The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Dr. Anna Cabeca OB/GYN
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Dr. Anna Cabeca is America's top menopause doctor. Known most widely as The Girlfriend Doctor, Dr. Anna is the first call for the woman who has questions she would only ask her best girlfriend if her girlfriend were a triple-board-certified OB-GYN. This top health podcast is all about helping women live better lives — before, during, and after menopause.

  1. 12h ago

    She Reversed Her Biological Age by 12 Years After Breast Cancer | Bettina Gordon Wayne

    What if your diagnosis wasn't the beginning of the end — but the beginning of everything? Eight years ago, Bettina Gordon-Wayne was handed a breast cancer diagnosis on a beautiful spring day in Washington, D.C. She had a four-year-old at home, a healthy lifestyle, and zero warning signs. Today, she is eight years cancer-free and biologically 12 years younger than her chronological age. And she has the data to prove it. Bettina spent 30 years as an international journalist interviewing world leaders, billionaires, and global experts. She was always the one asking the questions — until life gave her a story she couldn't cover from a distance. So she turned her investigative rigor toward the science of longevity, logged thousands of hours of research, and rebuilt her health from the inside out. Her TEDx talk "Aging Well, Aging in Reverse" surpassed 100,000 views. Her book The Joy of Later Motherhood sparked a global conversation. And her program, Younger With Age, is helping high-achieving midlife women do exactly what she did — reverse their biological age with data that proves it. In this episode, Dr. Anna and Bettina cover: Why biological age matters far more than the candles on your birthday cake How Bettina conceived naturally at 43 after a year of failed attempts — and what changed The mindset shift that separates women who age slowly from women who don't Why healthy living didn't prevent cancer — and how it saved her life anyway The unsexy, free anti-aging strategy that outperforms every biohack How to become a "beauty hunter" and lower cortisol through intentional joy The two words to say to anyone who tells you your best years are behind you Memorable Quotes: We can have true agency over the way we age. — Bettina Gordon-Wayne We can truly get younger with age.— Bettina Gordon-Wayne Get out of the victimhood and become defiant.— Bettina Gordon-Wayne The goal is not just to get older. The goal is to create a life that you are excited to live. — Bettina Gordon-Wayne If anybody tells you that you're too old, too gray, that your ship has sailed, look them straight in the eye and tell them two words: Watch me.— Bettina Gordon-Wayne "Our body is the cathedral of our spirit." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "For every day God gives us, let it be as healthy, vital, and purposeful as possible." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Health shows vitality." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Your diagnosis is not your destiny." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Your diagnosis is not your destiny." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Our body is the best pharmacy in the world." — Dr. Anna Cabeca   Take Bettina's free biological age quiz at bettinagordon.com/quiz and learn more about the Younger With Age program at bettinagordon.com/program.   Key Timestamps: 00:00 — Dr. Anna opens: "Our body is the cathedral of our spirit" — why renovation and repair are the foundation of longevity 02:15 — Introducing Bettina: from international journalist to first-time mom at 44 to breast cancer survivor to 12 years biologically younger 04:00 — Can we actually reverse biological age in our 50s and 60s? Bettina's answer is a clear yes 06:30 — Bettina's journey to later motherhood: why she didn't want children, what shifted at 43, and conceiving naturally after a year of failed attempts at 40 12:00 — Chronological age vs. biological age: what the difference actually means, the Horvath clock, and why biological age is the only number that matters 16:45 — "I don't do cancer, I do health" — the moment Bettina's world stopped on a spring day in D.C. 20:00 — Why a healthy lifestyle didn't prevent the diagnosis — and why her oncologist said it saved her life anyway 24:30 — The epigenetics of breast cancer: how choices made in your 30s show up as disease in your 40s and 50s 27:00 — "Get out of the victimhood and become defiant" — the mindset non-negotiable for aging on your own terms 31:00 — The racehorse framework: is this racehorse food or mule food? A reframe that makes healthy choices feel like self-respect, not deprivation 36:00 — The unsexy truth: sleep, movement with joy, stress reduction, and community are the top anti-aging strategies — and they're free 40:00 — "Become a beauty hunter" — Bettina's favorite daily practice for regulating the nervous system and activating the parasympathetic state 44:00 — Lab markers worth tracking: hemoglobin A1C, hsCRP, fatty acid ratios, vitamin D, and the biological age testing companies worth knowing 49:00 — Loving a body full of scars: what Bettina sees in the mirror at 56 and why it has nothing to do with how it looks 53:00 — "Watch me" — Bettina's closing message to every woman who has been told she's too old, too gray, or that her ship has sailed Connect with Bettina: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bettinagordon TikTok: @bettina.gordon TEDx Talk: Aging Well, Aging in Reverse Connect with Dr. Anna: Website: Dranna.com Instagram: @thegirlfrienddoctor  YouTube: @thegirlfrienddoctor  TikTok: @drannacabeca  Facebook: thegirlfrienddoctor

    51 min

  2. Jun 18

    Your "normal" labs are making you sick | Dr. Shamita Trivedi

    Have you ever been told your labs are "normal"—but you still feel exhausted, gain weight despite doing everything right, struggle with brain fog, poor sleep, low motivation, or simply don't feel like yourself? In this eye-opening episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Show, Dr. Anna Cabeca sits down with endocrinologist and women's health expert Dr. Shamita Trivedi to uncover why "normal" lab results don't always mean optimal health. With nearly 20 years of experience in endocrinology and hormone health, Dr. Trivedi shares how she blends evidence-based medicine with a personalized, integrative approach to help women navigate thyroid dysfunction, perimenopause, menopause, insulin resistance, metabolic health, and hormone optimization. Together, Dr. Anna and Dr. Trivedi discuss the growing epidemic of weight gain, fatigue, and metabolic dysfunction in midlife women—and why traditional medicine often misses the bigger picture. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why "normal" thyroid labs may still leave you feeling exhausted • The difference between normal ranges and optimal hormone levels • How perimenopause creates a state of neuroendocrine vulnerability • The truth about GLP-1 medications and when they're appropriate • Why hormone replacement should never be one-size-fits-all • The hidden connection between thyroid health, metabolism, and weight gain • How gut health, inflammation, and lifestyle impact every hormone system • What women with premature ovarian insufficiency need to know If you've ever felt dismissed, unheard, or told everything is fine when you know something isn't right, this conversation will empower you to advocate for your health and understand your body on a deeper level. Listen now and discover why optimal health starts beyond "normal."   Key Timestamps 00:00 – Why endocrinology plays a critical role in women's health and hormone optimization. 03:20 – Premature ovarian insufficiency: why early menopause can be devastating and what can be done. 09:15 – Birth control pills versus physiologic hormone replacement in young women. 16:00 – Perimenopause as a period of neuroendocrine and immunologic vulnerability. 22:45 – Why hormone therapy should always be individualized. 28:30 – Weight gain, cardiometabolic changes, and why women "catch up" to men in heart disease risk after menopause. 32:50 – The role of GLP-1 medications: benefits, risks, and common misconceptions. 40:40 – Gut health, inflammation, endocrine disruptors, and the root causes of metabolic dysfunction. 52:10 – Microdosing vs. standard dosing approaches for GLP-1 medications. 58:20 – Can you safely come off GLP-1 medications without regaining weight? 1:08:45 – The thyroid conversation: why so many women are told their labs are normal when they don't feel normal. 1:16:30 – T3, T4, thyroid antibodies, and finding the optimal thyroid range. 1:24:00 – A real patient case study: how hormone and thyroid optimization gave a woman her life back.   Memorable Quotes "I don't look at isolated symptoms. I look for the thread that's tying everything together." — Dr. Shamita Trivedi "This is not your body failing you. This is a normal transition that everybody goes through." — Dr. Shamita Trivedi "Menopause is normal and mandatory. Suffering is optional." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Your body will tell us what it needs. Our job is to listen." — Dr. Shamita Trivedi "Normal lab values are not always optimal values." — Dr. Shamita Trivedi "We have to treat the woman in front of us—not the lab report." — Dr. Anna Cabeca   Connect With Dr. Shamita Trivedi Website: https://drshamitatrivedi.com Casad Health & Wellness: https://casadhealth.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtrivedi_hormonedoc   Connect With Dr. Anna Website: https://dranna.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor

    56 min

  3. Jun 11

    The Truth About Progesterone | Dr. Felice Gersh

    Is progesterone the most misunderstood hormone in women's health? For decades, women have been told that progesterone is only necessary to protect the uterus. But what if that's only a small part of the story? In this fascinating and thought-provoking episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Show, Dr. Anna Cabeca welcomes renowned OB-GYN and integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Felice Gersh for a deep dive into the science, controversy, and clinical nuances of progesterone therapy in menopause. Drawing on more than 45 years of clinical experience, Dr. Gersh explains why she believes progesterone is far more than a hormone for pregnancy and uterine protection. Together, she and Dr. Anna explore progesterone's role in brain health, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular wellness, sleep, cognition, and healthy aging. They discuss why hormone therapy should never be one-size-fits-all, the differences between progesterone and synthetic progestins, the growing evidence supporting cyclic hormone therapy, and how delivery methods—including oral, vaginal, transdermal, and rectal progesterone—can produce dramatically different effects in the body. The conversation also tackles one of the most controversial topics in women's health: hormone therapy after breast cancer. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why progesterone is a "life hormone," not just a reproductive hormone • The surprising neuroprotective effects of progesterone • How oral progesterone differs from vaginal and transdermal delivery • Why cyclic hormone therapy may more closely mimic natural physiology • The role of allopregnanolone in sleep, mood, cognition, and brain health • How inflammation influences breast cancer risk more than many women realize • Why individualized hormone therapy remains essential for optimal aging If you've ever wondered whether you're using progesterone correctly—or if you've been told you don't need it after menopause—this episode may completely change how you think about hormone health.   Key Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Felice Gersh and why progesterone remains one of the most misunderstood hormones in medicine. 04:30 – Why menopause is a metabolic transition, not simply the end of fertility. 08:45 – Dr. Gersh explains why progesterone should not be viewed solely as uterine protection. 14:20 – The concept of progesterone as a "life hormone" and its effects throughout the body. 21:30 – Cyclic versus continuous hormone therapy and what nature can teach us about hormone rhythms. 28:15 – Neuroprotection, traumatic brain injury research, cognition, and progesterone's impact on brain health. 36:40 – Progesterone versus synthetic progestins: why the distinction matters. 43:55 – Oral progesterone, allopregnanolone, and the surprising effects on sleep, mood, and cognition. 58:10 – The science behind vaginal, transdermal, and rectal progesterone delivery. 1:09:20 – Postmenopausal bleeding, endometrial protection, and important clinical considerations. 1:18:45 – Progesterone, breast cancer, inflammation, and informed consent. 1:31:00 – Final thoughts on individualized hormone therapy and empowering women through education.   Memorable Quotes "I don't call them sex hormones. I call them life hormones." — Dr. Felice Gersh "Progesterone has receptors throughout the body and affects virtually every organ system." — Dr. Felice Gersh "We are not smarter than nature." — Dr. Felice Gersh "Hormone therapy is never one-size-fits-all." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "The underlying issue that caused the cancer wasn't reproductive hormones." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Most women don't need less information—they need better information." — Dr. Felice Gersh   Connect With Guest Website: https://integrativemgi.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FeliceGershMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.felicegersh/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felicegershmd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicegershmd/   Connect With Dr. Anna Website: https://dranna.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor   💧 BIG NEWS: Dr. Anna's own intimate lubricant, Velvé, is launching soon! Be the first to know: www.shopvelve.com

    1h 3m

  4. Jun 4

    What You're Eating Is Making Menopause Worse | Andrea Donsky

    What if the brain fog, exhaustion, anxiety, bloating, hot flashes, sleep struggles, and weight gain you're experiencing in perimenopause aren't "just aging"… but signs your body is asking for a completely different kind of nourishment? In this empowering episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Show, Dr. Anna Cabeca sits down with nutritionist, menopause educator, and 7X published menopause researcher Andrea Donsky for a deeply validating conversation about the real science behind menopause symptoms—and what women can actually do to feel better. Andrea shares how her groundbreaking menopause research uncovered more than 103 symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, with many of the most common symptoms linked to brain health, cognition, anxiety, mood, and sleep. Together, Dr. Anna and Andrea unpack why so many women feel dismissed by healthcare providers and how nutrition, digestion, blood sugar balance, sleep, stress reduction, and targeted supplementation can dramatically improve quality of life. Andrea also introduces her BALANCE Blueprint from her new book Nourishing Menopause, a practical framework for supporting hormones, metabolism, gut health, and energy through midlife and beyond. In this episode, you'll learn: Why blood sugar balance is critical during perimenopause and menopause The surprising connection between gut health, hormones, mood, and brain fog How digestion changes in menopause—and why constipation, bloating, and inflammation increase Which foods and habits may worsen hot flashes, night sweats, and poor sleep The foundational supplements Andrea recommends for midlife women Why menopause symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed by doctors How mindset, self-compassion, and education can transform the menopause experience If you've ever felt like "something is wrong" in your body but couldn't explain it, this conversation will help you feel seen, informed, and empowered with practical tools to support your Second Spring.   Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Why more women are finally talking openly about perimenopause Dr. Anna introduces the conversation around optimizing health during menopause and beyond. 01:52 – Andrea discovers there are over 100 menopause symptoms Andrea shares how her menopause research journey began and what surprised her most. 02:54 – The shocking link between menopause and mental health symptoms Discussion about anxiety, cognitive health, depression, and why women often feel "crazy" during hormonal shifts. 05:47 – What Andrea's doctor visit survey revealed The heartbreaking reality of women being dismissed, unheard, and misdiagnosed during perimenopause. 10:56 – What women are still not being told about menopause Andrea explains why "just exercise more and lose weight" is not enough. 13:40 – The BALANCE Blueprint for nourishing menopause Andrea breaks down her nutrition framework for supporting metabolism, hormones, gut health, and energy. 16:02 – Why blood sugar balance becomes essential in menopause Discussion on insulin resistance, PCOS, metabolism, and protein needs during midlife. 20:47 – How menopause changes digestion and gut health Andrea explains bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, inflammation, and the gut-brain connection. 26:58 – Nutrition strategies for better sleep and fewer hot flashes Why late-night eating, alcohol, chocolate, and blood sugar spikes may worsen symptoms. 32:56 – Andrea's foundational menopause supplements Magnesium, omega-3s, fiber, vitamin D, and why supplementation matters during hormonal shifts. 37:47 – Rapid-fire menopause wisdom and mindset shifts Andrea shares the habits, mindset changes, and self-care practices that transformed her own menopause journey. 42:27 – Where to find Andrea's book, resources, and menopause research Final thoughts on empowerment, pelvic health, and changing the menopause conversation together.   Memorable Quotes: "We found there are actually more than 103 symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause." — Andrea Donsky "Nine out of the top ten menopause symptoms are brain health, cognitive health, and mental health related." — Andrea Donsky "You are the CEO of your body." — Anna Cabeca "We cannot do what we did before. We have to relearn how to nourish ourselves in this phase of life." — Andrea Donsky "You can't heal a body you hate." — Anna Cabeca "Menopause is a time of recalibration, not failure." — Andrea Donsky   Connect With Guest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreadonsky TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andreadonsky LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreadonsky/ Website: https://wearemorphus.com Book: https://nourishingmenopausebook.com Podcast: Menopause Reimagined   Connect With Dr. Anna: Website: https://dranna.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor 💧 BIG NEWS: Dr. Anna's own intimate lubricant, Velvé, is launching soon!Be the first to know: www.shopvelve.com

    49 min

  5. May 28

    The Ancient Secret to Fighting Inflammation | Dr. Shivani

    What if the key to reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, improving digestion, and restoring your energy wasn't another restrictive diet—but ancient wisdom backed by modern science? In this powerful episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Show, Dr. Anna Cabeca sits down with Ayurvedic practitioner, turmeric researcher, and inflammation expert Dr. Shivani Gupta to explore how chronic inflammation silently impacts everything from brain fog and belly fat to hormone imbalance, sleep struggles, and burnout in midlife women. With a Master's in Ayurvedic Sciences and a PhD focused on turmeric, Dr. Shivani bridges the gap between ancient Ayurvedic practices and functional medicine in a refreshingly practical way. Together, Dr. Anna and Dr. Shivani dive into the daily rituals, spice-based habits, and nervous system practices that can help women feel vibrant again—without perfection or deprivation. In this episode, you'll learn: Why inflammation is often the hidden root cause behind hormone chaos and fatigue The surprising connection between gut health, the estrobolome, and menopause symptoms How turmeric works beyond supplements—and why quality matters What "Mental Inflammation™" is and how stress fuels physical symptoms Simple Ayurvedic micro-habits that help regulate energy, digestion, mood, and sleep How women can personalize wellness through Elemental Design™ instead of one-size-fits-all health advice Dr. Shivani also shares insights from her upcoming book, The Inflammation Code (Hay House, February 2026), and explains why sustainable healing starts with small daily shifts that actually fit real life. If you've been feeling inflamed, exhausted, or disconnected from your body, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, hopeful, and equipped with practical tools to start healing today.   Key Timestamps: 01:09 – Introduction to inflammation and the "devil's pitchfork" Dr. Anna explains the connection between inflammation, adrenal dysfunction, and hormone imbalance. 01:10 – Dr. Shivani's personal health journey Growing up between Houston and India, Dr. Shivani shares how antibiotics, chronic illness, and Ayurvedic remedies shaped her path. 01:14 – What Ayurveda actually is Dr. Shivani breaks down Ayurveda as a 5,000-year-old system of prevention, healing, circadian living, and gut health. 01:18 – Understanding your Ayurvedic "Elemental Design" Learn the three doshas/body types: Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth/water). 01:25 – Daily detox rituals that lower inflammation Tongue scraping, oil pulling, gut-healing foods, and Ayurvedic self-care practices explained. 01:35 – Why menopause is a "Vata transition" Dr. Shivani explains how dryness, insomnia, anxiety, brain fog, and hormonal shifts align with Vata imbalance. 01:39 – Protein, healthy fats, and women's metabolism in midlife Discussion around vegan diets, insulin resistance, muscle loss, and supporting hormones through nourishment. 01:46 – The science-backed power of turmeric Dr. Shivani shares her PhD research on turmeric's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, gut-healing, and neuroprotective effects. 01:48 – How to actually absorb turmeric properly Why black pepper and healthy fats matter for turmeric absorption and effectiveness. 01:53 – Turmeric for brain health and Alzheimer's prevention The conversation dives into amyloid plaques, neuroinflammation, and women's increased Alzheimer's risk. 01:54 – Dr. Shivani's book, supplements, and inflammation protocols Final takeaways on The Inflammation Code, Ayurvedic healing tools, and practical daily anti-inflammatory habits.     Memorable Quotes: "Inflammation is the fire underneath so many of the symptoms women are struggling with today." — Shivani Gupta "Healing doesn't have to be extreme to be effective." — Shivani Gupta "Your body is constantly communicating with you through symptoms." — Anna Cabeca "Small daily rituals done consistently are more powerful than perfection." — Shivani Gupta "Women heal best when they feel safe, supported, and connected back to themselves." — Anna Cabeca     Connect With Guest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@TheShivaniGupta YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.shivanigupta/videos Website: https://www.shivanigupta.com The Inflammation Code Book: https://www.theinflammationcode.com Fusionary Formulas: Dr. Shivani's recommended supplement line Use code DRANNA at checkout for 15% off your first order! 🔗https://fusionaryformulas.com?sca_ref=11351585.JGtAbG1l5Q06 🎙️ Listen to Dr. Anna on Dr. Shivani's podcast, The Inflammation Code: Why Your Brain Feels Foggy and Your Mood Is Off     Connect With Dr. Anna: Website: https://dranna.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor 💧 BIG NEWS: Dr. Anna's own intimate lubricant, Velvé, is launching soon!Be the first to know: www.shopvelve.com

    49 min

  6. May 21

    The Gut-Thyroid Link Your Doctor Isn't Testing For with Dr. Izabella Wentz

    What if your "normal" thyroid labs aren't telling the full story? In this eye-opening episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Show, Dr. Anna Cabeca sits down with renowned integrative pharmacist and thyroid expert Dr. Izabella Wentz to uncover the powerful connection between gut health, IBS, autoimmune disease, and thyroid dysfunction — especially Hashimoto's. Dr. Wentz shares her deeply personal journey from debilitating IBS, anxiety, fatigue, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis to healing through root-cause medicine. Together, Dr. Anna and Dr. Wentz explore why so many women are told their thyroid labs are "normal" while they continue struggling with weight gain, brain fog, bloating, constipation, inflammation, hormonal shifts, and exhaustion. You'll learn why gut permeability ("leaky gut"), chronic stress, infections, food sensitivities, and microbiome imbalances may be silently driving autoimmune thyroid disease — and the practical steps you can take to begin healing. In this episode, you'll discover: Why thyroid antibodies matter — even when TSH appears "normal" The hidden connection between IBS and Hashimoto's How stress hormones disrupt the gut barrier and immune system Common root causes including parasites, H. pylori, SIBO, mold, and food sensitivities The truth about bloating, constipation, diarrhea, edema, and inflammation Functional medicine testing that may uncover what conventional medicine misses Nutrition, supplements, and gut-healing strategies that can support thyroid recovery If you've ever been told "everything looks fine" while your body says otherwise, this conversation is for you. Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs answers, healing, and hope.   Key Timestamps 00:00 — Why thyroid symptoms are often missed in women 04:30 — Dr. Wentz's personal journey with IBS and Hashimoto's 11:15 — The gut-autoimmune-thyroid connection explained 18:40 — Post-COVID rise in autoimmune conditions and chronic fatigue 24:50 — Functional medicine testing for IBS and thyroid symptoms 33:10 — Stress, cortisol, and "leaky gut" 41:20 — How intestinal permeability triggers autoimmune disease 49:45 — Food sensitivities, bloating, edema, and inflammation 58:30 — Gut-healing protocols and favorite supplements 01:06:20 — Why women are more prone to IBS and Hashimoto's 01:14:00 — The importance of self-advocacy and listening to your body   Memorable Quotes "You may have been told your thyroid is normal, but there's something else going on — and the biggest culprit can be in the gut." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Don't let people tell you it's all in your head." — Dr. Izabella Wentz "There will often be a disruption of the gut barrier years before an autoimmune diagnosis appears." — Dr. Izabella Wentz "To heal the human, we have to address the gut." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Stress hormones can unlock the door to intestinal permeability and chronic inflammation." — Dr. Anna Cabeca   Connect With Guest Check out Dr. Izabella's new book: IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izabellawentzpharmd/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ThyroidPharmacist  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThyroidLifestyle/ Website: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/   Connect With Dr. Anna Website: Dranna.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor   💧 BIG NEWS: Dr. Anna's own intimate lubricant, Velvé, is launching soon!Be the first to know: www.shopvelve.com

    48 min

  7. May 14

    Why You're Still Tired, Fat & Losing Hair (It's Your Thyroid) | Dr. Amie Hornaman

    Are you doing "all the right things" but still gaining weight, losing hair, feeling exhausted, foggy, anxious, or stuck in your body? Your thyroid may be the missing piece. In this powerful episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast, Dr. Anna Cabeca welcomes Dr. Amie Hornaman—also known as "The Thyroid Fixer," founder of the Advanced Thyroid and Hormone Clinic, host of The Thyroid Fixer podcast, and author of The Thyroid Fix: The No Nonsense Guide to Fix Fatigue, Fogginess and Fat That Won't Budge. Together, Dr. Anna and Dr. Amie unpack why thyroid dysfunction is so often missed in perimenopause and menopause—and why a "normal" TSH may not tell the whole story. They discuss Hashimoto's, weight-loss resistance, hair loss, fatigue, iodine, T2, reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, hormone shifts, stress, environmental toxins, and why women must advocate for a complete thyroid panel. In this episode, you'll learn: Why fatigue, hair loss, depression, constipation, cold intolerance, and stubborn belly fat may point to thyroid dysfunction The full thyroid panel Dr. Amie recommends beyond TSH How perimenopause and menopause can trigger or worsen Hashimoto's Why T4-only medication may not work for every woman The role of iodine, selenium, magnesium, vitamin D, black cumin seed oil, and T2 Why thyroid optimization is a longevity strategy—not just a weight-loss conversation Dr. Amie also shares her personal journey of misdiagnosis, thyroid recovery, PCOS, and navigating endometrial cancer with courage, honesty, and functional medicine wisdom. Listen now and remember: you are your best health advocate—and there is always one next right step. Key Timestamps 00:00 — Why thyroid symptoms often show up in menopause 04:20 — The top symptoms of thyroid dysfunction 08:30 — Hashimoto's, autoimmunity, and hormone shifts 16:40 — The full thyroid panel every woman should know 27:00 — Iodine, thyroid antibodies, and detox reactions 36:30 — Dr. Amie's personal thyroid misdiagnosis story 46:00 — Thyroid dysfunction and weight-loss resistance 55:00 — Optimizing thyroid hormones at every age 1:04:00 — PCOS, progesterone, and endometrial cancer 1:14:00 — T2, metabolism, and mitochondrial support Memorable Quotes "From head to toe, the thyroid runs the show." — Dr. Amie Hornaman "Women are being dismissed when it really is a thyroid problem that can be treated." — Dr. Amie Hornaman "We don't want normal. We want optimal." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "The thyroid is a longevity optimizer, not just an aesthetics conversation." — Dr. Amie Hornaman "You are your best advocate for your health." — Dr. Anna Cabeca Connect With Dr. Amie Hornaman Book: The Thyroid Fix: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Thyroid-Fix/Dr-Amie-Hornaman/9781668225424 Website: https://dramie.com Supplements: https://betterlifedoctor.com/annacabeca Use code: DRANNA for 10% off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramiehornaman/ YouTube: youtube.com/@DrAmieHornaman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmieHornaman Connect With Dr. Anna Cabeca Website: https://dranna.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor 💧 BIG NEWS: Dr. Anna's own intimate lubricant, Velvé, is launching soon! Be the first to know: www.shopvelve.com

    47 min

  8. May 7

    Dave Asprey: I Take Nicotine Every Day — Here's Why

    What if everything you've been told about nicotine… is incomplete? In this bold, thought-provoking episode, Dr. Anna Cabeca sits down with biohacking pioneer Dave Asprey to unpack the science, controversy, and real-world application of nicotine for brain health, longevity, and performance—and why dosage, context, and awareness matter more than ever. Dave Asprey is a 4x New York Times bestselling author, longevity expert, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and widely recognized as the creator of the biohacking movement. After losing over 100 pounds and transforming his own health, he's spent decades optimizing human performance and building tools that have shaped a multi-billion-dollar wellness industry. Together, Dr. Anna and Dave go deep—covering everything from microdosing nicotine and mitochondrial health to trauma healing, intuition, and the future of consciousness. In this episode, you'll learn: The truth about nicotine vs. smoking—and why they are NOT the same How low-dose nicotine (1–5 mg) may support brain clarity, focus, and neuroprotection The risks of addiction, tolerance, and overuse (and how to avoid them) A powerful "brain rescue stack" for cognitive decline (creatine, electrolytes, ketones + more) Why women are at higher risk for Alzheimer's—and what you can do now The role of mitochondria, trauma, and forgiveness in healing and longevity Dave's "5 F's framework" (fear, food, fertility, friend, forgiveness) and how it drives behavior How biohacking is evolving into consciousness and emotional resilience work ⏱️ Key Timestamps: 03:12 – Nicotine for cognitive performance: myth vs. science 10:45 – Addiction, dosing, and Dr. Anna's personal experience 18:20 – Brain fog, menopause, and neuroprotection strategies 26:10 – The "brain stack" for dementia and cognitive decline 38:05 – Mitochondria, trauma, and the root of emotional triggers 52:30 – Forgiveness as a biological reset  1:02:15 – The future of biohacking: consciousness + longevity  💬 Memorable Quotes: "Smoking is bad for you. Nicotine is a different conversation." – Dave Asprey "Low dose, it's a tool. High dose, it becomes a problem." – Dave Asprey "We can't ignore brain health—especially as women, where risk is higher." – Dr. Anna Cabeca "Forgiveness isn't a thought—it's a biological reset." – Dave Asprey "We don't want to be normal—we want to be optimal." – Dr. Anna Cabeca  🔗 Connect with Dave Asprey: Website: https://daveasprey.com/ Book: Heavily Meditated: The Fast Path to Remove Your Triggers, Dissolve Stress, and Activate Inner Peace TikTok: daveaspreyofficial Facebook: daveaspreyofficial YouTube: DaveaspreyBPR LinkedIn: asprey X: daveasprey Instagram: dave.asprey Check out Dave's products using Dr. Anna's links below: 🕶️ TrueDark (blue light blocking glasses) — truedark.com?ref=dranna ☕ Danger Coffee (mineral-rich performance coffee) — dangercoffee.com/dranna  💜 Connect with Dr. Anna: Website: https://dranna.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor 💧 BIG NEWS: Dr. Anna's own intimate lubricant is launching soon! Be the first to know: www.shopvelve.com Be sure to check out Dr Anna's new book, MenuPause. Get your sneak peek: dranna.com/gfd-sneak Order your book today: dranna.com/gfd-book Take Dr Anna's quiz and get matched with your ideal menu: dranna.com/gfd-quiz Get your Weight Loss Checklist as well: dranna.com/gfd-checklist Try her Keto-Green Recipes for Menopause at dranna.com/gfd-recipe Sign up for her FREE masterclass today: dranna.com/gfd-diabetes -ABOUT DR. ANNA- Dr. Anna Cabeca is an Emory University trained and board certified Gynecologist and Obstetrician. In addition, she is board certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and an expert in Functional Medicine and Women's Health. She specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and natural alternatives, successful menopause and age management medicine. Dr. Anna is the best-selling author of Hormone Fix, Keto-Green 16, and MenuPause.  *Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice. *

    47 min
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4.7
out of 5
332 Ratings

About

Dr. Anna Cabeca is America's top menopause doctor. Known most widely as The Girlfriend Doctor, Dr. Anna is the first call for the woman who has questions she would only ask her best girlfriend if her girlfriend were a triple-board-certified OB-GYN. This top health podcast is all about helping women live better lives — before, during, and after menopause.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Anna Cabeca OB/GYN
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    485
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2025 Cabeca Health. All rights reserved. 195604
  • Show Website
    The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

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