Our Womanity Q & A with Dr. Rachel Pope

Dr. Rachel Pope
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Dr. Rachel Pope, along with women's healthcare professionals, experts, and inspiring women address commonly asked (and not asked) questions about, health equity, sexual health, menopause, perimenopause, reproductive health care, anatomy, aging and more. Whether you have questions about periods, pregnancy, or menopause, we will do our best to address them here! 

  1. 7. 15-Minute Consult: Acne and Facial Hair in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Melissa Mauskar

    APR 15

    7. 15-Minute Consult: Acne and Facial Hair in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Melissa Mauskar

    As a board-certified OBGYN, I’m the first to admit: while I’m an expert in hormones and menopause, I am not a dermatologist. Yet, my patients come to me every day with skin concerns that feel like "cruel and unusual punishment." You’re already dealing with hot flashes and night sweats—why are the cystic acne and chin hairs back too? To give you the answers you deserve, here is a "15-minute consultation" with my go-to expert and dear friend, Dr. Melissa Mauskar. Dr. Mauskar is a double-threat: a Dermatologist and Associate Professor in both the Departments of Dermatology and OBGYN at UT Southwestern. She is the Director of Genital Dermatology and Women’s Health and a leading expert in vulvar dermatoses. In this episode, we dive into the "Big Three" of menopausal skin: 1. The Return of the Adult Acne Why are we getting "teenager" pimples in our 50s? Dr. Mauskar explains the "hormonal dance" of perimenopause—specifically the relative androgen excess that happens when estrogen dips. The Gold Standard: Why retinoids (like Tazarotene) are the "heavy hitters" for both acne and aging. The Spironolactone Debate: We discuss why this anti-androgen is a first-line treatment for skin, but why I, as a sexual health expert, have some serious reservations about its impact on libido.2. The "Wisdom" Hairs (Chin Beards & Upper Lips) Dr. Mauskar breaks down why terminal hairs start popping up on the chin and why you need to act before they turn white if you want laser hair removal to work. (Plus, I share a quick story about why chin hairs are actually a sign of wisdom in Sub-Saharan Africa!) 3. The Widening Part: Hair Thinning It is incredibly frustrating to see your hair density drop just as your hormones shift. We discuss: Topical vs. Oral Minoxidil: Which one is right for your hair-washing routine? The 6-Month Rule: Why patience is the most important ingredient in any hair growth protocol. Red Light Caps: Are they worth the investment, or should you stick to the basics?Connect with Dr. Melissa Mauskar Professional Profile: UT Southwestern Medical Center - Dr. Melissa Mauskar Specialty: Genital Dermatology, Lichen Sclerosis, and Women's Health.Key Resources Mentioned Tazarotene: A potent retinoid Dr. Mauskar prefers over traditional Tretinoin for better tolerance.Spironolactone: A common oral medication for hormonal acne (use with caution regarding sexual side effects!).

    12 min
  2. 6. Testosterone in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Tami Rowen

    MAR 16

    6. Testosterone in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Tami Rowen

    Is testosterone the "missing piece" of your hormone puzzle, or is it a social media-fueled performance enhancer? In this deep-dive episode, Dr. Rachel Pope is joined by Dr. Tami Rowen, a lead gynecologist at UCSF and expert in sexual and transgender health, to separate data from hype. They tackle the confusing world of testosterone for women—from its role in desire and energy to the hidden history of how it was once used to protect the uterus. In This Episode, We Discuss: The HSDD Breakthrough: Why the best-known data for testosterone is in treating Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), and the surprising truth about the doses used in successful clinical trials. The "Menopause Cliff" Myth: Why testosterone doesn't actually crash at menopause, but rather begins a slow, steady decline in your 30s. Dosing & Safety: The difference between "physiologic" levels (what you had in your 20s) and "supra-physiologic" doses (performance-enhancing levels) often seen in boutique pellet clinics. The Breast Cancer Debate: Is testosterone protective or risky? Dr. Rowen explains the "anti-proliferative" nature of the hormone and the nuances of aromatization into estrogen. The "Estratest" History: A look back at why we once used estrogen and testosterone together to protect the uterine lining—long before progesterone became the standard. Cognition, Mood, & Muscle: Does it actually help with brain fog or gym gains? We look at why the data is mixed and the power of the "placebo effect." The FDA Gap: Why the U.S. still lacks a testosterone product specifically approved for women and what that means for your prescriptions.Key Resources & Mentions: ISSWISH: International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Dr. Tami Rowen: UCSF Health Profile Research Study: The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) and the 300mcg testosterone patch trials.About Our Guest:Dr. Tami Rowen is a board-certified OB/GYN and Associate Professor at UCSF. She is a nationally recognized expert in sexual medicine, transgender health, and complex gynecological care for cancer survivors. If you found this episode helpful, please Rate, Review, and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Your support helps us bring this vital information to more women. Follow Dr. Rachel Pope: Instagram: @DrRachelPope Website: OurWomanity.com

    23 min
  3. 5. Hormone Therapy in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Rachel Pope

    MAR 11

    5. Hormone Therapy in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Rachel Pope

    "Hormones—what is the deal with them?" In this special solo episode, Dr. Rachel Pope pulls back the curtain on the world of hormone therapy (HT). While we know that hormones are vital for cardiovascular health, bone density, and quality of life, there is still so much the medical community is uncovering about the "perfect" dose and duration for the average woman. Dr. Pope gets personal in this episode, sharing her own recent experience with perimenopausal symptoms—from heart palpitations to her first-ever migraine—and how tracking her cycle led her to a life-changing realization about estrogen fluctuations. In this episode, we break down: The "Extreme" Ends of Menopause: Why early menopause (POI) and late menopause both carry significant health risks and what they teach us about the power of estrogen. Hormone Breakdown: What do Estradiol, Progesterone, and Testosterone actually do for your sleep, mood, anxiety, and libido? Systemic vs. Topical: Why a patch might help your hot flashes, but you might still need a cream or ring for vaginal and bladder health. The Perimenopause "Storm": How the week before your period reveals the first signs of hormonal decline (and why you might not need a million different medications to fix it). The Safety Debate: A candid look at the Women’s Health Initiative data, breast cancer risks, and why Dr. Pope isn't "batting an eye" at low-dose transdermal estrogen for healthy women. The DEXA Scan Dilemma: Why waiting until age 65 for a bone density scan might be too late, and why Dr. Pope advocates for earlier screening.Key Takeaways: You are an individual: There is no "one size fits all" for how long you should stay on hormones. It requires a yearly conversation with your doctor to weigh your unique risks vs. benefits. Prevention is key: Hormone therapy isn't just about stopping hot flashes; it's about protecting your heart, brain, and bones for the long haul. It’s not the "Fountain of Youth": While hormones are underutilized, they aren't a cure-all. Balanced medical care still means addressing mental health and lifestyle alongside HRT.Are you curious if your symptoms are "just aging" or actually perimenopause? Subscribe and listen to Our Womanity as we dive deeper into these topics with world-class experts throughout this series!

    17 min
  4. 4. Disordered Eating in Perimenopause & Menopause with Lucene Wisniewski, Ph.D., FAED

    FEB 24

    4. Disordered Eating in Perimenopause & Menopause with Lucene Wisniewski, Ph.D., FAED

    "By age 40, one in five women has dealt with an eating disorder—twice the rate we see by age 21." – Harvard University While society often frames eating disorders as a struggle for teenagers, the reality is that women in midlife are increasingly vulnerable. In this episode, Dr. Rachel Pope addresses the "silent epidemic" affecting millions of women as they navigate the convergence of hormonal shifts, body image pressures, and life transitions. As we continue our New Year’s series on weight management and GLP-1 medications, Dr. Pope is joined by internationally recognized expert Dr. Lucene Wisniewski. Together, they discuss the thin line between a healthy focus on nutrition and the onset of disordered eating. Why do perimenopause and menopause create a "biological window of risk"? How do we distinguish between "discipline" and "obsession"? Dr. Lucene Wisniewski, PhD, FAED, is a leader in eating disorder treatment and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with nearly 30 years of experience. She provides a compassionate, evidence-based look at how women can protect their mental health while pursuing physical wellness. In this episode, we discuss: The Hormonal Connection: Why the menopause transition is a high-risk period for both relapses and "de novo" (new) eating disorders. Effective vs. Rigid Eating: Moving away from black-and-white "food rules" toward a flexible, social, and balanced relationship with fuel. Red Flags in Midlife: How to identify signs of preoccupation, body checking, and the moralization of food. The "Binge-Restrict" Cycle: Why "not eating" is often the biggest trigger for out-of-control eating. Tracking Apps & Tech: When tools like macro-trackers stop being helpful and start becoming a "life stance." ARFID in Adults: Understanding Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and how it differs from traditional anorexia. Supporting Others: How to broach a conversation with a friend or family member without causing shame (and why you should never do it at the dinner table).National Resources for Help: NEDA Helpline: (800) 931-2237 Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741 ANAD Helpline: (888) 375-7767About Our Guest:Dr. Lucene Wisniewski is the Founder and Chief Clinical Officer of the Center for Evidence-Based Treatment (CEBT). She is a Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University. Connect with Dr. Wisniewski: Website: cebtohio.comConnect with Dr. Rachel Pope: Website: ourwomanity.com Social Media: @drrachelpope

    32 min
  5. 3. Eating for Satiety & Longevity in Perimenopause & Menopause with Gretchen Spetz, RD

    FEB 10

    3. Eating for Satiety & Longevity in Perimenopause & Menopause with Gretchen Spetz, RD

    "I’m eating exactly the same way I always have, but I’m gaining weight." If this sounds like you, you aren’t alone—and you aren’t broken. In this episode, Dr. Rachel Pope sits down with registered dietitian Gretchen Spetz to explain why the traditional "calories in, calories out" model fails women in perimenopause and menopause. As estradiol declines, our bodies undergo a profound physiological shift. Our basal metabolic rate can drop by up to 300 calories, our "fullness" hormones become less sensitive, and our cells become more resistant to insulin. The result? Frustration, fatigue, and the "midsection creep" that seems to happen overnight. Gretchen Spetz is a registered dietitian who specializes in integrative and functional nutrition. She joins the show to provide a "food-first" roadmap to navigating these changes. We move past the grim statistics to focus on the silver lining: the specific tweaks you can make today to outsmart your biology. In this episode, we discuss: The 300-Calorie Gap: Why your metabolic rate shifts and how declining muscle mass is the primary culprit. The Satiety Struggle: Why you might feel hungry all the time and how to trigger your "fullness" hormones (GLP-1 and CCK) naturally through your diet. Insulin Resistance 101: The "Taxi Cab" analogy for blood sugar and how to avoid the mid-afternoon energy crash. Muscle-Centric Nutrition: Why 30g of protein per meal is the "magic number" for stimulating muscle protein synthesis and protecting your bones. The Fiber "Pick Two" Rule: How to hit your 25g daily fiber goal to lower chronic inflammation and support gut health. Creatine & Supplements: Why creatine is no longer just for bodybuilders and how it can help women with brain fog and strength. The "Soil Quality" Reality: How modern farming impacts the nutrients in your vegetables and how to source the best produce.About Our Guest:Gretchen Spetz, MS, RDN, LD, IFNCP, is the founder of The Functional Kitchen. She uses a functional medicine approach to help women in midlife address the root causes of chronic disease and weight management through nutrition and lifestyle. Connect with Gretchen: Website: gretchenspetzrd.com Free Guide: Protein & Fiber First Guide Instagram: @gretchenspetzrd

    29 min
  6. 2. GLP-1s & Metabolic Health in Perimenopause & Menopause with Ann Konkoly, WHNP-BC

    FEB 3

    2. GLP-1s & Metabolic Health in Perimenopause & Menopause with Ann Konkoly, WHNP-BC

    Weight frustration in perimenopause isn't just about vanity—it’s about a physiological shift that changes how our bodies handle fuel. In this episode, Dr. Rachel Pope sits down with midlife health expert Ann Konkoly to demystify GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Zepbound), the hidden dangers of visceral fat, and why the scale is often a "shitty measurement" for your actual health. In this episode, we discuss: The "Middle" Mystery: Why the "eat less, move more" mantra fails women in perimenopause and how this transition impacts weight maintenance. GLP-1s Beyond Weight Loss: Ann explains the metabolic benefits of these medications, including reducing neuroinflammation and protecting the heart and kidneys. The Hidden Danger of Visceral Fat: Why a "normal BMI" can be misleading and how internal fat affects your risk for chronic disease. Synergy with MHT: How optimizing cardiovascular health can create a safer "on-ramp" for starting hormone replacement therapy. Preserving Lean Muscle: Strategies for "muscle-centric medicine" to ensure weight loss doesn't come at the expense of your strength and bone density. The HOMA-IR Hack: A simple way to use fasting glucose and insulin levels to see if insulin resistance is your primary roadblock. Planning for your later years: Why the choices you make in your 40s and 50s determine your mobility and independence in your 80s and 90s.The "Proactive Midlife" Lab Checklist Ann suggests asking your provider for these specific markers to get a true picture of your metabolic health: Fasting Insulin & Fasting Glucose (to calculate your HOMA-IR score). Lipid Panel (focusing on Triglycerides). Lipoprotein(a) & hs-CRP (markers of inflammation and genetic heart risk). Body Composition Analysis (to track muscle mass vs. visceral fat).About Ann: Ann Konkoly is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She is the founder and CEO of Kultivate Women’s Health in Beachwood, Ohio, where she specializes in evidence-based hormone therapy, metabolic health, and medical weight management. Connect with Ann: Website: www.kultivatewomenshealth.com/about Instagram: www.instagram.com/annkonkoly.npConnect with Dr. Rachel Pope: Website: ourwomanity.comSocial Media: @drrachelpope

    31 min
  7. 1. Exercise and Nutrition through Perimenopause & Menopause with Jody Trostler

    JAN 21

    1. Exercise and Nutrition through Perimenopause & Menopause with Jody Trostler

    Many women reach midlife feeling frustrated that what once worked no longer does. Despite exercising regularly and eating “healthy,” they experience weight gain, fatigue, injuries, and stalled progress. Host Dr. Rachel Pope is joined by Jody Trostler, certified menopause fitness and health coach, master health coach, and personal trainer, to discuss how hormonal shifts change the body’s response to exercise and nutrition — and what women can do now to support their health, strength, and metabolism. Why the Midlife Body Changes Jody explains that the perimenopausal transition brings significant metabolic and hormonal shifts that affect muscle, fat distribution, recovery, and energy balance. Many women unknowingly enter a state of low energy availability, meaning they are under-fueling relative to their activity and stress levels. Common consequences include: Increased injuries and poor recovery Fatigue and brain fog Stubborn midsection weight gain Slowed metabolismEven women who exercise frequently and eat “clean” are often impacted. From Cardio to Strength & Fueling Jody emphasizes that muscle becomes a critical protective organ during midlife. As estrogen declines, women naturally lose muscle unless they actively work to preserve it. Without strength training, this contributes to metabolic slowdown, fat gain, and loss of functional ability. Key strategies discussed include: Prioritizing strength training over excessive cardio Supporting workouts with adequate protein and overall fuel Reducing chronic physical stress and improving recovery Starting gradually with body-weight training for beginnersThe focus shifts from weight loss to building strength, metabolic health, and long-term independence. Jody and Rachel remind listeners that menopause is not a failure of the body, but a transition into a new phase that requires new strategies — ones that support resilience, function, and lifelong health.

    28 min
  8. 14. Perimenopause: Cardiology with Dr. Lisa Larkin

    2025-11-10

    14. Perimenopause: Cardiology with Dr. Lisa Larkin

    Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women nationwide, yet during midlife—the crucial time for prevention—many women fall out of regular medical care. Host Dr. Rachel Pope is joined by Dr. Lisa Larkin, an internal medicine and women's health expert and founder of Ms. Medicine. They discuss why women's cardiovascular risk spikes around menopause and what you can do about it now. The Midlife Risk SpikeDr. Larkin highlights a failure in the healthcare system: women aged 40 to 60 often receive the least medical care, right when prevention is most critical. The perimenopausal transition causes rapid and significant metabolic changes: Cholesterol rises and HDL protection declines. Development of insulin resistance. Increase in visceral fat (the "risky fat" around organs), which is a marker for cardiovascular disease.Standard risk tools often underestimate risk in women because they don't account for sex-specific factors like adverse pregnancy outcomes (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes). Women are also often allowed to run higher blood pressures, missing opportunities for early intervention. Management & The "Missed Boat" QuestionDr. Larkin stresses that Body Composition is more important than BMI, as most women gain risky visceral fat during this time. She recommends tracking body composition annually. For women in their mid-60s who ask if they've missed the boat on prevention or Hormone Therapy (HT): Assessment is Key: Dr. Larkin performs a highly individualized assessment, often utilizing a Coronary Calcium Score to check for established plaque. If Risk is Low: A patient with perfect health metrics and a Calcium Score of zero may still be a candidate for HT to treat symptoms and support bone health. If Risk is High: The priority is to aggressively fix every single risk factor (hypertension, elevated lipids) before considering hormones, as established plaque may carry more risk with estrogen.Dr. Larkin emphasizes that women must be their best advocates because the healthcare system is currently failing to provide the comprehensive care needed during this pivotal stage of life.

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Dr. Rachel Pope, along with women's healthcare professionals, experts, and inspiring women address commonly asked (and not asked) questions about, health equity, sexual health, menopause, perimenopause, reproductive health care, anatomy, aging and more. Whether you have questions about periods, pregnancy, or menopause, we will do our best to address them here! 

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