Decoding Women's Health with Dr. Elizabeth Poynor

Pushkin Industries

Why is it still so hard for women to find reliable, modern health information about their own bodies? On Decoding Women's Health, Dr. Elizabeth Poynor, chair of women’s health & gynecology at the Atria Health Institute, shares expert insights on women’s health, hormones, and longevity science to help you thrive at any stage of midlife and beyond. Dr. Poynor, a world-renowned gynecologic oncologist and advanced pelvic surgeon, speaks with leading physicians, researchers, and educators to share the latest science on women’s wellness, disease prevention, and what it really means to age on your own terms. Each episode explores a different aspect of how to improve your health during midlife—from heart disease and genetic risks to metabolism, hormones nutrition, cognitive health, and beyond. Whether you're in perimenopause, postmenopause, or simply looking for tools to prepare for the next chapter, take charge of your health—now and for the future—with expert guidance and practical advice to help you thrive. 

  1. Decoding Plastic Surgery with Dr. Troy Pittman

    2d ago

    Decoding Plastic Surgery with Dr. Troy Pittman

    Have you considered getting plastic surgery? We’re separating the social media hype from the surgical reality with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Troy Pittman.  He walks us through some of the most common procedures he performs, including his specialty: aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast.  We also discuss how to spot red flags when looking for qualified surgeons and what he wishes every patient knew before sitting down for their initial consultation. Plus, he’ll weigh in on AI tools and the latest trends reshaping the industry. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Hormonal therapies and venous thrombosis: Considerations for prevention and management: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9399360/ The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc.: https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/ American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.: https://www.aafprs.org/ Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    52 min
  2. Decoding Muscle and Bone Health with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

    May 19

    Decoding Muscle and Bone Health with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

    What can we do today to protect our bones, our muscles, and our joints for the future? Joining the show today is Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein - a clinician and researcher at Duke University, whose work sits at the intersection of women's health and musculoskeletal health. We break down the latest research, while outlining the effects of estrogen loss on muscle mass and function. But most importantly, we discuss what we can actually do about it. Dr. Wittstein has tips on which habits to adopt to maintain and strengthen your body. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Tips to improve bone density: https://content.atria.org/article/how-to-support-your-bone-density/ What to know about grip strengtheners: https://content.atria.org/article/what-to-know-about-grip-strengtheners/ Anti-inflammatory diet tips: https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-the-mediterranean-diet/ All about vitamin D: https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-vitamin-d/ NOTE: DEXA scans are simple 15-minute tests that can be done at some gyms, standalone businesses, or through your doctor. You do not need a prescription for one, but since your insurance may cover it, it's worth asking your doctor to order it for you. Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy modifies skeletal muscle composition and function: a study with monozygotic twin pairs: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19246654/ Association Between Hormone Therapy and Muscle Mass in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461147/ Estrogen deficiency accelerates lumbar facet joints arthritis: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-01427-7 Are there gender-specific differences in hip and knee cartilage composition and degeneration? A systematic literature review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11101511/ Hormone replacement therapy (conjugated oestrogens plus bazedoxifene) for post-menopausal women with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis: primary report from the HOPE-e randomised, placebo-controlled, feasibility study: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(22)00218-1/fulltext Beyond reproduction: the role of progesterone in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/ Progesterone and Bone: Actions Promoting Bone Health in Women: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/ Are there sex differences in the association between the incidence of knee osteoarthritis and its known risk factors? the Rotterdam study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020818/ Associations between testosterone and knee and hand osteoarthritis among males and females from the general population: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1063458425008787 Is There a Relationship Between Kinesiophobia and Physical Activity Level in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33372230/ Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Associated with Reduced Risk of Adhesive Capsulitis in Menopausal Women? A Single Center Analysis: https://scholars.duke.edu/publication/1616498 High-Intensity Resistance and Impact Training Improves Bone Mineral Density and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: The LIFTMOR Randomized Controlled Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28975661/ A comparison of different exercise intensities for improving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9615132/ Effectiveness of whole-body vibration on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36282343/ How (and Why) to Add More Fiber to Your Diet: https://content.atria.org/article/how-and-why-to-add-more-fiber-to-your-diet/ Your Guide to Omega-3s: https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-omega-3s/ Why VO2 Max Matters: https://content.atria.org/article/why-vo2-max-matters/ Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
  3. Decoding Better Sleep with Dr. Jade Wu

    May 5

    Decoding Better Sleep with Dr. Jade Wu

    Sleep in midlife can be complicated — shaped by stress, hormone fluctuations, and a lifetime of habits that may not be serving you. Dr. Jade Wu offers a reframe that challenges how many of us approach sleep. It’s not a problem to be solved. Sleep is your friend, one that responds better to patience than control.  Dr. Wu also explains why the real measure of sleep doesn’t come from a tracker or device but from how alert you feel during the day. We outline the difference between sleep deprivation, insomnia and sleep apnea. And we discuss the potential benefits of CBT-I or cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.  Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Thrive Sleep Clinic FAQs Hello Sleep: The Science and Art of Overcoming Insomnia Without Medications Genome-wide association study identifies genetic loci for self-reported habitual sleep duration supported by accelerometer-derived estimates Sleep Disturbance and Perimenopause: A Narrative Review Sleep Apnea Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) To learn more about at-home sleep studies, speak with your doctor and read this See a breakdown of the evidence for different treatments for sleep You can find a list of certified CBT-I therapists here A 2023 paper in JAMA tested 25 over-the-counter melatonin supplements and found that 22 of them contained very different amounts of melatonin and did not match what was on the label: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2804077 Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  4. Decoding Skincare with Dr. Elizabeth Hale

    Apr 21

    Decoding Skincare with Dr. Elizabeth Hale

    Figuring out how to take care of your skin shouldn’t be so hard. Leading dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hale joins the show to give us all the crucial information we need to take care of our skin all year around.  Dr. Hale also walks us through the various regenerative treatments that are in high demand, from exosomes and red light therapy to microneedling, to other mainstays like Botox™ and fillers.  Plus, some actionable tips for early skin cancer detection. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Skin Cancer Foundation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr
  5. Decoding Longevity with Dr. Nir Barzilai

    Apr 7

    Decoding Longevity with Dr. Nir Barzilai

    What if you could actually delay the process of aging? Dr. Nir Barzilai hopes to identify interventions that could do just that. He believes a class of drugs known as gerotherapeutics could be real game changers. Dr. Barzilai walks us through his pioneering research and explains why your biological age may actually be different from your chronological age. And we break down the buzziest trends in the longevity space. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Cellergy Therapeutics How to measure biological aging in humans Rapamycin, But Not Resveratrol or Simvastatin, Extends Life Span of Genetically Heterogeneous Mice An Updated Prioritization of Geroscience- Guided FDA-Approved Drugs Repurposed to Target Aging Comparative Effectiveness of Metformin Versus Sulfonylureas on Exceptional Longevity in Women With Type 2 Diabetes: Target Trial Emulation The Super Ager Family Study Nir Barziliai, MD, on what we can learn about longevity from SuperAgers and Centenarians Cardiovascular advantages among the offspring of centenarians  Lower all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality in centenarians' offspring Reduced Prevalence and Incidence of Cognitive Impairment Among Centenarian Offspring What You Should Know About NAD+ Supplements Abstract 4168: NMN supplementation enhances proliferation and aggressiveness in UV-induced skin cancer Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
  6. Decoding Trauma Healing with Dr. Robert Kachko

    Mar 24

    Decoding Trauma Healing with Dr. Robert Kachko

    Integrative health expert & naturopathic physician Dr. Robert Kachko shares his powerful framework for better understanding our biology, our ecology and our biography. His holistic approach helps patients navigate PTSD, trauma, and chronic conditions.  His work centers on some really powerful questions: Why does a body get sick? What are our symptoms trying to tell us? And how can that information be reverse engineered into a treatment plan? Links to resources mentioned in this episode: American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Somatic Experiencing Trauma and Violence Veterans Administration National Center for PTSD Remission from post-traumatic stress disorder in the general population  Remission from post-traumatic stress disorder in the general population Recovery from DSM-IV post-traumatic stress disorder in the WHO World Mental Health surveys Assessing Primary Care Contributions to Behavioral Health: A Cross-sectional Study Using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Clinician's Guide to Medications for PTSD 2023 U.S. Surgeon General - Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation ‘Dunbar's number’ deconstructed Why friendship and loneliness affect our health Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min
  7. Decoding Your Hormone Support Questions with Siobhan O’Connor

    Mar 10

    Decoding Your Hormone Support Questions with Siobhan O’Connor

    We’re tackling your questions about midlife hormone support. We’ll debunk common myths, unpack the research, and break down the basics of hormone support. We’ll also discuss some of the systemic benefits that may come with taking hormones, as well as important considerations for people with a history of health conditions, like cancer or stroke. Joining Dr. Elizabeth Poynor for this discussion is Atria Health Institute’s Chief Content Officer Siobhan O’Connor.  Links to resources mentioned in this episode: (00:25:29) - Decoding Happiness in Midlife with Dr. Laurie Santos (00:27:27) - Decoding Brain Fog with Dr. Caroline Gurvich (00:48:00) - Decoding Partnership in Midlife with Dr. Richard Shapiro Vaginal estrogen use in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of recurrence and mortality risks Oral micronized progesterone for perimenopausal night sweats and hot flushes a Phase III Canada-wide randomized placebo-controlled 4 month trial Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of menopause hormone therapy on risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk of Endometrial Cancer Allopregnanolone and Reproductive Psychiatry: An Overview Adverse Changes in Body Composition During the Menopausal Transition and Relation to Cardiovascular Risk: A Contemporary Review The role of lifestyle medicine in menopausal health: a review of non-pharmacologic interventions Skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ: PGC-1α, myokines and exercise ADHD and Sex Hormones in Females: A Systematic Review The range and variation in serum estradiol concentration in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women treated with transdermal estradiol in a real-world setting: a cross-sectional study The use of HRT containing transdermal estradiol in women with a personal history of venous or arterial thromboembolism: A consecutive series of 115 cases Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women: AUA/CUA/SUFU Guideline (2025) Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    53 min
  8. Decoding Alcohol with Dr. David Dodick

    Feb 24

    Decoding Alcohol with Dr. David Dodick

    Leading preventive neurologist Dr. David Dodick joins the show to unpack what alcohol is really doing inside the body. We dive into how it affects the brain, why it’s linked to an increased cancer risk, how it influences the immune system, and what makes alcohol especially impactful for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. If you’ve ever wondered what alcohol use might mean for your long-term health, this conversation is for you. Special thanks to Antonia Lyons Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Office of the Surgeon General: Alcohol and Cancer Risk  Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission  Women's alcohol use in mid-life: Identifying associations between menopause symptoms, drinking behavior, and mental health  Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
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Why is it still so hard for women to find reliable, modern health information about their own bodies? On Decoding Women's Health, Dr. Elizabeth Poynor, chair of women’s health & gynecology at the Atria Health Institute, shares expert insights on women’s health, hormones, and longevity science to help you thrive at any stage of midlife and beyond. Dr. Poynor, a world-renowned gynecologic oncologist and advanced pelvic surgeon, speaks with leading physicians, researchers, and educators to share the latest science on women’s wellness, disease prevention, and what it really means to age on your own terms. Each episode explores a different aspect of how to improve your health during midlife—from heart disease and genetic risks to metabolism, hormones nutrition, cognitive health, and beyond. Whether you're in perimenopause, postmenopause, or simply looking for tools to prepare for the next chapter, take charge of your health—now and for the future—with expert guidance and practical advice to help you thrive. 

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