Why do only 5% of women in America use hormone therapy today, when so many did just two decades ago? In this special live episode, host Sharon Kedar sits down with Dr. Kelly Casperson, urologist, author, and leading voice in women’s health, to unpack the truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — and how one misleading press release in 2002 changed everything.

Dr. Casperson explains what really happened with the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, how the fear around hormones took root, and why it’s time to write the new narrative. Together, Sharon and Kelly discuss estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — what they do, who they help, and how new FDA attention may finally mark a turning point.

From brain fog to bone density, motivation to longevity, this conversation breaks down myths and builds hope for the next generation of women — and the doctors who care for them.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

• The 2002 Study That Changed Everything: How the Women’s Health Initiative was misinterpreted — and why a misleading press release reshaped women’s health for decades.
• The Truth About Hormones: Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are made naturally by the body — and modern therapies are safer, smarter, and more personalized than ever before.
• Longevity and Prevention: Hormones don’t just treat symptoms — they can protect your bones, brain, and heart, helping women live longer, healthier lives.
• The Next Generation of Change: From Gen X to Millennials, women are demanding better care, better education, and better science.

Connect with Sharon:

• On LinkedIn
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• Learn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcast
• Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
• Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox

Connect with Dr. Kelly Casperson:

• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• Learn more on her website
• Buy The Menopause Moment now

Additional Resources:

• The 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (JAMA)
• FDA Menopause Panel Discussion (YouTube)
• Dr. Casperson’s book: You Are Not Broken
• Dr. Kelly Casperson Speaking at the FDA’s Announcement for Removing “Black Box” Warnings

Skip to the Good Part:

(0:00) Introduction: Sharon welcomes Dr. Kelly Casperson — live from the FDA Menopause Panel

(3:00) The emotional power of restoring hormones — “I’m not angry anymore”

(8:00) Viagra vs. HRT: The gender gap in sexual medicine

(14:00) The WHI study: What really happened in 2002

(21:00) Fear, misinformation, and the black box warning

(28:00) How hormones affect every organ in the body

(33:00) Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — the full picture

(40:00) The “Lost Generation” of women and rewriting the narrative

(46:00) Testosterone: The forgotten quarterback of women’s health

(53:00) Policy, training, and the future of menopause care

(59:00) The next generation: Why millennials won’t wait to suffer

(1:03:00) Closing thoughts: Every woman deserves the conversation

Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

About Dr. Kelly Casperson: Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologist, speaker, author, and women's health advocate. After realizing the significant gap in women's sexual health and hormone education, even within the medical community, she dedicated herself to empowering women through her work. As the host of the popular podcast "You Are Not Broken," and author of books like You Are Not Broken and The Menopause Moment, she uses humor, candor, and science to demystify complex topics around sexuality, menopause, and hormonal health, helping women to advocate for themselves and live their best intimate lives.

About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.