The Endometriosis Podcast

Nicholas Fogelson and Shanti Mohling
  • 4.9 (30)
  • MEDICINE

The Endometriosis Podcast is a monthly discussion of what's new in the world of endometriosis research, new discoveries, surgical techniques, and anything else of interest in the endometriosis world. Hosted by Nicholas Fogelson, MD and Shanti Mohling, MD of Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery. For clinical consultation, call Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at 503-715-1377 or email: newpatients@nwendometriosis.com

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    ReceptivaDx: What the BCL6 Test Reveals About Endometriosis

    In this sponsored episode of The Endometriosis Podcast, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling are joined by Dr. Bruce Lessey—the researcher who identified BCL6 as a marker of endometrial inflammation—and Chris Jackson, CEO of Cicero Diagnostics, the company that brought his discovery to market as the ReceptivaDx test. Together, they explore how a gene first studied in lymphoma research became a tool for detecting progesterone resistance and inflammation linked to endometriosis. The conversation covers how the test works, who it's most useful for, how accurate it is, what its limitations are, and where non-invasive diagnostics for endometriosis may be heading next. Highlights: What BCL6 is and how it disrupts progesterone signaling and implantation How Dr. Lessey's research became the ReceptivaDX clinical test When this test is most helpful in infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss What a positive result does—and doesn't—mean Why earlier, less invasive diagnosis could change endometriosis care For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at newpatients@nwendometriosis.com  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling Download a transcript of this episode.

    41 min

  2. 12/31/2025

    Hysterectomy & Endometriosis: Myths, Realities, and When It Actually Helps

    In this episode of The Endometriosis Podcast, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling take on one of the most emotionally charged and misunderstood topics in pelvic pain care: hysterectomy. Drawing on decades of surgical experience, they unpack common myths, clarify confusing terminology, and explain when hysterectomy may—or may not—be an appropriate part of endometriosis treatment. This thoughtful, nuanced conversation emphasizes individualized care, informed consent, and the importance of excision surgery alongside any uterine decision  Highlights: Why hysterectomy does not cure endometriosis—and why it can still be helpful for some patients with pelvic pain The difference between hysterectomy, ovary removal, and fallopian tube removal (and why the distinctions matter) Adenomyosis, fibroids, and other uterine pain sources that can influence surgical decisions Effects of hysterectomy on hormones, menopause timing, sexual function, and pelvic organ support How surgical technique, experience, and thorough excision impact long-term outcomes and recurrence risk For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at newpatients@nwendometriosis.com  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling Download a transcript of this episode.

    48 min

  3. 10/20/2025

    Beyond Estrogen Myths: Rethinking Hormone Therapy and Endometriosis

    In this episode, Dr. Nick Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling take on one of the most persistent gray zones in gynecology: how to safely use hormone replacement therapy in patients with current or past endometriosis. Moving beyond the simplistic "estrogen bad" narrative, they explore what the data actually show about recurrence, cancer risk, and quality of life. The discussion weaves clinical insight with case studies, examining how progesterone's protective role, surgical completeness, and individualized dosing all shape outcomes. Highlights: The lingering misconceptions from the Women's Health Initiative study and what modern research now shows about the safety of hormone replacement. Why bioidentical progesterone should often accompany estrogen—even in hysterectomized patients with prior endometriosis. Real-world case studies revealing how residual disease and incomplete excision affect postmenopausal pain and risk. The broader benefits of HRT—stronger bones, cardiovascular protection, cognitive support—and how fear-based medicine often obscures them. Updates from the surgical front: robotic excision of endometriosis in outpatient centers, plus a preview of the next episode on MyReceptiva's diagnostic test for endometriosis. For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at newpatients@nwendometriosis.com  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling   Download a transcript of this episode.

    49 min

  4. 09/15/2025

    Are Adenomyosis and Endometriosis the Same Disease?

    In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling delve into new research that challenges how we understand adenomyosis in relation to endometriosis. They break down the proposed subtypes of adenomyosis— from interna and externa to intramural and adenomyomas— and discuss how these patterns may arise from childbirth, uterine surgery, or molecular changes shared with endometriosis. Along the way, they revisit century-old theories, weigh the evidence for different pathways of disease development, and explore what this means for treatment decisions, fertility preservation, and patient pain. Highlights: Defining adenomyosis and how it differs from—and overlaps with—endometriosis Subtypes of adenomyosis: interna, externa, intramural, and adenomyomas Theories of origin: tissue injury and repair, retrograde menstruation, embryonic remnants, and genetic mutations Why hysterectomy can sometimes relieve pain when conservative surgery cannot Understanding why patients with minimal disease may have severe pain while others with advanced disease experience little or none For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at newpatients@nwendometriosis.com  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling Download a transcript of this episode.

    43 min

  5. 08/08/2025

    Functional Medicine and Endometriosis: What the Research Really Says

    In this illuminating episode, Dr. Shanti Mohling and Dr. Nicholas Fogelson dive into the science behind supplements and functional medicine approaches to managing endometriosis. From NAC and curcumin to the role of Vitamin D and the gut microbiome, they explore which anti-inflammatory tools hold real promise—and which ones may not. They also tackle a listener's question about persistent post-op symptoms and break down why the term "IBS" isn't always the end of the diagnostic road. Highlights: The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of NAC, alpha-lipoic acid, curcumin, and fish oil Why Vitamin D deficiency may worsen endometriosis—and how much to take Discussing the limits of zinc and resveratrol in treating symptoms The role of probiotics and gut health in managing "endo belly" Why supplement research is underfunded and how politics shapes what gets studied For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at newpatients@nwendometriosis.com  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling Download a transcript of this episode.

    39 min

  6. 07/06/2025

    Endometriosis and Sciatica: Pioneering Research on Nerve Entrapment, Vascular Compression, and Surgical Solutions

    In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling dive deep into the complex overlap between endometriosis and nerve-related pelvic pain. They discuss a pivotal paper by Dr. Marc Possover on laparoscopic treatment for endometriosis and vascular entrapment of the sacral plexus — groundbreaking work that opened new paths for addressing sciatica caused by pelvic disease. The conversation explores how nerve irritation and compression can manifest, why menstrual cycle patterns matter, and how careful patient selection guides surgical decisions. If you or someone you know has unexplained sciatic or pelvic pain that worsens cyclically, this episode is essential listening. For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at newpatients@nwendometriosis.com  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling Highlights: Why "sciatica" describes symptoms — not a standalone diagnosis — and how to trace its true source. The critical differences between sciatic nerve endometriosis, sacral nerve root involvement, and vascular compression. How menstrual cycle timing can provide vital clues to nerve-related pain origins. The role of neuropelveology in surgically addressing complex pelvic nerve pain What patients can realistically expect from surgery — and why improvement, not perfection, is the goal.   Download a transcript of this episode.

    48 min

  7. 06/01/2025

    Spontaneous Conception After Endometriosis Surgery: What the Research Shows

    In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling discuss a compelling new study from the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology exploring spontaneous conception and live birth rates in infertility patients after endometriosis surgery. They break down what the data reveals about excision versus ablation, the role of age, and the surprising lack of correlation between disease stage and fertility outcomes. Along the way, they examine how inflammation impacts egg viability, why BMI may not matter as much as once believed, and how social media is transforming surgical education and patient advocacy. For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at newpatients@nwendometriosis.com  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling Highlights: What a retrospective cohort study reveals about spontaneous conception rates after excision surgery Why disease stage may not determine fertility potential in endometriosis patients How inflammatory environments—not just structural damage—interfere with egg survival and implantation What the data shows about BMI having no significant impact on post-surgical fertility outcomes Why surgical video sharing on social media is reshaping education, access, and accountability in the field Download a transcript of this episode.

    35 min

  8. 05/01/2025

    Bowel Surgery for Endometriosis: Conservative vs. Radical Approaches

    In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Fogelson and Dr. Shanti Mohling relaunch The Endometriosis Podcast with an in-depth look at one of the most crucial surgical decisions for patients with deep endometriosis: how aggressive should bowel surgery be? You'll hear their thoughts on recent meta-analysis comparing conservative techniques (like shave and discoid resection) to radical approaches (like segmental bowel resection). Dr. Fogelson and Dr. Mohling break down how disease severity, nerve preservation, and surgical judgment all shape patient outcomes — and why sometimes a more radical surgery is not only necessary, but life-changing. Along the way, they share real-world cases, challenge common assumptions, and invite listener questions. For clinical consultations: contact Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at (503) 715-1377 or email us at newpatients@nwendometriosis.com  Follow us on Instagram: @Nicholasfogelson and @drshantimohling Highlights: What the research reveals about constipation risks after conservative vs. radical bowel surgery How nerve-sparing strategies protect long-term bowel and pelvic health When a conservative approach succeeds — and when deeper excision is needed for lasting relief Why flexible decision-making during surgery leads to better outcomes than imaging alone How understanding the differences between superficial and deep disease leads to more effective treatment Download a transcript of this episode.

    45 min

  9. 09/12/2019

    Robotic Surgery vs. Excision, Medical Treatment Post Excision, Endometriomas and Fertility

    Join surgeon Nicholas Fogelson and endometriosis researcher Libby Hopton as they answer listener questions and discuss recently published research. This episode was recorded in July 2017. Stay tuned for future episodes!

    35 min

  10. 06/01/2019

    Ablation vs. excision for superficial endo, hormonal contraceptives, the "Endobiota" and more

    Dr. Nicholas Fogelson, MD, and Libby Hopton discuss new literature on endometriosis. Studies include a comparison of excision and ablation surgeries for superficial endometriosis, and a literature review on treating the disease with hormonal contraception. Also, a look at how endometriosis may be connected to the state of a patient's microbiome, and more.

    1h 14m

  11. 04/29/2019

    Removing abdominal wall endo after c-section, Visanne, surgery center vs. hospital and more

    Dr. Nicholas Fogelson, MD, and Libby Hopton discuss new literature on endometriosis and answer questions from the endometriosis patient community. Topics include removing abdominal wall endo after c-section, Visanne studies, whether to chose a surgery center or a hospital and more.  This episode was recorded in July 2017.  Fresh episodes coming soon!

    49 min

  12. 04/29/2019

    Endometriosis research production, BPAs, resection of bladder endometriosis and more

    Dr Nicholas Fogelson, MD, and researcher Libby Hopton discuss new literature on endometriosis and answer question from the endometriosis patient community. Topics include endometriosis research production, BPA and endometriosis incidence, outcomes after resection of bladder endometriosis, and others This episode was originally published in January 2017.

    1h 57m
  • 12 Episodes

4.9
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

The Endometriosis Podcast is a monthly discussion of what's new in the world of endometriosis research, new discoveries, surgical techniques, and anything else of interest in the endometriosis world. Hosted by Nicholas Fogelson, MD and Shanti Mohling, MD of Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery. For clinical consultation, call Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, OR at 503-715-1377 or email: newpatients@nwendometriosis.com

Information

  • Creator
    Nicholas Fogelson and Shanti Mohling
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Nicholas Fogelson, MD and Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery
  • Show Website
    The Endometriosis Podcast

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