Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs & Hormones

I'm thrilled to have Dr. Justin Lehmiller, renowned psychologist, sex researcher and author of "Tell Me What You Want," join me to uncover what people really fantasize about based on his groundbreaking survey of over 10,000 adults.In this fascinating episode, I dive into the hidden world of sexual fantasies with Justin a psychologist who has conducted the largest study on what people actually fantasize about. As someone who works daily with patients struggling with sexual health concerns, I found this conversation incredibly revealing about what's happening in people's minds behind closed doors.Justin reveals the seven universal fantasy themes that emerge across all demographics, from threesomes and kink to romance and taboo scenarios helping me understand what my patients are likely thinking about but afraid to discuss. We explore the surprising finding that religiously and politically conservative people often fantasize about the very things they're "not supposed to" do, and how taboos actually amplify excitement through what he calls the "forbidden fruit effect."One of the most valuable insights I gained was learning that 80% of people report positive experiences when sharing fantasies with partners, and how women who act on fantasies have higher orgasm rates. We also discussed surprising findings about who people fantasize about most (hint: it's usually people they know, not celebrities), and how factors like age, gender, and culture shape our secret desires. Perhaps most importantly, we addressed how most people think their fantasies are much rarer than they actually are, creating unnecessary shame that impacts sexual wellbeing.This conversation opened my eyes to just how normal and diverse human sexual fantasies really are. For anyone wondering if their thoughts are "weird" or struggling with shame around their desires, this episode offers both validation and practical insights.Highlights:Justin surveyed over 10,000 people to uncover the seven most common sexual fantasy categories.Conservative people often fantasize about breaking the very taboos they publicly support.80% of people have positive experiences when sharing fantasies with their partners.Most people fantasize about people they know rather than celebrities.Women who act on their fantasies report higher rates of orgasm.Curious about more honest conversations around sexual health? I encourage you to subscribe to my podcast, for more candid discussions that help you advocate for your sexual wellness. Do you have questions about sexual health? I always tell my listeners -don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with a qualified healthcare provider who specializes in sexual medicine. Remember: I'm here to educate so you can advocate for yourself.Connect with Justin:WebsitePodcastInstagramLinkedInConnect with me:Website InstagramYoutube

Dr. Tiffany Moon, anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, and author of "Joy Prescriptions," joins me for a candid conversation about the hidden struggles behind external success. After years of following the traditional achievement pathway elite schools, medical training, career advancement Dr. Moon found herself asking "is this it?" despite checking all the boxes society told her would lead to fulfillment.In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Moon shares her transformation from a people pleasing perfectionist to someone who prioritizes authentic joy and connection. She opens up about her challenging fertility journey with twins, the systemic barriers she faced as a part-time physician (including being denied promotion solely for working three days a week), and her controversial experience on Real Housewives of Dallas, where she faced racist harassment that ultimately led her to leave the show. Our conversation explores the unique pressures facing women in medicine, from cultural conditioning around achievement to the impossible myth of "having it all." Dr. Moon discusses her mid-career burnout, how she found creative outlets through entrepreneurship, and why she believes joy must be cultivated from within rather than sought externally. She also addresses the double edged sword of social media how it can build businesses and connections while also fueling dangerous comparisons and shares practical strategies for maintaining authentic relationships in an increasingly digital world. Highlights:The Achievement Paradox: Why following traditional success markers often leaves high achievers feeling empty and unfulfilled.Systemic Bias in Medicine: Research showing 75% of women physicians delay childbearing, with career penalties for part-time work.Cultural Conditioning: How Asian American upbringing around being "smart and obedient" creates lifelong people-pleasing patterns.Reality TV Racism: Dr. Moon's experience with harassment on Real Housewives of Dallas and learning when to walk away.Mental Health Stigma: The importance of seeking treatment for anxiety and depression, especially in medical culture.Social Media Strategy: Using platforms for business growth while avoiding the "comparison trap".Redefining Success: The difference between conditional happiness and sustainable inner Boundary Setting: Practical advice for saying no and valuing your worth as a professional.Get in Touch with Dr. Moon:WebsiteBook linkLeadHer Summit InstagramTikTokLinkedInGet in Touch with me:Website InstagramYoutube

I’m joined by Amy Ege, professional organizer and founder of Amy Louise Organizing, to explore how physical clutter can intensify hormonal upheaval and why bringing order to your environment may be the most overlooked step toward emotional clarity during perimenopause.Many women in midlife find themselves overwhelmed by clutter but don’t connect it to their irritability, fatigue, or mental fog. In this episode, we explore how disorganization can worsen the emotional toll of perimenopause, and why seeking support without shame is both practical and therapeutic.Amy shares how hormone shifts intersect with household stress, why “just buying bins” won’t solve the problem, and how a well organized space can actually help regulate mood, sleep, and decision making. We also dig into the emotional weight of stuff, the cultural shame around mess, and how to build systems that support not sabotage your daily life.Highlights:Why perimenopause amplifies stress from household clutter.The emotional payoff of donating with purpose and clearing space.Why traditional storage solutions often fail, and what works instead.How shame and societal roles keep women stuck in disorganization.How to build resilience and reclaim peace at home through simple systems.If your home feels like one more thing you can’t manage, this conversation will offer both empathy and a path forward. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs it.Get in Touch with Amy:WebsiteInstagramGet in Touch with me:Website InstagramYoutube

Dr. Lyndsey Harper built Rosy to fill the void medicine left behind this episode dives into how she's reshaping sexual health for women through tech, data, and desire.Rosy isn’t a one size fits all app. It’s a platform built by a variety of clinicians and trained experts in their fields to support women with low libido, arousal issues, and the systemic failures around both. Through erotica, CBT based coaching, education, and clinical trials, Rosy is setting a new standard for how sexual health care can actually work.In this episode, Dr. Harper shares how the platform continues to evolve and what the data is showing us. We talk about desire, responsive arousal, cultural context, and the new tools changing how we treat sexual dysfunction. If you’ve ever wondered what expert driven, patient-centered care really looks like, this is it.Highlights:How a platform built by clinicians, therapists, and researchers is changing care for low libido and arousal.Why erotica is an evidence based intervention and how Rosy makes it accessible without shame.What Rosy’s data reveals about responsive desire, cultural identity, and unmet sexual health needs.Behind the scenes: Rosy's upcoming arousal treatment, coaching expansion, and Quickies feature.Get in Touch with Dr. Harper:WebsiteInstagramGet in Touch with me:Website InstagramYoutube

In this candid conversation, Dr. Fenwa Milhouse board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained specialist in female pelvic medicine joins me to talk about conditions that affect so many of our patients but are often dismissed or misunderstood. She also happens to be my urologist, so I know firsthand the impact of her work.We discuss her journey into urology, the importance of representation in medicine, and her focus on female pelvic health from prolapse and incontinence to the surgical and non-surgical treatments that can dramatically improve quality of life.From mid urethral slings to bulking agents like Bulkamid, Dr. Milhouse breaks down the options for restoring bladder control and day to day comfort. We also explore how pelvic floor dysfunction can affect self-image and sexual wellbeing and why informed consent must include conversations about pleasure, not just pathology.Highlights:Representation in Urology: Dr. Milhouse shares how meeting a Black woman urologist shaped her path into a field traditionally dominated by older white men and how that representation continues to matter.Prolapse Realities: From “it felt like I had a scrotum” to “an egg between my legs,” Dr. Milhouse describes how patients experience pelvic organ prolapse and what options exist to restore both anatomy and confidence.Incontinence Treatments Explained: A breakdown of surgical and non-surgical options—like mid urethral slings and Bulkamid and how patient goals and downtime factor into decision making.Preserving Sexual Function: Why asking about cervical orgasms matters, and how uterine sparing procedures can protect sexual wellbeing during prolapse repair.Medical Bias and Advocacy: A frank discussion about racism, bias, and the emotional toll that clinicians of color face—both from patients and within the healthcare system.If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and leave a comment. Your support helps us reach more people who deserve real, respectful conversations about their health.Connect with Dr. MilhouseWebsiteInstagramYoutubeConnect with Dr. Rahman:Website Instagram Youtube

Could vaginal estrogen be the missing piece for some of your menopause symptoms? Many women find it has been a game-changer for their relief.I often talk about the lack of current information many doctors have about hormones. This is a global issue, which is precisely why I wanted to have a leading UK menopause expert on the show.Have you ever felt like your own body was working against you? Like your mood, memory, or even sexual health just aren't what they used to be, and no one's really listening? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Louise Newson to dig into why so many women first experience these frustrations and why they feel such immense relief after speaking with a menopause specialist, especially after constantly being dismissed by other clinicians.Dr. Newson, a relentless advocate for women's health, challenges why hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are often denied to women, highlighting a pervasive medical bias against female physiology. She shares crucial insights on testosterone deficiency and its effects on the brain, the revolutionary benefits of vaginal DHEA (Prasterone) for recurrent UTIs, painful sex, and vaginal atrophy, and the potential for deprescribing opioids and antidepressants through hormone optimization. Tune in for a frank, evidence-based discussion that empowers you to advocate for personalized hormonal care at every stage of life.Episode Highlights:Challenging Medical Bias: We confront the historical medical bias denying women crucial hormone therapy (HT) and discuss its impact on overall health.Hormones, Mood & Brain Health: Discover how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone function as neurotransmitters, profoundly impacting mood, memory, and sleep. Learn how hormone optimization can even reduce the need for opioids and antidepressants.The Power of Testosterone: Beyond libido, we discussl how testosterone replacement can boost brain function, energy, and combat chronic joint pain.Vaginal DHEA: A Game-Changer: Hear about the revolutionary benefits of vaginal DHEA (Prasterone) for recurrent UTIs, painful sex, and vaginal atrophy.Advocating for Long-Term Health: Understand why hormone deficiency raises risks for major conditions like dementia and heart disease, emphasizing the need for personalized hormonal care for healthy aging.If this conversation has sparked questions or empowered you, don't keep it to yourself. Share this episode with a woman in your life who needs to hear it, and remember to visit my Youtube Channel for more resources. Until next time, stay informed and advocate for your health!Guest Bio:​​Dr. Louise Newson is a world-renowned physician, women's hormone specialist, and member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce, widely known as the "medic who kickstarted the menopause revolution." An award-winning doctor, educator, and Sunday Times bestselling author, she founded the free balance menopause support app (over 1M downloads) and hosts the No.1 UK medical podcast. Through her Newson Health clinic and extensive research, Dr. Newson is committed to improving access to individualized menopause and hormone treatment, while tirelessly working to educate healthcare professionals and challenge medical bias without pharmaceutical funding.Get in Touch with Dr. Newson:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinGet in Touch with Dr....

Midlife isn’t just about hot flashes or forgetting names it’s a time when many women start noticing subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) shifts in how they feel, think, and relate to the world around them. For some, it’s frustration they can’t quite name. For others, it’s sleep disruptions, mood changes, or a fading sex drive. These changes aren’t imagined and they’re not always easy to talk about.In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kate White about what really happens to the body and mind during midlife and why so many women feel unsupported during this transition. We explore how hormonal shifts can affect mood, memory, desire, and relationships not for everyone, but for more women than we acknowledge. Dr. White brings both her clinical experience and personal insight, shedding light on why these experiences are real, valid, and deserving of better care.We also dig into the emotional weight that comes with midlife the shifting roles as parents, professionals, and partners and how this period can lead to questioning everything from career goals to long-term relationships. It’s not about assigning blame to hormones, but about recognizing them as one piece of a complex puzzle.This conversation is about validation, education, and hope. Whether you’re in the thick of midlife changes or just starting to feel things shift, this episode is an invitation to listen without shame and to speak up without apology.Highlights:Why midlife can feel like an emotional landmineHow hormone changes impact libido, focus, and memoryWhat no one tells you about perimenopausal rageThe link between invisible labor and sexual disconnectionTips for recalibrating long-term relationships without blowing them upWhy naming the problem isn’t blaming—it’s empoweringDid you enjoy this episode? Make to follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps more women find real answers and better care.Guest Bio:Dr. Kate and Jay White are the married duo behind Heads and Tails, a podcast about recalibrating life, love, and identity in midlife. With over 50 years of combined experience Kate as a nationally recognized gynecologist and menopause/sexual medicine specialist, and Jay as a seasoned therapist, musician, and magician they bring both clinical expertise and real-life perspective to the mic.Married for 26 years, they’ve weathered their own relationship evolutions while raising kids, building careers, and navigating the many curveballs of midlife. Together, they speak candidly (and often hilariously) about everything from hormones and hot flashes to emotional intimacy and second chances.Their chemistry is real, their advice is grounded, and their mission is clear: to help listeners turn the so-called “midlife crisis” into a powerful recalibration body, brain, and relationship.Get in Touch with Dr. White:WebsiteInstagram Get in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

What if your health risks weren’t just about what you eat or how you move—but about the history your ancestors survived?As a South Asian woman and gynecologist, I’ve long seen the ripple effects of misunderstood metabolic conditions, especially in women who don’t “look” unhealthy. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Mubin Syed—also known as DesiDoc on Instagram—whose new book Healing From Our History connects the dots between colonial-era famines and today’s alarming rates of disease in South Asians. His personal health scare led to years of research, and the result is a compelling case for why our bodies still carry the burdens of our history.We also unpack what this means for PCOS, early menopause, and the misdiagnoses that come from trying to fit diverse bodies into Eurocentric templates. If you're South Asian, female, or both, this conversation will likely shift how you understand your symptoms—and how urgently we need better, more specific care.It’s not all gloom. Mubin and I dive into actionable strategies, from rethinking white rice and walking more to using CGMs and reconsidering hormone therapy earlier. It’s knowledge, not fear, that lets us take the reins on our future health. His book, Healing From Our History, is a must-read if you want to go deeper into the research, the history, and the path forward for South Asian health.HighlightsThe real story behind Mubin’s “healthy” heart attack.What to test for now especially if you’ve been dismissed before.How British colonialism and famine still shape South Asian metabolism.Why lean South Asian women may still face PCOS and early menopause.Epigenetics explained: your genes didn’t change, but their expression did.If you're a healthcare provider or part of the South Asian community, I hope this episode brought clarity and context to the health challenges we often face. Share it with someone who might benefit whether that’s a colleague, a patient, or a family member. And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and like the show. Your support helps amplify conversations that matter.Dr. Syed's Bio:Mubin Syed, MD, is a nationally recognized physician with almost 30 years experience, specializing in endovascular therapy. He is also a health historian, a medtech entrepreneur, anda medical products inventor holding 28 patents. He is the author of a medical guide on pain treatment and two works focusing on the modern South Asian health crisis. He has been a TEDx speaker, and was featured in the “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies” PBS documentary, and in CNN International/The Guardian and HuffPostUK.Get in Touch with Dr. Syed:WebsiteInstagrama...

They call her The Vagina Whisperer for a reason Sara’s mission is to make pelvic floor therapy as normal as going to the dentist. And after hearing her story, you’ll understand why it needs to be.Let’s talk about the pelvic floor the part of your body no one teaches you about, yet it’s tied to nearly everything we experience as women. In this conversation with Dr. Sara Reardon, I felt like someone was finally explaining what so many of us were never taught to understand.We discuss what really happens to the pelvic floor during pregnancy and postpartum (it's not just about vaginal delivery), and how most women are sent home with little more than stool softeners and good luck. Sara shares the recovery tips every mom deserves, from managing that first postpartum poop to understanding why pelvic floor strength is essential for long term health not just for sex or leaking.We also talk about the issues that make healing harder like short postpartum visits, the myth of bouncing back, and how clenching (yes, even in traffic) is wrecking your pelvic health. We also talk on bladder habits, poop positions, why “just do Kegels” is bad advice, and what your body needs in every stage of life, from lactation to menopause.Sara’s insights go beyond trendy wellness they’re practical, backed by science, and grounded in almost two decades of treating real patients. This episode is packed with tools that will leave you feeling informed, validated, and ready to take action.Dr. Reardon’s Bio:Dr. Sara Reardon is a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist with over 18 years of experience helping individuals prevent and overcome pelvic floor issues including, urinary leakage, painful sex, prolapse and discomfort during pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. Sara has been featured in Time, Yahoo, Harper’s Bazaar, Romper, InStyle, Today, and numerous other podcasts, publications, and professional conferences about her advocacy and educational work as a pelvic floor therapist. She is also a TED presenter on Rethinking Postpartum Care. Sara is the Founder of The V-Hive, an online, on-demand pelvic floor fitness platform for pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, painful sex and pelvic floor strengthening.  Sara lives in New Orleans with her husband and two sons. FLOORED: A Complete Guide to Women’s Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage is her first book.If this conversation helped you feel seen or gave you practical tools to work with please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it.Get in Touch with Dr. Reardon:

We’ve both treated thousands of women and lived through it ourselves. The truth? Perimenopause doesn’t begin in your 40’s. It starts years earlier, and too many are left struggling without answers.If you’ve been told you’re “too young” for perimenopause, you’re not alone—and you’re not too early. In this conversation with Dr. Fatima Khan, an Australian menopause specialist, we dig into what perimenopause really looks like and why so many women fall through the cracks of outdated definitions.Dr. Khan explains how progesterone and testosterone begin declining in our late 30s, long before estrogen crashes. The result? Fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and heavy bleeding symptoms often brushed off or misdiagnosed. We discuss how the stress of modern life, poor sleep, and constant cortisol spikes are pouring gasoline on an already intense hormonal fire.But this isn’t just about hormones it’s about support. From rethinking your exercise habits to building better boundaries and giving up the need to control everything (easier said than done), we talk about real-life tools that make this phase survivable and maybe even freeing.Whether you're a clinician or someone living through the chaos, this episode offers a new lens on the perimenopause transition one that goes far beyond HRT and into the heart of what women truly need.Highlights:Why current definitions of perimenopause don’t reflect what women actually experience.The early symptoms no one talks about: anxiety, fatigue, and mood swings.The role of progesterone and testosterone before estrogen becomes the issue.How cortisol and chronic stress intensify hormonal symptoms.Practical tools for nervous system support and reclaiming your energy.If you found this episode helpful, make sure to subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who might need it too.Get in Touch with Dr. Khan:WebsiteInstagram Get in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

Everyone thinks hormone therapy is finally getting attention but no one’s really talking about the fact that estrogen can be life-saving. The data is right there: lower mortality, fewer hospitalizations, less sepsis. So why is it still being overlooked?In my practice, I see patients every day who are silently suffering dealing with UTIs, vaginal dryness, painful sex, and bladder issues they think are just part of aging. But these symptoms often point to something much bigger: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. And what’s worse, it’s still widely misunderstood or ignored.A recent study with new data stopped me in my tracks. Over 11 million patient records showed that vaginal estrogen doesn’t just improve quality of life it dramatically reduces serious outcomes like sepsis and even death. That kind of impact should be front-page news in every medical journal, yet here we are… still debating whether it’s “necessary.”We also talked about the brand new AUA guidelines, which now make it clear: local estrogen is first-line therapy. It's safe, even for many patients who were once told they couldn't use hormones. These guidelines finally reflect what we’ve known clinically for years that low-dose vaginal estrogen isn’t just symptom relief. It’s prevention.There’s still a lot of confusion about systemic absorption, cancer risk, and when to refer out. So in this episode, I’m breaking down what’s new, what’s misunderstood, and what every patient and provider needs to know. I’m also sharing how I approach treatment options from estrogen and DHEA to pelvic floor therapy and even energy-based devices (yes, we go there).If you’ve ever been told this is just part of aging, or you’re not sure what your options are, I hope this gives you clarity—and maybe a little validation, too. Highlights:Why vaginal estrogen can lower mortality, sepsis, and hospital stays.What the AUA’s 2025 GSM guidelines say—and why they matter.Clearing up myths about hormone absorption and cancer risk.When to consider DHEA, Ospemifene, or non-hormonal options.The role of pelvic floor therapy in managing GSM.Resources:AUA’s GuidelinesGyno Girl-GSM VideoGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

Mast cell activation syndrome isn’t widely recognized, but for many women, it may explain years of pain, fatigue, and hormone related chaos no one could solve.I see a lot of patients who are struggling with fatigue, pain, and hormone symptoms that don’t seem to make sense on paper. And I’ve noticed a pattern but I wanted to talk to someone who lives in the complexity of it every day.Dr. Tania Dempsey, is one of the few physicians who’s helped bring mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) into the spotlight. Years ago, she was treating a patient who just wasn’t getting better until she stumbled on a paper about mast cells that changed everything. That one article led to a phone call, a new way of thinking, and a career shifting collaboration with one of the leading voices in the field.In this conversation, we explore how MCAS shows up in gynecology especially in cases involving PCOS, perimenopause, and unexplained pelvic pain. We discuss why some patients are unusually sensitive to progesterone, how inflammation fuels insulin resistance, and what’s actually going on when mast cells become overactive. We also get into the clinical triad so many of us see MCAS, hypermobility, and POTS and how they often appear together in patients who are struggling to get answers.Tania also talks about how she built her practice by spending more time listening to her patients and trusting that their symptoms meant something, even when the labs didn’t show it. Highlights:What mast cells do and how they become overactive in MCAS.The overlooked link between PCOS, perimenopause, and mast cell dysfunction.Why some patients react badly to progesterone—and what to do about it.How GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may help calm inflammation in MCAS.What to know before seeking a diagnosis or starting treatment.If this episode opened your eyes or gave you language for what you’ve been going through, please subscribe, leave a review, and drop a comment. I’d love to hear what resonated most with you.Dr. Dempsey's Bio:Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD, ABIHM is a world-renowned expert in complex, multisystem diseases. As founder of the AIM Center of Personalized Medicine, in Purchase, NY, Dr. Dempsey uses functional and integrative medicine to get to the patient’s root cause(s) of illness and to help them find a path to optimum health. Her extensive knowledge and experience with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Mold, and Lyme and other Vector-Borne Diseases, has propelled her to the forefront of the medical community as a recognized and trusted speaker, researcher, advocate, and physician.Dr. Dempsey is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She received her MD degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and her BS degree from Cornell University. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at NYU Medical Center.She was recently elected to the Board of Directors of ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society). She is also a member of the U.S. ME/CFS Clinician Coalition, the American Academy of Ozonotherapy, and ISSWSH (International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health).She is an accomplished international speaker, writer and thought leader and has 8 peer-reviewed articles in the medical literature. Her latest endeavor is cohosting the new podcast, Mast Cell Matters.Get in Touch with Dr. Dempsey:WebsiteFacebookInstagram

You’re doing everything right. You're on hormones, you’ve cut the caffeine, maybe you’ve even bought one of those expensive sleep trackers. So why are you still waking up at 3am, wired and restless?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Andrea Matsumura—board-certified sleep physician and women’s health specialist—to finally unpack why sleep is such a persistent struggle for women, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Andrea breaks down the biological, psychological, and cultural reasons why women are conditioned to expect poor sleep—and why it doesn’t have to be that way.We talk melatonin myths (the dose matters), the silent epidemic of undiagnosed sleep apnea in women, and why most wearables are only telling part of the story. Andrea also explains why cannabis, supplements, and even hormone therapy may help—but won’t fix the root cause for many women.Plus, we get into the real reason cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) actually works—if you’re willing to do the work—and how the entire medical system is failing women by ignoring gender-specific data in sleep studies and diagnostics.If you’re tired of being tired and want real, practical answers—not just another supplement or influencer sleep hack—this conversation is for you.HighlightsWhy hormone therapy helps some women sleep—but not all.How sleep apnea presents differently in women and often goes undiagnosed.The truth about melatonin: why most people take the wrong dose at the wrong time.Cannabis and sleep: what the research really shows.Why CBT-I is the gold standard for insomnia (and why apps alone aren’t enough).Do you like what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a comment on Apple Podcasts your support helps us reach more listeners who deserve better answers.Guest Bio:Dr. Andrea Matsumura MD MS FACP FAASM is a board certified sleep specialist and menopause expert, event and corporate speaker, group facilitator, co-founder of the Portland Menopause Collective, and creator of the Sleep Goddess MD D.R.E.A.M. Sleep Method™ and Sleep Goddess Archetype™.Dr. Matsumura attended medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She moved to Portland, Oregon for her residency in Internal Medicine and was an Internal Medicine Physician with Northwest Permanente for 13 years before entering her fellowship in Sleep Medicine. She attended Oregon Health and Science University as a fellow in Sleep Medicine. She became a partner at The Oregon Clinic in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine after completing her fellowship. During her tenure there she focused on women’s health and became a sought-after expert on women and sleep. She is currently the Medical Director of primary care services and medical home development for Cascadia Health in Portland, Oregon and has plans to develop sleep services.Get in Touch with Dr. MatsumuraWebsiteInstagramGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube

If you've ever been told "just relax" while in vulvovaginal pain, you're not alone—and you're definitely not crazy. This conversation is about the silent epidemic women keep getting dismissed over.This episode hit me hard. Not because the stories were shocking—but because they weren’t. Dr. Chailee Moss joined me to talk about the groundbreaking study she co-authored, recently published in JAMA, that finally puts numbers to the gaslighting so many of our patients experience.We dug into what dismissal looks like in a medical setting and how phrases like "have a glass of wine" or "your exam is normal" can cause lasting harm. For patients living with vulvovaginal pain, being told it’s "all in your head" is not just invalidating—it can delay care, destroy trust, and lead people to give up entirely.Dr. Moss shared how her own experiences as a patient shaped her path as a physician. We also talked about the deep-rooted system issues in training and documentation that continue to reinforce doubt instead of compassion. The problem isn’t just one bad doctor. It’s a medical culture that doesn't know how to listen to women in pain.This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about rebuilding the broken parts of medicine so more women feel seen, heard, and actually treated. If you’ve felt dismissed by the system or know someone who has, this episode is for you.sHighlights:Why patients with vulvovaginal pain are often told to "just relax".The power of naming gaslighting and measuring it in clinical care.How medical training creates blind spots around pain and gender.The importance of early diagnosis to prevent years of unnecessary suffering.Resources and organizations helping patients find the right care.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s keep pushing for better care.Dr. Moss’s Bio: Dr. Chailee Moss is a gynecologist specializing in vulvovaginal disorders in Washington, D.C.   She first became interested in vulvovaginal disorders at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned an M.D. in 2013. She engaged in research on pain and gynecologic surgery during residency training in Ob/Gyn at The Ohio State University where she was a chief of resident education  and earned awards for her research and clinical care.  Upon graduation, Dr Moss joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins University where she continued to research pain and publish original research in this and other areas.   Dr. Moss is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has been an active member of the Society for Academic Specialists in OB/GYN, serving on the research committee and paper award committee. In her free time she enjoys cooking, camping, and travel with her husband and their three energetic children in Baltimore, MD.Resources:BookJama ArticleTight LippedDr. Rahman with Tight LippedIsswsh The National Vulvodynia AssociationGet in Touch with Dr....

What if the pain isn’t just physical—and what if fixing the body is only half the battle?Sexual pain is one of the most misunderstood issues in medicine. I invited my friend and colleague Dr. Corey Babb to dive into why so many women still struggle with pain, even after their doctors tell them everything looks “normal.” Corey just released his new book A Practical Guide for Female Sexual Medicine, which aims to help clinicians actually treat sexual dysfunction—not just study it.We unpack the deeper reasons patients experience conditions like vaginismus, vestibulodynia, and hypertonic pelvic floor, including trauma, religious shame, and outdated medical training. Corey and I also explore the groundbreaking Pacik method for treating vaginismus, including why Botox and dilators can truly change lives (and minds).But as we both know, treatment is never just about the body. We talk about the psychological side of healing—including why some patients avoid intimacy even after their pain resolves. Corey shares his insights on retraining the brain, rebuilding trust, and supporting patients beyond the exam room.We also discuss why pelvic pain is so often dismissed, how to empower women to advocate for themselves, and why our field still has so much work to do when it comes to teaching clinicians about sexual health.If you’ve ever been told to “just relax” or “drink some wine” to fix your pain—you’ll want to hear this.Highlights:Why sexual pain can persist even after physical treatmentHow trauma and religious shame impact vaginismusThe Pacik method: Botox and dilator therapy explainedWhy desire and intimacy often lag behind pain reliefThe critical need for better sexual health education in medicineIf this episode helped you feel seen or gave you new insights, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share the episode with someone who might need it. Your reviews help more people find this important information and advocate for their health!Dr. Babb’s Bio:Dr. Corey Babb is a Tulsa native who has dedicated his life to bringing awareness and acceptance to female sexual health. Through education, activism, and empathy, he helps people feel heard and validated, empowering them to find answers in a complicated medical environment.  In addition to being a board-certified gynecologist, he is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, a Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner and a member in the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disorders. Currently, Dr. Babb serves on the board of directors for ISSWSH, is a reviewer for multiple sexual medicine journals, is a respected lecturer and educator, and has been featured in numerous national and international publications, as well as the author of A Practical Guide to Female Sexual Medicine (CRC Press).Get in Touch with Dr. Corey Babb :WebsiteFacebookInstagramTikTokGet in Touch with Dr. Rahman:WebsiteInstagramYoutube