Ep 27 | Testosterone, Perimenopause, and the Fountain of Nope
You've seen it all over social media, testosterone is apparently the miracle cure for every perimenopausal woe. Low libido? Tired? Losing muscle tone? Influencers say "Just add T!" The Docs say…not so fast Ready for the truth? In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su are here for just that. Even though it is not exactly what you're seeing on social media––it is science, sarcasm, and a few chin-year jokes. The Docs explain what testosterone actually does in women's bodies, why testing it is tricky, and how misinformation has turned a controlled substance into a so-called "elixir of youth." They compare estrogen's unfairly bad reputation with testosterone's sudden celebrity moment. And they also explain why some promises from "hormone balancing" gurus should make you raise an eyebrow. Listeners will learn the good, the bad, and the hairy: when testosterone might be appropriate, the real risks and irreversible side effects, and how to approach hormone therapy safely. In this episode, you'll hear: [1:03] Is testosterone a "fountain of youth"? [5:30] What are the risks? [11:16] Testing is unreliable (and meaningless) [15:15] Can testosterone help libido? [22:04] Testosterone deficiency isn't why you're losing muscle [28:50] The truth about testosterone pellets [30:33] How to use it safely, IF your doctor advises you to [37:47] "We're not here to make friends. We're here to tell women the truth." Resources Mentioned: thecut.com/article/women-in-menopause-taking-testosterone Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html
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Ep 26 | Swallow This: The Truth About Supplements and Perimenopause
Feeling overwhelmed by the supplement aisle? Are there pills that might actually help during perimenopause or are you just buying expensive urine? This episode of OvaryActive dives into the pharmacy aisle of supplements. The Docs are talking about everything from influencer "miracle" blends to your best friend's turmeric obsession. Separating data from drama and giving you the straight, if sarcastic, scoop. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch explain what your body truly needs (hello, vitamin D and calcium), what might help (fiber and omega-3s for the win), and what should probably stay in the compost bin (looking at you, wild yam cream). They share LOL takes on supplement marketing…"clinically proven" by whom exactly? And they shine a light on the difference between food, vitamins, and herbal remedies. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:30] The supplement struggle is real [1:33] Defining the basics [4:43] If the gut works, use it! [6:32] Natural does not mean safe [8:54] "Clinically proven" is NOT a thing [12:06] The short list: vitamin D, omega-3s, and fiber [19:00] When natural turns dangerous [27:44] Myths and facts [32:26] What to skip if you've had hormone-related cancers [34:57] Final truth bomb: balanced real food wins every time Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Resources Mentioned (a.k.a. The Real Receipts): menopause.org fda.gov ods.od.nih.gov heart.org ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/ Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.htm
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Ep 25 | Use a Mirror to See What's Up…Down There
Perimenopause: your hormones have packed up and left, your skin starts new hobbies, and your vulva occasionally throws a tantrum. In this episode of OvaryActive, we're talking about that neglected body part everyone loves to ignore—until it itches, burns, bleeds, or grows suspicious bumps. Joining the conversation are gynecologists and fellow podcasters Dr. Ashley Fuller and Dr. Meredith McClure, the brilliant, and hilarious, minds behind Labia Logic. Ashley and Meredith spend their days — and an entire podcast — focused on vulvas, menopause, sexual health, and the often-overlooked conditions that live "down there." They're here to shine a light on the things nobody learns in residency, medical school, or, let's be honest, middle school health class. You'll hear about what's normal, what's not, and when to stop Googling and actually see a doctor. Consider this your crash course in vulvar self-awareness sprinkled with humor, honesty, and just enough TMI to keep things interesting. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:33] Welcome Drs. Ashley Fuller and Meredith McClure from Labia Logic [3:00] Your vulva and perimenopause [5:28] Annual check ups [7:33] Lumps, bumps, bleeding, and spotting [12:59] Vulvar biopsies [16:57] Lichen sclerosus [19:37] The power combo: topical steroids+vaginal estrogen [22:13] Want more? Labia Logic podcast is dedicated to all things vulva Follow Labia Logic for the sex ed you should have gotten in the first place! @labia_logic on Instagram | @LabiaLogic on YouTube Catch full episodes at ashleyfullermd.com/labia-logic-podcast. Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html
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Ep 24 | When Bleeding Isn't *Just* Perimenopause: The Need-to-Know about Gynecological Cancers
Perimenopause is already a rollercoaster—hot flashes, brain fog, and now…SURPRISE! cancer screenings. In this episode of OvaryActive, Amy and Rebecca sit down with Gynecologic Oncologist Fernanda Musa, MD MS to tackle the less-fun-but-super-important reality: perimenopause is also prime time for gynecologic cancers. Think of it as the sequel nobody asked for, but everybody needs to watch. Dr. Musa brings her scalpel-sharp expertise (she is a surgeon, afterall ) and a refreshingly candid approach to topics we'd rather avoid. Cervical and uterine cancers and pesky fibroids that multiply like bad ex-boyfriends both made the list. She tells you what's common, what's rare, and when you should actually worry. Hmmm…not every bloated belly means ovarian cancer, but you shouldn't ignore it either. Bottom line? Now you'll know when to laugh off your perimenopausal chaos, and when to call your gynecologist. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:28] Guest intro: Dr. Fernanda Musa [2:28] Understanding cervical cancer [5:19] HPV screening and vaccines [14:15] Symptoms & diagnosis of endometrial cancer [18:11] Hormone therapy after uterine cancer [20:28] Fibroids vs tumors (with symptoms!) [25:55] Risks & symptoms of ovarian cancer [32:23] Don't brush off abnormal bleeding! [34:20] Final thoughts and encouragement More about Dr. Fernanda Musa: swedish.org/doctors/gynecologic-oncology/wa/everett/fernanda-musa-1700044054 Dr. Musa on Instagram @ferniebo Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html
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Ep 23 | Sneezed and Peed? Let's Talk Pelvic Floor Therapy
Perimenopause: when sneezing, laughing, or even thinking too hard about a trampoline suddenly becomes a bladder hazard. And guess what!? Kegels aren't the cure-all we were promised. In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch take us below the belt to talk pelvic floor health—the underappreciated muscle group that keeps your insides from falling out and your basement from springing a leak. Joining the Docs is Tanya Goodrich, founder of Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy and proud owner of the best blueberry analogy you'll ever hear. Tanya is here to prove that pelvic floor therapy isn't scary—it's empowering, practical, and sometimes even hilarious. In this conversation, you'll learn why incontinence isn't inevitable, what "panic bladder" really means, and why your pelvic floor might be too tight (not just too loose). Tanya also shares her signature "poo poo ritual," tips for pain-free sex, and a crash course in blueberry lifting—yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. By the end, you'll walk away with real strategies for bladder, bowel, and bedroom health… and a few jokes you'll never un-hear. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:56] Meet Tanya Goodrich [3:18] What the heck is the pelvic floor? [5:17] Pelvic floor PT [6:37] Perimenopause and incontinence [8:56] Kegels are cancelled [11:01] Stop peeing "just-in-case" [20:01] Let's talk about poop [27:44] Chronic pelvic pain [33:18] Sex, menopause, & pain [42:34] Self-care is NOT scary Links: healthypelvis.com @thehealthypelvis on Instagram Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html
Two gynecologists walk into a recording studio.
Sounds like the start of a joke, and frankly, perimenopause can feel like the start of a joke too. Only this joke is on you. And it's not that funny. But back to those two OB/GYNS….
Dr Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch have been caring for the reproductive health of those born with uteruses for a while now. And the doctors are frankly pretty tired of how those body bits — and the people they belong to — get ignored by medical science when they are no longer ideal baby-makers.
Half of a woman's life comes after her Build a Baby shop shuts down; however, the medical community does little to educate her about or treat her for issues related to her peri- and post-menopausal body.
In this smart, funny, incredibly informed, wonderfully irreverent podcast, Doctors Rebecca and Amy give us the down low on our… down lows. What is perimenopause? What can I expect? How can I feel better? And for crying out loud, WHEN IS IT OVER?
Tune in on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month to get the real information without the hype, the sales, the myths, superstitions, and nonsense. Are your ovaries starting to overreact? Grab a partner, a buddy, a random woman who looks on the verge of tears, and listen up. You're not in this alone.
And as the docs say, "You're not crazy. This is actually happening."
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