Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): A Physician's Journey Through Cancer, Hormones, and Healing with Dr. Esra Shermadou

In this powerful episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Esra Shermadou, a board-certified family medicine physician, to explore premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) through both a medical and deeply personal lens.Diagnosed with cancer at just 21 years old, Dr. Shermadou shares how chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant led to POI, shaping her understanding of hormone health, fertility, and long-term wellbeing. Together, Erica and Esra unpack why POI is often misunderstood, how outdated hormone narratives have left many women under-treated, and what women truly need to protect their overall health.This conversation goes beyond fertility and speaks to the emotional, physical, and identity-shaping impact of a POI diagnosis.In this episode, you’ll learn about:• What premature ovarian insufficiency really is• POI after chemotherapy and cancer treatment• Hormone therapy myths and what women actually need• Long-term health risks of untreated POI• Strength training, lifestyle medicine, and longevity• Reclaiming agency and confidence after diagnosisIf you or someone you love has been diagnosed with POI or feels confused about hormone care, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope.Guest Details: Dr. Esra ShermadouDr. Esra Shermadou is a board-certified family medicine physician and a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. After navigating her own journey with premature ovarian insufficiency, she became deeply passionate about women’s health, hormone therapy, and sustainable lifestyle change.She is the founder of Sakinah Health, a direct primary care clinic in Dayton, Ohio (opening mid-November 2025), offering personalized, root-cause care to help women and men feel like themselves again.Connect with Dr. Esra ShermadouWebsite: https://SakinahHealth.comInstagram: @dresra_shermadou_do and @dresrasgottheiron Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove