Speaking of Women's Health

Send us Fan MailBack-to-school season can feel like a fresh start and a stress test at the same time. Speaking of Women's  Health Podcast Dr. Holly Thacker talks through how to make the transition smoother for every age, from kindergartners riding the bus for the first time to teens facing new pressure, and even students leaving home for college. Her goal is simple: help you build routines that make mornings calmer, kids healthier, and learning easier.Then she goes deeper into the tougher realities families face right now. She talks about teen confidence, mental health warning signs, social media pressure, and how to keep communication open without shaming or shutting kids down. She also gives a shoutout to Clever Crazes for Kids, a free STEM resource for pre-K through eighth grade at clevercrazes.com.If this helps you, share it with a parent, grandparent, teacher, or coach, then subscribe and leave a review so more families can find these back-to-school health tips.Support the show

Send us Fan MailSpeaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker talks about how your microbiome connects to metabolism, blood sugar stability, satiety, and long-term disease risk. That context matters when you hear the viral phrase “fiber maxing.” Done right, increasing dietary fiber can support steadier energy, healthier cholesterol patterns, improved regularity, and better weight management, especially when your carbohydrates come from whole foods with a lower glycemic impact.Dr. Thacker then discusses the most common infectious diarrhea causes that she sees and teaches on, including viruses that impair fluid absorption, bacteria that can trigger toxin-driven fluid loss, and parasites that often hide behind the label “stomach bug.” She gets specific about Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Giardia: how they spread, what symptoms tend to stand out, why hydration is non-negotiable, and how contaminated water and produce can be the real source of the problem.She also shares practical, food-first ways to increase fiber without bloating: build meals around legumes, add chia or ground flaxseed, swap refined grains for whole grains, keep the skins on potatoes, and rinse, rinse, rinse your fruits and vegetables. She covers how fast to increase fiber (slowly), why you must hydrate, how to balance soluble and insoluble fiber, and when personalization matters.Support the show

Send us Fan MailPCOS has been a familiar label for decades, but the name may have been steering patients and clinicians toward the wrong center of gravity. SWH Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with endocrinologist Dr. Ula Abed to unpack the new term PMOS, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, and why it better captures what so many people actually struggle with: insulin resistance, weight gain, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and long-term cardiovascular risk, alongside cycle changes and fertility concerns.They talk through what changes when you treat PMOS as a metabolic condition first. That includes how the newest international guidelines push earlier screening and a more realistic, whole-person plan, and why improving metabolic health can sometimes restore ovulation and improve fertility outcomes before jumping straight to expensive interventions.If this helped you think differently about PMOS, share it with a friend, subscribe so you don’t miss next week, and leave a review to help more people find evidence-based women’s health conversations.Support the show

Send us Fan MailSun damage is sneaky: it can happen on a bright beach day, on a cloudy afternoon, and even during your drive with the windows up. This episode is originally from Season 1 and has so many great tips for the summer time that we are bringing it back to you in Season 4! From the Sunflower House, Dr. Holly Thacker shares a clear, practical guide to summer skincare and sunscreen that goes beyond the SPF number so you can protect your skin, eyes, and overall health.She breaks down UVA vs UVB in plain language and explains what “broad spectrum sunscreen” actually means for skin cancer prevention and anti-aging. You’ll hear how chemical (organic) filters differ from mineral sunblock like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, why sensitive skin may react to certain ingredients, and how to think about common filters such as avobenzone. She also talks about melasma, including why pregnancy and hormonal birth control can make pigment issues more likely and why consistent UV protection matters once melasma shows up.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThat first painful step in the morning is not your imagination and it is not something you should just “push through.” We dig into plantar fasciitis, why heel pain can feel like you are stepping on broken glass, and what actually helps: supportive shoes, orthotics and gel pads, smart activity changes, and specific plantar fascia and calf stretches you can do at home. We also talk about the frustrating truth behind tendons and fascia: these tissues have slow turnover and limited blood supply, so healing can take time, especially for midlife women dealing with repeated strain, poor sleep, nutrition gaps, or unbalanced training.Then we zoom out to a newer concept that may reshape how we think about chronic pain and recovery: the interstitium, often described as a hidden network of fluid-filled pathways in connective tissue. If this “third circulatory system” influences inflammation and movement of cells and fluid, it may help explain why certain integrative therapies work for some people. We also reprise our Devil Wears Prada-inspired footwear conversation because shoes matter more than most people realize. We cover common foot problems in women, from bunions and Morton’s neuroma to arthritis and Achilles tendinitis, plus diabetic foot care warnings and the red flags that mean you should call your clinician. If you want less pain and more freedom to walk, work, dance, and travel, this one is for you.Support the show

Send us Fan MailA single birthday should not erase your options for menopause care, yet many women hear a flat “no” the moment they turn 65. We challenge that reflex with evidence, clinical nuance, and practical guidance on how hormone therapy after age 65 can still fit into real life, especially when symptoms, bone health, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause are still in the picture. We walk through a blockbuster Medicare claims analysis of 10.9 million U.S. women over 65 tracked from 2007 to 2020, looking at outcomes tied to different hormone therapy types, doses, and routes: vaginal estrogen, transdermal estrogen patches, and oral estrogen. Then we get practical. We talk estrogen patch shortages, progesterone supply problems, and how pharmacy pricing and formularies can block care. We also cover why “hormonal age” of menopause matters, when labs like FSH and estradiol help, and how common supplements like biotin can interfere with testing. If you’ve been told it’s “too late,” listen and bring your questions. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find evidence-based menopause care.Support the show

Send us Fan MailExplosive watery diarrhea is not just “something you ate” and during a national outbreak, it’s worth knowing the real culprit. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker walks you through cryptosporidiosis, a waterborne and foodborne illness caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium that can hit hard, spread quietly, and ruin a summer week fast.She gets practical about what works and what doesn’t. Vinegar rinses and baking soda washes can help remove dirt and some contaminants, but they do not reliably kill this parasite. The most dependable kill step for fresh produce is heat: cooking to 158°F (70°C) or higher. She also shares smarter shopping and kitchen habits during an outbreak, like scrubbing firm produce under running water, peeling when possible, avoiding cross-contamination when slicing melons, and leaning more on cooked, frozen, canned, or peeled options when risk is higher.She also talks prevention beyond the kitchen: soap-and-water handwashing (hand sanitizer won’t do it here), avoiding swallowing pool or lake water, and why you should never swim with diarrhea. Subscribe, share this with a friend who lives at the pool, and leave a review so more people can find these outbreak safety basics.Support the show

Send us Fan MailPeptides are suddenly the hottest word in weight loss clinics, gyms, and wellness circles, but most people are hearing the hype without the definitions, the evidence, or the safety guardrails. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Holly Thacker, MD sits down with Layth Tumah, MD, a Cleveland Clinic physician board certified in family medicine, obesity medicine, lifestyle medicine, and trained in functional medicine, to explain what peptides actually are: short chains of amino acids that act as powerful signals in the body, sometimes in ways that look a lot like hormones.They get practical about the peptides people are most likely to encounter through their doctor: GLP-1 and GIP based medications used for diabetes and medical weight management. They clarify how the same underlying drug can be sold under different brand names depending on the indication, why shortages fueled interest in compounding pharmacies, and when compounding is a reasonable tool versus a risky shortcut. They also talk about the deeper “why” behind today’s metabolic disease surge and why these therapies can matter for health span, not just the number on the scale.They end where real prevention always starts: food, movement, sleep, stress coping, and connection, plus the reminder that there is no "free lunch" when it comes to powerful supplements. Support the show

Send us Fan MailFreedom is not just a political idea, it’s also the ability to move through your day with energy, confidence, and choices that are not dictated by symptoms or chronic disease. We connect America’s 250th anniversary theme of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” to a very current women’s health reality: the obesity epidemic and the frustration many midlife women feel when weight changes collide with hot flashes, sleep loss, and brain fog.We break down common myths around menopause and weight, including the claim that menopausal hormone therapy causes obesity, and we explain what the research actually shows. Then we step into the fast-changing world of weight loss medications, from older drugs that were removed from the market to today’s GLP-1 and GIP agents. Then we zoom out to something many people underestimate: social connection as a true health intervention. Social Wellness Month is a reminder that loneliness can harm health in ways that resemble other major risk factors. We share practical ways to build deeper relationships, volunteer, use technology wisely, and create summer traditions that strengthen community. You’ll also get healthier July 4th menu ideas, simple recipe inspiration, and summer safety reminders from hydration to fireworks.Follow the show so you do not miss what’s next, share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review to help more women find evidence-based health guidance.Support the show

Send us Fan MailPelvic pain can steal your attention, your sleep, your relationships, and your confidence, especially when you keep hearing “everything looks normal.” Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with minimally invasive surgeon and chronic pelvic pain expert Ashley Gubbels, MD to talk about what’s often missed: pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic neuropathies, and a nervous system that can get stuck in protective overdrive.They discuss the basics of finding the right pelvic floor physical therapist and why the details matter. If you’ve ever been told to “just do Kegels” and felt worse, they explain why that happens and what pain-focused pelvic floor physical therapy can look like instead, from breathwork and external stretching to internal techniques only with consent and the right timing.Support the show

Send us Fan MailOne tiny tick can change what you can safely eat for years, and sometimes the reaction doesn’t show up until hours after dinner. From the Speaking of Women's Health Sunflower House, host Dr. Holly Thacker walks through summer health essentials, then goes deep on tick-borne illness and the fast-growing concern of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that can follow a bite from the lone star tick and other species.She covers the practical stuff first: hydration and heat safety, UV protection for skin and eyes, smart ways to keep exercising in hot weather, mosquito control, and what to do (and not do) when poison ivy shows up. She also revisits water safety rules that saves lives, especially for children, including swimming lessons, life jackets, and why alcohol and water activities do not mix.Then she shifts to ticks: why people often never notice a bite, how ticks spread multiple pathogens, and why Lyme disease is still a major threat. She breaks down alpha-gal symptoms that can look “random” because they may appear two to six hours after eating mammalian meat or dairy, from hives and GI distress to swelling, wheezing, fainting, and anaphylaxis. Finally, she shares timely updates on new federal momentum to combat Lyme disease and accelerate alpha-gal research, plus intriguing early data on an unusual auricular allergy treatment approach that deserves careful study.Support the show

Send us Fan MailPain that lingers for months doesn’t deserve a shrug or a “you’re still healing.” Chronic pelvic pain can be life-altering, and the hardest part for many people is not just the symptoms, but the confusion, the misdiagnoses, and the feeling of being bounced from office to office without anyone putting the full puzzle together.Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with Ashley Gubbels, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN and internationally recognized expert in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and pelvic pain management, to define what chronic pelvic pain actually is and why it is so often overlooked. They talk through the most common drivers, including endometriosis and adenomyosis, and why even excellent surgery may not fully resolve symptoms when the nervous system has learned the pain pattern. You’ll hear how inflammation, scarring, and repeated monthly signaling can escalate into central sensitization, where pain pathways become easier to trigger over time.If you’ve ever wondered why pelvic pain is so complicated or why it can persist after standard care, this conversation gives you language, context, and a clear next-step mindset.Support the show

Send us Fan MailA torn ACL can change a teenager’s life in a single play, and it can echo decades later as arthritis and knee replacements. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with physical therapist Vince Whalen to talk about why ACL tears hit female athletes so often, why many happen without contact, and how a simple prevention approach can make a measurable difference. Vince breaks down the FIFA Plus routine and the mechanics that matter most: hip control, balance, landing position, and the glute strength that keeps the knee from collapsing into risky alignment.Pelvic floor therapy is a major focus, especially stress urinary incontinence and chronic pelvic pain. We unpack a key insight: many patients have too much pelvic floor tone, so doing random Kegels can actually worsen symptoms. Vince shares how to find a pelvic floor trained therapist, what to expect if you’re nervous about internal exams, and how telehealth physical therapy can help after an in-person evaluation. They close with the McKenzie Method for back pain, posture habits that drive symptoms, and practical training tips for golfers and active adults.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEstradiol patches on backorder, progesterone capsules hard to find, and a lot of anxious scrolling in between. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker recorded this because the hormone therapy supply chain is colliding with a surge in demand, and too many women are getting stuck without a plan. She walks through what’s actually driving the patch shortage, how WHI-era fear still shows up in exam rooms, and why “everyone needs a patch” is just as misleading as “no one should take hormones.”If you can’t get your usual prescription, you’ll hear concrete alternatives: switching patch schedules, considering gels or sprays, using combined estrogen-progestin products, and when nonhormonal therapies for hot flashes and sleep may fit. She ends with a simple preparedness point: don’t wait until the last refill day to protect your health. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s struggling to get her meds, and leave a review so more women can find evidence-based menopause care.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe hardest part of health care isn’t always treatment, it’s figuring out who should treat you in the first place. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Holly L. Thacker, MD sits down with Laura Lipold, MD, Director of Primary Care Women’s Health at Cleveland Clinic, to map out how primary care, OB-GYN care and consultative women’s health specialists can work together across every life stage.They talk candidly about why so many patients feel stuck right now, from limited access to primary care to the long shadow of menopause misinformation after the Women’s Health Initiative. You’ll hear practical guidance on what primary care can often handle (Pap tests, HPV and cervical cancer screening, mammogram orders, chronic disease management, obesity and metabolic health, behavioral health support) and when it’s time to bring in a specialist for complex menopause and hormone therapy decisions, severe osteoporosis, cancer survivorship, blood clots, transplants, or major cardiovascular history.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIf your body seems to “flip a switch” after ovulation, you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker talks through a lesser-known but very real problem: progesterone allergy and progesterone intolerance, often grouped under progestogen hypersensitivity. The most important clue is timing, with symptoms that reliably worsen in the luteal phase when progesterone rises and then ease when your period starts and hormones fall.Dr. Thacker walks through what progesterone is supposed to do in women’s health and why it can still trigger trouble for some people, whether it’s your own endogenous progesterone or synthetic progestins in hormonal birth control, fertility treatment, IUDs, or menopausal hormone therapy. She covers the full range of symptoms, from cyclical hives, rashes, itching, swelling, and asthma-like breathing issues to mood changes, anxiety, migraines, breast tenderness, bloating and heartburn. We also explain the difference between a true allergy that can be dangerous and an intolerance that can feel awful but may respond to smarter dosing, timing and formulation choices.Support the show

Send us Fan MailTwo little voices kick off a Mother’s Day special, and that warm family moment quickly opens into bigger questions about women’s health that too often get ignored until they’re urgent. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Holly Thacker, MD shares what every woman should understand earlier: fertility has a biological clock that doesn’t match how healthy you can feel in your 30s and 40s, and ovarian aging is a major driver of infertility. She talks about when to seek an infertility evaluation, why conditions like endometriosis and celiac disease can be behind unexplained infertility, and how the real-world costs of IVF shape people’s choices. She also shares a hopeful story about stress reduction and acupuncture as a supportive option for some patients who are experiencing fertility issues. Next, she gets practical about varicose veins and spider veins, especially during pregnancy and with weight changes. Because May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month, she ends with a focus on bone health, menopause, and prevention. Bone loss can speed up dramatically in the early years after menopause, and osteoporosis can stay silent until a fracture.  She also touches on under-recognized factors like celiac disease, persistent nutrient deficiencies, and why biotin supplements can disrupt thyroid, cardiac, and hormone lab tests. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhen sleep is fragmented by mouth breathing or a restricted airway, the ripple effects can show up as cavities, restless sleep, drooling, picky eating, speech concerns, bedwetting, and ADHD-like behavior in kids. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast host Dr. Holly Thacker interviews Dr. Rachel Rosen, DDS, a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Breathe Institute affiliate in Ohio, to connect the dots between airway, oral function, and whole-body health from infancy through adolescence. They talk through what modern pediatric airway screening should look like and why a quick glance at tonsils or a single referral often misses the bigger picture. Dr. Rosen explains how mouth breathing dries the mouth, drives tooth decay, and why the end goal stays simple: tongue up, lips sealed, and healthy nasal breathing. You’ll also hear practical, parent-friendly guidance on what to watch for at home, why symptoms can peak deep in REM sleep, and how inflammation, allergens, and diet can worsen the cycle. If you’re looking for more information, follow Dr. Rosen on Instagram or Facebook or visit greatbeginningspd.com.Support the show