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OvaryActive

Dr Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, Dr Amy Voedisch

Two gynecologists walk into a recording studio.

Sounds like the start of a joke, and frankly, perimenopause can feel like the start of a joke too. Only this joke is on you. And it's not that funny. But back to those two OB/GYNS….

Dr Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch have been caring for the reproductive health of those born with uteruses for a while now. And the doctors are frankly pretty tired of how those body bits — and the people they belong to — get ignored by medical science when they are no longer ideal baby-makers.

Half of a woman's life comes after her Build a Baby shop shuts down; however, the medical community does little to educate her about or treat her for issues related to her peri- and post-menopausal body.

In this smart, funny, incredibly informed, wonderfully irreverent podcast, Doctors Rebecca and Amy give us the down low on our… down lows. What is perimenopause? What can I expect? How can I feel better? And for crying out loud, WHEN IS IT OVER?

Tune in on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month to get the real information without the hype, the sales, the myths, superstitions, and nonsense. Are your ovaries starting to overreact? Grab a partner, a buddy, a random woman who looks on the verge of tears, and listen up. You're not in this alone.

And as the docs say, "You're not crazy. This is actually happening."

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Episodes 21

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  • S1 · E47
    Thursday · 32 min

    Ep 47 | Is Estrogen Safe After a Blood Clot? The Answer Is Annoyingly Complicated

    We have an announcement! OvaryActive has a Patreon! Help support the show — become a patron for as little as $5/month! patreon.com/cw/OvaryActive Blood clots and hormone therapy: two things that can make perimenopause feel even more delightfully complicated. In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch dig into the risk of blood clots with menopausal hormone therapy, and why the internet's favorite phrase, "It's totally safe," deserves a few very large asterisks. Rebecca and Amy take a data-driven look at what we actually know about oral versus transdermal estrogen, including findings from the Million Women Study. They also explain what "provoked" blood clots really mean, when prior clots may make estrogen especially risky, why a hematologist might need to join the group chat, and how shared decision-making should work when the research doesn't give a clean yes-or-no answer. Listeners will come away understanding why hormone therapy recommendations need to be individualized, what questions to ask their clinician, and why "we don't have enough data yet" is sometimes the most medically accurate answer available. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:43] Clot risk controversy [1:54] Not birth control estrogen [3:15] Million Women Study [10:31] Let's talk about our high risk ladies [12:03] Provoked clots debate [18:54] Prior clot evidence [25:05] Clinical counseling approach [30:25] Shared decision making Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube | perimenopausedrs.com/ovaryactive Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch Support the show: patreon.com/cw/OvaryActive Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • S1 · E46
    August 13 · 54 min

    Ep 46 | Sex After 40: More Pleasure, Fewer Rules with Julie Weitlauf

    We have an announcement! OvaryActive has a Patreon! Help support the show — become a patron for as little as $5/month! patreon.com/cw/OvaryActive Perimenopause can change your sleep, your body, your mood, and — because apparently the transition needed another hobby — your sex life. Returning guest Julie Weitlauf, PhD, joins the OvaryActive Docs to talk about low libido, vaginal dryness, unpredictable bleeding, less-intense orgasms, and the deeply unsexy experience of thinking about tomorrow's dinner during intimacy. The conversation explores why satisfying sex in midlife may require more time, better stimulation, fewer distractions, and a willingness to stop comparing forty-something you to your nineteen-year-old self. Julie explains how mindfulness, body image, relationship dynamics, sexual shame, past experiences, and changing identities can all influence desire and pleasure. Big surprise, simply telling yourself to relax is not a particularly effective treatment plan. This conversation offers practical ways to expand the sensual menu, reconnect with pleasure, and approach midlife intimacy with curiosity instead of panic. What you'll hear in this episode: [1:35] Perimenopause, Sex Myths, & Midlife [5:07] Recenter what you want [9:13] Relationships & Life's Mental Load [13:55] Normal Desire & Pleasure Gaps [16:51] Expand Your Menu [26:17] Menopause Sex Concerns (mindfulness, sensate focus, body image, scheduling) [40:26] Substance Use and Sexuality [44:08] Questioning Sexual Identity in Midlife [48:07] Relationship and Family Dynamics [52:47] Make Pleasure a Priority by Expanding Your Intimacy Menu Resources: Julie Weitlauf on LinkedIn Managing Hot Flushes and Night Sweats by Myra Hunter psychologytoday.com/us Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube | perimenopausedrs.com/ovaryactive Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • S1 · E42
    July 30 · 35 min

    Ep 45 | Swallow This, Part 3: Hope Is Not a Clinical Trial

    We have an announcement! OvaryActive has a Patreon! Help support the show — become a patron for as little as $5/month! patreon.com/cw/OvaryActive Perimenopause has officially entered its supplement era, and apparently every capsule on the internet is promising to fix your metabolism, your wrinkles, your joints, your brain, and maybe your credit score. In the third installment of the Swallow This series, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch sort through another round of popular supplements with their trademark mix of evidence, skepticism, and just enough sarcasm to make reading medical studies almost fun. This episode tackles berberine, glucosamine, CoQ10, collagen, and NAD+, separating promising science from clever marketing. Rebecca and Amy explain why the quality of a study matters just as much as the headline, how industry-funded research can paint a very different picture than independent studies, and why "natural" doesn't automatically mean effective, or even safe. Listeners will learn which supplements may have a role for specific medical conditions, which ones don't live up to the hype for perimenopause, and why the phrase "more research is needed" is sometimes the most honest answer in medicine. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:55] Berberine buzzkill [3:05] Natural GLP-1... maybe? [6:32] Leave your liver alone [8:03] Dog joint medicine? Glucosamine reality check [14:21] CoQ10 heart talk [20:00] Collagen vs. wrinkles [25:17] Lasers in the vag (please don't) [29:34] NAD+ hype train [32:43] DON'T INJECT RANDOM STUFF! [33:47] Cowboy hats for the Wild West [35:29] Social media vs. science Studies Mentioned: Gianturco SL, Mattingly AN. Distinguishing between compounding facilities and the development of the 503B bulk drug substance list. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). Jan-Feb 2021;61(1):e8-e11. doi:10.1016/j.japh.2020.06.024 A 2-yr Randomized Controlled Trial on Creatine Supplementation during Exercise for Postmenopausal Bone Health. Philip D Chilibeck et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc.2023. Prokopidis K, Witard OC. Understanding the role of smoking and chronic excess alcohol consumption on reduced caloric intake and the development of sarcopenia. Nutrition Research Reviews. 2022;35(2):197-206. Prokopidis K, Giannos P, Triantafyllidis KK, Kechagias KS, Forbes SC, Candow DG. Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Rev. Mar 10 2023;81(4):416-427. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac064 Avgerinos KI, Spyrou N, Bougioukas KI, Kapogiannis D. Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Exp Gerontol. Jul 15 2018;108:166-173. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2018.04.013 Ye Y, Liu X, Wu N, Han Y, Wang J, Yu Y, Chen Q. Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 26;12:653887. Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube | perimenopausedrs.com/ovaryactive Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch Support the show: patreon.com/cw/OvaryActive Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • S1 · E44
    July 16 · 26 min

    Ep 44 | Swallow This, Part 2: Creatine and Peptides

    We have an announcement! OvaryActive has a Patreon! Help support the show — become a patron for as little as $5/month! patreon.com/cw/OvaryActive Perimenopause is apparently the new Black Friday for supplement marketing, and this episode is here to check the receipt. In part two of the Swallow This supplement series, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch dig into the body-building-adjacent products showing up all over social media, including peptides, creatine, and the many "miracle" promises aimed at people who are tired, foggy, sweaty, and understandably over it. They start with peptides, the trendy injectable alphabet soup being marketed for healing, metabolism, anti-aging, and performance. The verdict? Big no. We think you'll understand once you hear what peptides actually are and why FDA-approved peptide medications are very different from what is being sold online. Then the Docs turn to creatine, which thankfully has more information and science behind it and does not immediately need to be thrown into the medical dumpster fire. This episode covers what looks promising, what looks sketchy, what is probably safe, and what should absolutely not be injected into your body unless you are in an actual doctor's office and not a cash-pay wellness cave. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:29] Supplements, again [1:39] Influencer red flags [2:57] Peptides: alphabet soup and a hard nope [10:17] Safety risks and compounding [13:47] Creatine enters politely dressed as muscle sprinkles [22:27] Kidney caveat [24:37] Supplement quality roulette [25:35] Please don't inject things Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube | perimenopausedrs.com/ovaryactive Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch Support the show: patreon.com/cw/OvaryActive Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • S1 · E43
    June 25 · 1 hr 6 min

    Ep 43 | A Terrible Strength: Dr. Kemi Doll on Black Women, Perimenopause, and the Womb Care We're Still Getting Wrong

    Perimenopause is already a strange little carnival of bleeding patterns, hot flashes, hormone debates, and wondering whether your body has joined a group chat without you. Dr. Kemi Doll, gynecologic oncologist, uterine cancer scientist, and author of A Terrible Strength: The Hidden Crisis of the Black Womb and Your Survival Guide to Healing joins this episode of OvaryActive. Together the docs zoom out from the usual menopause chaos to talk about something bigger: the hidden crisis in gynecologic care, especially for Black women, and why "you're fine" has done a truly Olympic amount of damage. They get into it all, the stories, science, and systemic failures behind disparities in fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, uterine cancer, and routine gynecologic care. Dr. Doll shares why maternal mortality is only the tip of the iceberg. And she also shares how Black women are often conditioned to minimize pain and symptoms and why doctors need to stop asking vague questions like, "Any problems with your period?" when someone may be casually working from a bathtub in an adult diaper. Listeners will learn how language shapes care, why "normal" bleeding is not always normal, how misinformation finds its opening, and why better questions, better data, and better listening can literally change outcomes. Also: nuance is not as catchy as a wellness influencer selling chamomile DNA rearrangement, but unfortunately for the internet, it matters. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:34] Meet Dr. Kemi Doll [3:03] Beyond maternal mortality [5:22] Uterine cancer and menopause [7:00] Power of patient stories [10:25] Dismissal and invisibility [13:22] Asking better questions [19:30] Rebranding birth control [29:01] Why write? [32:04] Endometriosis misdiagnosis story [38:38] Nuance over quick fixes [45:37] Bleeding patterns and cancer risk [48:38] Let's talk HRT, unopposed estrogen, and estrogen cream [56:39] Myths! We always have to cover myths! [1:04:28] Wrap up Links: kemidoll.com kemidoll.com/book @kemidoll on Instagram @kemidollcoach on Facebook @kemidoll on LinkedIn Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube | perimenopausedrs.com/ovaryactive Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • June 16 · 16 min

    BONUS: Estrogen, Interrupted UNBOXED

    In this special bonus episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch celebrate the arrival of their new book, Estrogen, Interrupted and share an excerpt from the audiobook. This preview introduces their candid, science-backed approach to perimenopause: the symptoms no one warned you about, why "it's normal" is not a treatment plan, and why women deserve better information, better care, and a lot less medical shrugging. Listen in for a first taste of the book, including what perimenopause really is, why it can feel so unpredictable, and how Rebecca and Amy are working to make this stage of life less confusing, less isolating, and slightly less "why are my pants suddenly attacking me? Links: Get your copy of Estrogen, Interrupted: bit.ly/Estrogen-Interrupted-preorder Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube | perimenopausedrs.com/ovaryactive Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • S1 · E42
    June 11 · 24 min

    Ep 42 | Hormones, Heart Health, and Hot Flash Hype: What Menopause Hormone Therapy Can Actually Do

    Perimenopause is already handing out enough surprises without the internet yelling that menopausal hormone therapy is either a miracle cardiology cape or a one-way ticket to doom. In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch take on the very confusing question of whether hormone therapy can help prevent cardiovascular disease in menopause. They walk through the history of hormone therapy and heart health, from large observational studies like Framingham and the Nurses' Health Study to the much-debated Women's Health Initiative, a study that launched roughly a thousand menopause panic spirals. The doctors explain why timing matters, why older hormone therapy data does not always apply to today's estradiol options, and why oral versus transdermal estrogen is more nuanced than "patch good, pill bad." So yes, hormones can be fabulous. But no, they do not replace exercise, lipid screening, diabetes care, statins when needed, or the deeply annoying truth that lifestyle still matters. What you'll hear in this episode: [2:45] Where the "estrogen protects the heart" idea came from [5:02] The Women's Health Initiative and why timing matters [6:31] Plaque, blood clots, and starting hormones later [7:26] The timing hypothesis and "window of opportunity" [7:59 Older hormone therapy studies don't always match current treatments…why? [12:04] What we know about oral estradiol, transdermal estrogen, and the liver [16:40] Medicare data, mortality claims, and why database studies are tricky [18:37] Can MHT prevent cardiovascular disease? [20:37] Proven heart-health strategies that matter most [22:42] What hormones can help with, and what they CAN'T promise Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube | perimenopausedrs.com/ovaryactive Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • S1 · E41
    May 28 · 38 min

    Ep 41 | Brain Docs, Part 2: Brain Fog, Dementia Fears, & Perimenopause

    Perimenopause is apparently the perfect time to start worrying about dementia, cholesterol, hearing aids, and whether your brain is quietly packing its bags. This episode of OvaryActive is part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Ayesha Sherzai of the Brain Docs. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch are talking with Dr. Sherzai all about dementia prevention, brain health, and the deeply rude realization that the "boring stuff" might actually matter. This episode picks up with the Lancet Dementia Commission report and the 14 modifiable risk factors linked to dementia, including hearing loss, high LDL cholesterol, depression, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, hypertension, obesity, social isolation, vision loss, and more. Dr. Sherzai explains why midlife is such an important window for prevention, how hearing aids are no longer giant beige Lego pieces, and why statins deserve a much better PR team. Listeners will learn what really helps reduce dementia risk, what to know about APOE4 genetic testing, and why menopausal hormone therapy should not be started for dementia prevention alone. The conversation also goes over brain health supplements, the limits of "natural" wellness claims, and why expensive pee is not a long-term cognitive strategy. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:53] Lancet Report explained [5:50] 14 risk factors [7:57] Midlife window shift [9:15] Hearing loss breakthrough [14:18] Reading and APOE [16:57] APOE and LDL [21:30] Statins for prevention [24:30] Hormones and dementia [29:52] Social media hype [32:52] Supplements reality check Links: thebraindocs.com Find the Brain Docs on Instagram: @thebraindocs Find the Brain Docs on Facebook: @BrainDocsFB Find the Brain Docs on YouTube: @theBrainDocs Purchase The NEURO Plan Playbook: thebraindocs.com/playbook Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube | perimenopausedrs.com/ovaryactive Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • S1 · E40
    May 14 · 27 min

    Ep 40 | Brain Docs, Part 1: Migraines, Hormones, & Perimenopause

    Perimenopause can make your brain feel like it left the room — not that it remembers why it went there in the first place. In this first part of a two-part series with the Brain Docs, OvaryActive is talking all about migraines, hormones, cholesterol, hearing aids, and whether your brain is quietly packing its bags. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch welcome Dr. Ayesha Sherzai, one half of the Brain Docs, for a reassuring and science-backed conversation about what is actually happening in the brain during perimenopause. They talk about estrogen, memory, sleep disruption, hot flashes, mood changes, and why midlife brain fog is common, distressing, and usually NOT the beginning of dementia. Part one is a hopeful, practical episode about brain health, dementia risk, and why You're Not Crazy continues to be the most medically useful sentence in perimenopause. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:28] Meet the Brain Docs [1:21] Why study preventive medicine in neurology specifically? [4:18] Migraine mea culpa [5:49] Modern migraine science [9:29] CGRP treatments explained [11:37] Hormones OCP stroke risk [17:24] Midlife brain fog fears [19:20] Estrogen and cognition [21:25] "When to worry" signs [25:16] Referrals, prevention and what's coming in part 2 Links: thebraindocs.com Find the Brain Docs on Instagram: @thebraindocs Find the Brain Docs on Facebook: @BrainDocsFB Find the Brain Docs on YouTube: @theBrainDocs Purchase The NEURO Plan Playbook: thebraindocs.com/playbook Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube | perimenopausedrs.com/ovaryactive Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • S1 · E39
    April 23 · 34 min

    Ep 39 | Weird Symptoms of Perimenopause

    Perimenopause: where your body starts doing weird things and then gaslights you about it. In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su dive into the "wait…what?" symptoms. Those random, head-scratching changes that pop up during the menopause transition. Think asthma out of nowhere, itchy ears that won't quit, or sudden dizziness that makes you question your balance and your sanity. Is it hormones? Is it aging? Is it both? Welcome to the gray area. They are sharing what little research exists, where estrogen might be playing a role, and why so many of these symptoms live in the frustrating "we're not totally sure" category. They also talk about whether menopausal hormone therapy helps, hurts, or lands squarely in the "we'll have to try and see" bucket. Most importantly, this episode reinforces a core truth: you're not making this up. You're definitely not alone. And you're NOT crazy. This is really happening. NOTE: Hey, we misspoke: BPPV is from the semicircular canals, not the ossicles. Thanks to listener Amy Patrick for spotting the error! What you'll hear in this episode: [0:29] We're talking WEIRD [0:58] We have to give a disclaimer…because we're doctors. [2:21] Can hormones fix it? [3:50] Why am I out of breath? [10:39] Okay, now I'm dizzy. [12:47] I can't hear you! [20:30] My ears are itchy?! [22:54] My mouth is on fire! [26:46] Why am I cold all the time? (I thought I was supposed be HOT!) [29:44] This is really weird. My fingers are…buzzing? [33:08] We hope you feel better. You're NOT crazy! Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • S1 · E38
    April 9 · 36 min

    Ep 38 | When Hormones Are Not the Only Answer

    Perimenopause: the phase where your body does whatever it wants, whenever it wants, and your brain has thoughts about it. So what happens when hot flashes hit, anxiety creeps in, and suddenly you're questioning everything from your wardrobe to your worth? And more importantly…what if the problem isn't just the symptom, but the story you've been told about it? In this episode of OvaryActive, Julia Weitlauf joins the Docs to talk all about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for menopause—because apparently, we can't control the hot flashes, but we can control how much they ruin our day. They are covering what CBT is, how it's been used for decades to treat things like anxiety and insomnia, and how it's now being adapted to help women manage menopause symptoms, specifically the distress around hot flashes. Listeners will also hear why the CBT approach doesn't eliminate symptoms, but can significantly reduce their impact, improve quality of life, and help women get back to doing the things they love. Bottom line: menopause may still be a buzzkill… but it doesn't have to run the show. What you'll hear in this episode: [3:00] What is CBT? [4:53] How CBT is used for anxiety, depression, & imsomnia [6:23] CBT with menopause and perimenopause [15:08] CBT session-by-session breakdown [24:47] When menopause overlaps with anxiety and depression [26:58] CBT improves sleep, mood, and quality of life…why? [28:08] DIY options [32:26] Who should use CBT? [33:41] How to find a therapist trained in CBT? [35:19] Final takeaway Resources: Julia Weitlauf on LinkedIn Managing Hot Flushes and Night Sweats by Myra Hunter psychologytoday.com/us

  • S1 · E37
    March 26 · 38 min

    Ep 37 | When Its NOT Peri: Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) with Chrisandra Shufelt, MD

    Perimenopause is still taking the blame… but in this unexpected third installment (because Amy just got too excited), we're talking about functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). Dr. Chrisandra Shuflet joins the Docs in this episode of OvaryActive to explain FHA, tell us why it is often missed or dismissed, and how it's diagnosed. The conversation explores how disrupted brain signaling leads to low estrogen, why it's a diagnosis of exclusion, and how this condition shows up most often in younger women, even though its impact can follow you well into perimenopause and beyond. As a condition that can look like perimenopause but is actually your brain hitting the pause button on your ovaries. If your cycle disappears and you're nowhere near your forties, it's probably not peri… it's your body responding to stress, under-fueling, over-exercising. Or maybe all of the above. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:34] Welcome Chrisandra Shufelt, MD [3:46] What is FHA? [6:02] A diagnosis of exclusion [7:00] Lab patterns to distinguish FHS, PCOS, POI [8:45] Who is most at risk: [13:42] Why do so many women go years without a diagnosis? [18:14] Long-term risks [20:30] Cardiovascular connection [22:38] ARCH study [29:13] What does a history of FHA mean in perimenopause? [33:34] Treatment approach (sorry, no Rx) [37:22] Final takeaways: you are NOT crazy still applies! Links: Reveal trial: https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20570285 Dr Shufelt: https://www.mayo.edu/research/faculty/shufelt-chrisandra-l-m-d/bio-20542101 @chrisandra-shufelt-md-ms-facp-mscp on LinkedIn Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • S1 · E36
    March 12 · 42 min

    Ep 36 | When It's NOT Peri: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

    Perimenopause gets blamed for a lot of things – mood swings, weird cycles, rogue chin hairs – but sometimes the culprit isn't peri at all. In Part 2 of When It's NOT Peri, the Docs are talking about polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition that looks suspiciously like perimenopause but actually comes from a completely different hormonal playbook. The hosts explain what PCOS actually is, why insulin resistance sits at the center of the syndrome, and how symptoms like irregular periods, acne, hair growth, and weight changes can overlap with perimenopause. They also walk through how doctors diagnose PCOS, the famous Rotterdam criteria, and why clinicians often have to rule out several other endocrine issues before landing on the diagnosis. The episode also explores how PCOS evolves across the lifespan and why the metabolic side of the condition still matters long after the reproductive years are over. What you'll hear in this episode: [1:11] PCOS defined and misnamed [3:29] Symptoms that overlap [5:55] Ethnicity and different presentations [7:42] Rotterdam diagnostic criteria [12:16] Who gets diagnosed and when [18:00] Hormone signaling and ovulation disruption [20:48] Fertility timing, OPKs, & birth control [29:54] Lifestyle and metformin [33:22] PCOS in perimenopause [37:10] Research gaps and advocacy [40:09] Takeaways Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

  • #35
    February 26 · 40 min

    Ep 35 | When It's NOT Peri: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

    Perimenopause gets blamed for a lot… but sometimes it's innocent. In this first episode of our two-part series When It's NOT Peri, the Docs talk about what happens when symptoms that look like perimenopause are actually something else entirely. Sometimes the ovaries aren't "transitioning"… they're waving a much earlier white flag. This episode of OvaryActive zeroes in on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). This is a condition where ovarian function declines before age 40. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch walk through what POI is and what it isn't. They also talk about why diagnosis can take years, how it differs from typical perimenopause, and the detective work involved in ruling out other causes like thyroid issues, genetics, or prior treatments. Along the way, listeners will understand why symptoms can feel confusingly similar yet require a completely different medical approach. POI is more than a cycle change. It's a long-term health consideration affecting bone, heart, brain, fertility, and mental health. And early treatment matters. Think of this episode as the "wait, could it be something else?" guide: equal parts validation, science, and practical next steps to help you recognize when maybe it's NOT peri. What you'll hear in this episode: [1:52] Maybe it's NOT peri. Maybe it's POI [6:15] The workup: genetics, fragile x, turner syndrome, & more [9:41] Causes to rule out [12:09] We treat POI aggressively, here's why [15:46] Long-term health stakes bone health, heart & brain, mental health, & sexual health [23:43] How to treat POI [26:25] Contraception options in POI [30:12] Long-term planning [32:54] Special cases [39:06] Key takeaways & wrap-up: POI is NOT peri Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

  • S1 · E34
    February 12 · 45 min

    Ep 34 | Heart Disease and Perimenopause: The Risk Factors We're Missing

    When we talk about perimenopause, we talk a lot about symptoms, but not nearly enough about what's happening to your heart. Since February is Heart Health Month, it's the perfect time to take a "beat" to focus on your cardiovascular health. In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs zoom out from hot flashes and hormones to talk about the number one killer of women: cardiovascular disease. They also explain why the menopause transition is a critical (and often ignored) window for heart health. Preventive cardiologist Dr. Beth Abramson joins Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch to connect the dots between perimenopause, estrogen changes, and rising cardiovascular risk. They talk about why cholesterol and blood pressure tend to creep up after ovarian function declines and how lifestyle factors actually matter more than we'd like them to. This conversation reframes midlife as an opportunity, not a countdown. The takeaway? You're not doomed, but you do need to pay attention. Your heart has been quietly keeping score this whole time. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:28] Welcome Dr. Beth Abramson [1:20] Heart health 101 [5:21] Understanding risk factors and prevention [7:30] Diet & exercise: practical advice [12:34] Menopause & cardiovascular health [16:30] Pregnancy & long-term heart health [24:11] Lp(a) explained [26:29] Hormones ≠ heart shield [32:14] Risk–Benefit Math [40:16] What the future holds [44:07] Basic health practices are important [44:36] A few final thoughts on heart health Resources: cardiometabolicprevent.ca Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

  • S1 · E33
    January 22 · 42 min

    Ep 33 | Do I Need Birth Control or Hormone Therapy?

    Birth control or hormone therapy? Why does this decision feel like a personality test you didn't study for? In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs tackle one of the most confusing (and hotly debated) topics in perimenopause: when birth control is actually the right choice, when menopausal hormone therapy makes more sense, and why TikTok might not be the best place for medical nuance. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch walk listeners through how clinicians actually think about this decision. The process includes contraceptive needs, bleeding patterns, symptom "greatest hits," and medical history that actually matters. The Docs will guide you through the options and even cover what a combination approach might look like. Most importantly, shared decision-making, not social media panic, should guide treatment choices. This episode reminds you that perimenopause is real, complicated, and highly individual. And the right plan is the one that treats your physiology, not someone else's algorithm. What you'll hear in this episode: [1:05] Birth control vs. hormone therapy [2:49] Contraception needs during perimenopause [5:34] Understanding menopausal hormone therapy [7:45] Assessing symptoms [16:59] So many choices! How do you choose? [22:03] Breakthrough symptoms [23:51] Combination approaches (Amy's FAV) [29:58] You didn't miss the window! [35:32] Alternative methods & why they may not be a good fit [40:22] You're NOT crazy! Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

  • S1 · E32
    January 8 · 39 min

    Ep 32 | Perimenopause + Migraines: Your Brain on Hormones

    Hot flashes, mood swings, surprise chin hairs… and now migraines? Welcome to perimenopause, where your hormones throw a rave in your brain and forget to invite you. In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs tackle the maddening intersection of migraine misery and perimenopause chaos, complete with aura weirdness, estrogen roller coasters, and the universal fear of bright lights and strong perfumes. Migraines are more than "just a headache" and there is a reason they love to show up right before or during your period. You'll hear about triggers ranging from hormones to allergens to the existential dread of week three of your cycle. This episode sheds light on the difference between migraines with and without aura, why estrogen drops can send your brain into chaos, and what treatments actually work. You'll know your options, understand your triggers, and realize (important!) that you do not have to suffer through perimenopausal migraines alone. What you'll hear in this episode: [1:57] Why do migraines appear or get worse during perimenopause? [3:40] Headaches vs. true migraines [8:03] What the what is a migraine "aura"? [13:33] Can you prevent migraines? [21:25] Migraines can also mean anxiety, sleep issues, and hot flashes [22:27] Practical treatment options [29:46] What's new in the migraine treatment world? [32:39] OTC remedies for when a migraine happens [38:41] You're NOT CRAZY! Resources: curablehealth.com Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

  • S1 · E31
    Dec 25, 2025 · 40 min

    Ep 31 | This is the HOT FLASH Episode

    Hot flashes: the unofficial mascot of perimenopause and the original reason so many midlife women carry a personal fan or freezer pack, or insist on that open window in January. In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su finally give hot flashes their own episode. The Docs turn up the heat (literally and emotionally) as they talk through the lived chaos that is "my own personal summer". Our Docs explain what hot flashes actually are, why they show up, and why your brain, not just your hormones, is the real drama queen in this scenario. Listeners will finally understand night sweats, "superflushers," the brain circuits that freak out for no good reason, and why some people glow for a year while others suffer for… well… a decade. As always, the Docs are delivering solid science, introducing us to vasomotor symptoms, candy neurons (not as fun as they sound), social determinants of health, and the fact that estrogen is not the only character in this soap opera. You'll saunter out of this episode knowing what causes hot flashes, how long they might last, how to treat them, and most importantly: that you're not losing your mind. You're just in perimenopause. What you'll hear in this episode: [2:04] What are hot flashes…actually? [3:24] Hot flashes vs. night sweats [5:54] The FAQ: How common? When do they start? When will they LEAVE? [12:05] Let's get nerdy: the science behind hot flashes [17:38 The lasting impact [20:34] Hot flashes and cardiovascular risk are related [22:15 The good stuff: treatment options [36:30] Let us validate you! Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

  • S1 · E30
    Dec 11, 2025 · 39 min

    Ep 30 | Topical Viagra & Hot Flash Chaos: The Menopause Conference Recap You Didn't Ask For

    Perimenopause: the magical season where sleep disappears, hormones riot, and suddenly everyone thinks you're "doing great" when actually you're googling whether rage counts as cardio. In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch return with their second annual Menopause Society Conference recap. If you're wondering whether testosterone drops off a cliff in midlife or whether scream cream is a placebo disguised as foreplay… good news! They've got updates. This episode walks through the latest research from menopause experts covering the big three: sexual health, longevity, and cardiovascular disease. You'll also hear about the rising fame of the podcast (including elevator selfies), the promise (and limits) of topical Viagra, and why measuring testosterone might be as useful as measuring vibes. Listeners will get practical takeaways on hormone therapy timing, bone screening, nutrition, Remember: you're not dramatic. You're not broken. You're just in perimenopause… and it's really happening. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:36] Menopause society conference highlights [2:21] Connecting with our wonderful listeners [4:27] Testosterone research findings [9:20] Topical viagra for women [13:12] Perimenopause focus [22:04] Bone health and perimenopause [30:00] Cardiovascular disease and sleep [38:11] A few final thoughts and future conferences Thank you to every clinician who stopped to chat: Rebecca Levy-Gantt, DO MSCP Premierwomenshealthconsulting.com Yashika Dooley, MD MSCP Gennev.com Emily Drath Stone, MD MSCP Virginia Physicians for Women Lisa Savage, MD MSCP Gennev.com Becky Lynn, MD Evora Women's Health May your sleep be long, your bones dense, and your badge scanners always work on the first try. Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

  • S1 · E29
    Nov 27, 2025 · 49 min

    Ep 29 | Merry Perimenopause 2025 Edition

    Welcome back to the annual holiday classic Merry Perimenopause. While there's not much "jolly" about perimenopause, these gifts can add a little more joyeux to your noël! Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch jingle all the way through help for your hot flashes, cold flashes, brain fog, bad backs, night sweats, and the eternal question: why does perimenopause feel like puberty, déjà vu, and a hangover all rolled into one? In this episode of OvaryActive, they kick things off with the biggest news of all: the Docs very own book on perimenopause is officially available for pre-order! With Estrogen, Interrupted you can now gift yourself the knowledge your hormones refuse to give you. Merry Perimenopause 2025 is your official gift guide for yourself or the lucky person in your life that needs to know they are not crazy, this is really happening. Gift ideas include favorite books, gadgets, creams, cushions, food delivery obsessions, and tech that has saved their sanity this year. It's a roundup that covers body, brain, home, kitchen, and holiday spirits. After this episode you'll have great ideas for what to read, what to buy, what to smear on your face, what to sleep on, what to stick on your nails, what ice cream machine makes protein shakes taste like dessert, and where to order life-changing pies, kringles, crabcakes, and lobster rolls. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:54] Exciting news! Preorder Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch [2:39] Book recommendations [6:43] Body & health [13:28] Cognition [17:32] Fashion [23:17] Tech gadgets [27:56] Skin & nails [32:24] Kitchen essentials [42:05] Travel ideas [46:36] A fun extra or two Links: Merry Perimenopause 2025 PDF download: https://bit.ly/4pvS34R Preorder Estrogen, Interrupted by Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Dr. Amy Voedisch Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

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