Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs & Hormones

What if your low libido isn’t about hormones at all? What if the mental load you're carrying is quietly draining your desire?So many women come to me wondering what happened to their sex drive. They blame hormones, aging, or even themselves—but rarely do they consider the daily grind of their own lives. In this episode, I'm diving into a topic that sparked massive discussion at a recent sexual health conference: how gender dynamics in heterosexual relationships can play a major role in low desire.Inspired by a presentation from sex therapist and author Dr. Laurie Mintz, we explore what happens when women take on more of the housework, childcare, and emotional labor in a relationship. We talk about why inequities in household duties, blurred lines between caregiving and romance, and constantly running a mental to-do list all add up to a complete libido crash.This episode isn’t just about identifying the problem—it’s about understanding how chronic stress, hormonal shifts, and societal expectations intersect to shape your sexual experience. I also share actionable insights from clinical work and research that can help you reconnect with your own pleasure and reframe desire on your own terms.Whether you're in a long-term relationship or just trying to rediscover what pleasure looks like for you, this is the conversation that might finally explain what no one else has.Highlights:The 2021 study linking gender roles to low sexual desire in heterosexual couplesWhy the division of household labor can quietly kill intimacyHow chronic stress and role overload affect hormones and sexual arousalActionable strategies to reclaim desire, from scheduling "trysts" to sensory mindfulnessThe impact of perceived unfairness and caregiving dynamics on sexual connectionIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, share, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more people find the show and start reclaiming their own narratives around desire.Get in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

When a patient talks about their sexual dysfunction, I always ask: what's going on with the person they're having sex with? You’d be surprised how many providers don’t.Most people don’t think to ask what’s happening on both sides of a sexual relationship. But sexual dysfunction doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it’s a two-way street. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Yih, a urologist who treats both men and women, and we get real about the overlap of issues that show up in the bedroom.We dive into Peyronie’s disease and why it’s been overlooked for so long, how injections can break down plaques, and why those curves aren’t just uncomfortable—they can lead to serious problems for both partners. We also break down erectile dysfunction beyond the “just pop a blue pill” myth. Spoiler: Viagra doesn’t work for everyone.Jessica brings a powerful perspective to the conversation, especially around what it’s like treating both members of a couple, sometimes in back-to-back appointments. She’s also helping train the next generation of sexual health urologists through her fellowship at UC Irvine.Sex is more than individual dysfunction—it’s communication, treatment access, aging, and understanding both bodies in the room. If you’re a provider, a patient, or just curious about how these dynamics work together, this episode is for you.Highlights:The truth about Peyronie’s disease, painful sex, and treatment optionsWhy Viagra isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix for erectile dysfunctionHow injectable medications and implants are changing the gameDyadic sexuality and the importance of treating both partnersJessica Yih’s unique path to sexual medicine and her work training new fellowsIf this episode got you thinking, please hit that follow button, leave a comment, and give us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps more people find the info they’ve been missing.Dr. Yih’s Bio:Dr. Jessica Yih is a urologist specializing in both male and female sexual health and male infertility. She currently serves as Director of Women’s Sexual Health and Male Infertility and Assistant Professor at UC Irvine. Her clinical focus includes menopause care, vestibulodynia, arousal and orgasm disorders, erectile dysfunction, and oncofertility.Dr. Yih is active in research, surgical education, and advocacy, particularly in advancing care for women’s sexual health. She contributes to several professional societies including SMSNA, ISSWSH, SMRU, AUA, and SWIU.She holds degrees in brain sciences, medical sciences, mental health, and healthcare management, and completed her M.D. at Wayne State, urology residency at Case Western, and fellowship at San Diego Sexual Medicine.Get in Touch with Dr. Yih:WebsiteInstagramGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

Why are so many women still faking orgasms—and blaming themselves for sex that doesn’t feel good?I can't even begin to tell you how many women come into my office thinking they’re broken—because sex isn’t working for them the way it “should.” They’re doing all the right things, checking all the boxes, and still feeling disconnected, dry, resentful, or just straight-up bored in the bedroom. But here's the thing: it's not their fault, and they’re definitely not alone.In this episode, I’m talking with Maria, a total powerhouse in sexual medicine and menopause care. We go deep into the systemic blind spots in medical training, the cultural shame around female pleasure, and how most of us were never even taught how to understand our own bodies. From the bedroom gap to vibrator prescriptions, we’re covering it all—honestly, unfiltered, and with the kind of compassion that’s long overdue.Maria shares how her own clinical journey shifted when she realized how many women were being misdiagnosed or dismissed—especially when it came to menopause and sexual health. She’s on a mission to close the gendered healthcare gap, and she’s not waiting around for the system to catch up. We also dig into the everyday stuff: how screens are killing sex, why novelty matters, and how to actually start advocating for the sex life you want.This is one of those conversations that’ll make you laugh, nod, and maybe even rethink your nightstand drawer. And yes, we talk about lubes, vibrators, and why your bedroom deserves better vibes (and better lighting). Highlights:The origin of The Bedroom Gap and how it's damaging women's relationshipsWhy Maria believes medical education is failing women—especially in menopauseThe orgasm gap, mercy sex, and how women are taught to prioritize male pleasureThe cultural baggage that still surrounds self-pleasure and masturbationHow to reframe your relationship with lube, sex toys, and your own bodyIf you loved this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment wherever you’re listening. To keep growing the show we would love it if you would leave a review on Apple Podcasts It helps more women find these real, necessary conversations—and that means we all win. Dr. Maria Sophocles bio:Maria has been a practicing gynecologist for 29 years and is an internationally respected expert in menopause and female sexual function.She is the founder of Women's Healthcare of Princeton, a progressive gynecology practice serving over 30,000 women in the U.S. To meet the needs of international and remote U.S. patients, in 2024  she launched The Thinking Woman, a virtual consultation practice.She completed a BA in English with honors and distinction from Duke University, attended medical School at Jefferson Medical College and completed her residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Greater Baltimore Medical Center. She is board certified in ob/gyn, a certified menopause practitioner, and has been named a fellow to national societies (ISSVD and ISSWSH) for her contributions to gynecology.As one of the first U.S. clinicians to recognize the need for a non-estrogen option to treat vaginal atrophy, in 2015 she pioneered the use of Co2 Laser  in the U.S.; she has taught clinicians this technology on five continents.A passionate advocate for reproductive freedom and contraceptive access, she fought for seven years alongside Senator Shirley Turner to achieve passage of New Jersey Bill S275, a part of the historic Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act which became law in 2023.Appalled by the pervasiveness of the gendered healthcare gap, she is developing a Women’s Health clinic in rural Kenya.Her TED talk “What Happens to Sex in Midlife” has garnered nearly a million views and her forthcoming book, The Bedroom Gap will be released in late 2025. She is currently at work on a documentary about Sex, Menopause and Gender Equality called HOT!. She is married with four children. Get in Touch with Dr. Sophocles:WebsiteInstagramMaria's Ted TalkGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

What if your pain, irritation, or sexual discomfort was being dismissed because no one ever taught your doctor how to look for the real cause?There’s a reason vulvar conditions like lichen sclerosus are often missed or misdiagnosed—and it’s not because they’re rare. It's because most doctors aren't trained to recognize the signs. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jill Krapf, a dedicated gynecologist and vulvar skin expert, to unpack the truth about vulvar dermatoses, why it takes so long to get diagnosed, and what can be done when scarring, pain, and sexual dysfunction start taking over your life.We don’t just skim the surface—we go deep into the subtle (and not-so-subtle) symptoms, the stories of people who were told nothing was wrong when something clearly was, and what really works when managing chronic vulvar skin conditions. Jill also shares insights about how women of color are even more likely to be overlooked and misdiagnosed because of gaps in training and representation in medical education.If you’ve ever been told “it’s just in your head,” or if you’ve silently dealt with vulvar discomfort, pain with sex, or itching that won’t go away—this episode is a must. There is real hope and effective care available. You just need to know where to look—and what to ask.💡 Highlights:Why vulvar conditions are so often missed in both OB-GYN and dermatology settingsThe different types of lichen (and why not all itching is the same)Scarring, fissures, and sexual pain: when to ask about surgical optionsHow patients of color face even more barriers to diagnosis and careWhat to know about emerging treatments like JAK inhibitors and lasersDr. Krapf’s Bio:Dr. Jill Krapf is a board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist specializing in female sexual pain disorders and Director of the Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders Florida in Tampa, Florida, USA. She is active in research and has published chapters and peer-reviewed articles on vulvodynia and vulvar lichen sclerosus. She is Associate Editor for the medical journal Sexual Medicine, as well as for the textbook Female Sexual Pain Disorders, 2 nd Edition. She is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) and a Fellow and Board Member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), serving on the Education Committee and the Social Media Committee. Dr. Krapf is a co-author on the trade book “When Sex Hurts: Understanding and Healing Pelvic Pain.” She shares educational content on social media @jillkrapfmd.If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you language to advocate for your health, don’t keep it to yourself. Like, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on women’s health.Get in Touch with Dr Jill Krapf:WebsiteInstagramFacebookGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

Menopause can sneak up on you, turning everyday tasks into overwhelming challenges. One moment you’re thriving, and the next, you’re questioning your memory, your confidence, and your health.When Tamsen  Fadal found herself on the bathroom floor during a live news broadcast, she had no idea menopause was to blame. Brain fog had been chipping away at her confidence for months, and no one had prepared her for what was happening. After countless appointments and endless Google searches, she realized that so many women suffer in silence, simply because they don’t have the right information.In this episode, we discuss the real struggles of menopause — from the frustrating search for answers to the overwhelming amount of misinformation online. Tamsen shares how she finally found the right treatment, including hormone therapy and testosterone, and why she’s dedicated her career to helping women take charge of their health.We also explore the role of advocacy, the dangers of predatory wellness trends, and how partners can play a vital role in supporting women during this transition. Tamsen’s powerful story is a reminder that you don’t have to suffer alone — there are answers, and it starts by asking the right questions.If you’ve ever felt dismissed by your doctor or overwhelmed by conflicting advice, this episode is for you.Highlights:How a terrifying on-air episode led Tamsen to uncover her menopause symptomsThe emotional toll of brain fog and memory loss — and how it impacts confidenceWhy hormone therapy and testosterone became game-changers in Tamsen’s journeyThe surprising role partners can play in helping women navigate menopauseHow Tamsen turned her experience into a powerful documentary and book to help othersIf you found this episode helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe to the podcast. Giving a review on Apple Podcasts helps spread the word and empowers more women to advocate for their health.Get in Touch with Tamsen:WebsiteInstagram LinkedInGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

We've talked before about how women’s health issues are often overlooked, but new research is challenging what we thought we knew about bacterial vaginosis (BV). What if BV is actually an STI?For years, we've treated bacterial vaginosis as a frustrating yet common vaginal infection. But new research suggests BV may actually be sexually transmitted — and that changes everything.In this episode, I dive into a groundbreaking study from the New England Journal of Medicine that reveals treating a woman's partner with antibiotics may reduce BV recurrence. This finding has huge implications for how we diagnose and manage this condition, especially since BV is linked to serious complications like infertility, preterm labor, and increased risk of other infections.I also unpack why the feminine hygiene industry continues to prey on women’s insecurities — selling products that often do more harm than good. While some vaginal health products may seem promising, they can upset your vaginal microbiome, potentially increasing your risk of infections like BV.Finally, I break down practical strategies for preventing and treating recurrent BV, from partner treatment to emerging solutions like boric acid suppositories and innovative medications designed to break down stubborn bacterial biofilms.If you've struggled with recurring BV or want to know how to better advocate for your vaginal health, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Highlights:New research showing BV may be sexually transmittedWhy treating male partners could reduce BV recurrenceThe dangers of feminine hygiene products that disrupt vaginal healthThe role of boric acid in breaking down stubborn biofilmsWhy vaginal health products often target women’s insecurities — and what to watch out forIf this episode gave you a new perspective, please like, subscribe, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps spread the word and empower more people with the information they need to advocate for their health.Get in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

We’ve talked many times about how women’s sexual health has been ignored, underfunded, and dismissed—but what’s actually changing? At this year’s ISSWSH conference, the latest research is pushing the field forward in ways we’ve never seen before.If you’ve been following this show, you already know that women’s sexual health has been historically neglected in research and medicine. We’ve talked about the lack of funding, the outdated medical perspectives, and the frustrating gaps in knowledge. But this year’s ISSWSH conference gave us something new—real momentum, new studies, and potential breakthroughs that could finally shift the conversation from what’s missing to what’s next.From redefining orgasm disorders to new treatments for sexual pain, the field of sexual medicine is evolving. Testosterone in women’s health is still a hot debate, but the latest data challenges many of the old assumptions. We’re also seeing new medications in the pipeline, more discussions about the impact of mental health, and growing recognition that sexual health is far more than just a biological issue—it’s psychological, social, and deeply personal.So where do we go from here? What does the future of sexual medicine look like? And most importantly, how do we make sure these advancements actually reach the people who need them? Highlights:We already know women’s sexual health is underfunded—so what’s actually changing?New research from ISSWSH on orgasm disorders, painful sex, and hormone therapy.Why testosterone remains controversial for women—and what the latest data says.The growing role of mental health in understanding sexual dysfunction.What’s next: new treatments in the pipeline and the fight for better access.The conversation is shifting, but there’s still work to do. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcast to help bring more attention to these critical issues.Get in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

What if midlife wasn’t the beginning of the end, but the start of something bigger? Marcella Hill thought she had it all figured out—until she lost herself completely.Midlife has a way of forcing women to wake up. For Marcella Hill, it came in waves—divorce, reinvention, success, then the sudden and unexplained loss of energy, libido, and joy. She was doing everything “right,” yet her body was shutting down.After years of being dismissed by doctors, she took matters into her own hands. From finding the right hormones to breaking free from deeply ingrained sexual shame, Marcella shares how she not only reclaimed her body but also her power.Her journey didn’t stop with her own awakening. One viral TikTok turned into a movement, leading thousands of women to the resources they desperately needed. Now, she’s on a mission to make sure no woman has to suffer in silence again.In this episode, Marcella and I get real about everything—hormones, libido, the lies we’ve been told about aging, and how women can rewrite their midlife stories on their own terms.Episode Highlights:The moment Marcella realized her body was shutting down—and why doctors ignored itHow testosterone completely transformed her energy, mood, and sex driveBreaking free from religious and cultural shame around pleasure and desireWhy women over 40 are feeling invisible—and how to change thatThe rise of midlife awakenings and how Marcella is helping women take controlIf this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment! And view the show on Apple Podcasts.Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts and tag a friend who needs to hear this.Get in Touch with Marcella:WebsiteInstagramTikTokGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

Why is half the world’s population walking around with an ignored, misunderstood body part? If the clitoris and penis are made of the same tissue, why is one thoroughly studied and the other barely mentioned in medical training?The clitoris is more than just a pleasure center—yet most doctors barely acknowledge it, let alone know how to examine it properly. Dr. Rachel Rubin joins me to expose the medical blind spots surrounding clitoral health, including the shocking lack of education on clitoral adhesions and why so many women suffer in silence.We also dive into the impact of testosterone in women’s health, how outdated medical biases are keeping life-changing treatments out of reach, and why the FDA’s warning labels on vaginal estrogen are doing more harm than good.Dr. Rachel Rubin shares her groundbreaking research on sexual medicine, why simple procedures like clitoral lysis can be life-changing, and how she’s fighting to get doctors to start asking the right questions about sexual function.This episode is packed with critical insights on women’s health, pleasure, and the science that’s been overlooked for far too long.Episode Highlights:Why the clitoris and penis are made of the same tissue—but only one gets studiedThe hidden problem of clitoral adhesions and how they impact sensationHow testosterone plays a crucial role in women’s health (and why most doctors ignore it)The truth about vaginal estrogen, the FDA’s misleading warning, and the fight to fix itThe urgent need for better education on sexual health in medical schoolsIf you found this episode eye-opening, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment! Share your thoughts and help us spread the conversation about women’s sexual health.Dr. Rubin’s BioDr. Rachel S. Rubin is a board certified urologist with fellowship training in sexual medicine. She is an assistant clinical professor in urology at Georgetown University and owns her own practice in Washington DC. Dr. Rubin provides comprehensive care to all genders. She treats issues such as pelvic pain, menopause, erectile dysfunction, and low libido. Dr. Rubin is the former education chair and current Director-at-Large for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), and she serves as associate editor for the Journal of Sexual Medicine Review and the Video Journal of Sexual Medicine. Her work has been featured in the NYT, NPR and PBS. She was named a Washingtonian Top Doctor in 2019-2024.Get in Touch with Dr. Rubin:WebsiteInstagramXYoutubeBlackbox AdvocacyGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

Hair loss isn’t just about vanity—it’s about confidence, identity, and health. Yet, despite being a billion-dollar industry, so much misinformation surrounds it. Why do so many treatments fail? Why do some dermatologists avoid it? And most importantly, what actually works?Hair loss is often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, but for millions of people, it’s deeply personal and frustrating to treat. In this episode, this week I talk with Dr. Omer Ibrahim, a leading dermatologist, to break down the real science behind hair loss and hair thinning, especially in women. From postpartum shedding to perimenopausal hair loss and PCOS-related thinning, we explore the complex factors that influence hair health and why most treatments aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.Dr. Ibrahim shares why many dermatologists don’t prioritize hair loss treatment, the role of stress and nutritional deficiencies, and why early intervention is key. We also dive into cutting-edge treatments—from oral minoxidil and exosomes to laser therapy and PRP injections—and whether hair transplants are actually worth it.If you’ve ever felt dismissed or confused about your hair loss, this episode is packed with expert insights that will help you advocate for the right care.Episode Highlights:Why hair loss isn’t taken seriously in dermatologyThe biggest myths about hair thinning (and what actually works)How postpartum, perimenopause, and PCOS impact hair healthThe latest treatments, from oral minoxidil to exosomesWhy early intervention is crucial (and when to seek help)Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a comment! Your support helps us continue bringing expert insights to the conversation.Dr. Ibrahim’s bio:Omer Ibrahim, MD FAAD is a board-certified, fellowship trained dermatologist and co-director of research at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. He completed his residency at Cleveland Clinic, followed by an ASDS-accredited fellowship in cosmetic, laser and dermatologic surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Boston. Dr. Ibrahim serves as adjunct faculty at Cleveland Clinic and Rush University where he teaches residents the fundamentals of cosmetic and surgical dermatology.Get in Touch with Dr. Ibrahim:Website InstagramGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube