OvaryActive

Dr Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, Dr Amy Voedisch
  • 4.9 (82)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

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."

  1. Ep 33 | Do I Need Birth Control or Hormone Therapy?

    JAN 22

    Ep 33 | Do I Need Birth Control or Hormone Therapy?

    Birth control or hormone therapy? Why does this decision feel like a personality test you didn't study for?  In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs tackle one of the most confusing (and hotly debated) topics in perimenopause: when birth control is actually the right choice, when menopausal hormone therapy makes more sense, and why TikTok might not be the best place for medical nuance. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch walk listeners through how clinicians actually think about this decision. The process includes contraceptive needs, bleeding patterns, symptom "greatest hits," and medical history that actually matters.  The Docs will guide you through the options and even cover what a combination approach might look like. Most importantly, shared decision-making, not social media panic, should guide treatment choices. This episode reminds you that perimenopause is real, complicated, and highly individual. And the right plan is the one that treats your physiology, not someone else's algorithm. What you'll hear in this episode: [1:05] Birth control vs. hormone therapy [2:49] Contraception needs during perimenopause [5:34] Understanding menopausal hormone therapy [7:45] Assessing symptoms [16:59] So many choices! How do you choose? [22:03] Breakthrough symptoms [23:51] Combination approaches (Amy's FAV) [29:58] You didn't miss the window! [35:32] Alternative methods & why they may not be a good fit [40:22] You're NOT crazy!   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

    42 min
  2. Ep 32 | Perimenopause + Migraines: Your Brain on Hormones

    JAN 8

    Ep 32 | Perimenopause + Migraines: Your Brain on Hormones

    Hot flashes, mood swings, surprise chin hairs… and now migraines? Welcome to perimenopause, where your hormones throw a rave in your brain and forget to invite you.  In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs tackle the maddening intersection of migraine misery and perimenopause chaos, complete with aura weirdness, estrogen roller coasters, and the universal fear of bright lights and strong perfumes. Migraines are more than "just a headache" and there is a reason they love to show up right before or during your period. You'll hear about triggers ranging from hormones to allergens to the existential dread of week three of your cycle.  This episode sheds light on the difference between migraines with and without aura, why estrogen drops can send your brain into chaos, and what treatments actually work.  You'll know your options, understand your triggers, and realize (important!) that you do not have to suffer through perimenopausal migraines alone. What you'll hear in this episode: [1:57] Why do migraines appear or get worse during perimenopause? [3:40] Headaches vs. true migraines [8:03] What the what is a migraine "aura"? [13:33] Can you prevent migraines? [21:25] Migraines can also mean anxiety, sleep issues, and hot flashes [22:27] Practical treatment options [29:46] What's new in the migraine treatment world? [32:39] OTC remedies for when a migraine happens [38:41] You're NOT CRAZY!   Resources: curablehealth.com 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

    40 min
  3. Ep 31 | This is the HOT FLASH Episode

    12/25/2025

    Ep 31 | This is the HOT FLASH Episode

    Hot flashes: the unofficial mascot of perimenopause and the original reason so many midlife women carry a personal fan or freezer pack, or insist on that open window in January.  In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su finally give hot flashes their own episode. The Docs turn up the heat (literally and emotionally) as they talk through the lived chaos that is "my own personal summer". Our Docs explain what hot flashes actually are, why they show up, and why your brain, not just your hormones, is the real drama queen in this scenario. Listeners will finally understand night sweats, "superflushers," the brain circuits that freak out for no good reason, and why some people glow for a year while others suffer for… well… a decade.  As always, the Docs are delivering solid science, introducing us to vasomotor symptoms, candy neurons (not as fun as they sound), social determinants of health, and the fact that estrogen is not the only character in this soap opera. You'll saunter out of this episode knowing what causes hot flashes, how long they might last, how to treat them, and most importantly: that you're not losing your mind. You're just in perimenopause. What you'll hear in this episode: [2:04] What are hot flashes…actually? [3:24] Hot flashes vs. night sweats [5:54] The FAQ: How common? When do they start? When will they LEAVE? [12:05] Let's get nerdy: the science behind hot flashes [17:38 The lasting impact [20:34] Hot flashes and cardiovascular risk are related [22:15 The good stuff: treatment options [36:30] Let us validate you!    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

    40 min
  4. Ep 30 | Topical Viagra & Hot Flash Chaos: The Menopause Conference Recap You Didn't Ask For

    12/11/2025

    Ep 30 | Topical Viagra & Hot Flash Chaos: The Menopause Conference Recap You Didn't Ask For

    Perimenopause: the magical season where sleep disappears, hormones riot, and suddenly everyone thinks you're "doing great" when actually you're googling whether rage counts as cardio.  In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch return with their second annual Menopause Society Conference recap. If you're wondering whether testosterone drops off a cliff in midlife or whether scream cream is a placebo disguised as foreplay… good news! They've got updates. This episode walks through the latest research from menopause experts covering the big three: sexual health, longevity, and cardiovascular disease. You'll also hear about the rising fame of the podcast (including elevator selfies), the promise (and limits) of topical Viagra, and why measuring testosterone might be as useful as measuring vibes. Listeners will get practical takeaways on hormone therapy timing, bone screening, nutrition,  Remember: you're not dramatic. You're not broken. You're just in perimenopause… and it's really happening.  What you'll hear in this episode: [0:36] Menopause society conference highlights [2:21] Connecting with our wonderful listeners [4:27] Testosterone research findings [9:20] Topical viagra for women [13:12] Perimenopause focus [22:04] Bone health and perimenopause [30:00] Cardiovascular disease and sleep [38:11] A few final thoughts and future conferences   Thank you to every clinician who stopped to chat: Rebecca Levy-Gantt, DO MSCP Premierwomenshealthconsulting.com Yashika Dooley, MD MSCP Gennev.com Emily Drath Stone, MD MSCP Virginia Physicians for Women Lisa Savage, MD MSCP Gennev.com Becky Lynn, MD Evora Women's Health May your sleep be long, your bones dense, and your badge scanners always work on the first try. Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

    40 min
  5. Ep 29 | Merry Perimenopause 2025 Edition

    11/27/2025

    Ep 29 | Merry Perimenopause 2025 Edition

    Welcome back to the annual holiday classic Merry Perimenopause. While there's not much "jolly" about perimenopause, these gifts can add a little more joyeux to your noël! Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch jingle all the way through help for your hot flashes, cold flashes, brain fog, bad backs, night sweats, and the eternal question: why does perimenopause feel like puberty, déjà vu, and a hangover all rolled into one?  In this episode of OvaryActive, they kick things off with the biggest news of all: the Docs very own book on perimenopause is officially available for pre-order! With Estrogen, Interrupted you can now gift yourself the knowledge your hormones refuse to give you. Merry Perimenopause 2025 is your official gift guide for yourself or the lucky person in your life that needs to know they are not crazy, this is really happening. Gift ideas include favorite books, gadgets, creams, cushions, food delivery obsessions, and tech that has saved their sanity this year.  It's a roundup that covers body, brain, home, kitchen, and holiday spirits. After this episode you'll have great ideas for what to read, what to buy, what to smear on your face, what to sleep on, what to stick on your nails, what ice cream machine makes protein shakes taste like dessert, and where to order life-changing pies, kringles, crabcakes, and lobster rolls. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:54] Exciting news! Preorder Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch [2:39] Book recommendations [6:43] Body & health [13:28] Cognition [17:32] Fashion  [23:17] Tech gadgets [27:56] Skin & nails [32:24] Kitchen essentials [42:05] Travel ideas [46:36] A fun extra or two   Links: Merry Perimenopause 2025 PDF download: https://bit.ly/4pvS34R Preorder Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch   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

    49 min
  6. Ep 28 | Stronger Not Thinner: Strength Training in Perimenopause

    11/13/2025

    Ep 28 | Stronger Not Thinner: Strength Training in Perimenopause

    Perimenopause: that magical stage where your body suddenly decides it's the boss, your pants shrink overnight, and your motivation to exercise hides under the bed.  On the episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch welcome the hilarious and whip-smart Dr. Marily Oppezzo from Stanford. She is a behavior-change expert who's figured out how to help people actually do the healthy things they already know they should be doing. Spoiler: it involves fewer "shoulds" and more squats. Dr. Oppezzo shares her "Stronger" philosophy, a refreshingly guilt-free approach to perimenopausal wellness that's all about adding joy and ditching deprivation. From "strength snacks" (two-minute squats you can do between Zoom calls) to "breaking the dishes" (yes, that's cardio), she helps women fit movement into real life without the drama.  No boot camps, no macro counting, no shame spirals—just scrunchies, science, and a sense of humor. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:41] Meet Marily Oppezzo PhD, MS, RDN, DipACLM [1:33] Behavioral change and healthy habits [4:13 Strength training is your new bestie [6:16] Exercise "snacks" vs. sessions [9:24] Technique & tips for the squat  [19:28] Finding a balance between cardio and strength training [22:13] Cardio tips [25:07] Nutrition myths BUSTED [27:40] Protein's role [37:08] Healthy snack ideas [39:59] Concluding thoughts and future plans   Links: profiles.stanford.edu/marily-oppezzo 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

    42 min
  7. Ep 27 | Testosterone, Perimenopause, and the Fountain of Nope

    10/23/2025

    Ep 27 | Testosterone, Perimenopause, and the Fountain of Nope

    You've seen it all over social media, testosterone is apparently the miracle cure for every perimenopausal woe. Low libido? Tired? Losing muscle tone? Influencers say "Just add T!" The Docs say…not so fast  Ready for the truth? In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su are here for just that. Even though it is not exactly what you're seeing on social media––it is science, sarcasm, and a few chin-year jokes. The Docs explain what testosterone actually does in women's bodies, why testing it is tricky, and how misinformation has turned a controlled substance into a so-called "elixir of youth." They compare estrogen's unfairly bad reputation with testosterone's sudden celebrity moment. And they also explain why some promises from "hormone balancing" gurus should make you raise an eyebrow. Listeners will learn the good, the bad, and the hairy: when testosterone might be appropriate, the real risks and irreversible side effects, and how to approach hormone therapy safely. In this episode, you'll hear: [1:03] Is testosterone a "fountain of youth"? [5:30] What are the risks? [11:16] Testing is unreliable (and meaningless) [15:15] Can testosterone help libido? [22:04] Testosterone deficiency isn't why you're losing muscle [28:50] The truth about testosterone pellets [30:33] How to use it safely, IF your doctor advises you to [37:47] "We're not here to make friends. We're here to tell women the truth." Resources Mentioned: thecut.com/article/women-in-menopause-taking-testosterone 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

    40 min
  8. Ep 26 | Swallow This: The Truth About Supplements and Perimenopause

    10/09/2025

    Ep 26 | Swallow This: The Truth About Supplements and Perimenopause

    Feeling overwhelmed by the supplement aisle? Are there pills that might actually help during perimenopause or are you just buying expensive urine?   This episode of OvaryActive dives into the pharmacy aisle of supplements. The Docs are talking about everything from influencer "miracle" blends to your best friend's turmeric obsession. Separating data from drama and giving you the straight, if sarcastic, scoop. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch explain what your body truly needs (hello, vitamin D and calcium), what might help (fiber and omega-3s for the win), and what should probably stay in the compost bin (looking at you, wild yam cream).  They share LOL takes on supplement marketing…"clinically proven" by whom exactly? And they shine a light on the difference between food, vitamins, and herbal remedies. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:30] The supplement struggle is real [1:33] Defining the basics [4:43] If the gut works, use it! [6:32] Natural does not mean safe [8:54] "Clinically proven" is NOT a thing [12:06] The short list: vitamin D, omega-3s, and fiber [19:00] When natural turns dangerous [27:44] Myths and facts [32:26] What to skip if you've had hormone-related cancers [34:57] Final truth bomb: balanced real food wins every time   Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube   Resources Mentioned (a.k.a. The Real Receipts): menopause.org fda.gov ods.od.nih.gov heart.org ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/ 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.htm

    36 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
82 Ratings

About

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."

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, Dr Amy Voedisch
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    OvaryActive

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