Our Womanity Q & A with Dr. Rachel Pope

This episode features Dr. Diana Ponsky, [https://drdianaponsky.com/] a renowned facial plastic surgeon in Cleveland, Ohio, who leads Ponsky Facial Plastic Surgery. Double board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and ENT, Dr. Ponsky specializes in natural facial rejuvenation. She discusses how hormonal shifts impact the face and what women can do about it. The Hormonal Impact on Aging Dr. Ponsky notes that a sharp drop in hormones around menopause can feel like an "acute switch" in aging. * Collagen Loss: Women can lose up to 30% of their collagen within five years around menopause, followed by a 2% loss each year. * Structural Changes: Low estrogen affects receptors throughout the skin and bone. This causes skin to become coarser, fat to descend, and even facial bones (like the jaw and areas around the nose) to atrophy, which can flatten the brow arch. Prevention and Maintenance: The "Car Tune-Up" Aging gracefully is about slowing down the process, which Dr. Ponsky compares to constant maintenance on a car. * Proactive Care: Genetic predispositions mean some women benefit from early surgical prevention (like brow lifts or fat transfer). * Lifestyle: Rigorous skincare, sun protection, and avoiding repetitive motions (like drinking through straws) are crucial for maintenance. * The Role of HRT: Dr. Ponsky is a firm believer in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), even starting in perimenopause, to slow the loss of muscle mass and bone density (including in the face). Treatment Options * Fillers: These are volumizing agents (like hyaluronic acid) that replace lost volume; they do not lift. Dr. Ponsky cautions against overuse, as too much filler can distort muscle movement. * Never Too Late: For those who missed the prevention window, aggressive treatments like deeper lasers and fat transfer can still yield great results, combined with a commitment to nutrition and a long-term care program. Dr. Ponsky reminds women that given we are living longer, tending to our bodies is necessary. It's not vanity; it's ensuring a high quality of life long after menopause.

This episode of Perimenopause: Head to Toe features Dr. Sameena Rahman [https://www.instagram.com/gynogirl/], an OB-GYN and specialist in sexual medicine and menopause. She is also the founder of the GYN and Sexual Medicine Collective Dr. Rahman highlights that women in their mid-40s often experience confusing bodily changes. Symptoms include: * Menstrual Changes: Unpredictable periods, with some becoming heavier or stopping for months. * Physical & Emotional Symptoms: Intimate dryness, reduced libido, sleep issues, hot flashes, brain fog, and irritability. Systemic Issues in Women's Healthcare The conversation addresses challenges within the medical system. * A Patriarchal System: The doctors agree that the healthcare system is historically patriarchal, resulting in a lack of research and understanding of women's health. * Medical Training Gap: The doctors note that medical school training often overlooks the significant emotional and cognitive effects of perimenopause, focusing instead on hot flashes and irregular periods. * The "Double Whammy": They point out that because the OB-GYN field is largely female, there's an unspoken expectation to manage all aspects of women's health with limited resources, leading to provider burnout and inadequate patient care. Cultural Differences and Bias Dr. Rahman, who is South Asian, discusses unique challenges for women of color. * Earlier Onset: Women of color, including Black and South Asian women, often experience perimenopause and menopause earlier. This is linked to allostatic load, the cumulative "wear and tear" from chronic stress. * Stigma: Cultural factors like stoicism and taboos around sex lead to a reluctance to seek medical help. * Health Disparities: The episode notes higher rates of heart disease and diabetes in the South Asian population. About Dr. Rahman's Practice and Book Dr. Sameena Rahman [https://www.instagram.com/gynogirl/] is a board-certified OB/GYN, sex-med gynecologist, menopause specialist and a clinical assistant professor of OB/GYN at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. She is the founder of the Gyn & Sexual Medicine Collective [https://www.thegsmcollective.com/], a successful concierge practice that emphasizes evidence-based medicine and an affiliate of Ms. Medicine [https://www.msmedicine.com/]. Dr. Rahman is dedicated to evaluating and treating each patient with compassion, trauma-informed care, and an awareness of personal bias. Additionally, she hosts the podcast Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs & Hormones [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gyno-girl-presents-sex-drugs-hormones/id1723087947]. Her upcoming book, "Brown Girls Disease? A Guide to Sexual Health and Empowerment Through a South Asian Lens [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sameena-rahman-16065b1bb_browngirlsdisease-sexualhealthmatters-activity-7364277818127482882-lQlm/]," explores sexual health issues from a unique cultural and religious perspective.

In this episode of Perimenopause: Head to Toe, Dr. Rachel Pope is joined by expert dermatologist Dr. Melissa Mauskar [https://www.melissamauskar.com/], who dives into how perimenopause and menopause affect our skin. From changes in the face to thinning skin, Dr. Mauskar explains why skin and hair transformations during this time are not only inevitable but also manageable. Dr. Mauskar is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Dermatology and OB-GYN at UT Southwestern Medical Center [https://utswmed.org/doctors/melissa-mauskar/]. She specializes in dermatology, with a focus on vulvar health and dermatologic changes that come with different stages of a woman's life. In this episode, you'll learn: * How estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect your skin. * Why you might notice acne, dryness, or thinning hair in your 40s and beyond. * The importance of topical estrogen for maintaining skin thickness. * How perimenopause might trigger or worsen conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and even melasma. * Tips for preventing skin aging, including the importance of sunscreen and good skincare routines. If you've noticed changes in your skin, this episode offers expert advice on how to address them and what you can do to prevent further damage. About Dr. Mauskar: Dr. Melissa Mauskar is an expert in dermatology and vulvar health, with extensive experience in addressing the skin changes that women experience during perimenopause and menopause. She is the founder of the Vulvar Health Program at UT Southwestern and frequently presents at symposia on women's health dermatology.

In this episode, join Dr. Rachel Pope and her colleagues, Dr. Anne Sammarco [https://www.uhhospitals.org/doctors/Sammarco-Anne-1033400957] and Dr. Maria Shaker [https://www.uhhospitals.org/doctors/Shaker-Maria-1922325372], as they reflect on their recent trip to Tanzania. Dr. Pope shares the personal connection she has with the country, dating back to her early career when she worked on a research project about obstetric fistulas. Fast forward nearly two decades, and she returns with her colleagues to assist with fistula surgeries, childbirth injuries, obstetrics, and women's health care. Key Takeaways: * The Early Days in Tanzania: Dr. Pope recounts her initial time in Tanzania working with Utu Mwanamke (Women's Dignity Project) and conducting a study on the social reintegration of women who underwent obstetric fistula surgeries. * CCBRT Hospital: Now a much larger charity hospital, Dr. Pope reflects on how much the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT) hospital has grown, offering services for vulnerable populations and providing high-quality care in a resource-limited setting. * A Team of Experts: Dr. Pope, alongside Dr. Sammarco and Dr. Shaker, shares their unique collaboration during the trip, combining their skills in obstetrics, gynecology, and urogynecology to provide critical care and training at CCBRT. * Cultural Exchange: The episode highlights the importance of exchanging knowledge with local medical professionals, offering education to Tanzanian medical students and residents while learning valuable insights from their practices. * Global Health Impact: The trio discusses the complexities of global health, including how resources and cultural factors shape patient care. They stress the importance of capacity building and sustainable healthcare practices that extend beyond short-term missions. The episode also covers the broader themes of women's healthcare advocacy, access to surgery, and the need for global solidarity in providing equitable health services to underserved populations. Resources Mentioned: * CCBRT [https://ccbrt.org/] – Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania * Roe Green Foundation [https://dgf.org/staff/roe-green/] – Support for global health initiatives * What is Obstetric Fistula? [https://whatisobstetricfistula.com/] If you're passionate about global health, women's empowerment, or the importance of providing sustainable medical care, this episode will inspire you to consider the ways we can all make a positive impact. A huge thank you to the Roe Green Foundation for sponsoring this impactful journey, CCBRT for hosting the team, and all the medical professionals involved for their dedication to women's health globally.

In this powerful episode of Our Womanity, we sit down with Maisha Sullivan Ongoza, the visionary behind P.A.S.H.I. — the Pan-African Sisterhood Health Initiative. Maisha shares how this community-rooted organisation is tackling period poverty, reducing stigma around menstruation, and centering ancestral wisdom through eco-friendly, reusable menstrual products. From intergenerational teachings led by elders to engaging boys and men in the conversation, Maisha walks us through how P.A.S.H.I. is changing lives across the globe. What We Cover: * The origin and mission behind P.A.S.H.I * Why menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a public health and dignity issue * The power of reusable pads and eco-conscious period solutions * The importance of involving elders as hands-on teachers * How P.A.S.H.I. is shifting cultural norms by including men and boys * Stories of impact from Philadelphia to Africa and the Caribbean * How you can support or replicate this model in your own community About P.A.S.H.I: P.A.S.H.I. empowers girls, women, and others by providing free, eco-friendly, reusable menstrual pads and education on life skills, reproductive health, and MHM. With over 47 global shipments and annual youth workshops in Philadelphia, P.A.S.H.I is restoring dignity and access one pad at a time. Impact Snapshot: * 47+ pad shipments to Africa & the Caribbean since 2019 Thousands of free menstrual and hygiene kits distributed * Annual youth workshops teaching reusable pad creation * Hands-on guidance from elders in the community Key Quote from Maisha: "We're not just handing out products—we're rebuilding a sense of worth, reclaiming ancestral knowledge, and reminding our young people they are worthy of care, dignity, and tradition." Resources & Links: Website: www.pashiglobal.org [https://www.pashiglobal.org/] Email: pashi.global@gmail.com Phone: (215) 385-0214 Subscribe to Our Womanity wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a review to help amplify women-led grassroots change around the world!

With the changes unfolding in the U.S. under the new administration, I wanted to launch this season of Our Womanity with powerful stories of women uplifting women around the world. In this episode, I proudly welcome Habiba Corodhia Mohamed [https://wadadia-nonprofits.org/team/habiba-corodhia-mohamed/], Founder of WADADIA [https://wadadia-nonprofits.org/]. The journey of WADADIA began with a defining moment in Habiba C. Mohamed's life. Initially dedicated to veterinary medicine, her path took a transformative turn during a routine visit to a farmer's home. While searching for the farmer, she noticed a small face peeking from behind a house. When she approached, she discovered a four-year-old boy—disabled, tied up, and neglected. His only "crime" was being born disabled and out of wedlock. His teenage mother had been cast out by her family, exposing a deeper issue affecting marginalized women and girls. This encounter sparked Mohamed's commitment to social justice, leading her to transition from veterinary work to founding WADADIA, a nonprofit focused on women's health and empowerment. What started as a small village-level support group for sex workers has grown into a national organization, providing holistic fistula care (6,000+ cases), support for SGBV survivors (1,500+), and services for PLHIV (3,500+). Under Mohamed's leadership, WADADIA is dedicated to restoring dignity through psychosocial support, reproductive health advocacy, and socio-economic empowerment—ensuring that the most vulnerable have the opportunity to thrive. Learn more about Wadadia here. [https://wadadia-nonprofits.org/team/habiba-corodhia-mohamed/] Follow us on social media: * Instagram: @drrpope [https://www.instagram.com/drrpope/] * TikTok: @vulvadoctor [https://www.tiktok.com/@vulvadoctor] * Twitter: @drrpope [https://twitter.com/drrpope] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpope/] Want more from Our Womanity? If you enjoyed this episode of Our Womanity, please subscribe [https://ourwomanity.com/about/#join], rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you engaging and empowering content.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! In this insightful episode, I am joined by Dr. Cynthia Owusu [https://case.edu/cancer/members/member-directory/cynthia-owusu], a leading expert in geriatric oncology. Together, we discuss proactive steps women can take to reduce cancer risk, the emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis, and the importance of early detection. Dr. Owusu shares valuable tips for lowering the chances of developing breast cancer: * Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Learn how maintaining a normal weight can significantly impact your health and reduce cancer risk. * Increase Physical Activity: Dr. Owusu explains how regular exercise is crucial not only for boosting mood but also for lowering cancer risk. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. * Limit Alcohol Consumption: Find out how reducing or eliminating alcohol can make a big difference in your overall health. Dr. Owusu also dives into the emotional challenges women face post-diagnosis, including anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly around the uncertainty of treatment options like chemotherapy. However, she reassures listeners that many women diagnosed with breast cancer do not require chemotherapy. The episode emphasizes that breast cancer is curable, especially when detected early. Dr. Owusu also sheds light on the common use of surgery and other treatments for breast cancer patients. Dr. Cynthia Owusu is a renowned expert in geriatric oncology. She is currently the principal investigator on a $2.8M research grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Disparities. This important study explores the impact of physical activity on functional status, body composition, and biomarkers of breast cancer prognosis among African American and socially disadvantaged breast cancer survivors. Dr. Owusu is also actively working to improve participation of all women in clinical trials to help enhance breast cancer outcomes in this vulnerable population. Follow us on social media: * Instagram: @drrpope [https://www.instagram.com/drrpope/] * TikTok: @vulvadoctor [https://www.tiktok.com/@vulvadoctor] * Twitter: @drrpope [https://twitter.com/drrpope] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpope/] Want more from Our Womanity? If you enjoyed this episode of Our Womanity, please subscribe [https://ourwomanity.com/about/#join], rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you engaging and empowering content.