Fempower Health: The Perimenopause and Menopause Channel

UTI Symptoms But No Infection? What’s Really Going On with Your Bladder | Dr. Tamra Lewis - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Honoring Bladder Health Month! Originally Published September 2024. In this episode of Fempower Health, Dr. Tamra Lewis, a board-certified urogynecologist, discusses bladder health, UTI misdiagnoses, and how pelvic floor dysfunction, menopause, and the microbiome impact bladder issues in women. Learn how to advocate for better care and understand your symptoms. BLADDER HEALTH EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Fempower Health, we sit down with Dr. Tamra Lewis, a board-certified urologist specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (also known as urogynecology). Dr. Lewis shares her expertise on common bladder health issues affecting women, many of which are frequently misdiagnosed as urinary tract infections (UTIs). We explore the importance of accurate diagnoses, the potential causes of bladder issues, and how women can better advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. This episode is essential listening for women seeking clarity on their bladder health and for clinicians looking to improve patient outcomes. Discussion Points: * Why are so many women misdiagnosing themselves with UTIs? * What are the common symptoms of bladder problems in women? * How can women better describe bladder issues to their healthcare provider? * What are the underlying causes of frequent bladder issues in women? * How can you tell the difference between a UTI and other bladder problems? * Why is it important to have a pelvic exam for bladder issues? * How does pelvic floor dysfunction contribute to bladder symptoms? * What are the most effective treatments for overactive bladder? * How can you prevent recurring urinary tract infections? * What role does menopause play in bladder health? * What is the impact of the microbiome on bladder health and UTIs? * Why should women advocate for more thorough evaluations from their doctors? > "It's easier to treat a small problem than to let a small problem become a bigger problem." - Dr. Tamra Lewis RELATED TO THIS BLADDER HEALTH EPISODE: * Learn more about Dr. Tamra Lewis [https://compurocare.com/tamra-lewis-md/] and follow her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamra-lewis-62b46bab/] and Instagram [http://instagram.com/drtamralewis] * Check out Fempower Health resources on Pelvic Health [http://fempower-health.com/pelvic-health] 🎧 LOVED THE EPISODE? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: 1. Help others discover Fempower Health: Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices. 2. Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/fempowerhealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fempowerhealth/] and TikTok [https://tiktok/fempowerhealth], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@fempowerhealth] for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations. Or join our newsletter [https://www.fempower-health.com/newsletter] to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox. **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024 [https://podcast.feedspot.com/health_podcasts/]** FEMPOWER HEALTH GUEST BIO Dr. Tamra Lewis holds board certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. She practices in Lake, Kane, and Cook Counties, and her hospital affiliations include Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Ascension Saint Alexius, and Hoffman Estates Surgery Center. Dr. Lewis received her B.A. in Biology from Luther College in 1994, and she obtained her Medical Doctorate in 1999 from the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine. In 2005, Dr. Lewis completed her Surgical and Urology residencies at the University of Nebraska and then went on to complete a fellowship in Female Urology and Voiding Dysfunction at Metro Urology in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Dr. Lewis’s professional interests include management of incontinence, voiding dysfunction, bladder prolapse, and urinary tract infections. She is a member of the American Urological Association [https://www.auanet.org/], the Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology [https://sufuorg.com/home.aspx], the Society for Women in Urology [https://swiu.org/home.aspx], and The Chicago Urological Society [https://cuschicago.com/], where she currently serves as President. Dr. Lewis has been an invited speaker or presenter for numerous events on topics including incontinence [https://compurocare.com/female-urinary-incontinence/], overactive bladder [https://compurocare.com/overactive-bladder/], hematuria, [https://compurocare.com/hematuria/] and urinary tract infections [https://compurocare.com/urinary-tract-infections/]. In her spare time, Dr. Lewis enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Why Women’s Health Still Gets Dismissed — And How We Can Fix It - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

EPISODE SUMMARY Why does it still feel like women aren’t being heard in the doctor’s office? Dr. Sharon Malone joins Georgie Kovacs to unpack the structural, cultural, and economic forces that have eroded trust between women and their healthcare providers. From the loss of physician autonomy to outdated reimbursement systems and the chronic undervaluation of women’s health fields, this candid conversation reveals how the system got here—and what it will take to fix it. Together, Georgie and Dr. Malone explore solutions ranging from patient empowerment to digital health and the need for systemic reform in research, policy, and payment. RESOURCES * Malone S. Grown Woman Talk [https://amzn.to/3LpB8SS]. 2024. * NIH Data Book (2022): https://report.nih.gov/funding/categorical-spending [https://report.nih.gov/funding/categorical-spending] * March of Dimes. Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Report, 2023. [https://www.marchofdimes.org/maternity-care-deserts-report] * Fitzgerald J., King L. Price and Prejudice: Reimbursement of Surgical Care on Male Versus Female Anatomies [https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2024.0984?doi=10.1089%2Fjwh.2024.0984&journalCode=jwh] 🎧 LOVED THE EPISODE? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: 1. Help others discover Fempower Health: Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices. 2. Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/fempowerhealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fempowerhealth/] and TikTok [https://tiktok/fempowerhealth], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@fempowerhealth] for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations. Or join our newsletter [https://www.fempower-health.com/newsletter] to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox. **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024 [https://podcast.feedspot.com/health_podcasts/]** **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Metabolism Health and Menopause | Dr. Lara Briden - Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Originally Published June 2024. It's Diabetes Awareness Month and Metabolic Health is an important proactive measure! How are metabolism, health, and menopause linked? Listen as Dr. Lara Briden shares insights from her new book, Metabolism Repair for Women. Episode Summary In this episode, we hear from Dr. Lara Briden, naturopathic doctor and celebrated author of “Period Repair Manual.” Dr. Briden joins Fempower Heath to discuss metabolic health in light of her newest book, "Metabolism Repair for Women [https://amzn.to/3yYFSIW]." Known for her thorough and research-based approach to women's health, Lara shares her expertise on the often misunderstood topic of metabolic health—particularly its significance during the perimenopausal and menopausal stages of a woman’s life. Discussed in this episode: * The connection between metabolic health, general health, mental health, and women's hormones * Why metabolism health is not just about weight loss but about overall energy and well-being * How hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can lead to insulin resistance  * How hormonal birth control can have different metabolic effects * Ways to manage and improve metabolic health during perimenopause and menopause * The potential metabolic benefits of a low-carb diet and its role in reducing cravings for carbohydrates "What's happening metabolically in the brain at menopause is potentially going to have long-term consequences." -  Dr. Lara Briden Related to this episode: * Resources on Perimenopause and Menopause [http://fempower-health.com/perimenopause-menopause] * Check out Dr. Lara Briden’s books:  Period Repair Manual [https://amzn.to/4eoOqJ3], Hormone Repair Manual [https://amzn.to/3xqCAxp], and Metabolism Repair for Women [https://amzn.to/3yYFSIW] * Learn more about Dr. Lara Briden [https://www.larabriden.com/] and follow her on Instagram [http://instagram.com/larabriden] 🎧 LOVED THE EPISODE? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: 1. Help others discover Fempower Health: Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices. 2. Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/fempowerhealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fempowerhealth/] and TikTok [https://tiktok/fempowerhealth], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@fempowerhealth] for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations. Or join our newsletter [https://www.fempower-health.com/newsletter] to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox. **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024 [https://podcast.feedspot.com/health_podcasts/]** Guest Bio Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and the bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual [https://amzn.to/4eoOqJ3], Hormone Repair Manual [https://amzn.to/3xqCAxp], and Metabolism Repair for Women [https://amzn.to/3yYFSIW]. She currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links** 72p2wf9u8iAY5BmkAThE

Why Healthcare Gets Progesterone Wrong — And How to Get the Right Care | Dr. Jerilynn Prior & Dr. James Simon

Episode Summary: Progesterone and progestins sound alike — but they act very differently in a woman’s body. This episode breaks down how that confusion took root and what it means for hormone therapy, contraception, and women’s health research. Endocrinologist Dr. Jerilynn Prior and gynecologist Dr. Jim Simon join Georgie Kovacs to explore evidence, controversy, and the systemic forces that keep women in the dark about their options. Highlights: * Key biological differences between progesterone and synthetic progestins * What the latest menopause guidelines actually say * Why Mirena protects the uterus but may not provide systemic progesterone effects * How underfunded research skews labeling and care * Questions to ask your clinician before starting hormone therapy About the Guests: Dr. Jerilynn Prior [https://cemcor.ubc.ca/jerilynn-prior-biography/] – Founder, Centre for Menstrual Cycle & Ovulation Research (CeMCOR). Dr. Jim Simon [https://intimmedicine.com/our-team/james-a-simonmd/] – Clinical Professor, GWU OB-GYN; President, ISSWSH. Resources: * Learn about the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR) [https://cemcor.ubc.ca/] * Learn about the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) [https://www.isswsh.org/] * Check out The Menopause Society position statements [https://menopause.org/professional-resources/position-statements], which address clinical issues in women's midlife Action Steps: * Learn your hormone terminology. * Discuss individualized options with your clinician. * Share this episode to help others get informed. 🎧 LOVED THE EPISODE? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: 1. Help others discover Fempower Health: Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices. 2. Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/fempowerhealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fempowerhealth/] and TikTok [https://tiktok/fempowerhealth], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@fempowerhealth] for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations. Or join our newsletter [https://www.fempower-health.com/newsletter] to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox. **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024 [https://podcast.feedspot.com/health_podcasts/]** **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Menopause, Estrogen & the FDA: What Experts Say Needs to Change | Dr. James Simon

EPISODE SUMMARY The FDA held a rare public hearing to reconsider the safety labels on vaginal estrogen—a pivotal moment for menopause care. In this episode, Dr. James Simon, a leading menopause specialist and clinical researcher, joins Georgie Kovacs to unpack what the hearing revealed, why the current labeling may do more harm than good, and what it means for millions of women experiencing genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) [https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/gsm-menopause-guidelines-2025], recurrent UTIs, painful sex, and incontinence. Together, they explore how outdated warnings, lack of education, and systemic biases continue to shape women’s access to treatment—and what both women and clinicians need to know as change finally takes shape. DISCUSSION POINTS * Why is the FDA reconsidering the vaginal estrogen warning label now? * What does genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) [https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/gsm-menopause-guidelines-2025] actually mean—and how common is it? * How do current black box warnings limit women’s access to safe and effective therapies? * What’s the real risk of vaginal estrogen and breast cancer—and what does the evidence say? * How can updated labeling improve care for UTIs, painful sex, and incontinence? * What steps can clinicians take to confidently prescribe vaginal estrogen? * What role does the media and misinformation play in perpetuating fear around menopause care? * How can women advocate for themselves if their doctor is hesitant to prescribe? * What’s next for the FDA—and how could this hearing reshape menopause treatment in the U.S.? 🎧 LOVED THE EPISODE? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: 1. Help others discover Fempower Health: Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. It’s the easiest way to support our mission and amplify women’s health voices. 2. Stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/fempowerhealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fempowerhealth/] and TikTok [https://tiktok/fempowerhealth], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@fempowerhealth] for real-time updates, expert insights, and relatable conversations. Or join our newsletter [https://www.fempower-health.com/newsletter] to get curated women's health content—on your terms, in your inbox. **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024 [https://podcast.feedspot.com/health_podcasts/]** About Dr. James Simon Dr. James A. Simon is a board-certified Ob/Gyn, and reproductive endocrinologist. He is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. Dr. Simon also holds certifications as an AASECT-Certified Sexuality Counsellor, an ISCD-Certified Clinical Bone Densitometrist, and a Menopause Society-Certified Menopause Specialist. He has an active private practice, IntimMedicine Specialists® [https://intimmedicine.com/], in Washington, DC focused on complicated gynecology, sexual medicine for both men and women, and menopause. Dr. Simon has received numerous awards including: “Top Washington Physicians,” “America’s Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists,” “Super Doctors of Washington DC-Baltimore-Northern Virginia,” and “The Best Doctors in America.” He is the only physician to serve as President of both The Menopause Society [https://menopause.org/] and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health [https://www.isswsh.org/].  Nicknamed “The Menopause Whisperer,” by Washingtonian Magazine, Dr. Simon is an established researcher and author--completing more than 450 research trials, and more than 800 published articles, abstracts, chapters, and the paperback book: Restore Yourself: A Woman’s Guide to Reviving Her Sexual Desire and Passion for Life. Dr. Simon loves riding the best rollercoasters in the world, collecting fountain pens and wristwatches, and freshwater fishing. He is a five- time Master Angler of Manitoba (Canada). **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.** **May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**