Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Speaking of Women's Health
Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de Speaking of Women's Health. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.
Rows per page:
50
1–50 of 223
Titre
Date
Durée
Palliative Care Explained: Support, Symptom Relief, and Quality of Life
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with Dr. Audrey Henson to have a clear, honest conversation about what palliative care actually means and what it does for real people facing serious illness. Dr. Audrey Henson explains a simple truth most people never hear: all hospice care is palliative, but not all palliative care is hospice. That one distinction can change when families ask for help and how long patients get to benefit from symptom relief and support.
Drs. Thacker and Henson talk about where palliative care fits in chronic and advanced disease, including cancer, heart failure, COPD, kidney disease, and neurologic conditions like ALS and Parkinson disease. Then they go straight to the fears patients tell us about most: pain and air hunger. They unpack why the goal is function, not sedation, how anxiety and depression can intensify pain, and why today’s opioid stigma sometimes leaves people suffering unnecessarily. Dr. Henson also shares how palliative teams address addiction risk realistically with monitoring and individualized plans, especially for patients who may live months to years.
Dizziness is one of the most misunderstood symptoms we hear about, and the word itself can hide the real story. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker walks through how women describe dizziness in totally different ways like spinning vertigo, lightheadedness, near-fainting, and migraine-related imbalance and why that distinction changes what we do next.
She connects the dots between migraine headaches and women’s hormone shifts across the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause. She explains classic migraine signs (one-sided pulsing pain, light and sound sensitivity, nausea) plus the phases people rarely get warned about: prodrome, aura, and the postdrome “hangover.” She also talks about cervicogenic headaches that start in the neck and can be mistaken for migraine, which is one reason physical therapy can be a game changer when meds aren’t helping.
Then Dr. Thacker gets practical about benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common inner ear disorder caused by displaced calcium crystals that can make the room spin when you roll over in bed or tip your head back. She breaks down why falls and head trauma can trigger BPPV, what symptoms to watch for (including nausea and nystagmus), and why canalith repositioning maneuvers and vestibular physical therapy are often the fastest path to relief. She also covers medical red flags like chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe or sudden headache, or stroke-like symptoms and when you should call 911.
Helpful links from physical therapist Vince Whalen:
October is National Menopause Awareness Month, and Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Holly L. Thacker, MD talks about the FDA’s decision to lift boxed warnings on vaginal estrogen and what that means for real patients dealing with genitourinary syndrome of menopause: vaginal dryness, vulvar irritation, painful sex, urinary urgency, and the quiet misery that too many women have been told to “just live with.” She shares why local vaginal estrogen is a powerful, targeted tool and why fear-based labeling distorted care for years, even for women with a history of breast cancer.
From there, she zooms out to the bigger question clinicians and patients keep asking: who should consider menopausal hormone therapy, when does timing matter, and what are the real risks versus the exaggerated ones?
You can survive breast cancer and still feel like you’re losing your body to menopause and you shouldn’t have to choose between safety and quality of life. October may be breast cancer awareness month, but the questions we tackle here matter in every season: What happens when estrogen deprivation becomes the “collateral damage” of treatment, and why are so many survivors told to simply endure hot flashes, painful sex, recurrent UTIs, bone loss, and fear?
We’re joined by Dr. Corinne Men, a board-certified OB-GYN, Menopause Society certified practitioner, and a long-term breast cancer survivor herself. We talk about how young women still get brushed off with “you’re too young,” and what real self-advocacy looks like: tracking symptoms, keeping your records, pushing for referrals, and demanding evidence-based care. We also dig into genitourinary syndrome of menopause (not just “vaginal dryness”), and why low-dose local vaginal estrogen appears in major guidelines, even for many patients on endocrine therapy, when used thoughtfully.
We also zoom out to the bigger survivorship picture: BRCA “previvors,” risk-reducing ovary removal, and why hormone replacement therapy is often recommended up to the age of natural menopause to protect heart, brain, bone, and sexual health.
September is Pain Awareness Month. One in five adults live in chronic pain worldwide. Knee pain is one of the most common types of pain. But sometimes it is not the knee at all, but weak glutes, stiff hips, poor footwear, or hours of sitting that change your mechanics until your joints start protesting. From the Sunflower House, Dr. Thacker digs into osteoarthritis and the everyday patterns that push joint pain from “annoying” to life-limiting, especially for midlife and postmenopausal women.
She breaks down what osteoarthritis is (and what it is not), why X-rays can look terrible when you feel fine, and why you can hurt a lot even when imaging seems mild. She also clears up common confusion between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, then connects the menopause conversation to joints: low estrogen can affect cartilage, tendons, and muscle, and movement matters because cartilage has no direct blood supply.
You will also hear why “dead butt syndrome” is a real thing, how glute weakness can drive knee pain, and which simple exercises and physical therapy strategies can improve strength, balance, and long-term mobility.
Vaginal dryness, painful sex, burning and nonstop irritation get brushed off as “normal aging” far too often and the bladder fallout is even easier to miss. We’re talking about genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a hormone deficiency problem that can affect the vulva, vagina, urethra and bladder, driving overactive bladder symptoms and recurrent UTIs. When GSM is treated, it not only improves comfort and intimacy, it protects urinary health and quality of life.
We focus on the most effective first line therapy: vaginal estrogen. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker shares what’s changed in the conversation around safety, including why the data on low dose local therapy is so reassuring, how correct placement keeps absorption minimal and what dosing often looks like for severe symptoms versus maintenance.
If creams or tablets are not a fit or not enough, Dr. Thacker digs into other options. Vaginal DHEA can support tissue health and sexual function through local conversion, and vaginal rings offer convenience for people who want steady therapy.
Dementia is one of the most feared diagnoses in aging, and it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sounds the alarm on a reality many women never hear clearly: by advanced age, dementia becomes incredibly common, yet a large part of risk is shaped by choices we can start making now. The goal is not perfection or panic. It’s building a prevention plan that protects your brain, your independence and your health span.
She digs into why insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome matter for Alzheimer’s disease risk, including how impaired glucose handling may reduce the brain’s ability to clear amyloid proteins. From there, she gets practical about the big levers: restorative sleep and the brain’s nighttime cleanup system, regular exercise (with a special edge for outdoor movement) and why alcohol can quietly sabotage deep sleep and brain function. We also talk about “brain stimulation” in real life, including how hearing loss, vision loss and reduced social connection can accelerate cognitive decline.
Bleeding that feels “off” is easy to downplay until it derails your life or shows up after menopause. We revisit our conversation with women’s health nurse practitioner Kelsey Kennedy and layer in what’s changed since then, including newer ACOG guidance that supports a more proactive approach to postmenopausal bleeding. The key message is simple: a reassuring pelvic ultrasound alone is not always enough, because high grade endometrial cancer can occur even with a thin lining.
Kelsey and Dr. Thacker walk through what abnormal uterine bleeding actually means in real life, from irregular cycles and spotting between periods to heavy flow that soaks pads, clothes, and sheets. Then they sort the most common causes including fibroids, endometrial polyps, adenomyosis, and endometriosis, and we explain why minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) teams can be so valuable when surgery is on the table or when prior care has not found the answer. They also highlight an often missed angle: some abnormal bleeding is driven by bleeding disorders like von Willebrand disease, not just gynecologic anatomy or hormones.
You get your vitamin D results back and the report screams “HIGH” in red. Do you actually need to panic, or do you need context? Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker walks through why vitamin D is often misunderstood, how age, latitude, indoor life, and sunscreen change what your skin can make, and why “normal” lab ranges don’t always match what we’re aiming for in real preventive care.
She connects vitamin D3 to women’s health in a practical way: bone strength and osteoporosis prevention, muscle function and fall risk, oral health, mood support, blood pressure, and the ripple effects of low levels during winter. She also talks through women-specific concerns we see every day, including PMS symptoms, pregnancy needs for fetal development and maternal health, and why nutrition and vitamin D status deserve a place in the broader conversation around cervical health alongside appropriate gynecologic evaluation.
Finally, she explains the missing link that trips up a lot of people: magnesium. Because magnesium is required to metabolize and activate vitamin D, supplementing D without supporting magnesium can backfire with fatigue or cramps.
Back-to-school season can feel like a fresh start and a stress test at the same time. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Dr. Holly Thacker talks through how to make the transition smoother for every age, from kindergartners riding the bus for the first time to teens facing new pressure, and even students leaving home for college. Her goal is simple: help you build routines that make mornings calmer, kids healthier, and learning easier.
Then she goes deeper into the tougher realities families face right now. She talks about teen confidence, mental health warning signs, social media pressure, and how to keep communication open without shaming or shutting kids down. She also gives a shoutout to Clever Crazes for Kids, a free STEM resource for pre-K through eighth grade at clevercrazes.com.
If this helps you, share it with a parent, grandparent, teacher, or coach, then subscribe and leave a review so more families can find these back-to-school health tips.
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker talks about how your microbiome connects to metabolism, blood sugar stability, satiety, and long-term disease risk. That context matters when you hear the viral phrase “fiber maxing.” Done right, increasing dietary fiber can support steadier energy, healthier cholesterol patterns, improved regularity, and better weight management, especially when your carbohydrates come from whole foods with a lower glycemic impact.
Dr. Thacker then discusses the most common infectious diarrhea causes that she sees and teaches on, including viruses that impair fluid absorption, bacteria that can trigger toxin-driven fluid loss, and parasites that often hide behind the label “stomach bug.” She gets specific about Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Giardia: how they spread, what symptoms tend to stand out, why hydration is non-negotiable, and how contaminated water and produce can be the real source of the problem.
She also shares practical, food-first ways to increase fiber without bloating: build meals around legumes, add chia or ground flaxseed, swap refined grains for whole grains, keep the skins on potatoes, and rinse, rinse, rinse your fruits and vegetables. She covers how fast to increase fiber (slowly), why you must hydrate, how to balance soluble and insoluble fiber, and when personalization matters.
PCOS has been a familiar label for decades, but the name may have been steering patients and clinicians toward the wrong center of gravity. SWH Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with endocrinologist Dr. Ula Abed to unpack the new term PMOS, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, and why it better captures what so many people actually struggle with: insulin resistance, weight gain, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and long-term cardiovascular risk, alongside cycle changes and fertility concerns.
They talk through what changes when you treat PMOS as a metabolic condition first. That includes how the newest international guidelines push earlier screening and a more realistic, whole-person plan, and why improving metabolic health can sometimes restore ovulation and improve fertility outcomes before jumping straight to expensive interventions.
If this helped you think differently about PMOS, share it with a friend, subscribe so you don’t miss next week, and leave a review to help more people find evidence-based women’s health conversations.
Sun damage is sneaky: it can happen on a bright beach day, on a cloudy afternoon, and even during your drive with the windows up. This episode is originally from Season 1 and has so many great tips for the summer time that we are bringing it back to you in Season 4!
From the Sunflower House, Dr. Holly Thacker shares a clear, practical guide to summer skincare and sunscreen that goes beyond the SPF number so you can protect your skin, eyes, and overall health.
She breaks down UVA vs UVB in plain language and explains what “broad spectrum sunscreen” actually means for skin cancer prevention and anti-aging. You’ll hear how chemical (organic) filters differ from mineral sunblock like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, why sensitive skin may react to certain ingredients, and how to think about common filters such as avobenzone. She also talks about melasma, including why pregnancy and hormonal birth control can make pigment issues more likely and why consistent UV protection matters once melasma shows up.
That first painful step in the morning is not your imagination and it is not something you should just “push through.” We dig into plantar fasciitis, why heel pain can feel like you are stepping on broken glass, and what actually helps: supportive shoes, orthotics and gel pads, smart activity changes, and specific plantar fascia and calf stretches you can do at home. We also talk about the frustrating truth behind tendons and fascia: these tissues have slow turnover and limited blood supply, so healing can take time, especially for midlife women dealing with repeated strain, poor sleep, nutrition gaps, or unbalanced training.
Then we zoom out to a newer concept that may reshape how we think about chronic pain and recovery: the interstitium, often described as a hidden network of fluid-filled pathways in connective tissue. If this “third circulatory system” influences inflammation and movement of cells and fluid, it may help explain why certain integrative therapies work for some people.
We also reprise our Devil Wears Prada-inspired footwear conversation because shoes matter more than most people realize. We cover common foot problems in women, from bunions and Morton’s neuroma to arthritis and Achilles tendinitis, plus diabetic foot care warnings and the red flags that mean you should call your clinician. If you want less pain and more freedom to walk, work, dance, and travel, this one is for you.
A single birthday should not erase your options for menopause care, yet many women hear a flat “no” the moment they turn 65. We challenge that reflex with evidence, clinical nuance, and practical guidance on how hormone therapy after age 65 can still fit into real life, especially when symptoms, bone health, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause are still in the picture.
We walk through a blockbuster Medicare claims analysis of 10.9 million U.S. women over 65 tracked from 2007 to 2020, looking at outcomes tied to different hormone therapy types, doses, and routes: vaginal estrogen, transdermal estrogen patches, and oral estrogen.
Then we get practical. We talk estrogen patch shortages, progesterone supply problems, and how pharmacy pricing and formularies can block care. We also cover why “hormonal age” of menopause matters, when labs like FSH and estradiol help, and how common supplements like biotin can interfere with testing.
If you’ve been told it’s “too late,” listen and bring your questions. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find evidence-based menopause care.
Explosive watery diarrhea is not just “something you ate” and during a national outbreak, it’s worth knowing the real culprit. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker walks you through cryptosporidiosis, a waterborne and foodborne illness caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium that can hit hard, spread quietly, and ruin a summer week fast.
She gets practical about what works and what doesn’t. Vinegar rinses and baking soda washes can help remove dirt and some contaminants, but they do not reliably kill this parasite. The most dependable kill step for fresh produce is heat: cooking to 158°F (70°C) or higher. She also shares smarter shopping and kitchen habits during an outbreak, like scrubbing firm produce under running water, peeling when possible, avoiding cross-contamination when slicing melons, and leaning more on cooked, frozen, canned, or peeled options when risk is higher.
She also talks prevention beyond the kitchen: soap-and-water handwashing (hand sanitizer won’t do it here), avoiding swallowing pool or lake water, and why you should never swim with diarrhea. Subscribe, share this with a friend who lives at the pool, and leave a review so more people can find these outbreak safety basics.
Peptides are suddenly the hottest word in weight loss clinics, gyms, and wellness circles, but most people are hearing the hype without the definitions, the evidence, or the safety guardrails. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Holly Thacker, MD sits down with Layth Tumah, MD, a Cleveland Clinic physician board certified in family medicine, obesity medicine, lifestyle medicine, and trained in functional medicine, to explain what peptides actually are: short chains of amino acids that act as powerful signals in the body, sometimes in ways that look a lot like hormones.
They get practical about the peptides people are most likely to encounter through their doctor: GLP-1 and GIP based medications used for diabetes and medical weight management. They clarify how the same underlying drug can be sold under different brand names depending on the indication, why shortages fueled interest in compounding pharmacies, and when compounding is a reasonable tool versus a risky shortcut. They also talk about the deeper “why” behind today’s metabolic disease surge and why these therapies can matter for health span, not just the number on the scale.
They end where real prevention always starts: food, movement, sleep, stress coping, and connection, plus the reminder that there is no "free lunch" when it comes to powerful supplements.
Freedom is not just a political idea, it’s also the ability to move through your day with energy, confidence, and choices that are not dictated by symptoms or chronic disease. We connect America’s 250th anniversary theme of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” to a very current women’s health reality: the obesity epidemic and the frustration many midlife women feel when weight changes collide with hot flashes, sleep loss, and brain fog.
We break down common myths around menopause and weight, including the claim that menopausal hormone therapy causes obesity, and we explain what the research actually shows. Then we step into the fast-changing world of weight loss medications, from older drugs that were removed from the market to today’s GLP-1 and GIP agents.
Then we zoom out to something many people underestimate: social connection as a true health intervention. Social Wellness Month is a reminder that loneliness can harm health in ways that resemble other major risk factors. We share practical ways to build deeper relationships, volunteer, use technology wisely, and create summer traditions that strengthen community. You’ll also get healthier July 4th menu ideas, simple recipe inspiration, and summer safety reminders from hydration to fireworks.
Follow the show so you do not miss what’s next, share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review to help more women find evidence-based health guidance.
Pelvic pain can steal your attention, your sleep, your relationships, and your confidence, especially when you keep hearing “everything looks normal.” Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with minimally invasive surgeon and chronic pelvic pain expert Ashley Gubbels, MD to talk about what’s often missed: pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic neuropathies, and a nervous system that can get stuck in protective overdrive.
They discuss the basics of finding the right pelvic floor physical therapist and why the details matter. If you’ve ever been told to “just do Kegels” and felt worse, they explain why that happens and what pain-focused pelvic floor physical therapy can look like instead, from breathwork and external stretching to internal techniques only with consent and the right timing.
One tiny tick can change what you can safely eat for years, and sometimes the reaction doesn’t show up until hours after dinner. From the Speaking of Women's Health Sunflower House, host Dr. Holly Thacker walks through summer health essentials, then goes deep on tick-borne illness and the fast-growing concern of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that can follow a bite from the lone star tick and other species.
She covers the practical stuff first: hydration and heat safety, UV protection for skin and eyes, smart ways to keep exercising in hot weather, mosquito control, and what to do (and not do) when poison ivy shows up. She also revisits water safety rules that saves lives, especially for children, including swimming lessons, life jackets, and why alcohol and water activities do not mix.
Then she shifts to ticks: why people often never notice a bite, how ticks spread multiple pathogens, and why Lyme disease is still a major threat. She breaks down alpha-gal symptoms that can look “random” because they may appear two to six hours after eating mammalian meat or dairy, from hives and GI distress to swelling, wheezing, fainting, and anaphylaxis.
Finally, she shares timely updates on new federal momentum to combat Lyme disease and accelerate alpha-gal research, plus intriguing early data on an unusual auricular allergy treatment approach that deserves careful study.
Pain that lingers for months doesn’t deserve a shrug or a “you’re still healing.” Chronic pelvic pain can be life-altering, and the hardest part for many people is not just the symptoms, but the confusion, the misdiagnoses, and the feeling of being bounced from office to office without anyone putting the full puzzle together.
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with Ashley Gubbels, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN and internationally recognized expert in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and pelvic pain management, to define what chronic pelvic pain actually is and why it is so often overlooked. They talk through the most common drivers, including endometriosis and adenomyosis, and why even excellent surgery may not fully resolve symptoms when the nervous system has learned the pain pattern. You’ll hear how inflammation, scarring, and repeated monthly signaling can escalate into central sensitization, where pain pathways become easier to trigger over time.
If you’ve ever wondered why pelvic pain is so complicated or why it can persist after standard care, this conversation gives you language, context, and a clear next-step mindset.
A torn ACL can change a teenager’s life in a single play, and it can echo decades later as arthritis and knee replacements. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with physical therapist Vince Whalen to talk about why ACL tears hit female athletes so often, why many happen without contact, and how a simple prevention approach can make a measurable difference. Vince breaks down the FIFA Plus routine and the mechanics that matter most: hip control, balance, landing position, and the glute strength that keeps the knee from collapsing into risky alignment.
Pelvic floor therapy is a major focus, especially stress urinary incontinence and chronic pelvic pain. We unpack a key insight: many patients have too much pelvic floor tone, so doing random Kegels can actually worsen symptoms. Vince shares how to find a pelvic floor trained therapist, what to expect if you’re nervous about internal exams, and how telehealth physical therapy can help after an in-person evaluation. They close with the McKenzie Method for back pain, posture habits that drive symptoms, and practical training tips for golfers and active adults.
Estradiol patches on backorder, progesterone capsules hard to find, and a lot of anxious scrolling in between. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker recorded this because the hormone therapy supply chain is colliding with a surge in demand, and too many women are getting stuck without a plan. She walks through what’s actually driving the patch shortage, how WHI-era fear still shows up in exam rooms, and why “everyone needs a patch” is just as misleading as “no one should take hormones.”
If you can’t get your usual prescription, you’ll hear concrete alternatives: switching patch schedules, considering gels or sprays, using combined estrogen-progestin products, and when nonhormonal therapies for hot flashes and sleep may fit. She ends with a simple preparedness point: don’t wait until the last refill day to protect your health. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s struggling to get her meds, and leave a review so more women can find evidence-based menopause care.
The hardest part of health care isn’t always treatment, it’s figuring out who should treat you in the first place. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Holly L. Thacker, MD sits down with Laura Lipold, MD, Director of Primary Care Women’s Health at Cleveland Clinic, to map out how primary care, OB-GYN care and consultative women’s health specialists can work together across every life stage.
They talk candidly about why so many patients feel stuck right now, from limited access to primary care to the long shadow of menopause misinformation after the Women’s Health Initiative. You’ll hear practical guidance on what primary care can often handle (Pap tests, HPV and cervical cancer screening, mammogram orders, chronic disease management, obesity and metabolic health, behavioral health support) and when it’s time to bring in a specialist for complex menopause and hormone therapy decisions, severe osteoporosis, cancer survivorship, blood clots, transplants, or major cardiovascular history.
If your body seems to “flip a switch” after ovulation, you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker talks through a lesser-known but very real problem: progesterone allergy and progesterone intolerance, often grouped under progestogen hypersensitivity. The most important clue is timing, with symptoms that reliably worsen in the luteal phase when progesterone rises and then ease when your period starts and hormones fall.
Dr. Thacker walks through what progesterone is supposed to do in women’s health and why it can still trigger trouble for some people, whether it’s your own endogenous progesterone or synthetic progestins in hormonal birth control, fertility treatment, IUDs, or menopausal hormone therapy. She covers the full range of symptoms, from cyclical hives, rashes, itching, swelling, and asthma-like breathing issues to mood changes, anxiety, migraines, breast tenderness, bloating and heartburn. We also explain the difference between a true allergy that can be dangerous and an intolerance that can feel awful but may respond to smarter dosing, timing and formulation choices.
Two little voices kick off a Mother’s Day special, and that warm family moment quickly opens into bigger questions about women’s health that too often get ignored until they’re urgent. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Holly Thacker, MD shares what every woman should understand earlier: fertility has a biological clock that doesn’t match how healthy you can feel in your 30s and 40s, and ovarian aging is a major driver of infertility. She talks about when to seek an infertility evaluation, why conditions like endometriosis and celiac disease can be behind unexplained infertility, and how the real-world costs of IVF shape people’s choices. She also shares a hopeful story about stress reduction and acupuncture as a supportive option for some patients who are experiencing fertility issues.
Next, she gets practical about varicose veins and spider veins, especially during pregnancy and with weight changes.
Because May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month, she ends with a focus on bone health, menopause, and prevention. Bone loss can speed up dramatically in the early years after menopause, and osteoporosis can stay silent until a fracture. She also touches on under-recognized factors like celiac disease, persistent nutrient deficiencies, and why biotin supplements can disrupt thyroid, cardiac, and hormone lab tests.
When sleep is fragmented by mouth breathing or a restricted airway, the ripple effects can show up as cavities, restless sleep, drooling, picky eating, speech concerns, bedwetting, and ADHD-like behavior in kids. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker interviews Dr. Rachel Rosen, DDS, a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Breathe Institute affiliate in Ohio, to connect the dots between airway, oral function, and whole-body health from infancy through adolescence.
They talk through what modern pediatric airway screening should look like and why a quick glance at tonsils or a single referral often misses the bigger picture. Dr. Rosen explains how mouth breathing dries the mouth, drives tooth decay, and why the end goal stays simple: tongue up, lips sealed, and healthy nasal breathing.
You’ll also hear practical, parent-friendly guidance on what to watch for at home, why symptoms can peak deep in REM sleep, and how inflammation, allergens, and diet can worsen the cycle. If you’re looking for more information, follow Dr. Rosen on Instagram or Facebook or visit greatbeginningspd.com.
The room spins when you roll over in bed, then it vanishes, and you start wondering if you should just “wait it out.” That’s where so many people lose weeks of their life to dizziness, falls and fear. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with Vince Whalen, a physical therapist and co-founder of Wadsworth Family Physical Therapy, to break down what vestibular therapy and evidence-based physical therapy can do when vertigo, imbalance and pain start shrinking your world.
They get specific about benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): why “crystals” in the inner ear trigger spinning, how different semicircular canals require different maneuvers and how watching eye movements through goggles helps a PT pinpoint the real problem.
Testosterone has become the hottest hormone on social media, and it’s easy to see why: so many women feel dismissed when they bring up low libido, fatigue, or that nagging sense of “I don’t feel like myself.”
Dr. Holly Thacker unpacks what female testosterone actually is, why the lack of an FDA-approved testosterone product for women creates confusion, and how to think clearly about benefits vs risks.
You will also hear her candid warnings about testosterone pellets, high-dose compounded hormones, and “anti-aging clinic” dosing that can push levels into the male range. We cover side effects women rarely get warned about, including acne, oily skin, unwanted hair growth, scalp hair loss, mood changes, and changes that may not fully reverse.
If you care about evidence-based menopause care, women’s sexual health, and safe hormone therapy, listen through and share this with someone who’s been tempted by the hype. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what topic you want discussed next.
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with Dr. Alison Stout, an interventional PM&R and sports medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic and president of the International Pain and Spine Intervention Society. They discuss regenerative spine care and what’s regulated, what’s risky, and what actually helps when chronic back or SI joint pain won’t let up.
Not everyone is a candidate for regenerative injections, particularly those without a clear anatomical target or with uncontrolled conditions like diabetes. They close the interview with credible resources, how to book with Dr. Stout's spine team, and a reminder that the most powerful “regenerative” therapy often starts with motion: build capacity, reduce load where it’s highest, and let biology work for you, not against you.
If this conversation helps you rethink your next step, share it with someone in pain, subscribe for more evidence-first insights, and leave a review to help others find the show.
What if paying less for your prescriptions was not just possible, but predictable? Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker walks us through a clear, six-step playbook to cut medication costs without cutting corners, drawing on years of women’s health practice, patient stories, and the latest programs reshaping access and pricing.
Dr. Thacker shares how to use discount cards and price comparison sites to uncover true cash prices in your zip code, when to skip insurance at the counter, and how 30- versus 90-day fills change your bottom line. She highlights new manufacturer pathways—direct discounts, MFN-priced listings, and printable coupons—that bring branded therapies back within reach, plus practical tips for navigating supply hiccups and keeping a smart buffer on hand.
Throughout, Dr. Thacker keeps two goals in view: better health and a saner budget. You’ll leave with a checklist you can act on today—compare prices, verify manufacturer offers, coordinate with your insurer, optimize dose, and diversify sourcing—plus long-term moves like using an HSA and scheduling preventive care to avoid last-minute spikes. If this helped you save, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share the episode with someone who needs a lower bill at the pharmacy. Your voice helps more women be strong, be healthy, and be in charge.
Hot flashes that hijack your day and wreck your sleep are more than a nuisance—they’re a brain‑level problem with real solutions. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with Dr. Nayoung Sung from Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Specialized Women’s Health to unpack a new non‑hormonal therapy, Lynkuet® (elinzanetant).
For listeners weighing options, Dr. Sung and Dr. Thacker lay out who benefits most from non‑hormonal care—those with clotting risks, estrogen‑sensitive cancers, or simple preference to avoid hormones—and where low‑dose paroxetine, venlafaxine, gabapentin, and oxybutynin still fit when personalized thoughtfully.
Relief should also respect the rest of your health. We dive into sexual wellness with local vaginal estrogen or DHEA for tissue comfort, and we zoom out to the metabolic picture: abdominal weight gain, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, and inflammation that magnify heat, pain, and brain fog. Dr. Sung shares early findings on omega‑3 and omega‑6 balance, ferritin, zinc, and CRP—and how small diet shifts and targeted testing can support clearer thinking and steadier energy alongside symptom control.
If you’re searching for safe, swift, and truly personalized menopause care, this conversation delivers. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who deserves cooler nights and brighter days—what question do you want us to tackle next?
Bones don’t complain until they break—so we went straight to the source to decode how to measure, protect, and strengthen them before trouble starts. Dr. Thacker sits down with Dr. Kristi Tough-DeSapri, a leading women’s bone health specialist, to break down what DEXA really tells us, how trabecular bone score adds vital nuance about bone quality, and where newer ultrasound-based REMS fits when access is limited.
Strong bones start with fundamentals—calcium, vitamin D, protein, resistance and impact training, and fall prevention—but often need targeted therapy to truly cut fracture risk. We cover where hormone therapy can help near menopause, how SERMs and antiresorptives reduce fractures, and when bone-building agents are warranted.
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker dives into irritable bowel syndrome with a clear, compassionate guide to understanding symptoms, pinpointing triggers, and building a plan that actually sticks. From the brain–gut connection and hormone-driven flares to the role of the microbiome, you’ll hear how stress, sleep, and daily choices shape everything from cramping and bloat to bathroom urgency.
Dr. Thacker shares how to manage IBS symptoms, including the low FODMAP diet, adding fiber to your diet, drinking plenty of water, and daily exercise. She discusses probiotics and fermented foods, how to support a resilient microbiome, and why managing anxiety with CBT, mindfulness, and yoga can soften the gut’s overreaction to stress.
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Holly Thacker, MD sat down with Cleveland Clinic internist and executive health physician Richard Cartabuke, MD to map out how a single, coordinated visit can compress a month of care—advanced labs, imaging and expert consults—into a focused plan you can actually use. From there, they go deeper: why direct genetic testing beats ancestry kits for medical decisions, how proteomics and multiomics translate your biology into priorities and where whole genome sequencing is headed as targeted therapies arrive.
Data is only useful if it drives daily choices, in the interview learn how to turn complex readouts into simple steps: strength training, protein-forward meals, sleep regularity, blood pressure control and stress habits that lower cortisol. On the therapeutic front, they explore GLP‑1 and GIP agonists beyond weight loss—microdosing schedules, inflammation reduction and organ benefits—plus practical ways to access legitimate medication through manufacturer programs and avoid risky compounding.
They wrap up the interview with a clear takeaway: start earlier than you think, build a baseline you can track and use precision tools to focus effort where it matters most.
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker breaks down how thiamine (also known as vitamin B1) works and how it helps convert the carbs you eat into steady energy for your brain, heart, and nerves.
Dr. Thacker walks through thiamine sources found in your pantry and fridge like fortified whole grains and cereals, black beans and lentils, salmon and mussels, lean pork, wheat germ, yogurt, and nuts and seeds like pistachios, macadamias, flax, hemp, and sunflower seeds.
You’ll hear simple ideas for building B1 into breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, so the routine does the work. We also dig into how much you need and why certain life situations change the equation.
By the end, you’ll know how to spot low B1, how to build a thiamine-smart grocery list, and how to talk with your healthcare team about the right dose if you need extra support.
A drop of blood can change the course of cancer care. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Holly Thacker, MD sits down with variant curator Stetson Thacker, PhD to unpack how circulating tumor DNA and tumor‑informed minimal residual disease testing help clinicians see recurrence months before imaging, tailor adjuvant therapy, and track response in real time. Together, they translate complex genomics into clear choices: when a negative MRD result supports de‑escalation, when a persistent positive argues for chemotherapy and how colorectal and breast cancers have led the way in clinical validation.
They also cover the guardrails. Not everyone has banked tissue for a tumor‑informed assay, and sensitivity and specificity vary by platform and cancer type. Early multi‑cancer detection tests promise a lot but risk overdiagnosis and anxiety if used without clear indications. The smarter path is matching the right test to the right person at the right time, ideally within guidelines and with an oncologist who can synthesize genomics, imaging, pathology, and patient goals. From colorectal screening shifts to balancing overtreatment in prostate and thyroid cancers, we focus on practical decisions that protect both survival and quality of life.
If this deep dive helped you make sense of liquid biopsies and MRD, subscribe, share the episode with someone navigating cancer decisions and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.
Alpha-lipoic acid gets a lot of buzz, but what does it actually do for your body—and when is it worth taking?
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly L. Thacker takes a clear approach to explain how this unique antioxidant supports energy production, helps your cells handle carbohydrates, and may assist with blood sugar control and nerve comfort in people managing type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. She talks through the science in plain language, then connects it to daily life so you can make informed choices that fit your health goals.
Dr. Thacker also zooms out to the bigger picture: how to pair ALA with methylated B vitamins for nerve health and why skin benefits show up when you combine antioxidants with vitamin C, vitamin A–rich foods, protein, and good routines.
From organ meats and beets to spinach, broccoli, potatoes, and brewer’s yeast, Dr. Thacker highlights practical ALA food sources while calling out the pitfalls of ultra-processed products loaded with additives.
Ever stared at a pelvic ultrasound report and felt more confused than reassured? Dr. Holly Thacker breaks down the images, the language, and the decisions behind them with gynecologic imaging expert Dr. Sharon Sutherland, whose day-to-day work focuses on translating patterns into practical care. From the first gel-on-belly scan to transvaginal views and saline infusion sonography, they walk through how each test works, what it shows, and how timing, equipment, and technique change the quality of the answers you get.
Abnormal bleeding gets a focused, stepwise approach. They discuss why a good transvaginal ultrasound can reassure, when saline infusion sonography finds hidden polyps or fibroids, and why persistent symptoms call for hysteroscopy, the gold standard for seeing and sampling the entire cavity. You’ll hear practical prep tips—full bladder first, then empty for transvaginal images—plus when to avoid cervical softeners and how they manage cervical stenosis safely.
If you’ve ever wondered what your report really means—and what to do next—this conversation turns jargon into judgment you can trust.
In this episode, we’re revisiting one of our most popular conversations from Season 2 featuring Dr. Taryn Murray, a board-certified dermatologist known for her practical and science-backed skincare advice. Dr. Murray shared expert insights on how to build a skincare routine that actually works, debunked common myths, and offered tips for achieving healthier skin at any age.
We’re replaying this episode as a lead-in to her upcoming return in Season 4, where she’ll be joining us once again to dive even deeper into skincare strategies and the latest in dermatological advancements. If you missed this episode the first time—or just want a refresher—now’s the perfect time to tune in before her new interview drops!
Tingling toes. A strange electric buzz that won’t let you sleep. We sat down with Dr. John Morren, Director of the Neuromuscular Center at Cleveland Clinic, to unpack what truly drives peripheral neuropathy, how to read the early signs, and which treatments actually help you function and rest again.
We trace the most common causes—diabetes and the broader metabolic syndrome—while surfacing underrecognized risks like rapid weight loss, malabsorption after bariatric surgery, chemotherapy, infections, alcohol, and hidden vitamin pitfalls. B12 deficiency takes center stage as a treatable driver; we talk real thresholds, why neurologists aim above 400, and how methylmalonic acid exposes low B12 even when standard labs look “normal.”
Looking ahead, we explore AI as augmented intelligence: tools that flag high-risk patients in primary care, prompt simple screening steps, and sharpen EMG and nerve conduction studies to detect nerve damage earlier. It’s not man versus machine; it’s smarter care through synergy, personalizing treatment and expanding access without losing the human touch.
We kick off season four by unpacking the most important women’s health developments of 2025 and turning them into simple, confident actions for 2026. From menopausal care finally getting a long-overdue reboot to new tools for mood, pain, and preventive screening, we focus on what’s real, what helps and what to do next.
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker walks through timely risks and practical choices: the new data linking long-term Depo-Provera use to meningioma, the way even therapeutic levothyroxine can chip away at bone density and why the Mediterranean diet still outperforms trends despite the GLP-1 spotlight.
Menopause takes center stage with real progress: smarter labels, better education, and a broader toolkit.
We finish by swapping brittle resolutions for intentions that stick: consistent sleep, daily movement you enjoy, water before meals, gratitude to steady your mood, and strong social ties that extend life. If you’re ready to feel informed and in charge, this guide to the year’s biggest shifts will help you act with calm confidence.
If this helped you, subscribe free, turn on notifications, share it with a friend, and leave a quick five‑star review to help more people find the show.
The holidays don’t have to be a choice between joy and well-being. We invite you into a cozy Christmas Eve conversation that blends candlelight traditions with clear, doable strategies for eating well, staying energized, and sleeping better. From a nourishing breakfast to a colorful plate at dinner, you’ll learn how to slow down and savor your favorites.
We also share a one-minute breathing reset to melt stress and a warm, cinnamon baked apples recipe that makes your home smell like the season while keeping nutrition front and center.
If you’re ready for a holiday that feels lighter, kinder, and more intentional, press play and join us by the tree lights.
A tiny mineral with a big impact can change how you feel during the day -from steadier energy to clearer thinking and fewer snack attacks. So, what is this important mineral? Chromium, the quiet cofactor that helps your body process carbs, fats, and proteins more efficiently.
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly L. Thacker explains why “food first” beats a crowded supplement shelf, and how easy wins—broccoli, green beans, quinoa, lean proteins, dairy, and even stainless steel cookware—can boost chromium naturally.
Dr. Thacker shares how much chromium we need daily, highlights who might be at risk for deficiency, and explains why more isn’t better with trace minerals.
Hot flashes don’t keep a schedule, and neither do lab numbers. We sit down with Dr. Rachel Novik of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Specialized Women’s Health to cut through the noise around perimenopause, menopause, and hormone testing—and focus on what actually helps you feel like yourself again.
We talk about why the most reliable “diagnosis” of menopause is still 12 months without a period, and when lab work like estradiol and FSH can be helpful for patients with hormonal IUDs or after hysterectomy. She breaks down common myths about the Dutch test and other urine hormone panels, explains why major medical societies don’t endorse them for menopause, and shows how chasing unvalidated numbers can drive unnecessary supplements and costs without improving outcomes.
If you’re overwhelmed by conflicting advice on “balancing hormones,” this episode offers a calmer path: collaborate with a clinician, align on goals, and judge success by how you feel, not a single number.
What if birth control could be your most reliable tool for better cycles, clearer skin, steadier moods, and a smoother perimenopause—whether or not you need pregnancy prevention?
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with Certified Nurse Practitioner Dana Leslie to map out a smarter, personalized path through contraception, hormone balance, and sexual health that actually fits real life.
They also break down the latest in at‑home STI testing.
If you found this useful, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find credible, practical women’s health guidance.
Perfection is loud during the holidays. Presence is quieter—and far more powerful. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Executive Producer Leigh Klekar sat down with clinical social worker and holistic psychotherapist Marita Pompeani to unpack why this season ratchets up stress and how to find steady ground with simple, science-backed tools you can use anywhere.
We talk about expectations and how social media scripts can push us to overspend, overcommit, and overlook our bandwidth. Marita shares a flexible framework for planning with blended families, setting a realistic budget, and rethinking gift giving with meaningful alternatives like experiences, contributions toward big items, and handwritten notes that land deeper than stuff.
If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who could use some peace, and leave a review so more listeners can find these tools.
The wellness industry thrives on convincing us we need the latest supplements for optimal health. But do those trendy powders and pills pushed by social media influencers actually deliver results? In this eye-opening episode, Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker cuts through the marketing noise surrounding four popular supplements dominating online conversations: Creatine, L-Carnitine, Taurine, and Boron.
As Director for the Center for Specialized Women's Health, Dr. Thacker brings evidence-based clarity to the supplement conversation. She explains how these compounds naturally function in our bodies, what foods provide them naturally, and who might genuinely benefit from supplementation.
This podcast delivers exactly what modern health consumers need—straightforward information that cuts through marketing hype and empowers us to make smarter wellness decisions. Remember: when it comes to your health, knowledge truly is power!
When family dynamics break down, who protects the bond between grandparents and grandchildren? Attorney Eva Saulnier returns to the Speaking of Women's Health Podcast to tackle this often-overlooked but emotionally charged area of family law.
Most grandparents are shocked to discover they have limited legal standing regarding their grandchildren. As Saulnier explains to Host Dr. Holly Thacker, courts maintain a strong preference for parental rights, even when those parents aren't perfect.
Whether you're concerned about your own grandchildren or supporting someone facing these difficult circumstances, this episode provides essential insights into the complex intersection of family bonds and legal rights.
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker unpacks what collagen actually is, why production slows with age and menopause, and how to protect and build it with food and daily habits. She weighs the evidence on collagen supplements, shares safety guardrails, and lays out a practical plan for skin, joints, and bones.
Dr. Thacker starts with the big levers: why smoking, alcohol, sugar, and UV exposure damage collagen, and how simple shifts—SPF on chronically exposed skin, smarter sun for vitamin D, and a realistic supplement plan after age 40—help you age slower.
Then she moves to the plate. Dr. Thacker lists the collagen-rich foods like bone broth, chicken skin, and fish skin, plus the nutrients that actually drive collagen synthesis: complete protein, vitamin C, zinc, and copper.
Curious about powders and peptides? Dr. Thacker dives into when and how to choose safe supplement products.
If this conversation helps you think differently about your routine, tap follow, share it with a friend who’s collagen-curious, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find us. Have a question or a topic you want explored next? Send us a note at speakingofwomenshealth.com and let’s keep the conversation going.