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Together, they explore how outdated warnings, lack of education, and systemic biases continue to shape women’s access to treatment—and what both women and clinicians need to know as change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

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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

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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:

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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 May 2024. Re-sharing in honor of Chronic Pain Awareness Month

Are there ways to find pain relief for endometriosis? Listen as Dr. Allyson Shrikhande shares her expert insights on a whole-person approach to pain management.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs hosts Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a specialist in pelvic rehabilitation medicine. They explore the important topic of managing pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.

Dr. Shrikhande discusses the complex symptoms and challenges of diagnosing endometriosis, which often go beyond typical menstrual discomfort and can even affect areas such as bladder function and sexual health. They discuss innovative, non-surgical approaches to pain management, incorporating targeted treatments and lifestyle modifications. Listen to gain insights into holistic, patient-centered methods that make significant relief possible for those battling chronic pelvic pain.

Key Discussion Points:

• The diverse and often misunderstood symptoms of endometriosis
• Endometriosis’ impact on the menstrual cycle, bladder, bowel functions, and pain during intercourse
• Non-surgical methods for pelvic pain management when living with endometriosis
• Why detecting endometriosis early can change the course of treatment and potentially lessen the need for invasive procedures
• Nerve and muscle rehabilitation treatment options that provide relief without the complications associated with surgery
• Benefits of a whole-person approach to managing endometriosis, which includes nutritional support, behavioral health, and physical therapy
• Dr. Shrikhande emphasizes the need for greater awareness and education about endometriosis among both healthcare providers and patients

Related to this episode:

• Resources on Pelvic Health
• Read Beating Endo
• Try Your Pace Yoga
• Learn more about Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine and follow them on Instagram.
• Stay in touch with Dr Allyson Shrikhande and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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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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Or join...

Women’s health faces systemic challenges that too often leave women without answers — especially in midlife, when care becomes fragmented and reimbursement models make solutions hard to scale.

In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs speaks with Joanna Strober, CEO and co-founder of Midi Health and a seasoned entrepreneur who previously founded Kurbo Health (acquired by Weight Watchers). Joanna shares her journey from personal struggles with perimenopause symptoms to building solutions that confront the structural barriers in women’s health.

Together, we explore why women are left to self-navigate, how venture capital and philanthropy are shaping the field, and what it will take to close the gap between research and real-world care.

If you’re a woman seeking answers about your health, or a clinician striving to better serve your patients, this episode will give you a candid look at the truth: the system isn’t designed for women — but with insight and bold action, change is possible.

• Why do midlife women often “fall out” of the healthcare system?
• How do insurance and reimbursement barriers prevent women-centered care from scaling?
• Why does it take an average of 17 years for clinical evidence to become standard practice?
• How should innovators responsibly use emerging research in women’s health?
• What role did Pivotal Ventures and Wellcome Trust’s $100M commitment play — and why isn’t it enough?
• How do venture capital investors view women’s health innovation — is it bias, or a need to show scale?
• What cultural factors lead women to tolerate suffering instead of pushing for better care?
• Where does Joanna Strober see hope for the future of women’s health innovation?

1. Help others discover Fempower Health:

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Joanna Strober is a visionary healthcare leader and CEO/co-founder of Midi Health,...

Originally published March 2021. Resharing in honor of Perimenopause Awareness Month.

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

Resources:

• Period Repair Manual
• Hormone Repair Manual

• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter

• Fempower Health's Menopause Resources

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:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.

Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.

**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**

Longevity isn’t just about living longer — it’s about living better.

In this episode of Fempower Health, host Georgie Kovacs sits down with Roma van der Walt, a sports scientist, women’s health strategist, and CEO of Vitelle, to unpack what longevity really means for women.

Roma explains why the biohacking trend often overlooks female physiology, how wearables misinterpret women’s health data, and why prevention must go beyond annual checkups and symptom management. Together, they discuss AI’s role in women’s health, how clinicians can better support patients, and why building an integrated health intelligence infrastructure is the future of personalized care.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “Am I doing enough to stay healthy as I age?”
• “Why do wearables and trackers confuse me more than they help?”
• “How can I trust AI with my health data?”

…this episode is for you.

• What is the difference between lifespan vs. healthspan, and why does it matter for women?
• How does the current longevity conversation overlook women’s unique physiology?
• Are wearables and fitness trackers accurate for women, or do they misinterpret the data?
• What are the four pillars of longevity every woman should focus on?
• How can AI and health intelligence infrastructure improve women’s healthcare?
• Why is prevention more important than biohacking for long-term women’s health?
• How can clinicians better support women navigating fragmented healthcare systems?
• What supplements and lifestyle factors can impact women’s biomarkers unexpectedly?
• How can women make sense of biometrics, wearables, and lab results without feeling overwhelmed?
• What role should personalized healthcare play in improving women’s outcomes?

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**

About Roma van der Walt

Roma van der Walt is pioneering a new era of women's health. As a sports scientist and the founder of Vitelle, she's working on turning complex biological data into actionable insights for female longevity and performance.

Her work sits at the intersection of sports science and the power of system design to address that the field of female health has been

Originally Released October 2021

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 is intermittent fasting, and how does it promote fat-burning and metabolic switching?
• How do blood sugar stabilization and dietary changes support a successful fasting transition?
• What is “dirty fasting,” and why is it counterproductive to health goals?
• How can women map fasting schedules to their menstrual cycles?
• What are the specific intermittent fasting strategies for women in perimenopause or post-menopause?
• What is the role of ketones in brain health, and should women consider exogenous ketones?
• How does intermittent fasting impact conditions like obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders?
• What does “n of one” mean, and how can women customize fasting for their unique health needs?
• How can women use nutrition, mindfulness, and fasting to balance hormones during life transitions?
• Why are women hormonally driven to share health discoveries, and how does this influence health trends?

Referenced in the podcast & related episodes:

• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter

• 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

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Guest Bio

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,