Hormone Therapy, Finding a Specialist, and Patient Advocacy with Dr. Rachel Rubin

In this episode of MENO with Jacqueline Buckingham, we sit down with Board-Certified Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist Dr. Rachel Rubin to discuss why hormone therapy is a fundamental element of women's healthcare. Dr. Rubin challenges the historical stigma surrounding hormones, explaining that past concerns were often based on flawed data from synthetic products that are no longer standard practice. She advocates for an individualized approach to hormone therapy where patients are empowered with information to make the best decisions for their specific goals, whether they are seeking relief from hot flashes, prevention of osteoporosis, or improvement in libido and sexual function. The conversation delves into the specific benefits of various hormone treatments: ➡️ Vaginal Hormone Therapy: Dr. Rubin describes low-dose local vaginal hormones (estrogen or DHEA) as highly effective, evidence-based treatments for symptoms like dryness, pain, and urinary urgency. She notes these treatments are safe for most women and can reduce urinary tract infections (UTIs) by more than half. ➡️ The "Female Viagra": Dr. Rubin refers to vaginal hormones as the equivalent of "female Viagra" because they improve blood flow to sexual organs, enhancing arousal and making orgasms better. ➡️ Systemic Hormone Therapy: The discussion covers whole-body hormone therapy—including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—which can be administered via patches, rings, or creams to address a broader range of menopausal symptoms. ➡️ Mental Health Connection: Dr. Rubin highlights the "amazing benefit" of hormone therapy in managing anxiety and depression that often emerges during perimenopause. ➡️ Bioidentical Hormones: She clarifies that there are FDA-approved bioidentical hormones available that are both safe and often covered by insurance. ➡️ Jacqueline and Dr. Rubin also discuss pelvic floor rehab, the neurological connection between the spine and sexual organs, and how patients can find knowledgeable specialists to build their own "medical pit crew". RESOURCES The Menopause Society: menopause.org ISSWSH (International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health): isswsh.org American Physical Therapy Association (for Pelvic Floor Therapy): apta.org ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices