Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel

UTI Symptoms But No Infection? What’s Really Going On with Your Bladder | Dr. Tamra Lewis - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Honoring Bladder Health Month! Originally Published September 2024.

In this episode of Fempower Health, Dr. Tamra Lewis, a board-certified urogynecologist, discusses bladder health, UTI misdiagnoses, and how pelvic floor dysfunction, menopause, and the microbiome impact bladder issues in women. Learn how to advocate for better care and understand your symptoms.

Bladder Health Episode Summary

In this episode of Fempower Health, we sit down with Dr. Tamra Lewis, a board-certified urologist specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (also known as urogynecology). Dr. Lewis shares her expertise on common bladder health issues affecting women, many of which are frequently misdiagnosed as urinary tract infections (UTIs). We explore the importance of accurate diagnoses, the potential causes of bladder issues, and how women can better advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. This episode is essential listening for women seeking clarity on their bladder health and for clinicians looking to improve patient outcomes.

Discussion Points:

Why are so many women misdiagnosing themselves with UTIs?
What are the common symptoms of bladder problems in women?
How can women better describe bladder issues to their healthcare provider?
What are the underlying causes of frequent bladder issues in women?
How can you tell the difference between a UTI and other bladder problems?
Why is it important to have a pelvic exam for bladder issues?
How does pelvic floor dysfunction contribute to bladder symptoms?
What are the most effective treatments for overactive bladder?
How can you prevent recurring urinary tract infections?
What role does menopause play in bladder health?
What is the impact of the microbiome on bladder health and UTIs?
Why should women advocate for more thorough evaluations from their doctors?

"It's easier to treat a small problem than to let a small problem become a bigger problem." - Dr. Tamra Lewis

Related to this Bladder Health episode:

Learn more about Dr. Tamra Lewis and follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram
Check out Fempower Health resources on Pelvic Health

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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**

Fempower Health Guest Bio

Dr. Tamra Lewis holds board certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. She practices in Lake, Kane, and Cook Counties, and her hospital affiliations include Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Ascension Saint Alexius, and Hoffman Estates Surgery Center.

Dr. Lewis received her B.A. in Biology from Luther College in 1994, and she obtained her Medical Doctorate in 1999 from the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine. In 2005, Dr. Lewis completed her Surgical and Urology residencies at the University of Nebraska and then went on to complete a fellowship in Female Urology and Voiding Dysfunction at Metro Urology in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.

Dr. Lewis’s professional interests include management of incontinence, voiding dysfunction, bladder prolapse, and urinary tract infections. She is a member of the American Urological Association, the Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology, the Society for Women in Urology, and The Chicago Urological Society, where she currently serves as President. Dr. Lewis has been an invited speaker or presenter for numerous events on topics including incontinence, overactive bladder, hematuria, and urinary tract infections.

In her spare time, Dr. Lewis enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

**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**

Why Women’s Health Still Gets Dismissed — And How We Can Fix It - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary

Why does it still feel like women aren’t being heard in the doctor’s office? Dr. Sharon Malone joins Georgie Kovacs to unpack the structural, cultural, and economic forces that have eroded trust between women and their healthcare providers. From the loss of physician autonomy to outdated reimbursement systems and the chronic undervaluation of women’s health fields, this candid conversation reveals how the system got here—and what it will take to fix it. Together, Georgie and Dr. Malone explore solutions ranging from patient empowerment to digital health and the need for systemic reform in research, policy, and payment.

Resources

Malone S. Grown Woman Talk. 2024.
NIH Data Book (2022): https://report.nih.gov/funding/categorical-spending
March of Dimes. Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Report, 2023.
Fitzgerald J., King L. Price and Prejudice: Reimbursement of Surgical Care on Male Versus Female Anatomies

🎧 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.

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**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

AI Won’t Fix Healthcare if It Ignores Women | Dr. Nikita Patel - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary

AI is everywhere — from apps on our phones to tools shaping clinical care. But what does it really mean for women’s health? Could AI finally close the health gap — or will it reinforce the same frustrations women already face in the doctor’s office?

In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs sits down with Dr. Nikita Patel, a pharmacist, biomedical engineer, and healthcare innovation leader with 15 years of experience across biopharma, digital health, and AI. Nikita has held leadership roles including Director of Clinical Research & AI at Function Health, and she brings a multidisciplinary perspective on how data, diagnostics, and emerging technologies can transform health and human performance.

Together, Georgie and Niki unpack what’s misunderstood about AI in healthcare, why women’s health needs its own data lens, and how clinicians and patients alike can use AI responsibly today.

Discussion Points

What is AI in healthcare really doing behind the buzzword?
Why is women’s health data missing — and how does this bias impact AI tools?
How can women use AI to better advocate for themselves in doctor visits?
Can AI improve clinical trials and drug development for women?
What privacy risks should women and clinicians know about when using AI apps?
How can healthcare providers evaluate whether an “AI-powered” tool is credible?
What’s the future of personalized care — could digital twins and AI change everything?
Who is responsible for setting standards for AI in women’s 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Pain Relief for Endometriosis | Dr. Allyson Shrikhande - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Originally Published May 2024. Re-sharing in honor of Chronic Pain Awareness Month

Are there ways to find pain relief for endometriosis? Listen as Dr. Allyson Shrikhande shares her expert insights on a whole-person approach to pain management.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs hosts Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a specialist in pelvic rehabilitation medicine. They explore the important topic of managing pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.

Dr. Shrikhande discusses the complex symptoms and challenges of diagnosing endometriosis, which often go beyond typical menstrual discomfort and can even affect areas such as bladder function and sexual health. They discuss innovative, non-surgical approaches to pain management, incorporating targeted treatments and lifestyle modifications. Listen to gain insights into holistic, patient-centered methods that make significant relief possible for those battling chronic pelvic pain.

Key Discussion Points:

The diverse and often misunderstood symptoms of endometriosis
Endometriosis’ impact on the menstrual cycle, bladder, bowel functions, and pain during intercourse
Non-surgical methods for pelvic pain management when living with endometriosis
Why detecting endometriosis early can change the course of treatment and potentially lessen the need for invasive procedures
Nerve and muscle rehabilitation treatment options that provide relief without the complications associated with surgery
Benefits of a whole-person approach to managing endometriosis, which includes nutritional support, behavioral health, and physical therapy
Dr. Shrikhande emphasizes the need for greater awareness and education about endometriosis among both healthcare providers and patients

"There are a lot of myths about pain management. It’s not just about pain relief; it’s about restoring function and managing the disease holistically." - Dr. Allyson Shrikhande

Related to this episode:

Resources on Pelvic Health
Read Beating Endo
Try Your Pace Yoga
Learn more about Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine and follow them on Instagram.
Stay in touch with Dr Allyson Shrikhande and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

🎧 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**

Guest Bio

Dr. Allyson Shrikhande is a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine, and an expert in women’s and men’s health and sexual health. A leading expert on pelvic health and a respected researcher, author and lecturer, Dr. Shrikhande is a recognized authority on female and male pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Shrikhande is passionate about this cause and dedicated to helping women and men with pelvic pain who often suffer without anyone willing to listen, understand, or find the cause of their pain. That’s why she has traveled the world to work with expert gynecologists, urologists, physiatrists, and interventional pain physicians. Dr. Shrikhande has distilled this global expertise into an office-based, cutting-edge approach to the treatment of pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

The Real Barriers to Women’s Health Innovation | Joanna Strober - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary

Women’s health faces systemic challenges that too often leave women without answers — especially in midlife, when care becomes fragmented and reimbursement models make solutions hard to scale.

In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs speaks with Joanna Strober, CEO and co-founder of Midi Health and a seasoned entrepreneur who previously founded Kurbo Health (acquired by Weight Watchers). Joanna shares her journey from personal struggles with perimenopause symptoms to building solutions that confront the structural barriers in women’s health.

Together, we explore why women are left to self-navigate, how venture capital and philanthropy are shaping the field, and what it will take to close the gap between research and real-world care.

If you’re a woman seeking answers about your health, or a clinician striving to better serve your patients, this episode will give you a candid look at the truth: the system isn’t designed for women — but with insight and bold action, change is possible.

Discussion Points

Why do midlife women often “fall out” of the healthcare system?
How do insurance and reimbursement barriers prevent women-centered care from scaling?
Why does it take an average of 17 years for clinical evidence to become standard practice?
How should innovators responsibly use emerging research in women’s health?
What role did Pivotal Ventures and Wellcome Trust’s $100M commitment play — and why isn’t it enough?
How do venture capital investors view women’s health innovation — is it bias, or a need to show scale?
What cultural factors lead women to tolerate suffering instead of pushing for better care?
Where does Joanna Strober see hope for the future of women’s health innovation?

🎧 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**

About Joanna Strober

Joanna Strober is a visionary healthcare leader and CEO/co-founder of Midi Health, the fastest-growing national telehealth clinic transforming how women navigate menopause and midlife. Since launching in 2021, Joanna has propelled Midi to serve tens of thousands of patients with insurance-covered, personalized care in all 50 states—filling a massive gap in women’s healthcare. Before Midi, she founded and scaled Kurbo Health, a digital platform tackling childhood obesity, which was acquired by WW in 2018.

Recognized as a CNBC 2025 Changemakers and TIME100 Most Influential People in Health 2025, Joanna is a fierce advocate for women’s health equity. Her leadership has earned national honors—including a White House award for her groundbreaking campaign protecting women’s healthcare access—and sparked viral conversations that challenge the status quo, like forcing Noom to retract an ageist ad. Backed by visionary investors such as Sheryl Sandberg, Connie Britton, and Amy Schumer, Joanna is at the forefront of redefining care for women at midlife, driving real, systemic change in a historically neglected space.

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Why Women Need a Different Approach to Longevity - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Longevity isn’t just about living longer — it’s about living better.

In this episode of Fempower Health, host Georgie Kovacs sits down with Roma van der Walt, a sports scientist, women’s health strategist, and CEO of Vitelle, to unpack what longevity really means for women.

Roma explains why the biohacking trend often overlooks female physiology, how wearables misinterpret women’s health data, and why prevention must go beyond annual checkups and symptom management. Together, they discuss AI’s role in women’s health, how clinicians can better support patients, and why building an integrated health intelligence infrastructure is the future of personalized care.

If you’ve ever wondered:

“Am I doing enough to stay healthy as I age?”
“Why do wearables and trackers confuse me more than they help?”
“How can I trust AI with my health data?”

…this episode is for you.

Discussion Points (SEO-Driven Questions)

What is the difference between lifespan vs. healthspan, and why does it matter for women?
How does the current longevity conversation overlook women’s unique physiology?
Are wearables and fitness trackers accurate for women, or do they misinterpret the data?
What are the four pillars of longevity every woman should focus on?
How can AI and health intelligence infrastructure improve women’s healthcare?
Why is prevention more important than biohacking for long-term women’s health?
How can clinicians better support women navigating fragmented healthcare systems?
What supplements and lifestyle factors can impact women’s biomarkers unexpectedly?
How can women make sense of biometrics, wearables, and lab results without feeling overwhelmed?
What role should personalized healthcare play in improving women’s outcomes?

🎧 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**

About Roma van der Walt

Roma van der Walt is pioneering a new era of women's health. As a sports scientist and the founder of Vitelle, she's working on turning complex biological data into actionable insights for female longevity and performance.

Her work sits at the intersection of sports science and the power of system design to address that the field of female health has been historically underserved. Roma’s mission is to close the persistent gap in how female physiology is supported across lifespan and high-performance settings. She does this by designing tools that unify fragmented data, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to provide personalized, precise care.

An outspoken advocate for data equity and better representation of diverse female voices, Roma's vision extends to ensuring that scientific research and digital tools accurately reflect the needs of all women. Her cross-disciplinary career, which includes work with the UN and collaborations with leading institutions like Monash University, has given her a unique perspective on how to innovate in health technology. Her work has been recognized by Women’s Health Magazine and other media outlets, where she speaks on the future of female performance and the next era of personalized care.

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Banned for Talking About THIS? | Saundra Pelletier on #SayVaginaMonth - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Overview

TikTok banned my anatomy quiz. The reason? I showed an anatomically correct clitoris model and asked people to guess what it was. No explicit words. No graphic content. Just science.

This is exactly why Saundra Pelletier, CEO of Evofem Biosciences, launched #SayVaginaMonth —a movement to fight censorship, challenge stigma, and normalize medically accurate conversations about women’s bodies.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Why female anatomy gets censored while male terms don’t
How stigma in language leads to silence in the exam room
Why even doctors avoid sexual health—and how to change that
Why naming body parts correctly is critical for safety, consent & care
What you can do to join #SayVaginaMonth and push back against bans

Why This Matters

If we can’t say vagina or clitoris without fear of being banned, how can we expect healthcare, policy, or research to serve women properly? Words shape awareness. Awareness shapes care. Silence keeps us in the shadows.

Resources & Links

Connect with Saundra Pelletier on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok

🎧 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Why Are Women Still Not Told Their Options for Fibroids? - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0500

It's Fibroid Awareness Month and this is an important topic to have front and center in your listening feed!

Originally Published April 2025

Uterine Fibroids: What You’re Not Being Told About Your Treatment Options

Uterine fibroids affect up to 80% of women by age 50, yet most are not given the full range of treatment options. In this episode, I speak with leading fibroid experts—including minimally invasive surgeons, interventional radiologists, and advocates—to unpack the medical, financial, and structural reasons why hysterectomy is so often pushed as the default solution.

Whether you’re trying to preserve fertility, manage chronic pain, or simply want to know what questions to ask at your next appointment, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 What We Cover in This Episode

What uterine fibroids are and who they affect most
The different types of fibroid treatment (UFE, myomectomy, hormonal therapy, hysterectomy)
Why UFE is still underutilized despite being a first-line treatment
How reimbursement structures impact the care women receive
How to prepare for your appointment and advocate for yourself
What a true multidisciplinary care model looks like
The connection between fibroid care and larger women’s health equity issues

💬 Expert Guests Featured

Dr. Jessica Opoku-Anane – Minimally Invasive GYN Surgeon, Columbia
Dr. Marc Schiffman – Co-Executive Director, Weill Cornell Medicine Fibroid Center
Tanika Gray Valbrun – Founder, The White Dress Project and fibroid awareness advocate

🧠 Key Takeaways

Ask about all options before agreeing to surgery
Consider seeing a center that includes interventional radiologists and minimally invasive surgeons
Your experience and symptoms are valid—even if you’ve been told “it’s normal”
Tracking your symptoms before appointments helps you get better care
Insurance coverage and doctor training gaps often limit what gets recommended

Resources:

What Your Doctor Might Not be Telling You about Fibroid Treatment: https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/uterine-fibroids-treatment-options-beyond-hysterectomy
Hysterectomy Unveiled: What your Doctors Don't Always Tell You: https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/hysterectomy-informed-consent-womens-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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

What Women’s Sports Reveal About the Blind Spots in Women’s Health - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary

Why do so many women feel dismissed in healthcare — even when they see good doctors? The problem isn’t always the people — it’s the cultural stories we’ve told about what “matters.”

Inspired by sports journalist Kate Fagan’s TED Radio Hour insight on women’s sports, Georgie draws a powerful parallel to women’s health: when we don’t tell clear stories or define the stakes, we leave research gaps, funding gaps, and entire conditions misunderstood.

In just 10 minutes, you’ll hear:

What Kate Fagan’s quote reveals about collective blind spots
How endometriosis, PMDD, and IUD pain show this in action
Why better stories are the first step to better funding, research, and care
How this idea applies far beyond women’s health, to any overlooked issue

Listen If You…

Have ever felt unseen in a doctor’s office
Work in healthcare, research, or policy and want better insights
Want to understand the link between storytelling and system change

Resources & Next Steps

Listen to the TED Radio Hour episode with Kate Fagan
Read the full companion article: What We Don’t See, We Don’t Solve

🎧 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Why Celiac Disease Still Goes Undiagnosed — And Why Going Gluten-Free Isn’t Always Enough - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary

Celiac disease is often dismissed as just a gluten issue — but for millions, the reality is far more complex.

In this episode, Fempower Health breaks down two new studies showing:

Why diagnosis is still delayed — especially for women, people of color, and patients with clear symptoms.
How an immune “scar” in the gut can cause ongoing symptoms, even with a strict gluten-free diet.
What this means for anyone still feeling dismissed or untreated.

If you’ve struggled with gut issues, chronic symptoms, or frustrating medical visits, this is for you.

Listen now to learn

The top risk factors that should lead to celiac testing — but often don’t
What researchers found when they looked at individual gut cells
How to use this knowledge to ask better questions about your health

Resources Mentioned

Learn about Beyond Celiac — research and advocacy
Full article: Celiac Disease Isn’t Just Gluten: Why Diagnosis Is Delayed—and Symptoms Linger

🎧 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

The Cancer Prevention Surgery Most Women Have Never Heard Of - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Fempower Health Podcast, we unpack one of the most important shifts happening in gynecology that few patients know about: salpingectomy—the removal of the fallopian tubes—is replacing tubal ligation in many cases as a way to reduce ovarian cancer risk.

Research has shown that most ovarian cancers actually begin in the fallopian tubes, not the ovaries. But outdated coding, confusing consent processes, and insurance issues have made this simple, evidence-based cancer prevention tool harder for women to access—or even understand.

This 10-minute episode breaks it all down in plain English.

🩺 What You’ll Learn:

Why most ovarian cancers don’t start in the ovaries
What salpingectomy is—and how it differs from tubal ligation
Why more doctors are removing fallopian tubes during surgery
How new diagnostic codes launching in Fall 2025 may improve access and insurance coverage
What questions to ask your OB-GYN to make informed decisions

🔎 Why This Matters:

With no effective screening for ovarian cancer, prevention matters more than ever. Salpingectomy offers a promising path—but most women don’t know about it, and many have undergone surgery without fully understanding what was done.

Informed consent isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of agency in healthcare. If you or someone you love is facing a hysterectomy or sterilization procedure, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources & Links:

Read the blog post Ovarian Cancer Might Not Start in the Ovary
Listen to my interview with the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance as we discuss why ovarian cancer is so hard to diagnose and why women are typically diagnosed in its later stages.
Listen to my interview with Oriana Papin-Zoghbi about her company’s efforts to create an ovarian cancer diagnostic.

Share This Episode:

Know someone planning surgery or looking to reduce their cancer risk? Send them this episode or post it on social media. Because when women are informed, they’re empowered.

🎧 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

How AI and a Menopause Drug Could Revolutionize Breast Cancer Prevention - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary: Breast Cancer Prevention Just Took Two Big Steps Forward

In this short but powerful episode, Georgie breaks down two groundbreaking developments in breast cancer prevention that could reshape how we think about screening, menopause care, and early intervention:

1️⃣ An FDA-authorized AI tool—Clairity Breast—that predicts a woman’s five-year breast cancer risk from a standard mammogram, even when it appears normal.

2️⃣ A menopause drug, Duavee, that may help prevent invasive breast cancer in women with a history of high-risk lesions like DCIS.

These tools aren’t just high-tech—they’re practical, accessible, and represent a smarter, more equitable approach to women’s health.

Whether you're a clinician, policymaker, or woman navigating your own care, this episode breaks down what you need to know.

🔍 What You'll Learn in This Episode

✅ FDA-Approved AI for Breast Cancer Risk Prediction

What Clairity Breast is and how it works
Why it matters for women under 50
How it fits into current mammogram workflows
Timeline for rollout and insurance coverage considerations

✅ Menopause Drug Duavee and Breast Cancer Prevention

New clinical trial results shared at the ASCO 2025 meeting
Why this treatment could benefit women with DCIS or other precancerous lesions
What clinicians and high-risk patients should be asking now
Duavee’s current FDA status and reimbursement landscape

✅ The Bigger Picture: Why This Is a Turning Point in Women's Health

What these two tools signal about the future of precision and prevention
How they're designed to work in real-world care—not just research labs
Why this episode matters for people advocating for smarter, faster, fairer care

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

Women navigating breast cancer risk or menopause decisions
Clinicians, radiologists, and OB-GYNs focused on patient-centered care
Healthcare innovators, startup leaders, and payers interested in smarter early intervention
Policy leaders and health equity advocates

📌 Resources & References

Read about Clairity Breast – FDA De Novo authorization details
Learn about Duavee – Clinical trial results presented at ASCO 2025
Check out the blog post of this episode: Breast Cancer Prevention Just Leveled Up: What Two Breakthroughs Mean for the Future of Women’s Health

📣 Help Spread the Word

If this episode helped you understand the future of breast cancer prevention, share it with a friend or clinician who needs to hear it.

🎧 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Compounded Meds Explained: Hormones, GLP-1s, and What’s Often Overlooked - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Overview

In this episode, I take a closer look at compounded medications—what they are, when they’re used, and the important nuances behind their growing popularity.

From hormone therapy and menopause care to semaglutide and GLP-1s, compounded meds are often described as personalized solutions. But these treatments exist in a regulatory gray area, with real variability in quality, safety, and effectiveness.

This episode is about cutting through confusion—without judgment or hype—and offering context to help you better understand your options.

What You’ll Learn

What compounded medications are and when they’re used
Why some women rely on them for hormone therapy, PCOS, progesterone intolerance, or GLP-1 access
What’s different between FDA-approved medications and compounded versions
Why terms like “bioidentical” can be misleading
The impact of drug shortages, insurance limitations, and gaps in care

Why It Matters

Many people don’t realize that compounded medications aren’t FDA-approved—and that doesn’t automatically make them dangerous or ineffective. But it does mean they operate by different rules. This episode offers a grounded look at what’s happening behind the scenes and why these treatments are increasingly common in women’s health and beyond.

Resources

Read article on Fear, misinformation, and pharmaceutical messianism in the promotion of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy
Check out the blog post version of this episode here, which includes all citations.

🎧 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

IUD Pain Is Real: What ACOG and CDC Just Changed—and Why It Matters - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0500

What Every Patient and Clinician Should Know About the 2025 Guidelines for IUD Insertion Pain Management

For years, patients have reported severe pain during IUD insertions—only to be told it's "just a pinch." Now, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued updated guidance that changes everything.

This episode breaks down what’s in the new guidelines, why it matters, and what’s still standing in the way of better care.

What We Cover in This Episode

What ACOG and CDC now recommend for IUD pain relief
Why misoprostol is no longer a routine option
How reimbursement challenges affect what happens in the exam room
What to do if your provider isn’t aware of the new guidelines
The role of trauma-informed and shared decision-making models
Why this shift is critical for women’s health equity and trust

Related Resources

ACOG Clinical Consensus on Pain Management (May 2025)
CDC U.S. SPR Update (Aug 2024)
Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
Recommended Books on Hormones and Menstrual 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

The Body System That Regulates Everything—And Why No One Talks About It - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 20 May 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Overview:

You’ve heard of the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. But what about the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—the one that helps regulate all of them?

In this episode, Georgie breaks down one of the most overlooked systems in human biology. Discovered through cannabis research but far more than a cannabis issue, the ECS plays a critical role in maintaining balance across mood, metabolism, hormones, inflammation, pain, and immune response.

So why isn’t it taught in medical school? And how is that omission impacting the care we receive—especially for women dealing with complex, chronic symptoms?

This is a must-listen if you’re a health-conscious woman, clinician, innovator, or advocate wondering why the healthcare system keeps missing the root cause.

What You'll Learn:

What the endocannabinoid system is—and what it isn’t
How the ECS helps regulate key systems: hormonal, metabolic, immune, and neurological
Why cannabis stigma is still limiting ECS education in medicine
The real-world consequences of not teaching ECS in medical or nursing school
Why women with complex symptoms may be falling through the cracks
How diet, stress, and trauma can dysregulate the ECS—and what to do about it
What clinicians, patients, and innovators need to know now

Related Resources:

Read the blog post: The System That Regulates Everything (citations for this episode included)

🎧 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

When Women Stop Seeking Care: The Hidden Harm of Being Dismissed - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 13 May 2025 02:00:00 -0500

🎧 Episode Summary:

Over 50% of women with chronic vaginal pain considered giving up on care altogether, according to a new JAMA Network Open study co-authored by Drs. Jill Krapf and Chailee Moss. In this episode, Georgie breaks down the findings, explores why this kind of dismissal is so common in women’s health, and explains how communication—not just diagnosis—can make or break care.

If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” when you were in pain, this episode is for you.

🔍 What's Covered:

Why over half of women with vaginal pain say they nearly gave up on care—and what that says about the system
How seemingly harmless phrases like “your exam is normal” can cause lasting harm
What two leading experts are doing differently—and why their approach is worth hearing
Why this isn’t about blaming doctors—but it is about breaking the cycle
What every woman (and clinician) should understand about trust, trauma, and communication in healthcare

Resources:

Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
Read the Experiences of Care and Gaslighting in Patients With Vulvovaginal Disorders study
Learn about TightLipped and the National Vulvodynia Association

🎧 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Big News! 2025 Guidelines to Treat Vaginal Dryness, Painful Sex & UTIs in Menopause Are Here! - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 06 May 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Episode Overview

In this episode of Fempower Health, we break down one of the most common—and misunderstood—conditions women face after menopause: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

Often referred to by symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful sex, burning with urination, or frequent UTIs, GSM affects nearly half of postmenopausal women. Yet many women are never told it has a name—let alone that it’s treatable.

We’re unpacking what the new 2025 GSM guidelines reveal, and why they mark a turning point in how clinicians should diagnose and treat this condition.

What You’ll Learn

What Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) really means
How GSM symptoms impact vaginal, sexual, and urinary health
Why vaginal estrogen is a frontline treatment, even with systemic HRT
Common myths about lubricants, moisturizers, and “just aging”
The difference between managing GSM vs. masking it
Why GSM often goes unaddressed in clinical settings—and what needs to change
What the 2025 guidelines clarify for patients and providers alike
How untreated GSM can impact confidence, relationships, and even career performance

Why This Matters

Too often, women’s health is narrowly defined as periods, pregnancy, and menopause hot flashes. But vaginal and urinary health after menopause deserves equal attention.

Whether you're a patient, provider, or policymaker, understanding GSM is essential to changing the conversation around what midlife care really looks like.

Related Resources

Read Burning, Dryness, Pain? These New Guidelines Change Everything
Read the 2025 GSM Guidelines
Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter

🎧 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis: Understanding the Differences That Matter for Women’s Health - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Adenomyosis is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in women’s health. It causes heavy periods, chronic cramping, and fertility challenges—yet many women are told their pain is normal or misdiagnosed with endometriosis alone.

In this episode of the Fempower Health podcast, I share key points that Dr. Ken Sinervo, Medical Director at the Center for Endometriosis Care, shared in our recent interview. The episode breaks down the science behind adenomyosis, why it’s so often missed, and what every woman deserves to know about diagnosis and treatment.

Read the article on adenomyosis in the Fempower Health Newsletter: https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/adenomyosis-vs-endometriosis-differences-symptoms-treatment

Listen to the full interview with Dr. Ken Sinervo: https://www.fempower-health.com/post/adenomyosis-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-dr-ken-sinervo

🎧 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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Hysterectomy & Informed Consent: What Doctors Don’t Always Tell You - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Did you know that many women undergo hysterectomies without fully understanding their options?

Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed on women—but too often, patients aren’t given the full picture. From what should (and shouldn’t) be removed to the long-term effects on hormone balance and pelvic health, the lack of informed consent has lifelong consequences.

In this episode, we break down:

The different types of hysterectomy and their impact on your body
How guidelines and reimbursement models influence surgical recommendations
Why pelvic physical therapy (PT) is critical but rarely recommended
The role of hormone therapy when ovaries are removed
Questions every woman should ask before considering surgery

Why This Matters:

Many women experience post-surgical complications like pelvic pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction—issues that could be prevented with better education and advocacy. Doctors don’t always tell you the full story, but you have the right to ask questions and make informed decisions about your body.

Who Should Listen?

This episode is for:

Women considering or recovering from hysterectomy
Healthcare professionals navigating patient advocacy
Startups and investors in women’s health, understanding systemic barriers
Anyone interested in how medical guidelines impact real-world healthcare

To access the article on this topic, click here: https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/hysterectomy-informed-consent-womens-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**

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

The Power of Pause: Reflecting on the Future of Women’s Health | Georgie Kovacs - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Join Georgie in this heartfelt episode as she reflects on the evolution of Fempower Health, the trusted resource for women and clinicians navigating complex health topics. Discover how community feedback will shape the future of this empowering platform.

Episode Summary

In this special episode of Fempower Health, host Georgie shares a heartfelt update about the evolution of the podcast and her decision to take a pause. Reflecting on her journey as a problem solver and advocate for women’s health, Georgie highlights the impact of connecting listeners with hard-to-find experts and providing credible, actionable information.

With the growing conversation around women’s health on social media and the challenge of navigating limited time and trustworthy resources, Georgie explains how this moment of reflection is an opportunity to recalibrate and ensure Fempower Health continues to make a meaningful difference.

Whether you're a woman seeking clarity on your health or a clinician striving to better serve your patients, this episode invites you to be part of the conversation. Share your feedback, join the newsletter, and stay connected as Fempower Health evolves to meet your needs.

Discussion Points

Why is now the right time to pause and reassess the future of Fempower Health?
How has the growing conversation on women’s health evolved, and what gaps still exist?
What makes Fempower Health a trusted resource for women and clinicians?
How can listeners contribute to shaping the next phase of Fempower Health?
What lessons can be learned from leaders like Simone Biles about taking a pause to prioritize sustainability?
Why is credible, expert-driven information still so important in today’s health landscape?
How does Fempower Health balance deep insights with accessible, actionable advice?
What role does community feedback play in the evolution of this platform?
Why is self-advocacy in women’s health more important than ever?
How can listeners stay connected during this pause in content production?

“This isn’t just a pause—it’s a chance to reflect, recharge, and ensure that Fempower Health evolves to make an even greater impact.” - Georgie Kovacs

Stay connected with Fempower Health:

Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com
Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
Email us for inquiries & outreach: info@fempower-health.com
Catch up on Fempower Health Podcast episodes

About Georgie Kovacs

As the founder of Fempower Health, Georgie has had the privilege of engaging directly with the best minds in healthcare, wellness, and advocacy—challenging them to address the questions that women are asking but the system too often ignores. Her unique position allows her to see the full picture: the patients struggling to navigate their health, the entrepreneurs trying to innovate without support, and the systemic forces keeping real solutions just out of reach.

But women don’t just need answers—they need tools. And so does the industry. She brings years of experience as a strategist and consultant, working at the intersection of healthcare and innovation, to provide those tools. She’s helped clients, audiences, and organizations not just identify problems, but solve them, and she is on a mission to create meaningful change in women’s health.

**May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Adenomyosis Uncovered: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment | Dr. Ken Sinervo

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Join globally recognized expert Dr. Ken Sinervo, Medical Director of the Center for Endometriosis Care, as he discusses adenomyosis, its symptoms, impact on fertility, and treatment options. With decades of experience in advanced laparoendoscopic surgery and multidisciplinary care, Dr. Sinervo offers invaluable insights for patients and clinicians. Listen now to learn how to improve diagnosis and navigate treatment effectively.

Adenomyosis Episode Summary

In this episode of Fempower Health, we explore adenomyosis, a condition that affects millions of women but remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Dr. Ken Sinervo, a renowned gynecologic surgeon and the Medical Director at the Center for Endometriosis Care, brings over 25 years of expertise in laparoscopic surgery and women’s health to the discussion. He sheds light on the differences between adenomyosis and endometriosis, the challenges of diagnosis, treatment options, and how clinicians and patients can work together for better outcomes. Whether you are a patient navigating symptoms or a clinician seeking to improve care, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

Key Discussion Points:

What is adenomyosis, and how does it differ from endometriosis?
How does adenomyosis impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes?
What are the key symptoms of adenomyosis that patients and clinicians should look for?
Why is adenomyosis often misdiagnosed, and how can it be identified earlier?
What are the most effective treatment options for adenomyosis, including non-surgical approaches?
When should a hysterectomy be considered for adenomyosis, and what are the risks involved?
How can an anti-inflammatory diet help manage adenomyosis symptoms?
What role does trauma play in chronic pelvic pain conditions like adenomyosis?
Why is a multidisciplinary approach critical in treating adenomyosis and endometriosis?
What can women do to advocate for themselves and ensure they receive the right diagnosis and care?

"Around 20% of endometriosis patients also have adenomyosis, and it’s often a key reason for persistent pain even after treating endometriosis." - Dr. Ken Sinervo

Related to this episode on adenomyosis:

Check out Fempower Health’s resources on Endometriosis, Mental Health, and Fertility
Learn more about Dr. Ken Sinvervo
Follow the Center for Endometriosis Care on Instagram and Facebook

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: 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!

Fempower Health Guest Bio

Dr. Kenny R. Sinervo, M.D., M.Sc., F.R.C.S.C., A.C.G.E., is the Medical Director of the Center for Endometriosis Care and a globally recognized expert in advanced laparoendoscopic excision of endometriosis and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada, he is a dedicated advocate for endometriosis patients worldwide and a leader in multidisciplinary care and surgical treatment of pelvic pain. Dr. Sinervo has an extensive case volume, including complex and thoracic/extrapelvic presentations, and actively contributes to research, education, and advocacy efforts. As a Fellowship Preceptor, he trains future surgeons and frequently lectures internationally. A published author and sought-after consultant, he is committed to advancing awareness, reforming access to care, and providing compassionate treatment to patients globally.

Disclaimer

How Scoliosis Shapes Pelvic Health | Katalin Kapoor

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Scoliosis and Pelvic Health Episode Summary

In this episode of the Fempower Health Podcast, Georgie Kovacs speaks with Katalin Kapoor, a physical therapist specializing in scoliosis, kyphosis, and pelvic floor health. With over 25 years of experience, Katalin brings unique insights into how conditions like scoliosis can have a profound effect on women’s pelvic health, often in unexpected ways. From managing pelvic floor dysfunction to understanding the importance of postural alignment, Katalin’s expertise provides much-needed clarity on issues many women face but rarely get answers to. Whether you’re dealing with pelvic pain, incontinence, or postural issues, this episode is packed with actionable advice for patients and clinicians alike.

Key Discussion Points:

How does scoliosis impact pelvic health?
What are the common symptoms of scoliosis and pelvic floor dysfunction?
Why is breathing so crucial for pelvic floor health?
How does a pelvic floor physical therapist differ from a general physical therapist?
What should women know about postural dysfunctions like scoliosis and kyphosis?
Why is pelvic floor health important for women with scoliosis?
How can scoliosis and hypermobility contribute to pelvic floor issues?
What are the long-term impacts of untreated scoliosis on women’s health?
What should women advocate for in their pelvic health and postural care?
How can scoliosis treatment help manage incontinence and pelvic pain?
Why is it important to work with a specialized pelvic floor physical therapist?

"It’s kind of like because we don’t see it and it’s an intimate part of us, I think we tend to ignore it… No, it’s muscles, and you have to treat it the same way as you treat any other muscle." - Katalin Kapoor

Related to this Scoliosis and Pelvic Health episode:

Review Fempower Health’s resources on Pelvic Health.
Follow Katalin Kapoor on LinkedIn.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: 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!

Fempower Health Guest Bio

Katalin Kapoor is a highly skilled Physical Therapist at Armonk PT, specializing in scoliosis and complex pelvic floor dysfunction. Originally from Hungary, Katalin has over 20 years of orthopedic experience, with 16 years in the U.S. Her expertise spans the Schroth method for scoliosis, pelvic health therapy, and advanced manual techniques, including myofascial and visceral mobilization. Inspired by her experiences as a mother, Katalin is passionate about holistic care, integrating posture, breathing, and pelvic health to treat her patients comprehensively. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, hiking, and playing pickleball.

Disclaimer

Pelvic Pain and Hypermobility: The Connection You Need to Know | Alyson Lowrey

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Join Georgie Kovacs and physical therapist Alyson Lowrey as they discuss the link between hypermobility and chronic pelvic pain. Learn how to recognize symptoms, manage pelvic floor dysfunction, and advocate for better health care. Perfect for women looking for answers and clinicians aiming to provide better patient support.

Pelvic Pain & Hypermobility Episode Summary

In this episode of the Fempower Health podcast, Georgie Kovacs sits down with Alyson Lowrey, a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist with over 10 years of experience. Alyson shares her personal journey with hypermobility and chronic pelvic pain, as well as her professional expertise in treating women facing these often misunderstood conditions. Together, they dive deep into how hypermobility can affect the pelvic floor, the complexities of diagnosing and treating pelvic pain, and practical strategies to help women take control of their health. Whether you're experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, hypermobility, or just looking for answers, this episode offers a wealth of valuable insights.

Key Discussion Points:

What is hypermobility, and how does it affect the pelvic floor?
How can women recognize signs of hypermobility in their bodies?
Why is hypermobility linked to chronic pelvic pain?
What is the connection between hypermobility and digestive issues like IBS?
How can pelvic floor dysfunction lead to incontinence, sexual pain, or other complications?
What exercises are most beneficial for managing hypermobility and pelvic pain?
How can a physical therapist help with chronic pelvic pain management?
How does pregnancy and childbirth impact hypermobility and pelvic floor health?
What role do clinicians play in diagnosing hypermobility and pelvic pain?
How can women advocate for themselves in the healthcare system when dealing with complex conditions like hypermobility?

“Hypermobility is more than just flexibility—it impacts the pelvic floor, digestion, and even how your body processes pain.” - Alyson Lowrey

Related to this Pelvic Pain & Hypermobility episode:

Follow Alyson Lowrey on LinkedIn.
Check out Fempower Health’s resources on pelvic health.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: 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!

Fempower Health Guest Bio

Dr. Alyson Lowrey attained a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of New Mexico. Following graduation she immediately completed HonorHealth’s Orthopaedic Residency program and became a board-certified orthopedic specialist (OCS). She is now the director of that residency program and lectures about pain and pelvic dysfunction in the curriculum. Her passion for progressing the profession of physical therapy is continued through clinical education and at Creighton and Midwestern University’s physical therapy programs as adjunct faculty. She has also co-authored and co-teaches “Pain Science for the Chronic Pelvic Pain Population” through Herman and Wallace.

Her clinical population is primarily orthopedic with a large subset of patients experiencing chronic pain, patients with pelvic pain, and patients with hypermobility. Alyson treats the pelvic floor patient population through an orthopedic approach, working closely with pelvic floor specialists in the same clinic. This allows for a holistic style addressing the entire patient from a functional perspective, and allowing each clinician’s expertise to coincide.

Disclaimer

Chronic Pelvic Pain & Trauma: Breaking the Silence | Rachel Zar

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Explore the connection between chronic pelvic pain and trauma with sex therapist Rachel Zar. Learn about trauma-informed care, interdisciplinary treatments, and how women can advocate for their health in this insightful Fempower Health episode.

Chronic Pelvic Pain and Trauma Episode Summary:

In this episode of Fempower Health, host Georgie Kovacs speaks with Rachel Zar, an AASECT certified sex therapist and Ph.D. in clinical sexology, about the complex relationship between chronic pelvic pain and trauma. Rachel shares her personal and professional insights into how trauma manifests physically and emotionally, particularly in relation to chronic pelvic pain. As someone with extensive experience working with patients at Northwestern Medicine’s Center for Sexual Medicine, Rachel emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care, interdisciplinary treatments, and self-advocacy. This conversation is essential for women struggling to find answers about chronic pain and clinicians seeking to better serve their patients.

Key Discussion Points:

What is the link between trauma and chronic pelvic pain?
How does chronic pain manifest in both physical and emotional ways?
What role does trauma play in conditions like vaginismus and vulvodynia?
How can clinicians provide trauma-informed care for patients with chronic pelvic pain?
What are the common misdiagnoses and challenges in the treatment of pelvic pain?
How can women advocate for their health when facing dismissive or uninformed healthcare providers?
What are the best resources for finding trauma-informed therapists and pelvic pain specialists?
How can unresolved trauma impact physical sensations, including pain and pleasure?
What does interdisciplinary treatment for chronic pelvic pain look like?

"The pain that they're experiencing is real, even if it started off as a psychological issue, our body adapts, and these are real physical things that are happening."

— Rachel Zar

Related to this episode:

Learn more about Rachel Zar, PhD, LMFT, CST
Follow Rachel Zar on Instagram and LinkedIn

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: 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!

Fempower Health Guest Bio

Rachel Zar, PhD, LMFT, CST is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, and certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education from University of Michigan. Dr. Zar is a clinical supervisor at Avid Intimacy, a sex and relationship therapy private practice in Chicago. Dr. Zar is passionate about educating and mentoring other clinicians, and she frequently lectures, writes, and provides expert interviews for the media on myriad sex and relationship topics.

Disclaimer

Gut Health & Hormones: How Your Microbiome Shapes Women's Wellness | Guy Daniels - Fempower Health: The Perimenopause and Menopause Channel

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Discover how gut health influences hormonal balance in women. In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs interviews microbiome expert Guy Daniels, who explains the connection between the gut microbiome, endometriosis, PCOS, perimenopause, and menopause, offering practical advice on improving both gut and hormonal health.

Gut Health and Women's Hormones Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode, Georgie Kovacs interviews Guy Daniels, an expert in the microbiome and founder of The Microbiome Expert. With years of experience as the Director of Medical Education at Thorne and a deep understanding of the gut microbiome, Guy shares how gut health plays a critical role in women's hormonal balance and overall well-being. They explore how the gut microbiome affects conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, menopause, and perimenopause. Guy also discusses the significant impacts of diet, antibiotics, and lifestyle on gut health, offering practical advice to improve both gut and hormonal health.

This episode is a must-listen for women seeking answers to their health concerns, especially around digestive and hormonal issues, as well as clinicians looking to better serve their patients. Learn how the gut and hormones are connected, and what steps can be taken to improve both.

Discussion Points:

What is the gut microbiome, and why is it important for women's health?
How does gut health impact hormonal balance in women?
What is the connection between gut health and conditions like endometriosis and PCOS?
Can the gut microbiome influence symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?
How do antibiotics affect gut health and hormonal balance?
What are the best dietary changes to support a healthy gut microbiome?
Is there a connection between gut health and anxiety or depression?
How do lifestyle factors like stress and exercise influence gut health and hormone regulation?
What role does the microbiome play in managing conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, and other digestive issues?
What are the differences between bioidentical hormones and pharmaceutical options for women managing menopause?
Can improving gut health reduce inflammation and autoimmune responses in women?

“Perimenopause, PCOS, endometriosis—none of these conditions exist in a vacuum. Everything is connected.” - Guy Daniels

Related to this Gut Microbiome and Women’s Hormones Episode:

Check out Fempower Health’s resources on the Microbiome
Learn more about Guy Daniels. Follow Guy on YouTube and LinkedIn.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Want men to better understand how to support 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 the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: 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!

Fempower Health Guest Bio

Guy Daniels is THE Microbiome Expert. With over 20 years in the natural/integrative/functional medicine space, he brings a unique perspective to managing your health. A perspective which yields great results, finally after so many other practitioners have failed patients from around the globe. Feel free to view his testimonials at Themicrobiomeexpert.com. After having served as the director of medical education for a microbiome firm for many years, in February of 2024, Guy launched his own platform. In his many videos encompassing all aspects of the microbiome, you will truly be exposed to information you'll find nowhere else.

Bladder Health Myths: Why It’s Not Always a UTI | Dr. Tamra Lewis

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Bladder Health Episode Summary

Discussion Points:

Why are so many women misdiagnosing themselves with UTIs?
What are the common symptoms of bladder problems in women?
How can women better describe bladder issues to their healthcare provider?
What are the underlying causes of frequent bladder issues in women?
How can you tell the difference between a UTI and other bladder problems?
Why is it important to have a pelvic exam for bladder issues?
How does pelvic floor dysfunction contribute to bladder symptoms?
What are the most effective treatments for overactive bladder?
How can you prevent recurring urinary tract infections?
What role does menopause play in bladder health?
What is the impact of the microbiome on bladder health and UTIs?
Why should women advocate for more thorough evaluations from their doctors?

"It's easier to treat a small problem than to let a small problem become a bigger problem." - Dr. Tamra Lewis

Related to this Bladder Health episode:

Learn more about Dr. Tamra Lewis and follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram
Check out Fempower Health resources on Pelvic Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: 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!

Fempower Health Guest Bio

In her spare time, Dr. Lewis enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Disclaimer

Midlife, Menopause, and Rediscovering Sexuality | Dr. Kelly Casperson - Fempower Health: The Perimenopause and Menopause Channel

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Discover how menopause can be a time of sexual rediscovery. Dr. Kelly Casperson shares insights on midlife sexuality, debunking myths, and how to navigate changes in desire, intimacy, and sexual health.

Reclaiming Midlife Sexuality Episode Summary

In this empowering episode of *Fempower Health*, we explore the intersection of menopause, sexuality, and personal growth with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a renowned urologist and author of *You Are Not Broken*. As women transition through perimenopause and menopause, sexual health and intimacy can feel challenging. However, Dr. Casperson provides practical insights into how midlife can be a time of sexual rediscovery rather than decline. From understanding the myths surrounding female sexuality to addressing common concerns like vaginal dryness, desire mismatch, and communication in relationships, this conversation is a must-listen for women and clinicians alike.

Key Discussion Points about Midlife Sexuality

What are the common myths surrounding female orgasms, and how do they impact women's sexual health?
How does the cultural narrative shape women’s understanding of their sexual desire, especially in midlife?
How can vaginal dryness and pain during sex be addressed with hormone therapy and other treatments?
What are the most common reasons for pain during sex in menopause, and how can women overcome them?
Why do many women struggle with communication about their sexual needs, and how can this be improved?
What role does arousal play in preventing discomfort during sex, and why is it often overlooked?
How can women and their partners address desire mismatches in a long-term relationship?
What role do hormones such as estrogen and testosterone play in maintaining sexual desire and function during menopause?
How can journaling and self-reflection help women rediscover their sexual selves after years of passive participation in intimacy?

“Pain with sex, more trouble with arousal, more trouble with orgasm…very fixable with both lubricants and hormones.” - Dr. Kelly Casperson

Related to this Midlife Sexuality podcast episode:

Check out all Fempower Health Perimenopause and Menopause Resources along with Sexual Health
Read Dr. Kelly Casperson's book You Are Not Broken
Learn about The Menopause Society and The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH): [Website](https://www.isswsh.org)
Read Magnificent Sex by Peggy Kleinplatz

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Want men to better understand how to support 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 the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: 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!

Fempower Health Guest Bio

Dr. Kelly Casperson is a urologist, public speaker, sex educator, and top international podcaster whose mission is empowering women to live their best lives. Dr. Kelly identified the need for better resources and developed a sex education class for women that covers topics like sexual health, intimacy, mind work, and the science of desire. She combines education, humor, and candor in her podcast "You Are Not Broken" where she dismantles the myths women have learned and normalizes healthy, enjoyable sex worth desiring, in addition to essential education on midlife health and hormones. Follow Dr. Kelly on Instagram (@kellycaspersonmd), or visit kellycaspersonmd.com.

Why Is Sex Painful? Let’s Talk Rare Causes! | Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Discover the rare-ish causes of pain during sex with expert insights from Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya. Learn about the impact of hormonal changes, birth control, vaginal cysts, lichen sclerosus, and effective treatments. Whether you're experiencing painful sex or looking to support patients, this episode offers valuable information on women’s sexual health.

Rare-ish Causes of Pain with Sex Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of Fempower Health, host Georgie Kovacs is joined by Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya, a board-certified OB-GYN and urogynecologist specializing in pelvic floor disorders and sexual health. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked causes of pain during sex. From hormonal changes to rare conditions like lichen sclerosus and vaginal cysts, Dr. Dubinskaya offers her expert insight into these underdiagnosed conditions, empowering women to advocate for themselves and seek appropriate care. Whether you’re a woman dealing with these issues or a clinician looking to better serve your patients, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the complexities of female sexual health.

Key Discussion Points:

What causes pain during sex, and how can it be treated?
Can birth control cause vaginal dryness and pain during sex?
How do hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause impact sexual health?
What are rare causes of pain with sex, and how can women recognize the symptoms?
What is lichen sclerosus, and how can it be treated to prevent long-term complications?
Why do some women experience pain during sex after childbirth, and what can be done about it?
How can a urogynecologist help women with chronic pelvic pain or urinary incontinence?
What are the signs of vaginal cysts, and when should women seek treatment?
How can pelvic floor therapy help with pelvic organ prolapse and pain during intercourse?
What can clinicians do to better diagnose rare pelvic conditions like urethral diverticulum?

“What I noticed when I was in my OB-GYN residency training is that the moment women stop having kids, they can’t find their space or find help in the regular OB-GYN office.” - Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya

Related to this episode on Painful sex:

Learn more about Dr Axexandra Dubinskaya and follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn
Looking for a specialist? Check out Fempower Health’s find a doctor resource
Check out Fempower Health’s resources on Pelvic Health and Sexual Health.

If you want to support this women’s health podcast, leave a review for Fempower Health on iTunes or Spotify.

Spread the awareness and share this episode with someone you know!

Support and connect with the Chronic Pelvic Pain Fempower Health community:

Subscribe to the Fempower Health Podcast Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel for new episodes every Tuesday
Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com
Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research
Follow the Chronic Pelvic Pain community on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
Email us for inquiries & outreach: info@fempower-health.com

Fempower Health Guest Bio

Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya is a Urogynecologist and Sexual Medicine specialist in Beverly Hills, CA. She caters to patients seeking expert care for issues ranging from urinary incontinence to pelvic organ prolapse, UTIs to interstitial cystitis, vestibulodynia to sexual dysfunction. Dr. Dubinskaya harmoniously blends her vast expertise in urogynecology, female pelvic medicine, reconstructive surgery, sexual health, and menopause to offer a holistic care paradigm that truly celebrates and nurtures women.

Her journey started in Russia, where she had the honor of training at the prestigious North Western State Medical University and I.I. Dzhanelidze Research Institute of Emergency Care in Saint Petersburg. She then continued to the revered institutions like Tufts Medical Center in Boston and St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Dr. Dubinskaya has honed her craft, always driven by her unwavering commitment to women’s health. Her pivotal experience at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, CA, as a fellow in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, further solidified her position as a vanguard in her field.

Dr. Dubinskaya is globally recognized and serves as the chairperson of the Communication Committee for the International Society of Sexual Medicine, championing sexual literacy and fostering a dialogue about women’s intimate health on a grand scale.

A prolific contributor to academia, her insights are featured across the pages of esteemed journals and seminal textbooks, including Ostergard’s Urogynecology and Steele’s Colorectal Textbooks, setting new benchmarks in women’s health. She was also published in "Taking Care of You," writing the chapter on Vulvodynia, and in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Disclaimer

Dysmenorrhea & Pelvic Pain: Endometriosis, Adenomyosis & Other Causes

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Originally Released March 1, 2022

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and other related conditions with Dr. Dan Martin, Medical and Scientific Director for the Endometriosis Foundation of America. We explore the complexities of diagnosing and treating pelvic pain, the importance of patient advocacy, and the societal normalization of pain in women. Dr. Martin provides valuable insights into the symptoms, challenges, and evolving treatments for conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis, aiming to empower listeners with knowledge and actionable steps for managing their health.

Discussion Points:

What is the difference between dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain? Dr. Martin explains the nuances between dysmenorrhea and various forms of pelvic pain, highlighting how each condition presents itself and what symptoms to look out for.
How can women effectively describe their pain to healthcare providers? Learn about the key descriptors and monitoring practices that can help women communicate their pain more effectively to doctors, leading to better diagnoses and treatment plans.
Why do so many women feel dismissed by their doctors when reporting pain? We discuss the societal and medical reasons behind the normalization of pain in women and what can be done to advocate for proper care.
What are the common misconceptions about diagnosing endometriosis? Dr. Martin clarifies the challenges in diagnosing endometriosis, including the limitations of imaging and the importance of laparoscopic procedures for accurate detection.
When should women be concerned about pelvic pain and seek medical attention? Find out the key indicators that suggest when pelvic pain might require a doctor's evaluation and what the initial steps should be for managing pain at home.
How effective are NSAIDs and birth control pills in managing pelvic pain? We explore the roles of NSAIDs and hormonal treatments like birth control pills in managing symptoms and the conditions under which they are most effective.
What is the role of laparoscopy in diagnosing pelvic pain conditions? Understand when a laparoscopy is recommended and what it can reveal about conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis that other diagnostic tools might miss.
What are the potential risks and benefits of treatments like Lupron and surgical interventions? Dr. Martin discusses various treatment options for endometriosis and pelvic pain, including the controversial use of Lupron and the considerations for surgical interventions.
How do conditions like adenomyosis and uterine fibroids differ from endometriosis? Learn the differences between these common gynecological conditions and how each affects women's health differently.
What are the current research trends and future directions in treating pelvic pain and endometriosis? Get an overview of the latest research developments and what they could mean for the future of managing pelvic pain and related conditions.

“A lot of that is coming from the normalization of pain in women. Some of this pain is not normal. If the pain is getting worse, if it's severe, it's not responding to medication, that's not normal pain.” - Dr. Dan Martin

Resources

Resources on Endometriosis
Learn about the Endometriosis Foundation of America

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: 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. Dan Martin

Dr Martin is Professor Emeritus, University of Tennessee Health Science Center; a community member of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institutional Review Board; and a life fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He has been Divisional Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Divisional Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University of Tennessee and Divisional Director of Medical Education at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes. Dr. Martin is Past-president of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the Gynecologic Laser Society.

Disclaimer

How Posture & Pelvic Structure Affect Chronic Pelvic Pain | Angie Mueller, DPT

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Learn how your pelvic structure, including postures and organ position, might be contributing to pelvic pain and pelvic floor conditions.

Pelvic Structure and Pelvic Pain Relief Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Angie Mueller—a doctor of physical therapy specializing in women's pelvic health—sheds light on how structural changes in the body, particularly the position of the uterus and other pelvic organs, can contribute to chronic pelvic pain. She discusses the significant role of core muscle dysfunction, the impact of diaphragm and breathing, and the benefits of a holistic approach to treatment.

Whether you're dealing with endometriosis, pelvic congestion, or unexplained pelvic discomfort, this episode shares expert perspectives from a pelvic health specialist. Learn practical advice to help you understand and manage pelvic pain effectively.

Key Discussion Points on how Pelvic Physical Therapy may Help:

What types of female pelvic structure, including the position of the uterus and other organs, that can contribute to pelvic pain
How pelvic tilt posture, breathing patterns, and core muscle dysfunction can lead to pelvic floor muscle spasm
The connection between the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles in managing pressure in the pelvis
Manual therapy techniques that address root causes of muscle spasm and chronic pelvic pain
The role of inflammation in conditions like endometriosis, pelvic congestion, and adenomyosis
The importance of monitoring your activity levels, menstrual cycles, diet, sleep, and stress levels to manage chronic pelvic pain symptoms
Tips on finding a pelvic floor specialist and healthcare provider
Practical ways to maintain good posture and perform self-abdominal massage to relieve pelvic pain

“Monitoring your activity level, bowel and bladder function, and menstrual cycle can really help in managing chronic pelvic pain… It can be valuable information for your healthcare provider." - Dr. Angie

Related to this episode on How Posture & Pelvic Structure Affect Chronic Pelvic Pain:

Follow the Fempower Health Chronic Pelvic Pain Hub podcast channel to learn more from top healthcare experts
Check out Fempower Health’s resources on Pelvic Health
Visit Dr Angie’s website: Core Recovery Method
Follow Dr. Angie on Instagram: @corerecoverypt

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: 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!

Fempower Health Guest Bio

Dr. Angie Mueller holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Regis University and a Bachelor's in Health and Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine from Colorado State University. She specializes in women’s and men’s pelvic health, spine and core rehabilitation, sports medicine, recovery, prenatal and postpartum training, and manual therapy. Her diverse clientele includes professional athletes, mothers, models, entertainers, CEOs, and health-conscious entrepreneurs who seek to optimize performance while preventing injury.

Dr. Mueller is passionate about educating, inspiring, and empowering individuals to reconnect with their core. She created The Core Recovery Method® out of a commitment to improving the core health of people of all ages and walks of life, focusing on a holistic approach from the inside out. With over a decade of experience, she has had the privilege of helping clients achieve optimal core health. Now, she extends her unique physical therapy protocol through an online program, fulfilling her dream of helping as many people as possible achieve optimal core health.

Disclaimer

Beyond Reproduction: The Broader Health Impacts of Estrogen and Progesterone | Dr. Jerilynn Prior

Tue, 28 May 2024 02:00:00 -0500

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 progesterone
Understanding estrogen vs progesterone in the menstrual cycle
The role of estrogen and progesterone in bone health, breast and endometrial cancer risk, fertility, weight, and heart health
Why 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 research
How 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 Prior

Related to this episode:

CeMCOR website: Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research
Sign up for the CeMCOR Newsletter for the latest on women’s health
Learn more about your Hormones and Menstrual Cycle
Dr. Jerilynn Prior’s book: Estrogen Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause
Recommended book: Period Repair Manual
Recommended book: Hormone Repair Manual
Recommended book: Sex Matters
More on ovulation: Women’s Health and the Ovulation Cycle

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

Dr. 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

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Pain Relief for Endometriosis | Dr. Allyson Shrikhande

Tue, 21 May 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Are there ways to find pain relief for endometriosis? Listen as Dr. Allyson Shrikhande shares her expert insights on a whole-person approach to pain management.

Episode Summary

Key Discussion Points:

The diverse and often misunderstood symptoms of endometriosis
Endometriosis’ impact on the menstrual cycle, bladder, bowel functions, and pain during intercourse
Non-surgical methods for pelvic pain management when living with endometriosis
Why detecting endometriosis early can change the course of treatment and potentially lessen the need for invasive procedures
Nerve and muscle rehabilitation treatment options that provide relief without the complications associated with surgery
Benefits of a whole-person approach to managing endometriosis, which includes nutritional support, behavioral health, and physical therapy
Dr. Shrikhande emphasizes the need for greater awareness and education about endometriosis among both healthcare providers and patients

"There are a lot of myths about pain management. It’s not just about pain relief; it’s about restoring function and managing the disease holistically." - Dr. Allyson Shrikhande

Related to this episode:

Resources on Pelvic Health
Read Beating Endo
Try Your Pace Yoga
Learn more about Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine and follow them on Instagram.
Stay in touch with Dr Allyson Shrikhande and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Pelvic Floor After Hysterectomy: Preparation, Treatment, and Management | Dr. Jocelyn Wallace

Tue, 14 May 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Learn about the pelvic floor after hysterectomy as Dr. Jocelyn Wallace, Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, shares her insights.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Jocelyn Wallace, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, discusses the importance of the pelvic floor in women's health. She sheds light on the pelvic floor, especially in the context of hysterectomy.

Dr. Wallace talks about managing pelvic floor changes that can occur after a hysterectomy. She discusses the value of comprehensive preoperative and postoperative care, including strategies for preventing complications like pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Dr. Wallace also offers practical advice on pelvic floor therapy for women, lifestyle changes, and advocating for personalized care for the pelvic floor.

Key Discussion Points on the Tie Between Hysterectomy and Pelvic Health:

The fundamental role of the pelvic floor in supporting essential organs and maintaining women's health.
Common pelvic floor exercises after hysterectomy and how to seek pelvic floor therapy.
How a hysterectomy can affect pelvic floor function and increase the risk of complications like pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and sexual function.
Why preoperative pelvic floor therapy is crucial for strengthening muscles and reducing potential complications post-surgery.
The importance of a structured recovery plan including exercises, therapy, and lifestyle changes to optimize pelvic health after surgery.
How to advocate for comprehensive pelvic care before and after a hysterectomy to find an approach that suits your unique health needs.
Ways to navigate changes in sexual health post-hysterectomy.

“A hysterectomy significantly changes the pelvic anatomy. It's crucial to be aware of these changes and their potential effects on bladder and bowel function.” - Dr Jocelyn Wallace

Related to this episode:

Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter
Listen to Life Before and After Hysterectomy with Dr. Zoe Rodriguez
Learn more about Dr. Jocelyn Wallace and follow her on Instagram
Take the Pelvic Floor Questionnaire

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

Dr. Jocelyn Wallace is on a mission to redefine the care people receive before and after pelvic surgery. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, pelvic floor specialist + long time fitness coach, she helps women find healing after hysterectomy, so they can get back to the things they love with safety and confidence.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Life Before and After Hysterectomy | Dr. Zoe Rodriguez

Tue, 07 May 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Listen as Dr. Zoe Rodriguez shares her medical and patient-advocating expertise about life before and after hysterectomy.

Episode Summary

Join Fempower Health as we discuss hysterectomies with Dr. Zoe Rodriguez, the Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

In this episode, we address the misconceptions, diverse cultural perspectives, and crucial insights surrounding hysterectomies. We talk about different hysterectomy options, recovery expectations, and the significant impact of surgical choices on women's health. Whether you are considering this procedure or seeking deeper understanding, this discussion offers valuable guidance to navigate your health decisions confidently.

Key Takeaways

The different types of hysterectomy surgery—including total, supracervical, and partial hysterectomy—and why it’s so important to know the different options.
How cultural backgrounds influence perceptions of healthcare and surgical decisions, particularly within the Latina community.
The importance of setting realistic expectations and being well-informed about post-surgical recovery, hormonal impacts, and sexuality after hysterectomy.
Debunking common misconceptions that Western physicians are “eager to perform surgeries,” plus ethical considerations and patient-centric approaches adopted by modern medicine.
Minimally invasive procedures for fibroids and other conditions that can be alternatives to hysterectomy.
The role of informed consent and ensuring patients are fully aware of what their surgery entails, including the potential removal of ovaries and subsequent hormonal implications.
Tips for patients on how to interact effectively with healthcare providers to ensure all their concerns are addressed.
Dr. Rodriguez’s vision for accessible, high-quality healthcare for all, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.

“I need you to really pay attention to your symptoms because that's the only way I'm gonna know. And if you are having symptoms, then I can provide you with these beautiful menopausal hormone therapies.” - Dr Zoe Rodriguez

Related to this episode:

Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter
Learn about ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists): A leading organization in women's health care, providing guidelines and practice bulletins for medical practitioners.
Learn about The Menopause Society: Likely referring to The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), which provides guidance and information on menopause management.
Learn about ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine): An organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine, including fertility preservation.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

Zoe Rodriguez, MD, serves as Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and holds the position of Vice Chair of Operations at Mount Sinai’s Downtown campus. Dr. Rodriguez is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is recognized for her expertise in minimally invasive gynecological surgery and is an APGO (Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics) Surgical Scholar specializing in hysteroscopic procedures.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Could It Be Pelvic Congestion Syndrome? | Dr. Mari Tassarotti

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Women with pelvic congestion syndrome experience chronic pelvic pain pelvic varicose veins, and more. Learn about this underrecognized condition from Dr. Mari Tassarotti.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Fempower Health, we’re joined by Dr. Mari Tassarotti, an expert in interventional radiology from Columbia University. We discuss the complexities of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS), a condition characterized by chronic pelvic pain arising from varicose veins in the pelvis.

We explore why Pelvic Congestion Syndrome remains underrecognized and often misdiagnosed. Dr. Tassarotti shares her insights on PCS diagnosis, innovative treatment options, and why seeking a second opinion can be crucial for patients navigating this condition.

Key Discussion Points

What is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) and why is it so hard to get the right diagnosis?
Symptoms that distinguish PCS from other conditions and why it's a hidden cause of chronic pelvic pain.
Questions women should be asking their healthcare providers if concerned about PCS or pelvic varicose veins.
Pelvic congestion syndrome radiology and other Innovative, minimally invasive PCS treatments that are changing the game for PCS patients, and why these options might be preferable to traditional surgical methods.
Challenges of getting PCS recognized by the medical community and insurance providers.
Real-life stories shared by Georgie and Dr. Tassarotti that highlight the profound impact proper diagnosis and treatment can have on women's lives.

“It's not just about recognizing the condition but understanding the woman's journey to get here. Many have been misdiagnosed or overlooked entirely.” - Dr. Mari Tassarotti

Related to this episode:

Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
Learn more about Dr. Mari Tassarotti
Follow Dr. Tassarotti on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Learn about Interventional Radiology and Pelvic Congestion Embolization
Looking for an interventional radiologist? Check out this list from the Society of Interventional Radiology.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

Dr. Mari Tassarotti is an assistant professor of radiology and an interventional radiologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, also attending at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Specializing in a broad range of conditions, her interests focus on hepatic malignancies, uterine fibroids, pelvic congestion syndrome in women, venous disease, and more.

Her medical training spans Integrated Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, with a medical degree from Georgetown University. She holds a BA from Harvard College.

Beyond patient care, Tassarotti contributes to pelvic congestion syndrome research, advocates for gender diversity in her field, and resides in Manhattan with her family.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

How to Find Chemical Free Products and Ingredients | Amy Ziff of MADE SAFE

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0500

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 matter
How to tell if an ingredient is safe
What the MADE SAFE certification is and how to use it
The science on harmful chemicals in products today
What happens when people eliminate chemicals to live a nontoxic lifestyle
How to detox your home (and the #1 chemical to remove immediately)
Skincare, makeup, and nontoxic beauty products
Several 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 Ziff

Related to this episode:

Visit MADE SAFE: www.madesafe.org
Follow @MadeSafeHQ and @Amy.Ziff on Instagram
Connect with @MADESAFE on Facebook
App for sleep: Breethe App
Resources and episodes on Breaking Taboos
Resources and episodes on Pregnancy & Motherhood

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

The Role Your Vaginal Flora Plays in a Healthy Microbiome | Dr. Caroline Mitchell

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Learn 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 Summary

In 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 Points

Why 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 Mitchell

Related 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 biotherapeutic
Learn about the VITA Study
Companies working on products include Osel, Freya Biosciences, and BioNTech
Test kits for women with altered vaginal flora: Evvy

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

Dr. 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.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Endometriosis and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy | Caitlyn Tivy

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Learn about endometriosis and pelvic health physical therapy to manage chronic pelvic pain. Dr. Caitlyn Tivy shares her experience and expertise to help women find relief.

Episode Summary

In this final episode of Fempower Health's four-part series on endometriosis, Dr. Caitlyn Tivy, a distinguished pelvic health physical therapist, shares the intricacies of managing endometriosis and pelvic pain. With a foundation in biomedical research and specialized training in pelvic floor physical therapy, Dr. Tivy emphasizes the importance of patient involvement, holistic treatment strategies, and the role of emotional health in physical well-being. She highlights innovative developments in telemedicine and the exploration of the vaginal microbiome as promising avenues for future advancements in pelvic health care. We discuss the intersection of physical health, PTSD, and trauma history in pelvic pain treatment.

Key Takeaways

How combining manual therapies, patient education, and at-home care can lead to significant improvements in managing endometriosis pelvic pain
Why being an active participant in your endometriosis treatment plan can dramatically impact pain management
How telehealth is breaking barriers to access pelvic pain treatment, offering new hope to those in remote or underserved areas
The latest research on how the vaginal microbiome impacts pelvic health and what it means for the future of pelvic pain treatment
How the brain and nervous system contribute to your experience of endometriosis and pelvic pain
Why consulting with a pelvic floor physical therapist post-surgery can improve your recovery process
Myths around pelvic floor exercises like Kegels vs. their appropriate role and application in pelvic pain therapy
A complex story about an endometriosis patient and the multifaceted approach to her recovery

"How can we turn down that person's fire alarm so that the rest of their body isn't getting inundated by this irritating stimulus? Even if someone hasn't had surgery or doesn't intend on having surgery—or is not a candidate for some reason—there's still a lot that we can do to help people manage their ‘pain’ alarm system. We can create self-care strategies that keep their alarm quiet long-term." - Dr. Caitlyn Tivy

Related to this episode:

Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
Follow Caitlyn Tivy on LinkedIn and her website
Part 1 of 4: Innovations in Endometriosis Diagnosis, Pelvic Pain Management, and Patient Support
Part 2 of 4: Endometriosis Care, Treatment Options, and Patient Advocacy
Part 3 of 4: Endometriosis Surgery, Recovery, and Personalized Care

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

Caitlyn is a medical communicator with a deep commitment to inclusive health care, bridging the gap between complex scientific data and accessible information for all genders. Her journey began in biomedical research, transitioning to clinical care as a pelvic health physical therapist, where she gained insights into the effects of endometriosis and similar conditions. Since 2021, Caitlyn has been innovating in the femtech and startup sector, co-creating a virtual women's health program that tackles pelvic pain and urinary incontinence. As the president of C Tivy Consulting, she champions effective communication for health companies serving women, men, and the LGBTQIA community. Connect with Caitlyn on LinkedIn and her website to explore the intersection of health communication and technology.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Endometriosis Surgery, Recovery, and Personalized Care | Dr. Shanti Mohling

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Dr. Shanti Mohling shares the details of endometriosis surgery, recovery, and pelvic floor therapy as important treatment options for patients with this condition.

Episode Summary

In this third episode of Fempower Health's series on endometriosis, Dr. Shanti Mohling, a minimally invasive surgeon, who devotes her clinical activity to patients with pelvic pain and endometriosis, explores the importance of excision surgery, the challenges of diagnosing and treating endometriosis, and strategies for managing its recurrence. She emphasizes the need for early detection, multidisciplinary approaches, and personalized care in improving outcomes for those affected by this complex condition.

Key Takeaways

Why surgery is the most effective treatment for endometriosis and how to find a doctor trained in endometriosis excision surgery.
Screening and early detection of endometriosis, especially in adolescence, to prevent more invasive procedures later in life.
Advantages of taking a multidisciplinary approach to endometriosis treatment and healthcare in general.
Difficulties in diagnosing endometriosis, especially through imaging tests.
Surgery's role in improving fertility, debunking myths such as pregnancy as a cure for endometriosis.
Benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy to manage endometriosis and pelvic pain effectively.
What the healing process of endometriosis surgery entails.
The complexity of healthcare for endometriosis patients and the value of raising awareness and understanding of the condition.

"I think a lot of disease that recurs is inadequately treated, and yet we call it recurrent. It's really just persistent, not recurrent is my guess." - Dr. Shanti Mohling

Related to this episode:

Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
Follow Dr. Shanti Mohling on Instagram
Learn more about Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, Oregon
Part 1 of 4: Innovations in Endometriosis Diagnosis, Pelvic Pain Management, and Patient Support
Part 2 of 4: Endometriosis Care, Treatment Options, and Patient Advocacy

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

Dr. Shanti Mohling completed medical school and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Colorado and has been board certified since 2003. She spent 15 years in private practice in New Mexico. In 2014 she returned to training and completed a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (MIGS) at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga. She served as faculty and Director of Gynecology in Chattanooga through 2019. In Spring of 2021, Dr. Mohling joined Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, Oregon. She now devotes her clinical activity to patients with pelvic pain and endometriosis.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Endometriosis Care, Treatment Options, and Patient Advocacy | Katie Boyce

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Katie Boyce shares her expert insights on endometriosis care, treatment options, and the importance of patient advocacy for long-term management.

Details

Episode Summary

In this second episode of Fempower Health’s four-part series on endometriosis, we speak with guest Katie Boyce, a Board Certified Patient Advocate with a robust background in biochemistry and astrophysics. We discuss the complexities of endometriosis care from patient and specialist perspectives. We explore the treatment options for endometriosis as well as its causes and the critical importance of specialized care.

Through Katie's personal journey with endometriosis and her experience working with endometriosis patients, she shares expert insights on the nuances of endometriosis diagnosis, the controversy surrounding various treatments, and the hopeful future of new medical advancements.

Key Takeaways

What makes endometriosis a particularly challenging condition to understand, diagnose, and treat
Pros and cons of popular endometriosis treatments, including the debated use of drugs like Lupron and Orilissa, and what the latest research says
The critical role of expert surgery for endometriosis and fertility concerns, and why choosing the right surgeon matters for long-term outcomes
How endometriosis patients can navigate the healthcare system to find the best care for endometriosis, including tips for vetting doctors and making informed treatment decisions.
Promising new treatments for endometriosis and the future of research in the field, offering hope to those affected by the condition

"The journey to managing endometriosis is as much about empowerment and informed choices as it is about medical treatment." - Katie Boyce

Related to this episode:

Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
Connect with Kate Boyce and follow her on Instagram
Part 1 of 4: Innovations in Endometriosis Diagnosis, Pelvic Pain Management, and Patient Support

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

Katie is a board-certified patient advocate, owner of Endo Solutions LLC, and consulting chemist with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. She assists individuals in finding the right integrative healthcare team needed to navigate the complexities of living with Endometriosis. Additionally, Katie educates and empowers patients on social media, working to bridge the gap between healthcare providers, researchers, and patients. She serves as a consumer reviewer for evaluating medical research applications submitted to the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, reflecting her commitment to ensuring the patient's voice is heard and that research initiatives align with tangible patient outcomes

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Innovations in Endometriosis Diagnosis, Pelvic Pain Management, and Patient Support

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

In this first episode of Fempower Health’s four-part series on endometriosis, Margaret Melville of Lasa Health joins to discuss this underrepresented condition. Margaret transformed her decade-long struggle with endometriosis and celiac disease into a mission to improve women’s healthcare today. She talks about the alarming shortage of OB-GYNs and primary care providers who have specialized training in endometriosis and the importance of early diagnosis of endometriosis to manage this progressive disease.

We explore common misconceptions and myths about endometriosis, the dangers of false cures, and the importance of patient advocacy and clinician education. We also cover the many applications of Lasa Health, a technology platform designed for women with chronic pelvic pain. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complexities of endometriosis and pelvic pain or find endometriosis support.

Key Takeaways

The importance of early diagnosis for effective management of endometriosis and prevention of chronic pain or organ loss
The need for clinicians to educate themselves and their patients about endometriosis, self-advocacy, and treatment options
Margaret’s background in global health innovation and the founding of Lasa Health, which improves diagnosis and pain management of endometriosis through technology and education
Real-life applications of AI in improving patient care quality
Systemic issues in healthcare that hinder effective diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis
False “cures” of endometriosis to be aware of
The future of endometriosis care, including further innovation and community advocacy
A preview of upcoming episodes, including interviews with endometriosis specialists, advocates, and surgeons

"You have bias and you have years of things being done a certain way that we're fighting against. Getting doctors and healthcare administrators who are so busy and have so many [responsibilities]... Getting them to care about pelvic pain, or changing the way things are done at their hospital or clinic to improve care for pelvic pain patients, that is a monumental hurdle." - Margaret Melville

Related to this episode:

Resources for Endometriosis
Learn more about Lasa Health: www.lasahealth.com
Follow Margaret on LinkedIn

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

Margaret Melville is the CEO & Cofounder of Lasa Health. She suffered from pelvic pain for over a decade and visited 25 doctors before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis and celiac disease. Margaret previously worked at USAID's Global Health Center for Innovation and co-founded a medical device startup. She has an MBA from INSEAD. She is passionate about using AI / ML to revolutionize the way we diagnose and care for women with chronic health conditions.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Uterine Fibroids, Treatment Options, and Self-Advocacy | Tanika Gray Valbrun

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0500

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pelvic pain and debilitating periods. Up to 80% of women may experience fibroids before the age of 50, but this condition remains under-researched and misunderstood.

In this episode, Tanika Gray Valbrun joins to discuss uterine fibroid facts and share hope for women grappling with this condition. She tells her story, voicing her commitment to raising awareness through her organization, The White Dress Project.

Tanika leads the conversation about patient-doctor communication, listening to women’s voices, and the importance of community support. We discuss the link between black women and fibroids, and consider why there remains a lack of research in women’s reproductive health.

Tanika Gray Valbrun is the Founder and Senior Advocate of The White Dress Project, a non-profit organization committed to spreading uterine fibroids awareness. Ms. Valbrun is an award-winning journalist, educator, and non-profit founder with a passion for women’s health. She works with doctors, health advocates, and elected officials across the country to get legislation passed, including having July declared as “Fibroids Awareness Month.”

Discussed in this episode:

Facts about uterine fibroids
Tanika’s experience of uterine fibroids, surgery, and advocacy
Racial disparities regarding uterine fibroids
Patient advocacy when communicating with healthcare providers
Uterine fibroid treatment options
Challenges in women’s health research today
The White Dress Project and its influence on women’s access to uterine fibroid support

“I always say that a patient's story is data, especially with something like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or PCOS. There are variations in how it can show up in your body.” - Tanika Gray Valbrun

Related to this episode:

Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids and Heavy Periods
Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids | Minimally Invasive Surgeon Dr. Jessica Opoku-Anane
Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids and the Need for Better Standard of Care
The White Dress Project: www.thewhitedressproject.org
White Dress Project Instagram: @wecanwearwhite
Tankika’s Instagram: @tgvwearswhite
Twitter: @wecan_wearwhite
Facebook/Meta: The White Dress Project: We CAN Wear White
Mentioned: 'Sex Matters' by Dr. Allison McGregor
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: www.acog.org
Recommended Books on Your Body and Menstrual Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

The Art of Resilience: Finding Joy Amidst Life's Challenges | Melody Joy Paine

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0500

Listen to Melody Joy Paine discuss finding joy in the midst of pain and grief. Learn from her insights as a filmmaker and advocate for pediatric rare disease patients.

Episode Details:

In this episode, rare disease advocate Melody Joy Paine speaks about the power of staying present, authentic storytelling, and finding joy amidst life’s deepest pain. Melody is a brilliant filmmaker who helps rare disease patients and their families share their stories. Her dedication to providing a platform that allows her subjects to express their vulnerability without outside dictation has set her apart in her field. Her work showcases a profound exploration of what it means to be human, even in life’s toughest circumstances.

In this conversation, Melody discusses her encounters with emotional resilience through the chaotic beauty of a large family and experiencing the sudden loss of loved ones. We explore how to make connections with others, and what it means to find joy and meaning in life beyond just a diagnosis. We also discuss the values Melody encapsulates in her business, "Imperfect Joy”.

Discussed in this episode:

Learning to find joy during painful grief and loss
Melody’s profession as a filmmaker for rare disease patients and families
How to use storytelling as an advocacy tool
Acknowledging guilt over taking time for self-care
Pediatric rare disease and its impact on mothers
The coexistence of pain and joy in hard times
Examples of families navigating and coping with a child’s rare disease
Encouragement to talk about mental health and build community for well-being

“An important part of advocacy that’s often missing is connecting with the people. When we want to answer questions of what it looks like to cultivate joy, to be connected, to not let a diagnosis bring our entire life down, we look to people’s stories for answers. It's through experiencing it with them that we can see meaning and purpose in this journey." — Melody Joy Pain

Related to this episode:

Resources and episodes on Mental Health
Melody’s website: www.imperfectjoy.com
Melody’s Instagram: @imperfect_joy_
n-Lorem Foundation: www.nlorem.org
Related Books: www.bookshop.org/lists/top-picks-for-mental-health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Exploring How Hormonal Birth Control May Impact Women's Brains | Sarah E Hill, PhD

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0500

Dr. 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 health
How hormones affect mood, behavior, and mental health in women
Can birth control affect attraction and partner choices?
Why individual women respond differently to birth control pills
The importance of women being aware of potential birth control side effects
Exploring the question: is birth control bad?
Sex education and birth control
Learning to self-monitor when starting or switching birth control methods
Access to birth control after Roe v. Wade overturned
The 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. Hill

Related to this episode:

Get Dr. Hill’s Book: This is Your Brain on Birth Control
Related Episode: Your Period: What Your Doctor Never Told You | Dr. Lara Briden
On the Blog: What Women Want & Need to Know About Birth Control
Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Vaginal Microbiome Science: Key Ingredients for Vaginal Health | Dr. Beth DuPriest

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The gut microbiome has been a hot topic in science over the years. But what does science know about the vaginal microbiome and its effect on women’s health?

In this episode, Dr. Beth DuPriest joins us to share the emerging findings on the vaginal microbiome. We discuss everything from vagina probiotics to estrogen and lube to vaginal steaming. Whether you want to know what lube is best for women or you’re curious about everyday vaginal care, this episode is for you.

Dr. DuPriest is the Chief Science Officer at Vaginal Biome Science which facilitates a collaborative working environment to advance the work and discovery of the vaginal microbiome. DuPriest is a former Professor of Biology and Division Dean at Warner Pacific University. She has been involved in research related to the developmental origins of health and disease for over twenty years, with an extensive background in women’s health and biological sciences.

Discussed in this episode:

What is the vaginal microbiome?
How the vagina changes over a woman’s lifetime
Probiotics for vaginal health
How to keep your vagina healthy
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the top do’s and don’ts
How lube can impact vaginal health (and ingredients to avoid)
The differences between regular lube, natural lube, and fertility lubricant
Vaginal douching: is it good or bad?
How should the vagina smell when it’s healthy?
Choosing to care for your vagina while science changes

“Paying attention to what your philosophy of healthcare is, and finding a practitioner who works with you… is important. Paying attention to what your body is telling you, in spite of your philosophy, is also important.” - Dr. Beth DuPriest

Related to this episode:

Vaginal Microbiome Science: www.vaginalbiomescience.com
Good Clean Love (Organic Lube): www.goodcleanlove.com
Related Episode: Products That Affect the Vaginal Microbiome | Apothercare
Related Episode: Lube and Your Vagina | Suzanne Munson
Related Episode: Uterine and Vaginal Health | Nicole Kruck
Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

The Anatomy of Anxiety | Ellen Vora, MD

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500

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 difference
Genetic 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 solution
Women’s hormonal effects on anxiety and experiencing valid emotions
Crafting 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 Vora

Related to this episode:

Get Ellen Vora’s Book: The Anatomy of Anxiety
Website: www.ellenvora.com
Follow Ellen Vora on Instagram: @ellenvoraMD
Mentioned Episode: Ovulation is Critical for Women’s Health | Dr. Jerilynn Prior
Resources and episodes on Mental Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Is it Endometriosis? | Dr. Peta Wright & Dr. Thea Bowler

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

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 periods
What someone can do if they have pelvic pain or other endometriosis symptoms
Do 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 Wright

Related 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 Wright
Mentioned: What Pain Science Reveals About the Brain/Body | Dr. Melissa Farmer
Mentioned: Ovulation and Women’s Health | Dr. Jerilynn Prior & Dr. Lara Briden
Endometriosis Foundation of America: www.endofound.org

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Let’s Talk About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction | Carine Carmy

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

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 Carmy

Related to this episode:

Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
Check out Origin: www.theoriginway.com
North 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

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Everything You Need to Know About UTI: Pain, Prevention, Misdiagnosis | Dr. Suzanne Fenske

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

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 syndrome
How is a UTI diagnosed and treated?
Common causes of UTI
The role of dehydration and alcohol in painful bladder syndrome
UTI prevention tips, myths, and facts
UTI and menopause
Endometriosis 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.com
Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
Resources and episodes on Women's Health-Related Pain

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

What Pain Science Reveals About the Brain and Body | Dr. Melissa Farmer

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

In the United States alone, more than 20% of adults experience chronic pain (CDC, 2020). Globally, it’s one of the top reasons adults seek medical care today, and many patients try several chronic pain relief methods in desperate search of a solution. Why is pain so prevalent among adults and how can we cope?

In this episode of Fempower Health, Dr. Melissa Farmer, a chronic pain researcher and entrepreneur, dives deep into all things pain research and management. She shares fascinating findings on the nervous system and pain, explains the effects of chronic pain on mental health, and addresses common emotional struggles associated with perceived pain.

Dr. Farmer co-founded Aivo Health, which is an innovative mind-body technology that supports an individual’s chronic or acute pain care plan. Aivo Health makes the latest neuroscience and pain research applications accessible. Dr. Melissa Farmer and her work with Aivo Health offer new insights into the reality of living with pain, and bring relief, solutions, and new experiences to people in need of pain management.

Discussed in this episode:

The basic neuroscience of pain
Dr. Melissa Farmer’s personal experience with chronic pain and how it influenced her work
What are the four stages of pain?
How to prevent chronic pain in the acute stage
Why soothing the nervous system is so important when treating pain
The relationship between chronic pain and mental health
How Aivo Health works
Perceived pain vs objectively reproduced pain

“Just because someone cannot reproduce your pain doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. It just means that the reproducible pain has a very specific mechanism.” - Dr. Melissa Farmer

Related to this episode:

Aivo Health: www.aivohealth.com
Connect With Dr. Melissa Farmer: LinkedIn and Twitter
Aivo Health on Linkedin and Instagram
Get Access to Aivo: Click Here
Referenced: Ted’s Pain Cream
Referenced: Precision Health
Related Episode: How Digital Health Companies Help Treat Pelvic Floor
Resources and episodes on Autoimmune & Chronic Disease
Resources and episodes on Women's Health-Related Pain

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Endometriosis, Pain, and Whole Women’s Wellness | Dr. Peta Wright

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

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 endometriosis
Can pelvic pain and endometriosis symptoms be correlated with childhood trauma?
Laparoscopies vs other types of treatment for endometriosis
What to address when seeing a patient with severe endometriosis pain
Examples of surgery outcomes and when it is and isn’t appropriate for treating endo
Is 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 Wright

Related to this episode:

Learn about verawomenswellness.com.au and Check out the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study
Follow Dr. Peta Wright on Instagram
Resources and episodes on Endometriosis

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

How to Improve Gut Health & Address Bloating | Dr. Edison de Mello

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Are you always bloated? In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Edison de Mello, founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine and author of Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain. They discuss the relationship between gut health and bloating, the causes of bloating in women, gut microbiome repair, and more.

Dr. Edison de Mello is a board-certified integrative physician and a licensed MFT psychotherapist who takes a Western-meets-Eastern approach to medicine. His goal is to help patients who are dealing with gut issues overcome mental, emotional, and physical challenges associated with dis-ease.

Discussed in this episode:

Why do you get bloated?
The shame commonly associated with bloating in women
Why do women get bloated more than men?
The importance of meeting patients before treating them
Common mistakes people make when treating bloating
Emotions and the gut brain connection
What is SIBO and why is it important in the medical community?
Period bloating: when is it time to see a doctor?
“Endo belly” and the symptoms of IBS vs endometriosis
Bloating relief and ways to encourage a non-inflammatory lifestyle

“Is treating bloating as simple as changing someone’s lifestyle? I wish it was that simple. But even though it isn’t easy, it’s still attainable.” - Dr. Edison de Mello

Related to this episode:

Read Bloated?: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain (book)
Learn about the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine
Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome
Resources and episodes on Nutrition & Exercise

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Endometriosis: Rethinking Surgery for Diagnosis | Dr. Mike Armour

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Dr Mike Armour is heavily involved in research and treatment of endometriosis, and he was the invited complementary medicine expert on the endometriosis expert working group (EEWG) for the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Recently, he and his colleagues, Cecilia Ng and Mathew Leonardi, published an article You No Longer Need Surgery to be Diagnosed with Endometriosis: Here’s What’s Changed which created quite a stir on social media.

Our “meet and greet” call was powerful and luckily recorded, so we decided to publish it as an episode!

We discuss the following about endometriosis:

Concerns about the disconnect between surgeons, patients and researchers.
How social media impacts our ability to discern fact from fiction
Whether endometriosis is a progressive disease
The holy grail for endometriosis diagnosis and why it shouldn’t be laparoscopic surgery
Whether laparoscopic surgery at an early age makes a difference is symptoms and recurrence as we age
How one should prepare for doctor appointments and why this is key to optimal diagnosis and treatment

“We don’t know most things about endometriosis. We don’t even have evidence that it is a progressive disease.” - Dr. Mike Armour

Resources:

Check out Lessons from Implementing the Australian National Action Plan for Endometriosis
Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
Resources and episodes on Women's Health-Related Pain

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

About Dr. Mike Armour

Dr Mike Armour completed his honours degree in biomedicine at the University of Auckland before going on to study traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and then completed his PhD in dysmenorrhea (period pain) in 2016 at Western Sydney University. Mike is a senior research fellow in reproductive health at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University where he is currently running several clinical trials on endometriosis and menstrual health.

Mike has published over 67 peer reviewed articles on various aspects of women’s health including menstrual health literacy, diagnostics, period pain, endometriosis and medicinal cannabis. Mike is also an author on several textbook chapters including a forthcoming chapter on the use of medicinal cannabis to treat endometriosis. Mike is heavily involved in research and treatment of endometriosis, and he was the invited complementary medicine expert on the endometriosis expert working group (EEWG) for the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Mike is also a World Endometriosis Society Ambassador, Chair of Endometriosis Australia’s clinical advisory committee, Chair of Endometriosis Australia’s research committee, Academic lead of the Menstrual Cycle Research Network (MCRN) at Western Sydney University and Chair of the Australasian Interdisciplinary Researchers in Endometriosis (AIRE).

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Pelvic Floor Surgery: Prevent, Prepare, and Optimize Success | Kim Vopni

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in our bodies, and we may not realize how important until we have incontinence, pain, and/or prolapse. A common concern is the root cause of a dysfunction might not be properly addressed causing issues down the line such as the need for surgery or repeat surgery.

Kim Vopni, author of Your Pelvic Floor, is a self professed pelvic health evangelist and is known as The Vagina Coach.She is a certified fitness professional who wants to end the suffering associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Kim speaks with Fempower Health on the following about pelvic floor health and surgery:

Which are the 3 types of pelvic floor dysfunctions?
What are the signs of a weak pelvic floor and how do you fix pelvic floor dysfunction?
What are pelvic floor dysfunction treatment options and which pelvic floor dysfunctions might require surgery?
How do you optimize pelvic floor surgery recovery time and outcomes?
How successful is pelvic prolapse surgery, and what can you do post surgery to optimize results?
How do you find the right pelvic floor surgeon?
Which questions should you ask the pelvic floor surgeon?
What if you can’t afford a pelvic floor specialist or surgeon?

“I do see a lot of people after the fact who say “I had surgery for this and then I still have this problem or the problem came back” or “I have another problem and then I had another surgery.” People will chase the problem with surgery or pharmaceuticals and aren’t getting to a root cause.” - Kim Vopni

Resources:

Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
Resources and episodes on Pregnancy & Motherhood
Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter
Follow Kim Vopni on Instagram
Buff Muff App
Free Pelvic Surgery Webinar
Kim’s Book Your Pelvic Floor
Study on lower back pain and association with pelvic floor issues
Watch the Below the Belt film

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Kim Vopni

Kim Vopni is a self professed pelvic health evangelist and is known as The Vagina Coach. She is a certified fitness professional who wants to end the suffering associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.

She is a published author, a passionate speaker and women’s health educator. Kim is the founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc - a company offering pelvic health programs products and coaching for women in pregnancy, motherhood and menopause. She also co-founded, grew, and sold a company called Bellies Inc where she created the Ab System – a revolutionary birth prep and recovery system for pregnant women. Her annual event Kegels & Cocktails™ has helped hundreds gain knowledge about pelvic health and her Buff Muff app is ensuring everyone knows how to do kegels and actually does them!

Kim also certifies other fitness and movement professionals to work with women with core and pelvic floor challenges through her Core Confidence Specialist Certification.

You can find her on-line at www.vaginacoach.com and on social media @vaginacoach

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Do At-Home Pelvic Floor Exercisers Really Work? | Dr. Allyson Shrikhande

Tue, 10 May 2022 06:00:00 -0500

The pelvic floor plays an important role supporting the bowel and bladder (as well as the uterus and vagina in females). Hormone changes due to pregnancy and peri/menopause and other factors can impact their function. Several at-home devices are now on the market to support the pelvic floor, but do they help you? And if so, which is right for you? Enter Dr. Allyson Shrikhande.

Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, is the Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. She is also the Chair of the Medical Education Committee for the International Pelvic Pain Society. A leading expert on pelvic health and a respected researcher, author and lecturer, Dr. Shrikhande is a recognized authority on male and female pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment.

We discuss the following:

Do electronic pelvic floor devices work?
What are the limitations of at-home pelvic floor devices?
How to afford these devices
How to know if your device is helping or hurting
How Pelvic Rehabilitation Center is trying to increase access to care
What does FDA approval for classified medical devices mean?

We cover the following pelvic floor-related devices, tools, and exercises.

Elvie
Perifit
K-fit
Flyte
Innovo
Elitone
Thigh master-like devices
Jade eggs
Kegel weights
Exercises like yoga, pilates, hypopressives

“Listen to your body. If your symptoms are getting better, you are on the right path. Before using these devices, get an evaluation, if you can, by a pelvic floor specialist.” - Dr. Allyson Shrikhande

Resources:

Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
Follow Pelvic Rehabilitation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Learn about Dustienne Miller Yoga and Adriene’s Yoga
Check out Yoga for Incontinence and Yoga for Postpartum

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

About Dr. Allyson Shrikhande

Dr. Shrikhande, a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, is the Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. She is also the Chair of the Medical Education Committee for the International Pelvic Pain Society. Dr. Shrikhande is passionate about this cause and dedicated to helping men and women with pelvic pain who often suffer without anyone willing to listen, understand or find the cause of their pain. That’s why she has traveled the world to work with expert gynecologists, urologists, physiatrists and interventional pain physicians. With an extensive background in mainstream clinical medicine, she also makes use of many alternatives, holistic and homeopathic approaches. She has published peer-reviewed articles on the treatment of muscle pain in academic journals and works closely with renowned pelvic pain gynecologists and urologists. Taking a team approach, she works with specialists in pelvic floor physical therapy, kinetics and movement, as well as acupuncturists, nutritionists, cognitive behavioral therapists and functional medicine physicians. Dr. Allyson Shrikhande currently teaches fall and spring remote courses at the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

IBS: Navigating Diagnosis, Treatment, and the Difficult Healthcare System | Dr. Peter Whorwell

Tue, 03 May 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Dr. Peter Whorwell, author of Take Control of your IBS, directs the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service and has had a particular interest in the functional gastrointestinal disorders. His unit undertakes research into the clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as caring for large numbers of these patients from all over the UK.

In honor of April’s IBS Awareness Month, dive into IBS and complications around diagnosis and treatment. Given Dr. Whorwell’s book provides a lot of the foundations and is a quick read, we dove into some of the topics he did not go deep into in the book. We do cover some foundations.

You will learn this…

Challenges with modern medicine impacting IBS diagnosis and how tests don’t solve everything
Typical IBS symptoms and how IBS symptoms are unique from other possible conditions
Research conducted about endometriosis vs IBS
Another perspective on endo belly
Caution around understanding symptoms, especially around your period versus throughout menstrual cycle so you are not treated for the wrong thing
Why HRT can play a critical role for IBS patients in perimenopause and post menopause
Bloating vs distension
Gut microbiome and IBS relationship
Whether comprehensive stool analysis is worth it
IBS and the impact of fiber
Whether laxatives damage the bowel

“I can’t cure you, but I can make life better for you. IBS won’t be cured, at least not in my lifetime” - Dr. Peter Whorwell

Resources:

Dr. Peter Whorwell's Book: Take Control of your IBS
Review other IBS resources
Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome
Resources and episodes on Nutrition & Exercise

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

About Dr. Peter Whorwell

Professor Whorwell graduated in biochemistry at the University of London and in medicine at Guy’s Hospital, London. After a series of residencies and fellowships, one of which was in the USA, he was appointed as Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist at the University Hospital of South Manchester in 1981 and was subsequently promoted to Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology. Over the years he has had a particular interest in the functional gastrointestinal disorders and now directs the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service. This unit undertakes research into the clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as caring for large numbers of these patients from all over the UK. It also undertakes a wide-ranging programme of research into new treatment options for these conditions including pharmacological, dietary and behavioral approaches.

Professor Whorwell has published over 350 papers and chapters in his fields of interest and serves on a number of international advisory panels and working parties.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Endometriosis: What You Deserve to Know | Dr. Tamer Seckin

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Dr. Tamer Seckin is a world-renowned endometriosis surgeon and founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America. He is the author of The Doctor Will See you Now: Recognizing and Treating Endometriosis. In this powerful interview (a shortened version from Season 1), he describes his journey into this calling and the realities he encounters about how women with endometriosis suffer. . . and what can and should be done about it.

We discuss:

How endometriosis manifests
Options for endometriosis diagnosis
How toxins impact your body and endometriosis
Finding a surgeon specializing in endometriosis
Determining whether hysterectomy is the right decision when struggling with endometriosis
Endometriosis' impact on fertility

“One of the most common causes of repeat surgery is incomplete surgery.” - Dr. Tamer Seckin

Are there women in your life who suffer from endometriosis? All of us should be better informed to seek the right care and support other women. Share this episode with the women in your life.

Resources:

Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
Resources and episodes on Women's Health-Related Pain
Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health
Resources and episodes on Fertility and Trying to Conceive

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Dysmenorrhea & Pelvic Pain: Endometriosis, Adenomyosis & Other Causes | Dr. Dan Martin

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary:

Discussion Points:

What is the difference between dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain? Dr. Martin explains the nuances between dysmenorrhea and various forms of pelvic pain, highlighting how each condition presents itself and what symptoms to look out for.
How can women effectively describe their pain to healthcare providers? Learn about the key descriptors and monitoring practices that can help women communicate their pain more effectively to doctors, leading to better diagnoses and treatment plans.
Why do so many women feel dismissed by their doctors when reporting pain? We discuss the societal and medical reasons behind the normalization of pain in women and what can be done to advocate for proper care.
What are the common misconceptions about diagnosing endometriosis? Dr. Martin clarifies the challenges in diagnosing endometriosis, including the limitations of imaging and the importance of laparoscopic procedures for accurate detection.
When should women be concerned about pelvic pain and seek medical attention? Find out the key indicators that suggest when pelvic pain might require a doctor's evaluation and what the initial steps should be for managing pain at home.
How effective are NSAIDs and birth control pills in managing pelvic pain? We explore the roles of NSAIDs and hormonal treatments like birth control pills in managing symptoms and the conditions under which they are most effective.
What is the role of laparoscopy in diagnosing pelvic pain conditions? Understand when a laparoscopy is recommended and what it can reveal about conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis that other diagnostic tools might miss.
What are the potential risks and benefits of treatments like Lupron and surgical interventions? Dr. Martin discusses various treatment options for endometriosis and pelvic pain, including the controversial use of Lupron and the considerations for surgical interventions.
How do conditions like adenomyosis and uterine fibroids differ from endometriosis? Learn the differences between these common gynecological conditions and how each affects women's health differently.
What are the current research trends and future directions in treating pelvic pain and endometriosis? Get an overview of the latest research developments and what they could mean for the future of managing pelvic pain and related conditions.

“If pain is getting worse and not better with medication, it is not normal.” - Dr. Dan Martin

Resources

Resources on Endometriosis
Learn about the Endometriosis Foundation of America

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: 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. Dan Martin

Disclaimer

Empowered Intimacy: A Journey through Sexual Health | Dr. Rachel Rubin

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sexual health, pleasure, and empowerment for women. Join us as we explore the expert insights shared by Dr. Rachel Rubin, a renowned sexual health specialist, who is one of only a handful of physicians fellowship trained in male and female sexual medicine. She sheds light on the orgasm gap, the clitoris, common misconceptions, and the journey towards embracing empowered sexual health. Let's break free from societal stigmas and discover the path to sexual pleasure and satisfaction.

Key Highlights

Understanding the Orgasm Gap: Discover the significant impact of the orgasm gap on women's well-being, self-esteem, and relationships. Learn how societal pressures affect sexual satisfaction and how to overcome misconceptions.
Demystifying the Clitoris: Delve into the fascinating world of the clitoris, often referred to as the "tip of the iceberg." Gain insights into its complex anatomy and how embracing genital empowerment can enhance sexual experiences.
Empowering Communication: Explore the importance of open and honest communication in intimate relationships. Find out how expressing boundaries, desires, and preferences can create a safe and fulfilling space for sexual exploration.
Taking Charge of Sexual Health: Learn the importance of seeking credible and compassionate care for sexual health. Discover resources and evidence-based treatments to redefine your sexual narrative and break free from societal stigmas.
Embracing Pleasure: Hear inspiring stories of women finding pleasure and empowerment in their intimate lives. Dr. Rachel Rubin shares real-life examples of how embracing sexual pleasure can strengthen relationships.

“If you like it, do more of it. If you don't like it, you're not broken. And if you want to know if it's something that you like, have fun and add tools to your toolbox to get yourself to have fun in different ways." - Dr Rachel Rubin

Extreme PMS Symptoms: Are they Normal? | Laura Murphy of IAPMD

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Laura Murphy is the Director of Education & Awareness at the International Association of Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD), which offers a lifeline of support, information, and resources for women and AFAB individuals with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME).

Laura and I answer the following questions:

What is PMDD?
What triggers PMDD and who gets PMDD?
How can you find the right doctor and get properly diagnosed?
What are the treatment options?

Resources

Read Vicious Cycle
Look into General PMDD Information
Take the PMDD Self Screen Test
Learn How to Get Properly Diagnosed with PMDD
Review PMDD Treatment Options
Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health
Resources and episodes on Women's Health-Related Pain

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Why Women Must Be Aware of Celiac Disease and Myths & Facts Around Gluten | Alice Bast

Mon, 03 May 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition, which impacts 1 in 133 Americans, where 60% are women. It is estimated that up to 83% of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions, and it takes 6-10 years for diagnosis.

In honor of Celiac Awareness Month, in this episode, Alice Bast, Founder & CEO of Beyond Celiac covers:

What celiac disease is, proper diagnosis, and its impact on many women's health conditions
Myths and facts about a gluten-free diet
The difference between celiac and non-celiac gluten sensitivity

Resources

Resources and episodes on Autoimmune & Chronic Disease
Celiac Disease and Women's Health
Celiac Disease, fertility and pregnancy
Celiac Disease Testing and Diagnosis in Women
Symptoms checklist

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

About Alice Bast

Alice Bast’s experience with celiac disease began more than twenty years ago, when debilitating physical symptoms, multiple miscarriages, a stillbirth and intense mental and emotional strain began to take over her life. Alice struggled to get a proper diagnosis, and after visiting 22 physicians, the 23rd finally diagnosed her with celiac disease, a serious genetic autoimmune condition that currently has only one treatment—a strict gluten-free diet.

In 2003, Alice was compelled to found Beyond Celiac, a patient-centric organization serving millions of Americans. She represents the celiac disease patient voice in key government, research and industry venues. Under her leadership, Beyond Celiac has helped increase the rate of diagnosis from 3% to an estimated 50% and increased the availability and affordability of gluten-free foods, which are now on store shelves across the country. The leading celiac disease patient advocacy organization, Beyond Celiac is now accelerating research for treatments and a cure for this serious genetic autoimmune disease.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Endometriosis: Lessons from a Patient and Advocate | Melissa Boudreau

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women and takes an average of 7-10 years to diagnose. Given it is Endometriosis Awareness Month, I thought this was the perfect time to hear from Melissa Boudreau.

As an advocate for women’s health, Melissa Boudreau, uses her free time to increase awareness about endometriosis, through her podcast, The Cycle.

Melissa shares:

Her endometriosis story
Suggestions for finding the right doctor for you
Themes she's learned through her advocacy work and podcast
Tools to support you in your journey

Resources:

Nancy's Nook
Endometropolis
I Care Better
Body Belief by Aimee Raupp
Gluten free apple cider donuts recipe
Recommended Books on Chronic and Autoimmune Diseases
Resources and episodes on Endometriosis
Resources and episodes on Autoimmune & Chronic Disease

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

About Melissa Boudreau

Melissa Boudreau grew up in Detroit, MI, and is a lover of Detroit, the Caribbean, NYC, and Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from Ashford University and a Master of Arts in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communications from Michigan State University. Melissa is considered an expert in social media marketing, print media and certified in YouTube and Google AdWords through the Michigan State New Media Driver’s License.

Melissa and her husband, Bryan, reside in Royal Oak, MI, and together enjoy traveling, Detroit Lions football, and of course, going to the movies.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

When Intimacy Hurts: Solutions for Chronic Vulvar Pain | Dr Jill Krapf

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 13:00:00 -0500

Listen as Dr. Jill Krapf shares insights about vulvodynia, a condition that affects millions of women with chronic vulvar pain.

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of the Fempower Health Podcast, host Georgie Kovacs sits down with Dr. Jill Krapf to discuss the complexities of vulvodynia, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Dr. Krapf explains the various aspects of vulvar pain, offering deep insights into its causes, symptoms, and possible treatments. Learn as she sheds light on a topic that’s often covered in mystery and misdiagnosis and empowers women with knowledge on how to address this condition.

Key Takeaways

What is vulvodynia, how common is it, and how to raise awareness among patients and healthcare providers
Challenges in diagnosing vulvodynia and stories of women who visit multiple healthcare providers without receiving proper care
Vulvodynia treatment and management options such as hormonal, physical, and nerve-related therapies
The importance of improving women’s outcomes through education about sexual health symptoms, intimacy concerns, and vulva pain
Ways to encourage dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals
How to access vulvodynia specialists and other experts for individualized treatment
Ways to make the most of available healthcare resources and develop a vulvodynia self-care plan

“When a woman comes to me and she says, 'I have burning, irritation, rawness, discomfort in this area, mainly with insertion, with intimacy, with sex,' but also, she may have discomfort at other times too—maybe inserting a tampon is uncomfortable, or maybe it's completely unprovoked, meaning you don't even have to touch the area, but just wearing tight clothing or simply sitting can be painful. These symptoms indicate a complexity that requires a thorough examination and personalized approach to treatment.” - Dr. Jill Krapf

Related to this episode:

Resources on Sexual Health
Learn more about Dr. Jill Krapf and follow her on Instagram
Learn about Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders - Offers comprehensive information and resources on vulvar pain.
Check out International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) - Provides educational resources for providers and patients.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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 Bio

Dr. Jill Krapf is a board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist specializing in female sexual pain disorders at The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington, D.C and Florida. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The George Washington University. Dr. Krapf is active in research and has published chapters and peer-reviewed articles on vulvodynia and vulvar lichen sclerosus. She is Associate Editor for the medical journal Sexual Medicine, as well as for the textbook Female Sexual Pain Disorders, 2nd Edition. She is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), serving on the Education Committee and the Social Media Committee. She shares educational content on her Instagram page @jillkrapfmd.

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Uterine Fibroids: An Interview with a Minimally Invasive Surgeon | Dr Jessica Opoku-Anane

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 13:00:00 -0500

Dr. Jessica Opoku-Anane is a gynecologist who specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, intrauterine scarring (Asherman's syndrome), pelvic organ prolapse and ovarian pathology.

Opoku-Anane's research interests include making gynecologic surgery safer and improving treatments for endometriosis and fibroids.

In the episode, Dr Opoku-Anane talks about uterine fibroids and covers:

Difference between uterine fibroids vs. endometriosis vs. adenomyosis, including the symptoms for each
Uterine fibroid symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Quality of life and fertility impact for those with uterine fibroids
Questions to ask your doctor to ensure your uterine fibroids and diagnosed early and proactively treated

Resources

Leverage Fempower Health's find a doctor resource to find a minimally invasive surgeon (or other specialist)
Recommended Books on Hormones and Menstrual Health
Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health
Resources and episodes on Autoimmune & Chronic Disease

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

What Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Treat? | Corey Hazama

Mon, 11 May 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Corey Hazama, a pelvic floor physical therapist and co-owner of Beyond Basics in New York City.

Corey provides insight into the important, and often unexpected, ways pelvic floor physical therapy can help with a variety of women's health conditions! Most importantly, she helps us unlearn that pain is something we women should "grin and bear" and instead shares how pelvic floor PT may actually offer much needed relief. And yes, she address the questions we are afraid to ask about what many call vagina massages.

Resources

Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!

**Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

How Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Can Help You in Surprising Ways | Dr Allyson Shrikhande

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Fempower Health interviews Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, the Medical Director of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation. Dr Shrikhande shares:

What is pelvic floor rehabilitation?
What happens at pelvic floor physio?
How can pelvic floor therapy help with UTIs or feelings of one?
How can pelvic floor physio help with pelvic floor pain during intercourse?

Resources

Recommended Books on Pelvic Health
Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. 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 with Our Community: Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and engaging content. If you are interested in chronic pelvic pain or perimenopause & menopause, specifically, we've created specific social accounts: Peri/Menopause Instagram, Peri/Menopause Facebook, Peri/Menopause TikTok, Chronic Pelvic Pain Instagram, Chronic Pelvic Pain TikTok
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!