This Is Perimenopause

We’re not afraid to say Vulva! And why you shouldn’t be either with Dr. Dolores Fernandez


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DISCOUNT CODE: Want to try IRIS products? Use code TIP20 for 20% off at lovemyIRIS.com

Experiencing painful sex? Dealing with recurring UTIs and unexpected dryness? Burning or itching ‘down there’ that's driving you crazy? Feeling confused about changes in your vulva or vagina? Wondering if what you're experiencing is normal? This episode is your roadmap to better vulvar and vaginal health.

Join us for an honest, educational and super fun conversation with Dolores Fernandez, Naturopathic Doctor and founder of IRIS. She's transforming how we talk about, understand, and care for our bodies. Learn why knowing our anatomy matters and how to advocate for better care during perimenopause and beyond.

In This Episode:

  • Why you need to know your anatomy -  it's not all ‘vagina’
  • The truth about genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and why it’s important to deal with these symptoms because they won’t just go away, they will get worse.
  • How to choose between moisturizers and lubricants (and what ingredients to avoid)
  • The truth about vaginal estrogen safety (even for breast cancer survivors)
  • How to advocate for yourself with healthcare providers and start the conversation
  • Simple ways to monitor changes in your vulvar health

Plus, Dolores shares the science behind her products and explains why conversations about vulvar health shouldn't wait until menopause.

Links for this episode

IRIS

Personal Lubricant

Vulva Moisturizer

Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause

  • Get our free guide, 10 Step for Better Menopause Care
  • Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
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  • Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram
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Dr Dolores Fernandez Bio

Dr. Dolores Fernandez is a naturopathic doctor dedicated to transforming the way we talk about menopause, vulvovaginal health, and overall wellness. As a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, a Naturopathic Doctor, and the founder of IRIS, Dolores combines clinical expertise with a mission to make vulvovaginal care a natural and stigma-free part of self-care routines.

In her clinical practice, Dolores focuses on supporting individuals with a range of vulvovaginal concerns, including menopause-related changes, vaginal dryness, vulvodynia, recurrent infections, and other intimate health challenges. Her approach integrates evidence-based treatments and compassionate care, empowering patients to take charge of their health.

IRIS was born out of Dolores’ recognition of a significant gap in intimate health care—too often, these topics are not talked about, leaving many underserved. She’s working to change that narrative with the belief that “skin is skin.” The skin on our vulvas deserves the same care as any other part of our bodies, and IRIS provides science-backed solutions focused on hydration, pH balance, and osmolarity to make intimate care accessible, effective, and empowering for everyone.

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

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This Is PerimenopauseBy Mikelle Ethier and Michelle Stainton

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