Health Discovered

Joint pain is often brushed off as a normal part of aging – but pain that interferes with your daily life doesn’t have to be something you simply live with. In this episode, we talk with Una Makris, MD, MSc, a clinical rheumatologist, about the common joint conditions affecting older adults and what actually helps. From movement and weight management to nutrition and physical therapy, she shares practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce pain and protect your joints. Learn how small, sustainable lifestyle changes can support mobility, independence, and quality of life at every age. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Una Makris, MD, MSc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of our menopause series, we unpack common myths and misinformation about perimenopause, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy. Many women are treated in fragments – this episode brings the conversation back into the exam room with practical, patient-centered guidance. We continue our conversation with Sharon Malone, MD, board-certified OB-GYN and chief medical advisor for Alloy Women’s Health, on how perimenopause is diagnosed clinically (often without definitive lab tests), which symptoms should raise red flags, and why HRT is never a one-size-fits-all yes-or-no decision. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Sharon Malone, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025, the U.S. FDA removed the “black box” warnings from menopausal hormone therapy products – but what does that actually mean for patients? For decades, many women have navigated perimenopause and menopause with limited information, few effective options, and little validation of their symptoms. In part one of this two-part series, we speak with Sharon Malone, MD, board-certified OB-GYN and chief medical advisor for Alloy Women’s Health, about what happens during the menopausal transition, why symptoms can feel chaotic and unpredictable, and how misinterpretations of past research have shaped – and often restricted – women’s care. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Sharon Malone, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does trauma shape identity, trust, and connection in relationships? In this episode, we spoke with Thema Bryant, PhD, author of Matters of the Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love, to unpack how PTSD can show up in intimacy and everyday life through hypervigilance, shame, emotional overwhelm, and disconnection, and the pathways to healing. From safe relationships and self-compassion to community and spirituality, we look at how recovery happens over time. This is a conversation about naming harm, rejecting shame, and making space for growth, hope, and wholeness on the other side of trauma. This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, trauma, and PTSD. Some listeners may find this content difficult or triggering. Please take care while listening, and consider reaching out for support if needed. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Thema Bryant, PhD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perimenopause is the natural transition leading into menopause, marked by erratic fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. These unpredictable shifts can trigger emotional, cognitive, and physical changes – often years before menopause officially begins. We spoke with Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C, a licensed clinical psychologist, about the whole-body experience of perimenopause, including mood and memory changes, the structural and social factors that place some groups at higher risk, available hormonal and non-hormonal treatments, lifestyle strategies that may help, and when – and how – to ask for support. Your symptoms matter, and you deserve informed, compassionate care. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miscarriage is common, yet many people feel unprepared when it happens. What are the different types of miscarriage, and what does follow-up care look like? We spoke with Lora Shahine, MD, double board-certified in reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and OB-GYN, about what to expect after a miscarriage, available care options, and the emotional aftermath, including the connection to postpartum depression. Dr. Shahine also explains the most common cause of miscarriage – genetic issues in the embryo – and why it is not caused by something a person did. Miscarriage is not your fault, and support matters. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Lora Shahine, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss and can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas of the body, causing patchy, partial, or complete hair loss. What are the different types of alopecia, and how are they diagnosed? We spoke with Carolyn Goh, MD, a dermatologist specializing in hair loss and scalp disorders, about common forms of alopecia, signs of pattern hair loss, what to expect after a diagnosis, available treatment options, and how to find support – because you’re not alone, and help is available. Additional resources: Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF)National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Carolyn Goh, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt pressure to keep the peace and ended up saying “yes” when a big part of you wanted to say “no”? In this episode, we unpack people pleasing – and, at its extreme, fawning – an often misunderstood coping response rooted in survival. We’re joined by Lia Love Avellino, LCSW, director of head and heart at The Well, to explore how boundaries, emotional health, and lived experience intersect. Lia helps us recognize the physical cues that signal self-abandonment – like a tight chest, knotted stomach, or shaky voice – and offers tools to pause, check in with the body, and name what you truly need. Because boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re meeting places that make more honest, authentic connection possible. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Lia Love Avellino, LCSW Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of WebMD Health Discovered podcast, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our Top 5 episodes of 2025 -- and how these powerful conversations came to life. We reflect on the moments that shaped the stories you heard and the questions that guided them. You’ll hear clips from some of our most groundbreaking episodes, spanning stillbirth and maternal care, cancer screenings, anorexia and recovery, evolving parenting dynamics, and the emerging science of xenotransplantation. This year, we released 52 high-value episodes of the podcast, each inspired by your feedback and the real challenges people face while navigating health care. While the podcast has been recognized with top industry honors, these episodes earned their place in our Top 5 for one reason above all others: their impact on you. Full episodes featured:Stillbirth and Maternal Care Gaps: Risks, Support, and AdvocacyThe Risks of Delaying Routine Cancer ScreeningsUnderstanding Anorexia: Signs, Support, and the Role of Hope in RecoveryRedefining Parenting Dynamics: Moving From Resentment to CollaborationExploring Xenotransplantation with Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Inside the Future of Organ Transplants Credits Guests: Heather Florescue, MD, FACOG, OBGYN; Samantha Banerjee; Christopher Scuderi, DO; Kamryn Eddy, PhD; Lia Love Avellino, LCSW; Sanjay Gupta MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 1.5 million people in the United States are living with lupus, a chronic and often misunderstood autoimmune disease. What are the most common myths about lupus – and who does it really affect? We spoke with Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH, director of the Lupus Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, about early symptoms to watch for, potential environmental triggers, widespread misconceptions, and what patients can expect from their healthcare team when seeking diagnosis and care. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack each year – and the experience doesn’t end in the ER. Recovery is a long-term process. We spoke to Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, director of both the Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Health and the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone Health, about the signs and symptoms to watch for, what healthy recovery can look like, how to support yourself or a loved one after a heart attack, and the key lifestyle changes that make a lasting difference. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Harmony R. Reynolds, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fraud targeting older adults is on the rise, with schemes designed to steal personal information, drain savings, or even jeopardize health through the sale of fake medical equipment. We spoke with Robert “Bob” Blancato, who serves as the National Coordinator of the bipartisan Elder Justice Coalition and is the Executive Director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Program, about the biggest red flags – from fake Medicare calls to deceptive billing – and why trusting your instincts, speaking up if something feels off, and staying connected to your community are key to staying safe. Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.    Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Robert "Bob" Blancato Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 10% of U.S. children ages 5 to 15 experience migraine. For parents, figuring out what’s normal, what’s serious, and how to help can be overwhelming. We spoke with Sara Pavitt, MD, chief of the Headache Program at UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, to break it down. She explains how to recognize the signs and symptoms of migraine in kids, when to call a doctor, and how to manage them day to day – from improving sleep and hydration to using supplements and cognitive behavioral therapy. Your child doesn’t have to suffer. Learn how to navigate migraine with confidence. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Sara Pavitt, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes inflammation in the digestive tract and can raise important questions for those who are pregnant or planning to be. Is your pregnancy “high risk” because of IBD? Can you safely stay on your medication? We spoke with Uma Mahadevan, MD, director of the UCSF Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Center, about how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy with IBD. She explains why keeping your condition under control is the safest choice for your baby, which modern IBD medications are considered low-risk in pregnancy, and how a coordinated care team can make all the difference. Additional resources: https://pianostudy.org/ Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Uma Mahadevan, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 1 in 5 new mothers in the U.S. – and it can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or how many children you’ve had. In this episode, we speak with Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C, licensed clinical psychologist, about how PPD is diagnosed, the signs to look for, and what effective treatment and recovery truly involve. We also explore why open communication and early support are key to healing and reclaiming emotional well-being after birth. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million U.S. adults. Though its cause remains unclear, it can be effectively diagnosed, treated, and managed. But what exactly is fibromyalgia, and why is it sometimes dismissed as “made up”? We spoke with Kevin Hackshaw, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist, to discuss how fibromyalgia is diagnosed, common pain patterns, ongoing research, and practical strategies for living well with the condition. Learn why realistic management – like exercise and self-care – can make a difference and help prevent flare-ups. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Kevin Hackshaw, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can mean navigating a long and often complicated treatment journey, but finding the right care and support can make all the difference. What happens when your regimen stops working or new symptoms appear? We spoke with Christopher Sayed, MD, professor of dermatology at the UNC Department of Dermatology, to discuss when it’s time to talk to your doctor about escalating treatment, why switching therapies or care teams isn’t a setback, and how HS support groups can provide vital expertise and advocacy. We also hear from Katie, a patient advocate with Hope for HS, who shares her story of diagnosis, experiences with flare-ups and stigma, and how she ultimately found the right care. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guests: Christopher Sayed, MD; Katie Producer: Lauren Summers Editor: Jason Hammel Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we think of AI, we don’t often connect it to the needs of older adults. But how can technology support age-friendly care in the digital age? We spoke with Kedar Mate, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer of Qualified Health AI, about how simple AI tools can empower older adults to take control of their health and wellness. From managing medications and detecting fall risks early to improving memory and mood, we explore how AI can enhance care and independence. Discover how the right tools, used the right way, can help us age safely, confidently, and in line with what matters most.Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Kedar Mate, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recurring painful bumps in your underarms, groin, or under the breasts may seem like acne – but they could be hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, often misunderstood skin condition. HS affects up to four percent of people in the U.S., yet it’s frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed. What can those impacted do to heal and prevent these bumps? What are the misconceptions about HS? And how can patients advocate for themselves? We spoke with Vivian Shi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, about the early warning signs of HS, treatment options ranging from topical therapies to biologics and surgery, and debunked myths linking HS to poor hygiene. We also hear from Ebone Colbert, who shares her 15-year journey with HS, from symptoms to diagnosis, and why support and the right care team matter. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guests: Vivian Shi, MD; Ebone Colbert Producer: Lauren Summers Editor: Jason Hammel Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the U.S., about 10% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50 – and rates are rising one to two percent each year. What’s behind this trend: lifestyle, genetics, or environment? We spoke with Andrea Cercek, MD, physician-scientist and medical oncologist, about her groundbreaking clinical trial that revolutionized treatment for early-stage rectal cancers. She discusses the multifactorial causes behind these rising diagnoses, from diet and lifestyle to environmental exposures and medications, and why screening, symptom awareness, and healthy habits like exercise and stress management are critical. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Andrea Cercek, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.