The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Dr. Anna Cabeca OB/GYN
  • 4.7 (331)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. APR 30

    The hormone behind grief, joy, and healing | Dr. Anna Cabeca

    What if the same hormone that helps you bond, love, and feel deep joy is also the one that carries you through grief and healing? In this powerful solo episode, Dr. Anna Cabeca—triple board-certified OB-GYN, integrative medicine expert, and bestselling author of The Hormone Fix, Keto-Green 16, and MenuPause—dives into the profound role of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," and why it may be the most overlooked key to emotional and physical resilience. With decades of clinical experience and a deeply personal approach, Dr. Anna shares how oxytocin influences everything from your mood and relationships to inflammation, hormone balance, and even intimacy. She also connects the dots between declining hormones in midlife and changes in vaginal health, comfort, and confidence—areas often ignored but deeply tied to connection and wellbeing. In this episode, you'll discover: How oxytocin supports both joy and grief processing The hidden impact of stress and cortisol on connection and healing Why midlife hormone shifts can affect intimacy, dryness, and discomfort Simple, daily practices to naturally boost oxytocin How supporting your body locally and systemically can restore confidence and connection This episode is your reminder that healing doesn't happen in isolation—it happens in connection. And your body is beautifully designed for it. Ready to feel more connected, supported, and like yourself again? Start with one small step today. Share this episode with a friend, prioritize meaningful connection, and explore supportive tools for hormone and vaginal health—like Julva®—at DrAnna.com.   Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Why oxytocin is the hormone we're not talking about enough 05:30 – The biology of connection: oxytocin vs. cortisol 12:10 – How grief and joy share the same hormonal pathway 18:45 – Midlife hormone changes and emotional + physical disconnection 24:20 – Practical ways to increase oxytocin daily 30:00 – Healing through community and intentional connection   Memorable Quotes: "Oxytocin is not just the hormone of love—it's the hormone of healing." "We don't heal in isolation. We heal in connection." "The same pathway that allows you to feel deep joy is the one that carries you through grief." "Cortisol will protect you, but oxytocin will restore you." "Connection is medicine—and your body is designed for it."   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

    22 min

  3. APR 23

    Why You Can't Ignore Gut Health in Menopause | Cynthia Thurlow

    What if your brain fog, stubborn weight gain, mood swings, and fatigue in menopause aren't just "hormones"… but your gut asking for help? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Cynthia Thurlow, NP—a globally recognized expert in women's health, intermittent fasting, and host of the Everyday Wellness Podcast—to unpack the critical connection between your gut and your hormones. And just in time, Cynthia is releasing her brand-new book, The Menopause Gut, a must-read guide to understanding how your microbiome shapes everything from metabolism to mood. Because here's the truth: you cannot heal your hormones without healing your gut. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Cynthia brings both science and strategy to this conversation—helping you understand what's really happening in your body and how to take your power back.     What You'll Learn in This Episode Why your gut microbiome acts as your body's estrogen control center (the "estrobolome") How inflammation and poor gut health drive weight gain, brain fog, and hormone imbalance The connection between leaky gut, autoimmunity, and menopause symptoms Why your metabolism shifts in midlife—and what actually works to reset it How chronic stress and past trauma (ACES) rewire your gut and hormones The truth about fiber, protein, and lifestyle strategies for gut repair Why hormone therapy alone isn't enough without addressing the gut     Key Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast 02:30 – Why gut health is the foundation of hormone balance 06:45 – The estrobolome: your gut's role in estrogen detox 12:10 – Leaky gut, inflammation, and menopause symptoms 18:20 – Why weight gain happens (even when nothing changes) 24:50 – Stress, cortisol, and the gut-hormone connection 31:15 – FSH, inflammation, and what your labs are really telling you 38:40 – Trauma, ACES, and long-term hormone disruption 45:10 – Practical strategies to heal your gut in midlife 52:00 – Cynthia's top daily habits for hormone and gut health

    42 min

  4. APR 16

    The power of intermittent fasting | Jason Fung

    What if the key to reversing stubborn weight gain, balancing hormones, and even preventing chronic disease isn't more food… but strategically less? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jason Fung to unpack the science—and the simplicity—behind intermittent fasting. Dr. Fung is a world-renowned nephrologist, New York Times bestselling author of The Obesity Code, and a pioneer in using fasting as a therapeutic tool to reverse type 2 diabetes and metabolic disease. After witnessing firsthand how conventional treatments often worsened his patients' health, he developed a groundbreaking approach focused on lowering insulin and restoring metabolic balance. Together, we explore how intermittent fasting works with your body—not against it—and why it's especially powerful for women navigating hormonal shifts. In this episode, you'll discover: Why insulin—not calories—is the key driver of weight gain and metabolic dysfunction How intermittent fasting supports fat burning, hormone balance, and cellular repair The biggest myths about fasting (especially for women!)—and what actually works How fasting impacts menopause, cravings, and energy levels Simple, sustainable ways to begin fasting safely and effectively This conversation is both empowering and practical—giving you tools to take control of your metabolism, your hormones, and your long-term health. Ready to reset your metabolism and feel like yourself again? Listen now and share this episode with a girlfriend who needs to hear it.   Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Why "eat less, move more" is failing women today 02:15 – Meet Jason Fung: From kidney disease to metabolic breakthrough 05:40 – The real root of weight gain: understanding insulin resistance 09:10 – Why calorie counting doesn't work (and what does) 13:25 – Intermittent fasting explained: how and why it works 18:50 – Fasting and hormones: what women must know 24:15 – Menopause, metabolism, and stubborn weight gain 29:40 – The truth about hunger: it's hormonal, not willpower 34:05 – How fasting resets your body's natural fat-burning ability 39:20 – Common fasting mistakes (and how to avoid them) 44:10 – How to safely start intermittent fasting today 48:30 – Final thoughts: reclaiming metabolic health for life Memorable Quotes: "Fasting isn't about deprivation—it's about giving your body the time it needs to heal." — Jason Fung "When you lower insulin, your body finally gets access to its fat stores. That's when real change happens." — Jason Fung "Hunger is not a failure of willpower—it's a hormonal signal. And we can work with it." — Jason Fung "You don't need to eat less. You need to eat less often." — Jason Fung "For many women, especially in menopause, fasting can be the missing piece to restoring metabolic flexibility." — Dr. Anna Cabeca "Your body is designed to burn fat—it just needs the right hormonal environment to do it." — Jason Fung Connect With Guest: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJasonFung https://www.doctorjasonfung.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drjasonfung/ https://www.facebook.com/jason.fung.313   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 P.S. Healing doesn't happen in isolation—it happens in connection. If this episode resonated, come join our community and take your next step with support, science, and sisterhood 💜

    51 min

  5. APR 9

    Can Menopause Cause UTIs? | Dr. Anna Cabeca

    If you've ever wondered why UTIs, vaginal infections, or bladder issues seem to suddenly appear in midlife—you are not alone… and you are not imagining it. In this powerful solo episode, Dr. Anna Cabeca breaks down the real root causes behind recurrent UTIs and vaginal health issues during perimenopause and menopause—and why conventional approaches often miss the mark. As a triple board-certified OB-GYN and integrative medicine expert, Dr. Anna brings both clinical insight and heartfelt guidance to a topic many women are too embarrassed to talk about—but desperately need to understand. Drawing from decades of experience and emerging microbiome science, she reveals how hormonal shifts, vaginal pH changes, and microbiome imbalances create the perfect storm for recurring infections—and what you can do about it. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why declining estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA directly impact bladder and vaginal health • The critical role of the vaginal microbiome (and why diversity is not always a good thing here) • How pH shifts make you more vulnerable to UTIs, BV, and yeast infections • The surprising link between UTIs and cognitive symptoms like brain fog • Why antibiotics alone may be making the problem worse • The foundational steps to restore balance, resilience, and intimacy This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap—because your body was designed to thrive at every age. Your next step: If this resonates, don't ignore it. Share this episode with a friend, subscribe to The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast, and start implementing one small change today to support your vaginal and urinary health.   Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & why this topic matters now 01:01 – The hidden impact of UTIs and infections on aging and cognition 03:00 – Hormonal decline and structural changes in the vaginal/urethral tissue 07:00 – The vaginal microbiome explained simply 11:00 – Why pH balance is your first line of defense 15:00 – The antibiotic trap + root cause approach 20:00 – Practical solutions: hormones, probiotics, and lifestyle     Memorable Quotes: • "The vagina is essential for life—and we have to start treating it that way." • "An imbalanced microbiome is often the root cause—not just the infection." • "If it hurts every time, why would you want to? Healing restores desire." • "Your body should be inhospitable to disease—and that starts at the cellular level." Connect With Dr. Anna: Website: https://dranna.com/vb https://drannacabeca.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

    36 min

  6. APR 2

    The truth about cancer tests | Jeffrey Gladden

    What if aging isn't inevitable… but optional? What if you could feel 30 at 100—with energy, clarity, purpose, and vitality? In this powerful and expansive conversation, Dr. Anna Cabeca sits down with world-renowned cardiologist and longevity pioneer Dr. Jeffrey Gladden to challenge everything we've been told about aging. From his own health collapse in his 50s to reversing biological decline and redefining what's possible, Dr. Gladden reveals how we can stop managing disease—and start optimizing life. Dr. Gladden brings decades of cutting-edge experience to share a bold new framework: aging is exponential—and requires exponential solutions. Together, we explore the intersection of science, spirituality, cellular health, and human potential, uncovering what it truly means to "play the symphony of longevity." In this episode, you'll discover: Why traditional medicine misses the root cause of aging The powerful role of hormones, mitochondria, and detoxification in longevity How your nervous system (stress vs. healing) determines your health outcomes The surprising connection between meditation, oxytocin, and regeneration The 7 essential pillars of true rejuvenation (before ANY advanced therapy) Why mindset, purpose, and "asking better questions" may be your greatest longevity tools This conversation will stretch your thinking, inspire your future, and empower your next step. Your takeaway: You don't need to do everything—but you do need to start somewhere. CTA: ✨ What is ONE step you can take today to optimize your health and longevity? Share this episode with a friend, revisit it, and begin designing your future—on your terms.     Key Timestamps: 00:01:00 – Dr. Anna's longevity reflection & framing the conversation 00:03:00 – Dr. Gladden's personal health crisis & turning point 00:08:30 – "How good can I be?" – the question that changed everything 00:11:00 – Meditation, nervous system, and true healing 00:18:00 – The 7 keys to regeneration explained 00:25:00 – Detox, inflammation, and preparing the body for healing 00:29:00 – Mitochondria, peptides, and advanced therapies 00:33:00 – Inside Gladden Longevity clinic (tour + technologies) 00:40:00 – Autoimmunity, precision medicine, and real patient results 00:42:00 – Final takeaways: define your longevity vision     Memorable Quotes: Dr. Gladden: "You only get the answers to the questions you're asking." Dr. Gladden: "When I'm 100, I want a 30-year-old body and a 300-year-old mind." Dr. Anna: "We don't want to treat disease—we want to prevent it." Dr. Gladden: "Healing happens when the nervous system is calm—everything else builds on that." Dr. Anna: "There is always one next great step you can take for your health."     Connect With Guest: Book: 100 is the New 30 (Available on Amazon & Audible) Podcast: Gladden Longevity Podcast Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/ Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/gladdenlongevity/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Gladdenlongevity 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

    44 min

  7. MAR 26

    The Natural GLP-1 Secret | Ashley Koff

    GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and tirzepatide are dominating headlines—but what if the real breakthrough isn't just the shot, but understanding the body's own weight-health hormones? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Anna Cabeca—triple board-certified OB-GYN and The Girlfriend Doctor—sits down with renowned dietitian and personalized nutrition pioneer Ashley Koff, RD, to unpack the science behind GLP-1, the deeper root causes of metabolic dysfunction, and how we can activate the body's natural appetite-regulating hormones. Together they explore why weight health is about far more than calories or willpower. Ashley shares her personal journey into functional nutrition, the hidden hormonal ecosystem behind appetite and metabolism, and how digestion, gut health, and lifestyle choices influence the hormones that regulate cravings, satiety, inflammation, and metabolic balance. Ashley also introduces the framework from her new book Your Best Shot: The Personalized System for Optimal Weight Health—GLP-1 Shot or Not, revealing why sustainable health comes from personalized strategies—not quick fixes. If you've wondered whether GLP-1 medications are right for you—or how to support your metabolism naturally—this conversation is packed with practical, empowering insights. Ashley Koff, RD is the founder of The Better Nutrition Program, Nutrition Course Director for the UC Irvine Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute's Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship, and faculty at the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy. A practitioner for more than 25 years, she is recognized as one of CNN's Top 100 Health Makers and has been called "Hollywood's Leading Dietitian" by InStyle.   In This Episode, You'll Learn: • What GLP-1, GIP, PYY, and CCK actually do in the body • Why weight health is an ecosystem—not just calories in vs. calories out • The hidden role of gut health and digestion in appetite hormones • The "Pizza Framework" for building metabolic health foundations • How lifestyle, timing of meals, and microbiome health influence metabolism • When GLP-1 medications may help—and when foundational health must come first • Practical strategies to quiet "food noise" and improve satiety naturally   Key Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor Show 01:00 – Why GLP-1 medications are changing the conversation about metabolism 03:00 – Ashley's personal story and turning point in nutrition science 09:30 – The gut, trauma, and the origins of metabolic dysfunction 13:00 – What GLP-1 and other weight-health hormones actually do in the body 20:00 – Why digestion and gut health drive hormone balance 23:40 – The "Pizza Framework" for metabolic health foundations 28:00 – How meal timing affects hormones and metabolism 32:00 – Supplements and microbiome strategies that support GLP-1 naturally 36:00 – Ashley's book Your Best Shot and how to personalize your approach   Memorable Quotes 1. Ashley Koff: "Weight health isn't about willpower—it's about physiology. When the body has what it needs, the system works the way it was designed to." 2. Ashley Koff: "There is no one ingredient in the recipe that makes metabolic health work. It's about finding the right recipe for your body." 3. Dr. Anna Cabeca: "We don't just want weight loss—we want weight health: strong, confident, vibrant women living in bodies that feel good." 4. Ashley Koff: "Your digestion is the crust of the pizza. If the crust isn't right, nothing you put on top will work the way it should." 5. Dr. Anna Cabeca: "Willpower is physiologic. When you support your body's metabolism and hormones, your ability to make healthy choices comes back."   Connect With Guest Ashley Koff Instagram: @AshleyKoffApproved Website: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/about/ Book: Your Best Shot: The Personalized System for Optimal Weight Health – GLP-1 Shot or Not: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/your-best-shot/ 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

    41 min

  8. MAR 19

    How Accurate Are DEXA Scans? | Dr. Susan Brown

    Are DEXA scans really the gold standard for measuring bone health—or could they be misleading you? In this eye-opening episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast, Dr. Anna Cabeca sits down with medical anthropologist and certified clinical nutritionist Dr. Susan Brown to unpack the truth about bone density testing, osteoporosis fear, and what truly supports lifelong bone strength. Many women are told their bones are deteriorating based on a single scan—but according to Dr. Brown, the story is often much more complex. Together, Dr. Anna and Dr. Brown explore the limitations of DEXA scans, why results can vary widely depending on calibration and technique, and how women can take a more comprehensive, natural approach to protecting their bones. Dr. Brown shares insights from decades of research on alkaline nutrition, mineral balance, movement, and whole-body health, revealing why bone health is about far more than calcium alone. In This Episode, You'll Learn: • Why DEXA scans can have significant margins of error and how calibration affects results • The biggest misconceptions about osteoporosis and bone density testing • How pH balance and an alkaline-supportive diet influence bone health  • The critical role of muscle mass, movement, and weight-bearing exercise in building stronger bones • Why 20 essential nutrients—not just calcium—are required for optimal bone strength • Practical ways to support bone regeneration naturally during perimenopause and menopause Dr. Brown's pioneering work has helped thousands of women move beyond fear-based bone diagnoses and take a proactive, science-based approach to building stronger bones for life. If you've ever been confused—or worried—about your bone density results, this conversation will empower you with a deeper understanding of what your bones truly need.

    1h 23m
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4.7
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331 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
    478
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2025 Cabeca Health. All rights reserved. 195604
  • Show Website
    The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

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