Ep 19 | Battle of the Belly Bulge: Weight Loss Meds & Perimenopause
Welcome to the magical mystery tour that is perimenopause, where your hormones throw a rave and forget to invite your metabolism. In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs tackle the ever-fun topic of weight gain during perimenopause—because just when you thought you had your fitness routine down, suddenly your jeans won’t button no matter what you do. Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su are here to tell us what’s really going on with our bodies during this hormonal joyride. They talk through the outdated gospel of BMI, the realities of lifestyle changes (yes, we see you, kale), and the current science of obesity treatment, fresh off the Obesity Medicine Association runway. From GLP-1s to diabetes meds and everything in between, they cover the full pharmacy aisle of weight loss medications—along with the pros, cons, and costs. Listeners will gain clarity, a few laughs, and a better idea of what might actually work for you. What you’ll hear in this episode: [0:31] Hot Topic: Weight loss & perimenopause [1:35] Obesity Medicine Association Conference insights [3:48] Body composition vs. BMI [7:06] The role of medications in weight management [12:31] Who’s a candidate for weight loss medications? [18:15] Did you know there are categories?! [22:43] GLP-1s [27:39] How does one even choose? [30:36] What’s the price tag? [32:00] Wait–there are risks to losing weight during perimenopause? [34:10] Nutrition and lifestyle are very important [35:05] Looking into the [metaphorical] crystal ball 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 18 | Birth Control During Perimenopause (yes, you might need it!)
Ahhhh…perimenopause: the delightful phase of life where your hormones throw a rager and forget to invite you. If you thought contraception was a concern of your younger years, think again. In this episode, the Docs are tackling the wild world of birth control during perimenopause—because yes, you can still get pregnant, and yes, that’s as terrifying as it sounds. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch are talking about everything from IUDs to sterilization myths, and explaining why contraception still matters even when your cycle starts playing hide-and-seek.They break down the science behind IUDs, birth control pills, and other contraceptive options, all while dispelling common misconceptions. Spoiler alert: IUDs do more than just prevent pregnancy—they can also help manage heavy bleeding and cramping. And birth control pills? Turns out they might just be the unsung heroes of perimenopausal symptom control. This episode is full of information (and some laughs), including your birth control options, the latest advancements like the Nextstellis pill, and why hormones like estetrol and drospirenone are making waves in menopause management. We also cover emergency contraception (because life happens) and safe sex practices—because STIs don’t care how old you are. So grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine and join us for a candid, insightful, and slightly irreverent conversation about contraception in your 40s and beyond. What you’ll hear in this episode: [3:34] Understanding contraception during perimenopause [7:09] How do you choose the right method? [13:51] Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARS) [16:03] IUDs and their benefits [28:17] The pill [34:37] Nextstellis and E4 [41:42] IUDs as hormone therapy [46:22] Emergency contraception [50:24] Barriers to contraception and STI prevention 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 17 | Perimenopause, Pain, and Misinformation with Dr. Jen Gunter
Perimenopause: it’s not just hot flashes and rage-cleaning your kitchen at 2 a.m. (although that’s part of it). In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs get into the chaos and confusion that is hormonal fluctuation with none other than Dr. Jen Gunter, the internet’s favorite OBGYN and myth-slayer-in-chief. From PMS to PMDD to bleeding that seems to follow no known calendar system, this conversation tackles the messy, misunderstood realities of perimenopause with wit, wisdom, and zero tolerance for pseudoscience. Dr. Gunter is a bestselling author and advocate for fact-based women’s health. She brings her signature blend of science, sass, and serious credentials to a conversation that pulls back the curtain on topics that often get ignored—or worse, wildly misrepresented. Whether you’ve read The Vagina Bible or just Googled “why does everything hurt after 40,” this is one guest you’ll want to hear from. What you’ll hear in this episode: [0:28] Meet Dr. Jen Gunter: author & OBGYN [3:26] Misinformation impacts women’s health [8:04] Perimenopause myths [11:05] A legit treatment plan is more than essential oils and good vibes [16:34] When bleeding becomes an issue [25:15] PMS and PMDD – two acronyms of perimenopause [30:38] Pain is not “just part of being a woman’ [33:16] Break the silence with your vaginal health [37:23] Caring for your vulva and vagina [51:48] Information is power! Connect with Dr. Jen Gunter: drjengunter.com @drjengunger 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 16 | Ask Us Anything: Perimenopause Edition
Perimenopause: it’s like puberty’s older, meaner cousin who shows up uninvited and messes with your thermostat. We asked for your all-things-perimenopause questions on Instagram, and now Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch are here to answer! In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs take listener questions in an “Ask Us Anything” session where no question is too personal, too awkward, or too hormonally charged. From postpartum to perimenopause, they unpack how these hormonal roller coasters are more connected than you think—and why your 30s and 40s feel like a chaotic sequel to adolescence. You’ll gain clarity on spotting perimenopause symptoms, realistic expectations for hormone therapy, and the lowdown on whether those TikTok GLP-1 weight loss trends are legit—or just another expensive fad. This episode is full of science AND the kind of real talk you wish came with your last OB-GYN appointment. What you’ll hear in this episode: [1:33] Exploring connections between postpartum and perimenopause [8:09] Predicting perimenopause: what signs to look for [12:30] Heavy, heavy periods [19:11] Low (to ‘negative-zero’) libido [24:26] Advice on synthetic hormones/bio identical hormones [32:12] GLP-1 medications for weight loss during perimenopause 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 15 | Perimenopause & Your Skincare Routine
Let’s face it—perimenopause isn’t exactly known for its sparkling perks (unless you consider surprise hot flashes a “perk”). But what it does bring is a whole new relationship with your skincare routine. In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs are diving into the hormonal chaos that makes your skin suddenly act like a moody teenager again—and what you can actually do about it––without buying 47 different serums. Joining the Docs is the fabulous Dr. Jessica Healy, who brings her expert insights and her sunscreen to explain the science (and nonsense) behind skincare. This trio of Docs is talking about everything from niacinamide to red light therapy, the truth about oral collagen, and yes, even the mysterious world of biotin and your brittle nails. You’ll leave with practical tips, a little more science know-how, and maybe, just maybe, the willpower to finally toss that 10-step skincare routine you never really liked anyway. What you’ll hear in this episode: [:40] Meet Dr. Jessica Healy [2:24] I’m wandering Sephora, send help! [8:35] What SPF do I need? [13:49] Is retinol beneficial? [16:38] Is Vitamin C serum worth the price tag? [19:34] Oh no, that made me turn red! [24:33] Exploring topical estrogens [27:11] To collagen or not to collagen? [31:54] What’s trending? [34:32] The wonders of red light therapy [37:57] Let’s breakdown your day and night routine [42:16] Don’t forget your nails! Links: dermspecpa.com 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.”
USA