Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Learn how your vaginal flora and gut microbiome contribute to your reproductive health. Dr. Caroline Mitchell shares her expertise and research on this important but overlooked topic.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. Dr. Caroline Mitchell, distinguished reproductive health researcher and faculty member at the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, shares her profound insight on why a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial in women's health. 

With a background in Women’s Studies at Harvard College and groundbreaking research funded by prestigious organizations, Dr. Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. She explains the complexities of understanding vaginal flora, the challenges posed by bacterial vaginosis (BV), and the intriguing connections between gut health and vaginal health. 

Listen to learn about some of the most significant yet overlooked aspects of women's reproductive health. We discuss how to balance the vaginal microbiome, what to do about chronic bacterial vaginosis, use cases for a vaginal microbiome transplant, and what innovative treatments are emerging in women’s health. 

Key Discussion Points

• Why a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial for women's overall health and how imbalances can lead to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
• The difficulties of limited funding and the complexity of research regarding the vaginal microbiome.
• Symptoms of BV, its limited treatment options, and common misdiagnoses such as vulvodynia.
• Yeast infection vs. BV vs. UTI symptoms.
• The impact of antibiotic use on the vaginal and gut microbiomes, plus the need for caution and further research.
• Vaginal microbiome transplants and the potential of lactobacillus crispatus in treating BV, plus the future of an at-home vaginal microbiome test.
• What to consider when looking for the best women's probiotics for vaginal health, and how to avoid unnecessary products and irritants.
• The importance of accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management for vaginal health.

"When the good kind of lactobacillus are not dominating the vaginal microbial community, people are at higher risk for preterm birth, HIV acquisition, human papillomavirus—at risk for both acquisition and progression to cervical dysplasia and potentially cancer."

 - Dr. Caroline Mitchell

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome

• Follow Dr. Caroline Mitchell on Instagram and  LinkedIn. Follow her lab on Instagram.
• Learn more about Dr Mitchell’s research and consider enrolling in her clinical trials 
• MOTIF (be a donor recipient)
• MOTIF (be a donor)  
• VIBRANT study, looking at a live biotherapeutic
• Learn about the

Learn about endometriosis and pelvic health physical therapy to manage chronic pelvic pain. Dr. Caitlyn Tivy shares her experience and expertise to help women find relief.

Episode Summary

In this final episode of Fempower Health's four-part series on endometriosis, Dr. Caitlyn Tivy, a distinguished pelvic health physical therapist, shares the intricacies of managing endometriosis and pelvic pain. With a foundation in biomedical research and specialized training in pelvic floor physical therapy, Dr. Tivy emphasizes the importance of patient involvement, holistic treatment strategies, and the role of emotional health in physical well-being. She highlights innovative developments in telemedicine and the exploration of the vaginal microbiome as promising avenues for future advancements in pelvic health care. We discuss the intersection of physical health, PTSD, and trauma history in pelvic pain treatment. 

Key Takeaways

• How combining manual therapies, patient education, and at-home care can lead to significant improvements in managing endometriosis pelvic pain
• Why being an active participant in your endometriosis treatment plan can dramatically impact pain management 
• How telehealth is breaking barriers to access pelvic pain treatment, offering new hope to those in remote or underserved areas
• The latest research on how the vaginal microbiome impacts pelvic health and what it means for the future of pelvic pain treatment
• How the brain and nervous system contribute to your experience of endometriosis and pelvic pain
• Why consulting with a pelvic floor physical therapist post-surgery can improve your recovery process
• Myths around pelvic floor exercises like Kegels vs. their appropriate role and application in pelvic pain therapy
• A complex story about an endometriosis patient and the multifaceted approach to her recovery

"How can we turn down that person's fire alarm so that the rest of their body isn't getting inundated by this irritating stimulus? Even if someone hasn't had surgery or doesn't intend on having surgery—or is not a candidate for some reason—there's still a lot that we can do to help people manage their ‘pain’ alarm system. We can create self-care strategies that keep their alarm quiet long-term."

 - Dr. Caitlyn Tivy

Related to this episode:

• Resources for Endometriosis
• Follow Caitlyn Tivy on  LinkedIn and her website
• Part 1 of 4: Innovations in Endometriosis Diagnosis, Pelvic Pain Management, and Patient Support
• Part 2 of 4: Endometriosis Care, Treatment Options, and Patient Advocacy

Part 3 of 4: Endometriosis Surgery, Recovery, and Personalized Care

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on

Dr. Shanti Mohling shares the details of endometriosis surgery, recovery, and pelvic floor therapy as important treatment options for patients with this condition.

Episode Summary

In this third episode of Fempower Health's series on endometriosis, Dr. Shanti Mohling, a minimally invasive surgeon, who devotes her clinical activity to patients with pelvic pain and endometriosis, explores the importance of excision surgery, the challenges of diagnosing and treating endometriosis, and strategies for managing its recurrence. She emphasizes the need for early detection, multidisciplinary approaches, and personalized care in improving outcomes for those affected by this complex condition.

Key Takeaways

• Why surgery is the most effective treatment for endometriosis and how to find a doctor trained in endometriosis excision surgery. 
• Screening and early detection of endometriosis, especially in adolescence, to prevent more invasive procedures later in life.
• Advantages of taking a multidisciplinary approach to endometriosis treatment and healthcare in general.
• Difficulties in diagnosing endometriosis, especially through imaging tests.
• Surgery's role in improving fertility, debunking myths such as pregnancy as a cure for endometriosis.
• Benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy to manage endometriosis and pelvic pain effectively.
• What the healing process of endometriosis surgery entails.
• The complexity of healthcare for endometriosis patients and the value of raising awareness and understanding of the condition.

"I think a lot of disease that recurs is inadequately treated, and yet we call it recurrent. It's really just persistent, not recurrent is my guess." - Dr. Shanti Mohling

Related to this episode:

• Resources for Endometriosis
• Follow Dr. Shanti Mohling on Instagram
• Learn more about Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Portland, Oregon
• Part 1 of 4: Innovations in Endometriosis Diagnosis, Pelvic Pain Management, and Patient Support
• Part 2 of 4: Endometriosis Care, Treatment Options, and Patient Advocacy

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others:

Katie Boyce shares her expert insights on endometriosis care, treatment options, and the importance of patient advocacy for long-term management.

Details

Episode Summary

In this second episode of Fempower Health’s four-part series on endometriosis, we speak with guest Katie Boyce, a Board Certified Patient Advocate with a robust background in biochemistry and astrophysics. We discuss the complexities of endometriosis care from patient and specialist perspectives. We explore the treatment options for endometriosis as well as its causes and the critical importance of specialized care. 

Through Katie's personal journey with endometriosis and her experience working with endometriosis patients, she shares expert insights on the nuances of endometriosis diagnosis, the controversy surrounding various treatments, and the hopeful future of new medical advancements.

Key Takeaways

• What makes endometriosis a particularly challenging condition to understand, diagnose, and treat
• Pros and cons of popular endometriosis treatments, including the debated use of drugs like Lupron and Orilissa, and what the latest research says
• The critical role of expert surgery for endometriosis and fertility concerns, and why choosing the right surgeon matters for long-term outcomes
• How endometriosis patients can navigate the healthcare system to find the best care for endometriosis, including tips for vetting doctors and making informed treatment decisions.
• Promising new treatments for endometriosis and the future of research in the field, offering hope to those affected by the condition

"The journey to managing endometriosis is as much about empowerment and informed choices as it is about medical treatment." - Katie Boyce

Related to this episode:

• Resources for Endometriosis
• Connect with Kate Boyce and follow her on Instagram
• Part 1 of 4: Innovations in Endometriosis Diagnosis, Pelvic Pain Management, and Patient Support

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on

In this first episode of Fempower Health’s four-part series on endometriosis, Margaret Melville of Lasa Health joins to discuss this underrepresented condition. Margaret transformed her decade-long struggle with endometriosis and celiac disease into a mission to improve women’s healthcare today. She talks about the alarming shortage of OB-GYNs and primary care providers who have specialized training in endometriosis and the importance of early diagnosis of endometriosis to manage this progressive disease. 

We explore common misconceptions and myths about endometriosis, the dangers of false cures, and the importance of patient advocacy and clinician education. We also cover the many applications of Lasa Health, a technology platform designed for women with chronic pelvic pain. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complexities of endometriosis and pelvic pain or find endometriosis support.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of early diagnosis for effective management of endometriosis and prevention of chronic pain or organ loss
• The need for clinicians to educate themselves and their patients about endometriosis, self-advocacy, and treatment options
• Margaret’s background in global health innovation and the founding of Lasa Health, which improves diagnosis and pain management of endometriosis through technology and education
• Real-life applications of AI in improving patient care quality
• Systemic issues in healthcare that hinder effective diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis
• False “cures” of endometriosis to be aware of
• The future of endometriosis care, including further innovation and community advocacy
• A preview of upcoming episodes, including interviews with endometriosis specialists, advocates, and surgeons

"You have bias and you have years of things being done a certain way that we're fighting against. Getting doctors and healthcare administrators who are so busy and have so many [responsibilities]... Getting them to care about pelvic pain, or changing the way things are done at their hospital or clinic to improve care for pelvic pain patients, that is a monumental hurdle." - Margaret Melville

Related to this episode:

• Resources for Endometriosis
• Learn more about Lasa Health: www.lasahealth.com 
• Follow Margaret on LinkedIn

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in...

Learn what’s to come in psychedelic therapy research including risk mitigation, contraindications, and treatment purposes as Andrew Penn explores this important subject.

Episode Summary

In this conversation, Andrew Penn, co-founder of the Organization of Psychedelic and Entheogenic Nurses (OPENurses), discusses the use of psychedelics in therapy and the challenges and concerns surrounding this emerging field. He addresses psychedelic misconceptions and hype, emphasizing the need for more research and caution. He also explores the potential benefits and risks of psychedelic retreats as well as the importance of psychedelic harm reduction. 

Penn highlights the specific considerations for using psychedelics in individuals with bipolar disorder and the need for further study in this area. Additionally, he discusses the potential impact of hormonal factors on psychedelic therapy and the recent approval of a treatment for postpartum depression. This conversation explores the manifestation of depression, contraindications for psychedelic use, serotonin syndrome, and the future of psychedelics.

Discussed in this episode: 

• The need for psychedelic therapy research to separate the hype from the reality
• Harm reduction strategies, such as safe spaces and support, in the use of psychedelics
• Risks of bipolar disorder and psychedelics and the careful considerations to understand
• Interactions between psychedelics and hormones and the need for more research
• The recent approval of a treatment for postpartum depression in mental health care
• Contraindications for psychedelic use, including a history of psychosis, cardiovascular disorders, and certain medications
• The dangers of serotonin syndrome that can occur from the over-use of psychedelics 
• The use of psychedelics in clinical vs. non-clinical settings 

"One myth to unpack is this idea that [psychedelic use] is ‘one and done’ and ‘curative.’ And frankly, I was part of that hype at the beginning, too, because in our very early studies, that's what we were starting to see." - Andrew Penn

Related to this episode:

• Resources for Mental Health
• Listen to the series on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
• Learn more about the Organization of Psychedelic and Entheogenic Nurses
• Stay in touch with Andrew Penn on his website and LinkedIn.
• Check out Unseen Women in Psychedelic History by Maria Mangini

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review:...

Listen to Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, physician and attorney, discuss the safety, legal, and clinical considerations regarding psychedelic therapy in the U.S.

Episode Summary

In this second episode of the three-part series on psychedelic-assisted therapy, Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, a physician and attorney specializing in psychedelics, discusses various aspects of psychedelics and their integration into healthcare. 

Dr. Morski shares her journey and how she became passionate about educating clinicians on psychedelic medicine. We discuss the current legality of psychedelics in healthcare, safety concerns, and the lack of protocols. Dr. Morski talks about what to consider when choosing a psychedelic therapy provider, emphasizing the importance of training, ethics, and safety measures. We touch on the debate of whether therapists should have personal psychedelic experiences before offering guided psychedelic therapy, and the potential for psychedelics to become part of mainstream healthcare. 

Listen to this insightful conversation to explore the challenges of psychedelic therapy, the potential benefits of psychedelics for women's health, and advice for physicians and patients interested in exploring psychedelic treatments. Learn about the exciting developments in psychedelic research, including the investigation of psychedelics for stroke recovery and the exploration of non-hallucinatory psychedelics.

Key Takeaways

• The need for clinician education on the use and potential benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy
• The legality of psychedelics as medical treatment medicine in the U.S.
• The need for safety protocols and guidelines in psychedelic therapy 
• The importance of vetting facilitators and retreat centers that offer psychedelic therapies, and how to go about that process 
• The debate on whether therapists should have personal psychedelic experiences to have common ground with patients
• Legal challenges and potential lawsuits that currently limit the mainstream use of psychedelics in healthcare

“There are a lot of things you can do [when choosing guided psychedelic therapy]. But pay attention to your intuition because you are handing over your consciousness to this person. And if you have any doubts in your gut about that, that's going to be setting you up for failure from the beginning." — Dr Lynn Marie Morski 

Related to this episode:

• Resources for Mental Health
• Listen to the series on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
• Check out the Psychedelic Medicine Association or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram 
• Check out the Psychedelic Medicine Podcast.  Follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
• Stay in touch with

Learn about the ethics and healthcare policies involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert join to discuss the implications.

Episode Summary

Welcome to the first episode in our three-part series where we explore the world of psychedelic therapy. In this episode, health policy experts Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert join to discuss the experiences of psychedelic-assisted therapy and its profound social implications. This series aims to uncover the complexities and potential of psychedelic mental health treatment options.

Key Takeaways

• Controversial medical debate on whether psychedelic therapy practitioners should have personal psychedelic experiences
• Concerns around cultural appropriation in psychedelic therapies and the need for respectful acknowledgment of indigenous practices
• The complexity of patient-clinician dynamics if a patient prefers a provider who has personal experience of their condition
• Significance of professional practice guidelines that ensure ethical and culturally sensitive approaches in guided psychedelic therapy
• The future of psychedelics in therapy and its potential to revolutionize mental health care

Enjoy this insightful first episode as we unravel psychedelics and mental health with Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert. Tune in for the next two episodes of this exciting series dedicated to exploring psychedelic therapy research.

Related to this episode:

• Resources for Mental Health
• Learn more about the Rockingstone Group
• Connect with Jordanna Davis and Jacqueline Lampert
• Article on first NDA for psychedelics

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Donate: To assist in covering our production costs and to keep delivering quality content, consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
5. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on

Welcome to Season 5 of Fempower Health where we empower you to advocate for your health through every stage of life.

Every week, we engage in discussions with women’s health experts on topics like sexual wellness, mental health, pelvic floor, aging, women-related cancers, relationships, and much more.

Some topics we’ll cover in Season 5 include:

• Psychedelics Deep Dive: Navigating Health Policy, Ethical Practice, and Cultural Considerations, Integration into Healthcare, and the Latest Psychedelic Research and Mental Health Implications
• Endometriosis Deep Dive: The Path to Earlier Endometriosis Diagnosis, A Deep Dive into Endometriosis Pathophysiology Diagnostics, and Treatments, Expert Perspective on Laparoscopy, and a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist's Tips for Managing Pelvic Pain
• A Discussion on Tongue Tie & Breastfeeding
• Metabolic Health Specific to Women
• Hysterectomies: Do You Need One and If you Do, What to Prepare for
• Fertility Treatments: Discussing Atypical Patient Use Cases
• C-Sections: Nothing but the Facts

Special thanks to Jordanna Davis, Jacqueline Lampert, Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, Andrew Penn, RN, MS, NP Katie Boyce, BCPA, Dr. Shanti Mohling, Caitlyn Tivy, DPT, Margaret Melville, Justine Witzke, Victoria Facelli, and all who helped make these women’s health episodes accessible to all. 

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Donate: To assist in covering our production costs and to keep delivering quality content, consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
5. Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.
6. Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
7. Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.

Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this...

Thyroid plays an essential role in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. There are several things we should all know about healthy thyroid levels, whether living with an existing thyroid condition or experiencing unexpected hormone changes after conception.

In this episode, Dr. Katie Rothwell shares her expertise on all things thyroid health. Dr. Katie Rothwell is a naturopathic doctor and educator who specializes in thyroid problems and pregnancy. She covers how to understand your thyroid levels in pregnancy, ideal thyroid levels for fertility, and what women should consider when trying to conceive if they have a diagnosed thyroid condition. 

Discussed in this episode:

• Important things to understand about thyroid during fertility and pregnancy
• How to know optimal thyroid levels in pregnancy
• Thyroid testing and pregnancy
• TSH and other important thyroid screenings for fertility 
• Secondary infertility and Hashimoto’s disease 
• Lactation production and hormones 
• Can pregnancy cause thyroid problems?
• What should women with thyroid conditions do when pursuing pregnancy? 
• Managing stress during pregnancy and postpartum 

“There is so much that changes during pregnancy and postpartum — we don’t always attribute those changes to thyroid health. But we really need to be screening our women in those time frames, especially if they have a known thyroid issue.” - Dr. Katie Rothwell

🔍 Time Stamps:

00:30 - Introduction to the importance of thyroid levels during pregnancy.

02:10 - Exploring the role of thyroid hormones in fetal development.

04:55 - Common thyroid disorders and their impact on pregnancy.

08:20 - Key symptoms to watch out for and when to consult a healthcare professional.

11:15 - Strategies for managing thyroid levels and promoting a healthy pregnancy.

14:40 - Expert advice on balancing thyroid medication and pregnancy.

17:55 - Q&A session with Dr. Katie Rothwell, addressing common listener questions.

21:40 - Closing thoughts and next steps for maintaining optimal thyroid health.

Related to this episode:

• Related Episode: Could Your Undiagnosed Symptoms Be Thyroid Disease? | Denise Roguz
• Related Episode: Thyroid Disease: You’re Not Alone | Victoria Gasparini
• Related Episode: Managing Thyroid Disease: The Missing Pieces to the Thyroid Jigsaw Puzzle | Rachel Hill
• Follow Dr. Rothwell on Instagram: @your.thyroid.nd 
• The Thyroid Academy: www.thethyroidacademy.com

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your...