OvaryActive

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• BONUS: Estrogen, Interrupted UNBOXED 16.06.2026 16Min.

  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.  
• Ep 42 | Hormones, Heart Health, and Hot Flash Hype: What Menopause Hormone Therapy Can Actually Do 11.06.2026 24Min.

  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.
• Ep 41 | Brain Docs, Part 2: Migraines, Hormones, & Perimenopause 28.05.2026 38Min.

  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.
• Ep 40 | Brain Docs, Part 1: Brain Fog, Dementia Fears, & Perimenopause 14.05.2026 27Min.

  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 dementia, brain fog, and the very real panic that happens when midlife memory glitches start feeling a little too ominous. 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.
• Ep 39 | Weird Symptoms of Perimenopause 23.04.2026 34Min.

  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.
• Ep 38 | When Hormones Are Not the Only Answer 09.04.2026 36Min.

  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  
• Ep 37 | When Its NOT Peri: Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) with Chrisandra Shufelt, MD 26.03.2026 38Min.

  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.
• Ep 36 | When It's NOT Peri: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 12.03.2026 42Min.

  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.
• Ep 35 | When It's NOT Peri: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) 26.02.2026 40Min.

  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
• Ep 34 | Heart Disease and Perimenopause: The Risk Factors We're Missing 12.02.2026 45Min.

  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
• Ep 33 | Do I Need Birth Control or Hormone Therapy? 22.01.2026 42Min.

  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
• Ep 32 | Perimenopause + Migraines: Your Brain on Hormones 08.01.2026 39Min.

  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
• Ep 31 | This is the HOT FLASH Episode 25.12.2025 40Min.

  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
• Ep 30 | Topical Viagra & Hot Flash Chaos: The Menopause Conference Recap You Didn't Ask For 11.12.2025 39Min.

  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
• Ep 29 | Merry Perimenopause 2025 Edition 27.11.2025 49Min.

  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
• Ep 28 | Stronger Not Thinner: Strength Training in Perimenopause 13.11.2025 41Min.

  Perimenopause: that magical stage where your body suddenly decides it's the boss, your pants shrink overnight, and your motivation to exercise hides under the bed.  On the episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch welcome the hilarious and whip-smart Dr. Marily Oppezzo from Stanford. She is a behavior-change expert who's figured out how to help people actually do the healthy things they already know they should be doing. Spoiler: it involves fewer "shoulds" and more squats. Dr. Oppezzo shares her "Stronger" philosophy, a refreshingly guilt-free approach to perimenopausal wellness that's all about adding joy and ditching deprivation. From "strength snacks" (two-minute squats you can do between Zoom calls) to "breaking the dishes" (yes, that's cardio), she helps women fit movement into real life without the drama.  No boot camps, no macro counting, no shame spirals—just scrunchies, science, and a sense of humor. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:41] Meet Marily Oppezzo PhD, MS, RDN, DipACLM [1:33] Behavioral change and healthy habits [4:13 Strength training is your new bestie [6:16] Exercise "snacks" vs. sessions [9:24] Technique & tips for the squat  [19:28] Finding a balance between cardio and strength training [22:13] Cardio tips [25:07] Nutrition myths BUSTED [27:40] Protein's role [37:08] Healthy snack ideas [39:59] Concluding thoughts and future plans   Links: profiles.stanford.edu/marily-oppezzo 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
• Ep 27 | Testosterone, Perimenopause, and the Fountain of Nope 23.10.2025 39Min.

  You've seen it all over social media, testosterone is apparently the miracle cure for every perimenopausal woe. Low libido? Tired? Losing muscle tone? Influencers say "Just add T!" The Docs say…not so fast  Ready for the truth? In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su are here for just that. Even though it is not exactly what you're seeing on social media––it is science, sarcasm, and a few chin-year jokes. The Docs explain what testosterone actually does in women's bodies, why testing it is tricky, and how misinformation has turned a controlled substance into a so-called "elixir of youth." They compare estrogen's unfairly bad reputation with testosterone's sudden celebrity moment. And they also explain why some promises from "hormone balancing" gurus should make you raise an eyebrow. Listeners will learn the good, the bad, and the hairy: when testosterone might be appropriate, the real risks and irreversible side effects, and how to approach hormone therapy safely. In this episode, you'll hear: [1:03] Is testosterone a "fountain of youth"? [5:30] What are the risks? [11:16] Testing is unreliable (and meaningless) [15:15] Can testosterone help libido? [22:04] Testosterone deficiency isn't why you're losing muscle [28:50] The truth about testosterone pellets [30:33] How to use it safely, IF your doctor advises you to [37:47] "We're not here to make friends. We're here to tell women the truth." Resources Mentioned: thecut.com/article/women-in-menopause-taking-testosterone 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
• Ep 26 | Swallow This: The Truth About Supplements and Perimenopause 09.10.2025 36Min.

  Feeling overwhelmed by the supplement aisle? Are there pills that might actually help during perimenopause or are you just buying expensive urine?   This episode of OvaryActive dives into the pharmacy aisle of supplements. The Docs are talking about everything from influencer "miracle" blends to your best friend's turmeric obsession. Separating data from drama and giving you the straight, if sarcastic, scoop. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch explain what your body truly needs (hello, vitamin D and calcium), what might help (fiber and omega-3s for the win), and what should probably stay in the compost bin (looking at you, wild yam cream).  They share LOL takes on supplement marketing…"clinically proven" by whom exactly? And they shine a light on the difference between food, vitamins, and herbal remedies. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:30] The supplement struggle is real [1:33] Defining the basics [4:43] If the gut works, use it! [6:32] Natural does not mean safe [8:54] "Clinically proven" is NOT a thing [12:06] The short list: vitamin D, omega-3s, and fiber [19:00] When natural turns dangerous [27:44] Myths and facts [32:26] What to skip if you've had hormone-related cancers [34:57] Final truth bomb: balanced real food wins every time   Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube   Resources Mentioned (a.k.a. The Real Receipts): menopause.org fda.gov ods.od.nih.gov heart.org ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/ 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.htm
• Ep 25 | Use a Mirror to See What's Up…Down There 25.09.2025 23Min.

  Perimenopause: your hormones have packed up and left, your skin starts new hobbies, and your vulva occasionally throws a tantrum.  In this episode of OvaryActive, we're talking about that neglected body part everyone loves to ignore—until it itches, burns, bleeds, or grows suspicious bumps. Joining the conversation are gynecologists and fellow podcasters Dr. Ashley Fuller and Dr. Meredith McClure, the brilliant, and hilarious, minds behind Labia Logic. Ashley and Meredith spend their days  — and an entire podcast — focused on vulvas, menopause, sexual health, and the often-overlooked conditions that live "down there."  They're here to shine a light on the things nobody learns in residency, medical school, or, let's be honest, middle school health class. You'll hear about what's normal, what's not, and when to stop Googling and actually see a doctor. Consider this your crash course in vulvar self-awareness sprinkled with humor, honesty, and just enough TMI to keep things interesting. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:33] Welcome Drs. Ashley Fuller and Meredith McClure from Labia Logic [3:00] Your vulva and perimenopause [5:28] Annual check ups [7:33] Lumps, bumps, bleeding, and spotting [12:59] Vulvar biopsies [16:57] Lichen sclerosus [19:37] The power combo: topical steroids+vaginal estrogen [22:13] Want more? Labia Logic podcast is dedicated to all things vulva Follow Labia Logic for the sex ed you should have gotten in the first place!  @labia_logic on Instagram | @LabiaLogic on YouTube Catch full episodes at ashleyfullermd.com/labia-logic-podcast.   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
• Ep 24 | When Bleeding Isn't *Just* Perimenopause: The Need-to-Know about Gynecological Cancers 11.09.2025 35Min.

  Perimenopause is already a rollercoaster—hot flashes, brain fog, and now…SURPRISE! cancer screenings.  In this episode of OvaryActive, Amy and Rebecca sit down with Gynecologic Oncologist Fernanda Musa, MD MS to tackle the less-fun-but-super-important reality: perimenopause is also prime time for gynecologic cancers.  Think of it as the sequel nobody asked for, but everybody needs to watch. Dr. Musa brings her scalpel-sharp expertise (she is a surgeon, afterall ) and a refreshingly candid approach to topics we'd rather avoid. Cervical and uterine cancers and pesky fibroids that multiply like bad ex-boyfriends both made the list.  She tells you what's common, what's rare, and when you should actually worry. Hmmm…not every bloated belly means ovarian cancer, but you shouldn't ignore it either. Bottom line? Now you'll know when to laugh off your perimenopausal chaos, and when to call your gynecologist. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:28] Guest intro: Dr. Fernanda Musa [2:28] Understanding cervical cancer [5:19] HPV screening and vaccines [14:15] Symptoms & diagnosis of endometrial cancer [18:11] Hormone therapy after uterine cancer [20:28] Fibroids vs tumors (with symptoms!) [25:55] Risks & symptoms of ovarian cancer [32:23] Don't brush off abnormal bleeding! [34:20] Final thoughts and encouragement   More about Dr. Fernanda Musa: swedish.org/doctors/gynecologic-oncology/wa/everett/fernanda-musa-1700044054 Dr. Musa on Instagram @ferniebo   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