Low libido is one of the most common concerns women experience — and one of the least openly discussed. In this episode of Women Talking Frankly, Holistic Consultant Pharmacist Susan Merenstein reframes libido as a health signal, not a personal failure. 

Susan explains how desire is shaped by hormones, brain chemistry, muscle and metabolic health, circulation, diet, medications, anatomy, and lifestyle. This conversation replaces shame with understanding and offers a clear, science-based framework women can actually use. 

Here’s a sampling of the talking points we tackle: 

- Key hormones that matter most for libido 

- The Good Libido checklist 

- Our sexual anatomy 

- The female brain and desire 

- The “hugging hormone,” Oxytocin  

- Do women need testosterone?

- Does stress suppress desire?

- Why sugar and simple carbs are libido blockers 

- Foods that support sexual health 

- Why self-pleasure is not just an indulgence, but good for your sexual health 

- The skinny on vibrators 

- GLP’s and low libido 

- Supplements and bioidentical hormones for libido support  

To read the full article and revisit the concepts discussed in our interview, visit VitalHealthPharmacist.com

Shop & Learn: 

https://www.LabNaturals.com 

Join their newsletter for wellness tips & updates:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/2hMdfFh 

Contact: Susan Merenstein, RPh

Holistic Consultant Pharmacist

P: 412-586-4678

Connect w/ Kyle & Candace: 

Candace Burch: 

⁠⁠YourHormoneBalance.com⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Kyle McAvoy: 

[email protected]

Sit down with Kyle & Candace for their yearly catch-up episode: “out with the old, in with the new”. This episode is chock full of important health information, plus Kyle & Candace share tips with you to make 2026 a better and brighter year.

Topics include:

- The FDA removed the Black Box warning on hormones: This is GREAT but it is not a green light. Continue to proceed with caution & care. Insist on getting your hormones tested + work with a reputable provider.

- Advice on how to find a great provider to help you navigate your way through hormonal challenges no matter what stage you are in.

- What Joy-Span is & why we want to know about this. Listen to this clip from Karry Burnight, professor of geriatric medicine at UC Irvine Medical.

- The book making the rounds of MANY women’s book clubs: In the Country of Old by Susan Abel Lieberman; a wonderful & honest look at some of the challenges & joys of aging.

- How to consume alcohol with more intention + some of their favorite strategies (& products) to do so. The author of Christmas at River Cottage, Lucy Brazier, calls her days sans alcohol AFDs (alcohol free days) - brilliant! Kyle loves DeSoi (Haute Margarita is a new favorite) and Still/Spark (Golden Hour)

Articles that frankly either drove us crazy or inspired us:

The Perimenopause Whisperer Network: Women are desperately seeking information and care. You are not alone in thinking this!

Learn about the 9 things that YOU can do to improve your mental health from the HAPPINESS department at UCLA (and the National Institute of PLAY: WTF???)

Our Favorites:

Books:

Women Rowing North: Mary Pipher offers a timely examination of the cultural and developmental issues women face as they age

French Women Don’t Get Fat, The Secret of Eating for Pleasure - unlocking the simple secrets of this “French paradox” - how they enjoy food while staying slim and healthy - Mireille Guiliano gives us a charming, inspiring take on health and eating for our times. Check out her website as well!

Between Two Kingdoms - New York Times calls it “a deeply moving memoir of illness and recovery that traces one young woman’s journey from diagnosis to remission to re-entry into ‘normal’ life”.

Shows: 

Riot Women - British drama about 5 middle-aged women who form a punk band to shake up their lives & end up reclaiming their voices, confidence, and sense of power along the way.

All Things Great and Small - British period drama about a young veterinary surgeon who moves to the Yorkshire Dales in the 30s to work with an eccentric vet, following his heartwarming and often humorous experiences treating animals and connecting with the local community.

Somebody Somewhere - American comedy-drama about a woman who returns to her Kansas hometown after her sister’s death and, while struggling with loss and identity, finds connection, community, and a voice through friendships and singing.

Studies: 

- Benefits of Rowing https://www.self.com/story/benefits-of-rowing 

- Large international research published late in 2025 found no significant association between menopause HRT and dementia risk.

- Research published in 2025 indicated no increased cardiovascular disease risk in younger postmenopausal women using HRT, while risks were seen in older age ranges—informing guideline nuance.

- A study presented at the Endocrine Society showed that combining menopausal HRT with obesity medication (like tirzepatide) may enhance weight loss and metabolic outcomes in postmenopausal women—highlighting interplay between hormonal changes and obesity risk.

Revisit these WTF Episodes: 

WTF Episode 62: Hormone Therapy After the FDA Black Box Removal: What Safe Appropriate Use Really Means and Why Women Deserve Better!

WTF Episode 51: Don’t Underestimate Progesterone!: Our Most Popular Episode of 2025!

Connect w/ Kyle & Candace:

Candace Burch:

⁠YourHormoneBalance.com⁠ ⁠

⁠[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

You’ll Be So Glad You Listened to This Episode!

When the FDA pulled the long-standing black box warning that said hormone therapy was dangerous, the headlines exploded! Just like that the FDA has done an about face and we are now told that hormones are safe when used appropriately. This is good news, but is it a green light for any and all hormone use?

Join us inside our conversation with Susan Merenstein, RPh, a Holistic Consultant Pharmacist with decades of specialized expertise in hormone balance, women’s wellness, and individualized, physiology-based care, as we make sense of how we got here and where HRT is heading:

- Why the FDA slapped a black box warning on HRT in the first place

- What most people don’t know about the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI): how the landmark clinical trial of HRT use led to millions of women being pulled off hormones overnight

- The real findings of the WHI and how the key culprits got lost in translation

- The 7 crucial words in the FDA’s new message: Hormone therapy is safe when appropriately used - what it means and what it does not mean

- The FDA emphasis on individualized, appropriate use is exactly what physiology-based, bioidentical hormone therapy has always been about!

- All hormones are not equal: why bioidentical plant-based versions are better and safer

- No going back to one size fits all: why hormone testing is essential to hormone prescribing according to need

- The elephant in the room: the lack of menopause hormone savvy providers

- The truth about overdosing of hormones, particularly testosterone

- Why the suggestion that hormone therapy is best limited to women under 60 is outdated

- The longevity benefits of hormone restoration in women over 65 and beyond

- How women can find a hormone provider who knows their stuff

Connect with Susan:

Murray Avenue Apothecary & LabNaturals, Inc.

Website: http://www.vitalhealthpharmacist.com/

Read Susan’s blog on the FDA Black Box warning removal: https://vitalhealthpharmacist.com/blog/2025/11/hormone-therapy-after-the-fda-black-box-removal/

Subscribe to her newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/gTxG2ev/maa 

Connect w/ Kyle & Candace:

Candace Burch:

⁠YourHormoneBalance.com⁠

⁠[email protected]⁠

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

The importance of what you’re feeling is not all in your head, most symptoms women in perimenopause & menopause experience are down to unaddressed hormone imbalances. You do not need to be referred to a psychiatrist!

This month we are joined by Kenna Stevenson, MD & David Zava, PhD discussing topics such as:

- The Bioidentical Hormone Restoration model of care (BHRT)

- The landmark CHOIICE study that followed women ages 35-70 over 3 years looking at hemostatic, immune, inflammatory, Cardiovascular & quality of life outcomes

- Findings from the CHOIICE study: Women get symptom relief & do better at every level when their hormone levels are restored & balanced (those in highest stress groups saw the biggest improvements!)

- Why it all begins with non-invasive saliva testing to detect imbalances of the ‘Big 5 Hormones’: Progesterone, E2, DHEA, T + Cortisol

- Why the standard blood draw is not helpful in evaluating hormone levels

- Debunking the myth that transdermal/topical progesterone does not protect against overgrowth of the uterine lining

- Why rubbing topical hormone cream into the skin very effectively raises hormones to healthy levels, that are NOT trackable in blood tests but are in saliva

- How Progesterone used at bedtime induces calming of the brain + helps you achieve REM sleep

- Keeping the brain healthy with hormone restoration; neuroprotective effects of balanced hormones

- Cardiovascular disease: the leading cause of death among women worldwide + how hormones in balance protect against it

- Why transdermal/topical use of hormone is the way to go = lower to no risk of forming blood clots, even in women with a history of stroke

- Why physiologic levels of estrogen and progesterone are perfect for the postmenopausal woman to help keep us young, protect our skin, our heart, our brains

- Why Estradiol, the master female hormone is called the 'angel of life'

- Why mother nature created progesterone to work in concert w/ estrogen

- The power of creativity, handwork, drawing, painting, knitting, beadwork etc. to reduce stress hormones & lift the spirit

- Estriol's favorable effects for protecting against breast cancer tumors, UTIs & skin health

- Hormone balancing is all about the science + should be about data not dollars + should be about standing on a foundation of truth, science not selling. “Men who refuse to change their thinking is like standing water breeding reptiles of the mind.” – William Blake

- Safety of bioidentical hormones for post-menopausal women 65+

Resources:

- Kenna’s current research: The Dream Study – Calling All Women 50+!  I have funding from the Dream Science Foundation to study dreams & sleep in postmenopausal women aged 50+ - if interested in participation please send an email to www.doctorkenna.com

- Dr. Zava’s published research: https://www.zrtlab.com/research/published-articles/ Ongoing, collaborative research projects include but not limited to: Brain Health, Autism, ADD, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), etc. www.zrtlab.com

- The CHOIICE Study: effects of compounded bioidentical transdermal hormone therapy on hemostatic, inflammatory, immune factors; cardiovascular biomarkers; quality-of-life measures; and health outcomes in perimenopausal & postmenopausal women. Kenna Stephenson , Pierre F Neuenschwander, Anna K Kurdowska

- Addressing the Missing Links in Cardiovascular Aging Elliot Dinetz, Claudia Zeballos-Palacios, Claudia A Martinez Dove Press 

"Percutaneous progesterone delivery via cream or gel application in postmenopausal women: Du JY, Sanchez P, Kim L, Azen CG, Zava DT, Stanczyk FZ. Menopause 2013; 20(11):1169-1175. See article abstract

- What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer, How Hormone Balance Can Help Save Your Life -Dr. John Lee, M.D., David Zava, Ph.D.

- Awakening Athena & The Gospel of Women’s Health -Kenna Stevenson, M.D.

Connect w/ Kyle & Candace:

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Join your hosts, Kyle McAvoy, N.P. and Candace Burch, Health Educator, as we sit down with the founder of the women’s fashion company Argentwork. Back in 2015, Sali was working in the world of hi-tech when she came across an article that stated that women, more than men, were judged on their appearance. At that time, men were wearing hoodies and tee shirts and moving up in their companies while women in the same field were struggling with how to get the same recognition.

This was just the catalyst that Sali needed to quit her job and create an apparel company designed for women to build confidence as they dressed for work, as well as gender equity in many types of work environments.

From their website:

Attitude, Meet Ambition

Through confident clothes and an inspiring community, Argent is creating a movement that’s all about self expression in and out of the workplace, versatility as a power move, and radical equality when it comes to paychecks, pockets, and everything in between.

We all face challenges in our everyday lives and as women, we know we still have a ways to go in the workplace in terms of recognition and financial compensation. Listen in as Sali describes her own journey as a young professional woman and mother. She started her company before the COVID pandemic and faced multiple challenges as she and her team navigated their way through this unexpected obstacle. Despite her role as CEO and mother of two children, she has maintained her focus on staying balanced. Consistent exercise and finding time for pauses are two of her key strategies in this area.

Her goal is to help other women learn how to use fashion in a way that helps them feel powerful and confident in all kinds of situations. With a focus on fit, high quality fabrics, functionality and sustainability, Argentwork is working to create a community of like-minded women who can support one another.

Sali also shared a powerful collaboration with Supermajority and their iconic Hot Pink Suits, a campaign reminding women that we are the super majority and highlighting the importance of voting. You can read more about it in The New York Times. 

CONNECT WITH SALI:

Presently, the best way to learn more is through their website: ww.argentwork.com. They offer stylists as well as consignment to help you find your personal style. Use the code WTF15 for a 15% discount!

There are 3 brick and mortar stores as well: 2 in NYC and one in DC. Stay tuned for more possibilities by following them on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.

Connect with Kyle & Candace:

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com 

[email protected] 

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Our guest today is Victoria Jane Hamilton, fondly known to all as “VJ”. VJ lives near Yorkshire in the U.K. and is a functional nutritionist and autoimmune expert. 

Her passion for this work stems from her personal journey. As a five year old, she had alopecia areata (a type of hair loss) and in her teens, she struggled with severe fatigue and skin issues.  It took a few more decades to learn that she had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome along with psoriasis. By working with a functional provider, she was able to address her gut issues. She also worked on an anti-viral protocol and has kept her symptoms under control for over 10 years. 

Common symptoms of autoimmune conditions include severe fatigue, skin issues, joint pain, hair loss, brain fog and constipation. 70-80% of these conditions affect women, suggesting a hormonal link. 

VJ loves to work with clients of all types. Her starting point includes a comprehensive health and symptom history, which then guides her to do additional testing. These can include viral, mold, hormone, genetic and food sensitivity testing.  Common viruses such as Epstein Barr, CMV and Herpes 6 are often implicated in these conditions. MTHFR and other genetic variant testing are often quite helpful as well. The microbiome is a focus for healing once imbalances are uncovered. 

Join us for a fascinating conversation with an expert and learn if some of the symptoms you (or someone you know) may be struggling with are related to some of these common disorders (examples include Multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Sceleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis). You will learn some of the tools you will need to move towards diagnosis and healing. 

VJ’s contact information: 

Website: https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com 

Podcast: The Autoimmune Reset 

VJ is accepting new clients and would love to work with you as needed. 

Connect with Kyle & Candace:

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com 

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Join Kyle and Candace in one of their candid conversations with each other as they discuss relevant topics for women that either outrage, encourage or intrigue them. With the news coming at all of us so fast all the time, your hosts at Women Talking Frankly are here to help keep YOU informed about issues that are relevant to all women.

These topics include:

~New legislation in the U.K. and the U.S (approx. 15 states so far) designed to promote education, support and possible insurance coverage for menopausal symptoms

~A courageous pilot in the U.K., Suzanne Morgan, worried about how menopause could impact her career - so she created “Menopause Cafes” and a WhatsApp group to support women in menopause

~A Menopause Liquid study at Oregon Health Sciences University is looking at the components of menstrual flow and how it might relate to heavy bleeding, endometriosis, infertility, diabetes, immune issues and other health problems

~Alisa Vitti on cycle syncing: a way for women to learn more about their bodies. Check out www.floliving.com for more info

~Planned Parenthood is facing an ethical dilemma: Continue to accept federal funding in order to provide comprehensive GYN care to millions of women or provide pregnancy terminations

~Dr. Jolene Brighten and her work on “Beyond Birth Control” - check out DrBrighten.com for more info. Also check out her podcast episode on Estrogen Replacement! 

~Delve into what makes a ‘Super Ager.’ Dr. Eric Topol: it’s not (just) genetics - but sleep, diet, exercise, the environment, and your immune system. (Think Blue Zones: there has been some pushback on the original research but there is still quite a bit of important info that came out as a result!) Listen to a podcast on this HERE.

~Caffeine & its health benefits: how it can improve your medical outcomes later in life

~Candace Is inspired by Suleika Jaouad, wife of Jon Baptiste and the author of Between Two Kingdoms (a must read!) and The Book of Alchemy, A Creative Process for an Inspired Life 

You won’t want to miss this one - it is chock full of information for women of all ages!

Our upcoming podcasts:

- A candid discussion with our two most listened to guests: Dr. David Zava and Dr. Kenna Stephenson. Learn about their latest research on women’s health and hormones and what is bugging them as well.

- An interview with V.J. Hamilton, a functional provider who specializes in auto-immune disorders.

Additional Resources: 

Alissa Vitti on Cycle synching 

https://www.floliving.com/blog/the-cycle-syncing-method 

The Woman Code, by Alissa Vitti 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58652739-woman-code 

Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know: What to Expect During the Three Stages of Menopause, by Felice Gersh, MD

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59313286-menopause 

The Blue Zones, by Dan Buettner

https://danbuettner.com/blue-zones/ 

The Omnivore's Dilemma, Michael Pollan

https://michaelpollan.com/books/the-omnivores-dilemma/ 

Connect with Kyle & Candace:

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com 

[email protected] 

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Join us for an insightful conversation about the problem of endometriosis and pelvic pain (that affects 10% of women) with one of the leading laparoscopic surgeons in the U.S., Dr. Shanti Mohling.  

Although this is a very common disorder,  most people - including physicians and caregivers - don’t know enough about it, leading to many women getting inadequate care. 50-80% of women with infertility have endometriosis, but this is often overlooked during their treatment plan.  

Risk factors include genetics, environmental and developmental causes, gut health, immune dysfunction and the impacts of stress.  

In addition, many women with endometriosis are estrogen dominant yet are usually put on oral contraceptives, which may not be the best treatment. Although it may not be preventable, early detection and optimization through better diet,  appropriate supplements, physical therapy and the use of progesterone can improve a woman’s quality of life.  

Dr. Mohling also discusses other causes of pelvic pain as well as the also misunderstood condition of vulvodynia (pain in the vulva region). 

If you or someone you know is struggling with painful periods, heavy bleeding and /or infertility, you won’t want to miss this interview with an expert and compassionate surgeon. 

Contact with Shanti:

@shantimohlingmd 

NWendometriosis.com

Connect with Kyle & Candace

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

When Maria Ponzi was just a toddler, she helped her trailblazing parents plant grapes in what was one of the earliest vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. As a grownup and President of Ponzi Vineyards, Maria grew the family winery into a world class destination and global brand.

As the curator and speaker of “The Four-Ounce Pour," she encourages audiences to create a life of greater meaning and impact through intention and balance.

Maria currently serves as Director of the Center for Wine Education and Studies at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon, which is where we caught up with her.

Here’s just a sampling of what we talked about:

- The role education plays in encouraging mindful or limited drinking

- Interpreting The WHO statement: there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption

- Can moderate wine consumption be a healthier option?

- Current recommendations, studies, health benefits related to drinking wine

- Are certain wines ‘better' - lower alcohol %, lower sugar content, less additives, etc.?

- Ways to make it safer to drink wine

Learn more about Maria HERE!

Connect w/Kyle & Candace

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Kyle & Candace are joined today by Susan Merenstein, RPh, who has 44 years of pharmacy practice under her belt and over 21 years of clinical experience in hormone therapy. She has owned her own pharmacy, Murray Avenue Apothecary, for 18 years and its sister company, Lab Naturals, Inc, for 7 years.

Susan specializes in Hormone Balance and Health consultations (24 years) and her expertise as a Holistic Pharmacist has led to positive changes in the health, well-being and quality of life of many of her clients. Susan is a walking encyclopedia on all things to do with women’s health and hormones - and in this episode we go deep into a discussion of the pillars of women’s health and the best ways to maintain a strong foundation as we move throughlife!

Kyle, Candace and Susan discuss:

- The main foundations of every woman’s health: diet, exercise, sleep, how we handle stress

- How to ramp up support of our foundational health as we age

- The particular challenges of perimenopause & menopause

- Susan’s Top 5 Supplements for women + why do we need to take them and how do we take them?

- How to sort through the huge array of supplements available online and in multiple stores and choose a brand that has high quality & known benefits, but doesn’t break the bank

- Our latest favorite things

- Advice we'd give our younger selves

Susan’s motto: “Be aware of your symptoms, get educated and take a proactive role in your health”

CONNECT WITH SUSAN

Email: [email protected]

https://vitalhealthpharmacist.com/

https://labnaturals.com/

CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]