You Are Not Broken

Kelly Casperson, MD
You Are Not Broken Podcast

Empowering women (and the partners who love them) to live their best mid lives. Combining the power of mind-work, body-science and relationships, I joyously smash the societal barriers that are keeping us from living our best intimate lives. Whether you are young or past menopause, single or in a long-term relationship, it is never too late or too early to realize YOU ARE NOT BROKEN. With humor, candor and ease, I break down the stories that we have been told about being sexual beings, to help us play, and normalize our intimacy and health. Nothing in this podcast is personal medical advice, of course.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    283. Preventing Dementia - Max Lugavere

    Max Lugavere discusses his journey into researching dementia prevention and the importance of lifestyle factors in maintaining brain health. He emphasizes the need for early intervention and the identification of biomarkers that can indicate risk for cognitive decline. The conversation also touches on the influence of the alcohol and food industries on public health guidelines, the role of physicians in prevention, and the power of individual agency in making healthy choices. In this conversation, Max Lugavere and I discuss various topics related to brain health, nutrition, and lifestyle. They touch on the confusion surrounding processed foods and veganism, the role of cholesterol in health, the importance of exercise for brain health, and the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Max shares his personal experience with his mother's battle with dementia and emphasizes the need for individuals to take control of their own health and advocate for themselves. Takeaways Dementia prevention requires early intervention and the identification of biomarkers that can indicate risk for cognitive decline. The alcohol and food industries have significant influence on public health guidelines, which may not always prioritize prevention. Physicians may not be incentivized to advocate for prevention, and the responsibility for wellness ultimately lies with individuals. There is no one-size-fits-all diet for brain health, but diets low in ultra-processed foods and added sugar tend to be beneficial. The conversation around prevention is growing, but public health statistics show that there is still work to be done. Processed foods can be a source of confusion and stress, leading to unhealthy dietary choices. While veganism can be a personal choice, making health claims and demonizing animal-sourced foods without strong evidence is misleading. Cholesterol is often misunderstood, and the risks associated with it may be exaggerated. LDL cholesterol should be viewed as a check engine light rather than a definitive indicator of health. Exercise is crucial for brain health and can help prevent and slow the progression of conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can have potential benefits for brain health, and the risks are often overblown. Individuals should take control of their own health, stay informed, and be open to updating their knowledge based on new evidence. https://www.instagram.com/maxlugavere/ Documentary Little Empty Boxes https://www.maxlugavere.com/ Thanks to our sponsor Sprout Pharmaceuticals. To find out if Addyi is right for you, go to addyi.com/notbroken and use code NOTBROKEN for a $10 telemedicine appointment. See Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning for severe low blood pressure and fainting in certain settings at addyi.com/pi Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance. Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care. https://www.joinmidi.com Order my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support! www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  2. 15 SEPT

    282. Libido and The Brain - Midlife Sexual Health

    I am back with Caroline Labouchere! Our conversation explores the topic of libido and the factors that can affect it, such as upbringing, education, relationships, and hormones. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own thoughts and beliefs about sex and prioritizing a healthy sex life. The discussion also touches on the use of hormones and medications, such as Addyi and Vyleesi, to address low libido. The conversation highlights the complexity of sexuality and the need for a holistic approach to addressing low desire. In this conversation, Dr. Kelly Casperson discusses various topics related to menopause, hormones, and sexual health. She addresses the use of on-demand medications for low libido, the cost of hormone medications, and the difficulty of finding doctors who specialize in menopause and sex medicine. Dr. Casperson also explains how Viagra works and its potential use for women. She emphasizes the importance of education and communication in addressing sexual health issues and provides information on vaginal estrogen and its benefits. The conversation concludes with a discussion on hormone therapy and its relationship to cancer treatment. Takeaways Libido is a complex topic influenced by various factors, including upbringing, education, relationships, and hormones. Understanding and addressing one's thoughts and beliefs about sex is crucial for improving libido. Hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, can play a role in libido and may be used as treatment options. Medications like Addyi and Vyleesi are available for low libido, but they may not work for everyone and can have side effects. Prioritizing a healthy sex life and cultivating novelty and communication in relationships can contribute to a satisfying sexual experience. On-demand medications can be used to address low libido, similar to how Viagra is used for men. The cost of hormone medications can be high, making it difficult for some women to afford them. Finding doctors who specialize in menopause and sex medicine can be challenging. Viagra is a vasodilator that improves blood flow, but it does not directly affect desire or orgasm in women. Vaginal estrogen is a safe and effective treatment for symptoms such as pain with sex and dryness. Hormone therapy can be considered after cancer treatment, depending on the individual's situation and risks. Education and communication are crucial in addressing sexual health issues and advocating for proper care. https://www.instagram.com/carolinelabouchere/ Thanks to our sponsor Sprout Pharmaceuticals. To find out if Addyi is right for you, go to addyi.com/notbroken and use code NOTBROKEN for a $10 telemedicine appointment. See Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning for severe low blood pressure and fainting in certain settings at addyi.com/pi Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance. Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care. https://www.joinmidi.com Order my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support! www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
  3. 8 SEPT

    281. Testosterone with Dr. Streicher

    My book comes out this week! Order it here! In this conversation, Dr. Kelly Casperson and Dr. Lauren Streicher discuss the topic of testosterone. They address the challenges of discussing testosterone in short social media posts and the misconceptions surrounding its use. They emphasize the importance of educating women about testosterone and the need for more research in this area. The conversation covers various aspects of testosterone, including its role as a human hormone, its use in women who have had their ovaries removed, and its potential benefits for bone health, brain function, and overall well-being. The doctors also discuss the safety of testosterone therapy and the limitations of lab tests in determining optimal levels. In this conversation, Dr. Lauren Streicher and Dr. Kelly Casperson discuss various topics related to hormone therapy and women's health. They touch on the use of testosterone therapy, the role of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), the importance of checking thyroid levels, and the potential risks of using hormone pellets. They also emphasize the need for individualized treatment plans and the importance of education and communication in women's sexual health. Dr. Casperson shares insights from her book, 'You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should'ing" All Over Your Sex Life,' which aims to provide adult sex education and debunk myths surrounding women's sexual health. Takeaways Educating women about testosterone is important, as there are many misconceptions surrounding its use. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy in women. Testosterone may have potential benefits for bone health, brain function, and overall well-being in women. Lab tests for testosterone levels are not always reliable indicators of the effects of testosterone in the body. Safety is a key consideration in testosterone therapy, and individualized treatment plans are necessary. Testosterone therapy can be used to address various symptoms in women, but the dosage and approach should be individualized. High levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) can reduce the effectiveness of testosterone therapy, and it may be necessary to explore other options or address underlying causes. Thyroid dysfunction can masquerade as menopause symptoms, so it's important to check thyroid levels in women experiencing hormonal changes. Hormone pellets are not recommended due to the potential for side effects and lack of control over hormone levels. Education and communication are crucial in women's sexual health, and there is a need for adult sex education to address common misconceptions and provide accurate information. Hormone therapy should be seen as a preventive measure rather than a treatment for existing health issues, and it should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle factors like exercise and nutrition. https://www.instagram.com/drstreich website: Dr. Streicher.com Dr. Streicher's Podcast: Inside Information Podcast Thanks to our sponsor Sprout Pharmaceuticals. To find out if Addyi is right for you, go to addyi.com/notbroken and use code NOTBROKEN for a $10 telemedicine appointment. See Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning for severe low blood pressure and fainting in certain settings at addyi.com/pi Order my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support! www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
  4. 25 AUG

    279. Top Menopause Hormone Myths - Busted!

    Pre Order my book: You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex Life Dr. Kelly Casperson and Dr. Naomi Potter discuss menopause myths and misconceptions, focusing on topics such as vaginal estrogen, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and testosterone. They highlight the importance of educating women about the safety and benefits of these treatments, as well as the need for women to advocate for themselves in healthcare. They also address the cultural stigma around menopause and the natural aging process, emphasizing the role of hormones in maintaining women's health and quality of life. Takeaways Vaginal estrogen is safe and has advantages, including reducing urinary tract infections. HRT is beneficial for women's health, including reducing the risk of heart disease and dementia. Women need to advocate for themselves and seek multiple opinions when it comes to hormone therapy. There is a cultural stigma around menopause and the use of hormones, which limits women's access to beneficial treatments. The healthcare system needs to catch up with the evidence and provide better education and options for women. https://www.instagram.com/dr_naomipotter Thanks to our sponsor Solv Wellness! To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com for 30% off your first purchase of any product, automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support! www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min
  5. 18 AUG

    278. Demystifying Testosterone in Women: Beyond Libido

    Pre Order my book: You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex Life In this conversation, Kelly Casperson and Caroline Labouchere discuss the topic of testosterone in women. They cover various aspects of testosterone, including its effects, misconceptions, and benefits. They also touch on related topics such as hormone replacement therapy, sexual desire, and the use of medications like Addyi. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment and the need for more research and education on testosterone in women. Takeaways Testosterone is an important hormone for women and has benefits beyond just libido. There are many misconceptions and biases against testosterone in women. Hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone, can be a safe and effective option for women. Individualized treatment and monitoring of hormone levels is important for optimal results. More research and education are needed to better understand and utilize testosterone in women. https://www.instagram.com/stories/carolinelabouchere Thank you to our Sponsor Solv Wellness! To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com for 30% off your first purchase of any product, automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support! www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min
  6. 11 AUG

    277. Ask Me Anything

    Pre order the book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex Life" In this conversation, Dr. Kelly Casperson answers various questions related to hormones, menopause, sexual dysfunction, and hormone replacement therapy. She discusses topics such as testosterone levels, DHEA, estrogen, the use of hormones in skincare, the role of estrone in inflammation, consent in sexual activity, FSH in menopause, the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, and the importance of advocating for research on older women. Dr. Casperson also addresses the use of hormones in perimenopause, the impact of hormones on liver enzymes, the benefits of vaginal estrogen, and the need for more studies on hormones and women's health. She provides insights on the use of hormones in SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, the role of acupuncture in female sexual dysfunction, and the use of birth control pills in perimenopause. Dr. Casperson emphasizes the importance of finding a hormone specialist and the need for individualized treatment plans. In addition, in this episode, Dr. Kelly Casperson answers various questions from her Instagram followers. She addresses topics such as strength training after prolapse repair, the effects of menopause on gastrointestinal health, PTNS for urgency incontinence, optimal hormone levels for women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, arguments for testosterone supplementation in perimenopausal women, side effects of testosterone supplementation, and safe options for hormone replacement therapy. She also discusses the differences and treatments for cystocele and rectocele, the use of progesterone after a hysterectomy, the risk of blood clots from estrogen patches, and the use of estradiol on the face causing pigmentation. Dr. Casperson emphasizes the importance of personalized hormone therapy and the need to consult with hormone specialists for individualized treatment plans. Thanks to our show sponsors! ADDYI See Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning for severe low blood pressure and fainting in certain settings at addyi.com/pi Thanks to our sponsor Sprout Pharmaceuticals. To find out if Addyi is right for you, go to addyi.com/notbroken and use code NOTBROKEN for a $10 telemedicine appointment. SOLV Wellness To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com for 30% off your first purchase of any product, automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support! www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min
  7. 4 AUG

    276. Women's Hearts

    Dr. Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist, joins Dr. Kelly Casperson to discuss the connection between hormones and heart health in midlife women. They highlight the importance of addressing heart disease, the number one killer of women, and the need to raise awareness about it. Dr. Morgan shares her journey from being a cardiologist to focusing on menopause and women's health during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the symptoms of heart disease in women, the role of cholesterol and statins, and the potential impact of testosterone on heart health. They also touch on the protective effects of hormone therapy for cardiovascular disease and the slow progress in integrating this knowledge into cardiology practice. Dr. Jayne Morgan and Dr. Kelly Casperson discuss the importance of addressing menopause and its impact on heart health. They highlight the need for more research, clinical trials, and data on menopause and its effects on various aspects of health. They also discuss the lack of representation and diversity in medical research and the importance of including minority populations in clinical trials. The conversation covers topics such as hot flashes, heart palpitations, glucose levels, and the significance of APOB and lipoprotein A in cardiovascular health. Dr. Morgan emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine and encourages women to prioritize their heart health and seek support during midlife. Takeaways Heart disease is the number one killer of women, and it becomes more prevalent during perimenopause and menopause. Symptoms of heart disease in women can be different from those in men, and it is important to recognize and normalize these symptoms. Cholesterol and statins are somewhat controversial in relation to heart disease prevention in women, but statins are generally recommended for women at risk. Testosterone may play a role in heart health for women, and further research is needed to understand its effects. Hormone therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women, but there is still resistance to integrating this knowledge into cardiology practice. More research, clinical trials, and data are needed on menopause and its effects on various aspects of health. There is a lack of representation and diversity in medical research, and it is important to include minority populations in clinical trials. Hot flashes and heart palpitations are common symptoms of menopause and may be indicators of cardiovascular disease. Glucose levels, including pre-diabetes levels, can be a bellwether for future cardiovascular health. APOB and lipoprotein A are important factors to consider in cardiovascular health, and personalized medicine can play a significant role in treatment. Women should prioritize their heart health, seek support, and make informed decisions about their health during midlife. Special thanks to our sponsors! Solv Wellness To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com for 30% off your first purchase of any product, automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. ADDYI Thanks to our sponsor Sprout Pharmaceuticals. To find out if Addyi is right for you, go to addyi.com/notbroken and use code NOTBROKEN for a $10 telemedicine appointment. Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support! www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min

About

Empowering women (and the partners who love them) to live their best mid lives. Combining the power of mind-work, body-science and relationships, I joyously smash the societal barriers that are keeping us from living our best intimate lives. Whether you are young or past menopause, single or in a long-term relationship, it is never too late or too early to realize YOU ARE NOT BROKEN. With humor, candor and ease, I break down the stories that we have been told about being sexual beings, to help us play, and normalize our intimacy and health. Nothing in this podcast is personal medical advice, of course.

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