The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Dr. Anna Cabeca OB/GYN
  • 4.7 (331)
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  • 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. 6d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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4.7
out of 5
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
    481
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2025 Cabeca Health. All rights reserved. 195604
  • Show Website
    The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

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