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Fempower Health

Fempower Health

Empowering women to be the CEO of their Health

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Psychedelic Therapy: Safety, Legal Standards, and Clinician Education | Dr. Lynn Marie Morski

Listen to Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, physician and medical attorney, discuss the safety, legal, and clinical considerations regarding psychedelic therapy in the U.S.Episode SummaryIn this second episode of the three-part series on psychedelic-assisted therapy, Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, a physician and attorney specializing in psychedelics, discusses various aspects of psychedelics and their integration into healthcare. Dr. Morski shares her journey and how she became passionate about educating clinicians on psychedelic medicine. We discuss the current legality of psychedelics in healthcare, safety concerns, and the lack of protocols. Dr. Morski talks about what to consider when choosing a psychedelic therapy provider, emphasizing the importance of training, ethics, and safety measures. We touch on the debate of whether therapists should have personal psychedelic experiences before offering guided psychedelic therapy, and the potential for psychedelics to become part of mainstream healthcare. Listen to this insightful conversation to explore the challenges of psychedelic therapy, the potential benefits of psychedelics for women's health, and advice for physicians and patients interested in exploring psychedelic treatments. Learn about the exciting developments in psychedelic research, including the investigation of psychedelics for stroke recovery and the exploration of non-hallucinatory psychedelics.Key TakeawaysThe need for clinician education on the use and potential benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapyThe legality of psychedelics as medical treatment medicine in the U.S.The need for safety protocols and guidelines in psychedelic therapy The importance of vetting facilitators and retreat centers that offer psychedelic therapies, and how to go about that process The debate on whether therapists should have personal psychedelic experiences to have common ground with patientsLegal challenges and potential lawsuits that currently limit the mainstream use of psychedelics in healthcare“There are a lot of things you can do [when choosing guided psychedelic therapy]. But pay attention to your intuition because you are handing over your consciousness to this person. And if you have any doubts in your gut about that, that's going to be setting you up for failure from the beginning." — Dr Lynn Marie Morski Related to this episode:Resources for Mental HealthListen to the series on Psychedelic-Assisted TherapyCheck out the Psychedelic Medicine Association or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram Check out the Psychedelic Medicine Podcast.  Follow on Twitter, Facebook and InstagramStay in touch with
January 30, 2024

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Healthcare Policies and Ethical Practices | Jordanna Davis & Jacqueline Lampert

Learn about the ethics and healthcare policies involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert join to discuss the implications.Episode SummaryWelcome to the first episode in our three-part series where we explore the world of psychedelic therapy. In this episode, health policy experts Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert join to discuss the experiences of psychedelic-assisted therapy and its profound social implications. This series aims to uncover the complexities and potential of psychedelic mental health treatment options.Key TakeawaysControversial medical debate on whether psychedelic therapy practitioners should have personal psychedelic experiencesConcerns around cultural appropriation in psychedelic therapies and the need for respectful acknowledgment of indigenous practicesThe complexity of patient-clinician dynamics if a patient prefers a provider who has personal experience of their conditionSignificance of professional practice guidelines that ensure ethical and culturally sensitive approaches in guided psychedelic therapyThe future of psychedelics in therapy and its potential to revolutionize mental health careEnjoy this insightful first episode as we unravel psychedelics and mental health with Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert. Tune in for the next two episodes of this exciting series dedicated to exploring psychedelic therapy research.Related to this episode:Resources for Mental HealthLearn more about the Rockingstone GroupConnect with Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline LampertArticle on first NDA for psychedelicsIf you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Donate: To assist in covering our production costs and to keep delivering quality content, consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.Engage with Our Community: Follow us on
January 23, 2024

Season 5 Trailer

Welcome to Season 5 of Fempower Health where we empower you to advocate for your health through every stage of life. Every week, we engage in discussions with women’s health experts on topics like sexual wellness, mental health, pelvic floor, aging, women-related cancers, relationships, and much more.Some topics we’ll cover in Season 5 include:Psychedelics Deep Dive: Navigating Health Policy, Ethical Practice, and Cultural Considerations, Integration into Healthcare, and the Latest Psychedelic Research and Mental Health ImplicationsEndometriosis Deep Dive: The Path to Earlier Endometriosis Diagnosis, A Deep Dive into Endometriosis Pathophysiology Diagnostics, and Treatments, Expert Perspective on Laparoscopy, and a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist's Tips for Managing Pelvic PainA Discussion on Tongue Tie & BreastfeedingMetabolic Health Specific to Women Hysterectomies: Do You Need One and If you Do, What to Prepare forFertility Treatments: Discussing Atypical Patient Use CasesC-Sections: Nothing but the FactsSpecial thanks to Jordanna Davis, Jacqueline Lampert, Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, Andrew Penn, RN, MS, NP Katie Boyce, BCPA, Dr. Shanti Mohling, Caitlyn Tivy, DPT, Margaret Melville, Justine Witzke, and all who helped make these women’s health episodes accessible to all. If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Donate: To assist in covering our production costs and to keep delivering quality content, consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!**The...
January 16, 2024

LISTEN AGAIN: Thyroid Health Unveiled: Navigating Pregnancy and Fertility | Dr. Katie Rothwell

Thyroid plays an essential role in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. There are several things we should all know about healthy thyroid levels, whether living with an existing thyroid condition or experiencing unexpected hormone changes after conception.In this episode, Dr. Katie Rothwell shares her expertise on all things thyroid health. Dr. Katie Rothwell is a naturopathic doctor and educator who specializes in thyroid problems and pregnancy. She covers how to understand your thyroid levels in pregnancy, ideal thyroid levels for fertility, and what women should consider when trying to conceive if they have a diagnosed thyroid condition. Discussed in this episode:Important things to understand about thyroid during fertility and pregnancyHow to know optimal thyroid levels in pregnancyThyroid testing and pregnancyTSH and other important thyroid screenings for fertility Secondary infertility and Hashimoto’s disease Lactation production and hormones Can pregnancy cause thyroid problems?What should women with thyroid conditions do when pursuing pregnancy? Managing stress during pregnancy and postpartum “There is so much that changes during pregnancy and postpartum — we don’t always attribute those changes to thyroid health. But we really need to be screening our women in those time frames, especially if they have a known thyroid issue.” - Dr. Katie Rothwell🔍 Time Stamps:00:30 - Introduction to the importance of thyroid levels during pregnancy.02:10 - Exploring the role of thyroid hormones in fetal development.04:55 - Common thyroid disorders and their impact on pregnancy.08:20 - Key symptoms to watch out for and when to consult a healthcare professional.11:15 - Strategies for managing thyroid levels and promoting a healthy pregnancy.14:40 - Expert advice on balancing thyroid medication and pregnancy.17:55 - Q&A session with Dr. Katie Rothwell, addressing common listener questions.21:40 - Closing thoughts and next steps for maintaining optimal thyroid health.Related to this episode:Related Episode: Could Your Undiagnosed Symptoms Be Thyroid Disease? | Denise RoguzRelated Episode: Thyroid Disease: You’re Not Alone | Victoria GaspariniRelated Episode: Managing Thyroid Disease: The Missing Pieces to the Thyroid Jigsaw Puzzle | Rachel HillFollow Dr. Rothwell on Instagram: @your.thyroid.nd The Thyroid Academy: www.thethyroidacademy.comIf you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your...
January 9, 2024

LISTEN AGAIN: Beyond the Bottle: Exploring a Sober-Curious Life | Karolina Rzadkowolska

Have you ever felt the urge to take a break from social drinking? In this episode, Karolina Rzadkowolska, author of “Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You” shares her insights on the topic. She talks about the benefits of quitting alcohol and how it can empower you to be your best self. Whether you’re sober-curious or simply fed up with the social pressure to drink, this episode is for you.Discussed in this episode:Karolina’s experience with ditching alcohol in her 30sBenefits of taking a break from alcoholHow can someone become alcohol-free?Being honest about your emotions and not using alcohol as a crutchThe process of quitting alcohol for people who feel overwhelmed by social pressureHow alcohol affects women and mothers in today’s society“At the end of the day, it’s not about the beverage. It’s about truly making space for what you want most in life. When people let go of something that no longer serves them, they allow more goodness to come into their lives.” - Karolina RzadkowolskaRelated to this episode:Get the Book: Euphoric by Karolina RzadkowolskaKarolina’s Website: www.euphoricaf.comRecommended: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Resources and episodes on Mental Health If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Donate: To assist in covering our production costs and to keep delivering quality content, consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest...
January 2, 2024

LISTEN AGAIN: Tips for Better Sleep (and How Sleep Affects Women) | Dr. Chris Winter

Ever wondered how to sleep better at night? If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you may feel stressed, disappointed, and even burnt out. Studies show that those who regularly lack sleep have an increased risk for chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease, as well as difficulty experiencing optimal focus. But stressing over this fact can actually prevent you from sleeping even further!In this episode, Dr. Chris Winter shares some of the common sleep issues and stressors that prevent sleep, as well as practical tips covered in his book to get better sleep. Georgie and Dr. Winter discuss menopause sleep issues, specific sleep solutions for women, and how to sleep better during menopause and postpartum. Dr. Chris Winter is a sleep specialist and the owner of the Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine clinic. He helps professional athletes and sports organizations optimize sleep schedules, and hosts the popular medical podcast Sleep Unplugged.Discussed in this episode:Dispelling the worries over falling asleep and waking up Menopause sleep problems and how to address them Why do you wake up in the middle of the night, and is it normal?The relationship between sleep and postpartum The importance of rest — not just sleepUnderstanding how sleep works in order to effectively treat insomnia Does melatonin work?The secret to great sleep for improved quality of life “In today’s medical system, physicians let women down all the time. Sleep and menopause are maybe two of the biggest ways we do that.” - Dr. Chris WinterRelated to this episode:Chris Winter’s Book: The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix ItChris Winter’s Book: The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired, or Irritable Child May Have a Sleep Disorder--And How to Help Dr. Chris Winter’s Website: www.wchriswinter.com Listen to the Sleep Unplugged PodcastResources and episodes on Mental Health Recommended Books on Menopause If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share...
December 26, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: Living Through Ambiguous Grief | Stephanie Sarazin

Grief is a normal part of life. But sometimes, we have to grieve the loss of a loved one who is still living, which isn’t as socially welcomed as the grief of physical death. In this episode, author Stephanie Sarazin joins Fempower Health to explore what she termed “ambiguous grief.”We discuss the important lessons from her book, “Soul Broken: A Guidebook for Your Journey Through Ambiguous Grief,” including infidelity, divorce, coming to terms with grief, and the difference between false hope and acceptance. Discussed in this episode:Different types of grief and the social norms around themHow to comfort someone who is grievingWhat is ambiguous grief and how do you get through it?The dangers of misdirected hope Finding recovery from the compounded stress of ambiguous grief How do people recover from grief, let go, and live their lives?Navigating grief and then paying it forward“Recovery is a place where I’m living as my whole self, I’ve integrated my grief, and I’m okay.” - Stephanie SarazinRelated to this episode:Get the Book: Soul Broken by Stephanie SarazinStephanie’s Website: www.stephaniesarazin.comStephanie’s Instagram: @stephing_thruStephanie’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesarazin Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterEmail us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****Contains affiliate...
December 19, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: Food for Thought: Tackling Metabolic Syndrome | Dr. Robert H. Lustig, MD

According to Tufts Research, 93% of adults in the U.S. have some form of metabolic dysfunction today. Metabolic syndrome is a list of chronic conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease including diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. What does gut health have to do with metabolic syndrome? In this episode, neuroendocrinologist and author Robert H. Lustig, MD, shares expert insights on all things metabolic syndrome. He explains common misconceptions about diet including gluten and sugar, and explores what real food is. He shares the importance of education and social change surrounding food, nutrition, and medicine today, and encourages all of us to take charge of our health. Robert H. Lustig is a retired pediatric neuroendocrinologist and hypothalamus doctor who specializes in helping children overcome hormonal problems. He’s devoted his retirement to finding solutions for the food supply chain, reducing human suffering, and reversing environmental damage. He is the author of best-selling books including Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine as well as Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease.Discussed in this episode:What is metabolic syndrome?The importance of gut healthWhat fructose has to do with gut health and metabolic diseaseAre processed foods safe to eat? What is the definition of food?Education and social change about food and nutritionGluten vs wheat — and how they affect gut healthWhat to know about fructose and sucroseAre weight loss pills effective?“When you don’t feed your gut, your gut will feed on you.”  - Robert H. Lustig, MD🕐 Time Stamps:00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and guest speaker, Dr. Robert H. Lustig, MD.01:14 - Exploring the concept of metabolic syndrome and its impact on overall health.05:22 - Unveiling the fascinating relationship between gut health and metabolic syndrome.09:36 - The role of diet and lifestyle in the development and management of metabolic syndrome.14:45 - Shedding light on the gut microbiome and its influence on metabolic health.19:58 - Practical tips for optimizing gut health and mitigating metabolic syndrome risks.24:17 - Discussing the impact of stress and sleep on gut health and metabolic syndrome.29:03 - Exploring the potential future developments in the field of metabolic health and gut microbiome research.33:41 - Closing remarks and key takeaways from the enlightening conversation.Related to this episode:Book: Metabolical by Robert H. LustigBook: Fat Chance by Robert H. Lustig Book: The Fat Chance CookbookBook:
December 12, 2023

Debunking Menopause Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk | Dr. Mindy Goldman

If you’ve ever heard that menopausal hormone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer, this new health report may surprise you. In this bonus episode, women’s health and menopause management expert Dr. Mindy Goldman sheds light on the complex world of Menopause Hormone Therapy. We explore pivotal insights from the Ester Trial, revealing potentially safer transdermal estrogen. We talk about a fascinating Today article that uncovers the impact of statistical manipulation on reported studies, especially concerning the relationship between breast cancer and hormone therapy.Dr. Mindy Goldman shares her expert opinion on how estrogen alone might be safer than we thought, and why synthetic progesterone requires a closer look. We also discuss the controversial use of testosterone in women, the challenges with federal laws, and FDA-approved options for improving libido.Dr. Goldman is a Clinical Professor in the Department of OB/GYN at UCSF and the Director of the Gynecology Center for Cancer Survivors and At-Risk Women. She’s a nationally recognized expert in the management of women’s health issues, including menopause, for women with cancer or at high risk. She helped author guidelines for the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and has won several notable awards.Discussed in this episode:Dr. Mindy’s work with breast cancer survivors as an OBGYNCommon myths of menopause hormone therapyA discussion on the Esther Trial and recent menopause data release in TodayRisks and safety of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone therapyFDA-approved drugs for women’s sexual function Gender disparities in medical research Hormone therapies and other treatment options for high-risk populations such as cancer survivors Menopause symptoms in breast cancer treatment Hormone therapies, medications, and lifestyle strategies as post-cancer treatment options Dr. Mindy Goldman’s professional experience as a menopause advocate combining breast oncology with gynecology“It's important to realize that there aren't national guidelines that talk about the use of hormones in people at high risk for cancer, which includes people with a family history, people who have had prior biopsies with atypical change, people with genetic mutations, and people with cancer. The standard of care has always been not to use hormones in those situations because the thought was that hormones could increase the risk of breast cancer or increase the behavior of breast cancer.” - Dr Mindy GoldmanRelated to this episode:Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause Menopause health report (Dec 2023): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37847875 ESTHER Study: Learn more.Dr. Goldman’s story: www.joinmidi.com/post/mindy-goldman Dr. Mindy Goldman on LinkedinMidi Health: www.joinmidi.com Menopause book recommendations:
December 6, 2023

Uterine Fibroids, Treatment Options, and Self-Advocacy | Tanika Gray Valbrun

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pelvic pain and debilitating periods. Up to 80% of women may experience fibroids before the age of 50, but this condition remains under-researched and misunderstood. In this episode, Tanika Gray Valbrun joins to discuss uterine fibroid facts and share hope for women grappling with this condition. She tells her story, voicing her commitment to raising awareness through her organization, The White Dress Project. Tanika leads the conversation about patient-doctor communication, listening to women’s voices, and the importance of community support. We discuss the link between black women and fibroids, and consider why there remains a lack of research in women’s reproductive health.Tanika Gray Valbrun is the Founder and Senior Advocate of The White Dress Project, a non-profit organization committed to spreading uterine fibroids awareness. Ms. Valbrun is an award-winning journalist, educator, and non-profit founder with a passion for women’s health. She works with doctors, health advocates, and elected officials across the country to get legislation passed, including having July declared as “Fibroids Awareness Month.”Discussed in this episode:Facts about uterine fibroidsTanika’s experience of uterine fibroids, surgery, and advocacyRacial disparities regarding uterine fibroidsPatient advocacy when communicating with healthcare providersUterine fibroid treatment optionsChallenges in women’s health research today The White Dress Project and its influence on women’s access to uterine fibroid support“I always say that a patient's story is data, especially with something like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or PCOS. There are variations in how it can show up in your body.” - Tanika Gray ValbrunRelated to this episode:Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids and Heavy PeriodsRelated Episode: Uterine Fibroids | Minimally Invasive Surgeon Dr. Jessica Opoku-AnaneRelated Episode: Uterine Fibroids and the Need for Better Standard of CareThe White Dress Project: www.thewhitedressproject.org White Dress Project Instagram: @wecanwearwhite Tankika’s Instagram: @tgvwearswhiteTwitter: @wecan_wearwhiteFacebook/Meta: The White Dress Project: We CAN Wear WhiteMentioned: 'Sex Matters' by Dr. Allison McGregorAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: www.acog.org Recommended Books on Your Body and Menstrual...
December 5, 2023

Exercise and Menstrual Cycle Phases: Know Your Body, Boost Your Health | Jess Freemas

How can you sync your fitness routines with your menstrual cycle? And why should you? In this episode, exercise physiology expert Jess Freemas discusses the connection between periods, workouts, and women’s hormonal phases. She is from Orreco, a bio-analytics platform that helps athletes. At Orreco, Jess helped pioneer the FitrWoman app, which empowers female athletes and exercise enthusiasts to understand their bodies and optimize their performance. Jess explains the challenges, stigmas, and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, working out, and how tracking your menstrual cycle can equip you to adapt your exercise habits for improved health. You’ll learn strategies to manage period symptoms, the science behind exercising according to menstrual cycle phases, and ways to level up your fitness for life.Jess is a Female Athlete Specialist at Orreco. Based in the U.S., Dr. Freemas is advancing female athlete research and delivering high-impact consultation to various athletes and teams across the NWSL, WNBA, NCAA, and Team USA. Jess holds a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology and a Ph.D. in Human Performance from Indiana University and has published work detailing the effects of menstrual cycle hormone fluctuations on female physiology and performance.Discussed in this episode:Research on the menstrual cycle and working outWomen’s hormones and their impact on energy, mood, and nutritional needs What happens when women stop working out because of their period?How women can follow a menstrual cycle workout plan to improve health and performance How the FitrWoman app helps women align their workouts and athletic goals with their menstrual cyclesWays to improve menstrual education and awareness for overall health“We want the menstrual cycle not just to be seen as a burden, but that it means you might feel better at certain times. You should log it and notice when you're feeling good and when you might be feeling worse. It's a tool to really figure out your own individual patterns so that you can optimize your health that way.” — Jess FreemasRelated to this episode:Related episode: Why Women Should Sweat in Sync With Their Cycle | Jenni HulburtMore Episodes on Nutrition & Exercise  Jess on LinkedIn: Jess FreemasOrreco Website: www.orreco.com FitrWoman App: www.fitrwoman.com Orreco Social Media: @orreco1FitrWoman Social Media: @fitrwomanRecommended Books: View the Bookshop here If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or
November 28, 2023

The Art of Resilience: Finding Joy Amidst Life’s Challenges | Melody Joy Paine

Listen to Melody Joy Paine discuss finding joy in the midst of pain and grief. Learn from her insights as a filmmaker and advocate for pediatric rare disease patients. Episode Details: In this episode, rare disease advocate Melody Joy Paine speaks about the power of staying present, authentic storytelling, and finding joy amidst life’s deepest pain. Melody is a brilliant filmmaker who helps rare disease patients and their families share their stories. Her dedication to providing a platform that allows her subjects to express their vulnerability without outside dictation has set her apart in her field. Her work showcases a profound exploration of what it means to be human, even in life’s toughest circumstances. In this conversation, Melody discusses her encounters with emotional resilience through the chaotic beauty of a large family and experiencing the sudden loss of loved ones. We explore how to make connections with others, and what it means to find joy and meaning in life beyond just a diagnosis. We also discuss the values Melody encapsulates in her business, "Imperfect Joy”.Discussed in this episode:Learning to find joy during painful grief and lossMelody’s profession as a filmmaker for rare disease patients and familiesHow to use storytelling as an advocacy toolAcknowledging guilt over taking time for self-carePediatric rare disease and its impact on mothersThe coexistence of pain and joy in hard times Examples of families navigating and coping with a child’s rare diseaseEncouragement to talk about mental health and build community for well-being “An important part of advocacy that’s often missing is connecting with the people. When we want to answer questions of what it looks like to cultivate joy, to be connected, to not let a diagnosis bring our entire life down, we look to people’s stories for answers. It's through experiencing it with them that we can see meaning and purpose in this journey." — Melody Joy Pain Related to this episode:More Episodes on Women's Mental Health Melody’s website: www.imperfectjoy.com Melody’s Instagram: @imperfect_joy_n-Lorem Foundation: www.nlorem.org Related Books: www.bookshop.org/lists/top-picks-for-mental-health If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest...
November 21, 2023

The Journey to Parenthood Series (Part 3): Bridging the Adoption Gap: A Company’s Quest for Simplification & Ethical Adoption | Erin Keaty-Quick

In the U.S., about 1 in 35 children are adopted. While adoption is a life-changing experience for everyone involved, it’s a highly challenging process. In this episode, we enter the adoption world and explore the challenges, misconceptions, and triumphs surrounding this deeply personal journey, as well as new technology that makes the process more ethical.  Erin Keaty-Quick, founder of the adoption networking app, PairTree, joins to discuss the reality of adoption today. We talk about current statistics, ethical adoption agencies, what open adoption means for families and children’s identity, the cost of private adoption, and the importance of expanding access to licensed adoption professionals across every state.From ethical concerns to expensive adoption fees, there are barriers that must be overcome in the adoption industry. Erin Keaty-Quick is the founder and CEO of PairTree, an ethical adoption platform that connects expectant mothers with families seeking to adopt. Listen to this important conversation where we share personal stories and helpful resources for anyone considering adoption. Discussed in this episode:The challenges of private adoption todaySocial, financial, and legal requirements for adoption Why it’s important to connect licensed, ethical adoption professionals with families and expecting momsBreaking taboos of open adoptions and understanding different levels of openness between birth and adopted families How the adoption process varies by state in the U.S.Ethical considerations in adoption such as preventing coercion of birth moms and overcoming limitations of LGBTQ adoptionFinancial assistance options for families wanting to adoptHow the PairTree platform works for networking, education, and encouragement in the adoption process "I have more respect for the birth families of our kids than anyone else on the planet because they signed up for grief for the rest of their lives. And they did it solely out of love for the children that I get to parent." — Erin Keaty-QuickRelated to this episode:PairTree: www.pairtreefamily.com PairTree on LinkedIn Erin Keaty-Quick on LinkedInRelated: Tips to Ease Your Mind Around Infertility Related: Navigating Fertility Treatments & Costs | Barb ColluraRelated: More Episodes on Fertility and Trying to Conceive and More Episodes on Women's Mental Health AAAA: https://adoptionart.org Carrot Fertility Benefits: www.get-carrot.com Kindbody Fertility Wellness: www.kindbody.com Maven Family Care:
November 14, 2023

The Journey to Parenthood Series (Part 2): Embryo Donation: The Ethical Crossroads | EM-POWER with Moxie

Learn about embryo donation and fertility in this insightful discussion with co-founders of EM-POWER with Moxie: an organization that offers resources to donors and families. Episode Details:In Part 2 of the Journey to Parenthood Series, we explore the topic of embryo donation and the decisions available to utilize or donate during the fertility journey. Our guests Jen Vesbit, Gina Davis, and Maya Grobel — co-founders of EM•POWER with Moxie — share their personal experiences of fertility and transformative stories of embryo donation.EM•POWER with Moxi is an education, support, and matching organization dedicated to empowering all stakeholders involved in embryo donation. In 2023, Maya, Jen, and Gina launched a first-of-its-kind open matching platform for embryo donation, Moxi Matching, to help donors and recipients meet and match in a safe and supported way. The founders have a combined 30+ years of experience working in reproductive medicine, as well as personal experience as embryo donors and a recipient. Discussed in this episode:What is embryo donation? Different experiences between embryo donors and adopted parentsCommon challenges faced when considering embryo donation Financial considerations for individuals considering embryo donation Stories of EM-POWER founders’ experiences with infertility and embryo donationThe importance of psychological and community support through the embryo donation processFamily-first approaches to building a family amidst the fertility journey "For those of us who get to the path of embryo donation, it’s generally after a lot of other stuff has happened… We’ve spent a lot of time, emotional resources, financial resources, and mental gymnastics, and after all that, it becomes, ‘Okay, now I'm going to shift to an egg donor. It feels like I don't have choices. I have to do this to have a family.’" — Maya GrobelRelated to this episode:Journey to Parenthood Part 1: Fertility Facts & Myths | Dr. AimeeRelated: Tips to Support Your Fertility | Dr. Aumatma SimmonsResources for Fertility & TTCFilm One More ShotEM-POWER with Moxie: www.empowerwithmoxi.com Instagram: @empowerwithmoxi LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/empowerwithmoxi Books on Fertility: https://bookshop.org/lists/trying-to-conceive-fertility If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or
November 7, 2023

Journey to Parenthood (Part 1): Fertility Facts & Myths | Dr. Aimee

In this episode, fertility specialist Dr. Aimee, known as “The Egg Whisperer,” begins our three-part series on the fertility journey. For part one, we explore fertility facts, the realities of egg freezing, and the pressures many individuals feel to make everything perfect. Dr. Aimee sheds light on the importance of understanding clear expectations physically and emotionally, being cautious amidst media myths, and navigating social pressures surrounding fertility treatment.Learn about the dynamics behind the scenes of different types of fertility treatments and where both women and men can find support. We also discuss the complexities of endometriosis and its impact on both fertility and IVF. Dr. Aimee is a highly respected expert in fertility and reproductive medicine. She has a notable online presence and has gained clinical recognition for helping individuals and couples achieve their dream of starting a family, even after years of trying to conceive. She actively collaborates with researchers and scientists, contributing to advancements in reproductive medicine. Discussed in this episode:Fertility knowledge gaps today and the widespread information on social mediaCommon myths and concerns about freezing your eggsEndometriosis and its impact on fertility treatments Common concerns, mistakes, and tips for IVF The impact of in-vitro fertilization on relationships Male fertility and hormones Therapy and support for the emotional aspect of fertility treatment The direction of fertility research and innovation in the future  "Every woman should feel like she has the right and ability to self-refer and get the most accurate knowledge from a fertility doctor." — Dr. AimeeRelated to this episode:Fertility Resources: www.fempower-health.com/fertility-trying-to-conceive Endometriosis Resources: www.fempower-health.com/endometriosis Dr. Aimee’s Website: www.draimee.org Egg Whisperer: www.eggwhisperer.com Freeze and Share: www.freezeandshare.com Egg Freezing Party: www.eggfreezingparty.com Dr. Aimee’s Instagram: @eggwhispererDr. Aimee’s X/Twitter: @_EggwhispererDr/ Aimee’s Facebook: Doctor AimeeDr. Aimee’s YouTube: Egg Whisperer ShowAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine: www.asrm.org Find Support: www.fertilityclinicsonline.com | www.fertilityauthority.com | 
October 31, 2023

Ovaries, the Brain, and Aging: A Longevity Connection | Dr. Jennifer Garrison

The ovaries play a key role in overall health, not just reproduction. More scientific findings are revealing that the ovaries even influence mood, behavior, and longevity. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Garrison from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging explains the intricate relationship between the brain and reproductive organs. She covers topics including the science of aging, the “hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis”, menopause and health, hormone replacement therapy, and the importance of understanding ovarian function.Dr. Jennifer Garrison is a PhD scientist and the head of a research lab at the Buck Institute, an independent institute dedicated to studying aging as a risk factor for diseases. Listen as Dr. Garrison explores how age is the primary risk factor for most chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Discussed in this episode:How the brain controls female physiology, including reproductive functionEarly menopause and POI/POF Menopause and how it relates to overall health The fascinating story women’s ovaries can tell us about aging Understanding hormones as messengers in the bodyThe impact of diet and exercise on aging and fertility How understanding the aging process can help target and treat age-related diseasesHormone replacement therapy for hormonal imbalances during agingPhysical and emotional symptoms associated with periods, motherhood, and menopause"If we can understand the mechanisms that underlie aging— what's causing it, what's driving it— then we can use that knowledge to target age-related diseases."— Dr. Jennifer GarrisonRelated to this episode:Related episodes: Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and Menopause | Dr. Mandy LeonhardtRelated episode: Women’s Health and the Ovulation Cycle | Dr. Jerilynn PriorDr. Garrison’s Lab at Buck Institute: www.buckinstitute.org/lab/garrison-lab Dr. Jennifer Garrison on Twitter and LinkedIn Find Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (GCRLE) on Twitter,  Instagram, and LinkedInRecommended Books on Hormones and Menstrual Health If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode...
October 24, 2023

Vagina Obscura: The Unseen World of Female Sexual Anatomy | Rachel E. Gross

Throughout history, there have been incredible findings about female sexual anatomy that you wouldn’t believe. Reproductive sexual health reporter, science journalist, and author of Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage, Rachel E. Gross, reveals these findings, uncovers hidden truths, and celebrates exciting shifts in women's health today.In this episode, Rachel E. Gross sheds light on the challenges faced by women and people with vulvas throughout the centuries. She discusses the evolution of gender affirmation surgery for trans women, misconceptions about female reproductive biology, ineffective treatments for various vaginal conditions, and dismissive attitudes toward women in the medical field. Rachel's book, inspired by her own mysterious medical experience, addresses the lack of knowledge and care surrounding women's health issues. Vagina Obscura challenges the societal norms and biases that have shaped our understanding of the female body. Listen as Rachel shares her research, opening our eyes to the complexities and nuances that make all bodies worth advocating for.Discussed in this episode:How Rachel’s experience with vaginal problems shaped her perspective on women's healthSigmund Freud's influence on the field of gynecology and medicineExamples of medical conditions that are often dismissed or misdiagnosed in womenChallenges in the current market for vaginal products and the need for FDA-approved vaginal probioticsHow gender affirmation surgery for trans women has evolved to prioritize individual experiences and desires, emphasizing body similarities rather than differencesStigmas around bacterial vaginosis and the current treatments available “The beliefs we share as a society about sex and gender harm all bodies. Culture and medicine shape bodies.”  - Rachel GrossRelated to this episode:Get the Book: Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage by Rachel E. GrossRachel’s Website: www.rachelegross.com Rachel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelegross Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gross_out Related Episode: Exploring Science of the Vaginal Microbiome More Episodes on Breaking Taboos Related Books: https://bookshop.org/lists/understanding-your-body-anatomy-menstrual-cycle-hormones If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes
October 17, 2023

PPD & Postpartum Psychosis: Support for Women and Families | Dr. Theresa Costales

Although not as common as postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis is a real condition that can have devastating consequences on women and families. In this episode of Fempower Health, we discuss this critical and often misunderstood condition. Joined by the knowledgeable Dr. Theresa Costales, we explore the facts, experiences, and potential interventions surrounding postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. We talk about how the brain changes during the postpartum period, how to spot early warning signs, and what to do to get help. From the complexities of the healthcare system to the importance of mental health support networks, we uncover some challenges and solutions for women at risk of postpartum psychosis. Listen to learn about postpartum mental health and the importance of increasing awareness in healthcare today. Find solutions and support mothers in their mental well-being. Dr. Teresa Castales is a board-certified psychiatrist serving as the Arizona Medical Director for Connections Health Solutions, an organization that accepts all individuals experiencing mental health crises, regardless of the cause.Discussed in this episode:Brain changes in postpartum womenSigns to look out for with postpartum depression What is postpartum psychosis?Potential long-term effects and risks of postpartum psychosis (PPP)Pre-existing risk factors for developing PPD and PPPTragic cases of misunderstood postpartum psychosis left unaddressed (Andrea Yates)How families and loved ones can offer support during a postpartum mental health crisisThe importance of primary care providers and OBGYNs knowing about postpartum mental disordersChallenges women face when seeking mental health care during the postpartum periodWays to manage mental health during and after pregnancy with the help of reproductive psychiatrists “This is a treatable illness. It’s an episode, although it doesn’t feel like it at the time. And you can’t think your way out of it. It requires early treatment.”  - Dr. Theresa CostalesRelated to this episode:More Episodes on Women's Mental Health Read the Article: Postpartum Psychosis: Improving the Likelihood of Early InterventionRelated Book: Beyond the Baby Blues: Anxiety and Depression During and After Pregnancy by Dr. Rebecca Fox StarrPostpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net Connections Mental Health Support: www.connectionshs.com National Suicide & Crisis Line: 9-8-8Recommended Books on Mental Health If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you...
October 10, 2023

Exploring How Hormonal Birth Control May Impact Women’s Brains | Sarah E Hill, PhD

Dr. Sarah E. Hill, PhD is a research psychologist and expert in the effects of birth control on women’s lives. She is the author of the book, "This is Your Brain on Birth Control" and has dedicated her research to uncovering the science behind hormonal birth control and its potential impacts. In this episode, Dr. Sarah E. Hill discusses the importance of understanding the science of birth control and its influence on choices women make, such as pursuing education, careers, and even romantic partners. She presents recent developments and research on birth control, including the approval of over-the-counter options and the potential effects of the Roe v. Wade overturn. Listen as Dr. Sarah E. Hill shares her expertise and insights on the conversation surrounding birth control in our modern society, and how it relates to women’s health empowerment today.Discussed in this episode:The impacts of birth control on hormones and healthHow hormones affect mood, behavior, and mental health in womenCan birth control affect attraction and partner choices?Why individual women respond differently to birth control pillsThe importance of women being aware of potential birth control side effects Exploring the question: is birth control bad?Sex education and birth controlLearning to self-monitor when starting or switching birth control methods Access to birth control after Roe v. Wade overturnedThe need for women’s health education on their hormones and other birth control alternatives "The full extent to which birth control pills impact us isn't well understood, and we have been far too cavalier with our hormones. I can't help thinking that we would be a lot more careful with ourselves if we understood how we work and why we work that way."  - Dr. Sarah E. HillRelated to this episode:Get Dr. Hill’s Book: This is Your Brain on Birth Control Related Episode: Navigating Birth Control | Dr. Sophia YenRelated Episode: Your Period: What Your Doctor Never Told You | Dr. Lara BridenRelated Episode: Non-Hormonal Options for Birth Control | Saundra PelletierOn the Blog: What Women Want & Need to Know About Birth ControlFree Resources: Female Reproductive Health & HormonesRelated Books: www.bookshop.org/lists/understanding-your-body-anatomy-menstrual-cycle-hormones If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on
October 3, 2023

Innovating Period Care: The New Menstrual Cup With Applicator | Drew Jarvis

With a market value of more than $800 million in 2023, menstrual cups are becoming a well-known object in women’s health and society. More people are growing comfortable with the idea of menstrual cups, further normalizing the acceptance of women’s anatomy and cyclical needs. As more women become conscious of their consumer decisions and their impact on the environment, they seek alternatives to disposable period care products like pads and tampons.In this episode, we speak with menstrual equity advocate Drew Jarvis about her inspiring innovations in period care. Drew Jarvis is the co-founder and chief marketing officer of Sunny, a self-care brand dedicated to creating earth-friendly menstrual products and period education. Drew introduced the Sunny Cup and Applicator, a sustainable, one-of-a-kind menstrual cup that comes with a convenient tampon-style applicator. Listen as Drew shares her experience of being a female founder, explores amazing advancements in women’s healthcare, and answers everything you need to know about using a menstrual cup. Discussed in this episode:How using a menstrual cup helps women connect with their bodies Menstrual cup tips when using one in public How social media has played a role in increasing awareness around periods and period products Perks of using menstrual cups compared to disposable pads or tamponsUnderstanding menstrual care for different anatomies Common concerns and misconceptions about period cupsWhat is a menstrual cup applicator and how is it different?Challenges and insights of female founders in a male-dominated industry  "Using a menstrual cup is a great way to become more intimate in your understanding of your period and your flow." - Drew Jarvis of Sunny PeriodRelated to this episode:Related: Menstrual Cup How To: Part 1Related: Menstrual Cup Tips and FAQ: Part 2Sunny Cup: www.sunnyperiod.com Drew Jarvis on Instagram: www.instagram.com/drew_renee Drew Jarvis on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drew-jarvis Recommended Books on Hormones and Menstrual Health More Episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at
September 26, 2023

Empowering OCD Recovery: Insights & Treatments for OCD | Catherine Goldhouse

In this episode, psychotherapist Catherine Goldhouse sheds light on the often misunderstood condition of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). Catherine explains the goals of different treatments for OCD, with a focus on exposure and response prevention (ERP) and inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT). Catherine provides compelling examples to illustrate these OCD treatments, emphasizing the importance of living a meaningful life despite anxiety and fear.Learn about the common misconceptions surrounding OCD, the challenges faced by individuals seeking appropriate treatment, and the importance of specialized training in the field. Explore the less-often-discussed reality of postpartum OCD, and help increase awareness, understanding, and support for new mothers experiencing these symptoms.Catherine Goldhouse is an OCD specialist, offering support to individuals who experience intrusive thoughts and fears related to their relationships, morality, and safety. She is particularly passionate about raising awareness of postpartum OCD and advocating for proper training for pediatricians to offer appropriate care for new mothers who develop this condition.Discussed in this episode:How OCD therapy worksComparing ICBT and ERP for OCDDifferences between anxiety, OCD, and phobiasVarious types of OCD including harm OCD, relationship OCD, and sexual orientation OCDRecognizing that individuals with OCD are often kind and sensitiveThe importance of finding a supportive community for those who have OCDCommon onsets of OCD Postpartum OCD What loved ones can do to help, but not enable, OCD individuals “OCD is considered one of the top ten most debilitating disorders. So it's no joke, right? If you like to color-code things or you like things neat in your house, that's not OCD… Making comments like that, even though they're not meant to be cruel, are problematic." - Catherine Goldhouse Download the episode summary.Related to this episode:Recommended Books on Mental Health More Episodes on Women's Mental HealthCatherine Goldhouse’s Website: www.catherinegoldhouse.com Catherine Goldhouse’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/catherinegoldhouseIf you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for
September 19, 2023

Preview: Final Episodes of Season 4

Welcome back to the final episodes of Season 4 on the Fempower Health Podcast, where we empower women to advocate for themselves and their health.Every week, we talk with women’s health experts on topics like sexual wellness, mental health, aging, fertility, metabolic wellness, emergent FemTech, sexuality, and more.Upcoming special guest interviews cover topics including:Menstrual cups as period care OCD and other mental health conditions The Science of AgingPsychedelics and the brain Autoimmune diseases that impact womenUterine fibroidsThe latest in fertilityAnd more! Special thanks to Kate Goldhouse, Drew Jarvis, Cindy Belardo, Sarah E Hill, Rachel Gross, Jess Freemas, Dr Jennifer Garrison, Dr Aimee Eyvazzade, Tanika Gray Valbrun,and everyone else who helped make these women’s health conversations accessible to all. If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterEmail us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
September 12, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: How to Manage and Reverse PCOS | Dr. Fiona McCulloch

Dr. Fiona McCulloch is a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, Canada who specializes in PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). She is the founder of White Lotus Integrative Medicine and author of the women’s health bestseller, 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS.In this episode, PCOS expert and advocate, Dr. Fiona McCulloch, shares her experience and medical hope for women with PCOS. Dr. McCulloch answers PCOS questions from the Fempower Health audience, and dispels some of the common misinformation that exists on social media. As an eagerly awaited episode, we hope you all enjoy! It’s full of useful information for women with PCOS and their loved ones.Discussed in this episode:Different PCOS symptoms in different womenUnderstanding the medical PCOS diagnosis criteria Normal irregular periods in teens vs early signs of PCOSOverview of the epigenetics of PCOSPCOS prevention: facts and researchPCOS and perimenopause How thyroid and gut microbiome affect women with PCOSNutrition myths and facts: is there a “best” diet for PCOS? Several types of treatment for PCOS and common side effects Dealing with associated mood disorders, stress, and emotional challenges Is there a PCOS cure?How to manage PCOS symptoms “Although it cannot be cured, PCOS symptoms can be managed. A lot of women pull through and find ways to experience little to no symptoms, as long as they find a treatment that works for them.” - Dr. Fiona McCullochRelated to this episode:Listen to Reframing PCOS as a Hormone Imbalance, Not a Disease More Episodes on PCOS Dr Fiona McCulloch's book: 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS by Dr. Fiona McColloch (book)Check out Dr. Fiona McCulloch’s WebsiteFollow Dr. Fiona McColloch on InstagramLearn about the PCOS Awareness AssociationIf you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and
September 5, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: The Anatomy of Anxiety | Dr. Ellen Vora

Anxiety disorders are on the rise today, and the world we live in doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety has increased by 25% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.In this episode, psychiatrist and author Ellen Vora joins us to discuss the main message of her new book, “The Anatomy of Anxiety.” We discuss generalized anxiety disorder, how to deal with anxiety as a woman, different factors that contribute to mental health, lifestyle changes vs anxiety medication, and more. If you or someone you care about struggles with anxiety symptoms, make sure to check out Ellen’s book.Ellen Vora, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. She is the author of the bestselling book “The Anatomy of Anxiety”. She takes a functional medicine approach to mental health—considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root. Dr. Vora received her B.A. from Yale University and her M.D. from Columbia University. Discussed in this episode:Dr. Ellen Vora’s work as a psychiatrist Understanding false anxiety and real anxiety, and how to know the differenceGenetic vs psycho-spiritual influences on mental health Getting clear on lifestyle changes for anxiety Medication as a bridge out of mental suffering, not a quick-fix solutionWomen’s hormonal effects on anxiety and experiencing valid emotionsCrafting an environment and community that feels good to you“True anxiety is actually what’s right with us when we are able to viscerally connect to what’s wrong around us. It’s not something to pathologize — it’s something to slow down and heed its guidance.” - Ellen VoraRelated to this episode:Get Ellen Vora’s Book: The Anatomy of AnxietyWebsite: www.ellenvora.com Follow Ellen Vora on Instagram: @ellenvoraMDMentioned Episode: Ovulation is Critical for Women’s Health | Dr. Jerilynn PriorMore Episodes on Women's Mental Health Recommended Books on Mental Health If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on
August 29, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: Living With ADHD in the Modern World | Dr. Tamara Rosier

ADHD is often misunderstood, even in the medical field today. In this episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier, ADHD coach of over 10 years and founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, helps answer the question: can you live a normal life with ADHD?Dr. Rosier shares her experience as a woman with ADHD. She explores different ADHD types, practical lifestyle tips that often help regulate ADHD symptoms, and when someone might want to seek medical attention for symptoms in today’s modern world. After more than a decade of providing ADHD coaching to others and living a neurodivergent life herself, Dr. Tamara Rosier published one of the top-rated books for ADHD called Your Brain’s Not Broken. Listen to this episode to hear her share many important insights about ADHD that aren’t often talked about. Discussed in this episode:Dr. Rosier’s experience with adult ADHDWhat understanding do we really have about ADHD in the medical world?Interesting themes that research reveals on the neurotypical brain vs ADHD brainConsiderations about ADHD medicationIs ADHD genetic?Understanding and living with someone who has ADHDThe role of sleep and nutrition for the ADHD brain Tips for living with ADHD on a daily basisDemystifying the term “adult onset ADHD” When to seek medical attention and treatment for ADHD symptoms “Women with ADHD tend to over-function and mask their sensitivity. It’s really difficult to get the respect we need.” - Dr. Tamara Rosier  Related to this episode:Get Dr. Rosier’s book: Your Brain’s Not BrokenConnect with Dr. Rosier on LinkedIn, Instagram, and FacebookADHD Coaching Organization: www.adhdcoaches.org ADHD Center of West Michigan: www.miadhd.comListen to more episodes on Mental HealthIf you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram,
August 22, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: Exploring Intimacy: Navigating Sexual Health After Cancer | Dr. Kristin Rojas

Dr. Kristin E. Rojas, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fellowship-trained breast cancer surgeon with a passion for comprehensive wellness in women’s cancer care. She is a national leader in the development of opioid-sparing initiatives in breast cancer surgery and her research focuses on addressing the sexual side effects of cancer treatment and identifying disparities in patient-reported outcomes among Hispanic women with breast cancer. She speaks about the following:Navigating the healthcare system effectively as a cancer patientSpecific solutions to minimize the impact on your sexual healthCommon sexual health side effects & symptoms you may experience as a result of cancer treatments and solutions for eachDifferences between moisturizer and lube, when to use each, and what type to use especially if you have a hormone-sensitive cancerReferenced in the podcast & related episodes:Dr. Rojas’ MUSIC (Menopause Eurogenital Sexual Health and Intimacy Clinic) ProgramDr. Kristin Rojas on YouTubeDr Rojas Recommended Vaginal Moisturizers and Lube: Revaree, Good Clean Love’s Bionourish, HYALO GYN and Uberlube.We Are Women’s HealthMore Episodes on Sexual Health More Episodes on Female Cancer Recommended Books on Navigating Cancer Recommended Books on Sexual Health "It's important to raise awareness about the impact of cancer treatment on sexual health, as there are interventions available and ways to address these concerns. There is hope for women to regain their sexual vitality and intimacy." - Dr. Kristin RojasIf you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram, Facebook,
August 15, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: Could Your Undiagnosed Symptoms be an Autoimmune Condition?

Autoimmune diseases affect more than 24 million people in America alone. Exhausting to experience and difficult to diagnose, autoimmunity is an issue that’s gaining more research in modern medicine. Doctors, immunologists, and patients all want answers.Dr. Nicole Bundy, a licensed, board-certified internist and rheumatologist, and Dr. Millie Lytle, a licensed naturopathic doctor, epidemiologist and nutrition specialist, both of whom work for Mymee, provide incredible insight into the dynamics of autoimmune disease to help you find the answers you need.What's Covered:Understand the prevalence and symptoms of autoimmune diseases affecting women.Explore how family history can impact women's health outlook when dealing with autoimmune conditions.Provide practical guidance for women facing challenges when their doctors can't offer solutions for autoimmune issues.Help women find the right specialists to address their autoimmune health concerns effectively.Highlight the role of lifestyle choices and medications in promoting healing for women with autoimmune conditions.Explore the latest developments and promising advances in autoimmune disease research, specifically in the context of women's health.“If you find yourself routinely taking 3-5 medications just to get through your day (e.g., pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, antihistamines, sleep aid) for symptom control, that is a sign something is not in balance.  Putting these band-aids on signals it is time to take a deeper look.” - Dr. Nikki BundyResources:Learn more about Mymee on my podcast episode with Mette Dyhrberg, the founder.More Episodes on Chronic Disease If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterEmail us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for...
August 8, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: Bloating Decoded: Expert Advice on Gut Health | Dr. Edison de Mello

Are you always bloated? In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Edison de Mello, founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine and author of Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain. They discuss the relationship between gut health and bloating, the causes of bloating in women, gut microbiome repair, and more.Dr. Edison de Mello is a board-certified integrative physician and a licensed MFT psychotherapist who takes a Western-meets-Eastern approach to medicine. His goal is to help patients who are dealing with gut issues overcome mental, emotional, and physical challenges associated with dis-ease. Discussed in this episode:Why do you get bloated?The shame commonly associated with bloating in womenWhy do women get bloated more than men?The importance of meeting patients before treating themCommon mistakes people make when treating bloating Emotions and the gut brain connectionWhat is SIBO and why is it important in the medical community?Period bloating: when is it time to see a doctor?“Endo belly” and the symptoms of IBS vs endometriosis Bloating relief and ways to encourage a non-inflammatory lifestyle“Is treating bloating as simple as changing someone’s lifestyle? I wish it was that simple. But even though it isn’t easy, it’s still attainable.” - Dr. Edison de MelloRelated to this episode:Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain (book)Akasha Center for Integrative MedicineThe Power of the Gut: Learn About the MicrobiomeMore Episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome. More Episodes on Nutrition & Exercise If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterEmail us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for...
August 1, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: Empowered Sexual Health: Unraveling the Orgasm Gap for Women

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sexual health, pleasure, and empowerment for women. Join us as we explore the expert insights shared by Dr. Rachel Rubin, a renowned sexual health specialist, who is one of only a handful of physicians fellowship trained in male and female sexual medicine.  She sheds light on the orgasm gap, the clitoris, common misconceptions, and the journey towards embracing empowered sexual health. Let's break free from societal stigmas and discover the path to sexual pleasure and satisfaction.Key HighlightsUnderstanding the Orgasm Gap: Discover the significant impact of the orgasm gap on women's well-being, self-esteem, and relationships. Learn how societal pressures affect sexual satisfaction and how to overcome misconceptions.Demystifying the Clitoris: Delve into the fascinating world of the clitoris, often referred to as the "tip of the iceberg." Gain insights into its complex anatomy and how embracing genital empowerment can enhance sexual experiences.Empowering Communication: Explore the importance of open and honest communication in intimate relationships. Find out how expressing boundaries, desires, and preferences can create a safe and fulfilling space for sexual exploration.Taking Charge of Sexual Health: Learn the importance of seeking credible and compassionate care for sexual health. Discover resources and evidence-based treatments to redefine your sexual narrative and break free from societal stigmas.Embracing Pleasure: Hear inspiring stories of women finding pleasure and empowerment in their intimate lives. Dr. Rachel Rubin shares real-life examples of how embracing sexual pleasure can strengthen relationships.“If you like it, do more of it. If you don't like it, you're not broken. And if you want to know if it's something that you like, have fun and add tools to your toolbox to get yourself to have fun in different ways." - Dr. Rachel RubinRelated Content:More Episodes on Sexual Health Contact Dr Rubin:  @DrRachelRubin on social media and RachelRubinMD.comISSWSHDipsea appRosy appArticle:  A Simple Hip Operation Damaged my Nerves and Ruined by Sex LifeIf you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at
July 25, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: Do At-Home Pelvic Floor Exercisers Really Work?

The pelvic floor plays an important role supporting the bowel and bladder (as well as the uterus and vagina in females). Hormone changes due to pregnancy and peri/menopause and other factors can impact their function. Several at-home devices are now on the market to support the pelvic floor, but do they help you? And if so, which is right for you? Enter Dr. Allyson Shrikhande.Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, is the Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. She is also the Chair of the Medical Education Committee for the International Pelvic Pain Society. A leading expert on pelvic health and a respected researcher, author and lecturer, Dr. Shrikhande is a recognized authority on male and female pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment. We discuss the following:Do electronic pelvic floor devices work?What are the limitations of at-home pelvic floor devices?How to afford these devicesHow to know if your device is helping or hurtingHow Pelvic Rehabilitation Center is trying to increase access to careWhat does FDA approval for classified medical devices mean?We cover the following pelvic floor-related devices, tools, and exercises.ElviePerifitK-fitFlyteInnovoElitoneThigh master-like devicesJade eggsKegel weights Exercises like yoga, pilates, hypopressives“Listen to your body. If your symptoms are getting better, you are on the right path. Before using these devices, get an evaluation, if you can, by a pelvic floor specialist.” - Dr. Allyson ShrikhandeFollow Pelvic Rehabilitation on Facebook, Instagram and TwitterResources:Dustienne Miller YogaAdriene’s Yoga
July 18, 2023

FemTech Trends of 2023 | Fempower Health

Big, new developments are happening in women’s health thanks to FemTech. From menopause apps to female pelvic floor exercise devices, there are many technology startups today that are revolutionizing healthcare for women in the future.In this episode, Georgie Kovacs, host of Fempower Health, shares some of the biggest takeaways after attending the FemTech Consumer Innovation Summit. Listen to hear the biggest trends and solutions coming to market thanks to women’s health experts and FemTech industry leaders. If you’d like to share your thoughts about FemTech news, companies, or products, send us a message: [email protected] in this episode:What is the current state of women’s health? Diversity in clinical trials and medical research Psychological impacts of being detached from sexual health The promotion of reproductive wellness ads and disparities among gender audiencesFunding of female startup companiesHow can women know what technology products to trust?Clinician and Telehealth provider shortages Companies offering at-home support Join the conversation “There is great data out there. It’s up to us, as women, to ask the right questions [at our doctor appointments].”  - Georgie KovacsRelated to this episode:FemTech Consumer Innovation Summit: www.kisacoresearch.com/events/femtechconsumerinnovation Mentioned Episode: Fighting for Intimacy Justice & Women’s Sexual Health Online | Jackie RotmanMentioned Episode: At-Home Pelvic Floor Exercisers | Dr. Allyson ShrikhandeMentioned Episode: Vaginal Microbiome Science | Dr. Bath DuPriestBrows Books by Our Guests in the Fempower Health Bookshop . Find resources on topics such as anatomy, sexual health, pelvic health.If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram,
July 11, 2023

Bloopers from Season 4 | Fempower Health

What goes on behind the scenes of the Fempower Health Podcast? Even though we discuss important topics with world-known experts, Georgie (host) and our guests have a lot of fun. From ADHD brain moments to talking about sweaty vulvas, here are a few funny outtakes from this season’s amazing interviews. Enjoy!“People have actually come up to me and said, ‘Do all women catch THE menopause?’”  - Georgie KovacsEnjoy episodes from Season 4 on topics:More Episodes on Chronic Disease More Episodes on Menopause More Episodes on Sexual Health More Episodes on Periods and Hormones More Episodes on Women's Mental Health Brows Books by Our Guests in the Fempower Health Bookshop If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterEmail us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
July 4, 2023

How to Win at Women’s Health | Dr. Marjorie R. Jenkins

Navigating the healthcare system as a woman can feel like a losing game. In this episode, women’s medicine and health policy expert Dr. Marjorie Jenkins talks about the state of women’s healthcare, and what we can do to advocate for a better future. Dr. Marjorie R. Jenkins is the dean at the University of South Carolina’s School of Medicine Greenville and the chief academic officer for Prisma Health-Upstate. Previously, she was a professor of medicine and associate dean at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and founder as well as the chief scientific officer of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health. She served the FDA from 2015 to 2019 as the director of medical and scientific initiatives for the Office of Women's Health, where she provided scientific and health policy expertise.Dr. Jenkins launched the annual U.S. Sex and Gender Education Summit. She was co-editor of a signature textbook, How Sex and Gender Impact Clinical Practice: An Evidence-Based Guide to Patient Care, published in 2020. She is co-author of “Why Women Aren’t Winning at Health”, published in May 2023 by WorldChangers Media. Discussed in this episode:Why women aren’t currently winning at health What is sex and gender-specific healthcare? How can women get better healthcare?Standards for medical training regarding the female bodyHot topics in women’s healthcare todayMenopause and hormone therapyPositive and negative outlooks of using Artificial Intelligence in medicine How women can find the right healthcare provider “The first thing I say to women patients is: Whatever you tell me, I’m going to believe you.” - Dr. Marjorie JenkinsRelated to this episode:Mentioned: Sex Matters in Healthcare | Dr. Alyson McGregorMentioned: Decoding Metabolic Syndrome | Dr. Robert Lustig Learn more about OMRecommended Books on Breaking Taboos in Women's Health  More Episodes on Menopause NAMS: www.menopause.org Dr. Jenkins on Instagram: @deanofthegreenDr. Jenkins on Twitter: @deanofthegreenIf you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!...
June 27, 2023

Diet and the Microbiome: Unlocking Gut Health with the Four M’s and Four F’s | Dr. Chris Damman

The standard American diet doesn’t often support people’s gut health. Processed foods, imbalanced nutritional intake, and lifestyle stressors all contribute to a weakened gut microbiome. In this episode, Dr. Chris Damman, gastroenterologist and functional food expert, shares important findings on diet and the gut microbiome. He shares the importance of balancing your gut microbiome, what we can all do to live a healthier lifestyle, and more.Dr. Chris Damman formerly led the functional food and microbiome initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. and a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington Department of Medicine and Global Health. He is a board-certified gastroenterologist and currently serves as the Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at Supergut, a company that makes prebiotic products that support the gut.Discussed in this episode:Health and diet standards in different populations and how it affects public healthWhy a balanced microbiome is so critical for health The biggest diet mistake people make that harms gut healthProcessed foods vs eating healthy in a busy society What causes gas?Why fiber supports the gut microbiomeHow gut health changes in different phases of someone’s lifeAntibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics in the gutThe Four F's, the Four M's, and the Big C“The gut is the gateway to health.”  - Dr. Chris DammanRelated to this episode:Chris Damman on LinkedInChris Damman on TwitterChris Damman talk: What is a Healthy Microbiota?Supergut: www.supergut.com Recommended Books on Nutrition More Episodes on Nutrition  If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterEmail us for inquiries & outreach:
June 20, 2023

Decoding Metabolic Syndrome: Unveiling the Gut Health Connection | Robert H. Lustig, MD

According to Tufts Research, 93% of adults in the U.S. have some form of metabolic dysfunction today. Metabolic syndrome is a list of chronic conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease including diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. What does gut health have to do with metabolic syndrome? In this episode, neuroendocrinologist and author Robert H. Lustig, MD, shares expert insights on all things metabolic syndrome. He explains common misconceptions about diet including gluten and sugar, and explores what real food is. He shares the importance of education and social change surrounding food, nutrition, and medicine today, and encourages all of us to take charge of our health. Robert H. Lustig is a retired pediatric neuroendocrinologist and hypothalamus doctor who specializes in helping children overcome hormonal problems. He’s devoted his retirement to finding solutions for the food supply chain, reducing human suffering, and reversing environmental damage. He is the author of best-selling books including Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine as well as Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease.Discussed in this episode:What is metabolic syndrome?The importance of gut healthWhat fructose has to do with gut health and metabolic diseaseAre processed foods safe to eat? What is the definition of food?Education and social change about food and nutritionGluten vs wheat — and how they affect gut healthWhat to know about fructose and sucroseAre weight loss pills effective?“When you don’t feed your gut, your gut will feed on you.”  - Robert H. Lustig, MDRelated to this episode:Book: Metabolical by Robert H. LustigBook: Fat Chance by Robert H. Lustig Book: The Fat Chance CookbookBook: The Hacking of the American Mind by Robert H. LustigRobert Lustig’s Website: www.robertlustig.com International Food Information Council: www.ific.org More Episodes on Nutrition More Episodes on Chronic Disease...
June 13, 2023

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and Vulva Health | Dr. Maria Uloko

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a condition that’s characterized by chronic symptoms of the vulva and bladder, affecting menopausal women of any age. It’s an important and widely misunderstood topic that more doctors — especially urologists — are beginning to address in women’s health today. In this episode, urologist and comprehensive sexual health specialist, Dr. Maria Uloko, offers a deep dive into GSM. She explains what GSM is, the importance of vulva health, advocating for yourself as a patient, understanding hormones during menopause, HRT safety, and much more.Dr. Maria Uloko specializes in comprehensive sexual health care and medical advocacy for all genders. She serves as the Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Diego, and is the current Director of Vulvar Health. Her compassionate and inclusive approach to sexual health helps patients achieve a better quality of life. Discussed in this episode:The gender gap in the field of urology and how it’s changing todayThe need to end medical gaslighting What is genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)?Symptoms of GSMA brief history of hormone replacement therapy for menopause Different reasons why women at many stages of life can experience menopause and GSMHow clinicians can do better for their patients with menopause and GSMThe importance of thorough medical examinations of the vulva “With menopause, there’s this cultural norm that women just suffer; women are automatically difficult. No. Women don’t have to suffer through menopause.”  - Dr. Maria UlokoRelated to this episode:Maria Uloko’s Podcast: Battle Cry Podcast Dr. Maria Uloko on InstagramDr. Maria Uloko on LinkedInDr. Maria Uloko on TwitterFind a NAMS Certified Menopause PractitionerRecommended Books on Menopause Recommended Books on Sexual Anatomy & Hormones Episode Mentioned: Your Orgasm Questions Answered | Dr. Rachel RubinIf you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every...
June 6, 2023

What is Consent and How Do We Model It? | Adie Delaney

The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 3 women experiences some form of physical or sexual harassment in their lifetime. With the growing social awareness around things like women’s rights, female empowerment, and rape culture, is the problem getting worse or better? Consent is a huge topic of discussion today, but it can be hard to know how to educate people at a larger scale.In this episode, Adie Delaney talks about her strategies and experiences as a sexual harm prevention educator. We discuss boundaries, informed consent, non-sexual vs sexual consent, and more. Adie answers the question, “what does consent mean?” and offers tips for providing better education about consent today for all ages and genders. Adie Delaney is a former professional circus artist who now works with sexual harm prevention programs. She is the founder of The Circus Studio, and travels the world to teach people of all ages about sexual harm prevention. She also partners with SASS, the Sexual Assault Support Service, in Australia. Know the Consent Acronym: FRIESFreely-givenReversible InformedEnthusiastic (Explicit)SoberDiscussed in this episode:Adie’s background in circus arts and what it taught her about consentHow Adie transitioned into giving advice and consent talksThe importance of helping girls define consent related to their boundaries and bodiesHow cultural dynamics play into consent normsTips for how to use consent education in real life The need to address unspoken rules and “sexpectations” Consent online and internet boundaries with children What to do if you’re unsure about someone else’s consent “Everyone is the authority on their own experience. But we’re not taught that.”  - Adie DelaneyRelated to this episode:Related episodes on Sexual Education Adie’s TED Talk: An Aerialist on Listening to Your Body’s SignalsAdie Delaney on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adiedelaney SASS Prevention Q&A Instagram: @sticky_qs SASS Australia: www.sass.org.au Related Books on Sexual Health   If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for
May 30, 2023

Caregiving for Aging Loved Ones: How it Impacts Women’s Health | Mim Senft

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of unpaid caregiving was estimated at $450 billion per year. Now, it’s even more costly, especially as loved ones continue to work regular jobs and provide care for their adult loved ones. But unpaid caregiving can have severe impacts on health — particularly women’s health — including emotional, physical, financial, and mental. In this episode, corporate benefits design specialist and co-founder of Motivity Care, Mim Senft, explores the complex issues that come with adult caregiving. We discuss the impacts of caregiving on women in a society that expects us to nurture and help for free. Mim also shares different types of caregiver role strain, the latest U.S. caregiver statistics, and the importance of caregiver self care.Discussed in this episode:Caregiving and its impact on productivity in the corporate worldHow caregiving impacts womenHow companies can successfully address the need for caregivingAdvocating for yourself while trying to survive Why it’s so important to prioritize your healthThe value in knowing your limits when caring for others How women can prepare themselves for aging and care dependency Caregiver support and practices that help you take care of yourselfWhat is Motivity Care and who needs it?“As women, we cannot show up and be the leaders that the world needs us to be without protecting ourselves first. That’s just a reality.” - Mim SenftRelated to this episode:Motivity Care: www.motivitycare.comGlobal Women 4 Wellbeing: www.gw4w.orgCaregiving Assessment: link hereConnect With Mim Senft on LinkedInConnect with Karina Muller on LinkedInOrganization Mentioned: Women’s Health Innovation SummitOrganization Mentioned: FemTech Innovation SummitBook Mentioned: Quiet: The Power of Introverts → Books on Mental HealthQuiz Mentioned: Strengths FinderPublication: Long-Term Effects of Caregiving on Women’s HealthArticle: Women, Caregiving, and COVID-19Article: Women, Employment, and Family CaregivingPublication: Caregiving Challenges and Implications for Women’s HealthPublication:
May 23, 2023

Living Through Ambiguous Grief | Stephanie Sarazin

Grief is a normal part of life. But sometimes, we have to grieve the loss of a loved one who is still living, which isn’t as socially welcomed as the grief of physical death. In this episode, author Stephanie Sarazin joins Fempower Health to explore what she termed “ambiguous grief.” We discuss the important lessons from her book, “Soul Broken: A Guidebook for Your Journey Through Ambiguous Grief,” including infidelity, divorce, coming to terms with grief, and the difference between false hope and acceptance.  Discussed in this episode: Different types of grief and the social norms around them How to comfort someone who is grieving What is ambiguous grief and how do you get through it? The dangers of misdirected hope  Finding recovery from the compounded stress of ambiguous grief  How do people recover from grief, let go, and live their lives? Navigating grief and then paying it forward “Recovery is a place where I’m living as my whole self, I’ve integrated my grief, and I’m okay.” - Stephanie Sarazin Related to this episode: Get the Book: Soul Broken by Stephanie Sarazin Stephanie’s Website: www.stephaniesarazin.com Stephanie’s Instagram: @stephing_thru Stephanie’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesarazin  If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
May 16, 2023

Living Through Ambiguous Grief | Stephanie Sarazin

Grief is a normal part of life. But sometimes, we have to grieve the loss of a loved one who is still living, which isn’t as socially welcomed as the grief of physical death. In this episode, author Stephanie Sarazin joins Fempower Health to explore what she termed “ambiguous grief.”We discuss the important lessons from her book, “Soul Broken: A Guidebook for Your Journey Through Ambiguous Grief,” including infidelity, divorce, coming to terms with grief, and the difference between false hope and acceptance. Discussed in this episode:Different types of grief and the social norms around themHow to comfort someone who is grievingWhat is ambiguous grief and how do you get through it?The dangers of misdirected hope Finding recovery from the compounded stress of ambiguous grief How do people recover from grief, let go, and live their lives?Navigating grief and then paying it forward“Recovery is a place where I’m living as my whole self, I’ve integrated my grief, and I’m okay.” - Stephanie SarazinRelated to this episode:Get the Book: Soul Broken by Stephanie SarazinStephanie’s Website: www.stephaniesarazin.comStephanie’s Instagram: @stephing_thruStephanie’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesarazin More Episodes on Menopause If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!Support and connect with our women’s health community:Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every TuesdayVisit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and researchFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterEmail us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they...
May 16, 2023

Fixing the Orgasm Gap and Helping Women Achieve Pleasure | Dr. Laurie Mintz

Why do nearly 70% of women fake orgasms? There are many valid reasons why women aren’t having better orgasms, but it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, sexual psychologist and author Dr. Laurie Mintz joins to discuss The Orgasm Gap, and all things sexual pleasure for women. We discuss understanding female anatomy, different ways women orgasm, communication during partnered sex, and how women can feel better in their bodies and sex lives.  Dr. Laurie Mintz is the Professor of Psychology of Human Sexuality at the University of Florida, as well as a certified Sex Therapist. Her books, “A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex” and “Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters and How to Get It” have helped millions of women live empowered, pleasurable lives and enjoy more fulfilling sexual experiences.  Discussed in this episode: Why women fake orgasms Ways that most women orgasm naturally  Closing the orgasm gap in women How communication helps sex Steps women can take to improve their sex lives Receptive desire in long-term relationships Some things to be aware of about porn and women’s orgasm “There is no such thing as giving and receiving too much pleasure. Embracing pleasure is a healing act — especially for women.” - Dr. Laurie Mintz Related to this episode: Laurie Mintz’s TedX Talk: A New Sexual Revolution for Orgasm Equality Book: A Tired Woman's Guide to Passionate Sex Book: Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters and How to Get It Book Picks: Fempower Health Full Selection of Sexual Health Books Laurie’s Blog on Psychology Today Laurie’s Website: www.drlauriemintz.com  Related Episode: Become Your Own Pleasure Activist | Dr. Cat Meyer Related Episode: Your Orgasm Questions Answered | Dr. Rachel Rubin More Episodes on Women’s Health Foundations If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
May 9, 2023

Benefits of Being Alcohol-Free | Karolina Rzadkowolska

Have you ever felt the urge to take a break from social drinking? In this episode, Karolina Rzadkowolska, author of “Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You” shares her insights on the topic. She talks about the benefits of quitting alcohol and how it can empower you to be your best self. Whether you’re sober-curious or simply fed up with the social pressure to drink, this episode is for you. Discussed in this episode: Karolina’s experience with ditching alcohol in her 30s Benefits of taking a break from alcohol How can someone become alcohol-free? Being honest about your emotions and not using alcohol as a crutch The process of quitting alcohol for people who feel overwhelmed by social pressure How alcohol affects women and mothers in today’s society “At the end of the day, it’s not about the beverage. It’s about truly making space for what you want most in life. When people let go of something that no longer serves them, they allow more goodness to come into their lives.” - Karolina Rzadkowolska Related to this episode: Get the Book: Euphoric by Karolina Rzadkowolska Karolina’s Website: www.euphoricaf.com Recommended: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks  Related Episodes on Mental Health  If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
May 2, 2023

Vaginal Microbiome Science: Key Ingredients for Vaginal Health | Dr. Beth DuPriest

The gut microbiome has been a hot topic in science over the years. But what does science know about the vaginal microbiome and its effect on women’s health? In this episode, Dr. Beth DuPriest joins us to share the emerging findings on the vaginal microbiome. We discuss everything from vagina probiotics to estrogen and lube to vaginal steaming. Whether you want to know what lube is best for women or you’re curious about everyday vaginal care, this episode is for you. Dr. DuPriest is the Chief Science Officer at Vagional Biome Science which facilitates a collaborative working environment to advance the work and discovery of the vaginal microbiome. DuPriest is a former Professor of Biology and Division Dean at Warner Pacific University. She has been involved in research related to the developmental origins of health and disease for over twenty years, with an extensive background in women’s health and biological sciences. Discussed in this episode: What is the vaginal microbiome? How the vagina changes over a woman’s lifetime Probiotics for vaginal health How to keep your vagina healthy Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the top do’s and don’ts How lube can impact vaginal health (and ingredients to avoid) The differences between regular lube, natural lube, and fertility lubricant Vaginal douching: is it good or bad? How should the vagina smell when it’s healthy? Choosing to care for your vagina while science changes  “Paying attention to what your philosophy of healthcare is, and finding a practitioner who works with you… is important. Paying attention to what your body is telling you, in spite of your philosophy, is also important.”  - Dr. Beth DuPriest Related to this episode: Vaginal Microbiome Science: www.vaginalbiomescience.com  Good Clean Love (Organic Lube): www.goodcleanlove.com  Related Episode: Products That Affect the Vaginal Microbiome | Apothercare Related Episode: Lube and Your Vagina | Suzanne Munson Related Episode: Uterine and Vaginal Health | Nicole Kruck If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
April 25, 2023

Women and Perfectionism: Being Brave Enough to Heal | Iona Holloway

There’s a haunting kind of loss when women live in a constant state of perfectionism. In this episode, bestselling author Iona Holloway shares her story, which is the story of many women today. We discuss topics including women and perfectionism, the endless striving toward success, harmful habits, perfectionism and anxiety, and finding emotional resilience. Iona shares her journey of overcoming perfectionism as well as the bravery it took for her to truly face her emotions and find healing.  Iona is the author of Ghost: Why Perfect Women Shrink. She’s the voice behind the Soul Breathwork app and founder of Brave Thing, where she helps strong women clear the emotional muck and glow again in their life and work. Discussed in this episode: Iona’s experience with perfectionism, eating disorders, and depression What is perfectionism? The danger of “good vibes” all the time How to overcome perfectionism and start living life Common fears and setbacks around healing harmful behaviors  The importance of asking for help, and what to do if you don’t know where to start Noticing your body’s innate language Navigating triggers in the real world  “When we talk about perfectionism, we often tie it to someone being ‘Type A’... We see perfectionism as having incredibly high standards or being high achieving. But perfectionism can manifest in lots of different ways. I view it as chronic safety seeking.”  - Iona Holloway Related to this episode: Get the book: Ghost - Why Perfect Women Shrink Iona’s Website: www.bravething.co Iona’s Breathwork App: Soul Breathwork App Ioana Secret Podcast: Goldmine Follow Ioana on Instagram: @ioanaholloway More episodes about Women’s Mental Health If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
April 18, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: IBS: Navigating Diagnosis, Treatment, and the Difficult Healthcare System | Dr. Peter Whorwell

Dr. Peter Whorwell, author of Take Control of your IBS, directs the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service and has had a particular interest in the functional gastrointestinal disorders. His unit undertakes research into the clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as caring for large numbers of these patients from all over the UK.  In honor of April’s IBS Awareness Month, dive into IBS and complications around diagnosis and treatment. Given Dr. Whorwell’s book provides a lot of the foundations and is a quick read, we dove into some of the topics he did not go deep into in the book. We do cover some foundations. You will learn this… Challenges with modern medicine impacting IBS diagnosis and how tests don’t solve everything Typical IBS symptoms and how IBS symptoms are unique from other possible conditions Research conducted about endometriosis vs IBS Another perspective on endo belly Caution around understanding symptoms, especially around your period versus throughout menstrual cycle so you are not treated for the wrong thing Why HRT can play a critical role for IBS patients in perimenopause and post menopause Bloating vs distension Gut microbiome and IBS relationship Whether comprehensive stool analysis is worth it IBS and the impact of fiber Whether laxatives damage the bowel “I can’t cure you, but I can make life better for you. IBS won’t be cured, at least not in my lifetime” - Dr. Peter Whorwell Resources: Dr. Peter Whorwell's Book: Take Control of your IBS Review other IBS resources Podcast Episode on Gut Health Podcast Episode on Bloating If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Dr. Peter Whorwell Professor Whorwell graduated in biochemistry at the University of London and in medicine at Guy’s Hospital, London. After a series of residencies and fellowships, one of which was in the USA, he was appointed as Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist at the University Hospital of South Manchester in 1981 and was subsequently promoted to Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology. Over the years he has had a particular interest in the functional gastrointestinal disorders and now directs the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service. This unit undertakes research into the clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as caring for large numbers of these patients from all over the UK. It also undertakes a wide-ranging programme of research into new treatment options for these conditions including pharmacological, dietary and behavioral approaches. Professor Whorwell has published over 350 papers and chapters in his fields of interest and serves on a number of international advisory panels and working parties.
April 11, 2023

The Anatomy of Anxiety | Ellen Vora, MD

Anxiety disorders are on the rise today, and the world we live in doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety has increased by 25% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, psychiatrist and author Ellen Vora joins us to discuss the main message of her new book, “The Anatomy of Anxiety.” We discuss generalized anxiety disorder, how to deal with anxiety as a woman, different factors that contribute to mental health, lifestyle changes vs anxiety medication, and more. If you or someone you care about struggles with anxiety symptoms, make sure to check out Ellen’s book. Ellen Vora, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. She is the author of the bestselling book “The Anatomy of Anxiety”. She takes a functional medicine approach to mental health—considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root. Dr. Vora received her B.A. from Yale University and her M.D. from Columbia University.  Discussed in this episode: Dr. Ellen Vora’s work as a psychiatrist  Understanding false anxiety and real anxiety, and how to know the difference Genetic vs psycho-spiritual influences on mental health  Getting clear on lifestyle changes for anxiety  Medication as a bridge out of mental suffering, not a quick-fix solution Women’s hormonal effects on anxiety and experiencing valid emotions Crafting an environment and community that feels good to you “True anxiety is actually what’s right with us when we are able to viscerally connect to what’s wrong around us. It’s not something to pathologize — it’s something to slow down and heed its guidance.” - Ellen Vora Related to this episode: Get Ellen Vora’s Book: The Anatomy of Anxiety Website: www.ellenvora.com  Follow Ellen Vora on Instagram: @ellenvoraMD Mentioned Episode: Ovulation is Critical for Women’s Health | Dr. Jerilynn Prior More Episodes On Women’s Mental Health If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
April 4, 2023

Why We Need to Respect Women Without Kids | Ruby Warrington

In this honest and moving episode, author Ruby Warrington joins Fempower Health to discuss her new book, Women Without Kids. We cover all topics from childless couples who don’t want children to women who can’t have children even though it’s their deepest desire. Ruby shares her experiences writing such an important book, societal pressures for women to have kids, patriarchal assumptions, childlessness vs child-free, and fertility and sterility issues influencing adults today.  Listen for an insightful, relatable conversation and be sure to check out Ruby’s newest book, Women Without Kids, available in Spring 2023. Discussed in this episode: Thoughts on Ruby’s new book and why she wrote it What does motherhood mean today? The impact our relationships with our mothers have on views on motherhood Why do women decide to not have kids? Rethinking the assumption that women should automatically want children External pressures women face about marriage, motherhood, and childrearing  Infertility and its impact on women with no kids Pronatalism and society’s historical conditioning “There’s no such thing as normal. There’s no perfect, untainted path. Whatever path we choose in life is going to come with some regrets, challenges, and suffering.” - Ruby Warrington Related to this episode: Ruby’s website: www.rubywarrington.com  Get the Book: Women Without Kids Follow Ruby on Instagram: @rubywarrington  Recommended Book: Birth Strike Recommended Book: Countdown Related Episodes on Fertility If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
March 28, 2023

How to Find Chemical Free Products and Ingredients | Amy Ziff of MADE SAFE

How do you know which products and ingredients are safe to use? Are nontoxic ingredients also eco-friendly? In this episode, we interview Amy Ziff, founder of MADE SAFE: the first human health and eco-friendly nontoxic certification program. Amy shares why nontoxic options are so important to health and the planet, where to find affordable chemical free products, and simple ways you can start choosing cleaner options today.  Amy Ziff is an ingredient expert, healthy living educator, writer, and mother who helps people transform their consumer decisions. The MADE SAFE platform helps you reduce the use of harmful chemicals and find certified products that are safe and clean for the whole family.  Discussed in this episode: Why safe ingredients matter How to tell if an ingredient is safe What the MADE SAFE certification is and how to use it The science on harmful chemicals in products today What happens when people eliminate chemicals to live a nontoxic lifestyle How to detox your home (and the #1 chemical to remove immediately) Skincare, makeup, and nontoxic beauty products Several basic rules and “poison P’s” we all should be aware of “What the ‘organic’ seal is for food, Made Safe is for products. It sets a standard of scientific principles by which we assess ingredients, materials, and substances that go into the things we use every day to determine whether or not they’re using safe ingredients.” - Amy Ziff Related to this episode: Visit MADE SAFE: www.madesafe.org  Follow @MadeSafeHQ and @Amy.Ziff on Instagram Connect with @MADESAFE on Facebook App for sleep: Breethe App  Learn How Women Can Remove Toxins More episodes on Women’s Health Basics If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
March 21, 2023

Tips for Better Sleep (and How Sleep Affects Women) | Dr. Chris Winter

Ever wondered how to sleep better at night? If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you may feel stressed, disappointed, and even burnt out. Studies show that those who regularly lack sleep have an increased risk for chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease, as well as difficulty experiencing optimal focus. But stressing over this fact can actually prevent you from sleeping even further! In this episode, Dr. Chris Winter shares some of the common sleep issues and stressors that prevent sleep, as well as practical tips covered in his book to get better sleep. Georgie and Dr. Winter discuss menopause sleep issues, specific sleep solutions for women, and how to sleep better during menopause and postpartum.  Dr. Chris Winter is a sleep specialist and the owner of the Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine clinic. He helps professional athletes and sports organizations optimize sleep schedules, and hosts the popular medical podcast Sleep Unplugged. Discussed in this episode: Dispelling the worries over falling asleep and waking up  Menopause sleep problems and how to address them  Why do you wake up in the middle of the night, and is it normal? The relationship between sleep and postpartum  The importance of rest — not just sleep Understanding how sleep works in order to effectively treat insomnia  Does melatonin work? The secret to great sleep for improved quality of life  “In today’s medical system, physicians let women down all the time. Sleep and menopause are maybe two of the biggest ways we do that.” - Dr. Chris Winter Related to this episode: Chris Winter’s Book: The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It Chris Winter’s Book: The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired, or Irritable Child May Have a Sleep Disorder--And How to Help  Dr. Chris Winter’s Website: www.wchriswinter.com  Listen to the Sleep Unplugged Podcast More Episodes on Menopause More Episodes on Mental Health  If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
March 14, 2023

Reframing Menopause: Stages of Life Women Can Embrace and Enjoy | Ann Garnier

Menopause is a life stage for women, not a condition to endure. In this episode, we dispel some of the myths and common negative attitudes about entering menopause. Ann Garnier, CEO of Lisa Health and co-founder of menopause tracking app Midday Health, shares her insight.  Ann explains how post-menopausal women can take care of their bodies and embrace this stage of life. She talks about health technology, menopause and sex drive, sleep hygiene, nutrition, and the benefits of tracking your symptoms for body awareness and health advocacy. Discussed in this episode: What is menopause?  What resources are available today for menopausal women? How menopausal women can find products that are regulated  Sleep hygiene and menopause How diet, nutrition, and sugar intake impact women during menopause The benefit of tracking your menopause symptoms  Menopausal treatment and hormone therapy  Answers to the top 5 questions women ask about menopause  “I think it’s important for us to flip the perception of menopause from a doom-and-gloom, negative thing to one where women feel this is a really celebratory time in their lives.” - Ann Garnier  Related to this episode: Episode: Perimenopause Symptoms | Dr. Alyssa Dweck Episode: Preri/Menopause Symptom Management | Dr. Alicia Jackson Episode: Women’s Guide to Intermittent Fasting | Dr. Mindy Pelz Episode: Hormone Repair After 40 | Dr. Lara Briden More Episodes on Menopause Midday Health: www.midday.health  Midday on Instagram: @midday.health Midday on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/midday-health  If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
March 7, 2023

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Is it Endometriosis? | Dr. Peta Wright & Dr. Thea Bowler

Chronic pelvic pain affects nearly 20% of women today. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed — or gets assumed as endometriosis. If you or a woman you know struggles with pelvic pain and painful periods, this episode is for you. Dr. Peta Wright and Dr. Thea Bowler, gynecologists at Vera Women’s Wellness, join us to discuss pelvic pain. As two specialists on endometriosis, fertility, and women’s health, they bring a whole-body perspective to female pelvic pain. They talk about the difficulties of pelvic pain, the nervous system, endometriosis surgery, research in women’s health, and what can cause pelvic pain in a woman. Discussed in this episode: Is endometriosis always the cause of pelvic pain in women? The different types of endometriosis  Early intervention for chronic pelvic pain  The autonomic nervous system and pain pathways  Living in a world that doesn’t make room for women’s periods What someone can do if they have pelvic pain or other endometriosis symptoms Do women with severe endometriosis pain always need surgery? Current research on endometriosis and pain  “It’s possible to have severe endometriosis but no pain, and it’s possible to have no endometriosis but severe pain. So there’s such a bigger picture we need to deal with.”  - Dr. Peta Wright Related to this episode: Vera Women’s Wellness: www.verawomenswellness.com.au  Learn about Endometriosis: www.fempower-health.com/endometriosis  Related Episodes: Pelvic Pain Mentioned: Endometriosis, Pain, and Whole Women’s Wellness | Dr. Peta Wright Mentioned: What Pain Science Reveals About the Brain/Body | Dr. Melissa Farmer Mentioned: Ovulation and Women’s Health | Dr. Jerilynn Prior & Dr. Lara Briden Endometriosis Foundation of America: www.endofound.org  If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
February 28, 2023

Let’s Talk About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction | Carine Carmy

More than 40 million women in the U.S. experience pelvic floor pain or dysfunction. But unfortunately, there are only about 5,000 pelvic floor specialists equipped to properly address these issues. At various stages of life, from pre-pregnancy to menopause, there are several things women need to know about pelvic floor health. In this episode, we hear from Carine Carmy, the co-founder of Origin, the top pelvic floor physical therapy provider. From her extensive background in healthcare and technology, she discusses pelvic floor anatomy, common issues as women age, the relationship between pelvic floor pain and muscle spasms, birth, menopause, and everything in between. Listen to learn about what you can do to prevent and address pelvic floor issues. Discussed in this episode: What does good pelvic floor function look like? Painful intercourse and the brain-body connection  Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction  Pelvic floor and its relationship with pain, pleasure, and orgasm  What is the most important exercise for pelvic floor? Common pelvic floor issues after giving birth  What happens to the pelvic floor during menopause and as we age? “We often think about pelvic floor therapy as, ‘Let me do my kegels after I have a baby so that I don’t pee my pants.’ But it’s really so much more than that. It’s also tied to orgasm and pleasure.” - Carine Carmy Related to this episode: Check out Origin: www.theoriginway.com Episode: How the Roe v Wade Overturn Affects Women’s Health | Delphine O’Rourke Episode: Everything You Need to Know About UTIs | Dr. Suzanne Fenske Episode: Do At-Home Pelvic Floor Exercises Really Work? | Dr. Allyson Shrikhande More Episodes All About Pelvic Floor North American Menopause Society: www.menopause.org  Intl. Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: www.isswsh.org  American College of OB-GYN: www.acog.org   If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
February 21, 2023

Knowing Your Thyroid Levels During Pregnancy | Dr. Katie Rothwell

Thyroid plays an essential role in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. There are several things we should all know about healthy thyroid levels, whether living with an existing thyroid condition or experiencing unexpected hormone changes after conception. In this episode, Dr. Katie Rothwell shares her expertise on all things thyroid health. Dr. Katie Rothwell is a naturopathic doctor and educator who specializes in thyroid problems and pregnancy. She covers how to understand your thyroid levels in pregnancy, ideal thyroid levels for fertility, and what women should consider when trying to conceive if they have a diagnosed thyroid condition.  Discussed in this episode: Important things to understand about thyroid during fertility and pregnancy How to know optimal thyroid levels in pregnancy Thyroid testing and pregnancy TSH and other important thyroid screenings for fertility  Secondary infertility and Hashimoto’s disease  Lactation production and hormones  Can pregnancy cause thyroid problems? What should women with thyroid conditions do when pursuing pregnancy?  Managing stress during pregnancy and postpartum  “There is so much that changes during pregnancy and postpartum — we don’t always attribute those changes to thyroid health. But we really need to be screening our women in those time frames, especially if they have a known thyroid issue.” - Dr. Katie Rothwell Related to this episode: Related Episode: Could Your Undiagnosed Symptoms Be Thyroid Disease? | Denise Roguz Related Episode: Thyroid Disease: You’re Not Alone | Victoria Gasparini Related Episode: Managing Thyroid Disease: The Missing Pieces to the Thyroid Jigsaw Puzzle | Rachel Hill Follow Dr. Rothwell on Instagram: @your.thyroid.nd  The Thyroid Academy: www.thethyroidacademy.com If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
February 14, 2023

Everything You Need to Know About UTI: Pain, Prevention, Misdiagnosis | Dr. Suzanne Fenske

More than 50% of women get a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. Some women struggle with recurring UTIs, which can be painful and stressful. We’ve all heard various tips and myths about UTI prevention and treatment. Today, we’re discussing the facts. In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Fenske, OB-GYN and founder of Tara MD, explains the symptoms of UTI in women, plus various treatment options and how women get UTIs. She also shares about bladder pain syndrome, a similar diagnosis that impacts more women than you’d think. We discuss the most common question of how to get rid of a UTI, and explore interesting reflections about other reproductive health topics. Discussed in this episode: Similarities and differences in symptoms of UTIs vs bladder pain syndrome How is a UTI diagnosed and treated? Common causes of UTI  The role of dehydration and alcohol in painful bladder syndrome UTI prevention tips, myths, and facts  UTI and menopause Endometriosis and bladder pain syndrome  Types of medical specialists that address UTI and painful bladder syndrome “Pelvic pain is so complex, it’s often difficult to differentiate what’s causing it— we have a lot of organs down there. That’s why UTIs and bladder pain syndrome are so often misdiagnosed.” - Dr. Suzanne Fenske Related to this episode: Visit Tara MD: www.taramd.com Episodes about Endometriosis Episodes about Women’s Health-Related Pain If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
February 7, 2023

Innovations in Breast Cancer: Take Charge of Your Breast Health | Dr. Anna Daily & Dr. Brigitte Piniewski

At the current rate, about 1 in 8 American women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, but early detection could prevent this growing statistic. In this episode, Dr. Anna Daily and Dr. Brigitte Piniewski join to discuss important movements in breast health, breast cancer, and the future of scientific and crowd-based medical research. Anna Daily and Dr. Piniewski explain the new FemTech platform, Auria: a personalized, innovative at-home breast health assessment. Dr. Anna Daily, PhD, is the Chief Scientific Officer at Namida Lab and the inventor of Auria, the first at-home breast health risk assessment technology that uses tears as a diagnostic biofluid. Dr. Brigitte Piniewski is the Interim Chief Medical Officer at Namida Lab, a medical technology expert, and the author of Wealthcare: Demystifying Web3 and the Rise of Personal Data Economies (available February 2023).  Discussed in this episode: The importance of women’s participation in medical research and science to benefit future generations  Facts and risk factors of breast cancer The importance of detecting the early signs of breast cancer The history of breast cancer and its prevalence in the U.S. What crowd-based technology is and how it can help the prevention of breast cancer How Auria is building a breast health and wellness community  How tears, specifically, can be used as a breast health assessment  Patient medical data, Web3, and the future healthcare economy  “The next generation relies on us to participate in [scientific] crowd-based models if we’re ever going to move away from 1 in 8 women having breast cancer. Whatever is possible to be prevented should be prevented. But prevention isn’t going to happen only using the technologies that we’ve been using in the past.” - Dr. Brigitte Piniewski Related to this episode: Learn more about Auria: www.auria.care   Auria for Physicians & Providers: www.auria.care/providers  Get Dr. Piniewski’s book: Wealthcare Learn more: Using Tears as a Source for Early Detection of Breast Cancer  Learn more: Tears as the Next Diagnostic Biofluid Related episodes featuring FemTech Developments If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
January 31, 2023

Living with ADHD: You’re Brain’s Not Broken | Dr. Tamara Rosier

ADHD is often misunderstood, even in the medical field today. In this episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier, ADHD coach of over 10 years and founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, helps answer the question: can you live a normal life with ADHD? Dr. Rosier shares her experience as a woman with ADHD. She explores different ADHD types, practical lifestyle tips that often help regulate ADHD symptoms, and when someone might want to seek medical attention for symptoms in today’s modern world.  After more than a decade of providing ADHD coaching to others and living a neurodivergent life herself, Dr. Tamara Rosier published one of the top-rated books for ADHD called Your Brain’s Not Broken. Listen to this episode to hear her share many important insights about ADHD that aren’t often talked about.  Discussed in this episode: Dr. Rosier’s experience with adult ADHD What understanding do we really have about ADHD in the medical world? Interesting themes that research reveals on the neurotypical brain vs ADHD brain Considerations about ADHD medication Is ADHD genetic? Understanding and living with someone who has ADHD The role of sleep and nutrition for the ADHD brain  Tips for living with ADHD on a daily basis Demystifying the term “adult onset ADHD”  When to seek medical attention and treatment for ADHD symptoms  “Women with ADHD tend to over-function and mask their sensitivity. It’s really difficult to get the respect we need.” - Dr. Tamara Rosier   Related to this episode: Get Dr. Rosier’s book: Your Brain’s Not Broken Connect with Dr. Rosier on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook ADHD Coaching Organization: www.adhdcoaches.org  ADHD Center of West Michigan: www.miadhd.com Listen to more episodes on Mental Health If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
January 24, 2023

Season 4 Preview

Welcome to Season 4 of Fempower Health where we empower women to advocate for their bodies and become the CEO of their health. Every week, we engage in discussions with women’s health experts on topics like sexual wellness, mental health, pelvic floor, aging, women-related cancers, relationships, and much more. Some topics we’ll cover in Season 4 include: Answers to common questions in women’s healthcare today Common myths and facts about UTIs Hope for women with pelvic floor dysfunction Discussions on vulnerability and believing in yourself Coming to terms with how our bodies change throughout our lives Living with and managing ADHD in our modern world Ways to improve health with science-based action  The importance of testing product ingredients for chemicals  Diagnosing and treating aggressive breast cancer Navigating the confusing healthcare system Special thanks to Dr Katie Rothwell, Dr Suzanne Fenske, Ann Garnier, Dr Caroline Martinez, Carine Carmy, Iona Holloway, Dr Tamara Rosier, Dr Beth DuPriest, Dr Laurie Mintz, Amy Ziff, Dr Brigitte Piniewski, Dr Anna Daily, and all who helped make these women’s health episodes accessible to all.  If you want to support Fempower Health, please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you enjoyed an episode, spread the awareness and share it with someone you know! Connect With Our Women’s Health Community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected] **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
January 17, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: The Roles of Estrogen and Progesterone Throughout Women’s Lives | Dr. Jerilynn Prior

We’ve all been told about the powerful effects of estrogen on a woman’s reproductive cycle. But more people are now learning that progesterone is equally as important. With so much research and discussion regarding hormone imbalances in women today, experts confirm that these two female sex hormones are critical to more than just sex and pregnancy— they’re vital to every woman’s health. In this episode, Dr. Jerilynn Prior of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR) shares essential information about the roles that estrogen and progesterone play in not only ovulation but basic health. She explains why hormone imbalance is so important to confront, and how hormones impact overall wellness from heart health to bone health to mood. She offers some insight into how women’s hormones change throughout various stages of life, from puberty to menopause.  Dr. Jerilynn Prior is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, with 40 years of experience in women’s health. She specializes in women’s hormones and peri/menopause treatments. Read more in her book, Estrogen’s Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause. Discussed in this episode: The difference between estrogen and progesterone Understanding estrogen vs progesterone in the menstrual cycle The role of estrogen and progesterone in bone health, breast and endometrial cancer risk, fertility, weight, and heart health Why balancing hormones in women is so important (regardless of whether or not you want to get pregnant!) Clearing up confusion on the common question: does stress impact fertility? Why it’s hard for women to be aware of some of this research How your hormone balance is defined at different ages and stages of life “It’s important to be aware of your reproductive cycle because it’s such a key indicator of optimal health overall. It’s also important to know because if you want to have a child one day, you need to ovulate normally. Having ‘regular cycles’ is not sufficient.” - Dr. Jerilynn Prior Related to this episode: CeMCOR website: Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research Sign up for the CeMCOR Newsletter for the latest on women’s health Learn facts about how your body changes over life phases Dr. Jerilynn Prior’s book: Estrogen Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause Recommended book: Period Repair Manual Recommended book: Hormone Repair Manual Recommended book: Sex Matters More on ovulation: Women’s Health and the Ovulation Cycle If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
January 10, 2023

LISTEN AGAIN: The Thyroid Disorder Jigsaw Puzzle: Management and Self-Advocacy | Rachel Hill

Nearly 60% of people with a thyroid disorder go undiagnosed for years. Thyroid disease can be a complex jigsaw puzzle, but fortunately, today there is more support than ever. In this episode of Fempower Health, world-known thyroid patient advocate Rachel Hill shares her journey of overcoming thyroid disease. She explains several symptoms of thyroid disorder in females, common treatments, and what the “thyroid jigsaw puzzle” means. She also discusses examples of self-advocacy, navigating the emotional aspects of hypothyroidism, and lifestyle tips to effectively manage symptoms of thyroid disorder.  Enjoy this insightful episode and learn more from Rachel Hill’s books: You, Me, & Hypothyroidism as well as Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate. Discussed in this episode: Rachel Hill’s story about how and why she became an author and thyroid disease advocate Examples of how you can fit the pieces of your “thyroid jigsaw puzzle” together Important details about thyroid labs and how to advocate for the right ones Resources for interpreting thyroid labs properly The “spoon theory” and how it can help transform how you speak with others about your thyroid condition Understanding your thyroid, emotions, and the common feeling of isolation Realistic tips to help you live your life to the fullest  “For a while, I was just barely surviving; not thriving. I realized there must be answers out there somewhere. There are hundreds of thousands of people in the world with thyroid conditions— there must be people I can talk to and learn from.” - Rachel Hill Related to this episode: Rachel’s Website, Newsletters, Facebook Page & Instagram Rachel’s Books: You, Me and Hypothyroidism: When Someone You Love Has Hypothyroidism & Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate: When You’re Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired Spotify Playlist: Thyroid Disease Episode: Could your Unresolved Symptoms be a Thyroid Condition? Episode: Thyroid Disease: You’re Not Alone Read more: Thyroid Self-Advocacy Tips If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
January 3, 2023

Managing Hormone Imbalances that come with your Hormone Type | Dr Shawn Tassone

Shawn Tassone, MD Ph.D. is a double-boarded physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Integrative Medicine. Dr. Tassone believes it is time for women to understand fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, irregular periods, fibroids, decreased libido, and burnout are not permanent situations.  In this episode, our conversation focuses on understanding our hormones. We discuss: Determining you hormonal archetype Which hormones may be out of balance based on your symptoms Possible ways to have hormone balance Which tests can you try to understand your hormones  The effectiveness of various test types: saliva, blood, and urine Dr Tassone’s the top 3 supplements for women “The human body was made to heal itself and the medical model should involve more patient-centered care with an active patient and passive healer.” - Dr. Shawn Tassone  Resources: The Hormone Balance Bible  Spiritual Pregnancy: Develop, Nurture & Embrace the Journey to Motherhood Hands Off My Belly! The Pregnant Women’s Guide to Surviving, Myths, Mothers, and Moods, Contraception Deception Hormone Archetype Quiz If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast on your favorite player and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast.   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** More about Dr Shawn Tassone He is a practicing OBGYN, speaker, patient advocate, and author.  His books are written on topics of spirituality in medical care, hormone balance, various aspects of women's health such as birth control and pregnancy, and he is an advocate for whole foods to heal the human body.  Dr. Tassone served as a faculty member at the University of Arizona and University  of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center teaching residents and medical students. Dr. Tassone was also an instructor in Integrative Medicine at Arizona State University. 
December 27, 2022

Bloopers from Season 3 | Fempower Health

Season 3 of the Fempower Health podcast covered topics on thyroid disease, sexual health, autoimmune disease, PCOS, genetic testing, pelvic floor health, menstrual equity, menopause, endometriosis, and so much more. Thank you to all of our guest experts and podcast listeners who make this show possible. Enjoy these funny bloopers from season 3! Stay tuned for Season 4, which starts January 2024. Popular women’s health topics from season 3: Episodes about the Menstrual Cycle Episodes about the Pelvic Floor Episodes about Endometriosis Episodes about Chronic Disease Episodes about Thyroid Disease Episodes about PCOS Episodes about Menopause Episodes about Sexual Health If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Join Fempower Health on Patreon Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
December 20, 2022

Season 3 Takeaways from Hosting a Women’s Health Podcast | Georgie Kovacs

2022 was a big year for women’s health, and we’ve certainly come a long way in the past five years! But there’s still much more to do in the world of women’s healthcare. In this episode, Georgie Kovacs of Fempower Health reflects on season 3 of the podcast. She shares what it’s been like on the journey from infertility to motherhood to menopause, and what she looks forward to regarding women’s health innovation. She highlights some of the top guest interviews from 2022 and leaves with how we can all be better health advocates.  Discussed in this episode: Georgie’s experience entering post-menopause  Highlights from the 2022 Women’s Health Innovation Summit Upcoming FemTech developments that will improve women’s health  How biopharma digital health companies can improve the healthcare industry  Concerns about celebrities raising awareness to sell products Trends that are impacting women’s healthcare experts  How hosting the podcast helps Georgie stay informed about important women’s health topics “Right now with women’s health, we don’t need another period tracking app or skin cream. What we really need is to solve the root of the problem.”  - Georgie Kovacs Referenced episodes mentioned by topic: Menopause: Perimenopause Common Symptoms | Dr. Alyssa Dweck Thyroid Disease: Managing Your Thyroid Condition | Rachel Hill PCOS: Managing & Reversing PCOS | Dr. Fiona McCulloch Autoimmune Disease: Undiagnosed Symptoms | Dr. Millie Lytle & Dr. Nicole Bundy Early Menopause: Primary Ovarian Insufficiency | Dr. Mandy Leonhardt Endometriosis: Endo Pain and Whole Women’s Wellness | Peta Wright Gut Microbiome: Gut Health & Bloating | Dr. Edison de Mello Vaginal Microbiome: Products That Affect the Vagina | Pam Miles & Dr. Cindy Order Women’s Health Book: Taking Care of You | Dr. Mary O’Connor & Kanwal Haq Heart Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know | Dr. Nanette Wenger Bone Health: It’s Not Just Your Grandma’s Concern | Dr. Jerilynn Prior Women’s health resources mentioned: NAMS (North American Menopause Society): www.menopause.org Lorals, Oral Sex Protection: www.mylorals.com  Rosy, Sexual Wellness App: www.meetrosy.com  International Society for the Study of Women’s Health: www.isswsh.org  Tosh at The Podcast Hub: www.podcasthub.ca  If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected] NEW! Join Fempower Health on Patreon   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
December 13, 2022

What Pain Science Reveals About the Brain and Body | Dr. Melissa Farmer

In the United States alone, more than 20% of adults experience chronic pain (CDC, 2020). Globally, it’s one of the top reasons adults seek medical care today, and many patients try several chronic pain relief methods in desperate search of a solution. Why is pain so prevalent among adults and how can we cope? In this episode of Fempower Health, Dr. Melissa Farmer, a chronic pain researcher and entrepreneur, dives deep into all things pain research and management. She shares fascinating findings on the nervous system and pain, explains the effects of chronic pain on mental health, and addresses common emotional struggles associated with perceived pain.  Dr. Farmer co-founded Aivo Health, which is an innovative mind-body technology that supports an individual’s chronic or acute pain care plan. Aivo Health makes the latest neuroscience and pain research applications accessible. Dr. Melissa Farmer and her work with Aivo Health offer new insights into the reality of living with pain, and bring relief, solutions, and new experiences to people in need of pain management.  Discussed in this episode: The basic neuroscience of pain  Dr. Melissa Farmer’s personal experience with chronic pain and how it influenced her work What are the four stages of pain? How to prevent chronic pain in the acute stage Why soothing the nervous system is so important when treating pain The relationship between chronic pain and mental health How Aivo Health works  Perceived pain vs objectively reproduced pain  “Just because someone cannot reproduce your pain doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. It just means that the reproducible pain has a very specific mechanism.” - Dr. Melissa Farmer Related to this episode: Aivo Health: www.aivohealth.com  Connect With Dr. Melissa Farmer: LinkedIn and Twitter Aivo Health on Linkedin and Instagram Get Access to Aivo: Click Here Referenced: Ted’s Pain Cream Referenced: Precision Health Related Episode: How Digital Health Companies Help Treat Pelvic Floor If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
December 6, 2022

Endometriosis, Pain, and Whole Women’s Wellness | Dr. Peta Wright

In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Peta Wright about endometriosis and pelvic pain. Dr. Wright is a gynecologist, fertility specialist, and the founder of Vera Women’s Wellness: a whole woman's approach to endometriosis healing and recovery.  Together, they discuss endometriosis surgery, treating women with endometriosis, common underlying correlations of pelvic pain, and what we can do to help women in a society that makes pain and periods two “enemies” of productivity.  Discussed in this episode: Dr. Wright’s observation of conventional gynecology today, especially when diagnosing endometriosis Can pelvic pain and endometriosis symptoms be correlated with childhood trauma? Laparoscopies vs other types of treatment for endometriosis What to address when seeing a patient with severe endometriosis pain Examples of surgery outcomes and when it is and isn’t appropriate for treating endo Is pelvic pain the enemy or is it a sign the body needs to be heard? How fear-based language in medicine pathologizes women’s bodies  “I don’t think surgery should be what validates a woman’s pain. I think she should be validated when you first see her and she’s talking about her pain.” - Dr. Peta Wright Related to this episode: verawomenswellness.com.au  Dr. Peta Wright on Instagram  Aviva Romm - Women’s Functional & Integrative Medicine Training Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study Learn about Endometriosis  If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
November 29, 2022

How Digital Health Companies Help Treat Pelvic Floor | Karen Stander of Hinge Health

In this episode, Fempower Health talks with Karen Stander, vice president of Physical Therapy and Women’s Health at the virtual pain clinic, Hinge Health. They discuss health equity for women, how digital health companies are revolutionizing the medical system, and what personalized medical care can do to support patients with musculoskeletal disorders.  Discussed in this episode: How many women have pelvic floor issues? Ways that the American healthcare system limit people from getting the musculoskeletal treatment they need  What is virtual physical therapy? What Hinge Health does and how is helps address medical equity The importance of behavioral change in pain management  How virtual healthcare settings like Hinge operate  Wearable technology for pain, treatment, and recovery “Each woman should feel empowered to make decisions for herself… When it comes to addressing systemic issues in healthcare and recognizing that a lot of women don’t have access, how can we help other women get there?” - Karen Stander  Related to this episode: www.hingehealth.com Karen Stander on LinkedIn Hinge Health on LinkedIn Do At-Home Pelvic Floor Exercisers Really Work? | Dr. Allyson Shrikhande If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
November 22, 2022

How to Clear Acne from the Inside Out | Cheryl Woodman

In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Cheryl Woodman, a scientist and skincare expert on acne. Cheryl shares some of the underlying biology that contributes to acne-prone skin, how hormones affect acne, and what nutritional factors play a role in overall skin health. Listen if you want to take control of your skin without all the expensive creams or acne medications. Cheryl Woodman is an acne expert and award-winning skincare formulator. She is the creator of Honesty for Your Skin, an online acne clinic and safe space where people can find science-based solutions for overcoming acne. She helps women achieve healthy skin again— even those who have “tried everything.”  Discussed in this episode: Cheryl’s personal experience with acne  The science of what causes acne  Common types of acne treatment used today, and why many fail Hormonal acne and how sex hormones affect the skin Different types of acne among women  The main difference between teenage acne and adult acne Myths and facts on what foods cause acne  Acne spot treatment and skin patches— do they work? Skin regimens other than diet that can help prevent acne  Tips for how to clear acne and encourage inside-out health  “The skin is a representation of your inside health. When you make changes to heal your acne, you also have positive side effects like increased energy and feeling healthier. Skin health and body health are very intimately linked.” - Cheryl Woodman Related to this episode: www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk Work With Cheryl Cheryl’s Free Acne Diet Cheat Sheet Follow Cheryl on Instagram: @honestyforskin More episodes about women’s hormones If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
November 15, 2022

Fighting for Intimacy Justice and Women’s Sexual Health Online | Jackie Rotman

In this episode, Fempower Health has an insightful conversation with Jackie Rotman of the Center for Intimacy Justice. Jackie shares the present advertising limitations for women’s sexual health products, the unequal content standards regarding sexual health for men vs women, and the small steps people can take to further intimacy justice online and in the real world.  Discussed in this episode: Discrimination in reproductive health-targeted social media ads Examples of women’s sexual health advertisements and images that get blocked Standards of big advertising platforms such as Google, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok What the Center for Intimacy Justice is doing to improve policies for sexual wellness ads How a lack of understanding about female anatomy affects policies Content moderation and its impact on what information women have access to What sexual wellness companies can do when posting ads on social media “If an ad has to do with vulvas, vaginas, breasts, uteruses, or female reproductive organs, then it’s subject to censorship. Most of the ads are not about sexual pleasure but rather about women’s health. And yet, they’re still getting banned.” - Jackie Rotman Related to this episode: Visit www.intimacyjustice.org Intimacy Justice on Instagram Intimacy Justice on Twitter Donate to the Center for Intimacy Justice Do At-Home Pelvic Floor Exercises Really Work? | Dr. Allyson Shrikhande If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
November 8, 2022

How to Improve Gut Health & Address Bloating | Dr. Edison de Mello

Are you always bloated? In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Edison de Mello, founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine and author of Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain. They discuss the relationship between gut health and bloating, the causes of bloating in women, gut microbiome repair, and more. Dr. Edison de Mello is a board-certified integrative physician and a licensed MFT psychotherapist who takes a Western-meets-Eastern approach to medicine. His goal is to help patients who are dealing with gut issues overcome mental, emotional, and physical challenges associated with dis-ease.  Discussed in this episode: Why do you get bloated? The shame commonly associated with bloating in women Why do women get bloated more than men? The importance of meeting patients before treating them Common mistakes people make when treating bloating  Emotions and the gut brain connection What is SIBO and why is it important in the medical community? Period bloating: when is it time to see a doctor? “Endo belly” and the symptoms of IBS vs endometriosis  Bloating relief and ways to encourage a non-inflammatory lifestyle “Is treating bloating as simple as changing someone’s lifestyle? I wish it was that simple. But even though it isn’t easy, it’s still attainable.” - Dr. Edison de Mello Related to this episode: Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain (book) Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine The Power of the Gut: Learn About the Microbiome More episodes about Gut Health If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
November 1, 2022

Your Authentic Power: Permission to Feel | Ashley Bernardi

What does it mean to live in your authentic power? In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Ashely Bernardi, author of Authentic Power: Give Yourself Permission to Feel. We discuss what it means to live authentically, how to overcome dark phases of life, and the importance of processing uncomfortable feelings in order to heal. Ashley Bernardi is the founder of Nardi Media, a media relations firm that supports brands, corporations, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits. She has a journalism background with CBS News and has a passion for research and publication. Ashley hosts the award-winning podcast, 2 Girls Talking, and helps women find their authentic power in life.    Discussed in this episode: Ashley’s story of loss, illness, and coming to realize her authentic power Changes that happen when you begin to express your authentic self What does it mean to rest and do nothing? Where do you feel emotions in your body? How to feel your emotions using The Feel Framework Mental health impacts of chronic disease and physical illness Ashley’s experience with late-stage Lyme Disease  What you can do to advocate for yourself  “Get curious about your inner voice. It’s your authentic power— that inner wisdom and inner knowing that you have access to.” - Ashley Bernardi  Related to this episode: Buy Ashley’s book: Authentic Power ashleybernardi.com nardimedia.com Ashely Bernardi Facebook Ashley Bernardi Instagram Ashley Bernardi YouTube Ashley Bernardi LinkedIn Find a Lyme-literate doctor If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
October 25, 2022

Products That Affect the Vaginal Microbiome | Apothercare

How do feminine products affect the vaginal microbiome? In this episode, we interview Pamela Miles and Dr. Cindy Orser of Apothercare, a women’s health research and advocacy startup that brings science to the consumer. Apothercare conducts some of the latest lab studies on the human microbiome, specifically related to women’s health. Listen as Pam and Cindy discuss the importance of testing products today and what companies can do to manufacture safer options. They share some of the top products that affect human microbiomes and some of the most interesting research findings in their labs. Pamela Miles is the founder and CEO of Apothercare, which initially focused on the science of cannabis topicals and suppositories for pain. Dr. Cindy Orser is a scientist, researcher, Chief Science Officer for Apothercare. Their team shares findings of the effects of internal and external products on women’s microbiomes and overall health.  Discussed in this episode: Current research on the human gut microbiome The importance of product testing and microbiome testing Common products that impact the vaginal microbiome and reproductive health  Internal vs external vaginal washes and their effects on the vagina  Cannabis products and the gut microbiome FDA testing process for feminine hygiene products Some of the latest Apothercare research  What products might be missing in women’s health? How to choose women's sexual health products that are safer What we can do to demand better testing for women's health products “There is no requirement for safety testing [for women’s hygiene products]. We hope to get the FDA’s attention that these products should go through testing since there’s evidence they affect women’s health.” - Dr. Cindy Orser Related to this episode: More Episodes on Women’s Health Apothercare  Follow Apothercare on Instagram Women’s Voices for the Earth Tips for Women on Avoiding Toxins If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
October 18, 2022

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and Menopause | Dr. Mandy Leonhardt

Primary ovarian insufficiency, or POI, is the early loss of normal ovarian function in women before the average menopausal age of 45. In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Mandy Leonhardt, co-author of POI and Early Menopause. They discuss different causes of primary ovarian insufficiency, health effects of ovarian dysfunction, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and other important topics for women affected by POI.  Dr. Mandy Leonhardt is a UK-based General Practitioner, certified nutritionist (MNU), and menopause specialist. Her focus is on women’s hormonal health, lifestyle medicine, and nutrition. Dr. Leonhardt is the co-author of the book, POI and Early Menopause. Discussed in this episode: What is the difference between POI and early menopause? What causes primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)? Early-onset POI in adolescence vs. developing POI in adulthood Overall health aspects of healthy ovaries Types of POI treatment Stress factors that contribute to loss of period and ovarian dysfunction POI symptoms with and without birth control Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as an option, not a requirement Menopause in women with minimal access to healthcare “Women are not small men. We need to acknowledge that. As doctors, we need to be proactive with our female patients and ask the right questions.” - Dr. Mandy Leonhardt Related to this episode: More episodes about Menopause POI and Early Menopause by Mandy Leonhardt and Hannah Short (book) Dr. Leonhardt’s Website: www.hormoneequilibrium.co.uk Dr. Leonhardt on Instagram If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
October 11, 2022

Taking Care of You: The Women’s Health Book | Dr. Mary O’Connor & Dr. Kanwal Haq

In this episode, Fempower Health introduces the new women’s health book, Taking Care of You: The Empowered Women’s Guide to Better Health. Here, we interview co-authors Mary O’Connor and Kanwal L. Haq about the book. They also discuss important women’s health topics and research today. Taking Care of You is a book for everyday women. It’s a simplified, comprehensive health guide written by women, for women. It explores health conditions that affect women differently than men, and offers practical resources for women of all ages, races, and walks of life. More than 100 female physicians, women’s health experts, and specialists across the country collaborated on this publication so that women everywhere can become more empowered in their own health. Taking Care of You comes out on October 4, 2022. You can buy a copy at most major retail stores. Discussed in this episode: How women can leverage the book, Taking Care of You The current state of women’s healthcare and how it got this way Why have women been excluded from clinical research until recently? Advocating for shared decision-making in women’s medicine The fragmentation of the healthcare system and what to do about it Practical things women in under-served populations can do for their health Coming up with solutions in women’s health communities Google-searching symptoms, health anxiety, and preparing for doctors’ visits Acknowledging self diagnosis and patient fears Improving provider-to-patient communication  “This book includes what we’ve seen and experienced firsthand. When you get angry enough, you want to change things. This book is our way of putting something forward to help empower women and change the trajectory of women’s health.” - Kanwal L. Haq, M.S. Related to this episode: Episode: Women’s Health After Roe v Wade Overturn Mary O’Connor TEDx Talk: Promoting Health - Your Secret Superpower More Resources from Taking Care of You Movement is Life Caucus Instagram: @womenshealthbook Facebook: @womenshealthbook Linked In: Taking Care of You If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
October 4, 2022

Wearable Oral Sex Protection: MyLorals Empowering You to Say Yes | Melanie Cristol

In this episode, we talk with Melanie Cristol about satisfying, safe oral sex for women. Melanie Cristol is a peer sex educator and founder of MyLorals, a sexual wellness brand that makes latex undies for oral sex protection.  MyLorals are the first FDA-cleared underwear item on the market. These wearable, hassle-free alternatives to dental dams allow people of all genders to experience oral pleasure while minimizing the risk of STIs.  Melanie shares her story about creating wearable sexual wellness products, and how latex undies encourage protection, pleasure, and comfort— especially for people with vulvas. She talks about ways to bring up safer oral sex in the bedroom, and what it’s like to advertise a sex product online. Discussed in this episode: The story of how MyLorals was created The many benefits of oral sex for women  All the ways latex underwear can be used for sexual enjoyment and protection  Different types of safe sex products that exist today   The difference between FDA approval vs FDA clearance for sex products Challenges and solutions when advertising sexual wellness products online Ways to introduce Lorals into the bedroom  Benefits of Lorals compared to other oral sex protection tools “I truly believe oral sex can increase people’s moods, their self-esteem, and their happiness. Oral sex is 3x more likely to lead a woman to have an orgasm. To me, that’s an amazing thing.” - Melanie Cristol  Related to this episode: MyLorals.com MyLorals on Instagram: @mylorals Interview with Dr. Rachel Rubin: Women’s Orgasms Q&A Interview with Dr. Cat Meyer: Become Your Own Pleasure Activist Women and Orgasms: Questions, Myths, and Facts More Episodes on Sexual Health and Pleasure If you want to support our women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
September 27, 2022

How the Roe v Wade Overturn Affects Women’s Health | Delphine O’Rourke

On June 24, 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. Since then, there has been much concern about the future of women’s health, reproductive rights, and safety. Fempower Health shares a special bonus episode interviewing health law specialist and women’s healthcare attorney Delphine O'Rourke about the facts. Note: this discussion is not about opinions, but rather about the real implications of this overturn.  In this episode, Delphine O’Rourke addresses some of the widespread fears expressed since the Roe v Wade news. She shares some tips for understanding abortion laws by state, explores women’s health taboo subjects, and suggests what we can all do to empower change moving forward.  Delphine O’Rourke is an attorney specializing in life sciences, healthcare, and investments. She’s a leader of Goodwin's groundbreaking Women's Health and Wellness Industry practice. Her experience and expertise have established her as an advocate, thought leader, and global speaker as well as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School.  Discussed in this episode: How does this supreme court decision affect women’s health? Common fears people have about Roe v Wade being overturned HIPAA and abortion laws regarding personal data privacy  Sensationalized content on social media vs facts  Resources for understanding state abortion laws How voting can impact women’s health policy Ways to research, educate, and advocate women’s health  Disparities in women’s healthcare at large  How to improve women’s health care moving forward  “This is so much more than just abortion. It’s about consumer power. We make financial and medical decisions for ourselves and our families. It’s our time to say we want more [medical] attention and we deserve better.” - Delphine O'Rourke Related to this episode: Goodwin Women’s Health and Wellness The Center for Intimacy Justice  Overview of abortion laws by state Delphine O’Rourke on LinkedIn Delphine at Columbia Law School If you want to support our women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
September 26, 2022

Emerging Femtech for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month | Oriana Papin-Zoghbi

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer today. With the much-needed innovation in ovarian cancer research, it’s crucial women understand the complexity and potential for change in this disease. For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with Oriana Papin-Zoghbi, the CEO and Co-founder of AOA Dx. AOA Dx is a biotech company focused on early-stage ovarian cancer detection, actively spreading awareness and working toward solutions for women’s health issues. In this episode, we discuss current insights into ovarian cancer research and prognosis. Oriana shares some ovarian cancer stories and what AOA Dx is doing to help women catch the disease early. We cover the average ovarian cancer survival rate, some symptoms of ovarian cancer, and ways to advocate for better testing in women’s health. Discussed in this episode: Ovarian cancer statistics  What can women do to catch early signs of ovarian cancer? Difficulties doctors and women face in ovarian cancer diagnosis  Current diagnostic testing processes  The founding story of AOA Dx Why has it been so hard to get a diagnosis for ovarian cancer? Where AOA Dx is headed next Ways to medically advocate for yourself if you feel something’s wrong “The biggest thing I would say to women is: listen to your body. If you know that something is off, advocate for yourself. More medical testing is better— because the consequence of missing this cancer at early stages is far greater than paying for more tests.” - Oriana Papin-Zoghbi Related to this episode: Ovarian Cancer: Why Awareness is Critical and What You Need to Know More episodes on female-related cancer AOA Dx Website Follow AOA Dx on LinkedIn Follow AOA Dx on Instagram If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected] More about Oriana: Oriana Papin-Zoghbi is the CEO and Co-Founder of AOA Dx, a YC-backed biotech company focused on early-stage ovarian cancer detection. She has a proven record in women’s health and driving product launches in new markets, including launching nationwide HPV screening in East Africa and novel diagnostics in maternal-fetal medicine. Oriana has received numerous awards in entrepreneurship for her work in women's health, including the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center MassNextGen Award and The Wave Summit's Emerging Women Founder in Bio Award. She has international experience, having both worked and lived in various geographies and has focused her career on increasing access to care for women globally.   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
September 20, 2022

How to Manage and Reverse PCOS | Dr. Fiona McCulloch

Dr. Fiona McCulloch is a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, Canada who specializes in PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). She is the founder of White Lotus Integrative Medicine and author of the women’s health bestseller, 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS. In this episode, PCOS expert and advocate, Dr. Fiona McCulloch, shares her experience and medical hope for women with PCOS. Dr. McCulloch answers PCOS questions from the Fempower Health audience, and dispels some of the common misinformation that exists on social media. As an eagerly awaited episode, we hope you all enjoy! It’s full of useful information for women with PCOS and their loved ones. Discussed in this episode: Different PCOS symptoms in different women Understanding the medical PCOS diagnosis criteria  Normal irregular periods in teens vs early signs of PCOS Overview of the epigenetics of PCOS PCOS prevention: facts and research PCOS and perimenopause  How thyroid and gut microbiome affect women with PCOS Nutrition myths and facts: is there a “best” diet for PCOS?  Several types of treatment for PCOS and common side effects  Dealing with associated mood disorders, stress, and emotional challenges  Is there a PCOS cure? How to manage PCOS symptoms  “Although it cannot be cured, PCOS symptoms can be managed. A lot of women pull through and find ways to experience little to no symptoms, as long as they find a treatment that works for them.” - Dr. Fiona McCulloch Related to this episode: Reframing PCOS as a Hormone Imbalance, Not a Disease  More episodes with PCOS experts 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS by Dr. Fiona McColloch (book) Dr. Fiona McCulloch’s Website Dr. Fiona McColloch on Instagram PCOS Awareness Association If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify. Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know! Support and connect with our women’s health community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected] More About Dr. Fiona McCulloch Dr. Fiona McCulloch is a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, Canada who specializes in PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). She is the founder of White Lotus Integrative Medicine and author of the women’s health bestseller, 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS. She serves as a medical advisor for the PCOS Awareness Association as well as Open Source Health, a FemTech platform. Her lectures are enjoyed regularly by doctors, clinicians, and medical students at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Fiona McColloch has many writings published in the Naturopathic Doctor News and Review (NDNR). As a woman with PCOS herself, she’s passionate about PCOS and women’s health advocacy.  **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
September 13, 2022

Preview: New Episodes Fall 2022

Final episodes for Season 3 of the Fempower Health Podcast are here! Get ready to learn how to advocate for your body and become the CEO of your health.  Every week, we share discussions with women’s health experts on all things fertility, sexual wellness, menstrual pain, diet & nutrition, mental health, relationships, and so much more. Upcoming special guest interviews will cover topics including: The importance of pleasure and sexual health  How your body is telling you it’s time to make changes Managing and processing strong emotions Period pain & rest in a society that pressures us to stay busy Doctors’ challenges in women’s health today Research and innovation in women’s healthcare Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause Women’s advocacy when experiencing pain or concern PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) Tapping into your personal power  And more— you won’t want to miss it! Special thanks to Oriana Papin-Zoghbi, Dr. Fiona McCulloch, Delphine O'Rourke, Melanie Cristol, Ashley Bernardi, Hinge Health, Cheryl Woodman, Dr. Edison de Mello, Dr. Peta Wright, Apothercare, Melissa Farmer, Dr. Mandy Leonhardt, Dr. Mary O’Connor, Kanwal Haq and all who helped to make these women’s health episodes accessible to all.  Thank you Tosh Taylor for your editing prowess. If you want to support Fempower Health, please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you enjoyed an episode, spread the awareness and share it with someone you know! Connect With Our Women’s Health Community: Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com  Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Email us for inquiries & outreach: [email protected]
September 6, 2022

LISTEN AGAIN: Why Your Ovulation Phase is Critical for Your Health | Dr. Jerilynn Prior & Dr. Lara Briden

Why is it important to know when you are ovulating? In this episode, Dr. Jerilynn Prior and Dr. Lara Briden return to the podcast to discuss why ovulation, rather than the period, is the main event of the menstrual cycle. They share how the ovulation phase is crucial to your overall health (not just fertility), and how to address hormonal imbalance. Listen to this interesting discussion where they reveal important health facts women of all ages need to know.   What you’ll learn: What happens hormonally during ovulation? Why is it so important? What is the meaning of ovulation and anovulation? Can you have anovulation with regular periods? Female hormones (estrogen vs progesterone) and how they impact ovulation How to track ovulation  What are the signs that you are not ovulating? How to know if you are making too much estrogen What is a normal luteal phase? Can you take birth control as a teenager?* “What matters [for women’s health] is releasing an egg and making progesterone— and making it for long enough to counterbalance the effects of estrogen. [Both] are meant to be coordinated. They have fundamentally different actions on different tissues.” - Dr. Jerilynn Prior Related to this episode: Resources to support Menstrual Health** Similar episodes on the Spotify Podcast Playlists: Women’s Health Foundations and Menstrual Health Share the article: Women’s Health and the Ovulation Cycle For Healthcare Providers: Managing Menorrhagia Without Surgery (CeMCOR) Why Is “The Pill” Harmful for Bones in Adolescent Women? (CeMCOR) Follow #RighttoOvulate on Instagram Get Dr. Lara Briden’s Books: Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual If you enjoyed this episode and want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify! Support Fempower Health:  Follow @FempowerHealth on Instagram for the latest updates, tips, and news in women’s health. Tell your friends about the podcast and share this episode!   About Dr. Jerilynn Prior Jerilynn C. Prior BA, MD, FRCPC (former ABIM, ABEM) is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. She has spent her career studying menstrual cycles and the effects of the cycle’s changing estrogen and progesterone hormone levels on women’s health.  She is the founder (2002) and Scientific Director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR). She is also Director of the BC Centre of the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) that is studying osteoporosis, fractures, and bone mineral density and has followed over 9000 adult women and men across the country for over 19 years, plus about 1,000 younger women and men aged 16-24 for two years. About Dr. Lara Briden Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual— practical guides to treating period problems with nutrition, supplements, and bioidentical hormones.  With a strong science background, Lara sits on several advisory boards and is the lead author of a 2020 paper published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. She has more than 20 years’ experience in women’s health and currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems. *The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**
August 30, 2022

An Innovation for Predicting Pregnancy Complications | Dr. Michal Elovitz

Dr. Michal Elovitz is a physician-scientist with a demonstrated history of research success from the bench to the bedside. She is a successful mentor promoting physician-scientists in women's health research. She also founded and directed the Womxn's Health Collaborative. Strong professional skills in Perinatal Medicine, Molecular Biology, Reproductive Immunology Microbiome, Pregnancy, Healthcare, Biomarkers, Discovery Research, Clinical Research, and Translational Research.  Despite the U.S. having the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, health risks in pregnancy health have remained understudied, underfunded, and underserved. Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth and gestational diabetes impact 1 in 5 women, and with no accurate way to predict them before symptoms appear, both moms and babies are often in crisis mode when diagnosed in their third trimester. Dr. Elovitz explains one of those complications, preeclampsia, and explores how better screening can help. “There has to be silos broken down. If we want to advance women’s health, we need to be partnering. We need to work together if we actually care about changing women’s health.”  Dr Michal Elovitz If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Dr. Michal E. Elovitz Michal A. Elovitz, MD is a tenured physician-scientist and the Hilarie L. Morgan and Mitchell L. Morgan President’s Distinguished Professor in Women’s Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Elovitz brings the clinical and research world together to advance reproductive, pregnancy and women’s health. She has been actively involved in fundamental and translational research for over 20 years. Her research is or has been funded by the March of Dimes, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institute for Nursing Research, the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Elovitz believes strongly in mentoring and sponsoring the next generation of physician-scientists in women’s health. She believes that the future of Women’s Health lies in supporting and integrating physicians and scientists from OBGYN as well as other disciplines. As such, Dr. Elovitz currently mentors students, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows and faculty across fields and disciplines. She created the Women for Women (W4W) peer mentoring group for women physicians and scientists to promote retention and productivity. As part of her advocacy, she is one of the co-founders and the current Director of the Womxn's Health Collaborative which serves to foster and grow diversity and gender and racial equity in women's health.
August 23, 2022

LISTEN AGAIN: Preventing the Most Preventable Cancer

Dr Miriam Cremer is founder of Basic Health International, which exists to eliminate cervical cancer on a global level through cutting edge research for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in low resource settings. Dr. Cremer, founded Basic Health after seeing first hand the devastating impact of this devastating yet preventable cancer can have on women. In this episode, Dr. Cremer covers: How our understanding of HPV and cervical cancer is changing guidelines for pap smears What is the main cause of cervical cancer? What are the warning signs for cervical cancer? Is cervical cancer preventable? Is cervical cancer curable? How effective is HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer? Why women of color and immigrants are most impacted by cervical cancer The future of HPV testing and how it can transform the transgender population "It's very rare to find a cancer where you have a precursor, you have a vaccine for it, and you have a place you can reach. An organ you can get at and treat right away. We have all these tools. Why is it that women are dying of cervical cancer?" - Dr Miriam Cremer If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! As mentioned on the podcast: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) HPV screening tests coming soon: cobas and Onclarity Research for transgender men  WHO this year has called for elimination of cervical cancer And be sure to..... Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Check out these Fempower Health Podcast Playlists for your favorite topics. Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  May contain affiliate links
August 16, 2022

LISTEN AGAIN: Achieving Optimal Wellness through Nutrition

Kim Ross is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Dietitian Nutritionist (NY), Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (FL) and Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. In this interview, she highlights numerous ways in which women can improve their health naturally. Listen in to learn about: What nutrients do hormones need? How can a nutritionist help with hormone imbalance? Nutrition vs Dieting: What is the Difference? How to make incremental shifts in your eating and lifestyle to decrease toxins and increase health What are the symptoms of malnutrition? “To simplify it, women have a natural rhythm. We function on a moon cycle (a menstrual cycle) in addition to our circadian rhythm, which repeats approximately every 24 hours. When we sleep, eat and move our bodies actually does matter. We have a lot of ups and downs with our hormones throughout the month. What you eat changes that affect. What time you eat and how you eat changes that. If you eat in a good mood or bad mood, that affects things. Our organs detoxify at different times. Our cortisol hormones, in addition to other hormones, increase and decrease at certain times. Our body temperature increases and decreases at certain times. We need to listen to the female intuition as to how our bodies are functioning. I think that people could listen better to what their body needs. If you’re craving something like sugar, maybe you need vitamin C or water. Listening to what you’re craving tells you what nutrients your body might need. Also, respecting and paying attention to the hormonal cycle, which affects the decisions we make every day.” - Kim Ross Check out the Nutrition and Exercise Spotify Playlist and curated resources in the Fempower Health store. Need a community? Come learn and grow with us. Follow on Instagram and Facebook! **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. NOTE: Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased. The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only. Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
August 9, 2022

LISTEN AGAIN: Your Breastfeeding Questions Answered | Jada Shapiro

Jada Shapiro founded Boober “Boober is a platform where expectant parents and new families can find all of their pregnancy to postpartum care providers like birth, doulas, postpartum doulas, lactation consultants, and now mental health therapists who specialize in pregnancy to postpartum.”  - Jada Shapiro Jada and Georgie talk through all of the topics around breastfeeding, including: How women need better information about breastfeeding Mental health issues for women in this season of life What lactation consultants do The options around breastfeeding Reasons women may not produce enough breast milk When babies need chiropractic care Boober provides information and resources for women who are struggling with or want to learn more about lactation. In New York City, women can use this platform to get same-day lactation consultants. “There's a real personal struggle or sense of defeat if they can't fully feed their baby at the breast, so for the lactation consultant to be able to give permission to say, “If you need to use formula, donor breast milk or pump that is okay.” Let's get the baby fed so that we can work on the steps For some people, babies just latch right on, and it's really easy. On Instagram we're seeing a lot more now of the hard stuff. We're starting to see that more. I think that people are getting more confident or comfortable sharing that this was really hard.” - Jada Shapiro Join a community of women who are seeking answers for health issues and female-specific health challenges: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram Listen to our podcast Check out the Pregnancy/Motherhood Spotify Playlist: Check out curated resources for Pregnancy/Motherhood **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. NOTE: Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased. The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only. Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
August 2, 2022

Mid Season Goofs

Taking a summer break to get spend quality time with my son and to get ready for Fall episodes. Enjoy 3 minutes of goofs and silliness on the Fempower Health Podcast. A special thanks to the goat and tampon tiara. A big thank you to my guests, listeners, and the Health Podcast Network. The podcast grew so much this year, and it is all because of you. Enjoy the rest of the summer! During the summer, I will play some great episodes aired in the past.
July 26, 2022

Endometriosis: Rethinking Surgery for Diagnosis | Dr, Mike Armour

Dr Mike Armour is heavily involved in research and treatment of endometriosis, and he was the invited complementary medicine expert on the endometriosis expert working group (EEWG) for the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Recently, he and his colleagues, Cecilia Ng and Mathew Leonardi, published an article You No Longer Need Surgery to be Diagnosed with Endometriosis: Here’s What’s Changed which created quite a stir on social media. Our “meet and greet” call was powerful and luckily recorded, so we decided to publish it as an episode! We discuss the following about endometriosis: Concerns about the disconnect between surgeons, patients and researchers.   How social media impacts our ability to discern fact from fiction Whether endometriosis is a progressive disease The holy grail for endometriosis diagnosis and why it shouldn’t be laparoscopic surgery  Whether laparoscopic surgery at an early age makes a difference is symptoms and recurrence as we age How one should prepare for doctor appointments and why this is key to optimal diagnosis and treatment “We don’t know most things about endometriosis. We don’t even have evidence that it is a progressive disease.” - Dr. Mike Armour Resources: Lessons from Implementing the Australian National Action Plan for Endometriosis Fempower Health Podcast Playlist on Endometriosis Fempower Health curated resources for endometriosis Fempower Health webpage on endometriosis If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Dr. Mike Armour Dr Mike Armour completed his honours degree in biomedicine at the University of Auckland before going on to study traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and then completed his PhD in dysmenorrhea (period pain) in 2016 at Western Sydney University. Mike is a senior research fellow in reproductive health at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University where he is currently running several clinical trials on endometriosis and menstrual health.  Mike has published over 67 peer reviewed articles on various aspects of women’s health including menstrual health literacy, diagnostics, period pain, endometriosis and medicinal cannabis. Mike is also an author on several textbook chapters including a forthcoming chapter on the use of medicinal cannabis to treat endometriosis. Mike is heavily involved in research and treatment of endometriosis, and he was the invited complementary medicine expert on the endometriosis expert working group (EEWG) for the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Mike is also a World Endometriosis Society Ambassador, Chair of Endometriosis Australia’s clinical advisory committee, Chair of Endometriosis Australia’s research committee, Academic lead of the Menstrual Cycle Research Network (MCRN) at Western Sydney University and Chair of the Australasian Interdisciplinary Researchers in Endometriosis (AIRE).
July 19, 2022

How to Become Your Own Pleasure Activist | Dr. Cat Meyer

Dr. Cat Meyer, PsyD, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in sex, trauma, and ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP), author, yoga teacher, and international speaker dedicated to evolving the relationship we have surrounding sexuality and our bodies. She is the host of podcasts Eat Play Sex and Erotically Wasted and the founder of SexLoveYoga.com, an online platform for education and programs on relationships, sexuality, and embodiment.  We discuss the following about how you can define and experience your greatest pleasure. How our core belief systems impact our sexuality and comfort with who we are The importance of self inquiry and discernment to more consciously consent How to access your pleasure, including recommended tools to support this experience Defining whether pleasure equals orgasm How to develop a relationship to your body and the impact of not doing so The importance of being able to receive pleasure How to communicate your needs, wants, and desires “We are still responsible for our pleasure. We are also responsible for our vulnerability and our ability to receive - receive touch or compliments or love, even. By the nature of entering into relationships, there will be moments we won’t feel safe. And that is vulnerability.” - Dr. Cat Meyer Follow Dr Cat Meyer on Instagram Resources: Dr Cat Meyer’s Book Sex, Love, Yoga Eat.Play.Sex and Erotically Wasted Podcasts Un.done women’s sensual yoga experience Netflix Series The Principles of Pleasure Fempower Health Podcast Playlist on Sex Ed If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** Dr. Cat Meyer Dr. Cat Meyer, PsyD, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in sex, trauma, and ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP), author, yoga teacher, and international speaker dedicated to evolving the relationship we have surrounding sexuality and our bodies. Dr Cat is the founder of SexLoveYoga.com, an online platform integrating various schools of thought including science, tantra, yoga, psychedelic therapy, and psychology designed to help people create a deeply fulfilling, prosperous relational and sexual life. As an expert and published researcher on the topic of sexual health, Dr. Cat sees clients in her private practice office in Beverly Hills and leads workshops, lectures, and retreats internationally. Dr. Cat is the host of the podcasts Eat.Play.Sex and Erotically Wasted, co-founder of Un.done women’s sensual yoga experience.
July 12, 2022

Uterine Fibroids and the Need for Better Standard of Care | Dr Juan Carlos Arjona Ferreira & Dr Kalahn Taylor-Clark

Dr. Juan Camilo Arjona Ferreira & Dr. Kalahn Taylor-Clark of Myovant Sciences discuss the current standard of care for uterine fibroids. According to the Baird et al paper, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, by age 50, 80% of black women and 70% of white women will have uterine fibroids. While not every woman will be symptomatic, those who are will commonly experience heavy menstrual bleeding, which is often normalized and may result in delayed diagnosis.  **Thank you to Myovant Sciences for sponsoring this episode.** This podcast episode is intended to raise awareness and instill a sense of urgency, challenging the status quo in uterine healthcare, serving as a reminder that women can and need to advocate for themselves and their family members. We cover the following: Heavy menstrual bleeding & when it may be a sign of uterine fibroids Uterine fibroids symptoms & prevalence How uterine fibroids are diagnosed & how our healthcare systems’ implicit bias might play a role in delayed diagnosis Uterine fibroid treatment options & how to know which is right for you Impact of uterine fibroids on women of color, specifically Ways to minimize uterine fibroids’ impact on those suffering, their loved ones, and overall society “Patients with fibroids already live with a significant burden to manage their symptoms. The added financial impact increases the mental effects uterine fibroids can have on a patient. There are consequences over time on their health, self esteem, and careers. It’s a substantial impact.” - Dr. Juan Camilo Arjona Ferreira “The normalization of women's heavy periods and pain have left many people without the tools to understand when their periods are abnormal. When to seek treatment and how to get a diagnosis can be confusing, and frankly difficult to navigate” - Dr. Kalahn Taylor-Clark Resources: Menstrual Health Spotify Podcast Playlist Uterine Fibroids with Dr. Jessica Opoku-Anane Episode The White Dress Project & The Fibroid Foundation Uterine Fibroids Toolkit: A Patient Empowered Guide by the Society for Women's Health Research If you liked this episode leave a review:  iTunes or Spotify.  Tell 2-3 of your friends!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by this episode’s guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent, nor does it constitute an endorsement by Myovant Sciences of this episode. About Dr. Juan Camilo Arjona Ferreira He is the Chief Medical Officer at Myovant Sciences, a healthcare company aspiring to redefine care for women and men through purpose-driven science, empowering medicines, and transformative advocacy. He leads clinical development, including Myovant’s clinical programs in prostate cancer, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. Prior to Myovant, he was the SVP of Clinical Development at Shionogi and spent over a decade at Merck & Co. where he was Executive Director of Clinical Research in Women’s Health. Dr. Arjona Ferreira earned his MD and completed his postgraduate specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Colegio Mayor del Rosario in Bogota, Colombia. About Dr. Kalahn Taylor-Clark, PhD, MPH She is Vice President & Head of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation at Myovant Sciences. Dr. Taylor-Clark oversees patient centered advocacy and digital innovation. Her team is responsible for driving transformative advocacy in the areas of women’s health and prostate cancer, addressing health equity, and advancing digital innovation strategies to improve patient experiences and outcomes. She holds a BA in International Relations from Tufts University, an MPH from Tufts School of Medicine, and a PhD in Health Policy from Harvard University.
July 5, 2022

Heart Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know | Dr. Nanette Wenger

According to Go Red for Women, cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.  That is why we are discussing heart health. Dr. Nanntte Wenger has been at the forefront of advancing patient care for the last 60-plus years. She was among the first physicians to focus on coronary heart disease in women, and to evaluate the different risk factors, symptoms and conditions for women compared to men.  She speaks about the following: We need information specific to women to treat women  What are the risks for and symptoms of heart problems in women? How do heart attacks manifest differently from men vs. women? How does a woman know if she has heart problems? How can a woman keep a healthy heart? What is the current state of healthcare professional awareness of how heart attacks manifest in men vs. women? How to advocate for yourself, especially if you feel as though you aren’t being heard? “It is important to realize this is not a disease of old ladies.  This is a disease of young women.  It is a disease that can be ameliorated and prevented.” - Dr Nanette Wenger Resources: American Heart Association’s Presidential Advisory Chest Pain Guidelines American Heart Association and Go Red for Women   If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** More about Dr. Nanette Wenger  Dr. Nanette Wenger was a co-author of the American Heart Association’s 2007 Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women, and she continues to promote and conduct gender-specific cardiology research. Her work includes the connection between pregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease and the possibility that certain breast cancer treatments are linked to heart failure. Dr. Wenger earned a Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College, summa cum laude. She was one of the first women to earn her doctorate in medicine at Harvard Medical School, and in 1956, she was the first woman to be named chief resident in cardiology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.  Together with colleagues at Grady, she led the development of a 21-day cardiac rehabilitation program for patients after myocardial infarction (heart attack), which became a model for programs across the country. Dr. Wenger is actively practicing at Emory University School of Medicine and is a professor emeritus and serves as the director of the Cardiac Clinics and the ECG Laboratory at Grady Memorial Hospital. Dr. Wenger has received numerous awards for her notable achievements throughout her career. Just last month, she was featured in The Hill newspaper’s special tribute, “The Century of the Woman: 100 Women Who Have Helped Shape America.”  She also chaired the World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Rehabilitation after Cardiovascular Disease and co-chaired the Guideline Panel on Cardiac Rehabilitation for the U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Dr. Wenger has had a longstanding interest in geriatric cardiology, is a past president of the Society of Geriatric Cardiology and was editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Geriatric Cardiology for more than 15 years.
June 28, 2022

Perimenopause: Common Symptoms & How to Treat Them | Dr. Alyssa Dweck

Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a practicing gynecologist and the Chief Medical Officer of Bonafide, speaks with Fempower Health on the following about common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause: What are the stages of perimenopause and menopause? How to know if you are in perimenopause or have another underlying condition? Which are the common symptoms of perimenopause? What are the treatments for common symptoms? Is it normal to bleed when you are in menopause? How to find a menopause expert? “Not all OB GYNs want to or are trained to or at the stages of their careers where they are seeing so many menopausal patients.  My field has split into obstetrics and gynecology and surgery and sexual health and menopause experts are almost sub-specialists.” - Dr Alyssa Dweck Resources: Perimenopause & Menopause Playlist on Spotify Curated resources Find the right doctor   If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** More about Dr. Alyssa Dweck Dr. Alyssa Dweck is a practicing gynecologist and the Chief Medical Officer of Bonafide. She is an Ob/Gyn for over 25 years with a special interest in menopausal health and training in female sexual health.  Dr. Dweck is the co-author of three books - including The Complete A to Z for V - and has appeared on The Today Show and Good Day LA.  She contributes regularly to multiple prints and online media outlets.  She has been voted “Top Doctor” in New York Magazine and Westchester Magazine. When she’s not helping women improve their health, Dr. Dweck enjoys time with her husband, two sons, and “girly” English Bulldog.  She is an avid runner and sports car enthusiast.
June 21, 2022

Pelvic Floor Surgery: Prevent, Prepare, and Optimize Success | Kim Vopni

Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in our bodies, and we may not realize how important until we have incontinence, pain, and/or prolapse. A common concern is the root cause of a dysfunction might not be properly addressed causing issues down the line such as the need for surgery or repeat surgery. Kim Vopni, author of Your Pelvic Floor, is a self professed pelvic health evangelist and is known as The Vagina Coach.She is a certified fitness professional who wants to end the suffering associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Kim speaks with Fempower Health on the following about pelvic floor health and surgery: Which are the 3 types of pelvic floor dysfunctions? What are the signs of a weak pelvic floor and how do you fix pelvic floor dysfunction? What are pelvic floor dysfunction treatment options and which pelvic floor dysfunctions might require surgery? How do you optimize pelvic floor surgery recovery time and outcomes? How successful is pelvic prolapse surgery, and what can you do post surgery to optimize results? How do you find the right pelvic floor surgeon? Which questions should you ask the pelvic floor surgeon? What if you can’t afford a pelvic floor specialist or surgeon? “I do see a lot of people after the fact who say “I had surgery for this and then I still have this problem or the problem came back” or “I have another problem and then I had another surgery.” People will chase the problem with surgery or pharmaceuticals and aren’t getting to a root cause.” - Kim Vopni Follow Kim Vopni on Instagram Resources: Buff Muff App Free Pelvic Surgery Webinar Spotify Playlist for other Pelvic Health related episodes Kim’s Book Your Pelvic Floor Study on lower back pain and association with pelvic floor issues Below the Belt film   If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** More about Kim Vopni Kim Vopni is a self professed pelvic health evangelist and is known as The Vagina Coach. She is a certified fitness professional who wants to end the suffering associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. She is a published author, a passionate speaker and women’s health educator. Kim is the founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc - a company offering pelvic health programs products and coaching for women in pregnancy, motherhood and menopause. She also co-founded, grew, and sold a company called Bellies Inc where she created the Ab System – a revolutionary birth prep and recovery system for pregnant women. Her annual event Kegels & Cocktails™ has helped hundreds gain knowledge about pelvic health and her Buff Muff app is ensuring everyone knows how to do kegels and actually does them! Kim also certifies other fitness and movement professionals to work with women with core and pelvic floor challenges through her Core Confidence Specialist Certification. You can find her on-line at www.vaginacoach.com and on social media @vaginacoach
June 14, 2022

Bone Health: Why It's Not Just your Grandmother's Concern | Dr. Jerilynn Prior

According to the CDC, overall, the age-adjusted prevalence of osteoporosis among adults aged 50 and over increased from 9.4% in 2007–2008 to 12.6% in 2017–2018 (See this Figure). Osteoporosis prevalence among women increased from 14.0% in 2007–2008 to 19.6% in 2017–2018. And according to this episode’s guest, Dr. Jerilynn Prior, osteoporosis is not something only older women should concern themselves with. It begins in adolescence. Dr. Jerilynn Prior, of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR), is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, with 40 years experience in women’s health.   We discuss the following about bone health. What are the foundations for good bone health? What causes poor bone health and why is bone health important? What are the best vitamins & supplements for bone health?  Which forms and doses of them do you need? How are the types of foods you eat connected to bone health? What causes bones to decrease during adolescence and what can you do to strengthen bones  in adolescence? Can you reverse bone loss?  And is osteoporosis hereditary? Your questions about collagen and medications answered! “It is still not in the textbooks that progesterone increased bone formation.  20% the change in bone over one year was related to the length of the luteal phase.  Dietary intake was only 3%.”  - Dr. Jerilynn Prior Follow CeMCOR on Instagram Resources: CeMCOR Newsletter Signup Progesterone as a Bone-trophic hormone ABCs of Osteoporosis Prevention for Women in Midlife Why do I have Osteoporosis?  I’m Way too Young! Other Episodes with Dr Prior Progesterone vs. Estrogen Why Ovulation is Critical for Women’s Overall Health (dual guests - Dr. Jerilynn Prior and Dr. Lara Briden) Reframing PCOS as a Hormone Imbalance, Not a Disease   If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** More about Dr. Jerilynn Prior Jerilynn C. Prior BA, MD, FRCPC investigates women’s menstrual cycles, population variability of ovulation and physiological associations of ovulatory disturbances within regular cycles with osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer and endometrial cancer risks. She also studies the hormonal and experience changes in perimenopause and treatment of perimenopausal and menopausal hot flushes with progesterone.  She is the 2019 recipient of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Aubrey J. Tingle Prize awarded to a “BC clinician scientist whose work in health research is internationally recognized”. She is Scientific Director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR, since 2002) with its website (www.cemcor.ca) providing practical evidence-based information through a mean of 3,000 page-views/day.  She has led the British Columbia Centre of the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) since 1994. In addition to authoring over 200 peer-reviewed papers (H Index 65), Dr. Prior is the author of the award-winning book, Estrogen’s Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause (2005, 2nd ed. 2018), a novel written to inform/empower women with perimenopause information.
June 7, 2022

Which Birth Control Option is Right for You? | Dallas Barnes & Thara Vayali

Birth control is a $65 billion industry.  However, according to Reya Health, which is helping people find the right birth control for them,  75% of people who use birth control have some sort of side effect and1/3 take 5 methods and 2 years to find the right solution.   Dallas Barnes, Founder and CEO of Reya Health and Thara Vayali, a Naturopathic Doctor and Medical Advisory, speak about the following to address this challenge. Why is it important for patients to be informed about the different types of birth control available? Why is it important to learn which birth control is right for you? What are common birth control side effects?  How do you determine which birth control option to take?  How do you know when it might be time to switch your birth control? “It does not have to be behind the gate of the physician that says, “We did not want to tell you that you weren’t actually getting a period.”  We can tell people.  They can handle it.  Then they can make the decisions they want to make.” - Thara Vayali “In my personal opinion, birth control should not make someone uncomfortable.  There is an adjustment period.  You want to be prepared for it.  If you are experiencing something you are uncomfortable with, let’s have a conversation.  What are you going to do about it?” - Dallas Barnes Follow Reya Health on Instagram Resources: The Business of Birth Control movie   If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Reya Health: A company founded by a  birth control user for other birth control users. After experiencing years of grueling trial and error trying to find a suitable contraceptive, Reya's founder and CEO set out to change the way we approach our search. Too often, birth control is seen as a "one-size-fits-all." Of course, we are not all one size. Here at Reya, we put the individual user at the center and create a personalized experience to guide them through their birth control journey. We want everyone using contraceptives (hormonal and non-hormonal) to have personalized and reliable information to make informed decisions for their unique situation.   Dallas Barnes (Founder & CEO): Dallas is a graduate from Sauder School of Business at UBC. Before Reya, Dallas mentored and coached small businesses, working closely with Indigenous entrepreneurs and helping them form strong business plans and growth strategies. Her negative experience navigating birth control and the notorious trial and error process inspired her to create the solution that she wished she had.   Thara Vayali (Medical Advisor): Thara is a Naturopathic Doctor with over a decade of experience in women’s reproductive health, contraceptive counseling and female hormonal management. Thara ran a holistic health clinic for 10 years and now oversees technology solutions in clinical contexts. She speaks internationally for health literacy initiatives.
May 31, 2022

Black Motherhood Through the Lens | Adeiyewunmi (Ade) Osinubi

Adeiyewunmi (Ade) Osinubi is a documentary filmmaker, photographer, and a fourth year medical student in Providence, Rhode Island. Her work focuses on sharing the stories of minority populations that often go untold. Her latest is Black Motherhood Through the Lens (check out the trailer), where she explores the lives of 4 black women and their experience through various faces of pregnancy (pre, during and post). In this episode, Ade sharest the following topics through the stories of black mothers: Infertility Post Partum Breastfeeding Mortality “Some people don’t feel comfortable opening up about postpartum because they are worried their child will be taken from them, which has historically happened to black families .”  - Ade Osinubi Follow Ade on Twitter and Instagram Resources: Website: www.blackmotherhoodfilm.com Trailer: https://vimeo.com/486605249 Forbes Feature: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanychambers/2022/02/21/one-medical-student-and-filmmakers-journey-producing-a-film-addressing-black-maternal-health-disparities/ Washington Post Piece: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/02/26/black-mothers-postpartum/ Glamour Magazine Piece: https://www.glamour.com/story/where-are-all-the-black-women-at-the-fertility-clinic If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Ade Osinubi Adeiyewunmi (Ade) Osinubi is a documentary filmmaker, photographer, and a fourth year medical student in Providence, Rhode Island. Her work focuses on sharing the stories of minority populations that often go untold. At the age of 16, Ade traveled to Mekelle, Ethiopia to co-produce her first documentary.  Since then, Ade has produced films educating the public about various health topics in an accessible way. She has written for the Washington Post and Glamour Magazine on topics related to health equity. Her work on the film was also recently recognized in Forbes amongst other places. In the future, Ade hopes to pursue a career in health journalism, using her passion for photography and film to elevate the voices of communities of color.
May 24, 2022

Menstrual Health Equity: Why it Matters to Us All

Guests Michela Bedard of PERIOD. and Claire Coder of Aunt Flow discuss important menstrual health issues.  With 50% of the population menstruating, it is shocking to see the degree of inequities that still exist.  This podcast episode is intended to raise awareness and instill a sense of urgency about menstrual health equity and why having a shared language around “normal” periods is critical. We cover the following menstrual health issues: Why menstrual health equity is important and why inequity still remains How menstrual health equity differs across race, gender, and socioeconomic statuses The negative societal impact of menstrual health inequity and how equity can positively impact us all The role each of us can play to advance the menstrual health equity movement “In the United States, eight states have passed legislation requiring middle schools and high schools, sometimes elementary schools, to offer free period products in the bathroom, not the nurse's office in the bathroom. And why that matters is if you think about what happens in the bathroom versus the nurse's office. Bathrooms are for natural bodily functions. You go to the nurse's office when you're sick.” - Claire Coder, Aunt Flow “Policy follows culture. We're starting to see culture change.  We're starting to see social media deal with menstruation and starting to see more femtech companies pop up. We're seeing Claire's Aunt Flow company be successful.  We're seeing hundreds of PERIOD. chapters being formed every year. But the policy implications haven't really caught up yet. They're just starting to.”  - Michela Bedard, PERIOD. Resources: Spotify Podcast Playlist on Women’s Health Foundations and Menstrual Health Learn about Menstrual Hygiene Day If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Michela Bedard Michela Bedard, Executive Director of PERIOD., is committed to building a better future. She believes that every person deserves dignity and the chance to be seen for their full humanity.    Michela brings nearly two decades of experience in program management, fundraising and advocacy within non-profit, corporate, political and civic organizations. From big-picture creativity to day-to-day operations, Michela produces strategic partnerships and develops robust networks to strengthen organizations and movements seeking to tackle systemic inequality.    In addition to her work with PERIOD., Michela currently serves as Chair of the Board of Rahab’s Sisters, a Portland non-profit serving marginalized women or those whose gender makes them vulnerable. She also serves on the Governing Board of the Episcopal Bishop of Oregon Foundation, the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety, and on committees within Portland Public Schools.   Michela holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California.  About Claire Coder Claire Coder (Forbes 30under30) is the founder and CEO of Aunt Flow. On a mission to make the world better for people with periods, Aunt Flow stocks organizations with tampons and pads. Coder launched her first company at age 16, designed a bag for Vera Bradley that sold out in 24 hours, and has her own line of GIFs. The 24-year-old Thiel Fellow has been featured in TeenVogue, Forbes, and starred in TLC’s Girl Starter Season 1. When she is not jamming out to Macklemore, she is teaching Zumba classes.
May 23, 2022

Exploring the Relationship between Love and Death | Dr. Jordana Jacobs

Dr. Jordana Jacobs, a clinical psychologist based out of New York City. In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Jacobs gives presentations and leads retreats aimed towards helping people accept inevitable mortality so that they are able to live and love more fully.  In this episode, Dr Jacobs speaks about the following: Why we struggle to live our lives to the fullest Correlation between the fear of death and living fully Importance of courage and what that means “We can become quite complacent in our deep and meaningful connections.  We want to believe the people most important to us will be here forever because we are terrified of losing them.”  - Dr. Jodana Jacobs Follow Dr Jordana Jacobs on Instagram and check out her website. Resources: Recommended reading on mental health If the Buddha Dated Four Thousand Weeks Breakup Bootcamp How to Change your Mind After the Ecstasy, the Laundry If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Dr. Jordana Jacobs Dr. Jordana Jacobs is a clinical psychologist in private practice in New York City. Her approach is integrative, combining psychodynamic and existential therapy into her treatment of patients. Dr. Jacobs’ training at Memorial Sloan Kettering working with terminally ill cancer patients, her studies in Northern India, and her Vipassana meditation practice inspired her research on the relationship between death awareness and love. Her dissertation, entitled “Till Death do us Part: The Effect of Mortality Salience on Satisfaction in Long-term Romantic Relationships” specifically explored the ways in which priming for death has the potential to increase intimacy in partnerships.
May 17, 2022

Do At-home Pelvic Floor Exercisers Really Work? | Dr. Allyson Shirkhande

The pelvic floor plays an important role supporting the bowel and bladder (as well as the uterus and vagina in females). Hormone changes due to pregnancy and peri/menopause and other factors can impact their function. Several at-home devices are now on the market to support the pelvic floor, but do they help you? And if so, which is right for you? Enter Dr. Allyson Shrikhande. Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, is the Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. She is also the Chair of the Medical Education Committee for the International Pelvic Pain Society. A leading expert on pelvic health and a respected researcher, author and lecturer, Dr. Shrikhande is a recognized authority on male and female pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment.  We discuss the following: Do electronic pelvic floor devices work? What are the limitations of at-home pelvic floor devices? How to afford these devices How to know if your device is helping or hurting How Pelvic Rehabilitation Center is trying to increase access to care What does FDA approval for classified medical devices mean? We cover the following pelvic floor-related devices, tools, and exercises. Elvie Perifit K-fit Flyte Innovo Elitone Thigh master-like devices Jade eggs Kegel weights  Exercises like yoga, pilates, hypopressives “Listen to your body. If your symptoms are getting better, you are on the right path. Before using these devices, get an evaluation, if you can, by a pelvic floor specialist.” - Dr. Allyson Shrikhande Follow Pelvic Rehabilitation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Resources: Dustienne Miller Yoga Adriene’s Yoga Pelvic Floor Podcast Playlist Pelvic Floor Resources Yoga for Incontinence Yoga for Postpartum If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Dr. Allyson Shrikhande Dr. Shrikhande, a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, is the Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. She is also the Chair of the Medical Education Committee for the International Pelvic Pain Society. Dr. Shrikhande is passionate about this cause and dedicated to helping men and women with pelvic pain who often suffer without anyone willing to listen, understand or find the cause of their pain. That’s why she has traveled the world to work with expert gynecologists, urologists, physiatrists and interventional pain physicians. With an extensive background in mainstream clinical medicine, she also makes use of many alternatives, holistic and homeopathic approaches. She has published peer-reviewed articles on the treatment of muscle pain in academic journals and works closely with renowned pelvic pain gynecologists and urologists. Taking a team approach, she works with specialists in pelvic floor physical therapy, kinetics and movement, as well as acupuncturists, nutritionists, cognitive behavioral therapists and functional medicine physicians. Dr. Allyson Shrikhande currently teaches fall and spring remote courses at the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.
May 10, 2022

IBS: Navigating Diagnosis, Treatment, and the Difficult Healthcare System | Dr. Peter Whorwell

Dr. Peter Whorwell, author of Take Control of your IBS, directs the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service and has had a particular interest in the functional gastrointestinal disorders. His unit undertakes research into the clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as caring for large numbers of these patients from all over the UK.  In honor of April’s IBS Awareness Month, dive into IBS and complications around diagnosis and treatment. Given Dr. Whorwell’s book provides a lot of the foundations and is a quick read, we dove into some of the topics he did not go deep into in the book.  We do cover some foundations. You will learn this… Challenges with modern medicine impacting IBS diagnosis and how tests don’t solve everything Typical IBS symptoms and how IBS symptoms are unique from other possible conditions Research conducted about endometriosis vs IBS Another perspective on endo belly Caution around understanding symptoms, especially around your period versus throughout menstrual cycle so you are not treated for the wrong thing Why HRT can play a critical role for IBS patients in perimenopause and post menopause Bloating vs distension Gut microbiome and IBS relationship Whether comprehensive stool analysis is worth it IBS and the impact of fiber Whether laxatives damage the bowel “I can’t cure you, but I can make life better for you.  IBS won’t be cured, at least not in my lifetime”  - Dr. Peter Whorwell Resources: Take Control of your IBS book Other IBS resources Gut Health Podcast Episode If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Dr. Peter Whorwell Professor Whorwell graduated in biochemistry at the University of London and in medicine at Guy’s Hospital, London. After a series of residencies and fellowships, one of which was in the USA, he was appointed as Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist at the University Hospital of South Manchester in 1981 and was subsequently promoted to Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology. Over the years he has had a particular interest in the functional gastrointestinal disorders and now directs the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service. This unit undertakes research into the clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as caring for large numbers of these patients from all over the UK. It also undertakes a wide-ranging programme of research into new treatment options for these conditions including pharmacological, dietary and behavioral approaches. Professor Whorwell has published over 350 papers and chapters in his fields of interest and serves on a number of international advisory panels and working parties.
May 3, 2022

Why Ovulation is Critical for Women's Overall Health | Dr. Jerilynn Prior & Dr. Lara Briden

Dr. Jerilynn Prior and Dr. Lara Briden are back on the podcast. In this episode, they discuss why ovulation, rather than our period, is the main event of the menstrual cycle. It is an important and interesting discussion shedding light on important concepts that impact women of all ages.   We cover the following: What happens during ovulation and why is it so important? What is the meaning of ovulation and anovulation? The importance of estrogen and progesterone and how they impact ovulation How ovulation tracking works Is it possible to have regular cycles and not ovulate? What are the signs that you are not ovulating? How to know if you are making too much estrogen What is a normal luteal phase? Can you take birth control as a teenager? “What matters is releasing an egg, making progesterone, and making it for long enough to counterbalance the effects of estrogen. They are meant to be coordinated. They have fundamentally different actions on different tissues.” - Dr. Jerilynn Prior Resources: Curated resources to support Menstrual Health Spotify Podcast Playlist on Women’s Health Foundations and Menstrual Health Blog Posts from CeMCOR: For Healthcare Providers: Managing Menorrhagia Without Surgery Why Is “The Pill” Harmful for Bones in Adolescent Women? Follow #RighttoOvulate Dr. Lara Briden’s Books: Period Repair Manual  Hormone Repair Manual If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Dr. Jerilynn Prior Jerilynn C. Prior BA, MD, FRCPC (former ABIM, ABEM) is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. She has spent her career studying menstrual cycles and the effects of the cycle’s changing estrogen and progesterone hormone levels on women’s health. She is the founder (2002) and Scientific Director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR). She is also Director of the BC Centre of the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) that is studying osteoporosis, fractures and bone mineral density and has followed over 9000 adult women and men across the country for over 19 years, plus about a 1000 younger women and men aged 16-24 for two years. About Dr. Lara Briden Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual— practical guides to treating period problems with nutrition, supplements, and bioidentical hormones.  With a strong science background, Lara sits on several advisory boards and is the lead author of a 2020 paper published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.  She has more than 20 years’ experience in women’s health and currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems.
April 26, 2022

Genetic Testing Before and During Pregnancy | Jennifer Saucier

Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) provides insight into the risk of a fetal genetic abnormality, and can help inform pregnancy management before and after birth. However, the value of genetic screening is dependent on whether results are interpreted correctly, appropriate medical follow-up, and access to relevant resources.  Genetic counselors help to ensure that NIPT is translated into better prenatal care. However, many women who receive NIPT do not visit a genetic counselor.  In this episode, Jennifer Saucier, board-certified genetic counselor who currently serves as the Senior Director of Clinical Genetic Services at Natera, discusses: What is the difference between carrier screening and prenatal screening and diagnostic testing? Who needs prenatal screening, and what week is prenatal screening? Why should patients ask for these screening tests? Does insurance usually cover NIPT? Carrier screening? The future of screening: Can we test for risk of addiction? Can science lead us to gene editing or alteration and if so, what does this mean? What does a genetic counselor do? How do you find a genetic counselor? That first OB appointment expectant parents have is so overwhelming. Your healthcare provider gives a lot of information in a short period of time. - Jennifer Saucier  Resources: Spotify Podcast Playlist on Pregnancy Find a Genetic Counselor If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Jennifer Saucier Jennifer Saucier is a board-certified genetic counselor who currently serves as the Senior Director of Clinical Genetic Services at Natera where she oversees a large team of laboratory genetic counselors, telehealth genetic counselors and genetic counseling assistants. Prior to joining Natera, Ms. Saucier gained invaluable experience in all areas of genetic testing (prenatal, pediatrics, cancer and laboratory) working as the sole genetic counselor at a large rural university hospital and later at several maternal fetal medicine offices in Austin, Texas. Ms. Saucier graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Genetics and has a M.S. in Genetic Counseling from The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center. 
April 19, 2022

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): A Conversation We Must Have | Dr Amita Jassi & Rachel Koutnik

Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects about 1 in 50 people. This means that more than 5 million people to nearly 10 million people in the United States alone have BDD. The body dysmorphia advocacy group, BDD, connected me to Dr. Amita Jassi and Rachel Koutnik, LCSW. In this episode, we cover the following body dysmorphia questions and answers: Body Dysmorphia Definition, including how similar or dissimilar it is to anorexia and bulimia Body Dysmorphia Test Body Dysmorphia Symptoms Body Dysmorphia and Social Media How to help someone with Body Dysmorphia The relationship to the routines that I had was an issue and nobody caught it. The meaning I made was an issue and nobody caught it. I believed what I believed internally. - Rachel Koutnik Resources: Body Dysmorphia Quiz Body Dysmorphia Support Mental Health Book Recommendations If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** About Dr. Amita Jassi Dr Amita Jassi is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorder Service for Children and Young People (South London and Maudsley NHS Trust). She has worked with this client group since 2006. Amita is the lead for the BDD branch of the service as well as the research lead for the clinic. This is the only specialist service for young people with BDD in the UK.   In her clinical role, she develops and delivers individually-tailored treatment packages, including intensive, home-based and inpatient treatment, as well as offering consultation and joint work with clinicians around the country.   Amita has taught and trained nationally and internationally on child and adolescent OCD and BDD. She is the author of several books including ‘Appearance Anxiety: a Guide to Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder for Young People, Families and Professionals’ and ‘The Parents’ Guide to Body Dysmorphic Disorder’. She has She has over 35 publications in peer reviewed journals on OCD and BDD and engages in media work to increase awareness and understanding of these conditions. Amita is also a trustee for the BDD Foundation charity. About Rachel Koutnik Rachel Koutnik, LCSW is a therapist in private practice in Los Angeles, California. Rachel has been a practicing therapist for 12 years with a background in community counseling with children, adults and families, and emergency room crisis work. She currently works with teens, adults and couples providing outpatient therapy, as well as part time work with adults in an intensive outpatient substance abuse recovery center. Rachel identifies as a wounded healer and has also been in recovery from Body Dysmorphic Disorder and other mental health struggles for the past 20 years. Her own healing journey has led to her integrative approach of evidence based and holistic healing methods.
April 12, 2022

Reframing PCOS as a Hormone Imbalance, Not a Disease | Dr. Jerilynn Prior

PCOS impacts 1 in 10 women yet it is still underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. Dr. Jerilynn Prior, of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR), is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, with 40 years experience in women’s health. She brings an interesting perspective to what might happen if we considered PCOS to primarily be a hormone imbalance rather than a disease. In this episode, we cover the following: Difference between ovarian cysts and PCOS Why PCOS is not the best term to describe the condition What is the main cause of PCOS? What are the first signs of PCOS? What is the diagnostic criteria for PCOS? How having multiple criteria (e.g., Rotterdam and International) for diagnosing PCOS creates confusion leading to multiple cases of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis Can PCOS tests be wrong? Can birth control make PCOS worse? Can birth control cause PCOS? Is PCOS genetically inherited? “To me, this is the hopeful message. PCOS is a hormone imbalance, not a disease.” - Dr Jerilynn Prior Resources: PCOS Podcast Playlist PCOS Resource Page Find a Doctor PCOS Education If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** More about Dr. Jerilynn Prior Jerilynn C. Prior BA, MD, FRCPC investigates women’s menstrual cycles, population variability of ovulation and physiological associations of ovulatory disturbances within regular cycles with osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer and endometrial cancer risks. She also studies the hormonal and experience changes in perimenopause and treatment of perimenopausal and menopausal hot flushes with progesterone.  She is the 2019 recipient of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Aubrey J. Tingle Prize awarded to a “BC clinician scientist whose work in health research is internationally recognized”. She is Scientific Director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR, since 2002) with its website (www.cemcor.ca) providing practical evidence-based information through a mean of 3,000 page-views/day. She has led the British Columbia Centre of the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) since 1994. In addition to authoring over 200 peer-reviewed papers (H Index 65), Dr. Prior is the author of the award-winning book, Estrogen’s Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause (2005, 2nd ed. 2018), a novel written to inform/empower women with perimenopause information.
April 5, 2022

Why Your Vagina Does What it Does | Dr. Nicole Williams

Dr. Nicole E. Williams is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. With the philosophy of marrying both alternative and traditional medicine, Dr. Williams opened The Gynecology Institute of Chicago in July 2013 and recently published This is How You Vagina. In this episode, we cover the following: Tour of female body parts and misconceptions about the female body Vaginal odor: what is normal and when to see a doctor Sitz bath benefits and how it differs from vaginal steam and douching Yeast infection symptoms and treatments How your vagina changes during pregnancy, after birth and in menopause Tips for which lubricant is best and probiotics for women “There is no such thing as a pretty labia. There is what an ideal might be. We now know that most of the pictures in textbooks of women’s labia, thanks to Dr. Netter, picture them as small, which is not the case at all for almost every human female. ” - Dr. Nicole Williams Resources: This is How You Vagina book Women’s Health Foundations Spotify Podcast Playlist Curated products to support your specific needs If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Tell 2-3 of your friends about this episode!   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** More about Dr Nicole Williams Dr. Williams has also appeared in Redbook, Prevention Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Chicago Sun-Times, WomensForum.com, Buzzfeed, and Bustle. She is a tireless advocate for women's health issues, especially maternal issues, and has successfully lobbied Congress on behalf of her patients, having her formal remarks on maternal health entered into the public record. Dr. Williams also travels the world extensively, educating and operating on those who need it most in the most far flung places. She has worked in Haiti, Rwanda, Ghana, the Philippines, and Cambodia, to name a few. Dr. Williams has also made many appearances on ABC, NPR, WGN, CBS and FOX Chicago as a noted speaker on women's health. Additionally, she is a member of American Mensa, the international high-IQ society. In This is How You Vagina, Dr. Williams seeks to dispel all the myths she still hears from patients every day about their vaginas, and to empower them with vagina knowledge. She lives in Chicago, IL.
March 29, 2022

Managing Hormone Imbalances that come with your Hormone Type | Dr Shawn Tassone

Shawn Tassone, MD Ph.D. is a double-boarded physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Integrative Medicine. Dr. Tassone believes it is time for women to understand fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, irregular periods, fibroids, decreased libido, and burnout are not permanent situations.  In this episode, our conversation focuses on understanding our hormones. We discuss: Determining you hormonal archetype Which hormones may be out of balance based on your symptoms Possible ways to have hormone balance Which tests can you try to understand your hormones  The effectiveness of various test types: saliva, blood, and urine Dr Tassone’s the top 3 supplements for women “The human body was made to heal itself and the medical model should involve more patient-centered care with an active patient and passive healer.” - Dr. Shawn Tassone  Resources: The Hormone Balance Bible  Spiritual Pregnancy: Develop, Nurture & Embrace the Journey to Motherhood Hands Off My Belly! The Pregnant Women’s Guide to Surviving, Myths, Mothers, and Moods, Contraception Deception Hormone Archetype Quiz If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast on your favorite player and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast.   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  **Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** More about Dr Shawn Tassone He is a practicing OBGYN, speaker, patient advocate, and author.  His books are written on topics of spirituality in medical care, hormone balance, various aspects of women's health such as birth control and pregnancy, and he is an advocate for whole foods to heal the human body.  Dr. Tassone served as a faculty member at the University of Arizona and University  of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center teaching residents and medical students. Dr. Tassone was also an instructor in Integrative Medicine at Arizona State University. 
March 22, 2022

Could your Undiagnosed Symptoms be an Autoimmune Condition? | Dr. Nicole Bundy & Dr. Millie Lytle

Autoimmune diseases affect more than 24 million people in America alone. Exhausting to experience and difficult to diagnose, autoimmunity is an issue that’s gaining more research in modern medicine. Doctors, immunologists, and patients all want answers. Dr. Nicole Bundy, a licensed, board-certified internist and rheumatologist, and Dr. Millie Lytle, a licensed naturopathic doctor, epidemiologist and nutrition specialist, both of whom work for Mymee, provide incredible insight into the dynamics of autoimmune disease to help you find the answers you need. We discuss: Autoimmune disease prevalence & symptoms How autoimmune disease in your family history may impact your own health outlook What to do if your doctor says s/he can’t help you Which type of doctor do you need to see The role your lifestyle and medications play in your healing The future of autoimmune disease “If you find yourself routinely taking 3-5 medications just to get through your day (e.g., pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, antihistamines, sleep aid) for symptom control, that is a sign something is not in balance. Putting these band-aids on signals it is time to take a deeper look.” - Dr. Nikki Bundy Learn more about Mymee on my podcast episode with Mette Dyhrberg, the founder. If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast on your favorite player and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast.   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  May contain affiliate links About Dr. Millie Lytle Dr. Millie Lytle is dedicated to innovatively preventing and reversing the epidemic of chronic disease. She earned her 4-year post grad ND from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and a Master's in Public Health (MPH) in Hamburg, Germany. In addition to 15 years of private practice, Millie is a published researcher and conference speaker. At Mymee, Dr. Lytle manages the coaching program, including all care delivery. About Dr. Nikki Bundy Dr. Bundy is passionate about improving care for autoimmune and other chronic diseases. She has 15+ years of experience as a practicing rheumatologist and clinical researcher, and is focused on developing innovative solutions that leverage the growing understanding of the role that lifestyle and diet play in the development and course of autoimmune disease. Her interest in functional medicine and preventative rheumatology come from her experience working with patients as well as personal struggles with her own health. At Mymee, Dr. Bundy sets clinical and research directions, supervises ongoing clinical studies, serves as a subject matter expert for a number of autoimmune diseases, and builds external collaborations with clinicians, researchers, and other key partners.
March 15, 2022

Endometriosis: What You Deserve to Know | Dr. Tamer Seckin

Dr. Tamer Seckin is a world-renowned endometriosis surgeon and founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America. He is the author of The Doctor Will See you Now: Recognizing and Treating Endometriosis. In this powerful interview (a shortened version from Season 1), he describes his journey into this calling and the realities he encounters about how women with endometriosis suffer. . . and what can and should be done about it. We discuss: How endometriosis manifests Options for diagnosis How toxins impact your body and endometriosis Finding a surgeon Determining whether hysterectomy  is the right decision It’s impact on fertility “One of the most common causes of repeat surgery is incomplete surgery.” - Dr. Tamer Seckin Are there women in your life who suffer from endometriosis? All of us should be better informed to seek the right care and support other women. Share this episode with the women in your life.  If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! Check out the Spotify Podcast Playlist on Endometriosis and the webpage with other endometriosis-related resources. And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast on your favorite player and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast.   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  May contain affiliate links
March 8, 2022

The Right Way to Workout | Dr. Amy Hoover & Rachel Katzman

Two guests join Fempower Health this week to speak about “movement as medicine.”  Rachel Katzman is the Co-Founder of P.volve, which started in 2017 after experiencing her own personal evolution through movement influenced by her scoliosis.  Dr. Amy Hoover is a member of the P.volve Clinical Advisory Board and owns and operates APHysio LLC, a wellness practice where she specializes in hands-on manual therapy. She also has a special interest in both pre and postnatal care and women's health, plus extensive training in pelvic floor physical therapy.  We discuss: The reality of simply being told “just go exercise” may not be enough or the right thing for you The foundations of proper technique How to determine the right exercise for you The future of exercise as a prescription “The way of the future is, you go to your doctor and they give you access to a movement online that you can follow and easily check in with, and it is a part of your prescription.” - Dr. Amy Hoover Prefer to read the podcast? Click here. If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! Check out the Spotify Podcast Playlists on Women’s Health Foundations and Nutrition. And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast on your favorite player and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast.   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  May contain affiliate links
February 22, 2022

Sexual Wellness You Deserve | Dr. Lyndsey Harper

Dr. Lyndsey Harper is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn, Associate Professor of Ob/Gyn for Texas A&M COM, a Fellow of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. Dr. Harper is the founder and CEO of Rosy, a women’s health technology company that connects women who have sexual health concerns with hope, community, and research-backed solutions. She has been named Forbes Top 53 Women Disrupting Healthcare, People Newspapers’ 20 Under 40, a Top Innovator in North Texas for 2020 and a DBJ Top Woman in Tech.  She speaks about the following: What sexual health and wellness is The shocking things your OB GYN knows and doesn’t know about sexual health How Rosy is educating women and their doctors How to improve your sexual health, including when things like cancer, infertility, menopause, stress impact it What “erotica as a prescription” means Recommended resources and how they can help you, including Rosy and its classes “There isn’t anything that doesn’t cover sexual health.”  - Dr. Lyndsey Harper Prefer to read the podcast? Click here. If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: Spotify Playlists: Sex Ed Recommended products for Sexual Health, including books referenced in the episode And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast on your favorite player and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast.   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  May contain affiliate links
February 15, 2022

Cancer & Preserving your Fertility | Joyce Reinecke

Joyce Reinecke is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Fertility Preservation, a national nonprofit organization focused on all aspects of fertility preservation for cancer patients. Joyce is a long-term survivor of leiomyosarcoma who opted for embryo freezing and surrogacy to create her family. Her personal oncofertility journey informs her professional focus and her commitment as a patient advocate. Prior to her work at Fertile Hope, Joyce was a trademark attorney in Seattle, WA. She has a law degree from Fordham University, and a B.A. from Occidental College. Joyce currently lives in Lafayette, CA with her husband, John, and their twin daughters, Alexandra and Olivia. She speaks about the following: Can you get pregnant if you have cancer Chemotherapy and fertility Radiation and fertility How to determine whether fertility preservation is right for you How fertility preservation works for cancer patients How to handle the timing of cancer treatments and fertility preservation Fertility preservation in childhood cancer If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: Resolve: The National Infertility Association Spotify Playlists: Female-Related Cancer and Fertility Fempower Health Recommended products for Fertility And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. More about Joyce Prior to joining the AFP, Joyce was a Cancer & Fertility Advisor for the LIVESTRONG Foundation, and the Vice President of Programs for Fertile Hope. She is a recognized leader in the field of fertility preservation who has been a featured speaker at numerous professional conferences, including ASCO, ASRM, ONS, the Oncofertility Consortium Conference, as well as serving as guest faculty for health policy graduate courses at UCSD and Northwestern. She is a co-author of the 2018 update of ASCO’s fertility guidelines, and several other publications.    **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.
February 8, 2022

Cancer & Your Sexual Health | Dr. Kristin Rojas

Dr. Kristin E. Rojas, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fellowship-trained breast cancer surgeon with a passion for comprehensive wellness in women’s cancer care. She is a national leader in the development of opioid-sparing initiatives in breast cancer surgery and her research focuses on addressing the sexual side effects of cancer treatment and identifying disparities in patient-reported outcomes among Hispanic women with breast cancer. She speaks about the following: Navigating the healthcare system effectively as a cancer patient Specific solutions to minimize the impact on your sexual health Common sexual health side effects & symptoms you may experience as a result of cancer treatments and solutions for each Differences between moisturizer and lube, when to use each, and what type to use especially if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: Dr. Rojas’ MUSIC (Menopause Eurogenital Sexual Health and Intimacy Clinic) Program Dr. Kristin Rojas on YouTube Dr Rojas Recommended Vaginal Moisturizers and Lube: Revaree, Good Clean Love’s Bionourish, HYALO GYN and Uberlube. The Ohnut: Use code Fempower7 for $7 off Sexual Health Products recommended by experts, including Dr Rojas. We Are Women’s Health Spotify Playlists: Female-Related Cancer and Sex Ed Fempower Health Recommended Products for Thyroid Disease And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast.   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
February 1, 2022

Managing Thyroid Disease: What are the Missing Pieces to Your Jigsaw Puzzle?

The World Health Organization estimates that over 750 million people suffer from some sort of thyroid condition yet about 60% go undiagnosed. Rachel Hill is a highly ranked and multi award winning thyroid patient advocate, writer, speaker and author behind The Invisible Hypothyroidism. She speaks about the following: Her story, including why and how she became such an influential advocate What she means by “the thyroid jigsaw puzzle” Examples of how you can find the right pieces to your own “thyroid jigsaw puzzle” Important details about advocating for and understanding your lab results What the spoon theory is and how is can help transform how you speak with others about your condition How to navigate the common feeling of isolation Motivating tips on living your life to the fullest If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify! Interested in reading the podcast? Check out the transcript. Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: Rachel’s Website, Newsletters, Facebook Page & Instagram Rachel’s Books: You, Me and Hypothyroidism: When Someone You Love Has Hypothyroidism & Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate: When You’re Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired Spotify Playlist: Thyroid Disease Episode: Could your Unresolved Symptoms be a Thyroid Condition? Episode: Thyroid Disease: You’re Not Alone Fempower Health Recommended Products for Thyroid Disease Sponsors: ReceptivaDx - use FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off Mymee And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast.   More About Rachel Hill Rachel Hill is the highly ranked and multi-award winning thyroid patient advocate, writer, speaker and author behind The Invisible Hypothyroidism. Her thyroid advocacy work includes writing articles, authoring books, producing her Thyroid Family email newsletters and speaking on podcasts, as well as being a founding board member for the American College of Thyroidology. She is well-recognised as a crucial and influential contributor to the thyroid community and has a large social media presence.  **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
January 25, 2022

What's Coming Season 3 on Fempower Health

Welcome to Season 3 of the Fempower Health Podcast, empowering women to be the CEO of their health. My women’s health expert guests and I have a lot in store this season. Example topics include: A Unique View on Optimizing Hormone Balance Why the Vagine Does What it Does Exercise as a Prescription Managing your Thyroid Disease from an Advocate Like No Other How Cancer Can Impact your Sexual Health Getting in Touch with your Sexiest Self Fertility Preservation Thank you to experts Rachel Hill, Dr. Nicole Williams, Dr. Kristin Rojas, Dr. Shawn Tassone, Dr. Lyndsey Harper, Dr. Amy Price Hoover, and Rachel Katzman for making this trailer one of the best yet. I can’t wait for your content to be published. If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify.  All episodes are organized as Spotify playlists. And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast.
January 18, 2022

LISTEN AGAIN: Could Your Unresolved Symptoms Be a Thyroid Condition? | Denise Roguz

It's Thyroid Awareness Month. Whether you know you have a thyroid condition or have symptoms you can't seem to find the right answers to resolve them, this episode is for you. Denise Roguz is the co-founder, owner, and operator of ThyroidChange.  It is a collaborative network, health information website, and social media campaign. It unites an international community of medical professionals and patients under the same innovative vision: patients need personalized thyroid care for optimal wellness. Her passion stemming from her own 17 years journey to get diagnosed and treated for her condition shines through in this episode which promises to open your eyes, educate you, and empower you on your journey. "TSH is not the only test. It's one piece of the puzzle of maybe how or why your thyroid is working, but it's not the only one. So the question is, how do I know how my doctor is interpreting the labs?" - Denise Roguz In this episode we cover: Why thyroid conditions are hard to diagnose What tests your doctor should order - it's more than TSH Types of thyroid conditions What to expect once you are diagnosed If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Check out my episode with Victoria Gasparini - Thyroid Disease:  You’re Not Alone. As mentioned on the podcast: Talk to your doctor printable PDF Dr Wayne Jonas' How Healing Works Dr Lara Briden's Period Repair Manual Podcast episode with Dr Lora Shahine, author of Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Sponsors: Let's Get Checked use FEMPOWER30 for 30% off Thorne Health Tech  - click link for 15% off And be sure to..... Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which also had books on thyroid disease. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
January 11, 2022

LISTEN AGAIN: Dispelling Myths about Your Menstrual Cycle | Amy Divaraniya

Until recently, it was thought a normal cycle for women was 28 days.  While data now shows this is not the case, innovative tools continue to be developed to better understand what is "normal" for a given woman.  Dr Amy Divaraniya, the CEO and co-founder of OOVA speaks with Fempower Health. In this episode, Amy covers: Myths about women's menstrual cycles, including “28 days is normal” Surprising information OOVA is uncovering about women's cycles, including better understanding when you ovulate Why LH is not the only important hormone for fertility What women can do to better understand their personal “normal” cycle If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes!  And check out other fertility-related episodes on the Fertility Spotify Playlist. Referenced in the podcast: Use Code Fempower10 for 10% off - Click here to purchase OOVA PROMISE trial Not Broken:  An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss by Dr Lora Shahine Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler Related episodes Ovulation & Progesterone Metabolite: How they may play a role in your Fertility Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Ovulation & the Role of Progesterone Metabolite Optimizing your Fertility BEFORE Pursuing Expensive Treatments Tracking your Hormones Transforming Male Fertility And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. More About Dr Amy Divaraniya Dr. Amy Divaraniya is the CEO and Co-Founder of OOVA, a women’s health company. She has more than 10 years of experience as a data scientist and has both led and published original research in the areas of personal genomics and biomarker discovery.  In 2017, Dr. Divaraniya chose to pivot her career as a data scientist and devote herself to improving women’s healthcare. After facing her own struggles with conceiving her son, Dr. Divaraniya decided to build a solution to help women having difficulty getting pregnant. Today, her and her team have built the first at home test, OOVA, that measures multiple hormones through urine samples and provides personalized results and insights on a woman’s fertility. As a response to COVID-19, OOVA has done an early product release, which has resonated with many women and clinicians and is now being adopted by fertility clinics and hospitals across the country. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
January 4, 2022

LISTEN AGAIN: A Woman's Guide to Intermittent Fasting by Life Phase | Dr. Mindy Pelz

The New Year is around the corner and many may consider various diets, so I thought it a perfect time to bring back one of my top most downloaded episodes. Dr. Mindy Pelz, D.C speaks about how women should incorporate intermittent fasting based on where they are in their cycle and over their lifespan of reproductive years, perimenopause, and menopause.   Dr. Mindy is a best selling author, keynote speaker, nutrition and functional medicine expert who has spent over two decades helping thousands of people successfully reclaim their health.  In this episode, Dr Mindy covers: What intermittent fasting is Benefits of intermittent fasting How a woman should fast in her reproductive years vs. perimenopause vs. menopause Her thoughts on drinking ketones If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: The Menopause Reset by Dr Mindy Pelz Hormone Repair Manual by Dr Lara Briden New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Article on the Science Behind Intermittent Fasting Spotify Playlist: Perimenopause/Menopause Spotify Playlist: Nutrition And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: Let's Get Checked use FEMPOWER30 for 30% off Thorne Health Tech  - click link for 15% off More About Dr Mindy Pelz Dr. Mindy Pelz, D.C is a best selling author, keynote speaker, nutrition and functional medicine expert who has spent over two decades helping thousands of people successfully reclaim their health. She is a recognized leader in the alternative health field and a pioneer in the fasting movement, teaching the principles of a fasting lifestyle, diet variation, detox, hormones, and more. Her popular YouTube channel combines the latest science with practical lifestyle tools every person can use to reset their health. She is the host of one of the leading science podcasts, The Resetter Podcast, and the author of three best-selling books; The Menopause Reset, The Reset Factor, and The Reset Kitchen.   **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
December 28, 2021

LISTEN AGAIN: Pain with Sex? What You Can Do About It | Dr. Jill Krapf

Painful sex is not something women should have to suffer though.  Yet women struggle to find answers and/or grin and bear it for a variety of reasons.Dr. Jill Krapf, a board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist, specializes in female sexual pain disorders at The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders.  Her deep knowledge on the topic and passion for helping women certainly comes through in this episode.Dr. Krapf shares: Foundations of female anatomy Symptoms related to pain with sex Four main causes for pain with sex and typical treatments for each How you can find support If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes!Check out the following previous episodes referenced: Spotify Playlist Sexual Health Spotify Playlist Pelvic Floor Corey Hazama | Pelvic Floor PT and Pain Dr. Allyson Shrikhande | How Pelvic Floor Rehab Can Help you in Surprising Ways And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: Let's Get Checked - 30% off with FEMPOWER30 Dadikit - use FEMPOWER25 for $25 off More About Dr Jill Krapf, MD MEd FACOG IF Dr. Jill Krapf is a board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist specializing in female sexual pain disorders at The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington, D.C.   She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The George Washington University. Dr. Krapf is active in research and has published chapters and peer-reviewed articles on vulvodynia and vulvar lichen sclerosus.  She is Associate Editor for the medical journal Sexual Medicine, as well as for the textbook Female Sexual Pain Disorders, 2nd Edition.  She is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), serving on the Education Committee and the Social Media Committee.  She shares educational content on her Instagram page @jillkrapfmd.
December 21, 2021

LISTEN AGAIN: Surprising Tips for Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum | Dr Holly Cummings

Have you ever wondered how guidelines are set for the care that you should receive by your doctor during your pregnancy at childbirth, and then after you deliver your child? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, otherwise known as ACOG, do set those guidelines, and they recently updated the information on their seventh edition book that you can find on Amazon, Your Pregnancy and Childbirth.  I interviewed OB GYN Dr. Holly Cummings, a Assistant Profession of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at U Penn, who answers some of the questions around some of the surprising guidelines and how they came about and the role that women should play to ensure that they have a successful and healthy pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. We cover: Updates to when your first postpartum visit should be Supplementation required when breastfeeding Pitocin versus natural ways to induce How to avoid prolapse and incontinence Folic acid vs. methylated folate Healthcare disparities If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Resources: Your Pregnancy and Childbirth book Abstract on Dates for Natural Induction Trial about induction:  ARRIVE Trial Spotify Playlist:  Pregnancy Spotify Playlist:  Pelvic Floor Episode:  Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Pain Episode:  How Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Can Help You in Surprising Ways Episode: Incontinence:  It's Not Just You And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: Let's Get Checked use FEMPOWER30 for 30% off Thorne Health Tech  - click link for 15% off More about ACOGACOG is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women, comprised of over 60,000 members. For more than 60 years, ACOG has written the medical guidelines that obstetricians-gynecologists and other medical professionals use when caring for women. “Your Pregnancy and Childbirth” is unlike anything else on the market, with recommendations supported by ACOG’s clinical guidance and the everyday experiences of obstetricians-gynecologists who have cared for millions of pregnant women. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links.
December 14, 2021

LISTEN AGAIN: Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Dr. Lora Shahine, a reproductive endocrinologist practices out of Pacific NW Fertility and authored Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss  Dr Shahine addresses: How guidelines influence the care women receive and why that varies doctor to doctor The controversy over the role progesterone in maintaining a healthy pregnancy The prevalence of miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)  What women can and should do to find answers  If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss PROMISE Trial NICE Guidelines on Progesterone and Miscarriage OOVA - 10% off with FEMPOWER10 Let's Get Checked - 30% off with FEMPOWER30 And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
December 7, 2021

Bloopers from Season 2

Season 2 of the Fempower Health podcast covered topics ranging from thyroid disease, celiac disease, cancer, menopause, sex, pregnancy, pelvic floor, and more.  Thank you to my guests and listeners.  Enjoy these fun bloopers.
November 30, 2021

LISTEN AGAIN: Men's Sexual Health: Minimizing Shame & Offering Solutions | Dr Paul Gittens

With the success of the recent episode on orgasm with Dr Rachel Rubin, I wanted to bring back another important topic - men's sexual health.This episode is an interview with Dr. Paul Gittens, a leading specialist in sexual function for men and women. He discusses the challenges men face to even get to a doctor, much less receive treatment. The cultural norms of men just "toughing it out" or not complaining have undercut their willingness to pursue the right care.Dr. Gittens also covers: Erectile difficulties Low libido Psychological components Recommended/proven therapies and treatment options, including non-medicinal approaches Male infertility and the hope of treatment "Men’s health is such a big topic. It starts when boys are young. It’s important that we instill in our young boys that we don’t have to be the tough guys. If something’s wrong, they need to talk about it. We also need to educate older men as well. By doing that, men’s health will improve." Dr. Paul GittensRelated episodes: Transforming Male Fertility Pain with Sex?  What you can Do About It Your Orgasm Questions Answered Optimizing your Fertility:  What you can do before Expensive Treatments Looking for more help?  Try the Sexual Medicine Society.And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: Dadikit - provide code FEMPOWER25 for $25 off. ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains Affiliate Links
November 22, 2021

Prolapse: A Crash Course | Corey Hazama

Corey Hazama, a pelvic floor physical therapist and co-owner of Beyond Basics in New York City.  She is a natural teacher and expert on the pelvic floor. With our previous episode together being in the top 5 most downloaded, we are lucky to have her back! In this episode, Corey covers: What a prolapse is and potential causes & risk factors Who needs to be proactive and how to do that How to test yourself at home for a possible prolapse Realistic improvements with pelvic floor physical therapy Whether the at home kegel devices will work for you What to do if kegels aren’t working If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Interested in learning more about the pelvic floor?  Catch up on these episodes. How Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Can Help you In Surprising Ways Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy & Pain Incontinence:  It’s Not Just You Restoring your Core Due to Abdominal Separation And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: LetsGetChecked - use FEMPOWER30 for 30% off. ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
November 15, 2021

Your Orgasm Questions Answered | Dr. Rachel Rubin

Dr. Rachel Rubin is a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist. She is one of only a handful of physicians fellowship trained in male and female sexual medicine. Dr. Rubin is a clinician, researcher, and vocal educator in the field of sexual medicine.  In this episode, Dr. Rubin covers: What an orgasm actually is and whether you can have one without knowing it Why we need to redefine foreplay, intercourse, and satisfaction How anatomy differences between sexes impact your experience How porn taught us ALL.THE.WRONG.THINGS Answers to your questions about headache, squirting, and your “struggles” in the bedroom ….and most importantly - why YOU.ARE.NOT.BROKEN If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: Contact Dr Rubin:  @DrRachelRubin on social media and RachelRubinMD.com Find a Doctor Page ISSWSH Dipsea app Rosy app Article:  A Simple Hip Operation Damaged my Nerves and Ruined by Sex Life And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Share this post with 2-3 of your friends. Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: LetsGetChecked - use FEMPOWER30 for 30% off. ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More about Dr Rachel Rubin Dr Rubin is an assistant clinical professor of Urology at Georgetown University and works in a private practice in Washington DC.  She completed her medical and undergraduate training at Tufts University, her urology training at Georgetown University, and her fellowship training under Dr. Irwin Goldstein in San Diego. In addition to being education chair for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), she also serves as Associate Editor for the Journal Sexual Medicine Reviews. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
November 8, 2021

How to Recover from (& Prevent) Burnout | Dr. Renee Wellenstein

Dr. Renee Wellenstein is a double board certified doctor who has been working with women for over 20 years and due to her own personal health challenges, she stepped outside the box of conventional medicine to take a radically different approach to heal herself from the deep depths of burnout.  In this episode, Dr Renee covers: Phases of burnout and how to recognize where you might be  “Controversy” over the term adrenal fatigue Why preventing and recovering from burnout is simple but not easy Practical ways to prevent and recover from burnout If you liked this episode please leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: Dr Renee’s The Real Heal Podcast on iTunes & Spotify Episode:  Supplements - Which to Take, How Much, and How Often with Suzanne Munson  Four Sigmatic Thorne Supplements and Health Tests.  Use this link for 15% off. And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: Thorne Supplements and Health Tests.  Use this link for 15% off. ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More about Dr. Renee About a decade ago, Dr. Renee was living what  she thought was her dream life. One day in May 2012, Dr. Renee fell off of her horse during a riding lesson and broke her back. She not only  struggled with severe back pain, but with fatigue and the inability to focus. Her doctor diagnosed her with depression, but her symptoms  did not improve after trying two different antidepressants.  Two years after her injury, Dr. Renee was still struggling with unexplained symptoms. After exhausting all of her options in the conventional  healthcare system, she was put in contact with a doctor who was an “anti-aging” practitioner. She finally received the appropriate diagnosis, her symptoms resolved and she got back on her feet and joined the world of functional medicine. In August 2019, Dr. Renee started Kaspira  Elite Health Consulting, LLC. Now Dr. Renee empowers women to take control of their health, jumpstart their energy, improve their confidence, and reignite their libido!  **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
November 1, 2021

Progesterone vs. Estrogen | Dr. Jerilynn Prior

Until recently, all we ever heard about was the power of estrogen (good or bad).  We now know both are incredibly critical.  Dr. Jerilynn Prior, of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR), is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, with 40 years experience in women’s health.   In this episode, Dr. Prior covers: The role of estrogen and progesterone in bone health, breast and endometrial cancer risk, fertility, weight, and heart health Why hormone balance is important regardless of whether you want to get pregnant The confusion over whether and how stress impacts our reproductive health Why it is hard for women to be aware of some of this research Signup for the CeMCOR Newsletter & learn facts about how your body changes over life phases. If you liked this episode please review on iTunes & share with 2-3 friends. Recommended Books: Period Repair Manual Hormone Repair Manual Sex Matters Related Podcast Episodes: Hormone Repair after 40 Sex Matters in Healthcare:  What Women Need to Know and Do About It The Optimal Way to Treat Hormone Imbalance And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram  Shop the Fempower Health store Sponsors: OOVA - use code FEMPOWER10 for 10% off  ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. **The information shared by Fempower Health is for information only and is not medical advice.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links About Dr. Jerilynn Prior Jerilynn C. Prior BA, MD, FRCPC investigates women’s menstrual cycles, ovulatory disturbances within regular cycles with osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer and endometrial cancer risks. She also studies the hormonal and experience changes in perimenopause and treatment of perimenopausal and menopausal hot flushes with progesterone.  She is the 2019 recipient of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Aubrey J. Tingle Prize awarded to a “BC clinician scientist whose work in health research is internationally recognized”. She is Scientific Director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR, since 2002) with its website (www.cemcor.ca) providing practical evidence-based information through a mean of 3,000 page-views/day.  She has led the British Columbia Centre of the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) since 1994. In addition to authoring over 200 peer-reviewed papers (H Index 65), Dr. Prior is the author of the award-winning book, Estrogen’s Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause (2005, 2nd ed. 2018), a novel written to inform/empower women with perimenopause information.
October 25, 2021

LISTEN AGAIN: Hormone Repair after 40 | Dr Lara Briden

Dr. Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and author of the bestselling books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual. She has more than 20 years’ experience in women’s health and treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems. With this being the #1 most downloaded episode and Menopause Awareness Month, I wanted to share it again! In this episode, Dr Briden covers: Stages of perimenopause and menopause Truths about HRT and why they are no longer called that Symptoms women tend to fear and solutions for each Why women can and should embrace this stage of life If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: Period Repair Manual Hormone Repair Manual Dr Carissa | Managing Menopause Symptoms Jenn Salib-Huber | Perimenopause & Menopause Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino | The Optimal Way to Treat Hormone Imbalance Supplements and Over-the-counter products can be found in the Fempower Health store And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: Embr - use code HOTFLASH25 for $25 off through October 31, 2021. ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2. Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
October 18, 2021

Extreme PMS Symptoms: Are they Normal? | Laura Murphy of IAPMD

Laura Murphy is the Director of Education & Awareness at the International Association of Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD), which offers  a lifeline of support, information, and resources for women and AFAB individuals with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME). Laura and I answer the following questions: What is PMDD? What triggers PMDD and who gets PMDD? How can you find the right doctor and get properly diagnosed? What are the treatment options? Related Episodes Your Period:  What your Doctor Never Told You Resources Vicious Cycle General PMDD Information Take the PMDD Self Screen Test How to Get Properly Diagnosed with PMDD PMDD Treatment Options If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Follow  on Instagram for updates and tips. Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. Let'sGetChecked - use code FEMPOWER30 for 30% off **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
October 11, 2021

Escape Diet Cult-ure and Still Get What You Want | Dr. Jenn Salib-Huber

Jenn Salib-Huber is  Dietitian and Naturopathic Doctor, and she's on a mission to help women find food and body joy in midlife. In this episode,  we discuss: Why 95% of diets fail and the rationale for why we keep trying them What intuitive eating and un-dieting your life means How to handle that uncomfortable feeling when it seems everyone else is succeeding but you Why you should feel hopeful the diet cycle can end today Discounts & Resources Beyond the Scale: 6-week group program helping women "undiet" their lives after 40  The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Peri/Menopause: online, self-study program Hormone Repair After 40 book The Menopause Manifesto book Hormone Intelligence: The Complete Guide to Calming Hormone Chaos and Restoring Your Body's Natural Blueprint for Well-Being Related Episodes Hormone Repair after 40 with Dr Lara Briden A Woman's Guide to Intermittent Fasting with Dr Mindy Pelz Perimenopause & Menopause:  The Natural Approach with Dr Jenn Salib Huber Managing Menopause Symptoms with Dr Carissa If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Follow  on Instagram for updates and tips. Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. OOVA.Get 10% off using code FEMPOWER10 **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
October 4, 2021

Transforming Peri/Menopause Symptom Management | Dr. Alicia Jackson

Dr. Alicia Jackson is the CEO and founder of Evernow - a next-gen telemedicine company focused on menopause. Dr. Jackson has a long track record of bringing to life technological advances to solve pressing challenges facing people across the globe. She is a PhD graduate of MIT, served as a policy staffer for the US Senate Energy Committee, and was the Deputy Director of the Biological Technologies Office at DARPA, the Pentagon’s principal engine for disruptive innovation. In this episode,  Dr Jackson shares results from the survey of 70,000 women in peri/menopause and discusses how Evernow is leveraging this data to support women in perimenopause or who experienced menopause through telehealth.  We discuss: Why it is often challenging to get answers from your doctor Predictors for symptom severity (e.g., hot flashes) Why hormonal blood work may not be as helpful as you would think The one thing you should be prepared for if you need a hysterectomy Medications vs. supplements Related Episodes Hormone Repair after 40 with Dr Lara Briden A Woman's Guide to Intermittent Fasting with Dr Mindy Pelz Perimenopause & Menopause:  The Natural Approach with Dr Jenn Salib Huber Managing Menopause Symptoms with Dr Carissa Discounts & Resources 30% off LetsGetChecked with code FEMPOWER30 Hormone Repair After 40  The Menopause Manifesto Hormone Intelligence: The Complete Guide to Calming Hormone Chaos and Restoring Your Body's Natural Blueprint for Well-Being If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Follow  on Instagram for updates and tips. Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
September 27, 2021

Autoimmune Disease: An Innovative Approach to Healing | Mette Dyhrberg

Mette Dyhrberg, the CEO and Founder of Mymee, is an economist turned diagnostician, who took matters into her own hands, hacked her own health and soon began helping others do the same.  Mymee developed a digital approach to managing autoimmune diseases, like Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Crohn’s, that will transform the way autoimmunity is treated.  In this episode,  Mette covers: How Mymee helps those with autoimmune disease Examples, including her own story, of how Mymee relieves the symptoms associated with autoimmune disease Why those who go through the Mymee program have an over 95% completion rate Resources How Healing Works by Dr Wayne Jonas The Autoimmune Epidemic by Donna Jackson Nakazawa Autoimmune Registry If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Follow  on Instagram for updates and tips. Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links
September 20, 2021

What to do about those Migraines! | Dr Christine Lay & Nim Lalvani

The American Migraine Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of research and awareness surrounding migraine, a disabling condition that impacts more than 39 million men, women and children in the United States.  In this episode, Dr. Christine Lay & Nim Lalvani cover: Challenges with getting diagnosed with migraine given the dynamics of our healthcare system How to get properly diagnosed and tools to help you do just that Impact of migraines on individuals and loved ones How to manage migraines including available treatments Related Episodes How to Talk to Your Doctor Resources Download the American Migraine Foundation’s patient tools Sign up for the World Migraine Summit About the American Headache Society If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Follow  on Instagram for updates and tips. Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. About my Guests Dr. Christine Lay is a professor of neurology at the University of Toronto where she holds the Deborah Ivey Christiani Brill Chair in Neurology and she is the founding director of the Centre for Headache at Women’s College Hospital. As someone who has had migraine most of her life, Dr. Lay understands firsthand the disability of this common brain disorder. She advocate for her patients and educates trainees and colleagues to better understand and treat migraine. In her position as a board member of the American Headache Society and the Canadian Headache Society, she works tirelessly on a clinical and research level to improve patient care and lessen migraine stigma. She is excited to be part of the American Migraine Foundation and work with AMF leaders to move against migraine. Nim Lalvani has worked in patient engagement, patient programming and patient advocacy for over 12 years. She has held leadership positions at organizations including the National Kidney Foundation, Younger Survival Coalition and New York State Health Foundation. As director of the American Migraine Foundation, she plans to fully commit to the needs of patients affected by migraine and ensure that they have access to support, resources and research that will empower them throughout their patient journey. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links.
September 13, 2021

Preview: Episodes Coming This Fall

I'm excited to bring to you the remainder of Season 2, which resumes September 13.  I've learned a lot about what you like and what we like.  We've got some ambitious new episodes ahead, so check out this short preview.I  cover the following topics: Migraine PMDD Hormones Tracking Hormones vs Temperature Orgasm Diet Culture Burnout Transformative Way to Treat Chronic Conditions ….and more! If you liked this podcast and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes!I'd like to thank ReceptivaDx for sponsoring all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast. Check out the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  
September 6, 2021

Surprising Tips for Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum | Dr. Holly Cummings

Have you ever wondered how guidelines are set for the care that you should receive by your doctor during your pregnancy at childbirth, and then after you deliver your child? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, otherwise known as ACOG, do set those guidelines, and they recently updated the information on their seventh edition book that you can find on Amazon, Your Pregnancy and Childbirth.  I interviewed OB GYN Dr. Holly Cummings, a Assistant Profession of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at U Penn, who answers some of the questions around some of the surprising guidelines and how they came about and the role that women should play to ensure that they have a successful and healthy pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. We cover: Updates to when your first postpartum visit should be Supplementation required when breastfeeding Pitocin versus natural ways to induce How to avoid prolapse and incontinence Folic acid vs. methylated folate Healthcare disparities If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Resources: Your Pregnancy and Childbirth book Abstract on Dates for Natural Induction Trial about induction:  ARRIVE Trial Episode:  Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Pain Episode:  How Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Can Help You in Surprising Ways Episode: Incontinence:  It's Not Just You And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: Help researchers understand PCOS, which has polycystic ovarian syndrome, to improve the diagnosis and care for you and other women. If you're interested, contact [email protected] for more details.  ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More about ACOGACOG is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women, comprised of over 60,000 members. For more than 60 years, ACOG has written the medical guidelines that obstetricians-gynecologists and other medical professionals use when caring for women. “Your Pregnancy and Childbirth” is unlike anything else on the market, with recommendations supported by ACOG’s clinical guidance and the everyday experiences of obstetricians-gynecologists who have cared for millions of pregnant women. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links.
June 28, 2021

Why Women Should Sweat in Sync with their Cycle | Jenni Hulburt

Jenni Hulburt, the founder of WILD Wellness, speaks about the value women can gain with adjusting their workouts to align with where they are in their menstrual cycle.    Jenni shares: Recommendations for how women should vary their workouts throughout their menstrual cycle Jenni's story and her personal workout regimen Tips for how to get to know what your body needs If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Resources: FITR Woman App Achieving Optimal Wellness Through Nutrition Your Period: What Your Doctor Never Told You The Optimal Way to Treat Hormone Imbalance And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: Help researchers understand PCOS, which has polycystic ovarian syndrome, to improve the diagnosis and care for you and other women. If you're interested, contact [email protected] for more details.  ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More about Jenni HulburtJenni Hulburt, M.S., is the Founder of WILD Wellness and the Owner of Forest & Flowers Retreat — a wellness retreat house rental on 50 wooded acres in Western Pennsylvania.  Her work is all about offering experiences that connect you with nature for your well-being.  She has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and Sport Psychology, and teaches women how to “sweat in sync with their cycle” with workouts and online fitness programs that are part cyclical, seasonal, sweaty, and soulful.  Jenni believes you can reach your goals without sacrificing your well-being as you seek to embody what nature has always modeled – it’s not a sprint, but a cycle.  From her teachings on essential oils and mentoring a growing doTERRA community exploring plant allies for nature-inspired health, to growing flowers and creating experiences at the Forest & Flowers Retreat — she’s all about inspiring you to live more in sync with nature, and to take care of your body so you can live this one WILD life.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links.
June 21, 2021

CBD: Fad or Fact | Chloe Weber

Chloe Weber is an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist recently finishing her doctorate.  She was inspired to create Radical Roots Herbs both because of her direct experience with rare conditions for both her and her son, Remy. In this episode, Chloe shares: The science behind CBD What CBD can be used for  How to determine whether a CBD product is high quality If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! DISCOUNT ALERT:   Radical Roots will give 40% off for veterans, low-income, anyone with a disability and their caregiver. Email [email protected]  Fempower Health listeners get 20% off using the code FEMPOWER20 Resources: Meta-analysis referred to in the episode:  Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis Brene Brown and Simon Sinek episode on Developing and Infinite Mindset And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsor: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More about Chloe WeberChloe Weber is the founder and CEO of Radical Roots Herbs. Her life’s work is all about businesses that enable common folks to achieve healthier daily lives. Chloe’s also known to enable and empower those around her to succeed.  The secret to her success is the subtle art of giving a fuck. What else would one do with those close calls in life? Studying East Asian medicine was driven by overcoming cutaneous leishmaniasis, an uncommon parasitic disease.  When her son, Remy was diagnosed with STXBP1, a genetic disorder so rare that there’s no other name for it other than the gene that’s affected, Chloe founded a company to make Remy’s personal formula available to all and started a resource website and podcast to help other families. Chloe continues to create herbal formulas for all the people she’s met and still have yet to meet. She simply cares that medicine should be effective and accessible. Chloe’s making wins and fails for the memoir of her life. Along the way, she’s been invited to share her thoughts on health and medicine at large.
June 14, 2021

A 6-week Plan to Fix Your Period | Nicole Jardim

Nicole Jardim, a Certified Women’s Health Coach, writer, speaker, mentor, and the creator of Fix Your Period, a series of programs that empower women to reclaim their hormone health. In this episode, Nicole shares: Why the medical system makes it a challenge for women to get the support they need A plan for women to optimize their cycles and minimize symptoms If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! GIVEAWAY:  Sign up to enter drawing for a FREE copy of Nicole's book, Fix Your Period. Resources Fix Your Period by Nicole Jardim The Hormone Reset Diet by Dr Sara Gottfried PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track by Dr Felice Gersh PCOS SOS by Dr Felice Gersh  Body Belief by Aimee Raupp Related Episodes It’s NOT Your Genetics, It’s Your Lifestyle: Unpacking the Science of Epigenetics Thyroid Disease:  You’re Not Alone Could Your Unresolved Symptoms Be a Thyroid Condition? Achieving Optimal Wellness Through Nutrition The Birth Control Controversy: The Period Expert Perspective And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsor: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More about Nicole JardimNicole's Fix Your Period program empowers women to reclaim their hormone health using a method that combines evidence-based information with simplicity and sass. Her work has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of women around the world in effectively addressing a wide variety of period problems, including PMS, irregular periods, PCOS, painful & heavy periods, missing periods and many more. Nicole is the author of Fix Your Period: 6 Weeks to Banish Bloating, Conquer Cramps, Manage Moodiness, and Ignite Lasting Hormone Balance, and the co-author of The Happy Balance, a recipe book filled with over 80 hormone balancing recipes. Finally, she’s the co-host of The Period Party, a top-rated podcast on iTunes—be sure to tune into that if you want to learn more about how to fix your period—and has been called on as a women’s health expert for sites such as The Guardian, Well+Good, mindbodygreen.
June 7, 2021

Thyroid Disease: You're Not Alone | Victoria Gasparini

According to the American Thyroid Association, over 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. However, up to 60 percent of the 20 million Americans who have thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.Victoria Gasparini, founder of The Butterfly Effect Blog, which began as a result of her own thyroid condition, shares her story and covers the following: Learnings she gleaned from the patients she has connected through her blog which would benefit both patients and the medical community alike Realistic suggestions for how to manage thyroid disease in the short term and over your lifetime Tips for knowing what information to trust online Related Episodes Could Your Unresolved Symptoms Be a Thyroid Condition? Resources The Butterfly Effect Blog The Hormone Diet by Natasha Turner If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Follow  on Instagram for updates and tips. Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. About Victoria Gasparini Victoria is a naturopathic medical student at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, as well as a patient advocate for thyroid and autoimmune disease. She is the founder of The Butterfly Effect Blog and instagram, @thefedupthyroid, where she is dedicated to providing research and patient-patient advice on healing and dealing with thyroid disease.  **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links.
May 31, 2021

Preventing the Preventable During Pregnancy | Dr Joanne Stone

Recent data shows 20-50% of maternal mortality cases are preventable.  Dr Joanne Stone, a maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialist, speaks about how moms-to-be can prevent the preventable during pregnancy.Dr. Joanne Stone is a well-known expert in the field of Maternal Fetal Medicine and serves as the Maternal Fetal Medicine Division Director for the Mount Sinai Health System. She also is the Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship Director and Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion within her department. In this episode,  Dr Stone  covers: Tips any woman considering pregnancy should listen to Specific conditions that are preventable and how moms-to-be can be proactive The importance of advocacy Related Episodes A Postpartum Doula: Why It's the Best Gift for New Families Restoring Your Core due to Abdominal Separation Breastfeeding: Optimizing your Success and Minimizing Shame Resources Preeclampsia Criteria from American College of OB GYN Not Broken:  An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Follow  on Instagram for updates and tips. Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Dr Joanne Stone Dr. Stone’s clinical interests are in multiple gestations, prenatal diagnosis, and invasive fetal procedures. Her research interests span the gamut of multifetal pregnancies, labor induction, and ultrasound. She has a busy consultative and clinical practice, as well as being active in teaching and research. Dr. Stone serves on the executive committees of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is the co-author of the books Pregnancy for Dummies and The Pregnancy Bible.  She has been named a Castle Connolly/New York Magazine Top Doctor and a New York Times Magazine Super Doctor for the past several years. Dr. Stone completed her residency and fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and continued on as full time faculty.  **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links.
May 24, 2021

Happy 1st Anniversary Fempower Health: Outtakes

Celebrating the one year anniversary of the Fempower Health Podcast.  Enjoy the outtakes.  We certainly have a lot of fun behind the scenes!
May 18, 2021

A Postpartum Doula: Why It's the Best Gift for New Families | Kelly Rutan

Kelly Rutan is a certified Postpartum & Infant Care Doula with over six years of experience supporting families as they transition into parenthood.  In this episode,  Kelly  covers: What a postpartum doula does How this role adds value to new and growing families How to find a qualified individual Related Episodes Breastfeeding: Optimizing your Success and Minimizing Shame Restoring your Core due to Abdominal Separation Resources The Birth Partner  The Fourth Trimester If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Follow  on Instagram for updates and tips. Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Kelly Rutan Prior to her career as a doula, Kelly spent years as a workaholic litigation attorney, trying (and often failing) to balance the demands of a busy career with a fulfilling family life. After surviving her own anxious and lonely postpartum experiences, Kelly was convinced that new mothers deserved more. Through her work as a postpartum doula, she provides hands-on help and education, as well as uplifting, emotional support to new parents as they navigate one of the most exhausting and overwhelming times of their lives. Today, Kelly lives in Cary, North Carolina and is the co-owner of a busy doula agency, Doulas of Raleigh. She is also a trainer for the training and certifying organization, ProDoula, and has trained hundreds of new Postpartum & Infant Care Doulas. She is passionate about providing nonjudgmental support to new families and spreading the word far and wide about what postpartum doulas really do. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions.  Contains affiliate links.
May 17, 2021

Restoring Your Core due to Abdominal Separation | Carrie Koziol

Carrie Koziol is a Women’s Health Physical Therapist, Pilates Specialist, DRA Trainer, and Puberty/Perimenopause Coach passionate about educating vagina owners about their body whether they are in puberty or perimenopause.  In this episode, Carrie speaks about diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA), which is a separation of the left and right side of the abdominal muscles impacting pregnant women, older women, babies, and men. In this episode,  Carrie  covers: Causes of DRA and other conditions that may come with it How to prevent and treat DRA including precautions about surgery & the types of kegels you do How a women's health PT can help (and when it is time for surgery)  What you can do if you can't afford a women's health PT Related Episodes How Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Can Help You in Surprising Ways Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Pain Resources Pelvic Pain Explained:  What you Need to Know If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Follow  on Instagram for updates and tips. Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Carrie KoziolCarrie’s passion is empowering and educating women about their bodies. She specializes in tackling “taboo” topics with a blend of humor, expertise, and practical tips that women are able to use right away to start moving their bodies better. A Women’s Health Physical Therapist and experienced speaker, she has spoken in front of large audiences like MommyCon Chicago and more intimate settings in living rooms across the state, delivering messages to remind women that their bodies are temples and should be celebrated for all they are capable of doing!!!  She is a mother of three who understands what it is like to juggle motherhood, run a household, and manage a career while striving to remain fit and well. She is excited to share simple ways to infuse more nutritional movement into your daily lives without adding extra stress. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links.
May 10, 2021

Why Women Must Be Aware of Celiac Disease and Myths & Facts Around Gluten | Alice Bast

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition, which impacts 1 in 133 Americans, where 60% are women.  It is estimated that up to 83% of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions, and it takes 6-10 years for diagnosis. In honor of Celiac Awareness Month, in this episode,  Alice Bast, Founder & CEO of Beyond Celiac covers: What celiac disease is, proper diagnosis, and its impact on many women's health conditions Myths and facts about a gluten-free diet The difference between celiac and non-celiac gluten sensitivity Related Episodes Could Your Unresolved Symptoms Be a Thyroid Condition? Could Unexplained Infertility Finally be Explained with this Test? Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Resources Celiac Disease and Women's Health Celiac Disease, fertility and pregnancy Celiac Disease Testing and Diagnosis in Women Symptoms checklist If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Follow  on Instagram for updates and tips. Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Alice BastAlice Bast’s experience with celiac disease began more than twenty years ago, when debilitating physical symptoms, multiple miscarriages, a stillbirth and intense mental and emotional strain began to take over her life. Alice struggled to get a proper diagnosis, and after visiting 22 physicians, the 23rd finally diagnosed her with celiac disease, a serious genetic autoimmune condition that currently has only one treatment—a strict gluten-free diet.  In 2003, Alice was compelled to found Beyond Celiac, a patient-centric organization serving millions of Americans. She represents the celiac disease patient voice in key government, research and industry venues. Under her leadership, Beyond Celiac has helped increase the rate of diagnosis from 3% to an estimated 50% and increased the availability and affordability of gluten-free foods, which are now on store shelves across the country. The leading celiac disease patient advocacy organization, Beyond Celiac is now accelerating research for treatments and a cure for this serious genetic autoimmune disease.  **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links.
May 3, 2021

Your Sex Questions Answered | Dr Michael Krychman

40 million women in the US suffer from sexual disorders, that is 35%-40% of our female population.  This most common of female sexual dysfunctions involves a lack of sexual interest and willingness to be sexual.  Dr. Michael Krychman speaks about sexual health and libido.  He is the Executive Director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine, and he is the former Co-Director of the Sexual Medicine and Rehabilitation Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer.  You will find him to be extremely knowledgeable, and incredibly compassionate in this conversation. I learned so much and am excited to share it with you.  In this episode,  Dr  Krychman covers: The difference between sexual dysfunction and sexual problem What a normal sex life really means Types of sexual dysfunction and solutions When it is time to seek professional help Related Episodes Dr Paul Gittens | Men's Sexual Health: Minimizing Shame & Offering Solutions Corey Hazama | Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Pain Dr Allyson Shrikhande | How Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Can Help You in Surprising Way Resources Dipsea app The Sexual Spark Reduce blue light exposure with Baxter Blues.  Use FEMPOWERHEALTH for 15% off. If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, please leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Dr KrychmanMichael L. Krychman's  special interests include menopausal health, hormone therapy, sexual pain disorders, and loss of libido, chronic medical illness and medical devices and their  impact on female sexual function.  Dr. Krychman has published 7 books and has been featured on the Today show, New York Times, US News and World Report World Report, The Wall Street Journal, Health Magazine and many others.  He was the creator of the recent WISH Initiative (Women’ Initiative on Sexual Health) and the 2013 recipient of the WISH Outstanding Achievement award given by the ISSWSH.  He is also on the professional advisory board for the Patty Brisben Foundation.   In 2019 and again in 2020, he was named an Orange County Physician of Excellence by Orange Coast Magazine in Survivorship, Sexual Medicine and Menopause.  **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links.
April 26, 2021

Five Tips to Support Your Fertility you Won't Find on Dr Google | Dr Aumatma

1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility yet answers can be hard to find.  In the past decade, those struggling have opened up about these struggles, companies are developing innovative products and solutions.  However, we've transitioned into so much information, it is challenging to know where to begin.  Dr Aumatma, a double board-certified Naturopathic Doctor & Endocrinologist specializing in fertility, speaks about the 5 things you won't find on Dr Google but that will help you on your fertility journey. In this episode, Dr Aumatma covers: Why being proactive is important and how to do so Why the formulation of supplements matters Which hormones to test, when and why Simple changes to daily activities like sleep and diet that have a big impact Helpful resources: Not Broken:  An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss by Dr Lora Shahine Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler Related episodes Ovulation & Progesterone Metabolite: How they may play a role in your Fertility Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Ovulation & the Role of Progesterone Metabolite Optimizing your Fertility BEFORE Pursuing Expensive Treatments Tracking your Hormones Supplements - Which to Take, How Much and How Often Transforming Male Fertility If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sign up for the Fempower Health Monthly Newsletter Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Dr AumatmaDr. Aumatma is a double board-certified Naturopathic Doctor & Endocrinologist, in  practice for close to 15 years. She specializes in fertility and is the best-selling author of "Fertility Secrets: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About Baby-Making.” Dr. Aumatma was awarded the “Best Naturopathic Medicine Doctor″ award locally in 2015 & 2020, and recognized as a top “Women In Medicine” Doctor in 2020. In addition to supporting couples through individualized care in person and long-distance, she also trains practitioners who want to specialize in fertility. Dr Aumatma has been featured on ABC, FOX, CBS, KTLA, MindBodyGreen, The Bump, etc., **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links
April 19, 2021

Dispelling Myths about Your Menstrual Cycle Through Data | Amy Divaraniya

Until recently, it was thought a normal cycle for women was 28 days.  While data now shows this is not the case, innovative tools continue to be developed to better understand what is "normal" for a given woman.  Dr Amy Divaraniya, the CEO and co-founder of OOVA speaks with Fempower Health.In this episode, Amy covers: Myths about women's menstrual cycles Surprising information OOVA is uncovering about women's cycles Why LH is not the only important hormone for fertility What women can do to better understand their personal “normal” cycle If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast: Use Code Fempower10 for 10% off - Click here to purchase OOVA PROMISE trial Not Broken:  An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss by Dr Lora Shahine Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler Related episodes Ovulation & Progesterone Metabolite: How they may play a role in your Fertility Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Ovulation & the Role of Progesterone Metabolite Optimizing your Fertility BEFORE Pursuing Expensive Treatments Tracking your Hormones Transforming Male Fertility And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Dr Amy DivaraniyaDr. Amy Divaraniya is the CEO and Co-Founder of OOVA, a women’s health company. She hasmore than 10 years of experience as a data scientist and has both led and published originalresearch in the areas of personal genomics and biomarker discovery.  In 2017, Dr. Divaraniya chose to pivot her career as a data scientist and devote herself to improving women’s healthcare. After facing her own struggles with conceiving her son, Dr. Divaraniya decided to build a solution to help women having difficulty getting pregnant. Today, her and her team have built the first at home test, OOVA, that measures multiple hormones through urine samples and provides personalized results and insights on a woman’s fertility. As a response to COVID-19, OOVA has done an early product release, which has resonated with many women and clinicians and is now being adopted by fertility clinics and hospitals across the country.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links
April 12, 2021

Fertility Treatments: Navigating the Exorbitant Costs | Barb Collura of RESOLVE

Infertility treatments are costly.  Even with companies offering coverage, those trying to build families need to prepare for the financial obligations ahead.  Barb Collura, the President/CEO of Resolve:  The National Infertility Association, walks us through what you need to do to prepare.In this episode, Barb covers: What Resolve does to support those building their families  Types of insurance coverage How you can impact your company's coverage and State Mandates Alternative ways to cover fertility treatments If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast: June 17 Advocacy Day National Infertility Awareness Week Information on Insurance Coverage Resolve's Facebook Group Find Support  State mandates Related episodes The Role of Chinese Medicine Ovulation & the Role of Progesterone Metabolite Optimizing your Fertility BEFORE Pursuing Expensive Treatments Tracking your Hormones Transforming Male Fertility And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Barbara ColluraBarbara is a nationally recognized expert on infertility and the family building journey, with a special emphasis on the personal experience of those struggling to build their family.  She has worked with The WHO on infertility definitions and clinical guidelines, worked with ACOG on their clinical definitions for infertility, and served on the Advisory Council of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at NIH. Barbara is an expert on public policy issues facing the infertility community that impact both patient access and clinical care. She has been a guest on the TODAY Show, MSNBC, Fox & Friends, and Nightline. She is routinely quoted in major media outlets on a variety of topics related to infertility. In 2014, Barbara received the Distinguished Service Award from the ASRM. Barbara is passionate about RESOLVE's mission as the organization was a source of support and information during her own battle with infertility. She can be reached directly at [email protected].**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Con
April 5, 2021

How to Talk to Your Doctor | Christie VanHorne

Patients and doctors must collaborate for a successful office visit and ongoing relationship.  Public health expert, Christie VanHorne, shares important tips for both patients and doctors on how to successfully navigate the conversation that neither were trained on how to do.In this episode, Christie covers: The history behind why women tend to be dismissed How to find a doctor to meet your needs How to prepare for and optimize your doctor appointments Lessons for both patients and doctors What you can do if you have a bad appointment NOTE:  I made a reference to 2 types of HPV.  To clarify, there are multiple HPV types but 2 that indicate a high risk of cervical cancer.If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast: Courses for patients, parents, and professionals Find a Doctor Prepare for Doctor Appointment Related episodes: Sex Matters in Healthcare: What Women Need to Know and Do About It It’s NOT Your Genetics, It’s Your Lifestyle: Unpacking the Science of Epigenetics Pain with Sex? What You Can Do About It Books: How Healing Works by Wayne Jonas Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden Body Belief by Aimee Raupp And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Christie VanHorneChristie is the President of CVH Consulting and founder of How to Talk to Your Doctor, a project that aims to address health literacy with patients and health professionals. As a consultant, Christie develops health curriculum, leads train-the-trainers for nonprofit and healthcare professionals, and facilitates community coalitions and working groups to improve health outcomes. With 20 years of experience in the health sector, two masters (Education / Public Health), service in the Peace Corps, and appearances on numerous health-focused podcasts, Christie is passionate about bringing her expertise where it is most needed. Christie has consulted for organizations such as the Hemophilia Federation of America, Temple University, National Environmental Health Association, Malcolm X College, Multiple Sclerosis Association, United Way, and Planned Parenthood. She lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley, NY with her husband and two dogs. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links
March 29, 2021

A Woman's Guide to Intermittent Fasting | Dr Mindy Pelz

Dr. Mindy Pelz, D.C speaks about how women should incorporate intermittent fasting based on where they are in their cycle and over their life span of reproductive years, perimenopause, and menopause.  Dr Mindy is a best selling author, keynote speaker, nutrition and functional medicine expert who has spent over two decades helping thousands of people successfully reclaim their health. In this episode, Dr Mindy covers: What intermittent fast is Benefits of intermittent fasting How a woman should fast in her reproductive years vs. perimenopause vs. menopause Her thoughts on drinking ketones If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: The Menopause Reset by Dr Mindy Pelz Hormone Repair Manual by Dr Lara Briden Dr Lara Briden | Hormone Repair After 40 Dr Carissa | Managing Menopause Symptoms Jenn Salib-Huber | Perimenopause & Menopause Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino | The Optimal Way to Treat Hormone Imbalance New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Article on the Science Behind Intermittent Fasting Supplements and Over-the-counter products can be found in the Fempower Health store And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Dr Mindy PelzDr. Mindy Pelz, D.C is a best selling author, keynote speaker, nutrition and functional medicine expert who has spent over two decades helping thousands of people successfully reclaim their health. She is a recognized leader in the alternative health field and a pioneer in the fasting movement, teaching the principles of a fasting lifestyle, diet variation, detox, hormones, and more. Her popular YouTube channel combines the latest science with practical lifestyle tools every person can use to reset their health. She is the host of one of the leading science podcasts, The Resetter Podcast, and the author of three best-selling books; The Menopause Reset, The Reset Factor, and The Reset Kitchen.  **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links
March 22, 2021

Hormone Repair After 40 | Dr Lara Briden

Dr. Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and author of the bestselling books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual. She has more than 20 years’ experience in women’s health and currently has a consulting room in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems.In this episode, Dr Briden covers: Stages of perimenopause and menopause Truths about HRT and why they are no longer called that Symptoms women tend to fear and solutions for each Why women can and should embrace this stage of life If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast & related episodes: Period Repair Manual Hormone Repair Manual Dr Carissa | Managing Menopause Symptoms Jenn Salib-Huber | Perimenopause & Menopause Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino | The Optimal Way to Treat Hormone Imbalance Supplements and Over-the-counter products can be found in the Fempower Health store And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for information purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Contains affiliate links
March 15, 2021

Endometriosis: Lessons from a Patient and Advocate | Melissa Boudreau

Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women and takes an average of 7-10 years to diagnose.  Given it is Endometriosis Awareness Month, I thought this was the perfect time to hear from Melissa Boudreau.As an advocate for women’s health, Melissa Boudreau,  uses her free time to increase awareness about endometriosis, through her podcast, The Cycle. Melissa shares: Her endometriosis story Suggestions for finding the right doctor for you Themes she's learned through her advocacy work and podcast Tools to support you in your journey If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Check out the following  referenced in the podcast: Nancy's Nook Endometropolis I Care Better It Fits Bar Body Belief by Aimee Raupp Gluten free apple cider donuts recipe Dr Tamer Seckin | Endometriosis: Why Women are Dismissed and What They Should Do Aimee Raupp | It’s NOT Your Genetics, It’s Your Lifestyle: Unpacking the Science of Epigenetics Chris Jackson | Could Unexplained Infertility Finally be Explained with this Test? And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Melissa Boudreau Melissa Boudreau grew up in Detroit, MI, and is a lover of Detroit, the Caribbean, NYC, and Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from Ashford University and a Master of Arts in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communications from Michigan State University. Melissa is considered an expert in social media marketing, print media and certified in YouTube and Google AdWords through the Michigan State New Media Driver’s License. Melissa and her husband, Bryan, reside in Royal Oak, MI, and together enjoy traveling, Detroit Lions football, and of course, going to the movies. In 2017, she launched a protein bar; It Fits bar, after she struggled to find one that met her needs. 
March 8, 2021

Dr Jill Krapf | Pain with Sex? What You Can Do About It

Painful sex is not something women should have to suffer though.  Yet women struggle to find answers and/or grin and bear it for a variety of reasons.Dr. Jill Krapf, a board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist, specializes in female sexual pain disorders at The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders.  Her deep knowledge on the topic and passion for helping women certainly comes through in this episode.Dr. Krapf shares: Foundations of the female parts Symptoms related to pain with sex Four main causes for pain with sex and typical treatments for each How you can find support If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes!Check out the following previous episodes referenced: Corey Hazama | Pelvic Floor PT and Pain Dr. Allyson Shrikhande | How Pelvic Floor Rehab Can Help you in Surprising Ways And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. More About Dr Jill Krapf, MD MEd FACOG IF Dr. Jill Krapf is a board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist specializing in female sexual pain disorders at The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington, D.C.   She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The George Washington University. Dr. Krapf is active in research and has published chapters and peer-reviewed articles on vulvodynia and vulvar lichen sclerosus.  She is Associate Editor for the medical journal Sexual Medicine, as well as for the textbook Female Sexual Pain Disorders, 2nd Edition.  She is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), serving on the Education Committee and the Social Media Committee.  She shares educational content on her Instagram page @jillkrapfmd.
March 1, 2021

Saundra Pelletier | Birth Control: Could It Be? An Innovative non-Hormonal Option

This episode is the third in a three-episode series on birth control.  In Season 1, experts shared interesting views on how one should view birth control to support their health and lifestyle needs, so I wanted to dig further.  The series covers an MD view as well as a period expert's perspective.  This is the last episode of the series, we have from Saundra Pelletier about an innovative, hormone-free birth control.Saundra sits at the head of Evofem Biosciences, a female- forward company revolutionizing women’s healthcare with game-changing products, including Phexxi, the first – and highly anticipated – hormone-free, prescription, on-demand female contraceptive gel. If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes!In this episode, Saundra shares: Why Phexxi was developed How Phexxi works What women who have used Phexxi have to say Check out the following referenced in this episode: Interview with Dr Sophia Yen, co-founder of Pandia Health Interview with Dr Lara Briden, The Period Revolutionary Interview with Nicole Jardim, The Period Girl Dr Lara Briden's book, Period Repair Manual Nicole Jardim's book, Fix Your Period And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Follow the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. Gemmist. Provide code FEMPOWER for 15% off More About Saundra PelletierSaundra Pelletier is a mother, daughter, CEO and trailblazer. Undoubtedly and unapologetically, Saundra is one of the most dynamic women in today’s healthcare industry. She sits at the head of Evofem Biosciences, a female- forward company revolutionizing women’s healthcare with game-changing products, including Phexxi, the first – and highly anticipated – hormone-free, prescription, on-demand female contraceptive gel.  At her core, Saundra is a passionate advocate for women’s wellness and empowerment. She is a leader in the boardroom and beyond, using her experience, voice and vision for real, progressive change for women. Saundra is a force of energy that blends substance and excitement with straight talk and strong opinions. Never mind being a breast cancer survivor who fought the illness as she remained solidly at the helm of Evofem, securing $400+ million and achieving FDA approval. All while raising a son as a single mother.  Disclaimer:“Do not use Phexxi if you have problems with your urinary tract or a history of repeated UTIs. Vaginal burning, itching, infection, and discharge, UTIs, genital area discomfort, bacterial vaginosis, or pain while urinating may occur. For more information about Phexxi, talk to your doctor and see product information at Phexxi.com.” Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/fempowerhealth)
February 22, 2021

Nicole Jardim | The Birth Control Controversy: The Period Expert Perspective

This episode is the second in a three-episode series on birth control.  In Season 1, experts shared interesting views on how one should view birth control to support their health and lifestyle needs, so I wanted to dig further.  The series covers an MD view as well as an innovation in birth control.  In this second episode of the series, we hear from Nicole Jardim, a Certified Women’s Health Coach, writer, speaker, mentor, and the creator of Fix Your Period, a series of programs that empower women to reclaim their hormone health. In this episode, Nicole Jardim responds with her perspectives on birth control and statements made during my interview with Dr Sophia Yen.   Is it OK to not have your period? Could birth control mask symptoms? How do you choose the right birth control for you? If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Check out the following referenced in this episode: Interview with Dr Sophia Yen Interview with Dr Lara Briden Nicole's book, Fix Your Period Dr Lara Briden's book, Period Repair Manual Lisa Hendrickson-Jack's book, The Fifth Vital Sign How Healing Works And be sure to: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. Gemmist. Provide code FEMPOWER for 15% off More about Nicole JardimNicole's Fix Your Period program empowers women to reclaim their hormone health using a method that combines evidence-based information with simplicity and sass. Her work has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of women around the world in effectively addressing a wide variety of period problems, including PMS, irregular periods, PCOS, painful & heavy periods, missing periods and many more. Nicole is the author of Fix Your Period: 6 Weeks to Banish Bloating, Conquer Cramps, Manage Moodiness, and Ignite Lasting Hormone Balance, and the co-author of The Happy Balance, a recipe book filled with over 80 hormone balancing recipes. Finally, she’s the co-host of The Period Party, a top-rated podcast on iTunes—be sure to tune into that if you want to learn more about how to fix your period—and has been called on as a women’s health expert for sites such as The Guardian, Well+Good, mindbodygreen.
February 15, 2021

Dr Sophia Yen | The Birth Control Controversy: An MD Perspective

This episode is part of a three-episode series on birth control.  In Season 1, experts shared interesting views on how one should view birth control to support their health and lifestyle needs, so I wanted to dig further.  The series covers alternate views as well as an innovation in birth control.  In this first episode of the series, we hear from Dr Sophia Yen, Co-Founder of PandiaHealth.com, birth control delivery.In this episode, Dr Yen covers: Whether adolescents are put on the pill too early or not How the pill may or many not impact your health including fertility, cancer, PCOS Hormone variations across birth control pills The Pill vs. IUD How to decide what is right for you If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Check out the following referenced in this episode: Interview with Dr Lara Briden Dr Lara Briden's book, Period Repair Manual Dr Beverly Strassman, who studies the Dogon tribe How Healing Works And be sure to..... Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. Sponsors: ReceptivaDx the sponsor of all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. Gemmist. Provide code FEMPOWER for 15% off More about Dr. Sophia YenSophia Yen, M.D., M.P.H. is the CEO and Co-Founder of PandiaHealth.com, birth control delivery.  She has a passion for making women’s lives easier and preventing unplanned pregnancies and co-founded Pandia Health because she believes no one should suffer from “pill anxiety” - the fear of running out of birth control and the stress of having to obtain birth control each month.  Educating the public about cutting-edge, evidence-based medicine, she has spoken at SXSW, TEDxBerkeley, TEDxSiliconValleyWomen, high schools, Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula and lectured physicians and students at various academic institutions from Stanford Medical School to UCLA Internal Medicine to UC Riverside to MIT and more.
February 8, 2021

Dr. Miriam Cremer | Preventing the Most Preventable Cancer

Dr Miriam Cremer is founder of Basic Health International, which exists to eliminate cervical cancer on a global level through cutting edge research for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in low resource settings.  Dr. Cremer, founded Basic Health after seeing first hand the devastating impact of this devastating yet preventable cancer can have on women.In this episode, Dr. Cremer covers: What cervical cancer is What causes cervical cancer and how you can prevent it How the HPV vaccine can help (and she addresses fears about it) Why women of color and immigrants are most impacted The future of testing and how it can transform the transgender population "It's very rare to find a cancer where you have a precursor, you have a vaccine for it, and you have a place you can reach. An organ you can get at and treat right away. We have all these tools. Why is it that women are dying of cervical cancer?" - Dr Miriam CremerIf you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes!As mentioned on the podcast: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) HPV screening tests coming soon: cobas and Onclarity Research for transgender men  WHO this year has called for elimination of cervical cancer And be sure to..... Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which has many products discussed on the podcast. I'd like to thank ReceptivaDx for sponsoring all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/fempowerhealth)
February 1, 2021

Denise Roguz | Could Your Unresolved Symptoms Be a Thyroid Condition?

It's Thyroid Awareness Month. Whether you  know you have a thyroid condition or have symptoms you can't seem to find the right answers to resolve them, this episode is for you.Denise Roguz is the co-founder, owner, and operator of ThyroidChange.  It is a collaborative network, health information website, and social media campaign. It unites an international community of medical professionals and patients under the same innovative vision: patients need personalized thyroid care for optimal wellness.Her passion stemming from her own 17 years journey to get diagnosed and treated for her condition shines through in this episode which promises to open your eyes, educate you, and empower you on your journey."TSH is not the only test. It's one piece of the puzzle of maybe how or why your thyroid is working, but it's not the only one. So the question is, how do I know how my doctor is interpreting the labs?" - Denise RoguzIn this episode we cover: Why thyroid conditions are hard to diagnose What tests your doctor should order - it's more than TSH Types of thyroid conditions What to expect once you are diagnosed If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! As mentioned on the podcast: Talk to your doctor printable PDF Dr Wayne Jonas' How Healing Works Dr Lara Briden's Period Repair Manual Podcast episode with Dr Lora Shahine, author of Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss And be sure to..... Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends! Shop the Fempower Health store, which also had books on thyroid disease. I'd like to thank ReceptivaDx for sponsoring all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off.
January 25, 2021

Season 2 Trailer | Here's What's Ahead

Welcome to the Fempower Health Podcast Season 2, where I interview experts answering your health questions.  The Problem:How are doctors supposed to effectively guide women when clinical trial funding is limited for women's health, existing data is limited, and many trials are run on men?  Women are left dealing with symptom they grin and bear and/or spend years searching for answers.The Solution:I interview top experts in their field to educate and empower women on their health journey.  We cover periods, pregnancy, menopause, infertility, endometriosis, sexual health and more.Take a listen to this trailer to preview what's coming in Season 2.If you liked this podcast and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes!I'd like to thank ReceptivaDx for sponsoring all of Season 2.  Provide code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for $75 off. Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for updates and tips. Subscribe to the podcast. Check out the Fempower Health store for products discussed on the podcast.
January 22, 2021

Luce Brett | Incontinence: It's Not Just You

Luce Brett is the author of PMSL or How I Literally Pissed Myself Laughing and Survived the Last Taboo to Tell the Tale.  Luce became incontinent at the age of 30 after having her first son.   She felt scared, upset, embarrassed, dirty and shocked.  She felt it important to have a conversation to help those suffering in silence.In this episode, Luce shares: Her story and learnings along the way Why it is important to talk about this taboo topic What healthcare providers and patients alike can do The importance of being proactive "I felt like even when there was information, it was either aimed at older women, even when it wasn't, I think maybe in an attempt to make people not feel bad about themselves, it was kind of normalizing the incontinence is okay, and sort of quite fun or a bit of a laugh.  And I was thinking, even those funny jokes people tell, it's not really that fun to wet yourself on the doorstep or to get onto a trampoline and wet yourself at a kid's party." - Luce BrettIf you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes!Related podcast episodes: Corey Hazama | Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Pain Dr Allyson Shrikhande | How Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Can Help You in Surprising Ways Dr Alyson McGregor | Sex Matters in Healthcare: What Women Need to Know and Do About It This is the last episode of Season 1.  Thank you to my listeners, supporters and incredible guests.  Season 2 resumes January 2021.Follow me on Instagram @fempowerhealth.  Email me with topic and guest ideas!
November 23, 2020

Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino | The Optimal Way to Treat Hormone Imbalance

Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino is a Board-Certified Family Physician with a collaborative, holistic approach to practicing medicine. She holds a subspecialty certification in Hormone Optimization, has received extensive training in Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine, and additional training in oncology nutrition.Dr. Tolentino shares the following during our discussion: How to properly understand the root cause behind your symptoms What questions your doctor should ask you What to monitor in your body to increase self awareness The impact of quick fixes "If you want to really establish better foundations within an individual's body, they have to learn about their body. And they have to understand that these symptoms, if you are experiencing any sort of symptom, your body is talking to you and is telling you that there is something wrong."  - Dr Jaclyn TolentinoIf you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Check out the following: Order The Body Keeps the Score Check out these related episodes: Balancing Hormones, Tracking your Hormones,  Optimizing Nutrition, and What your Doctor Never Told you About your Period Take the HUM Nutrition Quiz and Use FEMPOWER to get 15% off your first $29+ order  Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for the latest updates on Season 2 plans!NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/fempowerhealth)
November 16, 2020

Tom Smith of Dadi | Transforming Male Fertility

Tom Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Dadi.  Dadi, a provider of a temperature-controlled at-home fertility test and sperm collection kit, will encourage men to contribute to family planning conversations and become more aware of their reproductive health. Infertility has been seen as a “woman’s issue.”  However, when it comes to infertility, ⅓ is female factor, ⅓ is male factor and ⅓ is unknown.  Tom shares the following during our discussion: Why it is important for men to be proactive How men can test at home What an at-home kit SHOULD test for (they are not all the same) What men should talk to their doctor about How Dadi is innovating and rethinking the entire space of male fertility Dadi encourages you to contact them with questions and is offering Fempower Health podcast listeners a $25 discount.   Click and use code FEMPOWER.If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast: Take the HUM Nutrition Quiz and Use FEMPOWER to get 15% off your first $29+ order  Follow Fempower Health on Instagram for the latest updates on Season 2 plans!NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/fempowerhealth)
November 9, 2020

Dr Jessica Opoku-Anane | Uterine Fibroids

Dr. Jessica Opoku-Anane is a gynecologist who specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, intrauterine scarring (Asherman's syndrome), pelvic organ prolapse and ovarian pathology. Opoku-Anane's research interests include making gynecologic surgery safer and improving treatments for endometriosis and fibroids.In the episode, Dr Opoku-Anane talks about uterine fibroids and covers: Difference between uterine fibroids vs. endometriosis vs. adenomyosis, including the symptoms for each Uterine fibroid symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment Quality of life and fertility impact Questions to ask your doctor If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Referenced in the podcast: Take the HUM Nutrition Quiz and Use FEMPOWER to get 15% off your first $29+ order  Leverage Fempower Health's find a doctor resource to find a minimally invasive surgeon (or other specialist) Learn more about endometriosis in this episode where I interview Dr Tamer Seckin Follow Fempower Health on Instagram.Share feedback by emailing me at [email protected] the word.  Women in the know is how we will transform women's health! NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/fempowerhealth)
November 2, 2020

Chris Jackson | Could Unexplained Infertility Finally be Explained with this Test?

Chris Jackson, CEO and Founder of CiceroDx, maker of the ReceptivaDx test, has been in diagnostic lab testing for over 30 years focusing on health care sales and marketing. Mr. Jackson has launched over 35 products during his career, with the majority in the field of women’s health & reproductive medicine.In this episode, you will learn: What the ReceptivaDx test is How ReceptivaDx test can help those struggling with unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss Options for women should they test positive for the BCL6 marker How to access the test/talk to your doctor about it A big thank you to Dr Bruce Lessey for his discovery!If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Important information for you: ReceptivaDx Discount:  Click here and enter code FEMPOWER-HEALTH for a $75 discount. Find a Testing Center :  Click here to find a center near you or order the test and bring to your OB GYN's office and they can send in the sample.  The ReceptivaDx team can support your needs! Dr Tamer Seckin's Podcast Episode on Endometriosis Dr Lora Shahine's Podcast Episode on Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Miscarriage Be sure to share with your friends, subscribe, rate, and review. We'd love to hear from you.  Email me at [email protected] Fempower Health on: Instagram Facebook Twitter NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
October 26, 2020

Jenn Salib Huber | Perimenopause & Menopause: The Natural Approach

Jenn Salib Huber is a Canadian Registered Dietitian and Naturopathic Doctor. In practice for more than 16 years, teaching women to become intuitive eaters and build body confidence in their 30's, 40's, and 50's. Well-versed in the integrative treatment options available to women in mid-life, she can help women come up with a treatment strategy that meets their unique needs for a better menopause. Her online program "" is a self-study program open to women in any stage of peri/menopause who are looking to regain confidence in their bodies and themselves.In this episode, she covers: Hormonal changes over time Why doctors may misdiagnose women and how that impacts the treatments you do receive Treatment considerations, including important information about melatonin Learn more about Jenn and what she does for women: Check out her online program, "The Thinking Woman's Guide to Peri/Menopause" Join her Facebook Group If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes! Learn more about the pelvic floor and how specialist can help in these Fempower Health podcast episodes: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy with Corey Hazama of Beyond Basics Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy with Dr Allyson Shrikhande Subscribe, rate and review the podcast.  Fempower Health can be found on Apple, Google, Stitcher, Amazon, and Spotify.  It is now also an Alexa skill!Follow Fempower Health on Instagram.Email Georgie feedback and episode suggestions for 2021! NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
October 19, 2020

Dr Lora Shahine | Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Dr. Lora Shahine, a reproductive endocrinologist practices out of Pacific NW Fertility and authored Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss In honor of Infant and Pregnancy Awareness Loss Month, Dr Shahine addresses: How guidelines influence the care women receive and why that varies doctor to doctor The controversy over the role progesterone in maintaining a healthy pregnancy The prevalence of miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)  What women can and should do to find answers  If you liked this episode and you're feeling generous, don't forget to leave a review on iTunes!We'd love to hear from you.  Email me at [email protected] Fempower Health on: Instagram Facebook Twitter NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/fempowerhealth)
October 12, 2020

Special Edition | Dr Lara Briden | Your Period: What Your Doctor Never Told You

Dr. Lara Briden, author of Period Repair Manual, is a naturopathic doctor and the period revolutionary—leading the change to better periods.  She has helped thousands of women find relief for period problems such as PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, and perimenopause.This is a special edition episode in honor of National Period Day.In this episode, Dr Briden addresses: Why the menstrual cycle's main event is ovulation and not the period What a normal menstrual cycle should be How birth control impacts the rhythm of your menstrual cycle - and it's not what you would think Discussed in the episode: About Vasalgel Detecting Endometriosis with Ultrasound Podcast with Dr Tamer Seckin Blog about Hormonal IUD Purchase Period Repair Manual Be sure to share with your friends, subscribe, rate, and review.We'd love to hear from you.  Email me at [email protected] Fempower Health on: Instagram Facebook Twitter NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
October 10, 2020

Dr Carissa | Managing Menopause Symptoms

Dr. Carissa, author of The Menopause Switch, is a Functional Medicine practitioner and an expert in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and weight loss. She runs a busy clinic in Tampa Bay, Florida, and has helped thousands of patients reach their wellness goals.In this episode, Dr Carissa addresses: Menopause symptoms such as low libido, weight gain, and brain fog Testing your doctor should do to better understand how to treat your symptoms Important information about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Order her book here.Learn about The Dutch Test.Be sure to share with your friends, subscribe, rate, and review.We'd love to hear from you.  Email me at [email protected] Fempower Health on: Instagram Facebook Twitter NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
October 5, 2020

Dr. Gretchen Kubacky | PCOS: Supporting your Mental Health

In acknowledgement of PCOS Awareness Month, Dr Gretchen Kubacky speaks to the mental health impacts of PCOS.  Dr Gretchen is a health psychologist in private practice in Southern California and author of The PCOS Mood Cure and Moving Through Grief. She is a Certified PCOS Educator, a frequent lecturer on women’s health, and the founder of the popular website, PCOSwellness.com. She is dedicated to education, advocacy, and empowerment for women and girls with PCOS.  On this episode, Dr Gretchen discusses: Why it is important to manage PCOS as soon as possible How and why PCOS and mental health go hand in hand Simple tips for managing your PCOS and mental health And most importantly - why there is no magic fix and what you can do about it instead "And so the reality is that there's no magic way to fix all of this. Everybody's solution does have to be customized. And I think that's a really unappealing option. People want to be handed the one pill, here's the diet - “Here's the exercise plan. That's all you have to do. It'll fix everything.” It rarely works that way in PCOS."More about Spoon Theory: https://outline.com/F5xh5VFollow Dr Gretchen @gkubacky and @pcoswellnessShare this episode with the women in your life!Join a community of women who are committed to better health: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram Like Fempower Health on Facebook Follow Fempower Health on Twitter Visit our website for more reading, resource and product recommendations NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
September 28, 2020

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) | Ovarian Cancer: Why Awareness Is Critical and What you Need to Know

In celebration of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Fempower Health interviews top leadership at the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the largest global charity for ovarian cancer research and advocacy.  Audra Moran is the President & CEO of Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA).  She directs overall strategy, operations and fundraising to promote progress and awareness, while hastening breakthroughs in diagnostics and treatments with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for ovarian cancer.Sarah Defeo, Vice President of Scientific Affairs & Programs, oversees OCRA’s grantmaking, programmatic, and educational initiatives. Working closely with the Scientific Advisory Committee, Sarah manages OCRA’s annual grant solicitation and review process, and under her direction applications to OCRA’s three research grant programs have quadrupled. On this episode, Audra and Sarah discuss the following about ovarian cancer: Risk factors Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment How OCRA supports efforts to raise awareness about ovarian cancer "There is no method of early detection for ovarian cancer and this is one of the biggest challenges. Ovarian cancer is not just one disease. There are different types of ovarian cancer, the most common type of ovarian cancer, and the one that is usually being referred to when people talk about ovarian cancer, is really just one type -  epithelial ovarian cancer."OCRA is hosting the Ovarian Cancer National Conference on September 29 to October 3, 2020.  Check it out!Share this episode with the women in your life!Join a community of women who are committed to better health: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram Like Fempower Health on Facebook Follow Fempower Health on Twitter Visit our website for more reading, resource and product recommendations NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
September 21, 2020

Martha McKittrick | PCOS: Why Nutrition is Not One Size Fits All

In celebration of PCOS Awareness Month, Martha McKittrick, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, shares her expertise on PCOS and how nutrition plays a role. Martha has had a special interest in PCOS since 2000, and can be considered one of the pioneers in the field. She has been published in peer reviewed journals and has lectured across the country is on the Health Advisory Board for the PCOS challenge and advocates for PCOS annually on Capitol Hill. And be sure to look out for her book coming out in 2021.  On this episode, she discusses: Common PCOS symptoms The kinds of healthy diet and lifestyle changes that improve symptoms Different medications that are used to treat PCOS Mindset and mental health issues around PCOS "It actually takes the average woman a couple years to get diagnosed with PCOS and 50% of women who have PCOS are undiagnosed. Those are just a couple of statistics. I think the biggest thing you can do is be really proactive and do your research and there's an organization among the Health Advisory Board called the PCOS Challenge and they have some great information out there. They're really advocates for PCOS and if you go to their website, they have a whole list of questions and diagnostic criteria and symptoms. Get a notebook, get a file, start writing stuff down, start doing research."Share this episode with the women in your life!If you are interested in PCOS, we recommend that you also listen to:Megan Pearson | PCOS: A Patient and Advocate PerspectiveJoin a community of women who are committed to better health: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram Like Fempower Health on Facebook Follow Fempower Health on Twitter Visit our website for more reading, resource and product recommendations NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
September 14, 2020

Megan Pearson | PCOS: A Patient and Advocate Perspective

This is an interview with Megan Pearson. Megan founded and runs the PCOSAA (PCOS Awareness Association). PCOSAA has made amazing strides in awareness for polycystic ovary syndrome. In this episode, you will learn about: How 10 million (or one in five) women in the United States have PCOS The mental, physical, emotional and even spiritual impact PCOS has on women’s lives The symptoms commonly associated with PCOS The two diagnostic tests available for PCOS Non-traditional treatment options How women can find support Fempower Health is committed to bringing you information from experts like Megan. In many cases, as in Megan’s, a personal experience fuels their passion to support women with common conditions. Fempower Health is here for you. Learn more about PCOS and numerous other issues surrounding women’s health (at all ages): On our website On our blog By following us on Instagram By connecting with us on Facebook If you enjoyed this episode, we would recommend that you next listen to: Nina Boyce on Hormone Health Kim Ross on Nutrition Aimee Raupp on Epigenetics Each of these episodes reference PCOS and ways women can tune into their bodies and make lifestyle changes to improve wellness. NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
September 7, 2020

Nicole Kruck | Uterine and Vaginal Health: Tips from a Holistic Perspective

In this inspiring and informative episode, Nicole Kruck speaks with Georgie about uterine and vaginal health from a holistic perspective.From this perspective, she addresses common challenges women face, including:How she learned from traditional Maya healersAbdominal therapy and uterine massageHow women can get and stay wellPractical tips to bring attention and healing to your abdominal region and uterusVisualizations and better understanding for each stage of your cycleHow you can tell if your uterus is out of placeThey also discuss the traditional and holistic options women have for treatment. This is an important episode for women of all ages. Please share!If you want to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Nicole, or just learn more, you can visit her website: www.fertilegardenwellness.com.Want to get involved?Fempower Health has a vibrant online community: Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Visit our website for more resources and product recommendations If you are interested in learning more about holistic approaches or vaginal health, we recommend next listening to: Suzanne Munson on Lube and Vaginal Health Dr. Marc Sklar on The Role of Chinese Medicine in Women's Health NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/fempowerhealth)
August 31, 2020

Jada Shapiro | Breastfeeding: Optimizing your Success and Minimizing Shame

Jada Shapiro founded Boober (Enter FEMBOOBER10 to get 10% off first booking) “Boober is a platform where expectant parents and new families can find all of their pregnancy to postpartum care providers like birth, doulas, postpartum doulas, lactation consultants, and now mental health therapists who specialize in pregnancy to postpartum.”  Jada and Georgie talk through all of the topics around breastfeeding, including: How women need better information about breastfeeding Mental health issues for women in this season of life What lactation consultants do The options around breastfeeding Reasons women may not produce enough breast milk When babies need chiropractic care Boober provides information and resources for women who are struggling with or want to learn more about lactation. In New York City, women can use this platform to get same-day lactation consultants. “There's a real personal struggle or sense of defeat if they can't fully feed their baby at the breast, so for the lactation consultant to be able to give permission to say, “If you need to use formula, donor breast milk or pump that is okay.” Let's get the baby fed so that we can work on the steps For some people, babies just latch right on, and it's really easy. On Instagram we're seeing a lot more now of the hard stuff. We're starting to see that more.  I think that people are getting more confident or comfortable sharing that this was really hard.” Join a community of women who are seeking answers for health issues and female-specific health challenges: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram Listen to our podcast If you want more information about motherhood and women’s health, we suggest you listen next to: Hormone Health with Fertility and Nutrition Coach, Nina Boyce Achieving Optimal Wellness With Nutrition, with Kim Ross Lube and Your Vaginal Health, with Suzanne MunsonFollow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
August 24, 2020

Nina Boyce | Hormone Health: Why It Matters and How to Balance Your Hormones

Nina Boyce is a certified hormone and fertility coach. She uses a powerful mix of eastern and western approaches to help women feel whole, healthy and happy. In this episode, you will learn: How stress can cause the reproductive system to shut down or not work properly The difference between estrogen and progesterone, and how this impacts how you feel each month How to know when you need help from a coach or extra support in your health journey What conditions are a result of hormone imbalances Info on the fertility awareness method, DUTCH test and Hair Mineral Tissue Analysis Tests Actionable steps you can take to tune in and improve your health "Women need to stop being so afraid. We’re so fearful of food. Most hormone experts tell you that you have to cut out gluten, dairy, carbs, etc. We get scared when we sit down to eat food. We need a healthier relationship with our body. We’ve normalized stress and burnout. We all know that we need to reduce stress. Some things are a way of life that you can’t do anything about. We have to prioritize stress reduction in our daily routines or our bodies are in a fight or flight state, which isn’t conducive to producing hormones."  Listen in and learn! Share this episode with the women in your life who can benefit. Want more of the same? If you are looking for answers to female health issues that could be rooted in hormonal imbalances or require lifestyle changes, we would recommend that you listen next to: Tracking Your Hormones with Sylvia Kang Optimizing Your Fertility with Sarah Clark Achieving Optimal Wellness Through Nutrition with Kim RossFollow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
August 17, 2020

Sylvia Kang | Tracking your Hormones: Why this is important and how to select a device to properly measure them

Sylvia Kang is the co-founder and CEO of Mira Fertility. The tool developed by Mira helps women with fertility tracking. They discuss: How the “28-day cycle” is more of a myth than a rule. The full scope of a monthly cycle, including all of the hormones and fertility dynamics along the way. Common hormonal issues. OPK testing and other tools. How to learn about and measure your fertility. The goal of gaining more data on our own health. “Your body is working like a symphony. Every hormone you can think of as a musical instrument. They have to work together and with certain spacing between them. This happens in a beautiful, natural way. There is a pattern.” Listen in and share with friends! Want more on hormone health? Listen to these Fempower Health podcast episodes: Sarah Clark | Optimizing Your Fertility: What you can do BEFORE pursuing expensive treatments Kim Ross | Achieving Optimal Wellness Through Nutrition Need a community and connections? Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook #fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
August 10, 2020

Sarah Clark | Optimizing your Fertility: What you can do BEFORE Pursuing Expensive Treatments

Sarah Clark is the founder of FabFertile, author of Fabulously Fertile: Supercharge Your Fertility Naturally, and host of the Get Pregnant Naturally podcast. She has supported hundreds of women on their fertility and health journeys.  In this interview, she talks about: Gut health Elimination diets Tests to measure health Symptoms to look out for Studies on mind-body fertility Visualizing a positive outcome … and much more! You can get Sarah’s book, Fabulously Fertile: Supercharge Your Fertility Naturally, here.Book a free 30-minute call with Sarah here.  You and your partner must attend. Fempower Health is your destination for all things women’s health. Join us on social: Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Like and share with friends!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
August 3, 2020

Kim Ross | Achieving Optimal Wellness Through Nutrition

Kim Ross is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Dietitian Nutritionist (NY), Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (FL) and Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. In this interview, she highlights numerous ways in which women can improve their health naturally. Listen in to learn about: How women’s cycles and hormonal changes each month impact wellness The difference between nutrition and dieting How to make incremental shifts in your eating and lifestyle to decrease toxins and increase health The real truth about what malnutrition looks like “To simplify it, women have a natural rhythm. We function on a moon cycle (a menstrual cycle) in addition to our circadian rhythm, which repeats approximately every 24 hours. When we sleep, eat and move our bodies actually does matter. We have a lot of ups and downs with our hormones throughout the month. What you eat changes that affect. What time you eat and how you eat changes that. If you eat in a good mood or bad mood, that affects things. Our organs detoxify at different times. Our cortisol hormones, in addition to other hormones, increase and decrease at certain times. Our body temperature increases and decreases at certain times. We need to listen to the female intuition as to how our bodies are functioning. I think that people could listen better to what their body needs. If you’re craving something like sugar, maybe you need vitamin C or water. Listening to what you’re craving tells you what nutrients your body might need. Also, respecting and paying attention to the hormonal cycle, which affects the decisions we make every day.” Need a community? Come learn and grow with us.  Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
July 27, 2020

Dr. Tamer Seckin | Endometriosis: Why Women are Dismissed and What They Should Do

Dr. Tamer Seckin is a world-renowned endometriosis surgeon and founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America. He is the author of The Doctor Will See you Now:  Recognizing and Treating Endometriosis. In this powerful interview, he describes his journey into this calling and the realities he encounters about how women with endometriosis suffer. . . and what can and should be done about it."For the early stages, there is no biomarker or no image studies. Doctors will say, 'you’re complaining about pain but everything is negative. Maybe it’s in your head.' However, if you really ask the right questions to a female patient, the answers will start popping up. Most of the time, these symptoms have been imposed as 'normal' to a woman. It’s not normal to have pain with a period. Second day pain, third day pain is not normal. If the pain continues after the flow starts and stays or lateralizes, that means something.  It’s not normal to have excessive bleeding. Tampon + tampon means a lot. It’s not normal to have specific pain. Is a woman experiencing uterine pain, midline pain, cramping? Providers should be asking these microscopic questions to get to the bottom of a woman’s issues." Are there women in your life who suffer from endometriosis? All of us should be better informed to seek the right care and support other women. Share this episode with the women in your life.  Need a community? Come learn and grow with us.  Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
July 20, 2020

Dr Alyson McGregor | Sex Matters in Healthcare: What Women Need to Know and Do About It

Hear from expert and author Dr. Alyson McGregor. Alyson is a physician, researcher and writer. She is also the director for the Division of Sex and Gender in Emergency Medicine at Brown University. Her TEDx talk, “Why Medicine Often Has Dangerous Side Effects for Women” currently has over 1.6 million views and she has recently released a new book titled Sex Matters: How Male-Centric Medicine Endangers Women’s Health and What We Can Do About It. Did you know: A woman’s symptoms for a heart attack aren’t the same as a man? Some medicine has only been tested on men but women are recommended the same dosage, which has led to serious problems and even fatalities. Data is finally compelling researchers and even the FDA to provide gender-based recommendations. There is still much to be done to achieve equality for women in healthcare. “Women should feel empowered to take control of their medical care. Welcoming the complexity of the impact of hormones on our health will lead to a greater scientific understanding of women and their reactions to disease. My greatest hope is that women will receive personalized, safe and effective healthcare.” Dr. Alyson McGregor Share this episode with the women in your life. We all need to understand this important information to better advocate for ourselves. Need a community? Lean in to learn and grow with us.  Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
July 13, 2020

Aimee Raupp | It’s NOT Your Genetics, It’s Your Lifestyle: Unpacking the Science of Epigenetics

This episode of the Fempower Health podcast features best-selling author and wellness expert, Aimee Raupp, MS LAc. Aimee is renowned for her work with fertility, nutrition and women’s health. In this conversation with Fempower Health founder, Georgie Kovacs, Aimee enlightens us about the role genes play in our health, which she discusses in detail in her book, Body Belief. Get answers to questions like: Are you genetically destined to get certain diseases, or do you have some control? How many diseases are actually heritable? (The number is lower than you think!) What environmental influences turn genes on or off? What can you eat to enhance wellness? Subscribe to this podcast for more valuable info like this. Want to join a community of women who are working towards wellness? You’re invited: Follow Fempower Health on Instagram Like Fempower Health on Facebook #fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
July 6, 2020

Suzanne Munson | Lube & Your Vaginal Health

Hear from Suzanne Munson on lube and your vaginal health. Many women don't understand even the basics about how their bodies work or what is normal. This is an interview between Fempower Health founder, Georgie Kovacs, and Suzanne Munson of Fairhaven Health. They discuss: What is a health pH for the vagina? What is normal lubrication? What are the consequences when vaginal health is compromised? How can you address vaginal health issues? What changes occur in the vagina during menopause? Talking through the big picture of vaginal health, they go over the contributing elements to vaginal issues, hormones and the best choices for lubricants.Fempower Health has developed a survey that leverages women's desire to help and advise other women based on their own experience and learnings from conditions like infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid conditions.  Go here to take survey and receive product discount as a thank you.Tap here to get access to a wealth of info and information on our blog and site.Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
June 22, 2020

Dr Paul Gittens | Men's Sexual Health: Minimizing Shame & Offering Solutions

This episode is an interview with Dr. Paul Gittens, a leading specialist in sexual function for men and women. He discusses the challenges men face to even get to a doctor, much less receive treatment. The cultural norms of men just "toughing it out" or not complaining have undercut their willingness to pursue the right careDr. Gittens also covers: Erectile difficulties Low libidio Psychological components Recommended/proven therapies and treatment options, including non-medicinal approaches Male infertility and the hope of treatment "Men’s health is such a big topic. It starts when boys are young. It’s important that we instill in our young boys that we don’t have to be the tough guys. If something’s wrong, they need to talk about it. We also need to educate older men as well. By doing that, men’s health will improve." Dr. Paul GittensFempower Health has developed a survey that leverages women's desire to help and advise other women based on their own experience and learnings from conditions like infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid conditions.  Go here to take survey and receive product discount as a thank you.Tap here to get access to a wealth of info and information on our blog and site.Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/fempowerhealth)
June 8, 2020

Dr Marc Sklar | The Role of Chinese Medicine in Women's Health: And It Is Not Just Acupuncture

Hear from Dr. Marc Sklar, a Harvard-trained practitioner, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, author and president of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine. They discuss the often unknown scope of Oriental medicine, including acupuncture, and its many applications to improve women's health.Get answers to questions like, "what tests should I ask my doctor for?" and "is acupuncture an ongoing or short-term treatment?" They also cover: The role of acupuncturists Chinese herbs, cupping Acupuncture and egg quality Chinese medicine and conditions such as PCOS and Hashimoto's The difference in acupuncture state-to-state "The only picture of a baby that sits on my desk in my office aside from my kids is the first baby that I ever helped conceive. It reminds me of where I was and how important she was to my career and my path. That’s my inspiration. Being there to support patients so they can have the families that they want." Dr. Marc SklarTap here to get access to a wealth of info and information on our blog and site.Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
May 25, 2020

Georgie Kovacs | Announcement: Why Fempower Health (formerly Fertility4Me)

Entrepreneur, businesswoman and avid researcher Georgie Kovacs is the founder of Fempower Health (formerly Fertility4Me). Georgie has worked tirelessly to help women, leveraging her decade-long experience with fertility treatments and undiagnosed/unexplained health issues.Fempower Health will provide: Insight into women's health issues Empowerment for women to head into a "7-minute" doctor appointment with the right questions Curated resources that address common (and not so common) women's health issues An engaged, empathetic online community of women helping women Listen in to learn more.Subscribe to this podcast for interviews with health experts and more as Georgie gets real talk and real answers for the health issues women face.Tap here to get access to a wealth of info and information on our blog and site.#fempowerhealth #femcast 
May 18, 2020

Corey Hazama | Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Pain

Corey Hazama, a pelvic floor physical therapist and co-owner of Beyond Basics in New York City.  She is interviewed by Georgie Kovacs, founder of Fempower Health.Corey provides insight into the important, and often unexpected, ways pelvic floor physical therapy can help with a variety of women's health conditions!  Most importantly, she helps us unlearn that pain is something we women should "grin and bear" and instead shares how pelvic floor PT may actually offer much needed relief.  And yes, she address the questions we are afraid to ask about what many call vagina massages. Check out our previous podcast episode with Dr Allyson Shrikhande, who specializes in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, a complementary field to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy.Fempower Health has developed a survey that leverages women's desire to help and advise other women based on their own experience and learnings from conditions like infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid conditions.  Go here to take survey and receive product discount as a thank you.Tap here to get access to a wealth of info and information on our blog and site.Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
May 11, 2020

Suzanne Munson | Supplements – Which to Take, How Much and How Often

Some of us don’t take enough supplements while others take too many.  Additionally, we are often confused by which brand or formulation (i.e., folic acid vs. folate, ubiquinol vs. ubiquinone) is right for us as well as proper dosing. Georgie Kovacs, founder of Fempower Health (formerly Fertility4Me), talks with Suzanne Munson, the VP of Product Development and Compliance at Fairhaven Health, to get answers to these questions. Tap here to get access to a wealth of info and information on our blog and site.Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
May 4, 2020

Dr Amy Beckley | Ovulation & Progesterone Metabolite: How they may play a role in your Fertility

Hear an interview with Proov inventor and founder, Amy Galliher-Beckley, who created an at-home PdG, or progesterone metabolite, test to confirm ovulation. This is a completely innovative and novel diagnostic process for measuring PdG at home. We will learn about: The company and their product, Proov,  Uncover why Amy created this test, The important role PdG levels plays in fertility, and  The challenges women face in seeking help given the complex dynamics of our healthcare system.   Fempower Health has developed a survey that leverages women's desire to help and advise other women based on their own experience and learnings from conditions like infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid conditions.  Go here to take survey and receive product discount as a thank you.Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/fempowerhealth)
April 28, 2020

Guy Daniels | The POWER of the Gut: Learn All About the Microbiome and its Role in Overall Health

Listen in to this interview with Guy Daniels, the Director of Medical Education at Onegevity, a health intelligence platform for wellness. He discusses: What gut health is,  Why it is important, and Which women’s health conditions are impacted by a bad gut and what you can do about it.   We appreciate that Guy’s personal experience with Crohn’s disease drives his passion to make an impact on gut health, a field that is only in its nascency.  Tap here to get access to a wealth of info and information on our blog and site.Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
April 20, 2020

Dr Allyson Shrikhande | How Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Can Help You in Surprising Ways

Fempower Health (formerly Fertility4Me) interviews Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, the Medical Director of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation. Dr Shrikhande shares what pelvic floor rehabilitation is and how it helps with feelings of UTI, pain with intercourse, and other women's health-specific conditions.  She also addresses questions brought up by members of our private Facebook group.Tap here to get access to a wealth of info and information on our blog and site.#fempowerhealth #femcast
April 13, 2020

Jane Mattes | Single Mothers by Choice

This is an interview with Jane Mattes, who founded Single Mothers by Choice nearly 40 years ago after her own struggle to find such a resource. Now, 30,000 members strong, Jane will share how this organization has supported women who are thinking about or trying to have a child as a single mom or parenting as a single mom.   Tap here to get access to a wealth of info and information on our blog and site.Follow on Instagram and Facebook!#fempowerhealth #femcast  NOTE:  Fempower Health may receive a nominal fee for products purchased.  The purpose of the podcast, however, is for education purposes only.  Always go to a medical professional of your choosing.
April 6, 2020

About Fempower Health

Frank conversations with women's health experts investigating important, often misunderstood women's health topics, empowering women to become the CEO of their health.

Host

Georgie Kovacs, Founder & CEO

Georgie Kovacs, Founder & CEO

Georgie Kovacs, is the founder of Fempower Health, the go-to resource for all things women health serving women, their providers, and companies looking to build/improve on products for women. Frustrated by her first-hand experience with infertility and endometriosis, she decided to start a podcast in the middle of COVID as a single mom. (Now that’s passion!) The Fempower Health Podcast and her 20+ year career in healthcare has catapulted her ability to have a seat at the table in positively impacting gaps in women’s health.

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