Speaking of Women's Health

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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.

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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:

• APTA Pelvic Health PT Locator
• Vestibular Resource/PT Locator
• McKenzie Spine Protocol Resource/PT Locator

Gut-Brain Therapy | The clinician podcast on gut-brain disorders such as IBS | Nerva
Leading gut specialists share how they use gut-brain therapy with their patients.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 https://www.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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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