Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs & Hormones

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your picker" learning to identify and choose partners based on compatibility rather than superficial chemistry or outdated checklists.The discussion explored the cultural challenges faced by South Asian women and others from conservative backgrounds who were discouraged from dating during their formative years, then suddenly expected to find life partners without any relationship skills. This creates a particularly challenging dynamic for professionals who focused on career development while neglecting romantic education.Gandhi addressed the "gray divorce" phenomenon, noting how hormonal clarity during perimenopause and menopause often coincides with women recognizing they've been settling for relationships that don't serve them. Economic independence allows women to leave situations their mothers and grandmothers couldn't escape, leading to increased midlife divorces and subsequent re-entry into dating.A major myth-busting focus emerged around modern dating being "harder than ever." Gandhi argues that technology simply provides more options than the historical six-block radius of potential partners. The real challenge isn't the dating landscape but the lack of education around relationship skills - something we'd never expect someone to master without training in any other life area.If this episode gave you hope about finding love at any age, help other women discover this conversation by subscribing to the channel and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help more women find the support they need for all aspects of midlife transitions.Highlights:Why "fixing your picker" matters more than finding matches.The cultural challenges of South Asian dating expectations.How perimenopause clarity contributes to "gray divorce".Debunking the myth that modern dating is impossible.Red flags: inconsistency, not respecting boundaries, too much too soon.Success stories from clients in their 70s finding love.Teaching relationship skills to teenagers and young adults.Connect with Bela: WebsiteInstagram Facebook YoutubeConnect with me:Website InstagramYoutubeSubstackMentioned in this episode:GSM CollectiveThe GSM Collective - Chicago Boutique concierge gynecology practice Led by Dr. Sameena Rahman, specialist in sexual medicine & menopause Unrushed appointments in a beautiful, private setting Personalized care for women's health, hormones, and pelvic floor issues Multiple membership options available Ready for personalized women's healthcare? Visit our Chicago office today. GSM Collective

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 to brain signals, leading to missed ovulations and progesterone deficiency. This creates what's often called "estrogen dominance" though we prefer the term "progesterone deficiency" to avoid vilifying estrogen. The result is unpredictable cycles, mood changes, brain fog, sleep disruption, and metabolic shifts.A major revelation emerged around hormone testing it's largely unhelpful during active perimenopause with regular cycles, since hormones fluctuate daily. However, testing can provide validation for women experiencing significant cycle disruptions, even if it doesn't change treatment plans. The key is understanding when testing makes sense versus when it's a waste of money.The conversation highlighted how perimenopause accelerates metabolic dysfunction, with cholesterol, blood sugar, and liver enzymes often rising for the first time. Dr. Piasta introduced the "red wine sign" when alcohol tolerance suddenly disappears as an early warning that metabolic changes are happening throughout the body.Treatment approaches vary based on individual needs, considering contraception requirements, cycle regulation, and symptom management. Both birth control pills and menopausal hormone therapy have roles in perimenopause care, often used together with IUDs providing contraception while hormones address symptoms. The goal is having more tools in the toolbox, not fewer.Highlights:Why perimenopause is a "power word," not just medical jargon.When to test hormones (and when not to waste your money).Metabolic changes that accelerate during perimenopause.Birth control pills vs. menopausal hormone therapy approaches.When your body stops processing alcohol.Weight gain and metabolic dysfunction solutions.Treatment strategies for the "sandwich generation".If this episode gave you new perspective on perimenopause and metabolic health, help other women find this conversation by subscribing to the channel and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help more women discover these important discussions about taking control of their healthcare choices.Connect with Dr. Piasta:WebsiteInstagram Connect with me:Website InstagramYoutubeSubstackMentioned in this episode:GSM CollectiveThe GSM Collective - Chicago Boutique concierge gynecology practice Led by Dr. Sameena Rahman, specialist in sexual medicine & menopause Unrushed appointments in a beautiful, private setting Personalized care for women's health, hormones, and pelvic floor issues Multiple membership options available Ready for personalized women's healthcare? Visit our Chicago office today. GSM Collective

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. This has led to overfilled appearances and the need for ultrasound guided dissolution techniques.The conversation highlighted practical anti-aging strategies, particularly upper eyelid surgery as a high impact, low downtime procedure that can dramatically improve appearance without looking artificial. Fat transfer emerged as a game changing technique that provides natural volume while improving skin quality through growth factors.The discussion addressed modern challenges like "Ozempic face" from rapid weight loss and the limitations of non-surgical skin tightening. We also discussed the importance of rejecting societal pressure around aging and aesthetic choices, framing these decisions as personal autonomy rather than vanity.Throughout, the conversation challenged stigmas in both plastic surgery and women's health, advocating for patients to address what bothers them rather than suffering in silence. The overarching message was about empowering women to make choices that improve their quality of life without shame or judgment.Highlights:Celebrity influence on plastic surgery trends (Kris Jenner's facelift analysis).The shift from "overfilled" to natural aesthetics in modern plastic surgery.Breast reconstruction for cancer survivors and body image.Filler dissolution and the truth about how long they really last.AI filters vs. realistic surgical expectations.Ozempic face/body and massive weight loss surgery.Small procedures with big impact (upper eyelids, lip lifts).If this episode gave you new perspective on aging and body autonomy, help other women find this conversation by subscribing to the channel and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help more women discover these important discussions about taking control of their healthcare choices.Connect with Dr. Rice:WebsiteInstagramTikTokConnect with me:Website InstagramYoutubeSubstackMentioned in this episode:GSM CollectiveThe GSM Collective - Chicago Boutique concierge gynecology practice Led by Dr. Sameena Rahman, specialist in sexual medicine & menopause Unrushed appointments in a beautiful, private setting Personalized care for women's health, hormones, and pelvic floor issues Multiple membership options available Ready for personalized women's healthcare? Visit our Chicago office today. GSM Collective

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 seven universal fantasy themes that emerge across all demographics, from threesomes and kink to romance and taboo scenarios helping me understand what my patients are likely thinking about but afraid to discuss. We explore the surprising finding that religiously and politically conservative people often fantasize about the very things they're "not supposed to" do, and how taboos actually amplify excitement through what he calls the "forbidden fruit effect."One of the most valuable insights I gained was learning that 80% of people report positive experiences when sharing fantasies with partners, and how women who act on fantasies have higher orgasm rates. We also discussed surprising findings about who people fantasize about most (hint: it's usually people they know, not celebrities), and how factors like age, gender, and culture shape our secret desires. Perhaps most importantly, we addressed how most people think their fantasies are much rarer than they actually are, creating unnecessary shame that impacts sexual wellbeing.This conversation opened my eyes to just how normal and diverse human sexual fantasies really are. For anyone wondering if their thoughts are "weird" or struggling with shame around their desires, this episode offers both validation and practical insights.Highlights:Justin surveyed over 10,000 people to uncover the seven most common sexual fantasy categories.Conservative people often fantasize about breaking the very taboos they publicly support.80% of people have positive experiences when sharing fantasies with their partners.Most people fantasize about people they know rather than celebrities.Women who act on their fantasies report higher rates of orgasm.Curious about more honest conversations around sexual health? I encourage you to subscribe to my podcast, for more candid discussions that help you advocate for your sexual wellness. Do you have questions about sexual health? I always tell my listeners -don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with a qualified healthcare provider who specializes in sexual medicine. Remember: I'm here to educate so you can advocate for yourself.Connect with Justin:WebsitePodcastInstagramLinkedInConnect with me:Website InstagramYoutube

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 as a part-time physician (including being denied promotion solely for working three days a week), and her controversial experience on Real Housewives of Dallas, where she faced racist harassment that ultimately led her to leave the show. Our conversation explores the unique pressures facing women in medicine, from cultural conditioning around achievement to the impossible myth of "having it all." Dr. Moon discusses her mid-career burnout, how she found creative outlets through entrepreneurship, and why she believes joy must be cultivated from within rather than sought externally. She also addresses the double edged sword of social media how it can build businesses and connections while also fueling dangerous comparisons and shares practical strategies for maintaining authentic relationships in an increasingly digital world. Highlights:The Achievement Paradox: Why following traditional success markers often leaves high achievers feeling empty and unfulfilled.Systemic Bias in Medicine: Research showing 75% of women physicians delay childbearing, with career penalties for part-time work.Cultural Conditioning: How Asian American upbringing around being "smart and obedient" creates lifelong people-pleasing patterns.Reality TV Racism: Dr. Moon's experience with harassment on Real Housewives of Dallas and learning when to walk away.Mental Health Stigma: The importance of seeking treatment for anxiety and depression, especially in medical culture.Social Media Strategy: Using platforms for business growth while avoiding the "comparison trap".Redefining Success: The difference between conditional happiness and sustainable inner Boundary Setting: Practical advice for saying no and valuing your worth as a professional.Get in Touch with Dr. Moon:WebsiteBook linkLeadHer Summit InstagramTikTokLinkedInGet in Touch with me:Website InstagramYoutube

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 stress, why “just buying bins” won’t solve the problem, and how a well organized space can actually help regulate mood, sleep, and decision making. We also dig into the emotional weight of stuff, the cultural shame around mess, and how to build systems that support not sabotage your daily life.Highlights:Why perimenopause amplifies stress from household clutter.The emotional payoff of donating with purpose and clearing space.Why traditional storage solutions often fail, and what works instead.How shame and societal roles keep women stuck in disorganization.How to build resilience and reclaim peace at home through simple systems.If your home feels like one more thing you can’t manage, this conversation will offer both empathy and a path forward. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs it.Get in Touch with Amy:WebsiteInstagramGet in Touch with me:Website InstagramYoutube

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 shares how the platform continues to evolve and what the data is showing us. We talk about desire, responsive arousal, cultural context, and the new tools changing how we treat sexual dysfunction. If you’ve ever wondered what expert driven, patient-centered care really looks like, this is it.Highlights:How a platform built by clinicians, therapists, and researchers is changing care for low libido and arousal.Why erotica is an evidence based intervention and how Rosy makes it accessible without shame.What Rosy’s data reveals about responsive desire, cultural identity, and unmet sexual health needs.Behind the scenes: Rosy's upcoming arousal treatment, coaching expansion, and Quickies feature.Get in Touch with Dr. Harper:WebsiteInstagramGet in Touch with me:Website InstagramYoutube

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 Bulkamid, Dr. Milhouse breaks down the options for restoring bladder control and day to day comfort. We also explore how pelvic floor dysfunction can affect self-image and sexual wellbeing and why informed consent must include conversations about pleasure, not just pathology.Highlights:Representation in Urology: Dr. Milhouse shares how meeting a Black woman urologist shaped her path into a field traditionally dominated by older white men and how that representation continues to matter.Prolapse Realities: From “it felt like I had a scrotum” to “an egg between my legs,” Dr. Milhouse describes how patients experience pelvic organ prolapse and what options exist to restore both anatomy and confidence.Incontinence Treatments Explained: A breakdown of surgical and non-surgical options—like mid urethral slings and Bulkamid and how patient goals and downtime factor into decision making.Preserving Sexual Function: Why asking about cervical orgasms matters, and how uterine sparing procedures can protect sexual wellbeing during prolapse repair.Medical Bias and Advocacy: A frank discussion about racism, bias, and the emotional toll that clinicians of color face—both from patients and within the healthcare system.If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and leave a comment. Your support helps us reach more people who deserve real, respectful conversations about their health.Connect with Dr. MilhouseWebsiteInstagramYoutubeConnect with Dr. Rahman:Website Instagram Youtube

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 sit down with Dr. Louise Newson to dig into why so many women first experience these frustrations and why they feel such immense relief after speaking with a menopause specialist, especially after constantly being dismissed by other clinicians.Dr. Newson, a relentless advocate for women's health, challenges why hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are often denied to women, highlighting a pervasive medical bias against female physiology. She shares crucial insights on testosterone deficiency and its effects on the brain, the revolutionary benefits of vaginal DHEA (Prasterone) for recurrent UTIs, painful sex, and vaginal atrophy, and the potential for deprescribing opioids and antidepressants through hormone optimization. Tune in for a frank, evidence-based discussion that empowers you to advocate for personalized hormonal care at every stage of life.Episode Highlights:Challenging Medical Bias: We confront the historical medical bias denying women crucial hormone therapy (HT) and discuss its impact on overall health.Hormones, Mood & Brain Health: Discover how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone function as neurotransmitters, profoundly impacting mood, memory, and sleep. Learn how hormone optimization can even reduce the need for opioids and antidepressants.The Power of Testosterone: Beyond libido, we discussl how testosterone replacement can boost brain function, energy, and combat chronic joint pain.Vaginal DHEA: A Game-Changer: Hear about the revolutionary benefits of vaginal DHEA (Prasterone) for recurrent UTIs, painful sex, and vaginal atrophy.Advocating for Long-Term Health: Understand why hormone deficiency raises risks for major conditions like dementia and heart disease, emphasizing the need for personalized hormonal care for healthy aging.If this conversation has sparked questions or empowered you, don't keep it to yourself. Share this episode with a woman in your life who needs to hear it, and remember to visit my Youtube Channel for more resources. Until next time, stay informed and advocate for your health!Guest Bio:​​Dr. Louise Newson is a world-renowned physician, women's hormone specialist, and member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce, widely known as the "medic who kickstarted the menopause revolution." An award-winning doctor, educator, and Sunday Times bestselling author, she founded the free balance menopause support app (over 1M downloads) and hosts the No.1 UK medical podcast. Through her Newson Health clinic and extensive research, Dr. Newson is committed to improving access to individualized menopause and hormone treatment, while tirelessly working to educate healthcare professionals and challenge medical bias without pharmaceutical funding.Get in Touch with Dr. Newson:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

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 unsupported during this transition. We explore how hormonal shifts can affect mood, memory, desire, and relationships not for everyone, but for more women than we acknowledge. Dr. White brings both her clinical experience and personal insight, shedding light on why these experiences are real, valid, and deserving of better care.We also dig into the emotional weight that comes with midlife the shifting roles as parents, professionals, and partners and how this period can lead to questioning everything from career goals to long-term relationships. It’s not about assigning blame to hormones, but about recognizing them as one piece of a complex puzzle.This conversation is about validation, education, and hope. Whether you’re in the thick of midlife changes or just starting to feel things shift, this episode is an invitation to listen without shame and to speak up without apology.Highlights:Why midlife can feel like an emotional landmineHow hormone changes impact libido, focus, and memoryWhat no one tells you about perimenopausal rageThe link between invisible labor and sexual disconnectionTips for recalibrating long-term relationships without blowing them upWhy naming the problem isn’t blaming—it’s empoweringDid you enjoy this episode? Make to follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps more women find real answers and better care.Guest Bio:Dr. Kate and Jay White are the married duo behind Heads and Tails, a podcast about recalibrating life, love, and identity in midlife. With over 50 years of combined experience Kate as a nationally recognized gynecologist and menopause/sexual medicine specialist, and Jay as a seasoned therapist, musician, and magician they bring both clinical expertise and real-life perspective to the mic.Married for 26 years, they’ve weathered their own relationship evolutions while raising kids, building careers, and navigating the many curveballs of midlife. Together, they speak candidly (and often hilariously) about everything from hormones and hot flashes to emotional intimacy and second chances.Their chemistry is real, their advice is grounded, and their mission is clear: to help listeners turn the so-called “midlife crisis” into a powerful recalibration body, brain, and relationship.Get in Touch with Dr. White:WebsiteInstagram Get in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube