SHE MD

In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi welcome back Dr. Kelly Casperson to discuss perimenopause, menopause, and hormone therapy with clarity and science instead of fear.
Dr. Casperson explains why perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis, not simply a lab result, and why so many women are dismissed as “too young” or “too old” when their symptoms are real. She addresses the biggest myth about hormone replacement therapy and reframes the conversation around individualized, science-backed risk-benefit decisions.
The discussion dives into testosterone for women, including its impact on libido, motivation, muscle mass, and mood, along with the risks of high-dose hormone pellets. They explore progesterone for sleep, the hysterectomy myth, and why vaginal estrogen is one of the safest and most effective treatments for dryness, painful sex, bladder urgency, and recurrent UTIs.
The episode also tackles the midlife brain, brain fog, and how estrogen influences glucose metabolism. From restoring desire in long-term relationships to navigating alcohol, supplements, and exercise, this conversation reinforces one powerful truth: women are not broken. With the right knowledge and support, midlife can be a season of clarity, strength, and transformation.
Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

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What You’ll Learn:
What perimenopause actually is and why labs are not required for diagnosis
The biggest myth about hormone therapy and how fear shaped menopause care
How testosterone supports libido, motivation, and muscle strength in women
Why vaginal estrogen is safe and essential for preventing dryness and UTIs
What happens to the brain in midlife and why brain fog occurs

Key Timestamps:
(01:30) Introduction and why Dr. Casperson wrote The Menopause Moment
(04:10) The biggest myth about hormone therapy and why fear still shapes menopause care
(09:25) Meet the hormones: testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone in midlife
(11:50) Testosterone for women: libido, motivation, muscle, and dosing concerns
(14:45) Hormone pellets explained: side effects, hair loss, and why removal is difficult
(17:15) Progesterone for sleep and the hysterectomy myth clarified
(24:25) Symptoms of too much estrogen
(26:00) “Senile Vagina” - the “use it or lose it” myth
(33:05) Vaginal atrophy, bladder symptoms, UTIs, and why vaginal estrogen matters
(34:00) How to properly apply vaginal estrogen and why cream can be more effective
(41:20) Great sex in midlife: lube and honest communication
(50:30) Responsive vs spontaneous desire and bringing novelty back to long-term relationships
(56:15) The midlife brain: estrogen, glucose metabolism, and brain fog
(01:02:50) Alcohol, supplements, exercise, and non-hormonal tools for cognitive health
(01:05:00) Final advice for women entering midlife and why you are not broken

Key Takeaways:
Hormone therapy decisions should be individualized and based on science, not fear
Perimenopause is common, real, and often underdiagnosed
Testosterone plays a significant role in women’s well-being beyond libido
Vaginal estrogen is one of the safest and most effective preventive treatments in menopause
Midlife can be a powerful reset when women prioritize their health and mindset

Guest Bio:
Dr. Kelly Casperson is a urologist, educator, and top international podcaster whose mission is empowering women to live their best love lives. In her podcast, You Are Not Broken, she combines science, humor, and candor to dismantle the myths women have learned about sex, intimacy, midlife, and hormones.
Dr. Casperson earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota and completed her surgical training and residency at the University of Colorado. She is a proud member of the American Urological Association, International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and the Society of Women in Urology.
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What does a pap smear test for, and what happens after an abnormal pap smear? In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney interviews Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi to break down exactly what a pap smear is, how HPV affects cervical cancer risk, and what women need to know about abnormal results. A pap smear is a cervical cancer screening test that checks for precancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix. A pap smear does not test for ovarian cancer, uterine conditions, or all sexually transmitted infections. HPV testing is often performed at the same time because high risk HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
Can you have HPV with a normal Pap smear? What actually happens after an abnormal result? Dr. A answers these questions and more, explaining that while most HPV infections clear on their own within one to two years, monitoring and follow-up are key. The bottom line: cervical cancer is highly preventable with routine Pap and HPV screening—but annual well-woman visits are still essential for protecting your long-term health.
Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

Sponsors:
Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at PremierProtein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers.
Midi Health - Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit JoinMidi.com today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit.
Bobbie: If you want to feed with confidence too, head to hibobbie.com — to the formula trusted by parents and loved by their babies — 700k and counting.
Peloton - Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com

What You’ll Learn:
What a pap smear actually tests for and what it does not screen
How HPV and pap smear testing work together to prevent cervical cancer
What abnormal pap smear results like ASCUS, CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3 mean
When a normal pap smear still requires follow up or colposcopy
Why regular pap smear screening makes cervical cancer almost entirely preventable

Key Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 What a pap smear tests for and what it does not check
03:40 HPV explained: low risk vs high risk and why it’s common
05:15 Screening guidelines and why pap smear alone is not enough
07:15 What types of results you can get back from a pap smear
17:20 When you need a colposcopy and what happens during the procedure
22:15 Biopsy results and CIN staging explained
34:00 Treatment options: cryotherapy, LEEP procedure, and cold knife cone
35:40 Risks of aggressive LEEP and pregnancy considerations
38:00 HPV dormancy and common misconceptions
41:45 HPV vaccine recommendations and prevention
43:00 Final takeaway: pap smear schedule vs well woman exam

Key Takeaways:
A pap smear screens for cervical cancer and HPV, not STDs, ovarian cancer, or uterine conditions
High risk HPV, especially types 16 and 18, may require colposcopy even with a normal pap smear
Colposcopy and cervical biopsy confirm whether precancer cells are present and guide treatment
Most HPV infections clear naturally within one to two years
Cervical cancer is preventable with routine pap smear and HPV screening, but annual well woman exams remain essential

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
🌐HPV Vaccine Information (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/index.html
🌐Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines (ACOG): https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/cervical-cancer-screening

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In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi sit down with Hospice Nurse Julie, a hospice and palliative care nurse who has supported thousands of patients and families at the end of life. Together, they gently explore what dying actually looks like, both physically and emotionally, and how understanding the process can help reduce fear.
Julie explains common signs seen in the final days, including terminal lucidity, changes in breathing, the “death rattle,” and decreased awareness, helping listeners understand that many of these experiences are natural and not signs of suffering. They discuss terminal agitation, how hospice teams manage comfort, and the thoughtful use of medications like morphine.
The conversation also emphasizes the importance of end of life planning, including advance directives, family conversations, and making wishes known to reduce guilt and conflict later. Julie shares how her work has changed the way she lives, encouraging presence, gratitude, and honest conversations about mortality. This episode offers comfort, clarity, and reassurance for anyone caring for a loved one, facing serious illness, or simply wanting to approach death with less fear and more understanding.
Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

Sponsors:
Ka’Chava - Stick with your wellness goals. Go to kachava.com and use code SHEMD for 15% off
Peloton - Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com
ButcherBox - As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between organic ground beef, chicken breast or ground turkey in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/SHEMD
Talkiatry: Head to Talkiatry.com/shemd and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes

What You’ll Learn:
How hospice care works and when it’s appropriate
What terminal lucidity is and why it happens
What the “death rattle” is and why it usually does not indicate suffering
How hospice manages comfort, pain, and terminal agitation
Why advance directives and end of life planning matter for families
How talking about death can reduce fear and guilt
How working with dying patients can change the way we live

Key Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to hospice care and why understanding death reduces fear
06:25 What does hospice really mean and when is it appropriate
10:00 What is terminal lucidity and why do some patients suddenly rally
11:30 Julie’s journey as a nurse
14:40 The difference between dying in the ICU and in hospice
19:30 The stages of dying
21:50 What actually happens during the actively dying phase
39:10 Explanation of “visioning”
42:30 What causes the death rattle and is the patient suffering
48:50 When is morphine used and is it always necessary
50:00 What is terminal agitation and how is it managed
53:00 How can families prepare emotionally and practically for end of life
01:00:25 How working with dying patients changes the way you live
01:07:10 Advice for someone who is scared they are dying
01:09:30 Is hospice covered by insurance and Medicare
01:10:30) Final reflections on making death less frightening and more meaningful

Key Takeaways:
Many physical changes at the end of life are natural and not signs of suffering
Comfort, dignity, and presence are the core goals of hospice care
Planning ahead helps families feel confident and united in difficult moments
Being present with a loved one can be more meaningful than trying to control every detail
Understanding death can help us live more fully and with deeper gratitude

Guest Bio:
Julie McFadden, RN, is the bestselling author of Nothing to Fear and a hospice/palliative care nurse with more than fifteen years of experience. Passionate about normalizing death and dying, she has more than one million followers on TikTok as @hospicenursejulie. She has been featured in Newsweek, Time, USA Today, and The Atlantic, and has appeared on Dr. Phil Primetime, Howie Mandel Does Stuff, and elsewhere.

Links:
Hospice Nurse Julie Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulie
Website: https://www.hospicenursejulie.com
Nothing to Fear Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734126/nothing-to-fear-by-julie-mcfadden-rn/
Nothing to Fear Journal: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777758/the-nothing-to-fear-journal-by-julie-mcfadden-rn/

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Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions on body image, food and disordered eating
In this deeply personal episode of SHE MD Podcast, host Mary Alice Haney welcomes Mikayla Nogueira, beauty influencer, MN and mental health advocate. Mikayla opens up about her journey navigating disordered eating, body image struggles, and the pressures of social media, offering an honest and compassionate perspective on self-worth, recovery, and empowerment.
They talk about the tools that helped her get back to a healthier place, like therapy, journaling, better nutrition support, and taking intentional breaks from social media. Mikayla reminds us that healing isn’t a straight line, and that self-compassion, patience, and having the right support system really matter.
This episode offers real-life insight on handling social pressure, building emotional resilience, and learning to show up as your true self. If you’ve ever struggled with self-image, online comparison, or personal growth, this conversation is a supportive reminder to take care of your mental and emotional well-being while honoring your own journey.
Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

Sponsors:
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What You’ll Learn
How to navigate social media and societal pressures without losing self-worth
Practical tools for emotional resilience and personal growth
Strategies for cultivating self-compassion during recovery
How to embrace authenticity and redefine personal beauty standards

Key Timestamps
00:00 Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions on body image, food and disordered eating
08:00 How social media impacted her self-worth and confidence
10:50 Mikayla shares her early experiences with disordered eating and body image struggles
20:40 What helped Mikayla start her recovery journey: therapy, journaling, and self-reflection
27:45 Navigating setbacks and learning patience in the recovery process
39:00 Mindful social media use and creating healthy boundaries
49:20 Wellness hacks and self care
50:00 Advice for others facing similar challenges with confidence and self-image
55:25 Final reflections and empowering takeaways

Key Takeaways
Recovery and growth are non-linear but achievable with self-compassion
Social media boundaries support emotional and mental well-being
Journaling, therapy, and intentional self-reflection are powerful tools for confidence
Authenticity and self-acceptance create lasting empowerment
Sharing personal stories can inspire and uplift others facing similar challenges

Guest Bio –
At just 27 years old, Mikayla's impact on the global beauty sector is unparalleled– her engaging tutorials, honest product reviews, and candid content have garnered a massive following of more than 21 million fans on her personal socials and counting. Seamlessly blending entertainment with her passion to educate, Mikayla has made her love for beauty accessible to a diverse audience around the world; she has not only generated trends but also inspired a new generation of beauty enthusiasts to express themselves through makeup. Her influence has been recognized through prestigious awards and platforms, including winning the 2023 Streamy Award for Beauty Creator of the Year, as well as recognitions in the inaugural TIME100 Creators list for 2025, the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2024, and the Forbes Top Creators list for four years in a row since its inception in 2022. In March 2025, Mikayla’s expertise and entrepreneurial spirit culminated in the record-breaking launch of her own beauty brand, Point of View Beauty, which embodies her commitment to her core values: celebrating authenticity over approval, creating a safe space for experimentation and connection, and encouraging self-expression through beauty without boundaries.

Links
https://www.instagram.com/mikaylajmakeup/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylanogueira?lang=en
https://povbeauty.com/
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

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In this episode of SHE MD Podcast, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney welcome Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to explore the critical role of muscle, protein, and metabolic health in women’s longevity. Dr. Lyon challenges conventional narratives around aging and reframes strength as a foundation for long-term health, independence, and resilience.
The conversation dives into why muscle is far more than an aesthetic goal and how it supports hormonal balance, metabolic health, and functional longevity. Dr. Lyon explains how prioritizing strength can help women protect their health as they age, reduce disease risk, and maintain vitality across every stage of life. Listeners gain clarity on how protein intake, resistance training, and proactive health strategies work together to build resilience. Dr. Lyon emphasizes that the ultimate goal is not simply muscle growth, but creating stronger, more capable humans who can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
This episode empowers women to rethink aging, move away from reactive healthcare, and adopt a proactive approach to strength and longevity. By focusing on function, resilience, and long-term health, Dr. Lyon offers a powerful framework for women to invest in their future selves and redefine what healthy aging truly looks like.
Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

Sponsors:
Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at PremierProtein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers.
Bobbie: If you want to feed with confidence too, head to hibobbie.com — to the formula trusted by parents and loved by their babies — 700k and counting.
Prolon: Just in time for the new year, Prolon is offering SHEMD listeners 15% off their 5-day nutrition program for your post-holiday glow-up when you go to Prolon.com/SHEMD
Peloton - Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com
Talkiatry: Head to Talkiatry.com/shemd and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes

What You’ll Learn
Why muscle is essential for women’s longevity and metabolic health
How protein supports strength, function, and resilience
The connection between strength and long-term independence
How to take a proactive approach to aging well

Key Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
03:15 Why muscle is a critical organ for longevity
13:00 Muscle mass and GLP-1s
23:00 Common misconceptions about strength training for women
25:50 How muscle supports hormonal and metabolic resilience
30:15 Strength, aging, and long-term independence
39:45 How what you are doing in your muscles is affecting your brain
45:00 Reframing longevity through proactive strength building
46:15 Dr. Lyon’s new book The Forever Strong PLAYBOOK
47:45 Final takeaways on resilience, strength, and longevity

Key Takeaways
Muscle is foundational to women’s long-term health and resilience
Strength supports independence, vitality, and quality of life
Protein and resistance training are tools for longevity, not aesthetics
Proactive health strategies create stronger, more capable humans
Aging well starts with investing in strength early

Guest Bio
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon – Founder of Muscle-Centric Medicine® Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is a board-certified, fellowship-trained physician and New York Times bestselling author of FOREVER STRONG: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well. She is also the author of the upcoming book, The Forever Strong PLAYBOOK (Atria Books, Jan 27, 2026).
Her Muscle-Centric Medicine® approach places skeletal muscle at the center of disease prevention, metabolic health, and longevity. She works with elite athletes, military operatives, public figures, and everyday women, focusing on practical strategies to maintain muscle, strength, and resilience at home while raising her two children with her husband, a retired Navy SEAL. Dr. Lyon’s training includes dual clinical fellowships in geriatrics and nutritional sciences at Washington University, as well as undergraduate studies in nutritional sciences at the University of Illinois. She is a highly sought-after educator and consultant, specializing in protein optimization, functional movement, and evidence-based strategies to preserve muscle and metabolic health throughout life.

Links
Instagram: @drgabriellelyon
Tiktok: @drgabriellelyon
Linkedin: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
YouTube: @DrGabrielleLyon
Website: drgabriellelyon.com
THE FOREVER STRONG PLAYBOOK (Atria Books) on January 27, 2026 as a follow-up to her New York Times bestselling book, FOREVER STRONG.
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