Challenging Menopause Misconceptions

Celebrating Five Years of the 'You Are Not Broken' Podcast

Happy New Year! This week, as we step into 2024, I’m reflecting on the incredible journey of the podcast and the amazing guests who’ve joined me along the way. Five years ago, on January 1, 2020, I launched the very first episode of You Are Not Broken. At the time, Instagram wasn’t even part of the equation for me and now I just hit 200K, I hadn’t published a book, hadn’t done a TEDX talk and the term "menopause expert" wasn’t something that I was. Looking back, I can confidently say: that first episode was pretty good!

Thank you to all of the sponsors, prescribers, everyone who supports ISSWSH and treats women for sexual health issues. I just did a course about sexual health and prescribing testosterone with Dr. Heather Hirsch’s academy.

In honor of this milestone, let’s revisit some of the highlights and wisdom shared by the brilliant minds who’ve graced the podcast.

1.My very first episode - short, sweet and mission driven, this is how it all started.

2. Dr. Mary Claire Haver – April 2023 episode 208

Long before “the new menopause” and the buzz around medications like Ozempic, Dr. Haver was here dropping timeless advice.

3. Dr. Sari Van Anders and the Science of Desire – march 2022 – Epiosde 147

Dr. Van Anders insights reshaped how we think about desire. Her research challenged the heteronormative theory of low desire in women partnered with men, emphasizing that desire is far more complex than we often assume. She explained how sexual thoughts and behaviors can influence our hormones, showing that thinking sexy thoughts can actually increase testosterone levels. This idea—that our minds and bodies are deeply connected—has inspired so many listeners to explore what turns them on and why.

4. Dr. Avrum Bluming and the Hormone Window – Epiosde 222 July 2023

Dr. Bluming joined me to discuss the "10-year window" and the incredible "window of opportunity" when it comes to hormone therapy. We now know that the main risk associated with oral estrogen is clotting in veins, which is why transdermal (TD) estrogen is the preferred option. He reminded us of the critical role hormones play in bone health, as hip fractures kill as many people each year as breast cancer.

5. The Lancet Rebuttal: Are We Overtreating Menopause? – April 2024, #259

This powerful panel discussion featured Dr. Lauren Streicher, Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan, Dr. Heather Quaile, Dr. Heidi Flagg, and Dr. Mary Claire Haver. Together, we explored whether menopause is being overtreated in 2024. Spoiler: the answer is no.

6. Dr. Marty Klein and the Complexities of Fantasy episode 169 – July 2022

Dr. Klein’s book, His Porn, Her Pain, sparked a fascinating conversation about the nature of fantasy. His insights challenged us to think deeply about what fantasy means for us as individuals and how it shapes our relationships.

As we celebrate five years, I want to thank everyone who listens, shares, and prescribes for women. Your support fuels this mission to empower and educate. Here’s to another year of breaking myths, sharing stories, and embracing the science of living our best lives.

Happy New Year,

Dr. Kelly Casperson

Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.

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Order my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life"

Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed

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Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Starts January 2025.

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