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 jo...
Perimenopause: the magical time of life when your emotions decide to go on an unpredictable rollercoaster ride, leaving you laughing, crying, and irrationally furious—all within the span of a single coffee break. This is the first in a three-part series about your brain during perimenopause. In part one, OvaryActive hosts Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch dive deep into the murky waters of hormones, mood swings, and cognitive hiccups that make perimenopause feel like an elaborate prank. Good (?) news: you're definitely not alone in feeling like your brain is working against you. The Docs are getting into the science behind perimenopause’s mind games. They discuss how neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine get caught in the hormonal crossfire, making mood change an unfortunate reality. In more good news (and this really is good), the Docs also highlight the importance of understanding brain chemistry, recognizing symptoms, and—most importantly—knowing that treatment options exist. Hear about treatment avenues, including cognitive behavioral therapy, self-care strategies, and the importance of seeking help for intrusive thoughts. If you’ve ever found yourself inexplicably rage-cleaning the kitchen or crying over a commercial, listen and share. What you’ll hear in this episode: [:44] Understanding mood changes in perimenopause [3:08] Impact of external stressors [8:04] Depression as a risk [13:15] Brain chemistry and hormones [19:24] Understanding hormones and mood [21:41] Navigating treatment options [26:10] Cognitive behavioral therapy [28:36] Prioritizing self-care [34:50] Addressing mental health concerns 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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36:40
Ep 11 | Weight Management During Perimenopause
Ah, perimenopause, that magical time when your body decides to play metabolic musical chairs without telling you the rules. Suddenly your favorite jeans feel like they belong to someone else and the weight gain is like a surprise subscription box — you don’t remember signing up for it, but it keeps showing up! In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs are chatting with Stasi Kasianchuk, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Exercise Physiologist, and Gennev’s Senior Director of Lifestyle Care. Stasi is on the show to talk all about the complexities of hormonal shifts and weight gain during perimenopause. She is going to help us decode what’s actually happening under the hood and why your metabolism seems to suddenly be running on a different operating system. Drs. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Amy Voedisch, along with RDN Stasi, discuss the role of genetics, the importance of shifting health goals, and how to foster a better relationship with our ever-changing bodies. The team are covering everything from the best exercise strategies for perimenopausal bodies to the power of protein, fiber, and a solid night’s sleep (yes, it’s possible). They also address myths about body types, discuss the rising rates of diabetes in this demographic, and stress the importance of self-care. Listen (and share!) for practical tips, a reality check on diet culture, and some much-needed reassurance that you’re not alone on this hormonal rollercoaster. What you’ll hear in this episode: [0:55] Meet Stasi Kasianchuk [5:28] Genetics & your health [6:47] Hormones & weight changes [16:18] Realistic expectations for weight management [24:13] Making sense of exercise recommendations [31:21] Nutrition in perimenopause [34:23] Finding nutritional balance [48:25] Addressing diabetes in perimenopausal women Links & Resources: https://www.gennev.com/clinician/stasi-kasianchuk 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
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55:40
Ep 10 | Menopause, Mood Swings, & Mojo––Keeping the Spark Alive
Perimenopause: the time in a woman’s life when her hormones decide to play an elaborate game of musical chairs, and her body is just along for the ride. As if hot flashes and brain fog weren’t enough, let’s talk about another under-discussed topic—sexual health. In this episode the Docs are talking all about the complexities of intimacy, desire, and connection during perimenopause because, spoiler alert, sexual health doesn’t just disappear after 40 (or at least, it doesn’t have to). Joining the conversation is Dr. Leah Millheiser, a sexual medicine expert who knows a thing or two about keeping the spark alive. Alongside hosts Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch, she addresses societal myths, the science behind libido, and why “just drink some wine and relax” is possibly the worst advice ever. They explore the role of hormones, communication, and the importance of treating sexual health like any other part of well-being—because if we don’t ignore heart health, why ignore bedroom health? From emotional intimacy to testosterone, vibrators, and even the role of Viagra in women’s sexual health, this episode covers it all. If you’ve ever wondered why desire sometimes feels like a fickle houseguest or why talking about sex with your doctor is more awkward than a middle school health class, this episode is for you. What you’ll hear in this episode: [3:17] The gift of good sex for Valentine Day [6:14] Blazing a trail for female sexual medicine [9:48] Female sexual is complex–sexual function & libido [19:14] Communication & intimacy in relationships [34:42] Desire mismatch & relationship goals [40:01] Treatment options for low libido [52:53] Vibrators & clitoral stimulation ARE important [56:46] Navigating sexual health conversations Resources Mentioned: Emergency Sex and Other Desperate Measures: A True Story From Hell On Earth 5lovelanguages.com/learn 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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59:04
Ep 9 | Hormone Replacement Therapy Series: Women’s Health Initiative
What do brain fog, bone health, and breast cancer all have in common? They’re all part of the rollercoaster ride that is menopause. Ever wondered how hormone therapy became such a controversial topic, or why some studies seem to contradict each other? And is it possible to navigate perimenopause without feeling like a contestant on "Survivor: Hormonal Edition"? Grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine—we won’t judge) and join the Docs for an enlightening discussion. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch tackle the ins and outs of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI)—one of the most significant studies in women's health—breaking down its design, purpose, and the ongoing debates around hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They get into the ripple effects of the WHI findings, touching on everything from cardiovascular and bone health to diabetes and cognitive function. With a blend of expertise and wit, they cut through the noise and help you make sense of the science, while keeping it refreshingly relatable. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how hormone therapy can impact their health, the risks and benefits involved, and why individualized care is essential during perimenopause. This episode is your roadmap to navigating menopause with confidence—and maybe even a little humor—so share with friends who could also use the help! Learn more about the Women’s Health Initiative: www.whi.org. What you’ll hear in this episode: [:31] Recap of Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) [6:58] Hormone therapy groups and primary outcomes [12:58] Bone health and hormone therapy [16:07] Metabolic disease and diabetes risk [18:09] Cardiovascular disease and hormone therapy [20:50] Blood clot risks and hormone therapy [22:53] Dementia and hHormone therapy [25:05] Understanding Perimenopausal Brain Fog [27:31] Some info on breast cancer and estrogen [34:08] Personalized medical decisions [37:51] Advocate for yourself 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 8 | Hormone Replacement Therapy Series: Estrogen
What do a 1940s scientific breakthrough, a 2000s public health scandal, and your perimenopause symptoms have in common? Answer: Estrogen. In this episode, the Docs kick off a hormone therapy series by telling listeners the dramatic story of estrogen. How “she” got famous, suffered a scandal, and is beginning to resurge in light of more information on menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor–Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch mix science, history, and some observations on how medical research has typically treated women to explain how randomized controlled trials and evolving interpretations of data have reshaped our understanding of hormone therapy. And why getting the facts straight matters more than ever. Whether you’re curious about the science, interested in the drama, or just wondering how hormone therapy became so complicated, this episode delivers the goods. What you’ll hear in this episode: [:45] Intro to Hormone Therapy Series [5:30] The history of estrogen [8:32] Hormone therapy on the rise [13:24] Digging into some research observational studies randomized control studies [23:31] HRT as preventive medicine [25:06] HERS study: HRT and heart health [31:52] Ethical considerations [38:14] Coming up in our HRT series Learn more about the Women’s Health Initiative at www.whi.org 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