Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Originally Released October 24, 2023The ovaries play a key role in overall health, not just reproduction. More scientific findings are revealing that the ovaries even influence mood, behavior, and longevity. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Garrison from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging explains the intricate relationship between the brain and reproductive organs. She covers topics including the science of aging, the “hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis”, menopause and health, hormone replacement therapy, and the importance of understanding ovarian function.Dr. Jennifer Garrison is a PhD scientist and the head of a research lab at the Buck Institute, an independent institute dedicated to studying aging as a risk factor for diseases. Listen as Dr. Garrison explores how age is the primary risk factor for most chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Discussed in this episode:How the brain controls female physiology, including reproductive functionEarly menopause and POI/POF Menopause and how it relates to overall health The fascinating story women’s ovaries can tell us about aging Understanding hormones as messengers in the bodyThe impact of diet and exercise on aging and fertility How understanding the aging process can help target and treat age-related diseasesHormone replacement therapy for hormonal imbalances during agingPhysical and emotional symptoms associated with periods, motherhood, and menopause"If we can understand the mechanisms that underlie aging— what's causing it, what's driving it— then we can use that knowledge to target age-related diseases." — Dr. Jennifer GarrisonRelated to this episode:Related episodes: Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and Menopause | Dr. Mandy LeonhardtRelated episode: Women’s Health and the Ovulation Cycle | Dr. Jerilynn PriorDr. Garrison’s Lab at Buck Institute: www.buckinstitute.org/lab/garrison-lab Dr. Jennifer Garrison on Twitter and LinkedIn Find Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (GCRLE) on Twitter,  Instagram, and LinkedInResources and episodes on Breaking Taboos Recommended Books on Hormones and Menstrual Health Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Originally published March 28, 2023In this honest and moving episode, author Ruby Warrington joins Fempower Health to discuss her new book, Women Without Kids. We cover all topics from childless couples who don’t want children to women who can’t have children even though it’s their deepest desire.Ruby shares her experiences writing such an important book, societal pressures for women to have kids, patriarchal assumptions, childlessness vs child-free, and fertility and sterility issues influencing adults today. Listen for an insightful, relatable conversation and be sure to check out Ruby’s newest book, Women Without Kids, available in Spring 2023.Discussed in this episode:Thoughts on Ruby’s new book and why she wrote itWhat does motherhood mean today?The impact our relationships with our mothers have on views on motherhoodWhy do women decide to not have kids?Rethinking the assumption that women should automatically want childrenExternal pressures women face about marriage, motherhood, and childrearing Infertility and its impact on women with no kidsPronatalism and society’s historical conditioning“There’s no such thing as normal. There’s no perfect, untainted path. Whatever path we choose in life is going to come with some regrets, challenges, and suffering.” - Ruby WarringtonRelated to this episode:Ruby’s website: www.rubywarrington.com Get the Book: Women Without KidsFollow Ruby on Instagram: @rubywarrington Recommended Book: Birth StrikeRecommended Book: CountdownResources and episodes on Breaking Taboos **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Originally published January 25, 2021Whether you know you have a thyroid condition or have symptoms you can't seem to find the right answers to resolve them, this episode is for you.Denise Roguz is the co-founder, owner, and operator of ThyroidChange. It is a collaborative network, health information website, and social media campaign. It unites an international community of medical professionals and patients under the same innovative vision: patients need personalized thyroid care for optimal wellness.Her passion stemming from her own 17 years journey to get diagnosed and treated for her condition shines through in this episode which promises to open your eyes, educate you, and empower you on your journey.In this episode we cover:Why thyroid conditions are hard to diagnoseWhat tests your doctor should order - it's more than TSHTypes of thyroid conditionsWhat to expect once you are diagnosed"TSH is not the only test. It's one piece of the puzzle of maybe how or why your thyroid is working, but it's not the only one. So the question is, how do I know how my doctor is interpreting the labs?" - Denise RoguzResourcesTalk to your doctor printable PDFRecommended Books on Chronic and Autoimmune Diseases Resources and episodes on Thyroid Disease **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Originally Released April 5, 2022PCOS impacts 1 in 10 women yet it is still underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. Dr. Jerilynn Prior, of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR), is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, with 40 years experience in women’s health. She brings an interesting perspective to what might happen if we considered PCOS to primarily be a hormone imbalance rather than a disease.In this episode, we cover the following:Difference between ovarian cysts and PCOSWhy PCOS is not the best term to describe the conditionWhat is the main cause of PCOS?What are the first signs of PCOS?What is the diagnostic criteria for PCOS?How having multiple criteria (e.g., Rotterdam and International) for diagnosing PCOS creates confusion leading to multiple cases of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosisCan PCOS tests be wrong?Can birth control make PCOS worse?Can birth control cause PCOS?Is PCOS genetically inherited?“To me, this is the hopeful message. PCOS is a hormone imbalance, not a disease.” - Dr Jerilynn PriorResources:Resources and episodes on PCOS **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!More about Dr. Jerilynn PriorJerilynn C. Prior BA, MD, FRCPC investigates women’s menstrual cycles, population variability of ovulation and physiological associations of ovulatory disturbances within regular cycles with osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer and endometrial cancer risks. She also studies the hormonal and experience changes in perimenopause and treatment of perimenopausal and menopausal hot flushes with progesterone. She is the 2019 recipient of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Aubrey J. Tingle Prize awarded to a “BC clinician scientist whose work in health research is internationally recognized”. She is Scientific Director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR, since 2002) with its website (www.cemcor.ca) providing practical evidence-based information through a mean of 3,000 page-views/day. She has led the British Columbia Centre of the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) since 1994. In addition to authoring over 200 peer-reviewed papers (H Index 65), Dr. Prior is the author of the award-winning book, Estrogen’s Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause (2005, 2nd ed. 2018), a novel written to inform/empower women with perimenopause information.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Originally published March 12, 2024Learn how your vaginal flora and gut microbiome contribute to your reproductive health. Dr. Caroline Mitchell shares her expertise and research on this important but overlooked topic.Episode SummaryIn this episode, we take an in-depth look at the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. Dr. Caroline Mitchell, distinguished reproductive health researcher and faculty member at the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, shares her profound insight on why a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial in women's health. With a background in Women’s Studies at Harvard College and groundbreaking research funded by prestigious organizations, Dr. Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. She explains the complexities of understanding vaginal flora, the challenges posed by bacterial vaginosis (BV), and the intriguing connections between gut health and vaginal health. Listen to learn about some of the most significant yet overlooked aspects of women's reproductive health. We discuss how to balance the vaginal microbiome, what to do about chronic bacterial vaginosis, use cases for a vaginal microbiome transplant, and what innovative treatments are emerging in women’s health. Key Discussion PointsWhy a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial for women's overall health and how imbalances can lead to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).The difficulties of limited funding and the complexity of research regarding the vaginal microbiome.Symptoms of BV, its limited treatment options, and common misdiagnoses such as vulvodynia.Yeast infection vs. BV vs. UTI symptoms.The impact of antibiotic use on the vaginal and gut microbiomes, plus the need for caution and further research.Vaginal microbiome transplants and the potential of lactobacillus crispatus in treating BV, plus the future of an at-home vaginal microbiome test.What to consider when looking for the best women's probiotics for vaginal health, and how to avoid unnecessary products and irritants.The importance of accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management for vaginal health."When the good kind of lactobacillus are not dominating the vaginal microbial community, people are at higher risk for preterm birth, HIV acquisition, human papillomavirus—at risk for both acquisition and progression to cervical dysplasia and potentially cancer."  - Dr. Caroline MitchellRelated to this episode:Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome Follow Dr. Caroline Mitchell on Instagram and  LinkedIn. Follow her lab on Instagram.Learn more about Dr Mitchell’s research and consider enrolling in her clinical trials MOTIF (be a donor recipient)MOTIF (be a donor)  VIBRANT study, looking at a live biotherapeuticLearn about the VITA StudyCompanies working on products include Osel, Freya Biosciences, and BioNTechTest kits for women with altered vaginal flora: Evvy**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!Guest BioDr. Caroline Mitchell, a distinguished faculty member at the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, has a remarkable career that bridges clinical practice with groundbreaking research. After earning her BA in Women's Studies from Harvard College and serving in the Peace Corps in Southern Africa, she returned to Harvard Medical School for her MD, followed by OB/Gyn residency and an MPH degree at the University of Washington in Seattle. At MGH since 2014, Dr. Mitchell dedicates her research to understanding the vaginal microbiota's role in reproductive health, supported by prestigious grants from organizations like NIH, the Doris Duke Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. As the Director of the Vulvovaginal Disorders Program and chair of the OB/Gyn Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at MGH, her clinical and research work includes pioneering the first randomized trial of vaginal fluid transplant for recurrent infections and investigating novel vaginal biotherapeutics, underlining her commitment to advancing women's health globally.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Originally published October 3, 2023Dr. Sarah E. Hill, PhD is a research psychologist and expert in the effects of birth control on women’s lives. She is the author of the book, "This is Your Brain on Birth Control" and has dedicated her research to uncovering the science behind hormonal birth control and its potential impacts. In this episode, Dr. Sarah E. Hill discusses the importance of understanding the science of birth control and its influence on choices women make, such as pursuing education, careers, and even romantic partners. She presents recent developments and research on birth control, including the approval of over-the-counter options and the potential effects of the Roe v. Wade overturn. Listen as Dr. Sarah E. Hill shares her expertise and insights on the conversation surrounding birth control in our modern society, and how it relates to women’s health empowerment today.Discussed in this episode:The impacts of birth control on hormones and healthHow hormones affect mood, behavior, and mental health in womenCan birth control affect attraction and partner choices?Why individual women respond differently to birth control pillsThe importance of women being aware of potential birth control side effects Exploring the question: is birth control bad?Sex education and birth controlLearning to self-monitor when starting or switching birth control methods Access to birth control after Roe v. Wade overturnedThe need for women’s health education on their hormones and other birth control alternatives "The full extent to which birth control pills impact us isn't well understood, and we have been far too cavalier with our hormones. I can't help thinking that we would be a lot more careful with ourselves if we understood how we work and why we work that way."  - Dr. Sarah E. HillRelated to this episode:Get Dr. Hill’s Book: This is Your Brain on Birth Control Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health On the Blog: What Women Want & Need to Know About Birth ControlFree Resources: Female Reproductive Health & HormonesRelated Books: www.bookshop.org/lists/understanding-your-body-anatomy-menstrual-cycle-hormones **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

How are metabolism, health, and menopause linked? Listen as Dr. Lara Briden shares insights from her new book, Metabolism Repair for Women.Episode SummaryIn this episode, we hear from Dr. Lara Briden, naturopathic doctor and celebrated author of “Period Repair Manual.” Dr. Briden joins Fempower Heath to discuss metabolic health in light of her newest book, "Metabolism Repair for Women." Known for her thorough and research-based approach to women's health, Lara shares her expertise on the often misunderstood topic of metabolic health—particularly its significance during the perimenopausal and menopausal stages of a woman’s life.Discussed in this episode:The connection between metabolic health, general health, mental health, and women's hormonesWhy metabolism health is not just about weight loss but about overall energy and well-beingHow hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can lead to insulin resistance How hormonal birth control can have different metabolic effectsWays to manage and improve metabolic health during perimenopause and menopauseThe potential metabolic benefits of a low-carb diet and its role in reducing cravings for carbohydrates"What's happening metabolically in the brain at menopause is potentially going to have long-term consequences."​​ -  Dr. Lara BridenRelated to this episode:Resources on Perimenopause and MenopauseCheck out Dr. Lara Briden’s books:  Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for WomenLearn more about Dr. Lara Briden and follow her on Instagram**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!Guest BioLara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and the bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women. She currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**72p2wf9u8iAY5BmkAThE

Episode was first played on November 29, 2022 - In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Peta Wright about endometriosis and pelvic pain. Dr. Wright is a gynecologist, fertility specialist, and the founder of Vera Women’s Wellness: a whole woman's approach to endometriosis healing and recovery. Together, they discuss endometriosis surgery, treating women with endometriosis, common underlying correlations of pelvic pain, and what we can do to help women in a society that makes pain and periods two “enemies” of productivity. Discussed in this episode:Dr. Wright’s observation of conventional gynecology today, especially when diagnosing endometriosisCan pelvic pain and endometriosis symptoms be correlated with childhood trauma?Laparoscopies vs other types of treatment for endometriosisWhat to address when seeing a patient with severe endometriosis painExamples of surgery outcomes and when it is and isn’t appropriate for treating endoIs pelvic pain the enemy or is it a sign the body needs to be heard?How fear-based language in medicine pathologizes women’s bodies “I don’t think surgery should be what validates a woman’s pain. I think she should be validated when you first see her and she’s talking about her pain.” - Dr. Peta WrightRelated to this episode:Learn about verawomenswellness.com.au Follow Dr. Peta Wright on Instagram Check out the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) StudyResources and episodes on Endometriosis **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Learn about menopause and mental health from clinical psychologist Dr. Allie Sharma on the Fempower Health Podcast.Episode SummaryWhile menopause is assumed to come with hot flashes and menstrual changes, there are also mental effects of menopause that are less commonly discussed. In this episode, Dr. Allie Sharma—a clinical psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health—discusses the impacts of perimenopause and menopause on mood and the brain. She emphasizes the need for education and integrated care models for women navigating this significant life transition and shares her thoughts on how this can be done.Listen as we discuss the relationship between hormonal changes, depression/anxiety, and navigating the healthcare system during menopause. Dr. Sharma also offers expert insights on menopause mental health symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and advocating for your health at this phase of life.Discussion TopicsThe differences between perimenopause and menopauseThe relationship between menopause and mental health issues How hormonal changes can result in mental health symptomsWhy women are at higher risk for depression and anxiety during perimenopauseThe role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in managing menopause symptomsHow perimenopause can affect relationships and family dynamicsCommon sexual health issues during menopause and how they can be addressedStrategies to help you advocate for your health effectivelyHow family members can better support women during perimenopause and menopause“If you're experiencing new onset anxiety or depression in your forties, it's crucial to consider hormonal changes as a potential cause and seek appropriate treatment.” Dr. Allie SharmaRelated to this episode:Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter Resources and episodes on Mental Health Learn more about Dr. Allie Sharma and follow her on InstagramReferenced in the Episode: CNN Article on Perimenopause and Mental Health Reference in the Episode: Penn Ovarian Aging Study (POAS)**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!Guest BioDr. Sonali (Allie) Sharma, MD, MSc is a Cornell trained and board certified adult psychiatrist, behavioral health strategist, and mental health innovator. Today she is an actively practicing psychiatrist and serves as the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Being Health, a psychiatrist-founded practice leveraging the best of psychiatry, novel treatments, psychotherapy, functional medicine and wellness services to help people improve their mental health.Before co-founding Being Health, Dr. Sharma held various clinical positions, including Emergency Psychiatry at Columbia University, Student Mental Health at Columbia University’s health science campus, and supporting mental health of the homeless population across shelters in New York City, and has worked strategically across systems of care both globally and locally in New York City. Currently, Dr. Sharma is a Women’s Health Advisor for Evernow, a menopause care company, and a Program Advisor for Kenneth Cole’s Mental Health Coalition. Dr. Sharma was also the co-host and creator of the the Model Mentality podcast, and was an Associate Medical Director for Cityblock, program building for the Medicaid population in NYC.Dr. Sharma is a mother of two and currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Originally Published October 25, 2021. Inspired by an upcoming episode with Dr Prior about perimenopause, specifically, I thought it important to revisit the need to understand the important roles of BOTH estrogen AND progesterone.We’ve all been told about the powerful effects of estrogen on a woman’s reproductive cycle. But more people are now learning that progesterone is equally as important. With so much research and discussion regarding hormone imbalances in women today, experts confirm that these two female sex hormones are critical to more than just sex and pregnancy— they’re vital to every woman’s health.In this episode, Dr. Jerilynn Prior of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR) shares essential information about the roles that estrogen and progesterone play in not only ovulation but basic health. She explains why hormone imbalance is so important to confront, and how hormones impact overall wellness from heart health to bone health to mood. She offers some insight into how women’s hormones change throughout various stages of life, from puberty to menopause. Discussed in this episode:The difference between estrogen and progesteroneUnderstanding estrogen vs progesterone in the menstrual cycleThe role of estrogen and progesterone in bone health, breast and endometrial cancer risk, fertility, weight, and heart healthWhy balancing hormones in women is so important (regardless of whether or not you want to get pregnant!)Clearing up confusion on the common question: does stress impact fertility?Why it’s hard for women to be aware of some of this researchHow your hormone balance is defined at different ages and stages of life“It’s important to be aware of your reproductive cycle because it’s such a key indicator of optimal health overall. It’s also important to know because if you want to have a child one day, you need to ovulate normally. Having ‘regular cycles’ is not sufficient.” - Dr. Jerilynn PriorRelated to this episode:CeMCOR website: Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation ResearchSign up for the CeMCOR Newsletter for the latest on women’s healthLearn more about your Hormones and Menstrual CycleDr. Jerilynn Prior’s book: Estrogen Storm Season: Stories of PerimenopauseRecommended book: Period Repair ManualRecommended book: Hormone Repair ManualRecommended book: Sex MattersMore on ovulation: Women’s Health and the Ovulation Cycle**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!Speaker BioDr. Jerilynn Prior is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, with 40 years of experience in women’s health. She specializes in women’s hormones and peri/menopause treatments. Read more in her book, Estrogen Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**