Honoring Bladder Health Month! Originally Published September 2024.

In this episode of Fempower Health, Dr. Tamra Lewis, a board-certified urogynecologist, discusses bladder health, UTI misdiagnoses, and how pelvic floor dysfunction, menopause, and the microbiome impact bladder issues in women. Learn how to advocate for better care and understand your symptoms.

In this episode of Fempower Health, we sit down with Dr. Tamra Lewis, a board-certified urologist specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (also known as urogynecology). Dr. Lewis shares her expertise on common bladder health issues affecting women, many of which are frequently misdiagnosed as urinary tract infections (UTIs). We explore the importance of accurate diagnoses, the potential causes of bladder issues, and how women can better advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. This episode is essential listening for women seeking clarity on their bladder health and for clinicians looking to improve patient outcomes.

Discussion Points:

• Why are so many women misdiagnosing themselves with UTIs?
• What are the common symptoms of bladder problems in women?
• How can women better describe bladder issues to their healthcare provider?
• What are the underlying causes of frequent bladder issues in women?
• How can you tell the difference between a UTI and other bladder problems?
• Why is it important to have a pelvic exam for bladder issues?
• How does pelvic floor dysfunction contribute to bladder symptoms?
• What are the most effective treatments for overactive bladder?
• How can you prevent recurring urinary tract infections?
• What role does menopause play in bladder health?
• What is the impact of the microbiome on bladder health and UTIs?
• Why should women advocate for more thorough evaluations from their doctors?

• Learn more about Dr. Tamra Lewis and follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Check out Fempower Health resources on Pelvic Health

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Dr. Tamra Lewis holds board...

Why does it still feel like women aren’t being heard in the doctor’s office? Dr. Sharon Malone joins Georgie Kovacs to unpack the structural, cultural, and economic forces that have eroded trust between women and their healthcare providers. From the loss of physician autonomy to outdated reimbursement systems and the chronic undervaluation of women’s health fields, this candid conversation reveals how the system got here—and what it will take to fix it. Together, Georgie and Dr. Malone explore solutions ranging from patient empowerment to digital health and the need for systemic reform in research, policy, and payment.

• Malone S. Grown Woman Talk. 2024.
• NIH Data Book (2022): https://report.nih.gov/funding/categorical-spending
• March of Dimes. Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Report, 2023.
• Fitzgerald J., King L. Price and Prejudice: Reimbursement of Surgical Care on Male Versus Female Anatomies

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**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.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Originally Published June 2024. It's Diabetes Awareness Month and Metabolic Health is an important proactive measure!

How are metabolism, health, and menopause linked? Listen as Dr. Lara Briden shares insights from her new book, Metabolism Repair for Women.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Lara Briden, naturopathic doctor and celebrated author of “Period Repair Manual.” Dr. Briden joins Fempower Heath to discuss metabolic health in light of her newest book, "Metabolism Repair for Women." Known for her thorough and research-based approach to women's health, Lara shares her expertise on the often misunderstood topic of metabolic health—particularly its significance during the perimenopausal and menopausal stages of a woman’s life.

Discussed in this episode:

• The connection between metabolic health, general health, mental health, and women's hormones
• Why metabolism health is not just about weight loss but about overall energy and well-being
• How hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can lead to insulin resistance
• How hormonal birth control can have different metabolic effects
• Ways to manage and improve metabolic health during perimenopause and menopause
• The potential metabolic benefits of a low-carb diet and its role in reducing cravings for carbohydrates

"What's happening metabolically in the brain at menopause is potentially going to have long-term consequences."​​ - Dr. Lara Briden

Related to this episode:

• Resources on Perimenopause and Menopause
• Check out Dr. Lara Briden’s books: Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women
• Learn more about Dr. Lara Briden and follow her on Instagram

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Guest Bio

Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and the bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual,

Episode Summary:

Progesterone and progestins sound alike — but they act very differently in a woman’s body. This episode breaks down how that confusion took root and what it means for hormone therapy, contraception, and women’s health research. Endocrinologist Dr. Jerilynn Prior and gynecologist Dr. Jim Simon join Georgie Kovacs to explore evidence, controversy, and the systemic forces that keep women in the dark about their options.

Highlights:

• Key biological differences between progesterone and synthetic progestins
• What the latest menopause guidelines actually say
• Why Mirena protects the uterus but may not provide systemic progesterone effects
• How underfunded research skews labeling and care
• Questions to ask your clinician before starting hormone therapy

About the Guests:

Dr. Jerilynn Prior – Founder, Centre for Menstrual Cycle & Ovulation Research (CeMCOR).

Dr. Jim Simon – Clinical Professor, GWU OB-GYN; President, ISSWSH.

Resources:

• Learn about the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR)
• Learn about the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
• Check out The Menopause Society position statements, which address clinical issues in women's midlife

Action Steps:

• Learn your hormone terminology.
• Discuss individualized options with your clinician.
• Share this episode to help others get informed.

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**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.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Originally Published April 2024. Sharing in honor of ADHD Awareness Month.

Dr. Maggie Sibley explains the often-misunderstood reality of women with ADHD, from evaluation and treatment to symptom management and hormonal changes.

Episode Summary

In this fascinating episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs is joined by Dr. Maggie Sibley, a renowned women’s ADHD specialist and researcher. As a clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Sibley shares her research-based knowledge and unique perspective on the often overlooked and misunderstood topic of ADHD in adult women.

Listen as we discuss the complexities of ADHD beyond childhood, the relationship between ADHD and hormones in women with attention disorders, and practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms across different life stages.

Key Discussion Points:

• Common misconceptions about ADHD being a children’s condition and the reality of how symptoms persist into adulthood.
• Research on the trajectory of ADHD from adolescence to adulthood and why it’s so important to recognize ADHD in adults.
• How ADHD symptoms in women manifest differently than men, including internalized symptoms like inattention and executive dysfunction.
• Connections between societal expectations of women and why ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women until later in life.
• How women’s hormonal changes impact regions in the brain that are associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
• Ways to treat and manage adult ADHD, including lifestyle modifications, medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and personal coping strategies.
• The importance of structure, routine, exercise, and healthy diet for effective ADHD symptom management.
• Tips for navigating the healthcare system during the evaluation stage and treatment plans after diagnosis to ensure specialized care for women with ADHD.
• The importance of community support and further research for women with ADHD.

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Mental Health

• Related episode: Living With ADHD: Your Brain’s Not Broken
• Learn more about Dr Margaret Sibley
• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): This is the major advocacy organization for ADHD, providing support, resources, and community connections for both children and adults.
• ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association): This organization focuses on the adult ADHD community, offering tools, resources, and networking opportunities for adults dealing with ADHD.
• Psychology Today: A resource for finding therapists who specialize in ADHD and other psychological conditions. Dr. Sibley recommends using their therapist finder tool to locate experts who specialize in cognitive behavioral approaches and other treatments for ADHD.

1....

The FDA held a rare public hearing to reconsider the safety labels on vaginal estrogen—a pivotal moment for menopause care.

In this episode, Dr. James Simon, a leading menopause specialist and clinical researcher, joins Georgie Kovacs to unpack what the hearing revealed, why the current labeling may do more harm than good, and what it means for millions of women experiencing genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), recurrent UTIs, painful sex, and incontinence.

Together, they explore how outdated warnings, lack of education, and systemic biases continue to shape women’s access to treatment—and what both women and clinicians need to know as change finally takes shape.

• Why is the FDA reconsidering the vaginal estrogen warning label now?
• What does genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) actually mean—and how common is it?
• How do current black box warnings limit women’s access to safe and effective therapies?
• What’s the real risk of vaginal estrogen and breast cancer—and what does the evidence say?
• How can updated labeling improve care for UTIs, painful sex, and incontinence?
• What steps can clinicians take to confidently prescribe vaginal estrogen?
• What role does the media and misinformation play in perpetuating fear around menopause care?
• How can women advocate for themselves if their doctor is hesitant to prescribe?
• What’s next for the FDA—and how could this hearing reshape menopause treatment in the U.S.?

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

About Dr. James Simon

Dr. James A. Simon is a board-certified Ob/Gyn, and reproductive endocrinologist. He is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. Dr. Simon also holds certifications as an AASECT-Certified Sexuality Counsellor, an ISCD-Certified Clinical Bone Densitometrist, and a Menopause Society-Certified Menopause Specialist.

He has an active private practice, IntimMedicine Specialists®, in Washington, DC focused on complicated gynecology, sexual medicine for both men and women, and menopause.

Dr. Simon has received...

Honoring Mental Illness Awareness Week. Originally published October 2023.

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 women
• Signs 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 PPP
• Tragic cases of misunderstood postpartum psychosis left unaddressed (Andrea Yates)
• How families and loved ones can offer support during a postpartum mental health crisis
• The importance of primary care providers and OBGYNs knowing about postpartum mental disorders
• Challenges women face when seeking mental health care during the postpartum period
• Ways to manage mental health during and after pregnancy with the help of reproductive psychiatrists

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Mental Health

• Resources and episodes on Pregnancy & Motherhood

• Read the Article: Postpartum Psychosis: Improving the Likelihood of Early Intervention
• Related Book: Beyond the Baby Blues: Anxiety and Depression During and After Pregnancy by Dr. Rebecca Fox Starr
• Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net
• Connections Mental Health Support: www.connectionshs.com
• National Suicide & Crisis Line: 9-8-8

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

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Follow us on

Episode Summary

AI is everywhere — from apps on our phones to tools shaping clinical care. But what does it really mean for women’s health? Could AI finally close the health gap — or will it reinforce the same frustrations women already face in the doctor’s office?

In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs sits down with Dr. Nikita Patel, a pharmacist, biomedical engineer, and healthcare innovation leader with 15 years of experience across biopharma, digital health, and AI. Nikita has held leadership roles including Director of Clinical Research & AI at Function Health, and she brings a multidisciplinary perspective on how data, diagnostics, and emerging technologies can transform health and human performance.

Together, Georgie and Niki unpack what’s misunderstood about AI in healthcare, why women’s health needs its own data lens, and how clinicians and patients alike can use AI responsibly today.

• What is AI in healthcare really doing behind the buzzword?
• Why is women’s health data missing — and how does this bias impact AI tools?
• How can women use AI to better advocate for themselves in doctor visits?
• Can AI improve clinical trials and drug development for women?
• What privacy risks should women and clinicians know about when using AI apps?
• How can healthcare providers evaluate whether an “AI-powered” tool is credible?
• What’s the future of personalized care — could digital twins and AI change everything?
• Who is responsible for setting standards for AI in women’s health?

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.

2. Stay connected:

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**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.**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**