Shows
OvaryActiveEp 29 | Merry Perimenopause 2025 EditionWelcome back to the annual holiday classic Merry Perimenopause. While there's not much "jolly" about perimenopause, these gifts can add a little more joyeux to your noël! Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch jingle all the way through help for your hot flashes, cold flashes, brain fog, bad backs, night sweats, and the eternal question: why does perimenopause feel like puberty, déjà vu, and a hangover all rolled into one? In this episode of OvaryActive, they kick things off with the biggest news of all: the Docs very own book on perimenopause is o...
2025-11-2749 min
OvaryActiveEp 28 | Stronger Not Thinner: Strength Training in PerimenopausePerimenopause: that magical stage where your body suddenly decides it's the boss, your pants shrink overnight, and your motivation to exercise hides under the bed. On the episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch welcome the hilarious and whip-smart Dr. Marily Oppezzo from Stanford. She is a behavior-change expert who's figured out how to help people actually do the healthy things they already know they should be doing. Spoiler: it involves fewer "shoulds" and more squats. Dr. Oppezzo shares her "Stronger" philosophy, a refreshingly guilt-free approach to perimenopausal wellness that's all about a...
2025-11-1341 min
OvaryActiveEp 27 | Testosterone, Perimenopause, and the Fountain of NopeYou've seen it all over social media, testosterone is apparently the miracle cure for every perimenopausal woe. Low libido? Tired? Losing muscle tone? Influencers say "Just add T!" The Docs say…not so fast Ready for the truth? In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su are here for just that. Even though it is not exactly what you're seeing on social media––it is science, sarcasm, and a few chin-year jokes. The Docs explain what testosterone actually does in women's bodies, why testing it is tricky, and how misinformation has turned...
2025-10-2339 min
OvaryActiveEp 26 | Swallow This: The Truth About Supplements and PerimenopauseFeeling overwhelmed by the supplement aisle? Are there pills that might actually help during perimenopause or are you just buying expensive urine? This episode of OvaryActive dives into the pharmacy aisle of supplements. The Docs are talking about everything from influencer "miracle" blends to your best friend's turmeric obsession. Separating data from drama and giving you the straight, if sarcastic, scoop. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch explain what your body truly needs (hello, vitamin D and calcium), what might help (fiber and omega-3s for the win), and what should probably stay in th...
2025-10-0936 min
OvaryActiveEp 25 | Use a Mirror to See What's Up…Down TherePerimenopause: your hormones have packed up and left, your skin starts new hobbies, and your vulva occasionally throws a tantrum. In this episode of OvaryActive, we're talking about that neglected body part everyone loves to ignore—until it itches, burns, bleeds, or grows suspicious bumps. Joining the conversation are gynecologists and fellow podcasters Dr. Ashley Fuller and Dr. Meredith McClure, the brilliant, and hilarious, minds behind Labia Logic. Ashley and Meredith spend their days — and an entire podcast — focused on vulvas, menopause, sexual health, and the often-overlooked conditions that live "down there." They're here to s...
2025-09-2523 min
OvaryActiveEp 24 | When Bleeding Isn't *Just* Perimenopause: The Need-to-Know about Gynecological CancersPerimenopause is already a rollercoaster—hot flashes, brain fog, and now…SURPRISE! cancer screenings. In this episode of OvaryActive, Amy and Rebecca sit down with Gynecologic Oncologist Fernanda Musa, MD MS to tackle the less-fun-but-super-important reality: perimenopause is also prime time for gynecologic cancers. Think of it as the sequel nobody asked for, but everybody needs to watch. Dr. Musa brings her scalpel-sharp expertise (she is a surgeon, afterall ) and a refreshingly candid approach to topics we'd rather avoid. Cervical and uterine cancers and pesky fibroids that multiply like bad ex-boyfriends both made the li...
2025-09-1135 min
OvaryActiveEp 23 | Sneezed and Peed? Let's Talk Pelvic Floor TherapyPerimenopause: when sneezing, laughing, or even thinking too hard about a trampoline suddenly becomes a bladder hazard. And guess what!? Kegels aren't the cure-all we were promised. In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch take us below the belt to talk pelvic floor health—the underappreciated muscle group that keeps your insides from falling out and your basement from springing a leak. Joining the Docs is Tanya Goodrich, founder of Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy and proud owner of the best blueberry analogy you'll ever hear. Tanya is here to prove tha...
2025-08-2843 min
OvaryActiveEp 22 | Best Books for Perimenopause & Midlife Women: Hot Flashes & Page TurnersIf perimenopause has turned your brain to mush and your patience to vapor, fear not—we've got your next reading list and your next excuse to hide in a closet with a book. In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch tackle the hot topic of hot flashes and paperbacks, reminding us that reading is not just fundamental—it's survival. These two brilliant minds dive into why reading is a legit form of self-care during perimenopause––wine and doomscrolling can only take you so far. From brain health and stress reduction to reconn...
2025-08-1447 min
OvaryActiveEp 21 | Hormones Hocus Pocus: Lab Testing in PerimenopauseWelcome to the wild west of perimenopause, where hot flashes meet hashtags and popular influencers suddenly have a lab test recommendation—thanks, TikTok. Hormone lab testing is "trending" and the Docs are taking a skeptical scalpel to the flood of hormone lab testing trends that have invaded exam rooms and inboxes alike. In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su go over which hormone tests are actually helpful and which ones are just good at emptying your wallet. Remember: just because your favorite influencer swears by a saliva test doesn't mean your ovaries agr...
2025-07-2444 min
OvaryActiveEp 20 | Does HRT Cause Breast Cancer?In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs dive headfirst into the hot (flash) topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for breast cancer survivors. It's complicated, it's emotional, and yes, it's got a healthy splash of perimenopause thrown in—because nothing says "fun" like navigating midlife with a side of oncology. They talk all about the swirling myths, the clickbait headlines, and the TikTok "experts" who got their MDs from the comments section. Dr. Dunsmoor-Su even shares her own experience with breast cancer and menopause, adding a real-world lens to the science. We've got real talk on...
2025-07-1040 min
OvaryActiveEp 19 | Battle of the Belly Bulge: Weight Loss Meds & PerimenopauseWelcome to the magical mystery tour that is perimenopause, where your hormones throw a rave and forget to invite your metabolism. In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs tackle the ever-fun topic of weight gain during perimenopause—because just when you thought you had your fitness routine down, suddenly your jeans won't button no matter what you do. Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su are here to tell us what's really going on with our bodies during this hormonal joyride. They talk through the outdated gospel of BMI, the realities of lifestyle changes (yes, we...
2025-06-2639 min
OvaryActiveEp 18 | Birth Control During Perimenopause (yes, you might need it!)Ahhhh…perimenopause: the delightful phase of life where your hormones throw a rager and forget to invite you. If you thought contraception was a concern of your younger years, think again. In this episode, the Docs are tackling the wild world of birth control during perimenopause—because yes, you can still get pregnant, and yes, that's as terrifying as it sounds. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch are talking about everything from IUDs to sterilization myths, and explaining why contraception still matters even when your cycle starts playing hide-and-seek.They break down the science behind...
2025-06-1252 min
OvaryActiveEp 17 | Perimenopause, Pain, and Misinformation with Dr. Jen GunterPerimenopause: it's not just hot flashes and rage-cleaning your kitchen at 2 a.m. (although that's part of it). In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs get into the chaos and confusion that is hormonal fluctuation with none other than Dr. Jen Gunter, the internet's favorite OBGYN and myth-slayer-in-chief. From PMS to PMDD to bleeding that seems to follow no known calendar system, this conversation tackles the messy, misunderstood realities of perimenopause with wit, wisdom, and zero tolerance for pseudoscience. Dr. Gunter is a bestselling author and advocate for fact-based women's health. She brings h...
2025-05-2252 min
OvaryActiveEp 16 | Ask Us Anything: Perimenopause EditionPerimenopause: it's like puberty's older, meaner cousin who shows up uninvited and messes with your thermostat. We asked for your all-things-perimenopause questions on Instagram, and now Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch are here to answer! In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs take listener questions in an "Ask Us Anything" session where no question is too personal, too awkward, or too hormonally charged. From postpartum to perimenopause, they unpack how these hormonal roller coasters are more connected than you think—and why your 30s and 40s feel like a chaotic sequel to adolescence. You...
2025-05-0845 min
OvaryActiveEp 15 | Perimenopause & Your Skincare RoutineLet's face it—perimenopause isn't exactly known for its sparkling perks (unless you consider surprise hot flashes a "perk"). But what it does bring is a whole new relationship with your skincare routine. In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs are diving into the hormonal chaos that makes your skin suddenly act like a moody teenager again—and what you can actually do about it––without buying 47 different serums. Joining the Docs is the fabulous Dr. Jessica Healy, who brings her expert insights and her sunscreen to explain the science (and nonsense) behind skincare. This trio of D...
2025-04-2447 min
OvaryActiveEp 14 | Your Brain on Peri: SleepStrap in and grab your magnesium and chamomile tea—this week we're battling Perimenopause's sworn nemesis: a good night's sleep. Joining the Docs for the third part in the Your Brain on Peri series is the brilliant Dr. Meredith Broderick—triple-board certified in neurology, sleep medicine, and behavioral sleep medicine (basically, she's the Swiss Army knife of slumber science). Dr. Broderick brings her expertise on why perimenopausal sleep is often so elusive, how women are uniquely impacted by sleep disorders, and why sleep medicine isn't just about popping a pill and hoping for the best. Heads...
2025-04-1044 min
OvaryActiveEp 13 | Your Brain on Peri: CognitionEver walked into a room and immediately forgotten why you're there? Or found yourself staring at a to-do list like it's written in an ancient language? You're not alone. In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su tackle the maddening phenomenon of brain fog during perimenopause. Spoiler alert: It's not just you, and no, you're (probably) not losing your mind—just your estrogen. In this enlightening and comforting conversation, the Docs explain down how hormonal fluctuations can scramble memory, multitasking skills, and general cognitive function. They also discuss the fine line bet...
2025-03-2739 min
OvaryActiveEp 12 | Your Brain on Peri: MoodPerimenopause: the magical time of life when your emotions decide to go on an unpredictable rollercoaster ride, leaving you laughing, crying, and irrationally furious—all within the span of a single coffee break. This is the first in a three-part series about your brain during perimenopause. In part one, OvaryActive hosts Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch dive deep into the murky waters of hormones, mood swings, and cognitive hiccups that make perimenopause feel like an elaborate prank. Good (?) news: you're definitely not alone in feeling like your brain is working against you. The Do...
2025-03-1336 min
OvaryActiveEp 11 | Weight Management During PerimenopauseAh, perimenopause, that magical time when your body decides to play metabolic musical chairs without telling you the rules. Suddenly your favorite jeans feel like they belong to someone else and the weight gain is like a surprise subscription box — you don't remember signing up for it, but it keeps showing up! In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs are chatting with Stasi Kasianchuk, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Exercise Physiologist, and Gennev's Senior Director of Lifestyle Care. Stasi is on the show to talk all about the complexities of hormonal shifts and weight gain during perimenopause. She...
2025-02-2755 min
OvaryActiveEp 10 | Menopause, Mood Swings, & Mojo––Keeping the Spark AlivePerimenopause: the time in a woman's life when her hormones decide to play an elaborate game of musical chairs, and her body is just along for the ride. As if hot flashes and brain fog weren't enough, let's talk about another under-discussed topic—sexual health. In this episode the Docs are talking all about the complexities of intimacy, desire, and connection during perimenopause because, spoiler alert, sexual health doesn't just disappear after 40 (or at least, it doesn't have to). Joining the conversation is Dr. Leah Millheiser, a sexual medicine expert who knows a thing or two...
2025-02-1459 min
OvaryActiveEp 9 | Hormone Replacement Therapy Series: Women's Health InitiativeWhat do brain fog, bone health, and breast cancer all have in common? They're all part of the rollercoaster ride that is menopause. Ever wondered how hormone therapy became such a controversial topic, or why some studies seem to contradict each other? And is it possible to navigate perimenopause without feeling like a contestant on "Survivor: Hormonal Edition"? Grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine—we won't judge) and join the Docs for an enlightening discussion. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch tackle the ins and outs of the Women's Health Ini...
2025-01-2346 min
OvaryActiveEp 8 | Hormone Replacement Therapy Series: EstrogenWhat do a 1940s scientific breakthrough, a 2000s public health scandal, and your perimenopause symptoms have in common? Answer: Estrogen. In this episode, the Docs kick off a hormone therapy series by telling listeners the dramatic story of estrogen. How "she" got famous, suffered a scandal, and is beginning to resurge in light of more information on menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor–Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch mix science, history, and some observations on how medical research has typically treated women to explain how randomized controlled trials and evolving interpretations of data have resh...
2025-01-0943 min
OvaryActiveEp 7 | Hot Flashes Heard Around the WorldHow does perimenopause show up in your life compared to others'? Why do experiences vary so widely across cultures? What factors contribute to how people experience perimenopause? Each person's experience is completely unique, but in this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs are offering insight and wisdom to explain the complexities of perimenopause. Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch get into the epidemiology of perimenopause. They shed light on how genetics, social norms, and environmental factors play a role in shaping individual experiences. They also discuss the importance of a holistic and personalized approach to ma...
2024-12-2629 min
OvaryActiveEp 6 | The (Whole) Truth on IUDs During PerimenopauseHave you seen the headlines about an increased risk of breast cancer associated with levonorgestrel IUDs? You might know these IUDs as Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, or Liletta. Before you head to your OBGYN to schedule a removal, hang on: there's so much more to the story than just the headline. Lucky for us, our Docs, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, have dedicated this episode of OvaryActive to breaking down the science and the stats surrounding breast cancer, the role of progestins, and the implications of recent studies. What are the benefits, risks, truths, and misconceptions a...
2024-12-1339 min
OvaryActiveEp 5 | Merry PerimenopauseWhat do you give to the woman who has everything? She has it all–– including hot flashes, sleepless nights, blotchy skin, unexplained weight gain, and even a decreased (or increased?) libido. Do you need just the perfect gift guide for the woman in your life who has ALL these things? The Docs have just that for you in this episode of OvaryActive. Drs. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Amy Voedisch are sharing a curated holiday gift list to help you focus on the women in your life that are already getting the joy of perimenopause this holiday season. The...
2024-11-2850 min
OvaryActiveEp 4 | Meeting of the Menopause SocietyDr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su attended the Menopause Society's annual conference in September 2024. It wasn't just a chance for them to hang out with each other in person, it was also a great opportunity to gain the latest insights into perimenopause and menopause. In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs share their top takeaways from the Menopause Society's conference. The sessions they attended covered a wide range of topics from understanding hormonal fluctuations to the significance of nutrition and weight management for women during "The Change." They also heard about new guidelines for breast cancer...
2024-11-1434 min
OvaryActiveEp 3 | The Estrogen Equation: Aging InsightsChanges to your skin––add it to the list of things women face during perimenopause. It's completely understandable that you'll want to change up your skincare routine. However, you may want to get more information before slathering yourself with topical estrogen in response to skin changes and unwanted signs of aging. In this episode of OvaryActive, Drs. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Amy Voedisch explain recent studies with relevant findings for women's health. First, they look at a study focused on the effects of using topical estrogen during perimenopause and menopause. They also discuss findings from a study...
2024-10-2441 min
OvaryActiveEp 2 | Peri-What-Now?We would have called this episode "What Fresh Hell is This?" but the title was already taken. But this title also works, because when we mention perimenopause to people, we often get that confused German Shepherd head tilt and "periwhatnow?" Given that this podcast is focused around perimenopause, we wanted to make sure listeners were clear on what perimenopause actually is. So what is it? If your periods are changing, if your moods are wonky, if every day something new happens, leaving you wondering "what fresh hell is this?" then it's perimenopause. Truth...
2024-10-1037 min
OvaryActiveEp 1 | Meet the Docs!Why are women's bodies and their health so poorly understood and so often ignored, especially after their best baby-making years? Great question. The good news is, information and truth are out there. The bad news is, so is a lot of nonsense, myth, and fear-mongering. The best news is, OvaryActive exists to get you answers about your body and what it's up to. Drs. Amy Voedisch and Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su know a lot about women's bodies. Both doctors are practicing ob/gyns with years of experience and knowledge. Both are champions of and advocates for...
2024-10-0414 min
OvaryActiveTrailer | OvaryActiveTwo gynecologists walk into a recording studio. Sounds like the start of a joke, and frankly, perimenopause can feel like the start of a joke too. Only this joke is on you. And it's not that funny. But back to those two OB/GYNS…. Dr Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch have been caring for the reproductive health of those born with uteruses for a while now. And the doctors are frankly pretty tired of how those body bits — and the people they belong to — get ignored by medical science when they are no longer ideal...
2024-09-3001 min