Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs & Hormones

There are 80 million women over 40 in America. Only 4,100 menopause certified clinicians. The gap is real. And my guest is working on changing that.

Dr. Kelly Casperson is a urologist, sexual medicine physician, and bestselling author of The Menopause Moment and You Are Not Broken. She's been leading the charge on women's health advocacy from serving on the FDA panel that removed the box warning on estrogen to pushing for testosterone deregulation. She has a large following, but as Kelly says: it's just a drop in the bucket.

HThere are 80 million women over 40 in America. Only 4,100...

What happens when your family stages an intervention because they've been avoiding you 10 days every month?

I'm sharing the story of a patient who had a complete breakdown at Christmas dinner. She snapped at her husband, her kids, her mom, her in-laws—everyone. A few hours later, her family told her: "We love you, but for 10 days every month, we actively avoid you."

She came to me asking: Am I bipolar? Am I manic? What's happening to me?

This is PMDD premenstrual dysphoric disorder. And when it collides with perimenopause, it becomes a pe...

What does it mean when 6,000 women a day enter menopause but there are only 4,100 certified clinicians to treat them?

In this year end solo episode, I'm reflecting on 2025 in women's health.

It was a year that felt heavy at the start personally for me after losing my mother, and globally with so much suffering and injustice. But even in all of that, women's health moved forward in meaningful ways. Not perfectly. Not fast enough. But enough that it deserves reflection.

I'm covering the moments that shifted conversations this year from the FDA removing...

What happens when a medication designed to help you lose weight also changes what brings you pleasure?

In this solo episode, I'm doing a deep dive into what nobody's discussing about GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound) and what they do to your sex life.

These medications have been absolutely transformational for metabolic disease, obesity, and cardiovascular health. But they don't just work on your gut and pancreas they work centrally in your brain, in your reward pathways, in your pleasure centers.

I'm sharing stories from my practice: the glamorous patient who suddenly...

One of my brave patients shares her story with lichen sclerosis from being dismissed and told it was "all in her head" to finding proper treatment and relief.

I'll never forget the day Jess walked into my office. By the time she found me, she'd already been dismissed by multiple doctors including specialists at what was supposed to be one of Chicago's premier women's health centers. They told her the severe pain and skin changes she was experiencing were "all in her head." Two different physicians suggested she needed a therapist, not medical treatment. Her depression history...

Have you ever wondered why trauma seems to "live" in the body? Or why so many women struggle with sexual dysfunction after difficult childbirth experiences that they're told they should just be "grateful" for?

Join me as we explore the profound connection between trauma and sexual health with Erika Kelley, an award-winning clinical psychologist who specializes in women's sexual medicine and trauma treatment.

Erika Kelley is revolutionizing how we understand and treat the intersection of PTSD and sexual dysfunction. Winner of the prestigious Irwin Goldstein Award at ISSWSH for her groundbreaking research on childbirth-related PTSD...

It's our 100th episode! I celebrate this milestone with Karen Bradley, NP, discussing the biggest wins, most common questions, and key themes from nearly two years of podcasting about women's sexual health and menopause.

We dive into the FDA's recent decision to remove the boxed warning from vaginal estrogen a huge victory for women's health advocacy. This warning has prevented countless women from getting treatment for painful sex, recurrent UTIs, and other symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

I share a powerful story of a patient with breast cancer history who was denied hormone therapy...

Dr. Noor Al-Humaidhi is a general practitioner from New Hampshire who discovered a massive gap in midlife women's healthcare.

After experiencing perimenopausal symptoms herself and realizing how little she understood about the connection between hormones and chronic disease, she started Lifestyles by Dr. Noor a multidisciplinary practice focused on prevention, metabolic health, and helping women stop suffering through menopause.

We discuss why stress management isn't just "woo woo" but creates measurable biological changes in blood sugar and cardiovascular health, how continuous glucose monitors reveal the real-time impact of stress on your body, and why women...

Dr. Jila Senemar is a board-certified OB-GYN in Miami who's integrating longevity medicine with menopause care. After nearly two decades in traditional practice, part of her work is catching women in their 30s and 40s before chronic disease develops.

We discuss why your standard annual labs are missing the markers that actually predict heart disease and diabetes, how to finally break free from the cardio-only mentality that's keeping you from building muscle, and why eating more protein feels impossible when you've been trained to restrict food your entire life. Dr. Senemar reveals the advanced testing she runs...

Dr. Arthur "Bud" Burnett is a legend in urology whose pioneering work on nitric oxide helped make Viagra possible. As a Professor at Johns Hopkins and author of "The Manhood Prescription," he brings nearly 40 years of research to understanding how men's sexual health impacts their partners.

We discuss why erectile dysfunction in male partners directly affects female sexual dysfunction, the treatments for Peyronie's disease that most couples don't know exist, and why testosterone replacement is straightforward for men but controversial for women. Dr. Burnett explains his holistic approach beyond just prescribing pills and shares insights on helping...

Last week was the Menopause Society meeting in Orlando, and while I couldn't attend in person due to getting sick, I spent the weekend watching all the sessions remotely from bed. What struck me most were the cardiovascular sessions.

Recording this on the eve of my mother's one-year death anniversary from a massive heart attack, I want to talk about the real changes that happen when estrogen leaves the chat and why cardiovascular disease awareness among women has actually dropped from 65% to 44% in recent years.

I talk through the key cardiovascular takeaways including why white...

Have you ever felt stuck, ashamed, or just plain confused about your sexual wellness? I am so excited about today’s conversation. I am diving deep with Dr. Jennifer Litner, a brilliant sex therapist and founder of Embrace Sexual Wellness, to talk about how we can unlearn sexual shame, communicate better in relationships, and teach the next generation about healthy sexuality.

I love exploring the how sexual wellness, shame, and communication, all need to work together. Jennifer shares her journey into the world of sex therapy, why she believes naming what we do is so powerful, and ho...

You've probably heard of cancer survivors, but have you heard of previvors? These are women with genetic mutations like BRCA1, BRCA2, or CHECK2 who are at higher risk for cancer but don't have it yet. October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to discuss genetic testing, cancer risk assessment, and what previvors need to know about their options.

Using a 28-year-old patient with CHECK2 mutation as an example, I walk through when genetic testing makes sense, how to calculate your lifetime risk, and what screening protocols change when...

If you've been following along, you may have noticed things look a bit different around my practice. In this episode, I'm sitting down with my amazing team—Karen Bradley (NP) and Grace Prete (pelvic floor PT)—to talk about why we transitioned to concierge medicine, changed our name to the GSM Collective, and what this all means for the care we provide.

We discuss how insurance restrictions meant that even when we spent 30 minutes with patients more than most providers could offer it still wasn't enough time for patients with complex conditions like PGAD, vaginismus, and chronic pelv...

Dr. Rachel Pope explains how her sister's cancer diagnosis and a patient in Malawi asking "can you fix my vagina" opened her eyes to the massive gap in sexual health education within gynecology.

As a fistula repair surgeon working in Sub-Saharan Africa for four years, Dr. Pope realized that even after successfully repairing bladder leaks, many patients couldn't have intercourse due to vaginal scar tissue yet providers never asked about sexual function.

Meanwhile, her sister battling cancer was asking basic questions about intimacy that Dr. Pope, despite all her training and a fellowship, couldn't answer.<...

This conversation with Lauren Tetenbaum revealed how her journey from reproductive rights lawyer to therapist led her to write "Millennial Menopause" after realizing she had no idea what was coming next in her late 30s. Her unique perspective combines legal advocacy, mental health expertise, and millennial pop culture references to make perimenopause education accessible and relatable.

Lauren emphasized that millennials are still being dismissed by providers with harmful phrases like "you're too young" and "your labs are normal so you're fine." She stressed that perimenopause can start in the late 30s and that normal lab results don't...

This conversation with Dr. Carolyn Moyers revealed how personal experience with perimenopause transformed her from a general OBGYN into a Menopause specialist. Her journey began when her youngest son pointed out she was getting "mean as she got older," leading her to recognize her own perimenopause symptoms and start estrogen therapy.

Dr. Moyers emphasized the critical importance of debunking perimenopause myths that continue to harm women. The most damaging myths include "it's all in your head," "your labs are normal so you're fine," "you're too young for perimenopause," and "hormone therapy just delays the inevitable." She stressed...

If you've always managed just fine but suddenly feel like everything is falling apart in your 40s, the problem might not be perimenopause alone it could be revealing ADHD that's been masked your entire life.

This conversation with therapist Mandi Dixon revealed a critical connection between ADHD and perimenopause that's leaving countless women struggling without answers. Dixon's work focuses on the intersection of neurodivergence and hormonal changes, addressing why so many women receive their first ADHD diagnosis during midlife transitions.

The discussion explored how ADHD in girls and women presents differently than in boys...

Dating after divorce, widowhood, or decades of marriage feels impossible - but what if the problem isn't that love is scarce, but that nobody ever taught you how to find the right person?

This conversation with dating expert Bella Gandhi revealed why traditional approaches to finding love fail and how midlife presents unique opportunities for rewriting your romantic story. Gandhi's philosophy centers on "fixing your picker" learning to identify and choose partners based on compatibility rather than superficial chemistry or outdated checklists.

The discussion explored the cultural challenges faced by South Asian women and others...

Perimenopause isn't just a buzzword it's the missing vocabulary that finally explains why your body feels like it's betraying you in your late 30s and 40s.

This conversation with Dr. Jackie Piasta explored why perimenopause has become such a powerful word for women finally finding answers to years of unexplained symptoms. We discussed the complex hormonal orchestra that begins breaking down in the late 30s and early 40s, creating a cascade of physical and emotional changes that often leave women feeling like they're "not themselves."

The physiology behind perimenopause involves the ovaries becoming less responsive...

I sat down with plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice to uncover why the beauty industry's biggest lies are keeping you from aging on your own terms.

This conversation explored the evolution of plastic surgery from dramatic transformations to natural, undetectable enhancements. The discussion covered how celebrity influence, particularly Kris Jenner's recent facelift, has normalized conversations about aesthetic procedures while highlighting the shift toward subtlety over obvious results.

A major focus was the reality of dermal fillers contrary to marketing claims about 12-16 month dissolution, many patients retain fillers for years due to individual metabolism differences...

I'm thrilled to have Dr. Justin Lehmiller, renowned psychologist, sex researcher and author of "Tell Me What You Want," join me to uncover what people really fantasize about based on his groundbreaking survey of over 10,000 adults.

In this fascinating episode, I dive into the hidden world of sexual fantasies with Justin a psychologist who has conducted the largest study on what people actually fantasize about. As someone who works daily with patients struggling with sexual health concerns, I found this conversation incredibly revealing about what's happening in people's minds behind closed doors.

Justin reveals the...

Dr. Tiffany Moon, anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, and author of "Joy Prescriptions," joins me for a candid conversation about the hidden struggles behind external success.

After years of following the traditional achievement pathway elite schools, medical training, career advancement Dr. Moon found herself asking "is this it?" despite checking all the boxes society told her would lead to fulfillment.

In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Moon shares her transformation from a people pleasing perfectionist to someone who prioritizes authentic joy and connection. She opens up about her challenging fertility journey with twins, the systemic barriers she faced...

I’m joined by Amy Ege, professional organizer and founder of Amy Louise Organizing, to explore how physical clutter can intensify hormonal upheaval and why bringing order to your environment may be the most overlooked step toward emotional clarity during perimenopause.

Many women in midlife find themselves overwhelmed by clutter but don’t connect it to their irritability, fatigue, or mental fog. In this episode, we explore how disorganization can worsen the emotional toll of perimenopause, and why seeking support without shame is both practical and therapeutic.

Amy shares how hormone shifts intersect with household stre...

Dr. Lyndsey Harper built Rosy to fill the void medicine left behind this episode dives into how she's reshaping sexual health for women through tech, data, and desire.

Rosy isn’t a one size fits all app. It’s a platform built by a variety of clinicians and trained experts in their fields to support women with low libido, arousal issues, and the systemic failures around both. Through erotica, CBT based coaching, education, and clinical trials, Rosy is setting a new standard for how sexual health care can actually work.

In this episode, Dr. Harper shar...

In this candid conversation, Dr. Fenwa Milhouse board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained specialist in female pelvic medicine joins me to talk about conditions that affect so many of our patients but are often dismissed or misunderstood. She also happens to be my urologist, so I know firsthand the impact of her work.

We discuss her journey into urology, the importance of representation in medicine, and her focus on female pelvic health from prolapse and incontinence to the surgical and non-surgical treatments that can dramatically improve quality of life.

From mid urethral slings to bulking agents like...

Could vaginal estrogen be the missing piece for some of your menopause symptoms? Many women find it has been a game-changer for their relief.

I often talk about the lack of current information many doctors have about hormones. This is a global issue, which is precisely why I wanted to have a leading UK menopause expert on the show.

Have you ever felt like your own body was working against you? Like your mood, memory, or even sexual health just aren't what they used to be, and no one's really listening? In this episode, I...

Midlife isn’t just about hot flashes or forgetting names it’s a time when many women start noticing subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) shifts in how they feel, think, and relate to the world around them. For some, it’s frustration they can’t quite name. For others, it’s sleep disruptions, mood changes, or a fading sex drive. These changes aren’t imagined and they’re not always easy to talk about.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kate White about what really happens to the body and mind during midlife and why so many women feel uns...

What if your health risks weren’t just about what you eat or how you move—but about the history your ancestors survived?

As a South Asian woman and gynecologist, I’ve long seen the ripple effects of misunderstood metabolic conditions, especially in women who don’t “look” unhealthy. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Mubin Syed—also known as DesiDoc on Instagram—whose new book Healing From Our History connects the dots between colonial-era famines and today’s alarming rates of disease in South Asians. His personal health scare led to years of research, and the result is a...

They call her The Vagina Whisperer for a reason Sara’s mission is to make pelvic floor therapy as normal as going to the dentist. And after hearing her story, you’ll understand why it needs to be.

Let’s talk about the pelvic floor the part of your body no one teaches you about, yet it’s tied to nearly everything we experience as women. In this conversation with Dr. Sara Reardon, I felt like someone was finally explaining what so many of us were never taught to understand.

We discuss what really happens to the p...

We’ve both treated thousands of women and lived through it ourselves. The truth? Perimenopause doesn’t begin in your 40’s. It starts years earlier, and too many are left struggling without answers.

If you’ve been told you’re “too young” for perimenopause, you’re not alone—and you’re not too early. In this conversation with Dr. Fatima Khan, an Australian menopause specialist, we dig into what perimenopause really looks like and why so many women fall through the cracks of outdated definitions.

Dr. Khan explains how progesterone and testosterone begin declining in our late 30s, long b...

Everyone thinks hormone therapy is finally getting attention but no one’s really talking about the fact that estrogen can be life-saving. The data is right there: lower mortality, fewer hospitalizations, less sepsis. So why is it still being overlooked?

In my practice, I see patients every day who are silently suffering dealing with UTIs, vaginal dryness, painful sex, and bladder issues they think are just part of aging. But these symptoms often point to something much bigger: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. And what’s worse, it’s still widely misunderstood or ignored.

A recent study...

Mast cell activation syndrome isn’t widely recognized, but for many women, it may explain years of pain, fatigue, and hormone related chaos no one could solve.

I see a lot of patients who are struggling with fatigue, pain, and hormone symptoms that don’t seem to make sense on paper. And I’ve noticed a pattern but I wanted to talk to someone who lives in the complexity of it every day.

Dr. Tania Dempsey, is one of the few physicians who’s helped bring mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) into the spotlight. Years ago, she...

You’re doing everything right. You're on hormones, you’ve cut the caffeine, maybe you’ve even bought one of those expensive sleep trackers. So why are you still waking up at 3am, wired and restless?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Andrea Matsumura—board-certified sleep physician and women’s health specialist—to finally unpack why sleep is such a persistent struggle for women, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Andrea breaks down the biological, psychological, and cultural reasons why women are conditioned to expect poor sleep—and why it doesn’t have to be that way.

We ta...

If you've ever been told "just relax" while in vulvovaginal pain, you're not alone—and you're definitely not crazy. This conversation is about the silent epidemic women keep getting dismissed over.

This episode hit me hard. Not because the stories were shocking—but because they weren’t. Dr. Chailee Moss joined me to talk about the groundbreaking study she co-authored, recently published in JAMA, that finally puts numbers to the gaslighting so many of our patients experience.

We dug into what dismissal looks like in a medical setting and how phrases like "have a glass of win...

What if the pain isn’t just physical—and what if fixing the body is only half the battle?

Sexual pain is one of the most misunderstood issues in medicine. I invited my friend and colleague Dr. Corey Babb to dive into why so many women still struggle with pain, even after their doctors tell them everything looks “normal.” Corey just released his new book A Practical Guide for Female Sexual Medicine, which aims to help clinicians actually treat sexual dysfunction—not just study it.

We unpack the deeper reasons patients experience conditions like vaginismus, vestibulod...

What if the biggest reason women stop life-saving treatment isn't the medication—but clinicians talk to them about it?

In this eye-opening episode, I talk with Dr. Janeane Anderson, a powerhouse researcher and faculty member at the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, about the hidden reasons so many women stop taking critical medications like tamoxifen. It’s not just about the side effects—it’s about the silence surrounding them.

We dig into her research on how poor communication, racial bias, trauma, and lack of sexual health conversations lead to lower adhe...

Is it just mood swings—or something deeper? If you’ve ever felt like a completely different person before your period, you’re not alone—and you’re not crazy.

I’m diving into something I see all the time in my practice: mood disruption during perimenopause that goes far beyond PMS. We’re talking about that "I don’t feel like myself" feeling that so many women deal with—and the deeper hormonal patterns behind it.

PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is real. It’s not just feeling irritable—this is a full-body, mind-altering shift that can wreck relatio...

What if your low libido isn’t about hormones at all? What if the mental load you're carrying is quietly draining your desire?

So many women come to me wondering what happened to their sex drive. They blame hormones, aging, or even themselves—but rarely do they consider the daily grind of their own lives. In this episode, I'm diving into a topic that sparked massive discussion at a recent sexual health conference: how gender dynamics in heterosexual relationships can play a major role in low desire.

Inspired by a presentation from sex therapist and auth...

When a patient talks about their sexual dysfunction, I always ask: what's going on with the person they're having sex with? You’d be surprised how many providers don’t.

Most people don’t think to ask what’s happening on both sides of a sexual relationship. But sexual dysfunction doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it’s a two-way street. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Yih, a urologist who treats both men and women, and we get real about the overlap of issues that show up in the bedroom.

We dive into Peyron...

Why are so many women still faking orgasms—and blaming themselves for sex that doesn’t feel good?

I can't even begin to tell you how many women come into my office thinking they’re broken—because sex isn’t working for them the way it “should.” They’re doing all the right things, checking all the boxes, and still feeling disconnected, dry, resentful, or just straight-up bored in the bedroom. But here's the thing: it's not their fault, and they’re definitely not alone.

In this episode, I’m talking with Maria, a total powerhouse in sexual...

What if your pain, irritation, or sexual discomfort was being dismissed because no one ever taught your doctor how to look for the real cause?

There’s a reason vulvar conditions like lichen sclerosus are often missed or misdiagnosed—and it’s not because they’re rare. It's because most doctors aren't trained to recognize the signs. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jill Krapf, a dedicated gynecologist and vulvar skin expert, to unpack the truth about vulvar dermatoses, why it takes so long to get diagnosed, and what can be done when scarring, pain, and sexual...

Menopause can sneak up on you, turning everyday tasks into overwhelming challenges. One moment you’re thriving, and the next, you’re questioning your memory, your confidence, and your health.

When Tamsen  Fadal found herself on the bathroom floor during a live news broadcast, she had no idea menopause was to blame. Brain fog had been chipping away at her confidence for months, and no one had prepared her for what was happening. After countless appointments and endless Google searches, she realized that so many women suffer in silence, simply because they don’t have the right informa...

We've talked before about how women’s health issues are often overlooked, but new research is challenging what we thought we knew about bacterial vaginosis (BV). What if BV is actually an STI?

For years, we've treated bacterial vaginosis as a frustrating yet common vaginal infection. But new research suggests BV may actually be sexually transmitted — and that changes everything.

In this episode, I dive into a groundbreaking study from the New England Journal of Medicine that reveals treating a woman's partner with antibiotics may reduce BV recurrence. This finding has huge implications for how we d...

We’ve talked many times about how women’s sexual health has been ignored, underfunded, and dismissed—but what’s actually changing? At this year’s ISSWSH conference, the latest research is pushing the field forward in ways we’ve never seen before.

If you’ve been following this show, you already know that women’s sexual health has been historically neglected in research and medicine. We’ve talked about the lack of funding, the outdated medical perspectives, and the frustrating gaps in knowledge. But this year’s ISSWSH conference gave us something new—real momentum, new studies, and potential...

What if midlife wasn’t the beginning of the end, but the start of something bigger? Marcella Hill thought she had it all figured out—until she lost herself completely.

Midlife has a way of forcing women to wake up. For Marcella Hill, it came in waves—divorce, reinvention, success, then the sudden and unexplained loss of energy, libido, and joy. She was doing everything “right,” yet her body was shutting down.

After years of being dismissed by doctors, she took matters into her own hands. From finding the right hormones to breaking free from deeply ing...

Why is half the world’s population walking around with an ignored, misunderstood body part? If the clitoris and penis are made of the same tissue, why is one thoroughly studied and the other barely mentioned in medical training?

The clitoris is more than just a pleasure center—yet most doctors barely acknowledge it, let alone know how to examine it properly. Dr. Rachel Rubin joins me to expose the medical blind spots surrounding clitoral health, including the shocking lack of education on clitoral adhesions and why so many women suffer in silence.

We also dive...

Hair loss isn’t just about vanity—it’s about confidence, identity, and health. Yet, despite being a billion-dollar industry, so much misinformation surrounds it. Why do so many treatments fail? Why do some dermatologists avoid it? And most importantly, what actually works?

Hair loss is often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, but for millions of people, it’s deeply personal and frustrating to treat. In this episode, this week I talk with Dr. Omer Ibrahim, a leading dermatologist, to break down the real science behind hair loss and hair thinning, especially in women. From postpartum shedding to perim...

Sexual health is often misunderstood and neglected in medical training. What happens when a passionate student decides to challenge the system and ignite change?

The medical field often hesitates to tackle less-explored topics, but Dr. Jen Romanello is breaking new ground as a young advocate for advancing sexual medicine.As a medical student, Jen identified a glaring gap in education on female sexual health and decided to act. She founded the Medical Student Forum on Female Sexual Medicine, an initiative that has expanded to impact students across the U.S. and beyond.

In this episode...

What happens when two menopause experts swap their own stories of brain fog, joint pain, and midlife panic attacks? Spoiler: It’s raw, relatable, and eye-opening.

This episode is like no other. I sit down with my colleague and friend, Dr. Heidi Flagg, for one of the most open and candid conversations I’ve had on the podcast. We don’t just talk about the science of menopause—we share our own symptoms, challenges, and the surprising ways hormones have shaped our journeys.

Dr. Flagg and I explore the lesser-discussed symptoms of menopause, including brain fog, joi...

What if the secret to weight loss success lies not just in the medication but in how it transforms your brain? Dr. Alexandra Sowa shares groundbreaking insights into GLP-1 medications and their profound impact on both the body and mind.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Alexandra Sowa, a leader in obesity medicine and the author of The Ozempic Revolution, to uncover the truths and misconceptions about GLP-1 medications. Drawing on her decade-long journey in treating patients, Dr. Sowa shares how a holistic approach—rooted in education, behavioral shifts, and a deep understanding of the brain-body co...

What’s the silent threat that could derail your independence in midlife? We’re breaking down why bone health is key to your long-term well-being.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Lanoff, a nurse practitioner with a passion for women’s health, to explore the critical connection between menopause and bone health. We uncover the rapid decline in bone density during menopause, why early screening with DEXA scans is crucial, and how hormone therapy can make all the difference.

Jen shares her journey from public defender to nurse practitioner and explains why she’s on a mis...

Did you know that intrusive thoughts and anxiety could amplify physical pain and discomfort? Let me share how obsessive-compulsive disorder intertwines with one of the most distressing sexual health conditions.

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is one of the most misunderstood and challenging conditions I treat. But what happens when the brain is part of the problem? In this episode, I dive into the intriguing and often overlooked connection between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and PGAD.

From brain hiccups to catastrophic thoughts, I unpack how mental health can fuel this condition and why understanding the mind-body re...

Life is fleeting, and the lessons it teaches us often come from the most unexpected places. Join me as I reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and goals that have shaped me—and why making an impact matters.

As the year turns, I’m taking a moment to reflect on 2024—the challenges, the growth, and the goals I’ve set for the year ahead. In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing my journey through loss, the lessons my patients have taught me, and the reasons I continue to fight for better healthcare.

Losing my mother this year...

What if the key to fixing your sexual health wasn’t just about you, but your partner too? Discover why treating sexual dysfunction is a team effort—and how we’ve been getting it wrong.

When it comes to sexual health, the focus is often one-sided. But the reality is that sexual dysfunction is rarely an individual issue—it’s a couple’s disease.I talk with Dr. Mohit Khera, renowned urologist and past president of SMSNA, to unpack the disparities in sexual health treatment for men and women and why it’s time to rethink our approach.

Why are women in midlife left struggling while the healthcare system profits? Let me share my perspective on the frustrations, failures, and how we can fight for better care.

Healthcare in the United States is failing millions of people, but women in midlife are hit the hardest. From denied treatments to dismissive attitudes, the system often prioritizes profits over patients. Women dealing with chronic pain, sexual health issues, and menopause-related symptoms are left with little to no support, and I see this every day in my practice.

In this episode, I dive into the layers...

Have you ever noticed symptoms like anxiety, memory loss, or fatigue creeping up out of nowhere? With Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan, I’m diving into how perimenopause can take women by surprise and why so many doctors miss the hormonal connection.

Menopause isn’t just a transition—it’s a puzzle that too many clinicians fail to solve. In this episode, Aoife and I go beyond the usual conversations about menopause being dismissed and misunderstood. Together, we uncover the deeper issues behind why symptoms like anxiety, memory loss, and mood shifts are often overlooked—even by experienced doctors.

What if trauma from your past is impacting your health today—and no one’s talking about it? Join me and Dr. Heather Quaile as we talk about the essential truths about trauma-informed care and midlife health.

Heather, a seasoned nurse practitioner and sexual medicine expert, shares her journey from traditional healthcare to creating a compassionate, patient-centered approach that addresses the real-life challenges women face, especially in midlife.

We dive into how trauma—whether it’s from childhood, medical experiences, or societal pressures—can manifest in symptoms like severe menopause and chronic pain. Heather breaks down the "...

How can vibrators play a role in healing and self-discovery? In this episode, I sit down with Lara Pack to explore her transformative journey from personal pain to becoming an advocate for women’s health. Lara’s story began with her struggles with vaginismus and sexual pain, which inspired her to create vibrators designed not only for pleasure but for healing and empowerment.

Lara shares how her experience with endometriosis and the lack of adequate support from healthcare providers drove her to develop her company, Elixir Play. With a focus on ethical, body-positive products, Lara is challenging soci...

Did you know that many menopause myths could be impacting your health choices? Dr. Heather Hirsch joins us to clear the confusion and empower women with the facts.

Menopause is often clouded by myths and misinformation, leaving many women confused about their health options. In this episode, Dr. Sameena Rahman invites Dr. Heather Hirsch, a dedicated expert in women's health, to share her journey into menopause care and the profound insights she's gained over the past decade. 

From the misconceptions surrounding HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) to the nuanced challenges of treating perimenopause, Dr. Hirsch discusses h...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics related to cultural practices, sexual health, and trauma that may be triggering for some listeners.

In many cultures, deep-seated traditions shape women's lives in unexpected and profound ways. This episode delves into the intricate world of women's health, sexuality, and the rites of passage that are still practiced today, shedding light on the complex balance between cultural pride and personal empowerment.

This conversation takes you into the lesser-known rituals and beliefs surrounding women's sexual health in North African cultures. Dr. Rahman is joined by Dr. Ons Kaabia, who...

Did you know that spinal health could hold the key to resolving pelvic pain and certain types of sexual dysfunction? Join me as we delve into groundbreaking insights with Dr. Choll Kim, a leading expert bridging the gap between spine health and sexual wellness.

Dr. Choll Kim, a pioneering spine surgeon whose work is challenging the traditional boundaries of pain management and sexual medicine. Dr. Kim shares his journey from orthopedic surgery to collaborating with specialists in sexual health, uncovering the unexpected links between spinal conditions and pelvic pain disorders like PGAD (Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder). 

In this episode, I’m thrilled to talk with award-winning journalist Dawn Hasbrouck. Dawn opens up about her journey from considering entertainment law to becoming a news anchor at Fox 32 Chicago, sharing what it’s like to navigate a career in media as a woman. We dive into some of the pivotal support she received early on, the mentors who helped her, and the reality of managing work-life balance in a field often described as “eating its young.”

We also dig into how her role in media influences public conversations around women’s health topics like menopause, creating a...

Faith, culture, and sexual health: Two leaders share how they’re changing the conversation in Muslim communities.

In this episode, I sit down with Nadiah Mohajir and Sahar Pirzada, leaders from Heart, an organization focused on advancing sexual health and reproductive justice within Muslim communities. Nadiah shares her personal story, growing up in a South Asian Muslim family, and how it led her to start Heart. She talks about the cultural and religious barriers women face regarding sexual health and gender-based violence, and how Heart is working to create safe, open spaces for these crucial conversations.

...

Curious about how cosmetic surgery can restore confidence during midlife? In this episode, we uncover the most popular procedures and what they can do for women navigating the changes of menopause and beyond.

Dr. Sameena Rahman welcomes her longtime friend and renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Azra Ashraf, for an insightful conversation about cosmetic surgery for midlife women. 

Dr. Ashraf shares her journey as a surgeon and discusses the most common procedures sought by women in their 40s and 50s, from breast lifts to tummy tucks and facial rejuvenation. Together, they explore how hormonal changes, such a...

Why does menopause impact so many body systems, and what can women do to protect their health? Dr. Vonda Wright, orthopedic surgeon and researcher, dives deep into the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause and the health strategies women can implement for midlife mastery.

Dr. Sameena Rahman sits down with Dr. Vonda Wright, a leading orthopedic surgeon and women’s health advocate, to delve into the often-overlooked musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. They discuss Dr. Wright’s groundbreaking research on how menopause impacts bone density, joint health, muscle mass, and overall physical resilience.

Dr. Wright shares her journey into...

Why is female anatomy still taboo? In this episode, Dr. Sameena Rahman explores breaking down shame, censorship, and the power of embracing "huge pussy energy."

Actress, entrepreneur, and creator of "Huge Pussy Energy," Jacqueline Buckingham, joins the show today to discuss the societal stigmas surrounding female anatomy and the gaps in women’s healthcare. Together, they address the deep-rooted cultural norms that associate shame with women’s bodies and how this stigma translates into real-world barriers, from menstrual health to sexual wellness.

Jacqueline shares her journey from the entertainment world to becoming a vocal advocate for...

In this special episode recorded live from the Menopause Society meeting in Chicago, Dr. Sameena Rahman and co-host Dr. Heather Quaile interview two pioneers in female sexual medicine, Dr. Irwin Goldstein and his wife Sue Goldstein. 

The Goldsteins, known as the “real Masters of Sex,” share their incredible journey in advancing women’s sexual health, from founding the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) to groundbreaking treatments for female sexual dysfunction. 

Dr. Irwin Goldstein discusses the evolution of orgasm disorder treatment, the importance of the spine in genital pelvic pain, and cuttin...

Did you know heart disease is the number one killer of women, often going undetected due to subtle symptoms? In this episode, Dr. Jayne Morgan, a leading cardiologist, shares her insights into how menopause impacts cardiovascular health and how women can advocate for themselves in a system often biased against them.

Join Dr. Rahman as she sits down with Dr. Jayne Morgan, a renowned cardiologist passionate about addressing healthcare disparities. They delve into how heart disease uniquely affects women, especially during menopause, and the importance of understanding cardiovascular risks. 

Dr. Morgan sheds light on the r...

Struggling with weight gain during menopause or curious about how cannabis can ease your symptoms? You're not alone. Today on Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs, and Hormones, join us as we unpack these topics with Dr. Becky Lynn, a leading gynecologist and menopause expert from Evora Health. Discover groundbreaking treatments and real talk on women's health that you won't want to miss.

Dr. Lynn shares her journey into the specialized field of sex med, revealing the gaps in medical training that drove her to become a leading voice in women's sexual health. She discusses her innovative approaches...

While estrogen often steals the spotlight, progesterone is equally vital for women’s health and deserves more attention. Join us as Dr. Tami Rowen shares her expertise on the critical roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. We explore everything from progesterone’s stabilizing effect on the uterine lining to the impact of birth control on hormonal balance.

Dr. Rowen provides valuable insights into the often-overlooked hormone progesterone and its significance in conditions like PMDD. She also delves into cultural attitudes toward genital grooming, the realities of labial surgery, and societal pressures affecting perceptions of genital appearance.

Hi...

Ever find yourself saying “Honey, I have a headache”' more often than you'd like? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Rahman reveals the hidden reasons behind persistent low libido and offers practical solutions to help break the cycle and reignite intimacy.

Dr. Rahman dives deep into hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), the most common form of female sexual dysfunction, affecting up to 40% or more of women. This episode is packed with valuable insights, from the biological intricacies of libido to the innovative treatments available today.

Dr. Rahman’s thorough exploration of HSDD helps li...

Do you ever wish there were more open conversations about the complexities of sexual and pelvic pain? On our latest episode we dives deep into these crucial topics with our amazing guest, Dr. Sonia Bahlani!

Join us as we explore these critical issues that affect countless women and discuss the path to better understanding and treatment.

We discuss the often misunderstood and stigmatized conditions of vaginismus and interstitial cystitis (IC), shedding light on the interplay between cultural influences, psychological factors, and the critical importance of specialized care.

Highlights:

We’ve had some incredible conversations with menopause experts, but today’s guest brings a fresh perspective. 

Imagine having a reliable, go-to source for all your menopause questions—no more sifting through conflicting advice. That’s exactly what our guest, Monica Molenaar, co-founder of Alloy, has created. Alloy is transforming the landscape of women's health, providing accessible, trusted solutions for those navigating menopause.

We delve into the nuances of hormone therapy as a safe and effective solution for menopausal symptoms. We address the misinformation surrounding it and discuss ways to access accurate and reliable information.

Moni...

Uncover how psychedelics and integrative medicine are could possibly be the next frontier in women's health, especially during crucial stages like menopause. In this compelling episode, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg, a leading expert in integrative medicine and OB-GYN, joins me to dive into the groundbreaking possibilities of psychedelics, plant-based healing, and holistic care for women.

We also dive deep into Dr. Suzanne's personal journey from labor and delivery to becoming a menopause specialist. She opens up about the transformative experiences that shaped her integrative approach and her mission to educate and empower women.

If you're ready...

Wondering if your hormone deficiency symptoms could be the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)?

In this episode, I dive deep into the often-overlooked but crucial topic of GSM, a condition affecting a significant percentage of postmenopausal and perimenopausal women. GSM extends beyond vaginal dryness, causing discomfort, pain during intercourse, and urinary issues.

I discuss the importance of shifting away from the term "atrophic" and embracing the more comprehensive "genitourinary syndrome of menopause." This change in terminology reflects the wide-ranging impact of hormone deficiencies on genital and urinary health.

Highlighting the chronic and progressive...

Do you ever wish there were more resources and support for managing your sexual health condition?

Well, that's exactly what our latest guest, Jaclyn Lanthier, provides. Jaclyn is a dedicated advocate and educational resource for individuals with lichen sclerosus, and she's here to share her wealth of knowledge and personal journey.

Jaclyn offers a free 100+ page ebook supported by over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles that are constantly updated. Covering topics from sexual health to mental health and building a support team, her work is an essential resource for those managing lichen sclerosus.

Jaclyn is...

What if you found a passion that not only changed your life but also aimed to change how healthcare providers treat half the population?

In today’s episode, we welcome the incredible Dr. Maria Uloko. Tune in as they discuss the glaring disparities in women's health, the systemic sexism and racism in medical treatment, and innovative solutions designed to empower both patients and providers.

Dr. Maria Uloko shares her journey from frustration over the lack of guidelines in women's health compared to men's health, to stepping away from academia to create a health tech company an...

Are you curious about how menopause impacts your health and what can be done to manage it effectively?

Tune in to today's episode as we dive into these crucial issues with the amazing Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OB-GYN and culinary medicine specialist who is passionate about demystifying menopause healthcare.

Dr. Haver joins us to discuss the complexities of menopause, breaking down the myths, and providing valuable insights into hormone therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and much more.

Highlights:

Do you ever feel like society has left middle-aged women's health issues in the dark? 

On today's episode we dive deep into menopause, breast health, and sexuality with our incredible guest, Gabriella Espinosa. 

Gabriella, a sexual wellness and midlife menopause coach, shares her personal and professional journey in empowering women to embrace midlife and beyond.

Gabriella’s work emphasizes educating and empowering women about sexuality, mental wellness, and menopause, helping them transition through this life stage with grace and live more fully. 

Together, we highlight the importance of creating language and aware...

Do you ever wish that your conversations about menopause were more open? Well, that is precisely what our latest podcast episode addresses. 

Welcome Dr. Sharon Malone as we dive deep into the pressing issue of menopause. Dr. Sharon Malone is a DC-based OB/GYN and Certified Menopause Practitioner on a mission to empower women to take charge of their health. She is a nationally known expert in women’s health, a New York Times Bestselling author, and the Chief Medical Advisor at Alloy Women’s Health.

Together, we emphasize the critical need for education and aware...

Do you ever wish that your hormonal health and menopause journey were clearer and better understood?

On today’s episode, join me in welcoming Dr. James Simon as we dive deep into the impacts of hormone therapy on cardiovascular health, bone health, and overall well-being during menopause. 

This conversation sheds light on pivotal findings from the Women’s Health Initiative, which revealed that early use of estrogen or hormone therapy close to menopause significantly benefits cardiovascular health. 

Dr. Simon shares compelling patient cases where hormone therapy decisions were guided by coronary artery calcium scores...

Parents, have you heard about teens engaging in rough sex practices like choking? Are you concerned about the potential long-term effects on their well-being?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Debby Herbenick, a Provost Professor. We dive headfirst into the complex dynamics of this controversial topic. From the reasons people find it compelling to the deeply important aspect of consent, we've got it all covered.

Today's discussion doesn't just skim the surface. Dr. Herbenick shares her extensive research on the diversity of reasons behind why individuals engage in choking, be it an interest in...

Curious about how your reproductive health and fertility options work?

On today's episode, we dive into these important issues with the amazing Dr. Roohi Jeelani, a double-board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who specializes in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Dr. Jeelani is passionate about starting more open conversations about fertility and reproductive health, especially in the South Asian community. She not only shares medical advice but also talks about the social, cultural, and political factors that affect reproductive rights. Together, we explore the complexities of fertility care, the impact of legislation on treatments, and the importance of supporting policies...

Do you ever wish someone would break down the complexities of joint hypermobility, sexual pain, and how they connect to your overall health? Well, that's exactly what we dived into in this episode!

We were honored to have Dr. Linda Bluestein, a former dancer-turned-physician specializing in hereditary disorders of connective tissue, join us to share her personal journey with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Her insights show how a combination of approaches, not a single solution, can lead to better health outcomes.

Highlights:

1. Multifaceted Approaches to Health:

   - Dr. Bluestein underscores that man...

While it may seem that menopause has begun to become more open to talking about, there is still a stigma and the idea that women should deal with the symptoms that come with it, including having issues with orgasms. Well, Dr. Lauren Streicher is on a mission to change that. 

Dr. Streicher is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, a certified menopause practitioner of The Menopause Society, and the founding Medical Director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause.

In addition to her acad...

Curious about how to nurture your bone health?

Today we're joined by the fabulous Dr. Kristi DaSapri, a national leader osteoporosis and menopause management.

We’re tackling a topic today that seriously needs more spotlight—bone health during menopause and the sneaky beast that is osteoporosis.

Did you know osteoporosis often goes unnoticed until you break a bone? Yep, it’s that silent. Today, we’re diving into why your bones are super important, how menopause can be tough on them, and what you can do about it. We’ll cover why early action is...

Do you ever wish that your sexual condition would be played out in a movie?

Well, that is exactly what our latest guests did. Welcome Bonnie Gross and Nancy Boyd to share their stories and explain why they created a feature film, Lady Parts.

Their film shines a light on crucial women's health issues, particularly focusing on the challenges and misdiagnoses often encountered in female sexual medicine.

Bonnie and Nancy’s story underscores a significant theme discussed throughout the podcast: medical gaslighting and the dire need for healthcare professionals to take women's pain se...

Today we have another doctor and thriver on the show today.

Dr. Shieva Ghofrany who, brings a wealth of personal and professional experiences to her practice. Her journey, from battling ovarian cancer to navigating pregnancy and weight loss, fuels her commitment to women's health advocacy. Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Ghofrany is a sought-after media expert, and over 56k followers on Instagram.  

We delve deep into the challenges and complexities of menopause care, surgical menopause, ovarian cancer and endometriosis. 

The conversation highlights personal health struggles, including misdiagnoses, the impacts of surgical menopause, and the...

Today, we have the incredible Dee Hartmann, a distinguished pelvic floor physical therapist and author. 

We dive deep into the topics of pleasure and healing, exploring how embracing pleasure—beyond just the sexual—can fundamentally transform our approach to treating sexual pain and dysfunction.

Dee brings her expertise and insights from her book "A Pleasure Prescription: A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain," co-authored with Elizabeth Wood. 

We'll discuss how women can reclaim their bodies, find joy in everyday sensual experiences, and the critical role these play in our overall well-being. From feeling the br...

In today's eye-opening episode, we tackle and discuss the orgasm gap. I talk with Dr. Laurie Mintz, who passionately discusses her work to inform and empower women, sharing her journey from personal struggle to becoming a key advocate for sexual health education. 

We're also breaking down myths about orgasms and debunking media lies that leave many feeling inadequate. Sex should be a source of joy, but for too many, it's a wellspring of frustration. 

Whether it's societal pressures, poor communication, or a simple lack of understanding, we're here to peel back the layers of complexity. Fro...

It is an incredible pleasure to have Stephanie Prendergast on to discuss and explore pudendal neuralgia—a condition fraught with pain, misdiagnosis, and, too often, misunderstanding within the medical community.

We dove deep into pudendal neuralgia, a complex condition that affects so many lives but remains poorly understood in the medical community. 

I cannot stress enough the importance of recognizing the signs and seeking appropriate care for this type of pain. 

We also explored why a region-based diagnostic approach is crucial for genital pelvic pain disorders. 

Stephanie's profound insights on pelvic pain...

Do you know about the vulval vestibule?

In today's episode, I delve into the intricate anatomy of the vulvar vestibule and its significance in sexual health. I discuss how this unique area, formed from the endodermis, contains an increased concentration of nerve endings which can result in heightened sensitivity and pain for some individuals. 

I explain the curious case where patients with too many nerve endings at the vestibule also report an unusual sensitivity at their belly button upon touch. Additionally, I touch upon neuroproliferative vestibulodynia, a condition that can be acquired due to inflammation o...

In this episode I dive deep into the often misunderstood and stigmatized world of women's sexual health and a condition called congenital neuroproliferative vestibulodynia.

Joining us is Erin Young, a brave voice who has navigated the murky waters of seeking treatment for her condition in a society where discussing female sexuality is still taboo.

Together, we'll explore the significant challenges that many face in getting proper diagnoses and care, ranging from societal perceptions to the medical community's lack of comprehensive training in female sexual health. 

Erin is a fierce advocate and even though a...

Have you ever wondered if you need Sex Coaching? Join me as we delve into the complexities of sexual health and stigma with our incredible guest, Dr. Sadaf who is an OB/GYN and Sex Coach.

We'll explore cultural beliefs, sexual concerns, and the urgent need for comprehensive sex education. We'll confront the discomfort in society and among physicians when discussing sexual health, advocating for a world where these vital conversations are normalized.

Understanding the Role of Sex Coaches and Therapists:

Let's dive deep into the overlap and differences between sex coaching and...

Welcome to this episode, where we delve into a topic close to the hearts of many yet often veiled in silence - pelvic pain and vulvovaginal disorders. Have you ever found yourself grappling with these issues, feeling isolated in your struggle?

Today we're going to shine a light on the incredible work of Noa, the driving force behind Tightlipped, a patient-led advocacy group dedicated to reshaping the narrative and care surrounding women's health.

Together, we'll embark on a journey through Noa's own experience with pelvic floor dysfunction, a journey that propelled her to transform Tightlipped...

We're diving into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare: sexual health education among OB-GYN residents.

Despite two-thirds of programs highlighting its significance, only a small fraction of residents feel adequately prepared to tackle sexual health issues. This glaring disparity in medical education demands exploration. That's why I'm joined by Dr. Sarah Cigna, a leading figure in sexual medicine.

As an assistant professor and director of the nation's inaugural Female Sexual Medicine Fellowship, Dr. Cigna sheds light on the imperative for comprehensive sexual health education within medical schools.

During our conversation, we...

Today, we bring to light a deeply personal journey through pain, healing, and self-discovery. We'll explore the intricate relationship between spinal health and pelvic wellbeing, delving into how issues like persistent genital arousal disorder, or PGAD, are not merely sexual but deeply interconnected with our spinal anatomy.

With me is April Patterson, a courageous pelvic floor physical therapist who shares her battle with PGAD. Prepare to be taken on a story that stretches from the trauma of pelvic symptoms to the victories of surgery and physical therapy.

As April recalls her years of suffering, reduced...

Have you ever encountered the term PGAD? Despite its relative obscurity, it gained some mainstream attention in the early 2000s, even prompting a Saturday Night Live skit that portrayed it as a condition one might desire. Which is far from something that someone would actually want. 

Today I give you a comprehensive overview what PGAD is discussing its history, prevalence, symptoms, and the significant impact it has on a patient's life. 

I emphasize the distressing nature of PGAD and how it can often lead to severe impairment of daily living and even suicidal ideation in so...

Today, we're diving deep into a critically important and often overlooked topic: the intersection of breast cancer survival and menopause management. We have Dr. Corinne Menn joining us to share her expertise and personal journey as a breast cancer survivor experiencing menopause.

In this episode, we're uncovering the impact of menopausal symptoms on cardiac health and metabolic function, the cautious yet potentially life-enhancing role of estrogen therapy in reducing heart disease risk, dementia, and osteoporosis, and how this can fit into the lives of breast cancer survivors—especially those entering menopause prematurely due to treatment.

Dr...