Episode Title: Is the Placebo Effect Real? The Science Explained by Dr. Burki

Episode Title: Is the Placebo Effect Real? The Science Explained by Dr. Burki

What is a placebo, and is the placebo effect real?  In this episode of Gyno Info, I answer a listener’s question and explain what placebos actually are. The word “placebo” comes from Latin and means “I shall please.” Historically, it referred to a sugar pill or inactive treatment given when no real therapy was available. Today, giving a placebo without a patient’s knowledge is considered unethical because it involves deception — and trust is essential in medicine. That said, the placebo effect itself is very real. When you believe a treatment will help, your brain can release endorphins, reduce stress, and even decrease pain processing on imaging studies. I discuss examples like fake aspirin relieving headaches and studies where patients couldn’t tell the difference between real numbing medication and salt water because they expected relief.  The placebo effect can improve symptoms like pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea, and IBS — but it cannot treat serious conditions like cancer, infections, or medical emergencies. Belief is powerful, but it does not replace evidence‑based care. I also explain the ethical uses of placebos today, including reminder pills in birth control packs and double‑blind, placebo‑controlled drug trials, which help us determine whether medications truly work.  The takeaway is simple: belief and trust matter, but honesty and real medical treatment always come first. You can write to us at Questions@GynoInfo.net [Questions@GynoInfo.net] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

Iron Deficiency in Women: The Hidden Cause of Fatigue, Brain Fog & Heavy Periods

Hello.  This week I decided to re‑air an important episode of GynoInfo because iron deficiency in women is something I see every single day in my practice — and it is so often missed. So many of my patients come in feeling exhausted, foggy, overwhelmed, short of breath, losing hair, or just not like themselves. And almost every time, they assume it’s stress, aging, hormones, or “just being busy.” But very often?  It’s low iron. Iron deficiency — with or without anemia — is incredibly common in women, especially if you have heavy periods, are pregnant or postpartum, follow certain diets, or have ongoing blood loss. And yet, so many women are told their labs are “normal” and sent on their way. That’s exactly why I wanted to bring this episode back. In this conversation, I break down: * What iron deficiency actually is * The difference between iron deficiency and iron‑deficiency anemia * Why women are especially vulnerable * The symptoms of low iron that often get dismissed * The blood tests I rely on — including CBC, ferritin, and CRP * Why ferritin levels matter more than many women realize * Treatment options, from iron‑rich nutrition and oral supplements to IV iron infusions when needed This is such an important women’s health topic because iron impacts everything — your energy, brain function, mood, hair, immune system, and overall quality of life. If you’re constantly tired… If your periods are heavy… If you’ve been told your labs are “fine” but you don’t feel fine… This episode is for you. I’m re‑airing it because this message needs to reach more women. Too many are walking around iron deficient and don’t know it. And the fix can be life‑changing. My goal is always to empower you with real information so you can advocate for yourself, ask better questions, and take control of your health. Iron deficiency in women is common.  It’s treatable.  And it deserves attention. This is one conversation every woman should hear. You can write to us at Questions@GynoInfo.net [Questions@GynoInfo.net] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

Bioidentical Hormones for Menopause: What’s Real & What’s Just Marketing

In this episode of Gyno Info, I’m breaking down one of the most confusing topics in menopause care: “natural” hormones, “bioidentical” hormones, online supplements… and those pricey saliva (spit) tests. Let’s clear this up. When I say true bioidentical menopause hormone therapy, I mean species‑specific human estrogen and progesterone — the same hormones your ovaries actually make. These are prescription medications, regulated, evidence‑based, and often covered by insurance. What I don’t mean? Internet creams. Compounded mystery blends. “Natural” hormone boosters. Plant extracts marketed as menopause cures. In this episode, I explain: • What “bioidentical” really means (and how the term gets misused) • Why “natural” is often just a marketing word  • The truth about red clover, soy, Mexican yam & other plant‑based products  • Why supplements are unregulated, often mislabeled, and sometimes contaminated  • Why symptom swings in perimenopause can trick you into thinking an herb “worked” Menopause symptoms fluctuate. Hormones fluctuate. Marketing does not. My goal is simple: help you understand what’s evidence‑based, what’s safe, and what’s just clever branding. If you’re navigating hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, or conflicting advice online — this episode is for you. Subscribe for more real, science‑backed women’s health information. You can write to us at Questions@GynoInfo.net [Questions@GynoInfo.net] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

Child Marriage: The Hidden Abuse No One Wants to Talk About

In this episode of Gyno Info, I’m talking about child marriage — and why I consider child brides to be victims of childhood sexual abuse. As an OB‑GYN, I’ve seen firsthand how early pregnancy and forced marriage impact young girls physically, emotionally, and socially. While many countries officially list 18 as the legal age of marriage, there are still loopholes through parental or judicial consent that allow girls — sometimes as young as 13, or with no minimum age — to be married, often after becoming pregnant. In this episode, I break down: * How child marriage exposes girls to repeated sexual assault * The serious health risks of pregnancy in children, including preeclampsia, premature birth, maternal death, and obstetric fistulas * The increased risk of sexually transmitted infections * The long‑term mental health, educational, and economic consequences * Why poverty, sexism, and cultural systems continue to fuel this practice I also discuss recent global changes to marriage laws, including countries that have removed or lowered minimum age protections. This is a difficult topic — but it’s one we need to talk about openly if we want real change. My goal with Gyno Info is always the same: to help women understand their bodies, advocate for themselves, and demand better healthcare and legal protections. If you believe girls deserve protection, education, and autonomy over their bodies, this episode is for you. You can write to us at Questions@GynoInfo.net [Questions@GynoInfo.net] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

Menopause HRT, Painful Sex & Ectopic Pregnancy — Your Questions Answered

In this episode of Gyno Info, I’m answering your real questions about menopause hormone therapy, painful sex after menopause, and ectopic pregnancy. First, I break down why two menopausal women might be prescribed totally different HRT regimens. I explain the difference between a combo estrogen + progestin patch and using an estradiol patch with oral bioidentical progesterone. We talk convenience, “natural” preferences, progesterone’s sleep benefits, side effects, and how I think about HRT safety today. Next, we tackle painful sex after menopause. Estrogen loss causes thinning, dryness, and loss of elasticity in vaginal tissue — and that’s why intercourse can hurt. I explain why lubricants often aren’t enough and how prescription vaginal estrogen (or systemic therapy) can truly fix the problem — though it can take a few months to see full improvement. Finally, I clarify the difference between ectopic pregnancy and tubal pregnancy. A tubal pregnancy is the most common type of ectopic pregnancy, meaning implantation happens outside the uterus. I review symptoms, rupture risks, internal bleeding, and early treatment options like medication or surgery. If you’re navigating menopause, vaginal dryness, HRT decisions, or early pregnancy concerns — this episode is for you. Subscribe for clear, honest women’s health information every week. 💛 And please listen to the new hit podcast 'dismissed. with Jeni & Amy' @thedismissedpodcast You can write to us at Questions@GynoInfo.net [Questions@GynoInfo.net] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo Remember, any questions that I answer or information that I give you on this podcast are to be understood as information only, not treatment of your medical problems. While I'm a very knowledgeable gynecologist, I'm not your gynecologist who has talked to you and examined you personally and is therefore actually able to treat you. So please consult your own healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns.