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

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
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Learn about menopause and mental health from clinical psychologist Dr. Allie Sharma on the Fempower Health Podcast.

Episode Summary

While menopause is assumed to come with hot flashes and menstrual changes, there are also mental effects of menopause that are less commonly discussed. In this episode, Dr. Allie Sharma—a clinical psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health—discusses the impacts of perimenopause and menopause on mood and the brain. She emphasizes the need for education and integrated care models for women navigating this significant life transition and shares her thoughts on how this can be done.

Listen as we discuss the relationship between hormonal changes, depression/anxiety, and navigating the healthcare system during menopause. Dr. Sharma also offers expert insights on menopause mental health symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and advocating for your health at this phase of life.

Discussion Topics

• The differences between perimenopause and menopause
• The relationship between menopause and mental health issues
• How hormonal changes can result in mental health symptoms
• Why women are at higher risk for depression and anxiety during perimenopause
• The role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in managing menopause symptoms
• How perimenopause can affect relationships and family dynamics
• Common sexual health issues during menopause and how they can be addressed
• Strategies to help you advocate for your health effectively
• How family members can better support women during perimenopause and menopause

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause
• Resources and episodes on Mental Health
• Learn more about Dr. Allie Sharma and follow her on Instagram
• Referenced in the Episode: CNN Article on Perimenopause and Mental Health
• Reference in the Episode: Penn Ovarian Aging Study (POAS)

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or

Learn about the pelvic floor after hysterectomy as Dr. Jocelyn Wallace, Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, shares her insights.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Jocelyn Wallace, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, discusses the importance of the pelvic floor in women's health. She sheds light on the pelvic floor, especially in the context of hysterectomy.

Dr. Wallace talks about managing pelvic floor changes that can occur after a hysterectomy. She discusses the value of comprehensive preoperative and postoperative care, including strategies for preventing complications like pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Dr. Wallace also offers practical advice on pelvic floor therapy for women, lifestyle changes, and advocating for personalized care for the pelvic floor.

Key Discussion Points on the Tie Between Hysterectomy and Pelvic Health:

• The fundamental role of the pelvic floor in supporting essential organs and maintaining women's health.
• Common pelvic floor exercises after hysterectomy and how to seek pelvic floor therapy.
• How a hysterectomy can affect pelvic floor function and increase the risk of complications like pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and sexual function.
• Why preoperative pelvic floor therapy is crucial for strengthening muscles and reducing potential complications post-surgery.
• The importance of a structured recovery plan including exercises, therapy, and lifestyle changes to optimize pelvic health after surgery.
• How to advocate for comprehensive pelvic care before and after a hysterectomy to find an approach that suits your unique health needs.
• Ways to navigate changes in sexual health post-hysterectomy.

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause
• Listen to Life Before and After Hysterectomy with Dr. Zoe Rodriguez
• Learn more about Dr. Jocelyn Wallace and follow her on Instagram
• Take the Pelvic Floor Questionnaire

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on

Listen as Dr. Zoe Rodriguez shares her medical and patient-advocating expertise about life before and after hysterectomy.

Episode Summary

Join Fempower Health as we discuss hysterectomies with Dr. Zoe Rodriguez, the Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

In this episode, we address the misconceptions, diverse cultural perspectives, and crucial insights surrounding hysterectomies. We talk about different hysterectomy options, recovery expectations, and the significant impact of surgical choices on women's health. Whether you are considering this procedure or seeking deeper understanding, this discussion offers valuable guidance to navigate your health decisions confidently.

Key Takeaways

• The different types of hysterectomy surgery—including total, supracervical, and partial hysterectomy—and why it’s so important to know the different options.
• How cultural backgrounds influence perceptions of healthcare and surgical decisions, particularly within the Latina community.
• The importance of setting realistic expectations and being well-informed about post-surgical recovery, hormonal impacts, and sexuality after hysterectomy.
• Debunking common misconceptions that Western physicians are “eager to perform surgeries,” plus ethical considerations and patient-centric approaches adopted by modern medicine.
• Minimally invasive procedures for fibroids and other conditions that can be alternatives to hysterectomy.
• The role of informed consent and ensuring patients are fully aware of what their surgery entails, including the potential removal of ovaries and subsequent hormonal implications.
• Tips for patients on how to interact effectively with healthcare providers to ensure all their concerns are addressed.
• Dr. Rodriguez’s vision for accessible, high-quality healthcare for all, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause
• Learn about ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists): A leading organization in women's health care, providing guidelines and practice bulletins for medical practitioners.
• Learn about The Menopause Society: Likely referring to The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), which provides guidance and information on menopause management.
• Learn about ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine): An organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine, including fertility preservation.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on

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.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's...

Learn the correlation between women’s health and menopause. Dr. Lauren Streicher shares the essentials of menopause management and tips for healthy aging.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Streicher, a distinguished expert in menopause management, joins to share her insights on this important life stage. Dr. Streicher discusses the complexities of menopause, offering facts and practical advice for women. With a career dedicated to enhancing women's health, she brings a wealth of knowledge from her clinical experience, research, and as the author of several pivotal books on menopause. This conversation explores the main aspects of menopause, from symptom management to the importance of open communication with healthcare providers, and how to embrace this transformative stage of life.

Key Discussion Points

• An overview of women’s health and menopause, including high blood pressure, joint pain, insulin resistance, sleep disturbances, and hair loss.
• The complex relationship between menopause and painful intercourse, and the importance of accurate diagnosis beyond genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
• Strategies for finding access to a menopause specialist.
• The role of estrogen in the management of menopausal symptoms.
• Potential benefits and considerations for menopause hormone therapy.
• Efficacy, precautions, and recommendations regarding cannabis for menopause relief.
• The relationship between menopause and mental health, and how this can impact cognitive function.
• How to prepare for doctor's appointments when managing menopause and wanting to address your symptoms and concerns.
• Viewing menopause and aging as opportunities to focus on health, well-being, and embracing a new chapter in life.

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause
• Read Dr. Streicher’s story and follow her on LinkedIn
• Midi Health: www.joinmidi.com
• Check out Dr Streicher’s Inside Information podcast

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your...

Learn how your vaginal flora and gut microbiome contribute to your reproductive health. Dr. Caroline Mitchell shares her expertise and research on this important but overlooked topic.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. Dr. Caroline Mitchell, distinguished reproductive health researcher and faculty member at the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, shares her profound insight on why a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial in women's health.

With a background in Women’s Studies at Harvard College and groundbreaking research funded by prestigious organizations, Dr. Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. She explains the complexities of understanding vaginal flora, the challenges posed by bacterial vaginosis (BV), and the intriguing connections between gut health and vaginal health.

Listen to learn about some of the most significant yet overlooked aspects of women's reproductive health. We discuss how to balance the vaginal microbiome, what to do about chronic bacterial vaginosis, use cases for a vaginal microbiome transplant, and what innovative treatments are emerging in women’s health.

Key Discussion Points

• Why a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial for women's overall health and how imbalances can lead to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
• The difficulties of limited funding and the complexity of research regarding the vaginal microbiome.
• Symptoms of BV, its limited treatment options, and common misdiagnoses such as vulvodynia.
• Yeast infection vs. BV vs. UTI symptoms.
• The impact of antibiotic use on the vaginal and gut microbiomes, plus the need for caution and further research.
• Vaginal microbiome transplants and the potential of lactobacillus crispatus in treating BV, plus the future of an at-home vaginal microbiome test.
• What to consider when looking for the best women's probiotics for vaginal health, and how to avoid unnecessary products and irritants.
• The importance of accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management for vaginal health.

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome
• Follow Dr. Caroline Mitchell on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow her lab on Instagram.
• Learn more about Dr Mitchell’s research and consider enrolling in her clinical trials
• MOTIF (be a donor recipient)
• MOTIF (be a donor)
• VIBRANT study, looking at a live biotherapeutic
• Learn about the

If you’ve ever heard that menopausal hormone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer, this new health report may surprise you.

In this bonus episode, women’s health and menopause management expert Dr. Mindy Goldman sheds light on the complex world of Menopause Hormone Therapy. We explore pivotal insights from the Ester Trial, revealing potentially safer transdermal estrogen. We talk about a fascinating Today article that uncovers the impact of statistical manipulation on reported studies, especially concerning the relationship between breast cancer and hormone therapy.

Dr. Mindy Goldman shares her expert opinion on how estrogen alone might be safer than we thought, and why synthetic progesterone requires a closer look. We also discuss the controversial use of testosterone in women, the challenges with federal laws, and FDA-approved options for improving libido.

Dr. Goldman is a Clinical Professor in the Department of OB/GYN at UCSF and the Director of the Gynecology Center for Cancer Survivors and At-Risk Women. In addition to her role as Midi’s Chief Clinical Officer, she’s a nationally recognized expert in the management of women’s health issues, including menopause, for women with cancer or at high risk. She helped author guidelines for the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and has won several notable awards.

Discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Mindy’s work with breast cancer survivors as an OBGYN
• Common myths of menopause hormone therapy
• A discussion on the ESTHER Study and recent menopause data release in Today
• Risks and safety of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone therapy
• FDA-approved drugs for women’s sexual function
• Gender disparities in medical research
• Hormone therapies and other treatment options for high-risk populations such as cancer survivors
• Menopause symptoms in breast cancer treatment
• Hormone therapies, medications, and lifestyle strategies as post-cancer treatment options
• Dr. Mindy Goldman’s professional experience as a menopause advocate combining breast oncology with gynecology

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause
• Menopause health report (Dec 2023): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37847875
• ESTHER Study: Learn more.
• Dr. Goldman’s story: www.joinmidi.com/post/mindy-goldman
• Dr. Mindy Goldman on Linkedin
• Midi Health: www.joinmidi.com
• Menopause...