SHE MD

The frozen shoulder. The 3 a.m. anxiety. The brain fog and the rage that come out of nowhere. For decades, women were told it was "just stress" and sent home with an antidepressant. This week, Dr. A and Mary Alice welcome back the woman changing that — Dr. Mary Claire Haver, the OB-GYN The New York Times calls the "Menopause Queen" — for a full masterclass on perimenopause.It can start in your late 30s, it lasts 7 to 10 years, and almost no one warned us. Dr. Haver explains what's really happening in your body and brain, why so many women are dismissed, and what you can actually do about it — HRT, progesterone, vaginal estrogen, sleep, mood, and the myth that you have to wait until it's "bad enough" to get help. Because suffering isn't the price of admission.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.SponsorsTalkiatry: Head to talkiatry.com/shemd to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Babbel: Right now, Babbel is offering listeners up to 60% off. Go to Babbel.com/SheMD Egglife: Find Egglife chillin' in the fridge at Aldi, Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, Walmart & more. Visit egglifefoods.com to find a retailer near you. Acely: Visit Acely.com and use code SHE MD for 20% off. Ladder: If you have an iPhone, head to ladder.fit/SHEMD and take a quick quiz to find your perfect Ladder plan. Use our link and get a free 7-day trial with NO credit card, and $10 off your first month if you join. Skylight Frames: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15-inch calendars by going to myskylight.com/shemd. What You’ll LearnWhat perimenopause actually is and how it differs from menopauseWhy perimenopause can begin in your late 30s or 40sWhy brain fog, sleep disruption, anxiety and mood changes can be early symptomsWhen hormone therapy may be considered during perimenopauseThe difference between HRT/MHT, birth control and vaginal estrogenWhat we know, and still don't know, about HRT and cardiovascular and bone healthHow GLP-1 medications can affect muscle and bone healthThe role of protein, resistance training, vitamin D, omega-3s, fiber and creatineWhat declining estrogen can mean for vaginal and urinary healthWhat women should know about HRT and breast cancer riskWhy listening to your symptoms and advocating for yourself mattersKey Timestamps00:00 Why Every Vagina Needs Estrogen01:32 Welcome Back Dr. Mary Claire Haver05:44 What Perimenopause Actually Is08:44 The "Zone Of Chaos" And Brain Glitching18:08 How To Evaluate A Perimenopausal Patient20:01 All Vaginas Need Estrogen24:50 Why Perimenopause Is The Best Time To Start HRT32:13 GLP-1s, Muscle Loss, And Bone Health36:41 Patches, Pellets, Creams: What Actually Works40:23 Debunking The HRT-Breast Cancer Myth50:33 Creatine, Vitamin D, And Key Supplements54:56 The Histamine-Hormone Connection58:12 Vulvar Changes Nobody Warns You About1:04:37 Lightning Round: Hormone Myths Busted1:07:19 Three Takeaways For Every WomanKey TakeawaysPerimenopause is a years-long biological transition, not simply the period immediately before menopause.Symptoms can appear before periods become irregular or hot flashes begin.Brain fog, sleep disruption and mental health changes can be among the earliest signs of fluctuating hormones.Hormone therapy does not necessarily have to wait until a woman is fully menopausal; treatment should be individualized based on symptoms, risks and benefits.Bone health, cardiovascular health, muscle mass and metabolic health all deserve attention during the menopause transition.If using GLP-1 medications, Dr. Haver emphasizes adequate protein, resistance training and monitoring body composition rather than focusing solely on the number on the scale.Vaginal and urinary symptoms can be related to declining estrogen and may be treated with local estrogen therapy.The goal of understanding perimenopause is not simply to get through it, but to enter the next stage of life informed, healthy and empowered.Guest Bio: Dr. Mary Claire HaverDr. Mary Claire Haver is a board-certified OB-GYN and a leading voice in menopause and women's health. She has dedicated her career to helping women better understand the biological changes that happen during midlife and has been called the “Menopause Queen” by The New York Times. She is the author of the bestselling The New Menopause and her newest book, The New Perimenopause, which focuses on the years leading up to menopause. She also hosts the podcast Unpaused and shares women's health education across social media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if your health is about more than your lab results? In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice sits down with Dr. Lucy McBride, physician and author of Beyond the Prescription, to talk about how women can become better advocates for their health while navigating an overwhelming medical system. They discuss HRT and perimenopause, GLP-1s, cortisol, alcohol, health misinformation, vaccines, AI, and how to know which medical information you can actually trust. Dr. McBride shares how to make the most of a 10- or 15-minute doctor’s appointment and why sometimes the most important health question isn’t the one you think you should be asking.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.SponsorsMidi Health: Book your first virtual visit today at joinmidi.com. Opill: Opill is birth control in your control. Check out Opill to see if it is right for you. You can find Opill at most major retailers in store and online at opill.com.Olly: Shop Precise Probiotics with Skin, Stress Response, or Metabolism Support at a Walmart near you. Figs: So if you're in healthcare - or know someone who is - get 15% off your first order at wearfigs.com with code FigsRx. Ka'Chavaa: Go to kachava.com and use code SheMD for 15% off your first order. Blueland: If you're looking to make a small change in your routine, you can get 15% off your first order at blueland.com/SheMD.What You’ll LearnWhy your health is about more than what shows up on a blood testHow to prepare for a short doctor’s appointment and advocate for yourselfWhat Dr. McBride wants women to understand about HRT and perimenopauseHow she approaches GLP-1 medications and the growing conversation around “microdosing”Why cortisol has become a misleading catch-all explanation for women’s health concernsHow to think about your relationship with alcohol rather than simply how much you drinkHow to identify misinformation and evaluate medical claims onlineHow to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude more thoughtfully when researching your healthWhat questions women should ask when thinking about preventive healthWhy finding the right doctor and building an ongoing relationship with them mattersKey Timestamps00:00 Welcome Dr. Lucy McBride04:02 How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor's Office07:33 What Women Need to Know About HRT10:58 Testosterone in Women: Benefits, Risks & When to Consider It12:20 The Truth About the "Cortisol" Wellness Myth14:19 Alcohol, Women's Health & Your Relationship With Drinking21:10 What Preventive Health Really Looks Like23:51 The Pandemic & Why Dr. McBride Wrote Her Book25:24 How to Navigate Health Information in the Age of AI27:50 Spotting Misinformation & Finding Trusted Medical Sources30:23 How to Use AI to Ask Better Health Questions36:05 How to Read Medical Studies & Spot Misleading Headlines38:24 Dangerous Wellness Trends & Medical Misinformation39:39 Vaccines, COVID-19 & What the Data Shows41:36 Understanding Long COVID43:27 Dr. Lucy McBride's Three Takeaways for Patients45:52 Final Thoughts & SHE MD TakeawaysKey TakeawaysHow to advocate for yourself during a short doctor’s appointmentWhy your health is about more than your lab resultsWhat women should know about HRT during perimenopause and menopauseHow to think about GLP-1 medications and who they may be right forThe truth about cortisol and chronic stressHow alcohol can impact women’s physical and mental healthHow to spot health misinformation onlineHow to use AI to ask better questions about your healthWhat preventive health questions women should be asking their doctorsWhy finding the right doctor can make all the differenceGuest Bio: Dr. Lucy McBrideDr. Lucy McBride is a physician, author, and medical communicator whose public-facing work grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she began sharing evidence-based information and helping people separate medical facts from misinformation. She has written for The Atlantic, appeared regularly on MSNBC, and testified before congressional committees. Her book, Beyond the Prescription, draws on her own experience as a patient and more than 25 years of medical experience to explore a more holistic approach to health. She is also the author of the weekly Substack newsletter Are You Okay?, which focuses on cutting through medical noise and helping people better understand their health.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the anxiety, emotional sensitivity, and overwhelm you've experienced for years are actually connected to ADHD? On this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice sits down with board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD specialist Dr. Sasha Hamdani to unpack why ADHD is so often missed or misdiagnosed in women. They discuss the emotional side of ADHD, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), hormones and ADHD symptoms, ADHD during perimenopause and postpartum, medication options, and why treating ADHD is about so much more than improving focus. Dr. Hamdani also shares the science behind her new book, Too Sensitive: Rejection, Resilience, and the Science of Feeling Deeply.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.SponsorsSera: To learn more you can visit PreTRM.com. Talk with your provider about whether the PreTRM Test might be right for you.Momentus: If you want to try Momentous Signature Spec Creatine, head to livemomentous.com and use code SheMD or SheMDpod for up to 35% off your entire first order. Talkiatry: Head to talkiatry.com/shemd to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Larine: Right now, Larinco is offering our listeners up to 50% off at buylarine.com/shemd. DripDrop: Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to dripdrop.com and use promo code SheMD. Olly: You can find OLLY Precise Probiotics with skin, stress, or metabolism support at a Walmart near you. What You’ll LearnWhy ADHD can look different in women than in menWhy women with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression insteadHow estrogen fluctuations can affect ADHD symptoms and dopamine regulationWhat happens to ADHD symptoms during PMS, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopauseThe difference between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medicationsHow medication decisions can be personalized for women and childrenWhat rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is and how it can affect relationships and daily lifeWhy emotional dysregulation is an important part of the ADHD conversationWhether supplements can help with ADHD symptomsWhy you can't “give yourself” ADHD by spending too much time on your phoneDr. Hamdani's favorite ADHD sleep hackKey Timestamps00:00 Welcome Dr. Sasha Hamdani02:40 Sasha's ADHD Diagnosis & Her Journey Through Medical School07:28 Why ADHD Looks Different In Women09:07 Why So Many Women Are Misdiagnosed With Anxiety & Depression10:20 How Hormones Can Make ADHD Symptoms Worse16:43 Estrogen, Menopause & ADHD Symptoms18:50 ADHD Medication vs. HRT: What's The Difference?20:56 Finding The Right ADHD Medication23:09 Stimulants Vs. Non-Stimulants & The 80/20 Approach25:26 ADHD Medication For Children31:44 Why ADHD Medication Can Stop Working During Perimenopause32:49 The Long-Term Effects Of ADHD Medication34:11 Are Medication Holidays Helpful?36:40 Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)40:59 How To Regulate Emotional Dysregulation41:36 Inside "Too Sensitive" & The Science Of Feeling Deeply44:52 Dating Advice For Women With RSD47:16 Do Supplements Actually Help ADHD?48:46 Can Your Phone Make ADHD Worse?50:16 The Biggest Misconceptions About ADHD51:05 Sasha's Favorite ADHD Hack For Better Sleep52:28 Final Thoughts & TakeawaysKey TakeawaysADHD is about much more than attention and focus. It can affect emotions, relationships, sleep, eating, executive function, and everyday life.Women are frequently missed because they may present primarily with inattentive symptoms rather than the stereotypical hyperactive presentation.Hormonal changes can worsen ADHD symptoms, particularly when estrogen drops during the menstrual cycle, postpartum period, and perimenopause.Anxiety and depression can coexist with ADHD, but they can also be diagnoses that obscure underlying ADHD.Rejection sensitive dysphoria describes an intense emotional or physical response to real or perceived rejection or criticism and can be particularly disruptive for people with ADHD.Finding the right ADHD treatment is highly individualized. Medication can be one tool alongside behavioral strategies and other forms of support.Dr. Hamdani emphasizes that the goal of ADHD medication isn't to make someone feel “perfect,” but to provide consistent support that allows them to function more like they do on a good day.Emotional sensitivity isn't necessarily something that needs to be eliminated. The goal can be learning to better understand and regulate it.Guest Bio: Dr. Sasha HamdaniDr. Sasha Hamdani is a board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD specialist who has both personal and professional experience with ADHD. After being diagnosed with ADHD as a child, she went on to become a physician and now specializes in treating ADHD and helping patients better understand the condition beyond traditional symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. She is also the author of Too Sensitive: Rejection, Resilience, and the Science of Feeling Deeply, which explores the neuroscience of emotional sensitivity, rejection, hormones, and practical tools for managing intense emotions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For decades, women have been told that hormone replacement therapy causes breast cancer, but where did that message come from, and is it the full story? In this episode, Mary Alice Haney is joined by former SheMD executive producer and award-winning storyteller, Ami Armstrong, to unpack the Women's Health Initiative, the landmark study that changed the course of menopause care for an entire generation. Together, they explore how one of the largest women's health studies ever conducted became one of the most misunderstood, and why many experts are working to correct the narrative today.Mary Alice and Ami break down the difference between relative and absolute risk, discuss how media headlines fueled decades of fear around hormone therapy, and explain what today's research says about menopause treatment. They also examine why women have historically been left out of medical research, the importance of personalized healthcare, and how understanding your own risks can empower you to make informed decisions alongside your doctor.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.SponsorsK'chava: Treat yourself to a childhood favorite. Go to kachava.com and use code SheMD for 15% off your first order. Midi Health: Book your first virtual visit today at joinmidi.com. Babel: Right now, Babbel is offering listeners up to 60% off. Go to babbel.com/shemd. Rules and restrictions may apply. Osea: Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code SheMD at oseamalibu.com. Cash App: Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids aged six through 12. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Opill: Opill is birth control in your control. Check out Opill to see if it is right for you. You can find Opill at most major retailers in store and online at opill.com. What You’ll LearnWhy the Women's Health Initiative became one of the most influential and controversial studies in women's health.The difference between relative risk and absolute risk, and why that distinction matters.How media coverage dramatically changed public perception of hormone replacement therapy.Why today's menopause hormone therapy differs from what was studied in the original trial.How women were historically excluded from clinical research and how that affected medical care.What current evidence says about the timing of hormone therapy and menopause treatment.Why understanding your personal health risks leads to better conversations with your doctor.Key Timestamps00:00 Welcome Ami Armstrong02:57 Ami's own HRT journey & why she made this series05:04 The idea behind "It's Not a Purse" (Magritte inspiration)07:43 "Feminine Forever" and the history of estrogen marketing09:02 Why Ami dug into the Women's Health Initiative11:48 Getting women into clinical trials: the 1990s shift18:43 Placebo, estrogen-only & estrogen+progestin arms20:15 What hormones were actually used in the WHI22:04 The timing hypothesis explained23:14 Inside the July 2002 press conference decision24:53 Breaking down the breast cancer numbers (absolute vs. relative risk)27:06 Why the trial was stopped early & the estrogen-only results32:07 HRT use plummets & what hot flashes really mean35:42 The researchers who fought back42:32 Individualized risk & questioning the headlinesKey TakeawaysThe Women's Health Initiative began as an ambitious effort to better understand disease prevention in postmenopausal women but became defined by a controversial 2002 announcement that dramatically changed hormone therapy use.Headlines focused on relative risk increases without explaining the much smaller absolute risk, creating lasting public fear around HRT.The hormone formulations used in the original study are different from many of today's commonly prescribed bioidentical therapies.Experts now recognize that the timing of hormone therapy initiation plays an important role in determining benefits and risks.Women have historically been underrepresented in clinical research, leading to gaps in medical knowledge that continue to impact healthcare today.Every woman's health decisions should be individualized, based on current evidence, personal risk factors, and informed conversations with qualified healthcare providers, not fear-driven headlines.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Award winning journalist, Amy Robach, joins SHE MD to share the powerful story behind her breast cancer diagnosis, from discovering her cancer during a routine mammogram on live television to navigating the emotional and physical challenges that followed. Amy opens up about the shock of hearing the words “you have cancer,” the decisions she faced throughout treatment, and how her experience transformed the way she approaches her health and advocacy.Together, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney dive into the importance of understanding your personal breast cancer risk, why family history is only one part of the equation, and how advancements in screening and prevention can help women take a more proactive role in their health. Amy shares why she believes early detection saved her life and why every woman should feel empowered to ask questions, know their body, and advocate for the care they deserve.In this episode, Amy, Dr. Aliabadi, and Mary Alice discuss breast cancer awareness, mammogram recommendations, genetic risk factors, the emotional journey of diagnosis, and the importance of becoming your own strongest health advocate.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.SponsorsNovartis: For more information, visit BreastCancerUnscripted.comWhat You’ll LearnHow Amy Robach's live TV mammogram led to an unexpected breast cancer diagnosisWhy most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family historyThe importance of understanding your personal lifetime breast cancer riskHow breast density influences screening recommendationsWhen women may need screening earlier than age 40The role of genetic testing in identifying inherited cancer riskHow early detection can improve treatment options and outcomesThe emotional and mental health challenges that continue long after diagnosisKey Timestamps00:00 How A Live TV Mammogram Saved Amy Robach's Life01:45 Amy Robach Opens Up About Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis02:01 Why Amy Never Thought Cancer Could Happen To Her03:54 What Robin Roberts Said That Changed Everything05:47 The Moment Amy Found Out Her Results Were Suspicious07:44 Why Amy Waited 30 Days To Go Back For More Imaging08:47 The Lump She Never Felt And The Biopsy That Followed09:01 Hearing The Words Your Cancer Is Malignant12:13 The Second Tumor Nobody Expected To Find15:01 How Breast Cancer Affected Her Plans To Have Children16:10 Why Early Detection Is The Most Powerful Tool Women Have17:03 The Biggest Misconceptions Women Have About Breast Cancer18:06 How A Cancer Diagnosis Changes You Forever20:37 Why Women Feel Alone After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis23:06 Understanding Your Oncotype Score And Risk Of Recurrence25:42 Why Sharing Your Story Can Save Someone Else's Life28:34 Life After A Double Mastectomy, The New Normal29:15 How Breast Cancer Made Amy A Stronger Version Of HerselfKey TakeawaysBreast cancer can affect women with no family history or known genetic mutation.Knowing your personal risk is just as important as following age based screening guidelines.Dense breast tissue can increase breast cancer risk and may require additional imaging.Early detection offers more treatment options and can improve outcomes.Genetic testing may be appropriate for women with a family history of breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer.Sharing personal stories can empower more women to prioritize screening and advocate for their health.Guest Bio: Amy RobachAmy Robach is an Emmy Award winning journalist, bestselling author, and longtime television anchor known for her work on Good Morning America, 20/20, and the Today Show. In 2013, while undergoing a mammogram on live television to encourage women to get screened, she was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. Since then, Amy has become a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, early detection, and patient education. Through her storytelling and advocacy, including her work with the Breast Cancer Unscripted campaign, she continues to empower women to understand their risk, prioritize screening, and find strength through community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.