

You Are Not Broken
Kelly Casperson, MD
Empowering women (and the partners who love them) to live their best mid lives. Combining the power of mind-work, body-science and relationships, I joyously smash the societal barriers that are keeping us from living our best intimate lives. Whether you are young or past menopause, single or in a long-term relationship, it is never too late or too early to realize YOU ARE NOT BROKEN. With humor, candor and ease, I break down the stories that we have been told about being sexual beings, to help us play, and normalize our intimacy and health. Nothing in this podcast is personal medical advice, of course.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 20, 2024 • 48min
287. Sobriety Gifts - A Sibling Story with Kelly and Hans
In this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, Dr. Kelly Casperson and her brother Hans share their personal journey of sobriety, discussing the challenges and triumphs they faced while quitting alcohol. They explore the emotional triggers associated with drinking, the importance of community support, and the health benefits of living a sober life. The conversation also touches on navigating social situations, the impact of sobriety on relationships, and the emotional work required to maintain a sober lifestyle. Ultimately, they emphasize the positive changes that come from choosing sobriety and the importance of reframing the narrative around quitting drinking.Takeaways
Sobriety can lead to greater presence and energy.
Understanding urges is crucial in the journey to sobriety.
Support from the community and meetings can be invaluable.
Social situations can be navigated without alcohol.
Sobriety has significant health benefits beyond physical health.
Emotional management skills improve when alcohol is removed.
Quitting drinking can break generational patterns of alcohol use.
The language we use around quitting drinking matters.
Emotional work is essential for long-term sobriety.
Trusting the process is key to overcoming fears about sobriety.
Quit Like A WomanSober CuriousThanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.comSee Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning for severe low blood pressure and fainting in certain settings at addyi.com/piThanks 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.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 edTake my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:Join 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/membershipInterested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Starts January 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 13, 2024 • 1h 3min
286. Dr. Louise Newson - An Expert's Expert
Dr. Louise Newson, a menopause specialist, shares her journey and passion for increasing awareness and knowledge of perimenopause and menopause. She discusses the importance of understanding menopause as a disease and hormone deficiency, challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding these terms. The conversation also highlights the alarming increase in alcohol and drug use among menopausal women as a coping mechanism for symptoms. Dr. Newson emphasizes the need for comprehensive care and access to safe hormone treatments to improve the quality of life for women experiencing menopause. The conversation between Louise Newson and Kelly Casperson, MD covers various topics related to menopause and hormone therapy. They discuss the importance of helping women feel better and the role of doctors in achieving this. They also delve into the impact of hormones on aging, frailty, and chronic diseases. The conversation highlights the significance of hormones in maintaining bone health, muscle strength, and overall independence in older age. They challenge the misconceptions and limitations surrounding hormone therapy, particularly in relation to heart disease. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Louise Newson's upcoming theater tour and the Balance App, which aims to provide women with information and support for their hormonal health.TakeawaysMenopause should be recognized as a disease and hormone deficiency, challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding these terms.There is an alarming increase in alcohol and drug use among menopausal women as a coping mechanism for symptoms.Comprehensive care and access to safe hormone treatments are essential to improve the quality of life for women experiencing menopause. The role of doctors is to help women feel the most like themselves that they can.Hormone therapy can play a crucial role in preventing frailty and maintaining independence in older age.Hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, have anti-inflammatory effects and can improve heart health.The use of synthetic hormones, like conjugated equine estrogens, may have different effects compared to natural hormones.The Balance App provides women with information, support, and the ability to monitor their symptoms and make informed choices about their hormonal health.https://www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor/Thanks 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.See Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning for severe low blood pressure and fainting in certain settings at addyi.com/piThanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.comOrder 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 Adult Sex Ed Master Class:Join 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 6, 2024 • 36min
285. Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause
Dr. Vonda Wright is a practicing orthopedic surgeon and the founder of Precision Longevity, specializing in the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. She discusses how 70-80% of women experience related symptoms during perimenopause. Dr. Wright emphasizes the importance of hormone replacement therapy and a proactive approach to bone health, including nutrition and exercise. She encourages women to advocate for themselves and find knowledgeable healthcare providers to address their concerns regarding menopause and its impact on musculoskeletal health.

Sep 29, 2024 • 1h 27min
284. 2024 Menopause Conference - a Review
Come see me in Tacoma October 3Come See the M Factor documentary premier in Bellingham October 20thIn this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, I discuss key insights from the recent Menopause Society Conference, covering a range of topics related to menopause, perimenopause, hormonal impacts, mental health, sexual health, and the importance of advocacy for women's health. The conversation emphasizes the need for better understanding and treatment options for women experiencing menopause, as well as the role of lifestyle changes in managing symptoms and improving overall health.TakeawaysUnderstanding female sexuality is crucial for healthy relationships.Perimenopause symptoms can start before periods become irregular.Hormonal changes during menopause can impact mental health significantly.Hot flashes are linked to cognitive decline and memory issues.The Mediterranean diet is beneficial for mental health and depression.Hormones can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety during menopause.Bone health is critical, and hormone therapy can improve bone density.Advocacy for women's health is essential in changing perceptions about menopause.Nutrition and lifestyle changes play a significant role in managing menopause symptoms.Education about menopause is lacking, and many women feel unprepared.Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.comThanks 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.See Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning for severe low blood pressure and fainting in certain settings at addyi.com/piOrder 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 Adult Sex Ed Master Class:Join 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 22, 2024 • 51min
283. Preventing Dementia - Max Lugavere
Max Lugavere discusses his journey into researching dementia prevention and the importance of lifestyle factors in maintaining brain health. He emphasizes the need for early intervention and the identification of biomarkers that can indicate risk for cognitive decline. The conversation also touches on the influence of the alcohol and food industries on public health guidelines, the role of physicians in prevention, and the power of individual agency in making healthy choices. In this conversation, Max Lugavere and I discuss various topics related to brain health, nutrition, and lifestyle. They touch on the confusion surrounding processed foods and veganism, the role of cholesterol in health, the importance of exercise for brain health, and the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Max shares his personal experience with his mother's battle with dementia and emphasizes the need for individuals to take control of their own health and advocate for themselves.TakeawaysDementia prevention requires early intervention and the identification of biomarkers that can indicate risk for cognitive decline.The alcohol and food industries have significant influence on public health guidelines, which may not always prioritize prevention.Physicians may not be incentivized to advocate for prevention, and the responsibility for wellness ultimately lies with individuals.There is no one-size-fits-all diet for brain health, but diets low in ultra-processed foods and added sugar tend to be beneficial.The conversation around prevention is growing, but public health statistics show that there is still work to be done. Processed foods can be a source of confusion and stress, leading to unhealthy dietary choices.While veganism can be a personal choice, making health claims and demonizing animal-sourced foods without strong evidence is misleading.Cholesterol is often misunderstood, and the risks associated with it may be exaggerated. LDL cholesterol should be viewed as a check engine light rather than a definitive indicator of health.Exercise is crucial for brain health and can help prevent and slow the progression of conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can have potential benefits for brain health, and the risks are often overblown.Individuals should take control of their own health, stay informed, and be open to updating their knowledge based on new evidence.https://www.instagram.com/maxlugavere/Documentary Little Empty Boxeshttps://www.maxlugavere.com/Thanks 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.See Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning for severe low blood pressure and fainting in certain settings at addyi.com/piThanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.comOrder 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 Adult Sex Ed Master Class:Join 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 snips
Sep 15, 2024 • 42min
282. Libido and The Brain - Midlife Sexual Health
In this discussion, Caroline Labouchere delves into the complex interplay between libido, upbringing, and hormonal changes during midlife. She highlights how societal influences and education shape sexual desire, debunking myths around gender and libido. The podcast also explores treatments for low desire, including hormone replacement and medications like Addyi. Labouchere emphasizes the importance of understanding personal beliefs about sex and encourages open communication about sexual health for a fulfilling intimate life.

16 snips
Sep 8, 2024 • 54min
281. Testosterone with Dr. Streicher
Dr. Lauren Streicher, a leading expert in women's health and hormone therapy, joins Dr. Kelly Casperson to delve into testosterone's vital role in women's health. They tackle misconceptions about testosterone therapy, emphasizing the need for education and individualized treatment plans. The conversation highlights the effects of testosterone, especially for women post-surgery, and discusses its benefits for bone health, brain function, and overall well-being. They also examine the complexities surrounding testosterone therapy, including safety, hormonal testing limitations, and the importance of informed discussions.

Sep 1, 2024 • 31min
280. You Are Not Broken - Chapter 1 "Society Got it Wrong"
Dr. Kelly Casperson, a urologist and coach, dives into the often misunderstood realm of women's sexuality. She highlights how societal norms and Hollywood fantasies set unrealistic expectations, leaving many women feeling unfulfilled. The conversation challenges misconceptions about sex, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's body and prioritizing pleasure. With insights on reclaiming female desire and redefining orgasm, Dr. Casperson empowers women to embrace their sexuality and transform their intimate lives.

Aug 25, 2024 • 33min
279. Top Menopause Hormone Myths - Busted!
Dr. Kelly Casperson, a women's health specialist, and Dr. Naomi Potter, an expert on menopause myths, dive deep into debunking common misconceptions about menopause and hormone treatments. They emphasize the safety and benefits of vaginal estrogen and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), advocating for women's empowerment in healthcare decisions. The duo tackles cultural stigma around menopause, the importance of accessing accurate information, and the positive impact of hormones on women's health, mood, and quality of life.

Aug 18, 2024 • 42min
278. Demystifying Testosterone in Women: Beyond Libido
In this enlightening discussion, Kelly Casperson, a speaker on women's health and hormone therapy, teams up with Caroline Labouchere, an expert on testosterone in women. They dive into the vital yet often misunderstood role of testosterone, highlighting its benefits beyond libido, including mood and cognitive function. The conversation tackles common misconceptions, the intricacies of hormone replacement therapy, and the importance of individualized treatment. They stress the need for more education and research on women's hormonal health.