Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast Georgie Kovacs

How are metabolism, health, and menopause linked? Listen as Dr. Lara Briden shares insights from her new book, Metabolism Repair for Women.
Episode Summary
In this episode, we hear from Dr. Lara Briden, naturopathic doctor and celebrated author of “Period Repair Manual.” Dr. Briden joins Fempower Heath to discuss metabolic health in light of her newest book, "Metabolism Repair for Women." Known for her thorough and research-based approach to women's health, Lara shares her expertise on the often misunderstood topic of metabolic health—particularly its significance during the perimenopausal and menopausal stages of a woman’s life.
Discussed in this episode:
The connection between metabolic health, general health, mental health, and women's hormonesWhy metabolism health is not just about weight loss but about overall energy and well-beingHow hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can lead to insulin resistance How hormonal birth control can have different metabolic effectsWays to manage and improve metabolic health during perimenopause and menopauseThe potential metabolic benefits of a low-carb diet and its role in reducing cravings for carbohydrates
"What's happening metabolically in the brain at menopause is potentially going to have long-term consequences."​​ -  Dr. Lara Briden
Related to this episode:
Resources on Perimenopause and MenopauseCheck out Dr. Lara Briden’s books:  Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for WomenLearn more about Dr. Lara Briden and follow her on Instagram
If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:
Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and a href="https://twitter.com/fempower_health" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Episode was first played on November 29, 2022 - In this episode, Fempower Health interviews Dr. Peta Wright about endometriosis and pelvic pain. Dr. Wright is a gynecologist, fertility specialist, and the founder of Vera Women’s Wellness: a whole woman's approach to endometriosis healing and recovery. 
Together, they discuss endometriosis surgery, treating women with endometriosis, common underlying correlations of pelvic pain, and what we can do to help women in a society that makes pain and periods two “enemies” of productivity. 
Discussed in this episode:
Dr. Wright’s observation of conventional gynecology today, especially when diagnosing endometriosisCan pelvic pain and endometriosis symptoms be correlated with childhood trauma?Laparoscopies vs other types of treatment for endometriosisWhat to address when seeing a patient with severe endometriosis painExamples of surgery outcomes and when it is and isn’t appropriate for treating endoIs pelvic pain the enemy or is it a sign the body needs to be heard?How fear-based language in medicine pathologizes women’s bodies 
“I don’t think surgery should be what validates a woman’s pain. I think she should be validated when you first see her and she’s talking about her pain.” - Dr. Peta WrightRelated to this episode:
Learn about verawomenswellness.com.au Follow Dr. Peta Wright on Instagram Check out the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) StudyResources and episodes on Endometriosis

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:
Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the...

Learn about menopause and mental health from clinical psychologist Dr. Allie Sharma on the Fempower Health Podcast.
Episode Summary
While menopause is assumed to come with hot flashes and menstrual changes, there are also mental effects of menopause that are less commonly discussed. In this episode, Dr. Allie Sharma—a clinical psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health—discusses the impacts of perimenopause and menopause on mood and the brain. She emphasizes the need for education and integrated care models for women navigating this significant life transition and shares her thoughts on how this can be done.
Listen as we discuss the relationship between hormonal changes, depression/anxiety, and navigating the healthcare system during menopause. Dr. Sharma also offers expert insights on menopause mental health symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and advocating for your health at this phase of life.
Discussion Topics
The differences between perimenopause and menopauseThe relationship between menopause and mental health issues How hormonal changes can result in mental health symptomsWhy women are at higher risk for depression and anxiety during perimenopauseThe role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in managing menopause symptomsHow perimenopause can affect relationships and family dynamicsCommon sexual health issues during menopause and how they can be addressedStrategies to help you advocate for your health effectivelyHow family members can better support women during perimenopause and menopause
“If you're experiencing new onset anxiety or depression in your forties, it's crucial to consider hormonal changes as a potential cause and seek appropriate treatment.” Dr. Allie SharmaRelated to this episode:
Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause
Resources and episodes on Mental Health
Learn more about Dr. Allie Sharma and follow her on InstagramReferenced in the Episode: CNN Article on Perimenopause and Mental Health Reference in the Episode: Penn Ovarian Aging Study (POAS)
If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:
Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7MyhmKQ9RfxODSMZwblnYP?si=b53127f76eca44d4" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Originally Published October 25, 2021. Inspired by an upcoming episode with Dr Prior about perimenopause, specifically, I thought it important to revisit the need to understand the important roles of BOTH estrogen AND progesterone.
We’ve all been told about the powerful effects of estrogen on a woman’s reproductive cycle. But more people are now learning that progesterone is equally as important. With so much research and discussion regarding hormone imbalances in women today, experts confirm that these two female sex hormones are critical to more than just sex and pregnancy— they’re vital to every woman’s health.
In this episode, Dr. Jerilynn Prior of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR) shares essential information about the roles that estrogen and progesterone play in not only ovulation but basic health. She explains why hormone imbalance is so important to confront, and how hormones impact overall wellness from heart health to bone health to mood. She offers some insight into how women’s hormones change throughout various stages of life, from puberty to menopause. 
Discussed in this episode:
The difference between estrogen and progesteroneUnderstanding estrogen vs progesterone in the menstrual cycleThe role of estrogen and progesterone in bone health, breast and endometrial cancer risk, fertility, weight, and heart healthWhy balancing hormones in women is so important (regardless of whether or not you want to get pregnant!)Clearing up confusion on the common question: does stress impact fertility?Why it’s hard for women to be aware of some of this researchHow your hormone balance is defined at different ages and stages of life
“It’s important to be aware of your reproductive cycle because it’s such a key indicator of optimal health overall. It’s also important to know because if you want to have a child one day, you need to ovulate normally. Having ‘regular cycles’ is not sufficient.” - Dr. Jerilynn Prior
Related to this episode:
CeMCOR website: Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation ResearchSign up for the CeMCOR Newsletter for the latest on women’s healthLearn more about your Hormones and Menstrual CycleDr. Jerilynn Prior’s book: Estrogen Storm Season: Stories of PerimenopauseRecommended book: Period Repair ManualRecommended book: Hormone Repair ManualRecommended book: Sex MattersMore on ovulation: Women’s Health and the Ovulation Cycle
If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:
Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fempower-health/id1502748256" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Are there ways to find pain relief for endometriosis? Listen as Dr. Allyson Shrikhande shares her expert insights on a whole-person approach to pain management. 
Episode Summary
In this episode of Fempower Health, Georgie Kovacs hosts Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a specialist in pelvic rehabilitation medicine. They explore the important topic of managing pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. 
Dr. Shrikhande discusses the complex symptoms and challenges of diagnosing endometriosis, which often go beyond typical menstrual discomfort and can even affect areas such as bladder function and sexual health. They discuss innovative, non-surgical approaches to pain management, incorporating targeted treatments and lifestyle modifications. Listen to gain insights into holistic, patient-centered methods that make significant relief possible for those battling chronic pelvic pain.
Key Discussion Points:
The diverse and often misunderstood symptoms of endometriosisEndometriosis’ impact on the menstrual cycle, bladder, bowel functions, and pain during intercourseNon-surgical methods for pelvic pain management when living with endometriosis Why detecting endometriosis early can change the course of treatment and potentially lessen the need for invasive proceduresNerve and muscle rehabilitation treatment options that provide relief without the complications associated with surgeryBenefits of a whole-person approach to managing endometriosis, which includes nutritional support, behavioral health, and physical therapyDr. Shrikhande emphasizes the need for greater awareness and education about endometriosis among both healthcare providers and patients
"There are a lot of myths about pain management. It’s not just about pain relief; it’s about restoring function and managing the disease holistically." - Dr. Allyson Shrikhande
Related to this episode:
Resources on Pelvic HealthRead Beating EndoTry Your Pace YogaLearn more about Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine and follow them on Instagram.Stay in touch with Dr Allyson Shrikhande and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:
Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7MyhmKQ9RfxODSMZwblnYP?si=b53127f76eca44d4" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Learn about the pelvic floor after hysterectomy as Dr. Jocelyn Wallace, Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, shares her insights.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Dr. Jocelyn Wallace, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, discusses the importance of the pelvic floor in women's health. She sheds light on the pelvic floor, especially in the context of hysterectomy. 
Dr. Wallace talks about managing pelvic floor changes that can occur after a hysterectomy. She discusses the value of comprehensive preoperative and postoperative care, including strategies for preventing complications like pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Dr. Wallace also offers practical advice on pelvic floor therapy for women, lifestyle changes, and advocating for personalized care for the pelvic floor.
Key Discussion Points on the Tie Between Hysterectomy and Pelvic Health:
The fundamental role of the pelvic floor in supporting essential organs and maintaining women's health.Common pelvic floor exercises after hysterectomy and how to seek pelvic floor therapy.How a hysterectomy can affect pelvic floor function and increase the risk of complications like pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and sexual function.Why preoperative pelvic floor therapy is crucial for strengthening muscles and reducing potential complications post-surgery.The importance of a structured recovery plan including exercises, therapy, and lifestyle changes to optimize pelvic health after surgery.How to advocate for comprehensive pelvic care before and after a hysterectomy to find an approach that suits your unique health needs.Ways to navigate changes in sexual health post-hysterectomy.
“A hysterectomy significantly changes the pelvic anatomy. It's crucial to be aware of these changes and their potential effects on bladder and bowel function.” - Dr Jocelyn Wallace
Related to this episode:
Resources on Pelvic HealthListen to Life Before and After Hysterectomy with Dr. Zoe RodriguezLearn more about Dr. Jocelyn Wallace and follow her on InstagramTake the Pelvic Floor Questionnaire
If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:
Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with...