Her Time, Her Health with Dr. Jila

Dr. Jila Senemar
  • 4.7 (28)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Women in your 30’s and beyond, listen up! Each week, we answer those uncomfortable questions you want to ask but never have. With the help of the most renowned holistic, fitness, wellness, hormone and emotional well-being specialists, you will have all the latest information. We will break down the myth of products in the billion dollar menopause and perimenopause industry and tell you what is over-hyped or what would change your life! I’m Dr Jila - an OBGYN and women's health expert and this is my podcast. Join us in the journey to reclaim our health and make educated and empowered choices!

  1. 3d ago

    Mast Cells, Histamine & Perimenopause: What Every Woman Should Know | Dr. Tracy Shevell

    This week on Her Time, Her Health, I sit down with Dr. Tracy Shevell — a board-certified OB-GYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist with over two decades in academic medicine, and founder of Blue Moon Perinatal, a high-touch concierge OB practice built around whole-person care. We dig into a topic that doesn't get nearly enough airtime: the surprising link between mast cells, histamine, and perimenopause. Dr. Shevell breaks down why so many women's symptoms — flushing, headaches, GI issues, palpitations, poor sleep — get dismissed as "just anxiety," and how a simple over-the-counter antihistamine trial can sometimes offer real relief while the medical system catches up. We also talk about medical dismissal, patient advocacy, the three life cycles of womanhood, and her deeply personal path from burned-out high-risk OB-GYN to entrepreneur and author of the upcoming book Labor and Deliverance. In this episode, we cover: The immune system's changing relationship with hormones across pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause Why estrogen aggravates mast cells, and progesterone stabilizes them Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), histamine intolerance, and Long COVID's role in bringing it to light The Pepcid/antihistamine "trial" approach and how to safely self-advocate How AI can help women translate medical jargon before their doctor visits Puberty and perimenopause as mirror-image hormonal transitions The patient encounter that pushed Dr. Shevell to leave traditional medicine Building a following, writing a book, and turning pain into purpose Timestamps: 00:00 – Cold open: where does the Pepcid/antihistamine trend really stand? 01:33 – Meet Dr. Tracy Shevell: training, career, and Blue Moon Perinatal 03:05 – Her upcoming book, social following, and advocacy work 03:52 – Setting up today's topic: the immune system in midlife women 04:40 – Pregnancy's unique hormone–immune system interplay 05:27 – Why perimenopause reactivates the immune conversation 06:13 – Estrogen aggravates mast cells, progesterone stabilizes them 07:00 – Hormonal instability and its effect on autoimmune conditions 07:49 – Why some immune issues quiet down after menopause 08:35 – Why perimenopause hormone therapy takes trial and error 09:24 – Menopause certification, MCAS, and how nuanced treatment really is 10:10 – Mast cells, Long COVID, and "it's not just anxiety" 10:56 – Walking the line between real science and internet trends 11:44 – The Pepcid/antihistamine reel that sparked backlash 12:30 – Framing antihistamines as a low-risk 2-week test 13:17 – Is histamine intolerance a real diagnosis? The two camps 14:02 – Why first-line therapy stays safe regardless of the "official" label 14:49 – How histamine builds up in the body 15:37 – Long-term stakes: bone, brain, and cardiometabolic health 16:23 – Using AI to decode medical research before your appointment 17:12 – Histamine overlap with perimenopause and PMDD symptoms 17:59 – The "overworked mom" analogy for hormone-triggered mast cell flares 18:45 – Puberty vs. perimenopause: mirrored hormonal transitions 19:31 – The maiden, mother, crone: reclaiming women's life cycles 20:20 – The heartbreaking patient moment that sparked a career pivot 21:07 – "I don't know who my doctor is": a system failing women 21:54 – Quitting medicine, burnout, and being diagnosed with her own mystery illness 22:43 – Realizing no one was caring for the "whole woman" 23:29 – Entering the "wild west" of medical entrepreneurship 24:15 – Becoming a relatable, natural voice on social media 25:02 – Talking to a phone but really talking to a patient 25:50 – Learning to post every day (and finally feeling excited again) 26:39 – Reaching women in underserved communities through content 27:26 – Turning pain into purpose 28:14 – Learning to actually rest instead of burning out again 28:38 – Writing the book: journaling, dinner-party stories, and finding the will 29:47 – The long, "soul-sucking" road to getting published 30:34 – Inside the book: medical, emotional, and spiritual well-being 31:22 – Publication date and why vulnerability felt scary 32:08 – Where to find and follow Dr. Tracy Shevell 32:53 – Closing thoughts and gratitude 33:40 – Sign-off and how to support the show Connect with Dr. Tracy Shevell: 📸 Instagram / TikTok: @tracychevellemd 🔗 Website: new site linked in her bio 📚 Upcoming book: Labor and Deliverance: Reclaiming the Healing in Women's Health (Harper One, January 2027) If today's conversation inspired you, taught you something new, or helped you feel more empowered in your health journey, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Women's health is longevity. The choices you make today shape the quality of your tomorrows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Mast Cells, Histamine & Perimenopause: What Every Woman Should Know | Dr. Tracy Shevell

  2. Sep 7

    Inflammaging Explained: Ayurvedic Secrets, Turmeric & Curcumin for Midlife Women | Dr. Shivani Gupta

    Welcome back to Her Time, Her Health! This week I sit down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, Ayurvedic practitioner, turmeric researcher, and author of The Inflammation Code, to break down "inflammaging," the hidden driver behind so many of the symptoms women write off as "just getting older." We dig into why turmeric and curcumin are so powerful for midlife inflammation, how Ayurvedic wisdom (vata, pitta, kapha) can help you understand your body type, and simple daily rituals from tongue scraping to Abhyanga oil massage that support hormone balance, better sleep, and long-term vitality. Dr. Gupta has helped thousands of women reduce inflammation, balance their hormones, and reclaim their energy through her supplement line, teas, book, and the Emmy-nominated show Vibrant Health with Dr. Shivani Gupta. In this episode, we cover: What "inflammaging" really is and why it's not just aging The Ayurvedic roots of modern wellness science Why Dr. Gupta built her career around turmeric and curcumin The vata, pitta, kapha body types (Elemental Design) What happens to women's hormones, metabolism, and energy after 35 A full morning-to-night Ayurvedic self-care routine Her supplement and tea lines, and how to use them Timestamps: 00:00 – What is "inflammaging"? Introduction 01:31 – Welcome to Her Time, Her Health + episode overview 02:16 – Meet Dr. Shivani Gupta: bridging Eastern & Western medicine 03:01 – Inflammaging explained and how it relates to midlife women 05:17 – Getting to the root cause vs. "band-aid" medicine 05:17 – What is Ayurveda? The sister science to yoga 06:47 – Gut health, circadian living, and daily detoxification 07:33 – Super spices — and why lifestyle still has to come first 09:03 – Dr. Gupta's health journey and how her grandmother's spice cabinet started it all 10:33 – Why NSAIDs upset her stomach — and the PhD research that followed 11:18 – Curcuminoids: why only 3–5% of turmeric matters, and potency 12:04 – Estrogen decline, neuroinflammation, and menopause joint pain 12:49 – Curcumin vs. PPIs: the research behind natural anti-inflammatories 13:34 – The Inflammation Code book & supplement line overview 14:19 – Turmeric Gold + Inflammation Relief: how herbs work as an "orchestra" 15:05 – Sleep tea, unwind tea, and menopause support tea 15:50 – Elemental Design: living according to your body type and circadian clock 16:35 – Vata, Pitta, Kapha — the three Ayurvedic doshas explained 17:20 – Vata (air) type: traits, imbalance, and grounding techniques 18:05 – Pitta (fire) type: traits, imbalance, and cooling techniques 19:36 – Kapha (earth) type: traits, imbalance, and movement techniques 21:06 – Can you be a mix of doshas? 21:51 – Women's health after 35: hormones, metabolism, and energy shifts 22:36 – Midlife as a "circadian shift of menopause" 23:21 – Ayurvedic life stages: kapha, pitta, and vata seasons of life 24:06 – The vata transition and classic menopause symptoms 24:51 – "Little earthquakes": why we keep throwing supplements at the problem 25:37 – Building an integrative approach: HRT, supplements, and grounding 26:22 – Agni (digestive fire) and reclaiming energy 27:07 – Getting back to basics: sleep, screens, and technology 27:52 – How Ayurvedic traditions fit into modern daily life 28:38 – Morning ritual: setting a daily intention 29:23 – Hydration and the copper cup ritual 30:08 – Meditation and breathwork — how long it really takes 30:53 – Tongue scraping explained 31:38 – Oral health and oil pulling 32:23 – Evening rituals: dry brushing and lymphatic support 33:09 – Abhyanga massage: the self-oiling ritual for menopause 33:54 – How to do Abhyanga (and scalp massage for hair health) 35:24 – Perimenopause skin changes and why self-care matters 36:09 – Avoiding overwhelm: start small, build gradually 36:55 – Ayurveda's philosophy of moderation vs. social media extremism 37:40 – "Tea time is me time": Dr. Gupta's sacred pause ritual 38:26 – Using anchor moments to reset your day 39:11 – Turmeric Gold: the foundational supplement 39:56 – Inflammation Relief for chronic inflammation and pain 40:41 – Real results from the Turmeric Gold + Inflammation Relief combo 41:26 – Sleep gummies and sleep tea for perimenopause insomnia 42:11 – Menopause support tea for hot flashes and mood 42:56 – Detox tea for gut health support 43:42 – Curcumin, metabolism, and the metformin connection 44:28 – Where to find and work with Dr. Shivani Gupta 45:13 – Closing thoughts, gratitude, and how to support the show Connect with Dr. Shivani Gupta: 🌐 Website: DrShivani.com 📸 Instagram: @dr.shivanigupta 🎙️ Podcast: The Inflammation Code 📚 Book: The Inflammation Code If today's conversation helped you feel more empowered in your health journey, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Women's health is longevity. The choices you make today shape the quality of your tomorrows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Inflammaging Explained: Ayurvedic Secrets, Turmeric & Curcumin for Midlife Women | Dr. Shivani Gupta

  3. Aug 27

    Beyond Willpower: The Science of Weight, Hormones & Women’s Health

    Why does weight management become more challenging for women in midlife—and why is it about so much more than willpower? In this episode of Her Time, Her Health, Dr. Jila is joined by Dr. Cagney Cristancho, MD, ABOM—Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, adult endocrinologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and obesity medicine specialist—to explore the science behind obesity, metabolism, and women’s health. Dr. Cristancho explains why obesity should be understood as a chronic disease rather than a failure of willpower, how cultural traditions can influence our relationship with food and body image, and why women may experience muscle loss and increased visceral fat during the perimenopausal and menopausal transition. She also shares what women should understand about GLP-1 medications, who may benefit from them, why medical supervision is important, and the risks associated with unregulated medications. Together, Dr. Jila and Dr. Cristancho also explore why preserving muscle should be a priority during weight loss, how protein and strength training can support healthy body composition, why some patients may need longer-term treatment, and how women can separate evidence-based guidance from the misinformation often found on social media. Connect & Resources Mentioned: Connect with Dr. Cagney Cristancho: Follow Dr. Cristancho on social media for evidence-based education on obesity medicine, endocrinology, metabolism, weight management, and women’s health. Instagram: @dra.cagneycristancho.endocrino Professional Profile Her Time, Her Health: Subscribe for more conversations with leading experts in women’s health, longevity, hormones, and preventative care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Aug 20

    Sammy Tejada Explains Why Preventative Medicine Is Key to Extending Healthspan

    What happens when a firefighter-paramedic realizes that reactive healthcare is failing patients? In this episode of Her Time, Her Health, Dr. Jila is joined by Sammy Tejada—former firefighter-paramedic, founder and CEO of Liquid Vita, chairman of the American IV Association, and author of How to Win in Modern Wellness—to explore the shift from emergency response to proactive longevity. Sammy shares his story of working in emergency medicine while drawing blood for pioneering longevity doctors, noticing a stark contrast between patients trapped in chronic disease and those actively reversing decline through functional medicine. Together, Dr. Jila and Sammy discuss why comprehensive diagnostics (like DEXA scans and resting metabolic rate tests) are critical for midlife health, how microdosing GLP-1s can preserve vital muscle mass, and why women deserve personalized, data-driven proactive care. Sammy also opens up about his daily biohacking and morning routine, setting healthy business boundaries, and why data is the ultimate tool for optimizing healthspan. In this episode, you’ll learn: From Emergency Medicine to Longevity: How witnessing chronic disease from the back of an ambulance inspired Sammy to build Liquid Vita. Shifting the Paradigm in Women's Health: Why modern longevity care must move beyond male-centric models to focus on midlife hormonal health and preventative testing. A Smart Approach to GLP-1s: Why tracking lean muscle mass with DEXA scans, microdosing, and prioritizing strength training prevents weight loss counter-productivity. The Power of Diagnostics: Why regular comprehensive blood work, hormone panels, and metabolic testing provide the true baseline for preventative health. Standardizing IV Therapy: How the American IV Association is driving safety, compliance, and clinical evidence in the vitamin infusion space. Sammy’s Daily Biohacking Routine: Inside his morning sunlight exposure, rucking, peptides, vagus nerve stimulation, and sleep optimization strategies. Rapid-Fire Takeaways: Sammy's top longevity habit for women under 40, his view on overhyped diets, and the book every entrepreneur should read. Connect & Resources Mentioned: Learn More About Liquid Vita: Visit liquidvita.com Book: How to Win in Modern Wellness by Sammy Tejada Industry Event: Learn about the VIBE Conference at americaniv.com Connect with Sammy Tejada: Visit sammytejada.com or search "Sammy Tejada" across social platforms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Aug 13

    Giselle Orentas Explains How Tuning Into Your Body Can Transform Hormonal Health

    What does it truly mean to listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and embrace reinvention in midlife? In this episode of Her Time, Her Health, Dr. Jila sits down with health coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Balangy, Giselle Orentas, for an intimate, vulnerable conversation on navigating health challenges, life transitions, and holistic wellness. Giselle opens up about her personal evolution—from working in construction equipment sales in her 20s to overcoming hormonal migraines, ovarian cysts, and navigating life after divorce. Together, Dr. Jila and Giselle explore why symptoms are your body's way of communicating rather than something to fix, how natural modalities like wild yam cream can support hormonal shifts, and why midlife is a powerful window for self-advocacy and personal growth. They also discuss blending motherhood with entrepreneurship and redefining what balance actually looks like in daily life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Listening to Body Signals: Why symptoms like PMS, cysts, and hormonal migraines are your body's communication system—not a flaw to be fixed. Self-Advocacy in Healthcare: How asking questions, seeking second opinions, and exploring holistic options empowers women to take charge of their care. Natural Support for Hormones: The science and personal experience behind using wild yam cream (a natural phytoestrogen) for PMS and hormonal support. Reinvention in Midlife: How navigating major life shifts—like divorce or career changes—can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and business building. Blending Motherhood and Ambition: A realistic, honest look at finding "balance" by integrating family life with entrepreneurship. Rapid-Fire Insights: Giselle's go-to morning wellness ritual, her favorite free form of self-care, and what balance means to her. Connect & Resources Mentioned: Follow Giselle Orentas: Instagram (@giselle.orentas) Explore Balangy: Visit gisellebalangy.com Substack: Read Giselle's publication, Balance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Aug 7

    Dr. Joey Munoz Is Cutting Through the Noise to Simplify Nutrition

    Why does nutrition and fitness feel more confusing now than ever before? In this episode of Her Time, Her Health, Dr. Jila sits down with clinical nutritionist Dr. Joey Munoz to cut through the social media noise, debunk modern diet myths, and simplify what it actually takes to build a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Together, Dr. Jila and Dr. Joey unpack why restricting whole food groups backfires, why midlife women must prioritize strength training over restrictive dieting, and how focusing on muscle mass rather than the number on the scale protects long-term metabolic health. They also take an evidence-based, nuanced look at GLP-1 medications—exploring their benefits, their limitations, and why building foundational lifestyle habits remains essential for lasting results. The Root of Nutrition Confusion: How social media algorithms reward extreme claims over nuanced, science-backed truth. Common Diet Myths Debunked: Why cutting out whole food groups (like vegetables, dairy, or carbohydrates) can do more harm than good. Body Composition vs. Weight Loss: Why preserving lean muscle mass is the key to protecting your metabolism—especially through perimenopause and post-menopause. The Fundamentals of Sustainable Health: How to build a strong nutrition foundation using protein, fiber, meal structure, and the 80/20 rule. A Balanced Take on GLP-1s: What weight loss medications can (and can’t) do, and how to avoid sacrificing muscle health. Evidence-Backed Supplements: Which daily supplements are actually supported by research and which ones are just clever marketing. Connect & Resources Mentioned: Follow Dr. Joey Munoz: Instagram (⁠@dr.joeymunoz⁠) | YouTube & Podcast (The Dr. Joey Munoz Show) Learn More & Work with Dr. Joey: Visit ⁠Strong Standard⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Aug 7

    Dr. Majid Fotuhi Explains How Neuroplasticity Allows Us to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline

    Is brain fog or memory loss an inevitable part of aging, or can we actively rewire and strengthen our brains as we get older? In this episode of Her Time, Her Health, Dr. Jila is joined by world-renowned neurologist and neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi, author of The Invincible Brain, to discuss the remarkable power of neuroplasticity and proactive brain health. Together, Dr. Jila and Dr. Fotuhi break down the five science-backed pillars of cognitive longevity—exercise, sleep, nutrition, stress reduction, and brain training. They explore why brain shrinkage actually begins in our 30s and 40s, how midlife hormonal shifts contribute to brain fog, and why lifestyle interventions like vigorous aerobic exercise can physically expand the hippocampus. Dr. Fotuhi also clarifies the difference between normal age-related memory decline and clinical dementia, offering an optimistic, evidence-based roadmap for keeping your mind sharp at any age. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Power of Neuroplasticity: How your brain can form new synapses and physically grow new neurons well into your 70s, 80s, and beyond. The Five Pillars of Brain Health: The most essential, non-debatable lifestyle interventions for lifelong cognitive sharpness. When Brain Aging Begins: Why microscopic structural changes start as early as your 30s and why midlife is the critical window for prevention. Brain Fog vs. Dementia: Reassuring insights into perimenopausal brain fog, hormone replacement therapy, and the difference between general cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Nutrition for Cognitive Vitality: Why processed junk foods shrink the brain and how high-fiber diets produce neuroprotective short-chain fatty acids. The Most Potent Brain Intervention: Why vigorous aerobic exercise stimulates BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) to grow memory centers faster than any supplement. Understanding Biomarkers: The science behind the p-tau 217 blood test and what the next decade holds for Alzheimer's prevention and treatment. Connect & Resources Mentioned: Book: The Invincible Brain: The Clinically Proven Plan to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life by Dr. Majid Fotuhi App: Download The Invincible Brain app for cognitive assessments and personalized brain training Connect with Dr. Fotuhi: Visit drfotuhi.com or follow him on Instagram (@dr_fotuhi) and LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Jul 23

    Cynthia Thurlow Reveals How Chronic Stress Ages Our Ovaries and Damages the Gut

    Your gut health is THE missing piece in your menopause journey.   Dr. Cynthia Thurlow breaks down what's really happening when estrogen declines, and it's SO much more than just bloating! 👇   As estrogen drops: • Your gut barrier weakens (hello autoimmune risk!) • Insulin sensitivity decreases • You produce less stomach acid & digestive enzymes • Bile production changes (fat breakdown struggles)   What you can do NOW:   ✅ Prioritize 7-8 hours quality sleep ✅ Focus on stress management (it rewires your nervous system!) ✅ Eat protein-centric with 25-30g fiber daily ✅ Strength train > chronic cardio ✅ Support your vagus nerve   The truth? Weight gain is NOT an inevitable part of aging when you understand what's happening beneath the surface.   Which of these strategies are you implementing first? 👇 More from Dr. Jila: Website: https://www.jilamd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjilasenemar/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jila-senemar-md-0ab42783/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Women in your 30’s and beyond, listen up! Each week, we answer those uncomfortable questions you want to ask but never have. With the help of the most renowned holistic, fitness, wellness, hormone and emotional well-being specialists, you will have all the latest information. We will break down the myth of products in the billion dollar menopause and perimenopause industry and tell you what is over-hyped or what would change your life! I’m Dr Jila - an OBGYN and women's health expert and this is my podcast. Join us in the journey to reclaim our health and make educated and empowered choices!

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