275 Delaying Menopause - Understanding the OvaryDr. Jennifer Garrison, a researcher and assistant professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, discusses her work on women's health and aging. She explains that her goal is to understand the underlying mechanisms of aging and develop interventions that promote women's health. Dr. Garrison focuses on the role of the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls various homeostatic systems in the body, including reproductive function. She emphasizes the importance of studying bioactive peptides, which act as chemical signals between the brain and other tissues. Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation for 12 months, but it also coincides with changes in ovarian function and the production of various chemical signals. Dr. Garrison highlights the need for further research to understand ovarian function and develop interventions to extend ovarian health. The conversation explores the work of the Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equality and the importance of maintaining ovarian function for healthy aging in women. The center funds grants to scientists and clinicians studying ovarian aging and has seen significant progress in the field. The discussion also touches on the use of frozen ovarian tissue for preserving fertility in cancer patients and the role of peptides in reproductive function. The conversation emphasizes the need to reframe the narrative around women's health and highlights the inequality in health span between men and women.Takeaways Understanding the underlying mechanisms of aging can lead to interventions that promote women's health. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating various homeostatic systems in the body, including reproductive function. Bioactive peptides act as chemical signals between the brain and other tissues, influencing various physiological processes. Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation for 12 months, but it also involves changes in ovarian function and the production of chemical signals. Further research is needed to understand ovarian function and develop interventions to extend ovarian health. The Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equality funds grants to study ovarian aging and has seen significant progress in the field. Frozen ovarian tissue can be used to preserve fertility in cancer patients. Peptides play a crucial role in reproductive function, but caution should be exercised when using peptide therapies. The narrative about women's health needs to be reframed to focus on maintaining ovarian function for healthy aging. Women live longer than men on average but spend a longer portion of their lives in poor health, highlighting an inequality in health span. https://www.buckinstitute.org/lab/garrison-lab/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjennifergarrison/https://gcrle.org/Special thanks to our sponsor, Solv Wellness!To learn more about Ellura by Solv Wellness, visit ellura.com for 30% off your first purchase automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5.Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life"Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex edTake my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-edJoin my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a privatefacebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health,hormones and life support!www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erin Keating, founder of Hotter Than Ever, joins Kelly Casperson on the You Are Not Broken podcast to discuss women in comedy, the power of humor, and the journey of self-discovery and reinvention in midlife. Erin shares her personal story of leaving a successful career, going through a divorce, and reclaiming pleasure and joy in her life. She emphasizes the importance of women embracing their power and agency and the need for deeper conversations and connections in midlife. Erin also talks about her experiences with dating and sex in midlife and the process of reconnecting with her body and desires. In this conversation, Erin Keating shares her experiences with online dating and how it helped her reconnect with herself and her pleasure. She emphasizes the importance of being honest, direct, and authentic in online dating and encourages women to date like grown-ass women. Erin also discusses the significance of setting boundaries and communicating openly in relationships. She advises women to prioritize their happiness and joy, challenge societal expectations, and embrace their authentic selves. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the connection between stand-up comedy and sobriety.Takeaways Comedians are truth tellers who say the things on our minds that we wish we could say. Women in comedy often face personal risks and challenges, but their voices are essential. Comedy is a coping mechanism and a way to share joy and laughter. Midlife is a time for women to prioritize pleasure, joy, and fun, and to not be scared of taking risks and trying new things. Women have never been more powerful and have more agency than they do now. Reclaiming pleasure, including sexual pleasure, is an important part of self-discovery and reinvention in midlife. Online dating can be a powerful tool for reconnecting with oneself and exploring pleasure. Being honest, direct, and authentic in online dating can lead to more meaningful connections. Setting boundaries and communicating openly are essential in relationships. Prioritizing personal happiness and joy is crucial, and it's important to challenge societal expectations. Stand-up comedy and sobriety often go hand in hand, as both require facing and expressing emotions. https://www.instagram.com/erindkeating/https://www.hotterthaneverpod.com/https://hotterthanever.substack.com/Special thanks to our sponsors!Solv WellnessTo learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com for 30% off your first purchase of any product, automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5ADDYIThanks to our sponsor Sprout Pharmaceuticals. To find out if Addyi is right for you, go to addyi.com/notbroken and use code NOTBROKEN for a $10 telemedicine appointment.Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life"Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex edTake my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-edJoin my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a privatefacebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health,hormones and life support!www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Kelly Casperson,is interviewed by Dr. Maria Uloko. She shares her journey and passion for women's sexual health and menopause. She discusses how urology protected her soul and allowed her to stay in medicine. She emphasizes the importance of educating patients and being a medical translator to bridge the gap between research and patient care. Dr. Casperson also addresses the issue of medical gaslighting and the need for doctors to have open and honest conversations about the potential side effects of treatments. She highlights the power of an educated patient and the role they play in advocating for their own health. Dr. Kelly Casperson discusses her journey in writing books about women's sexual health and the importance of advocating for better healthcare. She emphasizes the need for accessible and practical sex education that addresses the biopsychosocial aspects of women's sexual health. Dr. Casperson also highlights the inequality in healthcare when it comes to menopause and hormone therapy, and the need for women to advocate for themselves. She draws inspiration from the AIDS epidemic and the power of grassroots movements to bring about change. Overall, Dr. Casperson encourages women to educate themselves, be curious about their health, and take charge of their well-being.Takeaways Urology can protect a doctor's soul and prevent burnout by providing instant gratification and a focus on quality of life after treatment. Doctors need to be educated about women's sexual health and menopause to provide better care and have meaningful conversations with patients. An educated patient is a powerful patient who can advocate for their own health and have higher-level conversations with their doctors. Medical gaslighting is a common issue in women's health, and doctors need to address potential side effects and have open discussions with patients. The role of a medical translator is crucial in bridging the gap between research and patient care, and doctors should provide patients with reputable resources. Women need accessible and practical sex education that addresses the biopsychosocial aspects of their sexual health. There is inequality in healthcare when it comes to menopause and hormone therapy, and women need to advocate for themselves. Grassroots movements have the power to bring about change in healthcare, as seen in the AIDS epidemic. Women should educate themselves, be curious about their health, and take charge of their well-being. Dr. Maria's podcast: Salvaging Sexhttps://www.mariaulokomd.com/Special thanks to our sponsors! Sprout PharmaceuticalsThanks to our sponsor Sprout Pharmaceuticals. To find out if Addyi is right for you, go to addyi.com/notbroken and use code NOTBROKEN for a $10 telemedicine appointment.Solv WellnessTo learn more about Ellura by Solv Wellness, visit ellura.com for 30% off your first purchase automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5.Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life"Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex edTake my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-edJoin my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a privatefacebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health,hormones and life support!www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

272 When Medicine Fails You - Start A CompanyMonica Molenaar and Anne Fulenwider, co-founders of Alloy, discuss their journey into menopause and the creation of their company. They highlight the lack of information and inconsistent advice they received from doctors, leading them to start a platform that provides women with credible information, support, and access to hormone replacement therapy. They emphasize the importance of validation and listening to women's concerns, as well as the need for streamlined and efficient menopause care. They also discuss the barriers to accessing testosterone for women and the need for change in regulations and education. The conversation explores the safety and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women. The speakers discuss the fear and misinformation surrounding HRT, emphasizing that it is a safe and effective treatment for menopause symptoms and can also have protective effects on the heart, bones, and brain. They highlight the importance of preserving function and quality of life in menopausal women and the need for a shift in the conversation around hormones from disease prevention to preservation of function. The speakers also discuss the international perspective on menopause and the challenges women face in accessing hormone therapy in different countries.Takeaways The lack of information and inconsistent advice from doctors led Monica and Anne to start Alloy. This platform provides women with credible information, support, and access to hormone replacement therapy. Validation and listening to women's concerns are crucial in menopause care, as many women have been dismissed or invalidated by healthcare providers. The barriers to accessing testosterone for women include its classification as a schedule three drug, the lack of FDA-approved dose for women, and the need for in-person prescriptions by knowledgeable practitioners. The stigma around menopause needs to be challenged, as it is a powerful time in a woman's life where she can take control and live life on her own terms. The telehealth technology and behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic have created an opportunity for improved access to menopause care. Alloy is focused on creating solutions for the problems women face in perimenopause and menopause, including addressing vaginal health, systemic hormones, and skincare. The safety and efficacy of hormones, including testosterone, need to be emphasized to overcome misconceptions and provide women with the full range of benefits. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a safe and effective treatment for menopause symptoms and can have protective effects on the heart, bones, and brain. The fear and misinformation surrounding HRT are unfounded, and women should have access to this treatment to improve their quality of life. The conversation around hormones should shift from disease prevention to preservation of function and quality of life in menopausal women. Access to hormone therapy is a challenge in many countries, and there is a need to spread awareness and improve access to treatment internationally. https://www.myalloy.com/https://www.instagram.com/monica.molenaar/https://www.instagram.com/annefulenwider/Special thanks to our sponsor, Solv Wellness!To learn more about Ellura by Solv Wellness, visit ellura.com for 30% off your first purchase automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5.Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life"Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex edTake my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-edJoin my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a privatefacebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health,hormones and life support!www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

271. What Every Couple Needs To Know About Women's Hormones In this episode, Dr. Kelly Casperson discusses women's hormones and their impact on sexual health with sex therapist, Amanda Louder on her "Sex For Saints" podcast. She emphasizes that libido is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. The conversation focuses on perimenopause and postmenopause, highlighting the lack of education and information available to women in these stages of life. Dr. Casperson addresses the fear surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and explains that the Women's Health Initiative study in 2002 contributed to this fear. However, she emphasizes the numerous benefits of HRT, including decreased risk of heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, musculoskeletal issues, and mood disorders. We discuss the importance of vaginal estrogen in maintaining vaginal health and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). We highlight the issues of cost and the FDA's black box warning on estrogen products, which she believes are outdated and misleading. Dr. Casperson also addresses the misconception around bioidentical hormones, explaining that they are the same as the hormones produced by the body and can be obtained through insurance-approved medications. She emphasizes the need for individualized hormone therapy and the importance of communication in navigating menopause and sexual health.Takeaways Libido is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Perimenopause and postmenopause are stages of life that lack sufficient education and information for women. The fear surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is largely due to the Women's Health Initiative study in 2002. HRT has numerous benefits, including decreased risk of heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, musculoskeletal issues, and mood disorders. Finding a knowledgeable healthcare provider and advocating for oneself is crucial in addressing women's sexual health concerns. Vaginal estrogen can be highly beneficial for women's sexual health, particularly in addressing issues such as chronic UTIs. Vaginal estrogen helps maintain vaginal health and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by promoting a healthy acidic environment in the vagina. The cost of vaginal estrogen can vary significantly, but there are ways to find more affordable options, such as using online pharmacies and discount coupons. The FDA's black box warning on estrogen products is outdated and does not differentiate between systemic and vaginal estrogen. The safety of vaginal estrogen has been supported by multiple studies. Bioidentical hormones are the same as the hormones produced by the body and can be obtained through insurance-approved medications. The term 'bioidentical' is often used as a marketing tool. https://www.instagram.com/christiansexcoach/https://amandalouder.com/blog/podcast/Special thanks to our sponsor, Solv Wellness!To learn more about Ellura by Solv Wellness, visit ellura.com for 30% off your first purchase automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5.Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life"Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex edTake my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-edJoin my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a privatefacebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health,hormones and life support!www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Eve Henry, an internal medicine physician passionate about optimizing health, discusses vital insights on women's health during perimenopause. She emphasizes the need for a shift from disease management to wellness, particularly through hormone therapy. Topics include the importance of progesterone for symptom management, debunking myths surrounding hormones, and individualized treatment approaches. They also discuss proactive health management strategies, such as comprehensive health assessments and integrating lifestyle changes for overall longevity.

Dr. Maria Sophocles, a midlife sex expert, delves into the bedroom gap between men and women. She discusses physiological changes in the vulva and vagina, importance of vaginal estrogen, and need for better communication between clinicians and patients. The podcast covers gender roles, sexual pleasure, menopause's impact on libido, and the role of sex therapy. Dr. Sophocles advocates for open dialogue, dispelling fears about estrogen and empowering women in sexual health.

Dr. Kelly Casperson shares her experience at the BC Sexual Health Research Networking Event at the University of British Columbia. She discusses various topics including sexual health, dating apps, virtual reality for vaginismus, and more. The event highlighted the importance of understanding the bio-psycho-social aspects of sexual health and the need for better sexual education. Dr. Casperson emphasizes that there are researchers and professionals dedicated to improving people's sex lives and that individuals are not alone in their struggles.Takeaways Sexual health encompasses the bio-psycho-social aspects of a person's well-being. Dating apps can perpetuate a narrative that dating is difficult and can have negative effects on mental health. Virtual reality shows promise as a tool for desensitization in the treatment of vaginismus. There is a need for better sexual education that addresses consent, gender-based violence, and the impact of technology. Special thanks to our sponsor, Solv Wellness!To learn more about Ellura by Solv Wellness, visit ellura.com for 30% off your first purchase automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5.Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life"Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex edTake my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-edJoin my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support!www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

267. Kelly and Stacy London on "Hello Menopause"Dr. Kelly Casperson discusses the lack of education and research around menopause, the role of testosterone in female physiology, and the challenges of hormone therapy. She emphasizes the need for more funding for human research and the importance of individualized treatment for menopause. Dr. Casperson also addresses the restrictions and challenges in prescribing testosterone for women. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to menopause, hormone therapy, and women's health. It delves into the challenges women face in accessing appropriate healthcare, the impact of hormone imbalance on mental health, and the importance of hormone therapy in midlife. The conversation also highlights the need for better understanding and treatment of menopause-related issues, as well as the role of preventative medicine in women's health.Takeaways The lack of education and research around menopause is a significant issue that affects the understanding and treatment of menopausal symptoms. Testosterone plays a crucial role in female physiology, and its decline during menopause can have a significant impact on various aspects of health and well-being. Individualized treatment for menopause is essential, and the challenges in prescribing testosterone for women highlight the need for more accessible and effective hormone therapy options. The importance of affordable and accessible hormone therapy for women in midlife. The impact of hormone imbalance on mental health and the need for appropriate treatment. The need for better understanding and treatment of menopause-related issues. The role of preventative medicine in women's health and the importance of advocating for oneself in healthcare decisions. Thank you to our podcast sponsor!Solv Wellness: To learn more about Ellura by Solv Wellness, visit ellura.com for 30% off your first purchase automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5.Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex edTake my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-edJoin my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support! www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membershiphttps://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Maria Uloko, a urologist specializing in comprehensive sexual health, discusses her journey into urology and sex medicine. She shares how she became interested in urology through a serendipitous encounter with a female urologist and her passion for surgery. Dr. Uloko also talks about the importance of representation in medicine and her research on vulvar health. She highlights the need for better healthcare policies and advocacy to improve patient care and physician well-being. The conversation touches on the challenges of the current healthcare system, including the degradation of the doctor-patient relationship and the lack of support for physicians. Dr. Maria Uloko discusses the importance of physicians being involved in health tech and the need for their expertise in decision-making. She shares her journey into health tech and her passion for democratizing healthcare, particularly in women's health. Maria highlights the gendered access to healthcare and the lack of patient resources. She explains her vision for VULVAI, an AI-powered platform that provides accurate and evidence-based information to empower patients in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Maria emphasizes the need for patients to be educated and advocates for themselves, and the importance of challenging misinformation in healthcare.TakeawaysRepresentation in medicine is crucial for inspiring and diversifying the field.The current healthcare system is not sustainable and needs significant policy changes.Physicians are facing burnout and leaving the profession due to lack of support and excessive workload.The doctor-patient relationship is deteriorating, and there is a need to prioritize and protect it.Advocacy and education are essential for improving patient care and addressing healthcare disparities. Physicians should be involved in health tech and decision-making processes to ensure that solutions are effective and work for patients.There is a need to democratize healthcare, particularly in women's health, and provide equal access to resources and information.VULVAI is an AI-powered platform that aims to empower patients by providing accurate and evidence-based information for their healthcare decisions.Patients should be educated and empowered to advocate for themselves and challenge misinformation in healthcare.https://vulvai.co/https://www.instagram.com/mariaulokomd/https://www.mariaulokomd.com/Solv WellnessTo learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com for 30% off your first purchase of any product. Discount automatically applied at checkout.FirmTechGo to myfirmtech.com and enter code NOTBROKEN for 15% off today.ALLOYWomen of all ages deserve to feel fantastic. And we can—because there is relief to be found. Go to myalloy.com to start your virtual appointment today. Use code NOTBROKEN20 it's good for $20 off any purchase, one time use, and expires July 31, 2024.Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex edTake my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-edPre-Order my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex Life"Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support!www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices