The Tamsen Show

Why does women's sexual health still get treated as an afterthought, and what would it take to finally change that? Cindy Eckert is the founder and CEO of Sprout Pharmaceuticals and the woman behind Addyi, the first and only FDA-approved treatment for low sexual desire in women. In this episode, she explains hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), the biological condition behind low libido that affects millions of women and is still routinely dismissed as stress, aging, or a relationship problem. Cindy breaks down why women are told their low libido is emotional while men's sexual health issues are treated as biological, what actually happens in the brain when desire disappears, and the three question checklist she wants every woman to bring to her next doctor's appointment. She also explains why 80% of women who brought up low libido with their doctor were simply told it was normal, and what women's sexual health should actually look like when it's taken seriously. In this episode, you'll learn: - What HSDD is and why it's rooted in biology, not emotion - Why women's sexual health has been dismissed as psychological instead of medical - How the double standard in FDA drug review affects treatments for women - Why 80% of women raising low libido with their doctor are told it's normal - The three questions to ask before accepting "that's just aging" - How Addyi works and who it's for - What changed with Addyi's newest approval for postmenopausal women If you've ever felt like your desire just switched off and been told that's normal, been handed a vague explanation instead of a real answer, or wondered if something is wrong with you instead of your body, this episode will help you understand the biology behind it, so you stop blaming yourself for something that was never your fault. Addyi (flibanserin) is for women under 65 with acquired, generalized HSDD who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past. It is not for men. Full safety information, including boxed warning on alcohol interaction, is available at addyi.com/pi. If you liked this episode, then you’ll like: The Testosterone Doctor: The Truth About Women’s Libido If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Cindy on Instagram Sponsors: Get 15% off your first order at Blueland.com/TAMSEN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices, click here Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After eight seasons of co-hosting Dancing with the Stars, Brooke Burke got the call that she was being let go. At 53, she could have stayed stuck—instead, she turned that setback into Brooke Burke Body, a thriving wellness community redefining what it means to age with strength. In this candid conversation, Brooke opens up about reinvention in your 50s, why slowing down is not falling behind, and how she learned to regulate her nervous system, lift heavy after 40, and embrace perimenopause with grace. If you're navigating a career pivot, midlife change, or just wondering what's next—this one is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: - The real story behind being let go from Dancing with the Stars and how she walked away with grace - How she turned a career setback into Brooke Burke Body, her wellness app and community - Brooke’s tips for nervous system regulation and how lowering cortisol helps your body finally "let go" - Why Brooke says cardio isn't enough for women after 40 and how to protect muscle and longevity - Her mindset shift from disconnected and high-achieving to present—and how to change your inner dialogue If you liked this episode, then you’ll like: Why I Quit My 30-Year Career (and How to Know If It’s Time to Leave Yours) If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Sponsors: Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/TAMSEN #sponsored Learn more about your ad choices, click here Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do some of us experience rejection, criticism, and disappointment so intensely—and what we can we actually do about it? Dr. Sasha Hamdani is a board-certified psychiatrist, ADHD specialist, and author of Too Sensitive: Rejection, Resilience, and the Science of Feeling Deeply. In this episode, she explains rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD)—the intense emotional pain triggered by perceived rejection or criticism that affects the majority of people with ADHD, especially women. Dr. Hamdani breaks down why dropping estrogen during perimenopause makes emotional sensitivity worse, what's actually happening in your brain when one comment sends you into a spiral, and the three tools she uses herself to stop it. She also explains why women who've been on antidepressants for years with no relief may have been misdiagnosed—and what high-achieving women look like from the outside vs. what's really going on inside. In this episode, you'll learn: -What rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) is and why it's so common in ADHD -How RSD shows up in friendships, relationships, and the workplace -Why perimenopause can make emotions and ADHD symptoms feel harder to manage -Why high-achieving women may hide rejection sensitivity behind perfectionism, overpreparing, and people-pleasing -How to tell the difference between what actually happened and the story your brain created about it -Tools for helping your brain catch up before you react or start spiraling -Why some women treated for anxiety and depression for years may actually need to be evaluated for ADHD -How to start tracking your own patterns before you talk to a professional If you've ever lost an entire night replaying one conversation, convinced yourself someone is upset with you, or felt a wave of shame hit your body before you could even think it through, this episode will help you understand what’s happening between the feeling and the reaction, so your first emotional response doesn’t get to make the decision for you. If you liked this conversation, check this out: The ADHD Psychiatrist: How to Get Your Focus Back After 40 If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Dr. Hamdani on Instagram Get Dr. Hamdani's book, Too Sensitive: Rejection, Resilience, and the Science of Feeling Deeply Sponsors: Learn more about your ad choices, click here Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever looked back at a relationship and wondered, How did I not see the red flags sooner? Narcissism and gaslighting aren’t always obvious, and some of the most damaging behaviors can be the easiest to explain away. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, one of the world’s leading experts on narcissism and toxic relationships, joins Tamsen Fadal to break down how narcissistic behavior actually shows up in relationships, why it can be so difficult to recognize, and how repeated manipulation can slowly make someone stop trusting their own instincts. One of the most listened-to conversations on The Tamsen Show, this episode goes deep on the subtle red flags of narcissism, gaslighting, emotional manipulation, dating after divorce, and why even smart, successful, independent women can find themselves trapped in unhealthy relationships. It also explores how perimenopause, menopause, aging, sex, and changes in confidence can be weaponized by a narcissistic partner. In this episode: - The narcissistic red flags that are easiest to miss - What gaslighting actually looks and feels like - Why narcissistic relationships can be so difficult to leave - The warning signs to watch for when dating - How menopause and aging can be weaponized in relationships - Why couples therapy can sometimes make a narcissistic dynamic even more confusing For anyone who has ever been made to feel too sensitive, too emotional, too difficult, or unsure of their own reality, this is a conversation worth hearing. If you liked this conversation, check this out: The 5 Signs You're Dating a Narcissist (I Missed Every One) If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Dr. Ramani on Instagram Get Dr. Ramani's book, It's Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People Sponsors: Book your first virtual visit today at joinmidi.com/TAMSEN! Learn more about your ad choices, click here Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Belly fat in perimenopause and menopause can feel impossible to lose, even when you’re eating well and exercising. So what actually works? In this special episode, Tamsen brings together the best advice from some of The Tamsen Show’s top experts on midlife weight gain, visceral fat, metabolism, hormones, insulin resistance, and GLP-1 medications. From the best exercises for building muscle and losing fat to how much protein and fiber you really need, these experts break down what’s happening to your body in midlife and the changes that can actually make a difference. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why belly fat increases during perimenopause and menopause - The difference between belly fat and dangerous visceral fat - The best exercises for changing your body composition - How protein, fiber, sleep, stress, and insulin resistance affect weight - Why eating less may actually be working against you - What women should know about GLP-1 medications in midlife Featuring: Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen — Endocrinologist & Obesity Medicine Expert, author of Weightless Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT — Physical Therapist & Founder of Evlo Fitness Dr. Amy Shah, MD — Nutrition Expert & bestselling author of Hormone Havoc Dr. Alexandra Sowa, MD — Dual board-certified Internal & Obesity Medicine physician, author of The Ozempic Revolution Everything you’ve been wondering about stubborn belly fat in midlife, all in one episode. If you liked this conversation, check this out: Belly Fat 101: The 5 Simple Habits That Changed Everything If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Dr. Salas-Whalen on Instagram Get Dr. Salas-Whalen's book, Weightless: A Doctor's Guide to GLP-1 Medications, Sustainable Weight Loss, and the Health You Deserve Dr. Ritchey on Instagram Check out Evlo Fitness Follow Dr. Shah on Instagram Get Dr. Shah's book, Hormone Havoc: A Science-Backed Protocol for Perimenopause and Menopause Follow Dr. Sowa on Instagram Get Dr. Sowa's book, The Ozempic Revolution: A Doctor’s Proven Plan for Success to Help You Reverse Obesity, End Yo-Yo Dieting, and Protect Yourself from Disease Sponsors: Get 15% off your first order at Blueland.com/TAMSEN! Learn more about your ad choices, click here Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you can't sleep or find that you can't stay asleep, Dr. Chris Winter, a top sleep specialist joins Tamsen to talk about sleep solutions and how to start getting a good night of rest. In this episode, Dr. Chris Winter, one of the country's most sought-after sleep neurologists and author of The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It, talks about everything from sleep deprivation and sleep apnea to fragmented sleep, naps, sleep supplements and more. He’s outlining the most practical, actionable tips you can use tonight so that you can wake up tomorrow with more energy and less fatigue. You’ll learn: - If sleep trackers are worth your money - What the science says about mouth taping, tart cherry juice, magnesium, and other health trends - What your sleep says about your overall health - How to incorporate naps without compromising sleep - The science-backed supplements Dr. Chris Winter recommends - The mindset shift to help you overcome sleep anxiety - The single most important thing you can do for your sleep starting tonight - Why retirement is one of the worst things that can happen to your sleep - Sleep apnea risks that almost no one is talking to women about If you feel like you’ve never been able to get your sleep “right”, you need to hear this one. If you liked this conversation, check this out: The Sleep Doctor: The 4 Hormones Wrecking Your Sleep & What to Do About It For everything mentioned in this episode, click this link If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Get Dr. Winter's book, The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It Follow Dr. Winter on Instagram Sponsors: Learn more about Ultra Sleep and Ultra Energy at https://www.natrol.com/! Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://www.zocdoc.com/TAMSEN #sponsored Learn more about your ad choices, click here Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may have never heard the term mother hunger, but you may know what it feels like. It can show up as apologizing when you did nothing wrong, saying sorry to keep the peace, taking care of everyone else, choosing people who cannot fully show up, or feeling guilty for having needs. In this episode, Tamsen sits down with therapist and bestselling author Kelly McDaniel to explore how the mother-daughter bond can shape the way we love, eat, grieve, and move through relationships. Tamsen also shares her own experience of losing her mother at 20, becoming a caregiver while she was still a teenager, and realizing years later how that loss continued to shape her life. In this episode, you’ll learn: - What mother hunger is and how it can exist even when your mother was physically present. - Why you may keep apologizing, overgiving, or choosing emotionally unavailable people. - How grief, food, attachment, and relationship patterns can be connected. - Why caring for an aging mother can bring up guilt, anger, and resentment. - How to begin giving yourself the care, safety, and guidance you may have missed. If you have ever wondered why you keep saying sorry, why you feel responsible for everyone, or why the same relationship patterns keep repeating, this conversation may help you understand what is underneath. If you liked this conversation, check this out: What No One Tells You About Grief After Losing Your Mother If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Check out Kelly's website Get Kelly's book, Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance Sponsors: Learn more about your ad choices, click here Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you've been wondering why perimenopause and menopause suddenly leave you feeling bloated, struggling with belly fat, or questioning everything you thought you knew about gut health and protein, this episode is for you. Tamsen sits down with nutrition expert and bestselling author Cynthia Thurlow to break down what's really happening in your body and the simple changes that can make a big difference. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why gut health becomes so important during perimenopause and menopause - What's really behind bloating, belly fat, and food sensitivities in midlife - How much protein and fiber you actually need - Whether GLP-1s, supplements, and gut testing are worth it - The simple daily habits that can improve digestion, energy, and overall health Whether you're just starting perimenopause or you've been in menopause for years, this conversation will help you better understand your body and feel more confident about what to do next. If you liked this conversation, check this out: 5 Tools To FINALLY Lose The Belly Fat in Perimenopause For everything mentioned in this episode, click this link If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Cynthia on Instagram Visit Cynthia's website Get Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut: Balance Your Microbiome to Reclaim Your Health in Midlife and Beyond Sponsors: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Book your first virtual visit today at https://joinmidi.com/tamsen! Head over to https://Bombas.com/TAMSEN and use code TAMSEN for 20% off your first purchase! Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices