Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Anxiety disorders are on the rise today, and the world we live in doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety has increased by 25% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.In this episode, psychiatrist and author Ellen Vora joins us to discuss the main message of her new book, “The Anatomy of Anxiety.” We discuss generalized anxiety disorder, how to deal with anxiety as a woman, different factors that contribute to mental health, lifestyle changes vs anxiety medication, and more. If you or someone you care about struggles with anxiety symptoms, make sure to check out Ellen’s book.Ellen Vora, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. She is the author of the bestselling book “The Anatomy of Anxiety”. She takes a functional medicine approach to mental health—considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root. Dr. Vora received her B.A. from Yale University and her M.D. from Columbia University. Discussed in this episode:Dr. Ellen Vora’s work as a psychiatrist Understanding false anxiety and real anxiety, and how to know the differenceGenetic vs psycho-spiritual influences on mental health Getting clear on lifestyle changes for anxiety Medication as a bridge out of mental suffering, not a quick-fix solutionWomen’s hormonal effects on anxiety and experiencing valid emotionsCrafting an environment and community that feels good to you“True anxiety is actually what’s right with us when we are able to viscerally connect to what’s wrong around us. It’s not something to pathologize — it’s something to slow down and heed its guidance.” - Ellen VoraRelated to this episode:Get Ellen Vora’s Book: The Anatomy of AnxietyWebsite: www.ellenvora.com Follow Ellen Vora on Instagram: @ellenvoraMDMentioned Episode: Ovulation is Critical for Women’s Health | Dr. Jerilynn PriorResources and episodes on Mental Health 🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:1. Help others discover Fempower Health:Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.2. Stay connected:Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** **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**

In 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 🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:1. Help others discover Fempower Health:Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.2. Stay connected:Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** **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 do you know which products and ingredients are safe to use? Are nontoxic ingredients also eco-friendly? In this episode, we interview Amy Ziff, founder of MADE SAFE: the first human health and eco-friendly nontoxic certification program. Amy shares why nontoxic options are so important to health and the planet, where to find affordable chemical free products, and simple ways you can start choosing cleaner options today. Amy Ziff is an ingredient expert, healthy living educator, writer, and mother who helps people transform their consumer decisions. The MADE SAFE platform helps you reduce the use of harmful chemicals and find certified products that are safe and clean for the whole family. Discussed in this episode:Why safe ingredients matterHow to tell if an ingredient is safeWhat the MADE SAFE certification is and how to use itThe science on harmful chemicals in products todayWhat happens when people eliminate chemicals to live a nontoxic lifestyleHow to detox your home (and the #1 chemical to remove immediately)Skincare, makeup, and nontoxic beauty productsSeveral basic rules and “poison P’s” we all should be aware of“What the ‘organic’ seal is for food, Made Safe is for products. It sets a standard of scientific principles by which we assess ingredients, materials, and substances that go into the things we use every day to determine whether or not they’re using safe ingredients.” - Amy ZiffRelated to this episode:Visit MADE SAFE: www.madesafe.org Follow @MadeSafeHQ and @Amy.Ziff on InstagramConnect with @MADESAFE on FacebookApp for sleep: Breethe App Resources and episodes on Breaking Taboos Resources and episodes on Pregnancy & Motherhood 🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:1. Help others discover Fempower Health:Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.2. Stay connected:Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** **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**

Ever wondered how to sleep better at night? If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you may feel stressed, disappointed, and even burnt out. Studies show that those who regularly lack sleep have an increased risk for chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease, as well as difficulty experiencing optimal focus. But stressing over this fact can actually prevent you from sleeping even further!In this episode, Dr. Chris Winter shares some of the common sleep issues and stressors that prevent sleep, as well as practical tips covered in his book to get better sleep. Georgie and Dr. Winter discuss menopause sleep issues, specific sleep solutions for women, and how to sleep better during menopause and postpartum. Dr. Chris Winter is a sleep specialist and the owner of the Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine clinic. He helps professional athletes and sports organizations optimize sleep schedules, and hosts the popular medical podcast Sleep Unplugged.Discussed in this episode:Dispelling the worries over falling asleep and waking up Menopause sleep problems and how to address them Why do you wake up in the middle of the night, and is it normal?The relationship between sleep and postpartum The importance of rest — not just sleepUnderstanding how sleep works in order to effectively treat insomnia Does melatonin work?The secret to great sleep for improved quality of life “In today’s medical system, physicians let women down all the time. Sleep and menopause are maybe two of the biggest ways we do that.” - Dr. Chris WinterRelated to this episode:Chris Winter’s Book: The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix ItChris Winter’s Book: The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired, or Irritable Child May Have a Sleep Disorder--And How to Help Dr. Chris Winter’s Website: www.wchriswinter.com Listen to the Sleep Unplugged PodcastResources and episodes on Mental Health 🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:1. Help others discover Fempower Health:Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.2. Stay connected:Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** **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**

Menopause is a life stage for women, not a condition to endure. In this episode, we dispel some of the myths and common negative attitudes about entering menopause. Ann Garnier, CEO of Lisa Health and co-founder of menopause tracking app Midday Health, shares her insight. Ann explains how post-menopausal women can take care of their bodies and embrace this stage of life. She talks about health technology, menopause and sex drive, sleep hygiene, nutrition, and the benefits of tracking your symptoms for body awareness and health advocacy.Discussed in this episode:What is menopause? What resources are available today for menopausal women?How menopausal women can find products that are regulated Sleep hygiene and menopauseHow diet, nutrition, and sugar intake impact women during menopauseThe benefit of tracking your menopause symptoms Menopausal treatment and hormone therapy Answers to the top 5 questions women ask about menopause “I think it’s important for us to flip the perception of menopause from a doom-and-gloom, negative thing to one where women feel this is a really celebratory time in their lives.” - Ann Garnier Related to this episode:Episode: Perimenopause Symptoms | Dr. Alyssa DweckEpisode: Women’s Guide to Intermittent Fasting | Dr. Mindy PelzEpisode: Hormone Repair After 40 | Dr. Lara BridenResources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter Midday Health: www.midday.health Midday on Instagram: @midday.healthMidday on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/midday-health 🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:1. Help others discover Fempower Health:Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.2. Stay connected:Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** **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**

Chronic pelvic pain affects nearly 20% of women today. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed — or gets assumed as endometriosis. If you or a woman you know struggles with pelvic pain and painful periods, this episode is for you.Dr. Peta Wright and Dr. Thea Bowler, gynecologists at Vera Women’s Wellness, join us to discuss pelvic pain. As two specialists on endometriosis, fertility, and women’s health, they bring a whole-body perspective to female pelvic pain. They talk about the difficulties of pelvic pain, the nervous system, endometriosis surgery, research in women’s health, and what can cause pelvic pain in a woman.Discussed in this episode:Is endometriosis always the cause of pelvic pain in women?The different types of endometriosis Early intervention for chronic pelvic pain The autonomic nervous system and pain pathways Living in a world that doesn’t make room for women’s periodsWhat someone can do if they have pelvic pain or other endometriosis symptomsDo women with severe endometriosis pain always need surgery?Current research on endometriosis and pain “It’s possible to have severe endometriosis but no pain, and it’s possible to have no endometriosis but severe pain. So there’s such a bigger picture we need to deal with.” - Dr. Peta WrightRelated to this episode:Vera Women’s Wellness: www.verawomenswellness.com.au Learn about Endometriosis: www.fempower-health.com/endometriosis Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health Resources and episodes on Endometriosis Mentioned: Endometriosis, Pain, and Whole Women’s Wellness | Dr. Peta WrightMentioned: What Pain Science Reveals About the Brain/Body | Dr. Melissa FarmerMentioned: Ovulation and Women’s Health | Dr. Jerilynn Prior & Dr. Lara BridenEndometriosis Foundation of America: www.endofound.org 🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:1. Help others discover Fempower Health:Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.2. Stay connected:Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** **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**

More than 40 million women in the U.S. experience pelvic floor pain or dysfunction. But unfortunately, there are only about 5,000 pelvic floor specialists equipped to properly address these issues. At various stages of life, from pre-pregnancy to menopause, there are several things women need to know about pelvic floor health.In this episode, we hear from Carine Carmy, the co-founder of Origin, the top pelvic floor physical therapy provider. From her extensive background in healthcare and technology, she discusses pelvic floor anatomy, common issues as women age, the relationship between pelvic floor pain and muscle spasms, birth, menopause, and everything in between. Listen to learn about what you can do to prevent and address pelvic floor issues.Discussed in this episode:What does good pelvic floor function look like?Painful intercourse and the brain-body connection Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction Pelvic floor and its relationship with pain, pleasure, and orgasm What is the most important exercise for pelvic floor?Common pelvic floor issues after giving birth What happens to the pelvic floor during menopause and as we age?“We often think about pelvic floor therapy as, ‘Let me do my kegels after I have a baby so that I don’t pee my pants.’ But it’s really so much more than that. It’s also tied to orgasm and pleasure.” - Carine CarmyRelated to this episode:Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health Check out Origin: www.theoriginway.comNorth American Menopause Society: www.menopause.org Intl. Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: www.isswsh.org American College of OB-GYN: www.acog.org  🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:1. Help others discover Fempower Health:Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.2. Stay connected:Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** **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**

Thyroid plays an essential role in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. There are several things we should all know about healthy thyroid levels, whether living with an existing thyroid condition or experiencing unexpected hormone changes after conception.In this episode, Dr. Katie Rothwell shares her expertise on all things thyroid health. Dr. Katie Rothwell is a naturopathic doctor and educator who specializes in thyroid problems and pregnancy. She covers how to understand your thyroid levels in pregnancy, ideal thyroid levels for fertility, and what women should consider when trying to conceive if they have a diagnosed thyroid condition. Discussed in this episode:Important things to understand about thyroid during fertility and pregnancyHow to know optimal thyroid levels in pregnancyThyroid testing and pregnancyTSH and other important thyroid screenings for fertility Secondary infertility and Hashimoto’s disease Lactation production and hormones Can pregnancy cause thyroid problems?What should women with thyroid conditions do when pursuing pregnancy? Managing stress during pregnancy and postpartum “There is so much that changes during pregnancy and postpartum — we don’t always attribute those changes to thyroid health. But we really need to be screening our women in those time frames, especially if they have a known thyroid issue.” - Dr. Katie Rothwell🔍 Time Stamps:00:30 - Introduction to the importance of thyroid levels during pregnancy.02:10 - Exploring the role of thyroid hormones in fetal development.04:55 - Common thyroid disorders and their impact on pregnancy.08:20 - Key symptoms to watch out for and when to consult a healthcare professional.11:15 - Strategies for managing thyroid levels and promoting a healthy pregnancy.14:40 - Expert advice on balancing thyroid medication and pregnancy.17:55 - Q&A session with Dr. Katie Rothwell, addressing common listener questions.21:40 - Closing thoughts and next steps for maintaining optimal thyroid health.Related to this episode:Resources and episodes on Thyroid Disease Resources and episodes on Pregnancy & Motherhood Follow Dr. Rothwell on Instagram: @your.thyroid.nd The Thyroid Academy: www.thethyroidacademy.com🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:1. Help others discover Fempower Health:Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.2. Stay connected:Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** **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**

More than 50% of women get a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. Some women struggle with recurring UTIs, which can be painful and stressful. We’ve all heard various tips and myths about UTI prevention and treatment. Today, we’re discussing the facts.In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Fenske, OB-GYN and founder of Tara MD, explains the symptoms of UTI in women, plus various treatment options and how women get UTIs. She also shares about bladder pain syndrome, a similar diagnosis that impacts more women than you’d think. We discuss the most common question of how to get rid of a UTI, and explore interesting reflections about other reproductive health topics.Discussed in this episode:Similarities and differences in symptoms of UTIs vs bladder pain syndromeHow is a UTI diagnosed and treated?Common causes of UTI The role of dehydration and alcohol in painful bladder syndromeUTI prevention tips, myths, and facts UTI and menopauseEndometriosis and bladder pain syndrome Types of medical specialists that address UTI and painful bladder syndrome“Pelvic pain is so complex, it’s often difficult to differentiate what’s causing it— we have a lot of organs down there. That’s why UTIs and bladder pain syndrome are so often misdiagnosed.” - Dr. Suzanne Fenske📌 Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Meet Dr. Suzanne Fenske, the UTI expert!01:20 - The basics: What is a UTI and why does it cause pain?03:45 - Preventing UTIs: Top tips and strategies you need to know!08:12 - Common misconceptions about UTIs debunked by Dr. Fenske.12:30 - The role of misdiagnosis: Why it happens and how to avoid it.17:05 - Listener questions answered: Dr. Fenske addresses your concerns.22:40 - Taking control of your UTI health: Empowering advice from our expert.27:15 - Episode roundup: Key takeaways and action steps for UTI prevention.Related to this episode:Visit Tara MD: www.taramd.comResources and episodes on Endometriosis Resources and episodes on Women's Health-Related Pain 🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:1. Help others discover Fempower Health:Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.2. Stay connected:Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** **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**

At the current rate, about 1 in 8 American women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, but early detection could prevent this growing statistic.In this episode, Dr. Anna Daily and Dr. Brigitte Piniewski join to discuss important movements in breast health, breast cancer, and the future of scientific and crowd-based medical research. Anna Daily and Dr. Piniewski explain the new FemTech platform, Auria: a personalized, innovative at-home breast health assessment.Dr. Anna Daily, PhD, is the Chief Scientific Officer at Namida Lab and the inventor of Auria, the first at-home breast health risk assessment technology that uses tears as a diagnostic biofluid. Dr. Brigitte Piniewski is the Interim Chief Medical Officer at Namida Lab, a medical technology expert, and the author of Wealthcare: Demystifying Web3 and the Rise of Personal Data Economies (available February 2023). Discussed in this episode:The importance of women’s participation in medical research and science to benefit future generations Facts and risk factors of breast cancerThe importance of detecting the early signs of breast cancerThe history of breast cancer and its prevalence in the U.S.What crowd-based technology is and how it can help the prevention of breast cancerHow Auria is building a breast health and wellness community How tears, specifically, can be used as a breast health assessment Patient medical data, Web3, and the future healthcare economy “The next generation relies on us to participate in [scientific] crowd-based models if we’re ever going to move away from 1 in 8 women having breast cancer. Whatever is possible to be prevented should be prevented. But prevention isn’t going to happen only using the technologies that we’ve been using in the past.” - Dr. Brigitte Piniewski⏱ Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction01:15 Cutting-edge Technologies: Early Detection Saves Lives!03:40 Understanding the Risk Factors: Empowering Yourself with Knowledge07:20 Personalized Medicine: Tailoring Treatment to Individual Needs11:35 Integrative Approaches: Nurturing Your Well-being14:50 Q&A Session: Answering Your Burning Questions19:10 ConclusionRelated to this episode:Learn more about Auria: www.auria.care  Auria for Physicians & Providers: www.auria.care/providers Get Dr. Piniewski’s book: WealthcareLearn more: Using Tears as a Source for Early Detection of Breast Cancer Learn more: Tears as the Next Diagnostic BiofluidRelated episodes featuring FemTech Developments🎧 Loved the episode? Here's how you can take action:1. Help others discover Fempower Health:Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices.2. Stay connected:Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations.Or join our newsletter to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox.**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** **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**