You Are Not Broken

Latest Episodes:

332. Unbreakable - Bones and More with Dr. Wright Aug 24, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 332, I sit down with Dr. Vonda Wright, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon, to explore the often-overlooked impact of menopause on musculoskeletal health. Together, we uncover the critical role of hormones in maintaining bone and joint health and share practical strategies for managing menopause-related changes.

Key Discussion Points:

The role of estrogen in bone density and joint health.

Common musculoskeletal issues during menopause, including osteoporosis and arthritis.

The benefits and considerations of hormone replacement therapy.

Lifestyle changes and exercises to support musculoskeletal health.

Personal stories and insights from Dr. Wright's experiences and research.

Conclusion: Empower yourself with knowledge and strategies to navigate menopause with strength and resilience. Don't miss this insightful conversation that sheds light on the intersection of menopause and musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Wright's book ⁠Unbreakable⁠

Tickets to Orlando Event 2025

Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠⁠⁠⁠Preorder my Next Book⁠⁠⁠⁠ share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

331. FDA, Hormones for Prevention, Book Tour and More Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of You Are Not Broken, Dr. Kelly Casperson recaps the recent FDA event dedicated to women’s health, spotlighting the critical role of hormones like testosterone and estrogen. She shares key insights from expert panels, explains why better education and prescribing practices are urgently needed among physicians, and reveals exciting details about her upcoming book on menopause. Kelly also explores the mental health impact of hormonal changes during perimenopause and offers a preview of her nationwide book tour aimed at rewriting the conversation around midlife health.

Key Takeaways

The You Are Not Broken podcast has surpassed 4 million downloads.
The FDA event brought women’s health—and hormones—into the spotlight.
There is a critical need for female-dose testosterone to be recognized and approved.
Changing outdated prescribing habits is key to improving women’s health care.
Hormones are powerful tools for preventing disease and improving quality of life.
Menopause and hormonal health education remain dangerously underrepresented in medicine.
Kelly’s upcoming book aims to bust myths and empower women with facts.
Her book tour will bring this conversation to cities across the country.
Hormonal changes in perimenopause can drive significant mental health challenges.
Advocacy for women’s hormone therapy is essential for better health outcomes.

Preorder my Next Book⁠⁠⁠ share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

330. Does Your Physician's Gender Matter? Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

This week I’m joined by Dr. Christopher Wallis, a urologist and researcher whose groundbreaking work shows something that might just change the way you think about surgery and medicine: patients are more likely to survive—and thrive—when operated on by a female surgeon and physician.

We dive deep into the data, including studies across multiple countries and specialties, and unpack the consistent 5% reduction in 30-day mortality rates when the surgeon is a woman. Dr. Wallis also discusses how female anesthesiologists impact outcomes, why communication and trust matter so much in surgery, and how female physicians are often unfairly penalized for complications.

This episode is more than stats—it’s about challenging the system, confronting bias, and empowering both patients and physicians to make more informed, conscious choices. If you’ve ever wondered whether gender matters in medicine, or how we can build a better, fairer healthcare system—don’t miss this one.

We cover:
✔️ Why female surgeons lead to better outcomes
✔️ The role of bias and the “rigged” system women in medicine face
✔️ What patients should look for in a surgical team
✔️ Why systemic change is long overdue in healthcare

Let’s get into it.

DOI:10.1097/SLA.0000000000006217

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-075484

https://uofturology.ca/directory/faculty/wallis-chris/

Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠⁠⁠Preorder my Next Book⁠⁠⁠ share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

329. GLP-1s with Dr. Salas-Whalen Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

This week on the You Are Not Broken podcast, I'm joined by the incredible Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, an expert in obesity medicine who breaks down the real science behind GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Spoiler: they’ve actually been around since 2005 for diabetes, and only now are we waking up to their potential in treating obesity as the complex disease it is—not a failure of willpower.

We talk about how COVID changed the national conversation on obesity, shifting it from “personal choice” to a serious health risk that deserves real medical treatment. We get into how GLP-1s work, why maintaining muscle is critical during weight loss, and the often-ignored psychological shifts that happen when your body changes rapidly.

Dr. Salas-Waelin also clears up the noise: Are GLP-1s safe? Are they just for the ultra-rich? Will they be lifelong meds or stepping stones? And what’s next in hormone-based obesity treatment?

This is a must-listen if you’re using—or considering—GLP-1s, working in healthcare, or just want to understand what’s really going on behind the headlines.

In this episode, we cover:

Why GLP-1s aren’t actually new—and why that matters
How COVID helped the world reframe obesity as a disease
The importance of muscle preservation during weight loss
How to make sure your protein intake supports your body
What happens to your brain when your body changes fast
Myths and misconceptions about the safety and use of GLP-1s
The future of GLP-1s: personalized care, better formulations, and smarter dosing
Why body composition (not just weight) should be part of the conversation

This episode is about science, empowerment, and getting real with the tools we have to help people feel better in their bodies—inside and out.

🎧 Tune in and share with someone who's navigating weight, health, or hormones.

https://www.nyendocrinology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drsalaswhalen

Pre Order Dr. Salas-Whalen's book "Weightless"

Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠⁠Preorder my Next Book⁠⁠ share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

328. Should I take hormones? Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

Episode 328: Should I take hormones?

In this episode, I dive deep into the evolving conversation around hormone therapy—where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go. If you’ve been confused, scared, or unsure about hormones, this one’s for you. I break down the myths, share the science, and explain why education—not fear—should drive our health decisions.

I talk about the crucial difference between vaginal and systemic hormones, the benefits of both, and why so many women are missing out simply because they’ve never been properly informed. I also touch on the role of GLP-1 medications, not just for weight, but as part of a broader discussion around midlife health.

We also get into the realities of perimenopause—what’s normal, what’s not, and how to stop dismissing symptoms as “just aging.” I explain why hormone therapy isn’t just about hot flashes—it’s a longevity and quality-of-life tool. The truth? Living decades post-menopause without hormones can come with real risks. But with the right education, you get to choose what’s right for you.

Reminder: knowledge is power—and the foundation of empowered healthcare.

Takeaways:

The narrative around hormone therapy is changing—from fear-based to informed and empowering.
Education is the single most important tool in making good decisions about your health.
Vaginal estrogen and DHEA are safe and effective for many postmenopausal women.
Perimenopause isn’t just “normal aging”—hormonal shifts can cause real symptoms worth treating.
GLP-1 medications are part of a bigger picture of metabolic and hormonal health.
It’s never too late: women post-menopause can still benefit from hormone therapy.
Hormones play a critical role in preventive health, including protecting your bones and brain.
We need to stop misunderstanding breast cancer risk in the context of hormone therapy.
Choosing to live without hormones comes with its own set of risks—know them before deciding.

Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠⁠⁠

Preorder my Next Book⁠⁠⁠ , share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at ⁠goodvibes.com/menopause⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

327. Bladder Matters, Leakage and What To Do Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

Episode 327: Bladder Leakage Is Common, But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Normal — with Dr. Alex Rogers

I’m joined this week by my brilliant colleague and fellow urologist, Dr. Alex Rogers, for a candid, informative conversation about something way too many people silently struggle with: bladder leakage.

We’re two urologists talking all things pee — from stress incontinence to overactive bladder, and everything in between. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden urge to run to the bathroom, leaking when you laugh or sneeze, or you’re just confused about what’s going on down there, this episode is for you.

We break down the two most common types of bladder leakage — overactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence — and explain why they require totally different treatment approaches. We also talk about the huge impact of hormones on bladder health, especially in menopause (yes, estrogen matters here too!).

Dr. Rogers and I dive into:

Why bladder leakage is so common — and why we shouldn’t normalize it
The real science behind overactive bladder
Why Botox is an underutilized but super effective treatment option
How pelvic floor therapy fits into the bigger picture
What’s new and exciting in urology (hello, neuromodulation and telehealth)
The frustrating role of insurance in limiting access to care
How to find a provider who actually knows what they’re doing when it comes to bladder health

This isn’t just a “deal with it” issue — it’s a quality of life issue. And the good news? There are solutions. Real, evidence-based, life-changing options. But only if we talk about it. So let’s talk.

Takeaways:

Bladder leakage is common but under-discussed
Hormonal changes play a huge role in bladder function
Overactive bladder ≠ stress incontinence — and treatments vary
Botox is a powerful and underutilized option
Telemedicine and new tech are changing the game
Education empowers patients to advocate for better care
Insurance hurdles are real — and we need to fight for better access
Find the right specialist — not all care is created equal

Let’s stop suffering in silence and start empowering ourselves and our patients with facts, not shame.

🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs to know they're not alone — and that bladder leakage is treatable.

https://www.bladderboutique.com/

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at goodvibes.com/menopause

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

326. Australia, Testosterone, Mast Cells and More Jul 13, 2025

Show notes

326. Australia, Testosterone, Mast Cells and More

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ceri Cashell for a wide-ranging conversation that spans continents and dives deep into women’s health—from hormones to mast cells to medical mindset. Dr. Cashell and I talk about what we’re seeing in clinical practice and what women around the world are still fighting for: access, advocacy, and actual answers.

We unpack the critical role of testosterone in women’s health (yes, women have and need testosterone), and explore how cultural perceptions—especially around sexuality—still shape what treatments women are offered or denied. We also talk about mast cell activation syndrome and how it might explain so many symptoms that often get brushed off or misdiagnosed in women.

We get into why vaginal DHEA is so underutilized, how lifestyle changes make a real impact, and why curiosity in medicine is a superpower. There’s also a deep dive into the hormone–mental health connection and why so many women are struggling in silence because of outdated medical thinking.

This episode is a reminder: women’s health is not niche, and we deserve better.

Takeaways:

Testosterone isn’t optional—it’s vital for women’s health, especially during midlife.
Cultural norms around sexuality still impact the care women receive.
Mast cell activation syndrome might be the missing puzzle piece for many women with unexplained symptoms.
We need more advocacy to break through the outdated thinking that limits women’s treatment options.
Lifestyle changes matter—more than most doctors admit.
Staying curious as a clinician can change the game for patients.
Vaginal DHEA is safe, effective, and overlooked far too often.
Hormones are deeply connected to mental health—this isn’t just about libido.
Access to hormone therapy is often blocked by stigma, not science.
Education and awareness are the keys to transforming women’s healthcare.

Australian petition to put Androfeme on PBS

https://www.instagram.com/drcericashell/

https://www.healthyhormones.au/

https://drcericashell.com/

Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠⁠⁠Preorder my Next Book⁠⁠⁠ share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at ⁠goodvibes.com/menopause⁠

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

325. Sex, Safety and Embodied Intimacy Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

This week, I sat down with the radiant Whitni Miller, also known as BDEmoves on Instagram, a queer sex educator and pleasure coach who’s changing the game when it comes to how we talk about sex, desire, and embodiment, especially in the queer community.

Together, we explored what it really means to be embodied in midlife and why so many of us still struggle to feel sexually safe—not just physically, but emotionally and relationally. Whitni brings a trauma-informed lens to her work, helping people unpack shame, regulate their nervous systems, and come back home to themselves.

We talked about:

Why safety (not spontaneity) is the foundation of good sex
How queer and same-sex couples deal with libido differences
What late bloomers can teach us about authenticity and desire
The power of non-sexual touch in long-term relationships
How responsive desire isn't broken—it’s just misunderstood
The absolute joy of reclaiming play and pleasure at any age

Whitni also got real about what it takes to share accurate, pleasure-centered sex ed online in the face of constant censorship. Hint: It’s hard, it’s frustrating, and it’s absolutely necessary. She’s a fierce advocate for creating digital and real-life spaces where people—especially queer folks—can learn, explore, and thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered, What can we learn from the queer community about sex, intimacy, and communication?—this episode is for you.

Whitni’s work is bold, honest, and full of compassion. Follow her @bdemoves and check out her offerings for late bloomers, folks navigating WLW relationships, and anyone looking to deepen their connection with themselves and their partners.

Takeaways:
✨ Sexual safety is foundational to desire—not optional. ✨ Queer relationships offer a refreshing reframe of intimacy and play. ✨ Scheduling sex is not unsexy—it’s smart, respectful, and hot. ✨ Responsive desire is normal, especially in midlife and long-term partnerships. ✨ Pleasure-first education challenges societal norms that prioritize performance. ✨ We need more trauma-informed, inclusive sex ed—and we need it now.

https://www.instagram.com/bde.moves

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at goodvibes.com/menopause

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

324. Perimenopause is Real Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

🎙️ Episode 324: Perimenopause is Real—What You Need to Know with Jackie Piasta, WHNP-BC

Perimenopause is real—and often misunderstood. In this episode, I sit down with women’s health nurse practitioner Jackie Piasta to unpack the truth about this critical (and neglected) phase of midlife. If you’ve been told “you’re too young” or “just tough it out,” this conversation will feel like the validation you’ve been missing.

Jackie and I dive into what perimenopause really looks like—from migraines and mood swings to weight gain and disrupted sleep—and why these symptoms deserve real answers, not dismissal.

We talk through what’s happening hormonally, why lab tests aren’t the gold standard, and how to shift from a “birth control” mindset to a hormone-optimization mindset in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.

In this episode:

Why perimenopause can start in your 30s—even with regular periods
Common myths that keep women suffering in silence
How to track symptoms and cycles instead of chasing lab results
The role of hormonal birth control—and when it helps vs. masks symptoms
How estradiol, progesterone, and vaginal hormones can support brain, sleep, and libido
Supplements and newer options: magnesium, L-theanine, flibanserin, even topical CBD
Real-world patient cases that show how individualized care changes lives

Top takeaways:

Perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis—there’s no perfect test.
Hormonal fluctuations can cause real physical, emotional, and cognitive changes.
Bone loss, lipid changes, and heart risks start before menopause.
Progesterone is often underused but powerful for night sweats, anxiety, and sleep.
SSRIs are not first-line for new-onset mood changes in perimenopause.
Early intervention matters—don’t wait until menopause to get help.

We also talk about newer birth control formulations, managing migraines, and what the research is showing us about how menopause impacts heart health and brain function. Spoiler: it’s not just about hot flashes.

This episode is your permission slip to stop toughing it out and start asking for care that actually helps.

🔗 Referenced Studies & Resources:

Brinton RD et al. Perimenopause as a neurological transition state. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2015;11(7):393-405.
Wu B et al. Trajectories of Blood Lipids Profile in Midlife Women. J Am Heart Assoc. 2023;12(22):e030388.
SWAN Study: Lipid trajectory insights through the menopausal transition

https://www.instagram.com/jackiep_gynnp

https://www.mymonarchhealthco.com/

Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠Preorder my Next Book⁠ share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

323. Sexual Healing After Cancer Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with Erin Sullivan Wagner for a raw and powerful conversation about something that’s too often ignored—sexual health in the context of cancer. Erin shares her personal experience with anal cancer, and what it was like to navigate the trauma of diagnosis and treatment while also feeling abandoned when it came to intimacy and her sexual well-being.

We talk about the gaps in cancer care, especially when it comes to women. Why is it that sexual health is often dismissed or completely left out of the conversation? Erin and I unpack how deeply cultural biases and medical liability fears impact the way sexual health is (or isn’t) addressed—especially for women.

We also dive into the concept of prehabilitation—starting sexual health conversations before treatment begins—and why it's critical that providers get educated and empowered to offer resources, referrals, and support for their patients. Because survivorship isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about staying connected to your body, your relationships, and your pleasure.

This is the conversation I wish every oncology team would hear.

Cancer profoundly affects sexual health, yet it’s often ignored.
Erin’s story is a powerful reminder of the trauma that comes with being left in the dark.
There’s a huge disconnect in how cancer care approaches female sexuality.
Male sexual health gets prioritized—female sexual health, not so much.
So many patients feel invisible when it comes to intimacy concerns.
These conversations need to happen early, not after damage has been done.
Cultural discomfort and medical fear of liability keep people from addressing sex.
Women are rarely told what to expect sexually after cancer treatment.
Quality of life includes sex, pleasure, and connection.
We have to normalize sexual health in survivorship care.
When we ignore it, the damage can be long-lasting and irreversible.
Emotional intimacy matters as much as physical recovery.
Prehabilitation should be standard practice.
Providers need training—patients need validation and direction.
Advocacy matters. This change starts with conversations like this.

Youtube video - Erins Story

https://www.aftercancer.co/

https://allofmeiowa.org/

Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?
Preorder my Next Book share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing.

Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected