Episode 328: Should I take hormones?

In this episode, I dive deep into the evolving conversation around hormone therapy—where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go. If you’ve been confused, scared, or unsure about hormones, this one’s for you. I break down the myths, share the science, and explain why education—not fear—should drive our health decisions.

I talk about the crucial difference between vaginal and systemic hormones, the benefits of both, and why so many women are missing out simply because they’ve never been properly informed. I also touch on the role of GLP-1 medications, not just for weight, but as part of a broader discussion around midlife health.

We also get into the realities of perimenopause—what’s normal, what’s not, and how to stop dismissing symptoms as “just aging.” I explain why hormone therapy isn’t just about hot flashes—it’s a longevity and quality-of-life tool. The truth? Living decades post-menopause without hormones can come with real risks. But with the right education, you get to choose what’s right for you.

Reminder: knowledge is power—and the foundation of empowered healthcare.

Takeaways:

The narrative around hormone therapy is changing—from fear-based to informed and empowering.

Education is the single most important tool in making good decisions about your health.

Vaginal estrogen and DHEA are safe and effective for many postmenopausal women.

Perimenopause isn’t just “normal aging”—hormonal shifts can cause real symptoms worth treating.

GLP-1 medications are part of a bigger picture of metabolic and hormonal health.

It’s never too late: women post-menopause can still benefit from hormone therapy.

Hormones play a critical role in preventive health, including protecting your bones and brain.

We need to stop misunderstanding breast cancer risk in the context of hormone therapy.

Choosing to live without hormones comes with its own set of risks—know them before deciding.

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Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at ⁠goodvibes.com/menopause⁠

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

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Episode 327: Bladder Leakage Is Common, But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Normal — with Dr. Alex Rogers

I’m joined this week by my brilliant colleague and fellow urologist, Dr. Alex Rogers, for a candid, informative conversation about something way too many people silently struggle with: bladder leakage.

We’re two urologists talking all things pee — from stress incontinence to overactive bladder, and everything in between. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden urge to run to the bathroom, leaking when you laugh or sneeze, or you’re just confused about what’s going on down there, this episode is for you.

We break down the two most common types of bladder leakage — overactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence — and explain why they require totally different treatment approaches. We also talk about the huge impact of hormones on bladder health, especially in menopause (yes, estrogen matters here too!).

Dr. Rogers and I dive into:

Why bladder leakage is so common — and why we shouldn’t normalize it

The real science behind overactive bladder

Why Botox is an underutilized but super effective treatment option

How pelvic floor therapy fits into the bigger picture

What’s new and exciting in urology (hello, neuromodulation and telehealth)

The frustrating role of insurance in limiting access to care

How to find a provider who actually knows what they’re doing when it comes to bladder health

This isn’t just a “deal with it” issue — it’s a quality of life issue. And the good news? There are solutions. Real, evidence-based, life-changing options. But only if we talk about it. So let’s talk.

Takeaways:

Bladder leakage is common but under-discussed

Hormonal changes play a huge role in bladder function

Overactive bladder ≠ stress incontinence — and treatments vary

Botox is a powerful and underutilized option

Telemedicine and new tech are changing the game

Education empowers patients to advocate for better care

Insurance hurdles are real — and we need to fight for better access

Find the right specialist — not all care is created equal

Let’s stop suffering in silence and start empowering ourselves and our patients with facts, not shame.

🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs to know they're not alone — and that bladder leakage is treatable.

https://www.bladderboutique.com/

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Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at goodvibes.com/menopause

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

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326. Australia, Testosterone, Mast Cells and More

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ceri Cashell for a wide-ranging conversation that spans continents and dives deep into women’s health—from hormones to mast cells to medical mindset. Dr. Cashell and I talk about what we’re seeing in clinical practice and what women around the world are still fighting for: access, advocacy, and actual answers.

We unpack the critical role of testosterone in women’s health (yes, women have and need testosterone), and explore how cultural perceptions—especially around sexuality—still shape what treatments women are offered or denied. We also talk about mast cell activation syndrome and how it might explain so many symptoms that often get brushed off or misdiagnosed in women.

We get into why vaginal DHEA is so underutilized, how lifestyle changes make a real impact, and why curiosity in medicine is a superpower. There’s also a deep dive into the hormone–mental health connection and why so many women are struggling in silence because of outdated medical thinking.

This episode is a reminder: women’s health is not niche, and we deserve better.

Takeaways:

Testosterone isn’t optional—it’s vital for women’s health, especially during midlife.

Cultural norms around sexuality still impact the care women receive.

Mast cell activation syndrome might be the missing puzzle piece for many women with unexplained symptoms.

We need more advocacy to break through the outdated thinking that limits women’s treatment options.

Lifestyle changes matter—more than most doctors admit.

Staying curious as a clinician can change the game for patients.

Vaginal DHEA is safe, effective, and overlooked far too often.

Hormones are deeply connected to mental health—this isn’t just about libido.

Access to hormone therapy is often blocked by stigma, not science.

Education and awareness are the keys to transforming women’s healthcare.

Australian petition to put Androfeme on PBS

https://www.instagram.com/drcericashell/

https://www.healthyhormones.au/

https://drcericashell.com/

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Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at ⁠goodvibes.com/menopause⁠

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

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This week, I sat down with the radiant Whitni Miller, also known as BDEmoves on Instagram, a queer sex educator and pleasure coach who’s changing the game when it comes to how we talk about sex, desire, and embodiment, especially in the queer community.

Together, we explored what it really means to be embodied in midlife and why so many of us still struggle to feel sexually safe—not just physically, but emotionally and relationally. Whitni brings a trauma-informed lens to her work, helping people unpack shame, regulate their nervous systems, and come back home to themselves.

We talked about:

Why safety (not spontaneity) is the foundation of good sex

How queer and same-sex couples deal with libido differences

What late bloomers can teach us about authenticity and desire

The power of non-sexual touch in long-term relationships

How responsive desire isn't broken—it’s just misunderstood

The absolute joy of reclaiming play and pleasure at any age

Whitni also got real about what it takes to share accurate, pleasure-centered sex ed online in the face of constant censorship. Hint: It’s hard, it’s frustrating, and it’s absolutely necessary. She’s a fierce advocate for creating digital and real-life spaces where people—especially queer folks—can learn, explore, and thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered, What can we learn from the queer community about sex, intimacy, and communication?—this episode is for you.

Whitni’s work is bold, honest, and full of compassion. Follow her @bdemoves and check out her offerings for late bloomers, folks navigating WLW relationships, and anyone looking to deepen their connection with themselves and their partners.

Takeaways:

https://www.instagram.com/bde.moves

Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠⁠Preorder my Next Book⁠⁠ share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at goodvibes.com/menopause

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

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🎙️ Episode 324: Perimenopause is Real—What You Need to Know with Jackie Piasta, WHNP-BC

Perimenopause is real—and often misunderstood. In this episode, I sit down with women’s health nurse practitioner Jackie Piasta to unpack the truth about this critical (and neglected) phase of midlife. If you’ve been told “you’re too young” or “just tough it out,” this conversation will feel like the validation you’ve been missing.

Jackie and I dive into what perimenopause really looks like—from migraines and mood swings to weight gain and disrupted sleep—and why these symptoms deserve real answers, not dismissal.

We talk through what’s happening hormonally, why lab tests aren’t the gold standard, and how to shift from a “birth control” mindset to a hormone-optimization mindset in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.

In this episode:

Why perimenopause can start in your 30s—even with regular periods

Common myths that keep women suffering in silence

How to track symptoms and cycles instead of chasing lab results

The role of hormonal birth control—and when it helps vs. masks symptoms

How estradiol, progesterone, and vaginal hormones can support brain, sleep, and libido

Supplements and newer options: magnesium, L-theanine, flibanserin, even topical CBD

Real-world patient cases that show how individualized care changes lives

Top takeaways:

Perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis—there’s no perfect test.

Hormonal fluctuations can cause real physical, emotional, and cognitive changes.

Bone loss, lipid changes, and heart risks start before menopause.

Progesterone is often underused but powerful for night sweats, anxiety, and sleep.

SSRIs are not first-line for new-onset mood changes in perimenopause.

Early intervention matters—don’t wait until menopause to get help.

We also talk about newer birth control formulations, managing migraines, and what the research is showing us about how menopause impacts heart health and brain function. Spoiler: it’s not just about hot flashes.

This episode is your permission slip to stop toughing it out and start asking for care that actually helps.

🔗 Referenced Studies & Resources:

Brinton RD et al. Perimenopause as a neurological transition state. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2015;11(7):393-405.

Wu B et al. Trajectories of Blood Lipids Profile in Midlife Women. J Am Heart Assoc. 2023;12(22):e030388.

SWAN Study: Lipid trajectory insights through the menopausal transition

https://www.instagram.com/jackiep_gynnp

https://www.mymonarchhealthco.com/

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Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

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In this episode, I sit down with Erin Sullivan Wagner for a raw and powerful conversation about something that’s too often ignored—sexual health in the context of cancer. Erin shares her personal experience with anal cancer, and what it was like to navigate the trauma of diagnosis and treatment while also feeling abandoned when it came to intimacy and her sexual well-being.

We talk about the gaps in cancer care, especially when it comes to women. Why is it that sexual health is often dismissed or completely left out of the conversation? Erin and I unpack how deeply cultural biases and medical liability fears impact the way sexual health is (or isn’t) addressed—especially for women.

We also dive into the concept of prehabilitation—starting sexual health conversations before treatment begins—and why it's critical that providers get educated and empowered to offer resources, referrals, and support for their patients. Because survivorship isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about staying connected to your body, your relationships, and your pleasure.

This is the conversation I wish every oncology team would hear.

Cancer profoundly affects sexual health, yet it’s often ignored.

Erin’s story is a powerful reminder of the trauma that comes with being left in the dark.

There’s a huge disconnect in how cancer care approaches female sexuality.

Male sexual health gets prioritized—female sexual health, not so much.

So many patients feel invisible when it comes to intimacy concerns.

These conversations need to happen early, not after damage has been done.

Cultural discomfort and medical fear of liability keep people from addressing sex.

Women are rarely told what to expect sexually after cancer treatment.

Quality of life includes sex, pleasure, and connection.

We have to normalize sexual health in survivorship care.

When we ignore it, the damage can be long-lasting and irreversible.

Emotional intimacy matters as much as physical recovery.

Prehabilitation should be standard practice.

Providers need training—patients need validation and direction.

Advocacy matters. This change starts with conversations like this.

Youtube

https://www.aftercancer.co/

https://allofmeiowa.org/

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Preorder my Next Book share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

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In this episode, number 322, I sit down with sex therapist Dr. Juliana Hauser for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about her experience with surgical menopause. She opens up about the decision-making process around her hysterectomy—what led her there, what she wishes she'd known beforehand, and how it impacted her physically, emotionally, and sexually.

We discuss the importance of thoroughly understanding your hysterectomy options—not all procedures are the same, and having the right information can make a significant difference. Dr. Hauser shares how guided imagery became a key part of her healing process, and we dive into the complicated (and often frustrating) world of hormone therapy.

She also brings up the role of doulas—not just for birth, but for menopause—highlighting how emotional support can be just as essential as medical care. We explore why open communication in relationships matters so much, especially when it comes to sexual confidence and intimacy post-surgery.

This conversation is raw, real, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating hormonal changes, recovery after hysterectomy, or simply learning to advocate for themselves in a system that doesn’t always listen.

https://dr-juliana.com/

https://flourishwholehealth.com/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order my book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and ⁠⁠⁠⁠"Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

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Welcome back! In this episode 321, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Tiffany Moon—an anesthesiologist, mom, entrepreneur, and yes, former Real Housewife. We delve into what it truly means to find joy in midlife and how social media often distorts our perception of happiness. Tiffany gets real about the pressure so many professionals—especially women in medicine—feel to "do it all" and how that expectation can lead straight to burnout.

We talk about the addiction to busyness, the cultural layers that shape how we view therapy, and the wild (and often hilarious) intersection of medicine and reality TV. We also touch on AI’s growing presence in healthcare and what it means to redefine professionalism in today’s world.

This one’s about self-trust, self-acceptance, and not waiting to enjoy your life. Dr. Tiffany brings humor, honesty, and a refreshing dose of perspective to a conversation that every working woman—especially in medicine—needs to hear.

Joy Prescriptions by Dr. Moon

Order my book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and ⁠⁠⁠⁠"Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠

To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

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In this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, I’m diving into the brand-new clinical guidelines for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)—because you deserve facts, not fear.

We’re breaking down what GSM actually is, why it’s so often overlooked, and how these updated recommendations can help you and your clinician make informed, collaborative decisions about your care. I walk you through the full range of treatment options—yes, including hormones—and explain why vaginal estrogen remains a safe, effective choice, even for breast cancer survivors.

We also talk about:

Why education around hormonal changes in midlife isn’t optional

The role of pelvic exams (and how to make them less intimidating)

Non-hormonal treatments that actually work

Why this all matters: GSM impacts your quality of life, intimacy, and overall health

This episode is your call to action. Use these new guidelines as a springboard for conversations with your healthcare provider—especially if they’re not up to speed. Your body. Your voice. Your choice.

AUA 2025 GSM Guidelines

⁠⁠⁠⁠Order my book⁠⁠⁠⁠ "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and ⁠⁠⁠"Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"⁠⁠⁠

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠

To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.  

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

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Hey friends!

In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Heather Quaile, DNP, as we dive into all things ISSWSH — that's short for the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (try saying that five times fast). We talk about how this incredible organization has exploded in size and why that matters for women everywhere.

We get into the power of staying curious in sexual medicine, why funding research is still such a grind, and how hormones — yes, especially testosterone — play a huge role in sexual function. Heather and I also share some of our favorite takeaways from recent ISSWSH conferences, like new ways of looking at orgasm and sexual dysfunction that actually make sense.

We don't shy away from the hard stuff either — off-label meds, outdated guidelines, and the frustrating lack of clarity around hormone therapy. But more than anything, this convo is about how we, as healthcare professionals, need to collaborate and push for change that reflects real women’s needs.

If you’re curious about the future of female sexual medicine or just want to hear two clinicians geek out over the latest research, this episode is for you.

Let’s get into it!

www.isswsh.org

https://theshowcenter.com/

Sedona in October - ONE slot left: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ascendretreats.com/menopause-and-sexual-health-2025⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Order my book⁠⁠⁠ "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and ⁠⁠"Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"⁠⁠

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠

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To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.com⁠⁠⁠.  

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