE MD Podcast

04:24 Rhea’s Dating Advice

08:17 Choosing Not to Have Biological Children

11:52 Building a Blended Family

16:45 Friendship, Confidence & Supporting Other Women

18:38 The Hardest Part of a Blended Family

21:37 Missing Moments With Your Kids

23:17 Becoming a “Bonus Mom”

24:52 Balancing Motherhood & a Career

27:09 How Rhea Seehorn Became an Actress

30:00 Building a Career in Hollywood

33:42 Better Call Saul & Career-Defining Roles

37:18 Rhea’s Career, Family & Life Today

40:15 Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways

•  How to co-parent without chaos: Whether biological or step-parent, your love and presence matter.
• Making a blended family work: boundaries, respect, and lots of grace. Accept that blended families require flexibility and compromise.
• Women need to stop apologizing for ambition: Working moms can be great role models by pursuing their passions.
• Speak up at the doctor’s office: Push for proper medical care, especially when facing dismissive responses.
• Open communication: Express needs and boundaries to strengthen relationships.

Guest Bio: Rhea Seehorn

Rhea Seehorn is an Emmy-nominated actress and director best known for her acclaimed performance as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul. She currently stars as Carol Sturka in Pluribus, earning a 2026 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Before acting, Rhea studied visual art and discovered theater through an acting elective in college, eventually building a career across theater, comedy, television, and drama. In this episode of SHE MD, Rhea joins her close friend Mary Alice Haney for a deeply personal conversation about dating, becoming a stepmother, building a blended family, choosing not to have biological children, balancing motherhood with a demanding career, and the path that ultimately led her to acting.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NOTE: PCOS is now called PMOS, or Polycystic Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.

PMOS is about so much more than irregular periods or fertility. In this episode of SheMD, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi breaks down the four major pillars of PCOS, and explains how they can all be connected.

This is a deep dive into why PCOS is so often missed, the symptoms that can look different from woman to woman, the role insulin resistance can play, and why you don’t necessarily need high testosterone or polycystic appearing ovaries to meet the criteria for PCOS.

Dr. A also explains how PCOS can affect weight, acne, hair growth, mood, brain fog, ovulation, fertility, and long-term health, plus what women and parents of teenage girls should know about getting properly evaluated.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms could be connected, this episode is your PCOS deep dive.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The frozen shoulder. The 3 a.m. anxiety. The brain fog and the rage that come out of nowhere. For decades, women were told it was "just stress" and sent home with an antidepressant. This week, Dr. A and Mary Alice welcome back the woman changing that — Dr. Mary Claire Haver, the OB-GYN The New York Times calls the "Menopause Queen" — for a full masterclass on perimenopause.

It can start in your late 30s, it lasts 7 to 10 years, and almost no one warned us. Dr. Haver explains what's really happening in your body and brain, why so many women are dismissed, and what you can actually do about it — HRT, progesterone, vaginal estrogen, sleep, mood, and the myth that you have to wait until it's "bad enough" to get help. Because suffering isn't the price of admission.

Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

Sponsors

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What You’ll Learn

• What perimenopause actually is and how it differs from menopause
• Why perimenopause can begin in your late 30s or 40s
• Why brain fog, sleep disruption, anxiety and mood changes can be early symptoms
• When hormone therapy may be considered during perimenopause
• The difference between HRT/MHT, birth control and vaginal estrogen
• What we know, and still don't know, about HRT and cardiovascular and bone health
• How GLP-1 medications can affect muscle and bone health
• The role of protein, resistance training, vitamin D, omega-3s, fiber and creatine
• What declining estrogen can mean for vaginal and urinary health
• What women should know about HRT and breast cancer risk
• Why listening to your symptoms and advocating for yourself matters

Key Timestamps

00:00 Why Every Vagina Needs Estrogen

01:32 Welcome Back Dr. Mary Claire Haver

05:44 What Perimenopause Actually Is

08:44 The "Zone Of Chaos" And Brain Glitching

18:08 How To Evaluate A Perimenopausal Patient

20:01 All Vaginas Need Estrogen

24:50 Why Perimenopause Is The Best Time To Start HRT

32:13 GLP-1s, Muscle Loss, And Bone Health

36:41 Patches, Pellets, Creams: What Actually Works

40:23 Debunking The HRT-Breast Cancer Myth

50:33 Creatine, Vitamin D, And Key Supplements

54:56 The Histamine-Hormone Connection

58:12 Vulvar Changes Nobody Warns You About

1:04:37 Lightning Round: Hormone Myths Busted

1:07:19 Three Takeaways For Every Woman

Key Takeaways

• Perimenopause is a years-long biological transition, not simply the period immediately before menopause.
• Symptoms can appear before periods become irregular or hot flashes begin.
• Brain fog, sleep disruption and mental health changes can be among the earliest signs of fluctuating hormones.
• Hormone therapy does not necessarily have to wait until a woman is fully menopausal; treatment should be individualized based on symptoms, risks and benefits.
• Bone health, cardiovascular health, muscle mass and metabolic health all deserve attention during the menopause transition.
• If using GLP-1 medications, Dr. Haver emphasizes adequate protein, resistance training and monitoring body composition rather than focusing solely on the number on the scale.
• Vaginal and urinary symptoms can be related to declining estrogen and may be treated with local estrogen therapy.
• The goal of understanding perimenopause is not simply to get through it, but to enter the next stage of life informed, healthy and empowered.

Guest Bio: Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a board-certified OB-GYN and a leading voice in menopause and women's health. She has dedicated her career to helping women better understand the biological changes that happen during midlife and has been called the “Menopause Queen” by The New York Times. She is the author of the bestselling The New Menopause and her newest book, The New Perimenopause, which focuses on the years leading up to menopause. She also hosts the podcast Unpaused and shares women's health education across social media.

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Mary Alice and Dr. A sit down with reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert Dr. Natalie Crawford for a deep dive into everything women should know about their fertility before they’re ready to have a baby. They discuss why fertility can be an important reflection of overall health, how inflammation, endometriosis, PCOS/PMOS, and autoimmune conditions can impact reproductive health, and why women shouldn’t have to wait until they’re struggling to conceive before they start asking questions.

The conversation also breaks down AMH and ovarian reserve, egg freezing, when it makes sense to see a fertility specialist, and what women should know about long-term birth control and fertility. Dr. Crawford shares why getting more information earlier can give women more choices later, and why understanding your own body is one of the most important parts of advocating for your health.

Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

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What You’ll Learn

• Why fertility can be an important marker of overall health
• How inflammation can affect reproductive health
• What AMH measures and what it can tell you about ovarian reserve
• When women should consider fertility testing
• When it may make sense to see a fertility specialist
• What to know about egg freezing and ovarian reserve
• How endometriosis, PCOS/PMOS, and autoimmune conditions can affect fertility
• Whether long-term birth control can impact fertility
• What to consider before coming off birth control and trying to conceive
• How to advocate for yourself when you feel dismissed by your doctor

Key Timestamps

00:00 Male Fertility Is Half the Puzzle

01:42 The Fertility Formula Meet Dr. Natalie Crawford

02:15 Reproductive Endocrinology: Her Path to Fertility Medicine

05:34 Inflammation: The Hidden Root of Infertility

08:01 Chronic Inflammation vs. Normal Immune Response

10:07 Celiac, Endo, Hashimoto's Medical Causes of Inflammation

11:16 Undiagnosed Infertility

13:02 Anti-Inflammatory Eating Explained

16:09 Gut Microbiome Fiber & Healthy Fats

25:01 AMH:The Ovarian Reserve Test

29:53 Missed Diagnoses Endometriosis & PMOS

30:16 Private Equity and Fertility Medicine

40:28 Endo Test New Blood & Saliva Diagnostics

43:18 Does Birth Control Hurt Fertility?

45:02 IUDs: Thin Linings & Scar Tissue Risk

50:33 When to See a Specialist? 

53:05 Pregnancy After 40

Key Takeaways

• Fertility is about more than getting pregnant. Fertility issues can sometimes point to underlying health conditions that deserve attention.
• You don't have to wait until you're trying to conceive to learn about your fertility. The conversation explores how earlier testing can give women more information and more choices.
• AMH is one piece of the fertility puzzle. Understanding ovarian reserve can help women make more informed decisions about their reproductive timeline and options.
• Birth control does not appear to cause long-term infertility. Dr. Crawford explains that research has not shown a long-term difference in conception rates after stopping the pill, while noting that hormonal birth control can affect how certain fertility markers are interpreted.
• You can see a fertility specialist before experiencing infertility. Fertility specialists can help women understand ovarian reserve, discuss egg freezing, and identify potential issues before someone begins trying to conceive.

Guest Bio: Dr. Natalie Crawford

Dr. Natalie Crawford is a reproductive endocrinologist, fertility specialist, educator, podcast host, and author of The Fertility Formula. After completing her OBGYN residency at Parkland Hospital, she completed a three-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She now practices at Fora Fertility in Austin, Texas, and has spent more than a decade educating women about fertility and reproductive health.

She is also the host of the As A Woman podcast, which has reached millions of downloads, and wrote The Fertility Formula to give women the foundational fertility education she believes they should have much earlier in life. Her goal is to help women understand their bodies and fertility before they’re ready to have children, so they can make informed decisions when the time comes.

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