

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

Jun 9, 2024 • 43min
268. Sex in Canada
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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 2, 2024 • 57min
267. Kelly and Stacy London on "Hello Menopause"
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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 26, 2024 • 51min
266. Health Tech - Revolutionizing Vulvar Health with Dr. Uloko
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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 19, 2024 • 50min
265. Estrogen For Your Face
Dr. Ellen Gendler, a New York City dermatologist, shares her expertise on the transformative role of estrogen in skincare and haircare, particularly for women experiencing midlife changes. She discusses the nuances of topical estrogen, its benefits, and the societal stigma attached to vanity in skincare. With insights on the importance of retinoids, moisturizers, and sun protection, Dr. Gendler also addresses the complexities of midlife hair loss and treatment options. Her passion for debunking skincare myths will empower listeners to embrace better routines.

May 12, 2024 • 51min
264. Cervical Cancer, Birth Control, Vulvar Pain, Gaslighting with Dr. Andrew Goldstein
264. Cervical Cancer, Birth Control, Vulvar Pain, Gaslighting with Dr. Andrew GoldsteinDr. Goldstein was previously on Episodes 68 and 69! Go check out the back episodes.Dr. Goldstein is a gynecologist and is a past president of ISSWSH. He is a top world expert in vulvar pain and is actively involved in research and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, and book chapters on female sexual dysfunction, sexual pain disorders, lichen sclerosis, lichen simplex chronicus, vulvodynia, and vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (vestibulodynia).Dr. Goldstein has a strong commitment to global medicine and is probably still jet lagged from his recent trip to Cambodia.In this episode of the You're Not Broken podcast, Dr. Andrew Goldstein discusses various topics related to women's health, including cervical cancer screening and prevention, the global impact of cervical cancer, dispelling myths about HPV vaccination, his book 'When Sex Hurts,' abstracts presented at Isswsh, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and pelvic pain, mast cell activation syndrome and vulvar pain, and the upcoming Vulvodynia Therapeutics Research Summit. The conversation covers the need for funding and collaboration in vulvodynia research, the potential of chemical vestibulotomy as a treatment, the impact of birth control on vulvar issues, the importance of pain control for procedures, and the issue of gaslighting and believing women's pain.TakeawaysCervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, particularly in resource-poor countries where screening is lacking.Vaccination against HPV can prevent cervical cancer and other related cancers, but there is a need to increase vaccination rates globally.Misconceptions about HPV vaccination leading to increased sexual activity are unfounded, and vaccination is crucial for preventing HPV-related diseases.Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome are emerging as significant contributors to vulvar and pelvic pain, and further research is needed to develop effective treatments.The Vulvodynia Therapeutics Research Summit aims to bring together experts to explore novel treatments for vulvodynia and improve patient outcomes. Funding and collaboration are crucial for advancing research on vulvodynia.Chemical vestibulotomy shows promise as a treatment for neuroproliferative vestibulodynia.Birth control can have an impact on vulvar issues, and it is important for healthcare providers to discuss potential side effects with patients.Pain control should be prioritized during procedures, such as IUD insertion.Women's pain needs to be believed and relieved, and gaslighting should be addressed in healthcare settings.https://vulvodynia.com/https://www.gyncancer.org/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 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 5, 2024 • 59min
263. Women Are Capable of Making Decisions: Grown Woman Talk With Dr. Sharon Malone
263. Women Are Capable of Making Decisions: Grown Woman Talk With Dr. Sharon MaloneDr. Malone is a nationally known expert in women’s health and a vocal advocate for menopause awareness and evidence-based information about hormone replacement therapy. A certified Menopause Practitioner, she believes that all women should be able to make decisions regarding their health and quality of life based on facts – not fear.Her first book, Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy, is out now and is a New York Times Bestseller!Dr. Sharon Malone, an expert in women's health and menopause, discusses her transition from traditional OB-GYN practice to menopause care and her role at Alloy Women's Health. She emphasizes the importance of telehealth in providing access to care for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Dr. Malone also addresses misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy and the need for individualized treatment decisions.She highlights the gender disparities in medicine and the need for more research on women's health. Additionally, Dr. Malone discusses the role of testosterone in menopause and the challenges in accessing and prescribing it for women. In this conversation, Dr. Sharon Malone and Dr. Kelly Casperson discuss various topics related to women's health, including the lack of FDA approval for testosterone preparation for women and the need for more research on testosterone in women.They also highlight the additional struggles faced by African American women and minorities in menopause and emphasize the importance of advocating for women's health and quality of life. The conversation provides practical advice on how to advocate for oneself in medical conversations and emphasizes the importance of being prepared and efficient in doctor's visits. Lastly, they debunk the inaccurate breast cancer risk statistic of one in eight.There is a need for FDA approval of testosterone preparation for women and more research on testosterone in women.African American women and minorities face additional struggles in menopause and may have difficulty accessing appropriate treatments.Advocating for women's health and quality of life is crucial, and patients should be prepared and efficient in medical conversations.Knowing one's medications and their purpose is important for effective communication with healthcare providers.The commonly cited breast cancer risk statistic of one in eight is inaccurate and can cause unnecessary fear.https://www.drsharonmalone.com/https://www.instagram.com/smalonemd/https://twitter.com/smalonemdGrown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying HealthySolv 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 snips
Apr 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
262. Women Waking Up - Perimenopause, Hormones, and Personal Growth with Marcella Hill
Marcella Hill, a passionate advocate for women's hormonal health, shares her transformative journey through perimenopause and hormone therapy. She discusses the need for better support in women's healthcare, particularly during this challenging transition. The conversation delves into intimacy, emphasizing the significance of rediscovering passion and agency in relationships. Marcella highlights the importance of breaking free from societal labels and encourages women to embrace their true selves while pursuing joy and personal liberation in midlife.

12 snips
Apr 21, 2024 • 54min
261. Unlocking Pleasure: Exploring Sexuality & Relationship Dynamics
Caitlin V. Neal, a sexologist, explores topics like the Erotic Blueprints, premature ejaculation conditioning, female squirting, navigating sexual expectations in relationships, invisibility of bisexual women, and discrimination against non-monogamous relationships with Dr. Kelly Casperson.

Apr 14, 2024 • 43min
260. Women and Testosterone
260. Women and Testosterone
I join Dr. Harper on her “Women’s Power Hour” in the UK on IG live and it was such a good chat she let me have the audio for the podcast.
Dr. Kelly Casperson and Dr. Harper discuss the
importance of testosterone for women's health, including muscle mass, metabolism, mental health, and the health of the genitourinary tract. They address common questions and misconceptions about testosterone, such as why it isn’t easy to prescribe and the normal ranges for women. They also explore the use of testosterone in the treatment of genetic urinary syndrome of menopause and its potential benefits for breast cancer survivors. The conversation highlights the need for personalized hormone therapy and the importance of considering other factors that may impact libido and overall well-being.
Why are there many urologists who are experts in female pelvic health and hormones?
There are no “perfect” testosterone levels; we don’t treat it to a level, but rather, there is a range.
How Testosterone helps with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
In perimenopause, sometimes testosterone is the first thing we start for symptoms.
Sometimes testosterone supplementation takes several months to have effects.
What to do if you don’t feel effects. Dr. Harper shares some tips and tricks.
Testosterone is important for women's health,
including muscle mass, metabolism, mental health, and the health of the genital, urinary tract.
There are misconceptions and challenges surrounding the prescription of testosterone for women, including the lack of a female-licensed product and the off-label use of male testosterone products.
Testosterone can be beneficial for women with
genetic urinary syndrome of menopause and breast cancer survivors, but individualized treatment and monitoring of hormone levels are important.
Hormone therapy should be personalized, and
other factors that may impact libido and overall well-being should be considered.
Testosterone positively affects brain function and mental clarity, which can greatly improve the quality of life for women.
Should we use hormones for preventative health?
We make estrogen via the androgen pathway.
Reasons that we benefit from testosterone.
There is no female-licensed product in either
the UK or the USA. https://www.instagram.com/drshahzadiharper/
https://theharperclinic.com/
FirmTech sponsors this podcast today. Go to
myfirmtech.com and enter code NOTBROKEN for 15% off today.
Our other amazing podcast sponsors
To 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.
Women 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 ed
Take my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class:
https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
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
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kj-casperson/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 7, 2024 • 50min
259. Lancet Menopause Article Rebuttal - the Menoposse
In this episode, my panel of menopause expert physicians and nurse practitioners discuss the recent four-part article series on menopause published in The Lancet (link below).
We address the agenda behind these articles and the implications for menopause care. The panel strongly disagrees with the claim that menopause is being over-medicalized and emphasizes the importance of hormone therapy in managing menopausal symptoms and preventing long-term health issues.
We also criticize the suggestion that cognitive behavioral therapy should be the first-line treatment for menopause symptoms, highlighting the barriers to access and the lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness.
The panel advocates for a comprehensive and individualized approach to menopause care. The conversation methodically identifies the principal themes discussed in the Lancet article on menopause.
We cover topics such as biased review articles, the citation of the author's own studies, the lack of balance in the article, possible reasons for publication, surprising reactions from colleagues, the lack of education and training, the dismissal of women's experiences, ageism in medicine, the importance of treating perimenopause, ignoring the suffering of perimenopause, setting the stage for future health issues, empowerment through hormone therapy, misconceptions about hormone therapy and breast cancer, estrogen's protective effects on breast cancer, lifestyle factors and breast cancer risk, advocating for access to menopause specialists, and the importance of seeing a menopause specialist.
Takeaways
The panel strongly disagrees with the claim that menopause is being over-medicalized and emphasizes the importance of hormone therapy in managing menopausal symptoms and preventing long-term health issues.
The suggestion that cognitive behavioral therapy should be the first-line treatment for menopause symptoms is criticized due to barriers to access and lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness.
The panel highlights the need for a comprehensive and individualized approach to menopause care, taking into account the diverse needs and experiences of menopausal individuals.
The Lancet articles were criticized for misrepresenting the benefits of hormone therapy and failing to acknowledge the impact of menopause on mental health and overall well-being. Review articles should present a balanced view by citing studies that prove and disprove a point, rather than cherry-picking data.
The Lancet article on menopause fell short of presenting a balanced view and may have been rushed for publication.
Many healthcare providers lack education and training on menopause, leading to dismissive attitudes towards women's experiences.
Hormone therapy is an important tool for treating perimenopause and menopause symptoms and can have protective effects on breast cancer.
Advocacy is needed to improve access to menopause specialists and expand telehealth services.
https://www.thelancet.com/series/menopause-2024
FirmTech sponsors this podcast today. Go to
myfirmtech.com and enter code NOTBROKEN for 15% off today.
Our other amazing podcast sponsors
To learn more about Solv Wellness and their products for female pelvic health, visit solvwellness.com for 30% off your first purchase of any product. Discount automatically applied at checkout.
Women 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 ed
Take my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed
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
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kj-casperson/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices