Decoding Women's Health with Dr. Elizabeth Poynor

Sex is supposed to be fun and feel good. So why are pain, low desire and changes in arousal so often treated as something women should simply live with? Dr. Poynor is joined by urologist and sexual medicine specialist Dr. Rachel Rubin for a candid, joyful conversation about women’s sexual health. They unpack what’s behind common sexual concerns, available treatments, and why these issues deserve the same curiosity and care as any other part of our health. Along the way, Dr. Rubin makes the case for talking about sex more openly – and for expecting more from the care we receive. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: For more information on the treatment options for vulvar pain: https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/10.1097/aog.0000000000001645~committee-opinion-no-673-persistent-vulvar-pain The American Urological Association’s clinical guideline on genitourinary syndrome of menopause: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause Dr. Rubin…

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, but unlike many other major diseases, there’s no single screening test that can tell you if you’re at risk. So how do you know where you stand? Dr. Poynor is joined by cardiologist Dr. Anuradha (Anu) Lala-Trindade (Lala), the program director for the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Fellowship at Mount Sinai and a professor of cardiology, population health, and obstetrics and gynecology. Together, they unpack the many factors that can shape a woman’s cardiovascular risk and break down why midlife is an especially important time to start paying attention to them. Resources mentioned during this episode: Dr. Anu Lala’s 14-part framework for an initial cardiology assessment: 1. Family history 2. Gynecologic history — pregnancy journey, fertility journey, and gynecologic surgeries, including fibroid surgeries 3. Laboratory results — genetic risk markers plus microalbuminuria (protein in the urine, as an early marker of cardiovascular-relevant kidney health)…

How can the research behind intermittent fasting help us rethink the way we approach our nutrition and our daily habits? Dr. Chris Rhodes has spent much of his career studying the science of fasting. He joins the show to unpack how fasting works in the body and what the research tells us about its potential benefits. Dr. Rhodes earned his PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry at UC Davis and is also the co-founder of Mimio. We discuss why someone might try intermittent fasting - from longevity to weight loss - as well as the importance of strength training and personalized nutrition. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: For more studies on autophagy, check out: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/JP287938 and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41372565/ Here's a meta-analysis looking at the effects of time restricted eating: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41586347/ Note: the glycine data we mention is only in mice: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6516426/ Important caveat for…

What can you do to make the most of your annual medical visit? Dr. Poynor is joined by Dr. Jennifer McGugins Hill, an internal medicine specialist at the Atria Health and Research Institute, to discuss how preventive care can help identify health concerns early. Plus, we unpack which labs and screenings are worth discussing with your primary care physician, why it's important to know your calcium score, and how to advocate for the care you need. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Boston Heart Diagnostics offers specialty labs that your doctor can order for you, usually at a cost. They are not available as direct to consumer products, so if you're interested in them, talk with your care team. https://bostonheartdiagnostics.com/ For expert advice on how to properly log your blood pressure at home, please see this helpful article: https://content.atria.org/article/blood-pressure-cuffs-for-home-monitoring/ You can see the product she mentions here (no affiliate link):…

Many women are turning to cannabis to help with sleep, anxiety, chronic pain, and other major health concerns. But figuring out what actually works for your individual needs can be surprisingly complicated. Dr. Poynor speaks with neuroscientist and world-renowned medical cannabis expert Dr. Staci Ann Gruber about the science behind THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Together, they break down the potential benefits of cannabis for women’s health, how to navigate different products safely, and best practices for first-time users. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program at McLean Hospital Women’s Health Initiative at Mind (WHIM) Medicinal Cannabis: History, Pharmacology, And Implications for the Acute Care Setting The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research Marijuana impacts mood in bipolar disorder: a pilot study Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for…

What if aging isn't something that simply happens to us, but something we can actually influence? Dr. Poynor is joined by Dr. Eric Verdin - the President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, the world's first institution dedicated solely to understanding why we age and how to do it better. We break down the science behind why we age, the role of NAD in cellular energy and repair, how inflammation quietly accelerates decline, and what metabolism has to do with how long and how well we live. Dr. Verdin also walks us through what the latest research says about what we can actually do today—from how we eat and exercise, to the emerging interventions that may one day change the trajectory of aging altogether. He also shares which interventions he’s tried himself and what he’s chosen to skip altogether. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Although epigenetics has been studied for decades, a major breakthrough came in 2013, when geneticist Steve Horvath, PhD, developed the first widely…

What happens to a woman's mental health when she experiences a major hormonal shift and what can she actually do about it? Dr. Ruta Nonacs is a reproductive psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. Her work sits at the intersection of hormonal health and women's mental well being. We break down how changes across a woman's reproductive life—from PMS and PMDD to perimenopause and beyond—can affect mood, anxiety, and emotional health. Dr. Nonacs also walks us through treatment options, and when to seek help. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Dr. Ruta Nonacs: https://researchers.mgh.harvard.edu/profile/14143654/Ruta-Nonacs So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs and Allie Hales: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-glad-you-asked-with-dr-ruta-nonacs-and-allie-hales/id1802653992 Essential Reads: Ovarian Suppression for the Treatment of Severe PMDD:…

Dr. Poynor answers listener questions about HPV, UTIs, hormone support, self breast exams, pelvic floor therapy, and GLP-1s. Plus we address several questions about the condition, PCOS, recently renamed PMOS. Joining Dr. Poynor for this discussion is Atria Health Institute’s Chief Content Officer Siobhan O’Connor. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: HPV Vaccination: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/index.html Women’s Perspective on Self-Breast Examination https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11069221/ Decoding Dementia Prevention with Dr. Richard Isaacson: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/decoding-womens-health-with-dr-elizabeth-poynor/decoding-dementia-prevention-with-dr-richard-isaacson The Tyrer-Cuzick Model: Understanding the Assessment and Your Breast Cancer Risk: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/blog/tyrer-cuzick-model/ Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we…

Could the secret to better health be hiding in your gut? Today, we’re exploring the powerful role the gut microbiome plays in overall well-being with Dr. Megan Rossi. Dr. Rossi is a researcher and clinician at King's College London and founder of The Gut Health Clinic. She translates cutting-edge research into practical, everyday advice—including what to eat, what to avoid, and why your gut affects much more than digestion. To meet your weekly plant-eating goals, try incorporating a variety of items from these "Super Six" essential groups: Whole Grains: Quinoa, oats, barley, and wholegrain variations of rice or rye Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, chia seeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds Vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, aubergine, broccoli, and tomatoes Fruits: Berries, apples, pears, and peaches Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, butter beans, and edamame Herbs and Spices: Basil, garlic, and dried mixed Italian herbs Links to resources mentioned in this episode: The Gut Health Clinic:…

Have you considered getting plastic surgery? We’re separating the social media hype from the surgical reality with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Troy Pittman. He walks us through some of the most common procedures he performs, including his specialty: aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast. We also discuss how to spot red flags when looking for qualified surgeons and what he wishes every patient knew before sitting down for their initial consultation. Plus, he’ll weigh in on AI tools and the latest trends reshaping the industry. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Hormonal therapies and venous thrombosis: Considerations for prevention and management: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9399360/ The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc.: https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/ American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.: https://www.aafprs.org/ Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are…

What can we do today to protect our bones, our muscles, and our joints for the future? Joining the show today is Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein - a clinician and researcher at Duke University, whose work sits at the intersection of women's health and musculoskeletal health. We break down the latest research, while outlining the effects of estrogen loss on muscle mass and function. But most importantly, we discuss what we can actually do about it. Dr. Wittstein has tips on which habits to adopt to maintain and strengthen your body. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Tips to improve bone density: https://content.atria.org/article/how-to-support-your-bone-density/ What to know about grip strengtheners: https://content.atria.org/article/what-to-know-about-grip-strengtheners/ Anti-inflammatory diet tips: https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-the-mediterranean-diet/ All about vitamin D: https://content.atria.org/article/your-guide-to-vitamin-d/ NOTE: DEXA scans are simple 15-minute tests that can be…

Sleep in midlife can be complicated — shaped by stress, hormone fluctuations, and a lifetime of habits that may not be serving you. Dr. Jade Wu offers a reframe that challenges how many of us approach sleep. It’s not a problem to be solved. Sleep is your friend, one that responds better to patience than control. Dr. Wu also explains why the real measure of sleep doesn’t come from a tracker or device but from how alert you feel during the day. We outline the difference between sleep deprivation, insomnia and sleep apnea. And we discuss the potential benefits of CBT-I or cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Thrive Sleep Clinic FAQs Hello Sleep: The Science and Art of Overcoming Insomnia Without Medications Genome-wide association study identifies genetic loci for self-reported habitual sleep duration supported by accelerometer-derived estimates Sleep Disturbance and Perimenopause: A Narrative Review Sleep Apnea Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) To learn more about…

Figuring out how to take care of your skin shouldn’t be so hard. Leading dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hale joins the show to give us all the crucial information we need to take care of our skin all year around. Dr. Hale also walks us through the various regenerative treatments that are in high demand, from exosomes and red light therapy to microneedling, to other mainstays like Botox™ and fillers. Plus, some actionable tips for early skin cancer detection. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Skin Cancer Foundation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you could actually delay the process of aging? Dr. Nir Barzilai hopes to identify interventions that could do just that. He believes a class of drugs known as gerotherapeutics could be real game changers. Dr. Barzilai walks us through his pioneering research and explains why your biological age may actually be different from your chronological age. And we break down the buzziest trends in the longevity space. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Cellergy Therapeutics How to measure biological aging in humans Rapamycin, But Not Resveratrol or Simvastatin, Extends Life Span of Genetically Heterogeneous Mice An Updated Prioritization of Geroscience- Guided FDA-Approved Drugs Repurposed to Target Aging Comparative Effectiveness of Metformin Versus Sulfonylureas on Exceptional Longevity in Women With Type 2 Diabetes: Target Trial Emulation The Super Ager Family Study Nir Barziliai, MD, on what we can learn about longevity from SuperAgers and Centenarians Cardiovascular advantages among the…

Integrative health expert & naturopathic physician Dr. Robert Kachko shares his powerful framework for better understanding our biology, our ecology and our biography. His holistic approach helps patients navigate PTSD, trauma, and chronic conditions. His work centers on some really powerful questions: Why does a body get sick? What are our symptoms trying to tell us? And how can that information be reverse engineered into a treatment plan? Links to resources mentioned in this episode: American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Somatic Experiencing Trauma and Violence Veterans Administration National Center for PTSD Remission from post-traumatic stress disorder in the general population Remission from post-traumatic stress disorder in the general population Recovery from DSM-IV post-traumatic stress disorder in the WHO World Mental Health surveys Assessing Primary Care Contributions to Behavioral Health: A Cross-sectional Study Using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Clinician's Guide to Medications for…

We’re tackling your questions about midlife hormone support. We’ll debunk common myths, unpack the research, and break down the basics of hormone support. We’ll also discuss some of the systemic benefits that may come with taking hormones, as well as important considerations for people with a history of health conditions, like cancer or stroke. Joining Dr. Elizabeth Poynor for this discussion is Atria Health Institute’s Chief Content Officer Siobhan O’Connor. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: (00:25:29) - Decoding Happiness in Midlife with Dr. Laurie Santos (00:27:27) - Decoding Brain Fog with Dr. Caroline Gurvich (00:48:00) - Decoding Partnership in Midlife with Dr. Richard Shapiro Vaginal estrogen use in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of recurrence and mortality risks Oral micronized progesterone for perimenopausal night sweats and hot flushes a Phase III Canada-wide randomized placebo-controlled 4 month trial Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of…

Leading preventive neurologist Dr. David Dodick joins the show to unpack what alcohol is really doing inside the body. We dive into how it affects the brain, why it’s linked to an increased cancer risk, how it influences the immune system, and what makes alcohol especially impactful for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. If you’ve ever wondered what alcohol use might mean for your long-term health, this conversation is for you. Special thanks to Antonia Lyons Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Office of the Surgeon General: Alcohol and Cancer Risk Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission Women's alcohol use in mid-life: Identifying associations between menopause symptoms, drinking behavior, and mental health Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for…

We’ve talked a lot on this show about health issues midlife women face. But what about the other people who often have a front-row seat to these changes, and can play a key supporting role? This week, a conversation about supporting a partner who’s going through menopause—with none other than Elizabeth’s own partner: Dr. Richard Shapiro (who also happens to be a pioneering breast cancer and melanoma researcher and surgeon). They talk about the ways they’ve navigated midlife changes in their relationship, common misconceptions about taking hormones, and impacts menopause can have on relationships, as well as give advice for how both partners and clinicians can better support women experiencing menopause. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: (00:01:38) Dr. Elizabeth Poynor on Rich Roll’s podcast Menopausal Hormone Therapy and the Risk of Breast Cancer in Women with a Pathogenic Variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2 The Menopause Society 8 facts about divorce in the United States Note: In this show, we use “women”…

What if psychedelics could transform the way we treat trauma, chronic pain, and insomnia? This week, neuroscientist and psychedelic researcher Grace Blest-Hopley joins the show to break down the research on psychedelics and female biology. She discusses how psychedelics work in the brain, and the ways that psychedelic-assisted therapies might be beneficial for women in midlife. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Hystelica’s resources on psychedelic retreats The Heroic Hearts Project Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Psychedelics Administered to Military Veterans in Naturalistic Retreat Settings The acute effects of classic psychedelics on memory in humans Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in…

What if we reframed the way we approach exercise? On today’s show, Dr. Elizabeth Poynor is joined by Robert Brace - founder of Brace Life Studios. He’s also Elizabeth’s trainer. They discuss how he tailors his workouts to women in midlife, the benefits of exercising in a group and how movement and exercise connect to our mental and spiritual well-being. Robert also gives advice about how to approach training at different hormonal cycle phases, and ways to get started, even when it feels tough. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Robert Brace’s Studio Martial arts increase oxytocin production Systematic review: pain, cognition, and cardioprotection—unpacking oxytocin’s contributions in a sport context Bidirectional Association between Physical Activity and Dopamine Across Adulthood—A Systematic Review Embodied mood regulation: the impact of body posture on mood recovery, negative thoughts, and mood-congruent recall Bone mineral density loss in relation to the final menstrual period in a multiethnic…

Midlife can be a period of immense change and, sometimes, challenging emotions. But it’s also an opportunity to cultivate deeper, more lasting happiness. In today’s episode, Dr. Laurie Santos — renowned psychologist, happiness expert, and host of The Happiness Lab — shares insights on how midlife women can thrive. She breaks down the components of happiness, explains why we’re often mistaken about what makes us happy, and provides practical tools and habits to boost wellbeing, manage negative emotions, and navigate burnout. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: World Happiness Report University of Michigan’s Healthy Minds Study Is happiness U-shaped everywhere? Age and subjective well-being in 145 countries A Global Flourishing Study Finds That Young Adults, Well, Aren’t Signature Strengths Test RAIN: Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more…

GLP-1s are everywhere. But are they the only medical weight loss intervention worth considering? On today’s episode, Dr. George Fielding - a pioneer of laparoscopic adjustable band surgery and a patient of the procedure himself - offers an insider’s look at the world of weight loss surgeries. How do these surgeries work? Who are they really for? And how should we think about them alongside the surge of GLP-1 medications? We also dig into the stigmas people face when trying to lose weight with medical support, and the biggest misconceptions around obesity. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Genomics reveals eleven obesity endotypes with distinct biological and phenotypic signatures Obesity Drugs May Drop to as Little as $149 a Month The lung is a site of platelet biogenesis and a reservoir for haematopoietic progenitors Associations of Hysterectomy, Oophorectomy, and Hormone Replacement Therapy With the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Postmenopausal Women Note: In this show, we use “women” as…

Almost two-thirds of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are women. Shifting hormones make us especially vulnerable. But what if there were ways to lower your risk? Preventive neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson believes nearly half of dementia cases can be avoided. He shares how to know if you’re at risk for Alzheimer’s and what steps to take for better long-term brain health. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Individualized clinical management of patients at risk for Alzheimer’s dementia Structured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive Function A 2 year multidomain intervention of diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring versus control to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk elderly people (FINGER): a randomised controlled trial Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission Clinical Application of APOE in Alzheimer's Prevention: A Precision Medicine Approach Menopause impacts human brain structure,…

Why does your body start “shape shifting” in midlife, even if you’re doing everything “right”? And what’s really behind all the GLP-1 buzz? Endocrinologist and weight-management specialist Dr. Beverly Tchang explains the science behind midlife metabolism, why BMI alone doesn’t tell the full story, what GLP-1s actually do in the body, and what women should know before considering these treatments. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Dr. Beverly Tchang’s Professional Disclosures SWAN Study (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation) HOMA-IR Calculator (for assessing insulin resistance) STEP 1 Trial – Semaglutide for weight management SURMOUNT-1 Trial – Tirzepatide for weight management Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can cannabis really improve your sleep, help regulate your mood, and treat chronic pain? Neuroscientist Dr. Staci Gruber explains how cannabis works in the brain, what the latest research reveals about its therapeutic potential, and how different cannabinoids and delivery methods can make all the difference. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Women’s Health Initiative at Mind (WHIM) Check out Sex Ed with DB on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Susan Domchek joins the show to talk about the importance of knowing your genetic history, using genetic testing to understand cancer risk, and what you can do if you learn that you have BRCA gene mutation. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Basser Center for BRCA National Society of Genetic Counselors National Comprehensive Cancer Network Note: In this show, we use “women” as shorthand for people with XX chromosomes. We understand sex and gender are more complex, and acknowledge the experiences we describe reach beyond that word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many women experience brain fog, forgetfulness, and sudden mood changes during midlife. Are these symptoms signs of dementia, ADHD, or are they simply our hormones at work? Dr. Elizabeth Poynor is joined by neuropsychologist Dr. Caroline Gurvich to unpack what’s really happening in the brain during perimenopause and menopause. They explore why more than 60% of women experience cognitive shifts, how estrogen impacts memory and focus, and the roles hormone therapy, lifestyle choices, and even cognitive training can play in keeping your brain sharp. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Decoding Women’s Health, Dr. Elizabeth Poynor—world-renowned gynecologic oncologist and Chair of Women’s Health at the Atria Health Institute—cuts through the noise to bring you the latest science on midlife women’s health. Whether you're in perimenopause, postmenopause, or simply looking for tools to prepare for the next chapter, take charge of your health—now and for the future—with expert guidance and practical advice to help you thrive. Decoding Women's Health begins on October 7, with episodes releasing every other Tuesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.