Podcasts about vaginal

Aging is inevitable. But letting your sex life fade away? Nope. This week, we're tackling one of our most requested topics ever: sex and aging. We're answering your biggest questions about how intimacy shifts as the years go by: from libido changes, to navigating menopause, to keeping things hot.

Want ad-free episodes, exclusives and access to community Q&As? Subscribe to Forever Strong Insider: https://foreverstrong.supercast.comIn this episode, I sit down with nutritional physiologist and friend Nick Barringer, PhD, to tackle a crucial, yet often misunderstood, topic: women's hormonal health. We expose the devastating impact of the Women's Health Initiative study and why millions of women are left untreated for menopause symptoms, leading to an increased risk of issues like osteoporosis and Alzheimer's.This is a no-nonsense guide for every woman, regardless of age, who wants to understand her hormones and advocate for her health. We cover everything from the importance of muscle and a low-inflammation lifestyle to the truth about Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for women.This episode is sponsored by:Puori - Use code DRLYON for 20% off - https://puori.com/DRLYON Cozy Earth - Use code DRLYON for up to 40% off - cozyearth.com/DRLYONBON CHARGE - Use code DRLYON to get 15% off your entire order - https://boncharge.com/DRLYON Needed - Use code DRLYON for 20% off your first order - https://thisisneeded.comChapter Markers0:00 - Intro: Why women need to consider hormone therapy1:24 - The shocking signs of low estrogen2:31 - How the Women's Health Initiative did more harm than good5:34 - The role of testing and delivery systems for estrogen6:30 - Why women are undertreated for menopause7:05 - The dangers of oral birth control8:49 - Debunking "natural" hormone balancing10:05 - The best delivery system for estrogen (patch vs. cream)13:00 - The controversial topic of testosterone for women14:48 - Debunking the myths of testosterone side effects15:58 - The best way to dose testosterone for women18:28 - Why hormone replacement alone won't change body composition19:19 - Starting hormone therapy for perimenopause20:53 - Vaginal estrogen for atrophy and UTIs22:25 - A word from our sponsor, Paleo Valley23:19 - Supplements for fat loss27:38 - Modern anti-obesity drugs31:18 - A word from our sponsor, AG132:48 - The best supplements for health and performance40:07 - Testosterone, blood pressure, and side effects41:51 - How women can take testosterone43:10 - The importance of getting your blood work43:40 - The risks of hormone replacement therapy45:40 - Conclusion: A call to action for women's healthFollow Dr Gabrielle LyonInstagram: @drgabriellelyonTik Tok: @drgabriellelyonFacebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyonFollow Nick Barringer PhDhttps://www.instagram.com/nickbarringer.phd.rdnDisclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.

Is hormone replacement therapy safe or risky? If you've been 10+ years post-menopause, the myths can feel overwhelming. Dr. Tabatha Barber, a functional gynecologist, joins me on today's episode to tackle one of the most common and misunderstood topics in women's health: hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We're separating fact from fiction, answering the big questions about HRT safety, whether it's too late to start after 10-15 years post-menopause, and what other options exist for women who prefer not to go the HRT route. Dr. Tabatha breaks down the benefits and risks of HRT, explaining the role estrogen plays in bone health, as well as how bioidentical hormones differ from synthetic hormones. She also shares tips on how to handle common symptoms like vaginal dryness. If you're wondering about your options for hormone balance and want to know what's best for your body, this episode is for you!   “Let me help you understand your body and give it what it needs. You can't heal a body you hate—you have to love it, and then it will change." ~ Dr. Tabatha Barber   In this episode:  - [03:32] - Functional vs conventional care - [09:52] - Impact of HRT on women's health - [14:20] - Is HRT safe? - [20:53] - Vaginal estrogen risks and benefits - [27:50] - How long is it safe to be on HRT? - [30:35] - Are there tests needed before HRT? - [36:24] - Alternatives to HRT - [39:43] - How gut health affects overall health - [40:52] - Midlife Reset Summit overview - [43:16] - How to work with Dr. Tabatha   Resources mentioned - Midlife Reset Summit - https://midliferesetsummit.com/signup?am_id=margie3712  - Dr. Tabatha's website - https://drtabatha.com/ - Free Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures - tinyurl.com/osteoporosisexercises   More about Margie - Website - https://margiebissinger.com/  - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/  - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en    DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.   *In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

In this episode of The Scope Forward Show, Praveen Suthrum speaks with Cheryl Sew Hoy, Founder & CEO of Tiny Health, a microbiome testing company that's redefining preventive care from pregnancy through infancy. Cheryl shares why the first 1,000 days are critical for lifelong gut health, how restoring beneficial microbes matters more than chasing pathogens, and why over 80,000 families are already turning to Tiny Health for answers. Functional medicine has embraced the microbiome faster than GI — but Cheryl makes the case that gastroenterologists are uniquely positioned to lead this revolution. The question is: will the GI community step up before it's too late?*02:17 - A Founder's Wake-Up CallCheryl's journey began with her own C-section baby — realizing how birth mode, antibiotics, and maternal microbiomes shape a child's lifelong health. This personal story launched Tiny Health.07:17 - 80,000 Families — Real-World ResultsTiny Health has already served tens of thousands. Parents are seeing their kids' eczema, allergies, and gut issues improve after targeted interventions. The results are hard to ignore.10:09 - Traditional Tests Are Missing the PointStandard hospital stool panels chase pathogens. Tiny Health looks deeper — into beneficial functions like butyrate, GABA, and fiber digestion that actually sustain long-term gut health.30:29 - A Paradigm Shift: From Killing to RestoringMost of medicine (and even functional care) is built on killing pathogens. Cheryl flips the script: start by replenishing beneficial microbes, then address the bad actors if needed.32:01 - Functional Medicine Is Listening. GI Isn't (Yet).Most adopters today are integrative and functional practitioners. GIs are still skeptical — but Cheryl's message is clear: when families walk in with data that explains what's happening, GI needs to lead the conversation, not dismiss it.34:23 - Science Is Catching Up, FastMetagenomic sequencing, functional markers, and AI-driven insights are transforming microbiome testing from “hype” to clinical reality. Evidence is mounting, especially in pediatrics.37:10 - Precision Medicine Is HereForget the daily “probiotic for everyone.” The future is testing first, then tailoring — the exact probiotic, prebiotic, or dietary shift each patient needs. That's precision GI care.40:29 - The Longevity ConnectionMayo Clinic has already partnered with Tiny Health. Gut tests are moving into mainstream wellness and longevity clinics. Where will GI stand when patients start asking for them by name?44:27 - Infant Gut = Lifelong BlueprintThe first 1,000 days are destiny. Vaginal birth, breastfeeding, and parental microbiomes set the stage for allergies, asthma, and even chronic disease risk later in life.46:44 - A Call to Action for GastroenterologistsMicrobiome testing is no longer fringe. It's an opportunity for GI to expand its scope, reclaim leadership in gut health, and guide patients with science-backed, personalized care.*#digitalhealth #gastroenterology #thescopeforwardshow #nextservices #gi #future #ai #theshift #microbiome

Oh my gosh, you guys, this show. It's so funny. Especially the part where we talk about creepy med techs who deeply require training in bedside manner. Then there's friends, talking, football, silliness, gagging (sorry) and speculation about the health of current inhabitant of the Oval Office. A girl can dream. 

In this episode, I'll show you how your gut microbiome, vaginal microbiome, and endometrial microbiome all work together to influence your ability to conceive naturally or succeed with IVF. We'll take the latest peer-reviewed research and break it down into clear, actionable steps you can begin today.Hi, I'm Dr. Aumatma—a licensed Naturopathic Doctor for over 15 years, with board certification in Naturopathic Endocrinology. I'm the creator of The Restorative Fertility Method and host of the Egg Meets Sperm Podcast, which ranks in the top 5% globally.I've had the honor of becoming a 2-time best-selling author with my books Fertility Secrets and (in)Fertility: Struggles, Secrets, & Successes. Over the years, I've been recognized with awards such as Best Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (2015, 2020), Top Women in Medicine Doctor (2020, 2021), and was inducted into the Berkeley Hall of Fame in 2022.I've shared my expertise on over 100 podcasts, speaking on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum, and have been featured as a holistic fertility expert on ABC, FOX, CBS, KTLA, MindBodyGreen, and The Bump.Through the years, I've trained hundreds of practitioners globally in holistic fertility care, and many of them have gone on to become certified in my Fertile Foundations™ system. I also founded Madre Fertility, where we offer a free Smart Fertility Analysis to help people uncover their fertility blocks and map out a personalized path to conception.In addition to my clinical work, I serve as a Medical Advisor for Mira Fertility, Element, and Feminade—three incredible innovators in fertility and women's health.Here's what you'll learn:⏱ Timestamps / Key Topics0:00 Intro – Why your microbiome matters for fertility2:10 What is the microbiome & why does it impact conception5:00 The estrobolome: How gut bacteria recycle estrogen & influence PMS, bleeding, and ovulation8:15 Gut microbiome, inflammation, PCOS, and ovulation quality12:30 Vaginal microbiome: Why lactobacillus crispatus dominance improves conception and IVF success18:00 Endometrial microbiota: How balance supports implantation23:00 Gut-vaginal-uterine connections and hormone signaling28:00 Practical stepwise plan – gut & vaginal screening, pH testing, and when to consider microbiome testing34:00 Nutrition for the microbiome: fiber, polyphenols, omega-3s, protein41:00 Lifestyle essentials: sleep, circadian rhythm, resistance training, stress reduction48:00 Targeted therapies: probiotics, prebiotics, and clinical considerations55:00 Recap – Fertility is an ecosystem

If your vagina's been out of whack but all the tests come back “normal,” or if you've been told you have “unexplained” infertility but your gut says there's more to the story — this episode is for you.I'm joined by Naturopath Maddison Auld from Brightfolk Naturopathy to dive into the hidden world of the vaginal microbiome and its powerful role in reproductive health. Could the bacteria living in your vagina be the missing link to why you're struggling with fertility, recurrent infections, or symptoms that just don't add up on standard tests?In this episode, you'll learn:Why “unexplained” infertility might not be unexplained at allThe connection between vaginal microbiome health and conceptionWhat conventional testing often overlooksEarly signs your vaginal microbiome might be out of balanceSteps to support vaginal health and when to dig deeperWhether you're navigating infertility, ongoing vaginal symptoms, or simply want to understand your body on a deeper level, this conversation with Maddison will empower you with knowledge that goes beyond the standard medical script.Find Maddison's website here - https://www.brightfolknaturopathy.com.au/Instagram - @brightfolknaturopathy

Wait, now our privates need to look perfect?? Jess and Camilla head South and call out the wildest trend taking over the beauty industry. Hear how women are focusing on looking “vagtastic,” thanks to a new skincare craze. Does it work? Is it worth it? Plus, what in the sparkly vaginal skincare is “clitter” and why are doctors sounding the alarm on these clitter capsules?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've been feeling stuck with dilators, overwhelmed by painful sex, or just wondering if healing from vaginismus is even possible without them, this episode is for you. I'm sharing five real alternatives that can help you reconnect with your body, reduce pelvic floor tension, and move toward pain-free intimacy! You'll walk away with practical tools and encouragement to remind you that you're not broken, you're untrained. Grab your journal, open your mind, and let's talk options- that don't require dilators.Vagina CEO Release E Guide- https://the-vagina-rehab-academy.sellfy.store/p/the-vagina-ceo-release-e-guide/Say goodbye to vaginismus, sexual pain and sexual fear in as little as 8 weeks! Your first step is a free consultation. Book here: https://www.vaginarehabdoctor.com Join our private Vaginismus Strategy & Support Group on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/274014645123366/ Follow me on Instagram @vaginarehabdoctor Leave a 5 star review if you are learning from and loving this podcast! Email us with any questions about working with us: support@vaginarehabdoctor.com Produced by Light On Creative Productions

EP. 228: Grab my FREE 4 Part Video Series: GLP1s Uncovered: https://bit.ly/GLP1uncovered On this episode, I'm chatting with my amazing friend Dr. Anna Cabeca, the Girlfriend Doctor. She's triple board-certified in gynecology and obstetrics, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine, with over 30 years of experience in functional medicine, sexual health, and bioidentical hormone replacement. Dr. Anna and I cover the world of oxytocin, vaginal health, and women's hormones. We cover everything from pain management to intimacy, topicals, and how to navigate menopause without overmedicalizing it. This is such a fun, informative, and honest conversation.  Topics Discussed: → What is oxytocin and why is it important for women's health? → How can vaginal health impact intimacy and hormone balance? → What are safe and effective ways to use oxytocin? → How does menopause affect hormones, connection, and wellbeing? → What are the best strategies for managing pelvic floor health and vaginal atrophy? Sponsored By: → BIOptimizers | For 15% off go to bioptimizers.com/drtyna and use promo code DRTYNA → LMNT | Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/drtyna. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend. → LVLUP | Head over to LVLUPHealth.com and use code DRTYNA at checkout to get 20% off your order sitewide.  → Timeline | Head to timeline.com/DRTYNA and get 20% off with code DRTYNA  → Liver Love | Go to https://store.drtyna.com/products/liverlove Use code LIVER20 for 20% off On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:01:49 - Importance of oxytocin   → 00:04:41 - Uses & dosing of oxytocin  → 00:09:49 - Overcoming pain  → 00:16:39 - Lowering cortisol  → 00:20:44 - Sunlight, infrared light, + mood → 00:22:00 - Community, pleasure, hormones  → 00:30:37 - Oxytocin & women's hormones  → 00:38:15 - Not medicalizing menopause  → 00:42:07 - Menopause's impact on the family  → 00:44:40 - Prioritizing connection  → 00:48:02 - Withholding oxytocin  → 00:50:06 - Intimacy and sexual health  → 00:54:09 - Vaginal health  → 00:55:37 - Vaginal atrophy   → 01:01:54 - Pelvic floor integrity  → 01:02:36 - Lichen Sclerosus  → 01:06:34 - More than estradiol & estriol   → 01:11:12 - Chronic UTIs   → 01:14:56 - Topical hormones  Further Listening:  → EP: 227 | How I Broke Free From The Pain Trap | Solo Check Out Dr. Anna:  → Website  → Instagram → YouTube → Dr. Anna's Julva Moisturizer Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided in this blog/podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Tyna Moore. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

Infecções de repetição, como candidíase e vaginose, afetam a qualidade de vida de milhões de mulheres. E se a chave para a prevenção e o tratamento estiver em um ecossistema muitas vezes esquecido? Neste terceiro episódio, o Dr. Dan Waitzberg e a Dra. Barbara Peters exploram o fascinante universo da microbiota vaginal.Descubra como os lactobacilos atuam como uma linha de defesa natural, como os probióticos podem restaurar esse equilíbrio e quais os benefícios para mulheres na menopausa.ReferênciasHan Y, Liu Z, Chen T. Role of Vaginal Microbiota Dysbiosis in Gynecological Diseases and the Potential Interventions. Front Microbiol. 2021 Jun 18;12:643422. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.643422. PMID: 34220737; PMCID: PMC8249587.Gupta S, Kakkar V, Bhushan I. Crosstalk between Vaginal Microbiome and Female Health: A review. Microb Pathog. 2019 Nov;136:103696. doi: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103696. Epub 2019 Aug 23. PMID: 31449855.Lewis FMT, Bernstein KT, Aral SO. Vaginal Microbiome and Its Relationship to Behavior, Sexual Health, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Apr;129(4):643-654. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001932. PMID: 28277350; PMCID: PMC6743080.Rezazadeh MB, Zanganeh M, Jarahi L, Fatehi Z. Comparative efficacy of oral and vaginal probiotics in reducing the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis: a double-blind clinical trial. BMC Womens Health. 2024 Oct 26;24(1):575. doi: 10.1186/s12905-024-03418-z. PMID: 39462408; PMCID: PMC11515199.Hertz FB, Holm JB, Pallejá A, Björnsdóttir MK, Mikkelsen LS, Brandsborg E, Frimodt-Møller N. Vaginal microbiome following orally administered probiotic. APMIS. 2022 Oct;130(10):605-611. doi: 10.1111/apm.13261. Epub 2022 Jul 25. PMID: 35801409; PMCID: PMC9540456.Hertz FB, Holm JB, Pallejá A, Björnsdóttir MK, Mikkelsen LS, Brandsborg E, Frimodt-Møller N. Vaginal microbiome following orally administered probiotic. APMIS. 2022 Oct;130(10):605-611. doi: 10.1111/apm.13261. Epub 2022 Jul 25. PMID: 35801409; PMCID: PMC9540456.Kim JM, Park YJ. Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Vaginal Infections: Review Article. J Menopausal Med. 2017 Dec;23(3):139-145. doi: 10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.139. Epub 2017 Dec 29. PMID: 29354612; PMCID: PMC5770522.Silva VF, Refinetti P, Vicariotto F, Baracat EC, Soares Junior JM. Oral probiotics and vaginal microbiome in post-menopause women: an opinion for the improvement of natural therapies in gynecology. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2024 Jan 5;70(2):e702EDIT. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.702EDIT. PMID: 38198300; PMCID: PMC10768674.https://bhbfood.com/noticias/iff-health-sciences-conquista-aprovacao-da-anvisa-para-probiotico/Petrova MI, van den Broek M, Balzaretti S, et al. Lactobacillus crispatus dominates healthy vaginal microbiota and inhibits pathogens. Microbiome. 2017;5:74.Grin PM, Kowalewska PM, Alhasson F, et al. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 for genitourinary health in women. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2013;33(6):917–922.Verdenelli MC, Coman MM, Ghelardi E, et al. Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14 role in vaginal health: adhesion and acidification. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2015;7(2):114–120.Swidsinski A, Mendling W, Loening-Baucke V, et al. Biofilm of Lactobacillus gasseri in healthy and diseased vagina. PLoS One. 2018;13(5):e0194214.

Could the hidden bacteria in your vaginal microbiome be the reason you're struggling to get pregnant—or experiencing miscarriage?Most fertility advice focuses on hormones, ovulation, or sperm health. But the truth is, your vaginal microbiome is the gatekeeper for conception. When this delicate ecosystem is out of balance—even without symptoms—it can sabotage sperm survival, block implantation, and raise your risk of miscarriage.In this episode, you'll...– Learn why your vaginal microbiome could be the missing piece in your fertility journey– Discover how imbalances damage sperm, increase miscarriage risk, and lower IVF success rates– Get natural, practical steps to restore a sperm-friendly, pregnancy-ready environmentListen now to uncover how your vaginal microbiome could be silently sabotaging your fertility—and what you can do today to protect your chances of getting and staying pregnant.

Today we're talking about something every woman deserves straight talk about—perimenopause and menopause and the many changes that happen as estrogen and progesterone begin to decline. If you want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going.  Now, most of us have heard about hot flashes, but very few people explain what's actually happening inside our bodies, why it's happening, and what we can do to feel better. And yes, that includes some really interesting therapies like peptides. What is happening? Let's start with the transition itself. Perimenopause is that phase leading up to menopause, which is officially defined as twelve months without a menstrual cycle. It usually starts in your 40s, though some women notice changes earlier. The reason it can feel like a rollercoaster is all about hormones.  Estrogen is our multitasker—keeping our bones strong, our skin glowing, our brains sharp, and even helping with vaginal lubrication. When estrogen dips, it's not surprising that hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings start showing up.  Progesterone, on the other hand, is what I like to call our “chill hormone.” It helps us sleep and keeps our cycles balanced. When progesterone drops, insomnia, irritability, and mood swings can sneak in.  And let's not forget testosterone, which fuels energy, muscle, and libido. As testosterone slowly declines, it's no wonder sex drive can take a hit. When these three hormones are fluctuating or dropping during perimenopause, it can touch nearly every part of the body, making this phase feel intense and, at times, overwhelming. Brain fog Then there's brain fog. You know, that feeling when you walk into a room and can't remember why you're there. Estrogen actually plays a big role in keeping our brain sharp by influencing neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which manage memory and focus. When estrogen levels fall, those neurotransmitters aren't as efficient, and poor sleep from night sweats can make brain fog even thicker.  What helps? Regular exercise, consistent sleep, omega-3s, and even brain-training games can make a difference. And peptides can play a role here too.  Nootropic peptides like Selank and Semax support neurotransmitter balance, helping with focus, memory, and mental clarity, while also helping the brain manage stress and fatigue. Weight gain Let's talk about one of the biggest frustrations women bring up during perimenopause and menopause—weight gain. You may notice that even if you're eating the same and moving your body the way you always have, the scale starts creeping up. This isn't your imagination. As estrogen levels drop, metabolism slows down, muscle mass tends to decrease, and fat starts redistributing—especially around the belly. On top of that, poor sleep, more stress, and shifting insulin sensitivity can all make it harder to keep weight steady. The good news is there are ways to manage this. Resistance or strength training helps preserve and even rebuild muscle, which keeps your metabolism active. Prioritizing protein with every meal can support that muscle, too. Managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or simply better boundaries can help with cortisol—the stress hormone that encourages belly fat storage. And paying attention to blood sugar balance, by choosing more whole foods and fewer processed carbs, can really make a difference. For some women, hormone therapy can provide extra support by improving sleep, mood, and metabolism, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. And now, we also have GLP-1 agonists—like semaglutide—and even newer dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, such as tirzepatide. These medications work by improving satiety, slowing digestion, balancing blood sugar, and supporting insulin sensitivity, all of which can make weight management during menopause more achievable. They're not magic, but when combined with lifestyle changes, they can be powerful tools to help women feel more in control of their weight and overall health during this stage of life. Hair changes Hair changes are another big one. Estrogen helps keep hair thick, strong, and healthy by promoting follicle growth and prolonging the growth phase. When estrogen drops, hair can start thinning.  At the same time, shifts in androgen levels like testosterone and its potent form, DHT, can trigger hair growth in places we really don't want it, like the chin or upper lip.  Collagen supplements, checking iron and vitamin D levels, stimulating the scalp, or even low-level laser therapy can all support healthier hair.  Peptides like GHK-Cu, a copper peptide, stimulate hair follicles by promoting cell growth, increasing blood supply, and supporting collagen production. Thymosin Beta-4, or TB-500, also helps by reducing inflammation and encouraging tissue repair, creating a better environment for hair growth. Skin changes As estrogen dips, natural moisture throughout the body also decreases. This can mean dry eyes, crepey or itchy skin, and new sensitivities popping up seemingly out of nowhere.  Support can be as simple as artificial tears, omega-3s to support tear production, gentle fragrance-free moisturizers, or running a humidifier at night.  Peptides like Epitalon reduce oxidative stress, support collagen production, and promote cellular repair, which can improve skin elasticity. BPC-157 helps reduce inflammation and supports healing, making the skin less reactive and more comfortable. Bladder issues And then there are those bladder surprises. Ever sneeze, laugh, or cough and suddenly wonder if you should've packed a spare pair of underwear? Dropping estrogen weakens the pelvic floor and thins the bladder lining, which can make those little “oops” moments more common.  Kegel exercises, pelvic floor physical therapy, vaginal estrogen creams, and avoiding bladder irritants like coffee or alcohol can help.  Peptides like BPC-157 support tissue healing in the bladder and pelvic area, and KPV may help calm irritation in urinary tissues. Mood changes Mood changes are another challenge. Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and serotonin can trigger anxiety, irritability, or low mood seemingly overnight.  Things like therapy, mindfulness, regular exercise, and making sure you get enough vitamin D and magnesium can really help.  Peptides give an extra boost too. Selank is a gentle anti-anxiety peptide that won't make you drowsy, DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) helps improve deep sleep, naturally stabilizing mood, and Semax works on dopamine pathways to lift energy, focus, and motivation when you need it most. Sex drive Finally, let's talk about something we don't discuss enough: libido. Vaginal dryness, fatigue, and shifting hormones can all make desire dip, and this is very much physiological, not just in your head.  Lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, hormone replacement therapy, and open communication with your partner can all help.  Peptides like PT-141 (bremelanotide), work on melanocortin receptors in the brain to boost sexual desire. It's an on-demand injection, usually taken a few hours before intimacy, and many women feel it helps restore that spark that seemed long gone, though side effects can include flushing or nausea. So here's the big takeaway: menopause is much more than hot flashes. It's brain, body, skin, mood, and sexual function all shifting at once. But you don't have to just “tough it out.” From lifestyle shifts to targeted peptides, there are tools to help you feel like yourself again. And the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Every chin hair, every laugh-leak, every brain fog moment—you've got millions of women nodding right along with you. Thanks for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If today's episode resonated, share it with a friend—because if she's in her 40s or 50s, she's probably going through the same changes and wondering if she's the only one. And if you want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going.  Until next time, be well, and as always, have a happy, healthy week.      

Dr. Kelly McCann is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, trained in Functional, Integrative, and Environmental Medicine. Known for her expertise in mold illness, chronic infections, MCAS, and complex chronic conditions, she integrates science, intuition, and spiritual psychology to help people heal at the deepest levels. Through her private practice, The Spring Center, and her upcoming transformational programs, she guides clients from suffering to sovereignty—reclaiming their health, purpose, and power. She has hosted 3 virtual worldwide summits reaching over 100,000 people and an author of a forthcoming book that explores how illness is not the enemy but a portal to healing the whole self.https://thespringcenter.com/    https://drkellymccann.comhttps://www.facebook.com/drkellymccannhttps://www.instagram.com/drkellymccann/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/@DrKellyMcCann____________________________________________________________________________________Come join my Buff Muff Community www.buffmuff.comThank you so much for listening! I use fitness and movement to help women prevent and overcome pelvic floor challenges like incontinence and organ prolapse. There is help for women in all life stages! Every Woman Needs A Vagina Coach! Please make sure to LEAVE A REVIEW and SUBSCRIBE to the show for the best fitness and wellness advice south of your belly button. *******************I recommend checking out my comprehensive pelvic health education and fitness programs on my Buff Muff AppYou can also join my next 28 Day Buff Muff Challenge https://www.vaginacoach.com/buffmuffIf you are feeling social you can connect with me… On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VagCoachOn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vaginacoach/On Twitter https://twitter.com/VaginaCoachOn The Web www.vaginacoach.comGet your Feel Amazing Vaginal Moisturizer Here

In this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, I'm joined once again by the incredible Dr Alison Macbeth – a top menopause specialist supporting breast cancer patients, and one of the key medical contributors to my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer.This time, we're diving deep into the topic of vaginal oestrogen after breast cancer — and what you'll hear is the most up-to-date and comprehensive guidance out there.We explore what's happening across the world when it comes to access, safety, and prescribing practices — and zoom in on the current situation in the UK. We talk about the real barriers that cancer survivors face when trying to get treatment for vaginal dryness and genitourinary symptoms, and we unpack the science behind the risks and benefits.If you've been told you can't have vaginal oestrogen, this episode is especially for you. The landscape is shifting — and I want you to feel informed, empowered, and ready to explore your options.This conversation and Dr Macbeth's work, are a true gift to our community. I can't wait for you to listen.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro08:06 Menopausal Urinary and Vaginal Issues11:30 Breast Cancer's Impact on Women's Health16:09 Vaginal Care: Tips and Products17:29 Lubricant vs Moisturiser in Healthcare24:40 Menopause Hormone Guidance Update27:56 Aromatase Inhibitors and Vaginal Oestrogen35:16 Vaginal Oestrogen and Cancer Risk37:29 Medication Non-Compliance in Medical Studies42:26 Menopause Care and GP OptionsGet your copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907Find out more about Dr Macbeth here: https://healthinmenopause.co.uk/meet-the-team/Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Childbirth is viewed as a beautiful and spectacular phenomenon. At the same time, women need to also know the full scope of normal changes and potential physiological complications that can happen to their vagina and vulva during vaginal delivery. In this episode, we talk about the amazingness of the vagina and what it's able to do during childbirth, the different types of potential vaginal and vulva tears that can occur, what physicians can do to avoid the severity of vaginal / vulva tears or lacerations, etc. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

In this deeply moving episode, we speak with Hannah, a midwife and lactation consultant from the Southern Highlands, who shares her profound journey through two very different birth experiences. Hannah takes us through her first pregnancy with daughter Beatrix, including the unexpected discovery of a breech presentation, her decision to pursue vaginal breech birth at Westmead Hospital, and the challenging NICU journey that followed. She then courageously shares the story of her son Alby, whose life was tragically cut short at 17 months due to complications from congenital CMV - a preventable condition that Hannah is now passionate about raising awareness for. This episode is both heartbreaking and educational, highlighting the importance of CMV screening in pregnancy and the incredible strength of families navigating complex medical journeys.__________ Australia's trusted baby sleepwear brand ergoPouch has launched the Drift Home Baby Monitor and Smart TOG Guide—the only monitor combining real-time environmental insights with evidence-based sleepwear recommendations. Drawing on 15+ years of safe sleep expertise, this device integrates monitoring with their globally trusted What to Wear guide, helping parents dress babies appropriately based on room temperature for confident, calm bedtimes. Exclusive ABS Offer: Purchase the Drift Home and entire ergoPouch range exclusively at ergopouch.com.auABS listeners get 20% off sitewide with code AUBS — valid until 11:59 p.m. on 18th August 2025 (exclusions apply). Plus, ergoPouch is launching something new and elevated next week!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a deep (and delightfully nerdy) dive into the misunderstood world of vaginas, where we'll learn about orgasm-chasing royalty, clitoral wingspans, vagina lollipops, wandering wombs — and the research on female anatomy we still desperately need. Science writer Rachel Gross is our fearless guide. … Recommendations from the archive #27 Rewriting Your Birth Story … Writing by Rachel • Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage (using this book link supports our show!) • Half the World Has a Clitoris. Why Don't Doctors Study It? (NYT) • Women in Menopause Are Getting the Short Shrift (The Atlantic) • What Can We Learn from Menstrual Blood? (The New Yorker) • Body Language (NYT series on the history of medical language) … More on the clitoris & friends • The Clitoris, Uncovered (video by Rachel for Scientific American) • Cliteracy Reel (3D depictions by Sophia Wallace) • SEX-ED+ (company that makes silicone molds of clitorises and vulvas for educational purposes) • Tight Lipped (grassroots movement by and for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain) … Join LST+ for community and access to You Know What, another show in the Longest Shortest universe! Follow us on Instagram Website: longestshortesttime.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textAt 28 weeks, Jessie found out her baby was breech—but instead of panicking, she trusted her gut. She felt strongly that her baby was meant to be born this way. After initially planning a home birth, Jessie began exploring other options and considered traveling to Pennsylvania for a hospital birth with experienced breech providers.But when labor started at 39 weeks, everything shifted. Mid-drive to Pennsylvania, Jessie and her husband decided to turn around and head to Yale New Haven Hospital. There, an OB team unexpectedly supported her birth plan, and her baby was born breech and vaginally—with ease.In this episode, Jessie shares her story of intuition, flexibility, and trust in her body and baby. It's an inspiring reminder that sometimes birth doesn't go according to plan—and that's exactly what makes it beautiful.**********Our sponsors:Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.Primally Pure: From soil to skin, Primally Pure products are made with down-to-earth ingredients that feel and smell like heaven for the skin. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for 10% off. ENERGYBits: Get the superfood Algae every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for 20% off. Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.comInstagram @downtobirthshowCall us at 802-GET-DOWN Watch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube! Work with Cynthia: HypnoBirthingCT.com Please remember we don't provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

Send Kiona a Text Message!Deb and Norman share how they went from no kids to many through natural conception, also known as their DIY kids, and adoption. They also talk about how the emotions around experiencing pregnancy loss through miscarriages and how that impacts the emotions surrounding the following pregnancy. birthasweknowitpodcast.com/90Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only with no intention of giving or replacing any medical advice. I, Kiona Nessenbaum, am not a licensed medical professional. All advice that is given on the podcast is from the personal experience of the storytellers. All medical or health-related questions should be directed to your licensed provider.  Tune in to episode 73-Lindsay Bruggeman-Adoptive Parent- 2 Births-1 Cesarean & 1 Vaginal & 79-Nicky Yazbeck-Adoptive Parent-1 Birth-Jack-The Connected Community Exploring PossibilityResources:Perinatal Support of Washington: https://perinatalsupport.org/ Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.netSupport the showThank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don't hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don't forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

Having a great birth after a previous caesarean relies on 4 key elements. Some of these elements are provided by your care provider and some of them you can control. Find out how you can facilitate a positive and respectful birth after a previous caesarean section from my conversation with Dr Hazel Keedle as she talks us through the main points of her new book ‘The clinicians guide to a better birth after caesarean' Our guest today was Dr Hazel Keedle @hazelkeedle on instagram and find ‘the clinicians guide to a great birth after caesarean' at Hazels website You can learn more about vaginal birth or next birth after caesarean see our other podcast episodes: Episode 157 VBAC tips and tricks Episode 155 Optimising the function of your body in labour Episode 154 How to curate a great birth Episode 149 Increase your chance of vaginal birth in hospital Episode 94 VBAC after single layer closure Episode 93 Vaginal birth after caesarean Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.com Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife or watch this podcast on Youtube here If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by donating to support the ongoing work of this podcast. Disclaimer The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with its application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional. The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, or delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain the accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content. This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care. The below transcript was created with AI and may contain errors.

There's a prescription I think almost every woman should eventually be on, but most of them don't know that it could improve their future.  Things change as we age, but there's no reason to suffer unnecessarily, especially when there are cheap and easy solutions that can help you live more as you get older, rather than less.  If you want to improve your overall resilience while lowering your risk for urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, pain with sex, and more, I think it's worth your time to learn about vaginal estrogen and eliminate these problems before they even start.  come to my website: www.healthcouragecollective.comemail me: healthcouragecollective@gmail.comIntroduction: The Prescription Every Woman Should Know About00:24 The Importance of Vaginal Estrogen01:17 Personal Reflections and Exceptions01:52 The Consequences of Ignoring Vaginal Health05:14 Statistics and Realities of Women's Health Issues09:07 Medical Community's Shortcomings09:59 Understanding Vaginal Estrogen and Its Benefits14:31 Challenges and Misconceptions in Prescribing Estrogen16:09 Different Forms of Vaginal Estrogen24:52 Compounded Products and Alternatives26:15 Conclusion: Empowering Women with Knowledge

Learn more at TheCityLife.org

Submit your question and we'll answer it in a future episode!Join our Patreon Community!https://www.patreon.com/badassbreastfeedingpodcastToday's episode is brought to you by Cimilre Breast Pumps! Cimilre breast pumps range in size from ultra tiny pumps as small as a sticky note, to fully adjustable pumps with 85 setting combinations. Use code BADASS for 15% off at www.cimilrebreastpumps.com.Did you know that you may experience some body changes whole breastfeeding?Some you may have already noticed, and some might not happen until later.Listen in today as Dianne and Abby talk about the changes your body mightexperience when breastfeeding and what you can do about it.If you are a new listener, we would love to hear from you.  Please consider leavingus a review on iTunes or sending us an email with your suggestions and commentsto badassbreastfeedingpodcast@gmail.com. You can also add your email to ourlist and have episodes sent right to your inbox!Things we talked about:Skin to skin and bonding [4:15]Question about feeding on demand with bottles [10:02]Not getting your period [12:36]Uterus pain [15:38]Not feeling full [24:10]Size changes [25:15]Weight loss [27:36]Vaginal dryness [35:32]Links to information we discussed or episodes you should check out!https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/071-overfeeding-paced-bottle-feeding/https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/exercise/Set up your consultation with Diannehttps://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/consultations/Check out Dianne's blog here:https://diannecassidyconsulting.com/milklytheblog/Follow our Podcast:https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.comHere is how you can connect with Dianne and Abby:AbbyTheuring ,https://www.thebadassbreastfeeder.comDianne Cassidy @diannecassidyibclc, http://www.diannecassidyconsulting.comMusic we use:Music: Levels of Greatness from: We Used to Paint Stars in the Sky (2012)courtesy of Scott Holmes at freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes

Quaranteam-Northwest: Part 5 Lab work. Based on a post by Break The Bar. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.   Time went quickly, but also seemed to go nowhere at all; only three days after the final demise of the house we'd moved the RVs four times and I decided we needed to figure out something at least semi-permanent. Even a week in the same spot would be preferable to constant movement. The space where my house had stood was now full of stacks and pallets of supplies, and Vanessa had a crew of almost two dozen of her 'gorillas' working to erect what would become the first of a dozen temporary bunkhouses for the incoming construction workers. She still seemed to be the only foreman on site, so I went looking for Vanessa. I found her at the water truck, splashing some water onto the back of her neck as she took a quick break. It had turned even hotter over the week, spring slipping fully into summer, and we were all starting to boil when we were outside. I'd quickly abandoned the feeling of needing to 'dress up' for everyone and I was down to athletic shorts and one of my sleeveless workout shirts; one of the few that were still 'mine' considering both Erica and Ivy had taken to wearing them as well. Vanessa was the boss however and had to set the example for the rest of the crew, so she was still wearing the jeans, long-sleeved t-shirt and her reflective vest of a dutiful construction foreman. "Hey, got a second?" I asked. "Oh, hey Harrison," she said, looking up as she continued splashing water onto the back of her neck. "Sorry I haven't come to check with you and the girls today, we had three more loads this morning of barracks pilings I had to get sorted, and the fucking surveyors are still bitching about not knowing where the sewage lines are going to come onto the property, as if I can fucking answer that question for them or something." "When's your Dad supposed to finally get on site?" I asked. Her father was supposed to be the General Manager of the entire construction project, but so far I had yet to have seen him. "Fuck, a few days still at least," Vanessa sighed. "I'm getting tired as shit of the phone tag." "Well, sorry if this is a big ask and causes you more headaches; any chance we could project ahead a bit and figure out where we can stash the RVs and everything where we're not going to need to move them for a while? Moving everything around is annoying by itself, but I've also noticed some of your guys are spending a lot of time wandering by the RVs whenever the girls are outside." "Fucking gorillas," Vanessa grunted and grimaced. "I mean, on the one hand, I get it; they are either cooped up in the motel or here working. I'm not exactly thrilled with the situation either. But they could keep it in their fucking pants too, ya know?" "Look, if we can find a spot, the way I see it we can use the RVs and Containers to set up a yard for us that's blocked from view. Then we can have some privacy and not feel cooped up in the RVs, and your guys aren't tempted to let their eyes wander," I said. "I figure it's a win-win." Vanessa smiled and patted my arm. "Harri, as long as you keep the fucking indoors, I'll see what I can do about getting you guys some more privacy." "What do you mean?" I asked, suddenly a little worried that Erica and I might have gotten caught at the Willow tree after all, or that maybe a surveyor had wandered up near the Spring without us hearing. "Nothing, nothing," Vanessa said. "I just; you know we can see the RVs rocking a bit, right? And I don't know who it is, but someone over in your camp is a screamer. We can hear her when she really gets going. Once the guys even gave you a standing ovation." "Fuck," I coughed, shaking my head. "I'm sorry. I think it's something to do with the vaccine. I've had more sex in the last four days than I have in the last four years. Honestly, I don't even know how I'm doing it; I ain't old, but I'm not a teenager either." "Well, god bless the vaccine I guess," Vanessa smirked. "And good for you. Just do me a favor and keep it inside the RVs 'till we can get you that privacy. We don't need the entire site shutting down to listen to you fucking your girlfriends." I shook my head again with a self-deprecating smirk. "Um, deal. I hope." That made Vanessa chuckle, and we parted ways for the afternoon. The next day, she came back in the morning and explained the plan she had worked out with the Surveyors and one of the tree-clearing crews. By mid-afternoon, a new swathe of the back end of the hill was bare of trees, and a bulldozer scooped dirt into the holes left by ripped-up stumps. By the time Vanessa left that evening, two of the storage containers had been shifted around by the 'gorillas' and positioned in an L-shape for us in the new location, and Leo and I moved the RVs to form the other two sides of a square. When Vanessa came by the next morning we'd hung up some old, heavy blankets at the corners to maximize our privacy, busted out the lawn chairs and barbecue, and were on our way to turning the space into an outdoor living room. Leo and I even went so far as to rig up an old bell we'd salvaged from the barn on a wooden post with a metal knocker on a string to serve as a doorbell. Erica was the one to answer Vanessa's ring of the bell, and she swept aside the blanket curtain. "Welcome to Casa de Black," she declared. "Jesus," Vanessa said, walking into our new home base. "You guys didn't want to wait, did you?" "Why would we?" Leo asked. "We don't know how long we're going to be living like this, so might as well make the most of it." Leo had decided to make one last addition to our current set-up, and had pulled a loose slab of wood from the container holding all his tools and was carving 'Speak Friend and Enter' into it the makeshift sign with his handheld angle grinder. He'd already been talking about using his torch to burn the wood before giving it a clear lacquer coat. "What can we do for you, Vanessa?" I asked. "Need some breakfast?" "Actually?" Vanessa chewed on the inside of her cheek for a second and peeked back outside the yard. "Breakfast would be fucking great. They're feeding us at the motel, but it's been the same instant oatmeal every fucking morning." "Well, we've yet to have our egg hookup dry out on us," I said. Old Mrs. Branston lived about fifteen minutes down the highway and had been selling eggs to three generations of my family; through the pandemic and quarantine we'd set up a system where I called ahead and she dropped off two dozen eggs at the end of her driveway, and I left a ten dollar bill in her mailbox. "How do you like them? I think I'm getting pretty good at using the grill with a frying pan." We hosted Vanessa for about fifteen minutes as I fried her up some over-easy eggs and some toast to go with it, and she started devouring the first two so quickly that I put another two in the pan for her immediately. While I cooked, she shared the most recent gossip running through the construction crews. "So the latest group to come in said they got tested four times before even leaving the airport," she said around a mouthful. "They were basically flown into Portland, put in little hygienic pods inside the terminals until they'd tested negative all four times, then escorted to military transports. I guess the army is our taxi service or something, and there are members of the national guard currently standing watch at all of the motels. It's kind of fucked up and feels like a prison, honestly. We're not even supposed to mingle outside with each other, despite the fact that we all work together here all day." "Who's feeding you all?" Danielle asked. "Just the people already working out there seems like a lot." "Some catering service is making these prepackaged meals," Vanessa said. "The breakfasts are shit, and the lunches are whatever. The dinners are Okay though; microwavable, and waiting for us when we get off shift." "Have you heard anything else out there about the vaccine?" I asked. "Hmm-Hmm," Vanessa shook her head. "But I mean, I spend my time working." "I'm still not seeing much online," Leo said. "Little whispers on social media, but then it disappears before it gets going." "That's kinda fucked up," Erica said. "We know it's real. The government must be censoring the information or something. "Well, whenever it happens, I don't know what I'll do," Vanessa sighed. "I like working too much, being my own woman. I bring in more cash in a year than almost every other person I graduated high school with, I've been doing it for years, and I don't have any debts. I can't just get tied down to some guy." "You would be surprised, Vanessa," Ivy spoke up. "I am this way too, no? I left home to make my way, and I am happy doing it. But now I am happy here, and am also safe from the sickness. It is not how I saw my life going, but c'est la vie, non?" Vanessa shrugged, and we moved on to some other topics until her radio squawked and she had to run off back to her work. By lunchtime I'd already done another two quick guides into the hills for the surveyors and Leo had gotten his nerd-sign carved out and torched, and he was spray lacquering it outside the yard with a facemask and safety goggles on to cut the strong fumes. He stopped the sprayer when he saw me approaching and stepped away from the sign. "Hey, you able to help me out with hanging this tonight?" he asked me. "Of course," I said. "I gotta help you fly your nerd flag somehow." "Yeah, says the guy with the Lord of the Rings concept art cycling as his desktop screen," Leo rolled his eyes. "It's for my work," I said. "Top-notch inspiration." And then I realized I hadn't opened my laptop in days; not since I'd finished the questionnaire that had led to Erica choosing me. And Ivy for that matter. I hadn't checked emails, I hadn't reached out to contacts. Fuck, I hadn't even sent in my last work-for-hire backgrounds. "Whatever," Leo laughed and punched me in the arm. "Look, when you go in there, just know it wasn't my idea, Okay? I only helped them move the stuff." "What does that mean?" I asked. "You'll see," Leo said cryptically. I ducked through the blanket door and immediately saw what Leo was talking about. Space had been cleared in the center of our sheltered yard for three of the heavy Adirondack deck chairs, and laying in those chairs were Danielle, Erica and Ivy. Each of them was wearing a bikini and were glistening with sunscreen and sweat from the sun as they tanned. They had a Bluetooth speaker playing songs from their phones; I suspected Erica was trying to convince the younger two women of the virtues of mid-2000s pop punk. "Oh, good," Erica said, grinning as she saw me coming into the yard. She lifted her glass. "Um, excuse me, waiter? We could use a top-up, please." I snorted and shook my head, walking over. All three of the women were in two-piece swimsuits, though I suspected Danielle and Ivy's were possibly part of their stripping gear rather than actual bikinis. Both of their suits were more string than fabric and left little to the imagination. Erica's was a bit more conservative, though really not by that much because of her swathe of cleavage. "What are we drinking today, ladies?" I asked. "I made up a pitcher of sangria," Erica said. "It's in the fridge in our place. You would be the absolute love of my life if you were to go get it for us, please?" "I thought I already was the love of your life?" I asked with a smile. "You are," Erica smiled back. "But this will get you to the front of the line for my next life, too. How about that?" "Does that go for all of you?" I asked. "Absolutely," Ivy grinned. "I think I could definitely do worse," Danielle grinned. "But I think Leo might have something to say about that." "Harri can take my brother," Erica chuckled. "Don't worry, Danni. Just sell your future soul to Harri, what's the worst that could happen?" "Fine. My future love life for a refill of sangria," Danielle giggled. I fetched the pitcher and poured for the three women, unable to wipe the grin from my lips as I watched and listened to them bantering back and forth happily. By mid-afternoon, the tanning was over and after a quick fuck in the RV Erica and I were lounging in the Adirondacks, each of us with a sketchbook in hand. "What are you working on?" I asked. "I know you've been as frustrated as I have over the last month." "A tattoo design for Ivy," Erica said, her brow creased as she tapped her pencil against her lips thoughtfully. "Now that I have a future canvas, I feel like I can concentrate again. Plus the sex helps a lot." You laughed and nodded. "Got your creative juices flowing, huh?" "Got all my juices flowing, baby," she grinned at me. "What about you? I've got Ivy, and Danielle wants me to design something for her now, too. What's got you drawing again?" I smiled a little and shrugged. "Just figured out my muse," I said. "And what's that?" she asked. "Come on, don't be shy." I turned my sketchbook around so that Erica could see the portrait I had been sketching of her. She looked at it and blushed, biting her lower lip. "Just the most beautiful thing in the world," I told her. "You know," Erica said. "It kinda looks like you're drawing me naked." "That's cause I'm drawing you from the shoulders up," I said. "Yeah, but would you?" she asked. "Would I what? Draw you naked?" "Or Ivy?" "Are you asking me to draw you like one of my French girls?" I asked. Erica barked out a laugh at the reference and threw her pencil at me. "Yes, maybe I am," she said. "Now give me back my pencil." "You threw it at me," I said, fetching it off the ground. "Come and get it." We ended up in each other's arms and making out, me halfway to taking her back into the RV for round two, when someone rang the doorbell. "Who is it?" I shouted over the wall. "It's me," Vanessa called and ducked through the blanket door without waiting for a response. "Sorry, but we've got a problem," she said. "I think I'm going to need you down at the road again." "Fuck," I said. "Is it Kara?" "It's a lot more than that bitch," Vanessa said. I changed and this time Vanessa drove us both down in her company-branded pickup truck. Erica, having already staked her claim on me in front of Kara in her eyes, decided to hang back and let Ivy finish what I'd started. I was sure sending me away with that picture in my mind was done on purpose. As we were nearing the bottom of the driveway, I could hear the noise of the protest through the closed windows and over the engine of the truck. "Fuck me," I said. "Yeah," Vanessa nodded. The end of the driveway was packed with people, shoulder to shoulder, blocking traffic. They were three rows deep and singing a protest chant. Every single one of them was dressed in bright colors, showing their allegiance to the Band and proudly shouting for all they were worth. Opposing them, about ten feet up the drive, was a slim, single row of burly construction workers just watching the protest happen. "Those guys really can't let themselves get baited," I said. "If something happens, it doesn't matter who said what or what can hold up in court. There'll be big, scary motherfuckers showing up wanting to do some damage and I don't think your boys are ready for that." "I know, I already told them," Vanessa said. "But I'll tell them again. You'd be surprised how much threatening someone's big, fat bonus checks can keep them calm and focused." We got out of the truck and I walked down to the line of workers, rubbing at the stubble on my chin as I considered the protestors. There were easily fifty of them blocking the driveway, and there was already a backup of two flatbed trucks on the highway, plus a half dozen cars that looked more like they just wanted to get by rather than come in. Another thirty or so protestors were strung out on either side of the highway in both directions, holding up signs and doing the organizational things to keep the protestors going. "Pretty good turnout," I said offhandedly. "A lot bigger than last time." "When was the last time?" Vanessa asked. "Five years ago," I said. "Kara tried to sue for an injunction on my father's Will, and about a dozen protestors showed up to the courthouse the day she got shot down." "Any chance they'll get tired and go home?" Vanessa asked. I scanned the crowd and the vehicles parked up and down the highway. I already knew there were about thirty military-age males in the protest, and I could see people opening the backs of vans where I spotted supply caches of water and food. I could also see the determination on the faces of the crowd, and hear the declarations of a couple of different women holding loudspeakers. The rhetoric, and emotions, were ramped up more than usual. The anti-government hate was high, and now that they knew they weren't fighting Me but rather the Government it seemed to steel their resolve. "Not a shot," I said. I stepped forward and the shouting got louder. Likely every single person in that crowd knew who I was, while I had no idea who most of them were. But with every step I took, they shouted louder. Finally, halfway between the lines, they seemed to be at a fever pitch and I just stopped and waited. They kept going for a good five minutes before Kara pushed her way through and walked up to me, masked behind those bandanas again. "I told you this would happen," Kara said over the shouting and chanting. "You didn't think I could do it, but look at us. Look at us, Harrison! We will not let this happen to our land." "Kara," I said loudly. "How do you think this ends?" "Only one way," Kara shouted. "The Feds surrender to our rightful claim, and stop their colonization efforts, and we take back what's ours." "This is dangerous, Kara," I said, gesturing at the crowd. "What?" she shouted back. "I said this is dangerous, Kara," I shouted. "Every person here is in danger." "Are you threatening us?" Kara shouted, playing it up for the crowd behind her. "Going to kill us, like your family has done for generations?" "Jesus fuck," I said, shaking my head. "Kara, this doesn't end the way you think it does. I'm going to pray for you, honest to God." Kara just held up her middle finger at me, pointed her other at Vanessa behind me, and turned and walked away to the cheers of her people. I shrugged and went back to Vanessa. "Yeah, they aren't leaving," I said. "I already called my Dad," Vanessa said. "He's coming down and will want to meet with you." "Sure," I nodded. "If they let him through." About thirty minutes later the protesters were still going strong, and another three flatbeds with either supplies or heavy machinery were backed up on the highway, along with dozens of cars. Vanessa was doing as much as she could to keep her workers at least a dozen yards away from the crowd of protestors; the last thing she wanted was for them to need to get quarantined waiting on a half dozen new tests. Or worse, actually catch something. I did my best to help her juggle phones, calling various General Foremen to get incoming trucks rerouted to staging areas and to keep those that were stuck in the traffic in their cabs or else they couldn't enter the site. Eventually she got a call, spoke quickly and then hung up. "Harri, this might be a big ask, but could you do me a favor?" she asked. "The government paid me a lot of money for my land and doing favors," I said. "But you've gone out of your way plenty for me and Leo and the girls. Favors come free to you, Vee." She rolled her eyes. "Who told you my brothers call me that?" "No one, just felt natural," I chuckled. "I call Erica 'E' sometimes, and I'm sure I'll end up calling Ivy 'I've' at some point." "Alright, well, 'H,'" she said. "My dad is parked down at the edge of the property on the highway and doesn't want to get too close to the traffic. Could you hike out to him and bring him back?" "Sure," I said. I looked up at the sun and then out at the woods. "Um, from here... it's probably faster if I grab an ATV. Would he be squeamish about riding double with me?" Vanessa snorted. "He probably wouldn't be, but he's also got a gut the size of your ATVs so it would be a tight fit." "Alright, guess we're hiking. I can rough it and reach him in about twenty minutes," I said. "I'll take a smoother way back for him, so we'll get here in under an hour." "Got it, I'll let him know you're on your way. Thanks," she said, patting my arm. "Try to take it easy on him, he growls like a bear but he's still my Dad." "Hey, he's the big man in charge. Gotta keep him happy or else I'll find myself with the worst workers for my house, right?" "Very true," she laughed. I started hiking back up the driveway a little ways, and then diverted into the woods, hoping that the protestors would miss that I was skirting away from them. I was very glad I had changed from my lounging around clothes; rough jeans and my hiking boots were a lot sturdier in the rocky bush than athletic shorts and sandals. The raucousness of the protestors was quickly muffled by the forest to a dull roar, and it felt good to get away from them. It was weird. After spending months in isolation with Leo and Erica, we'd been getting used to so many people around again with the workers and adding Ivy and Danielle to our weird little family dynamic. But a crowd like that, all packed together? That was exactly what the quarantine orders were warning against. "Harrison!" My name cut through the muffle of the trees and shrubs, and I turned and saw Kara quickly jogging through the woods to catch up with me. "Kara, what the fuck are you doing? You're trespassing," I said. "So throw me off your land," Kara said, coming to a stop about ten feet from me and putting her hands on her hips. "Oh wait, that's right, it's not your land anymore." I rolled my eyes. "You can take off the bandanas if you want. We're fine this far apart." She did so, pulling them down to hang around her neck. Kara was still as beautiful as the day we'd broken up, though she'd grown up a lot. Where I was such a mix that it was hard to tell I had any Native American in my bloodstream, she had that classic warm skin tone and thick black hair. She'd been taking care of herself well, fit and a little thinner than Erica was, but with a similar strong jawline to my girlfriend. Her lips were as full as I remembered though, and I could almost feel her kissing me again like all those years ago behind the corner of the biology classroom in high school, or laying out in the back of my old beater pickup under the stars. "What's going on, Harri?" she asked me. "I thought we'd at least hit a status quo or something." "Oh, the one where you file a lawsuit against me every couple of years, and the judge shuts you down, but I keep having to rack up legal fees?" "No," she said. "Well, sort of. I thought we were keeping things above board. No games, no gimmicks. Not getting historical." I grimaced. "Well, we did," I said. "So what the fuck?" she said, throwing her arms wide. "What the fuck is all of this?" "Kara, think about it for one fucking second without your prejudice. Imagine I'm not just doing this as a 'Fuck You' from my family tree to the Band," I said. "A week ago I wouldn't have thought any of this would be happening. A week ago I was happily living my life and would have stayed that way straight through the end of the world if I had to. Do you seriously think I've done this on some whim?" "Why, then? What are they doing? What are they offering you?" she demanded. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," I said. "And even if you did, I think you're too far into this already to walk it back with your people." "Try me," she said. "If you ever cared about me,” "Stop," I interrupted her. "You've used that line twice on me before, Kara. You used it when you broke up with me, and you used it again right after my father died. That line didn't work when I was at some of the lowest points in my life; do you seriously think I'll respond well to that here?" She grimaced, and I saw the realization in her eyes that I was right. That she had used that line before, and it had been pretty fucked up for her to do that. "I'm sorry," she said, and only partially through gritted teeth. "I shouldn't have done that." "Thank you," I said. My heart was pounding in my chest and I felt like I was in combat, just having this verbal sparring contest with her. I fucking hated her, but I also still knew she was the first girl I'd ever loved. The one that had broken my heart. The one that 'got away.' "Just explain it to me," Kara said, trying to be more even about it. "Please." I took a moment to breathe deeply. I wasn't barred from telling her anything. I'd tried to warn her when she'd shown up at the driveway before, but the thought of all those protestors at risk for the virus pushed me over the edge of trying to warn her again. "Kara, the government gave me the choice of accepting a huge payout for the land, or them kicking me out and taking it by eminent domain. Either way, they were going to take it and take it fast. I could either ride it, or die fighting it." "So what are they doing with it?" she asked. "Building homes," I said. "A whole gated community, it sounds like. Part of my payout was housing for myself, Leo and Valerie." "What the fuck? Why do they want a gated community way out here?" she asked. "Worst-case scenario shit," I said. "You mean the pandemic?" she asked. "Are you for fucking serious?" "Serious enough that my house got bulldozed a couple days ago," I said. "Gone. Like it was never even there." "This can't be real," Kara said. "This is absurd." "I told you that you wouldn't believe me," I said. "Well, if you were too much of a cunt to stop them, we will," Kara said, steeling herself again. "We'll have the local news down here by tomorrow, and if the Feds show up we'll have national news coverage by the end of the week." I had to try one more time. "Kara, this doesn't end the way you want it to. You're a dreamer, and I loved that about you when we were teens, but you know the real world doesn't just work like that." Kara narrowed her eyes. "Where are you going right now?" "What does that matter?" I asked. "Because I just followed you out into the woods after your little construction girlfriend was talking to you," she said. "She's not my girlfriend," I rolled my eyes. "Tell her that. She's flirting with you hard enough," Kara said. "I can see her doing it." "Even if she was, what does that have to do with you?" I asked. I knew I'd landed a blow because she got angry again. "Nothing," she said. "But I still want to know what you're doing." "I don't have to tell you that, Kara," I said. "I don't answer to you, I don't owe you anything, and I don't worship the ground you walk on. All I've got to say now is that you should go send all those people home, and hope that you haven't organized some super-spreader event here. For all the shit you've given me and my family, I don't want to see them all dead. I don't want to see you dead." Kara raised her bandanas again. "We're fighting the good fight. We're on the right side of this, Harrison. You're not." She turned and started walking back towards the road. "Fuck me," I sighed, shaking my head. That woman could still push my buttons almost fifteen years later. I pressed through the forest, making for the edge of the property and then diverting towards the road. When I reached it, I found a white and brown heavy pickup identical to Vanessa's idling on the gravel shoulder. The big guy in the driver's seat rolled down his window a crack. "What's up?" "I'm Harrison Black," I said. Another guy got out of the passenger seat and came around, slapping the hood. "Head on back to the motel," he said to the man in the truck. "I'll catch a ride back with my daughter." The guy in the truck nodded and waited for us both to back away before pulling a U-Turn and taking off down the highway. "So, you're the land guy, eh?" the man said, turning and offering me his hand. He was exactly as Vanessa had described; portly to the point of obese, with a gruff exterior that spoke of years handling his business in a rough industry and getting shit done. "I am," I said, taking his hand and shaking it firmly. "Your daughter has been fantastic to work with. Helpful and on task, and she keeps her guys in line." "I have no doubt," he said. "She grew up bossing her older brothers around and got the best of her mother and me. I'm Brent Peters, by the way. I'm sure we'll be speaking every once in a while through this project." "Good to meet you, sir," I said. "And I'm sure we will." I led Brent into the brush and got us through the roughest part until I could get us to one of the more used trails. It got a lot easier for him there, and once he had a chance to catch his breath he seemed to actually enjoy the chance to stretch his legs. He didn't know, or at least wasn't forthcoming, with any more information than Vanessa had been able to give about what was going on, but he did enjoy hearing about the sordid history of the land, my family and the Band. It took a little longer than I'd thought it would to get back to the driveway, Brent needing a couple of breaks, but we made it eventually. Vanessa grinned when she saw her father in a way that made me think she was going to run to him and hug him, but she never made the move. I had to assume that was a hard-trained response from her years working with the man; hugging your pops on a job site would probably lead to taking a lot of shit from your coworkers. Brent quickly got updated on the last hour of developments from Vanessa, and I saw his managerial side take over. Soon the line of construction workers were twenty yards back from the protestors, and he was stride-waddling forward with a medical mask stretched over his face. Kara met him halfway, and whatever they said seemed to go about as well as the talks I'd had with her myself. Again, she ended it by showing off for the protestors by giving him the double-birds. "Well, that went well," Brent sighed as he came back. "You were right, Harrison. They're stuck in. Wouldn't even help us get those trucks room to move or get out of the way of traffic." "She feels like she's got leverage," I guessed. "And they haven't had that on us for years now." "Well, I've officially done what I can," Brent said. "Time to do what every good GM does when shit like this happens." He took out his phone and started walking up the driveway away from Vanessa and me. "What's that?" I asked. "Call the client and tell them to un-fuck the situation," Vanessa smirked. The rest of the afternoon and evening was a long fucking day. There was no good way to get the workers on site off of it, and no good way to get new ones on, so Leo and I ended up walking several groups through the trails to get to the road in places out of sight of the protestors. And since the big crew vans were parked on site, Brent ended up getting access to school buses to come and pick up his guys. The second to last bus dropped off a dozen men who would take over watching the driveway and the protestors overnight; we'd already seen them breaking out tents and lanterns to hold their vigil; and the last bus out had Brent and Vanessa on board. "Client will be by in the morning," Brent said, and winked at me. "Don't you worry, bucko. You hold down the home front tonight, and the cavalry will be here in no time." "You got it," I said. "But whoever is coming, I suggest you make sure they know to take this seriously. The Band is riled up, and now they smell blood in the water. This isn't going away easily." "I'll pass that on to the Lieutenant Colonel," Brent nodded. He shook my hand again and stepped onto the bus. "See you tomorrow, H," Vanessa grinned at me. "Not if I see you first, Vee," I chuckled. She stepped up into the bus and I heard her voice raise immediately. "Alright, you Gorillas. Grab your fuckin' seats and stay there. I swear to Christ if one of you pisses me off, I'll confiscate your fuckin' dinner, got it?" I laughed, and could see the construction workers grinning in their seats as the bus did a three-point turn and pulled away. The sun was getting low when I finally hiked out of the bush and back into view of our little compound. Erica was waiting for me with a smile and a plate of stir fry. "What's the word, Harri?" "They're still down there," I said. "There are some workers keeping an eye on the driveway. Could you throw on a big pot of coffee for me and dig one of the thermoses out of storage?" "Harri, if they've got some of their workers down there, it's not your job to supervise. I'm sure Vanessa and her Dad left someone in charge." "They did," I said. "And I'm not going down there. I'm staying up here." I shoveled the stir fry down, relishing in the spicy kick Erica liked to cook with. Inside our little compound I gave Ivy a kiss, apologizing that I wouldn't be seeing her in bed for the night. Then I went to the storage container closest to my RV. The one with my gun safe. "What's the word?" Leo asked me when he found me. I had a lantern flashlight on and was loading rounds into my father's Model 700. "Jesus, Harri. What the fuck?" I doubted he was commenting on me loading the Remington hunting rifle. We'd used it plenty when we were hunting during deer season; it was a solid, reliable tool. No, I knew he was reacting to the other firearms I had out. My M9 was already holstered on my hip, a copy of my service sidearm that had served me so well through my tour and as an MP, and my DDM4V1 was laid out, waiting for me to do a quick check it was still in good order. "Just taking precautions," I said. I was already trying to get into the right mindset. "What does that even mean? What are you doing?" "There's about a hundred protesters down there, last I counted. More keep arriving," I told Leo, loading the last round into the 700 and checking the safety before setting it down. I fished a handful more.308's out of the ammo box in the safe and fed them into the bandolier shoulder strap for the hunting rifle. "Problem is, they're pissed off. Not just about the construction, but at all the other shit going on right now. And pissed-off people do dumb shit." "So what, you're going to go all Alamo on us?" Leo asked. "For real, Harri. Nothing's going to happen. They're down there, we're up here." "Leo," I said. "I'm not asking you to do anything you don't want to. The Bear shotgun is in my RV. Do me a favor and keep it handy tonight. If I miss something, I'd rather you have it than not." "Harri,” "Dude, just stop," I said. I'd finished with the.308s and started taking apart the DDM4V1 and giving it a quick clean. It was a budget purchase that I'd made prioritizing reliability over flashy shit, and the 'scary one' in my collection when it came to civilians. Erica hadn't even liked the idea of me owning it when we gave her the tour of my firearms and taught her the safety protocols for them. Leo had only ever fired it once. Both of the siblings had said the same thing; 'If you have the rifles and shotguns and the handgun, why do you need a machine gun?' This sort of thing was why I needed it. And it wasn't a 'machine gun.' "I'm not planning, or hoping, to kill someone tonight. If I have to use the DDM4 or my sidearm, something has gotten really fucked," I said. "But I'm also not taking any chances. Sometime tonight, there's going to be people sneaking up into the construction yard to cause mischief, and they aren't going to know the difference between the construction yard and where we're living. Maybe they hear us and they stay clear, or maybe they don't. I'm not taking that chance." Leo watched me cleaning my rifle, and glanced out at the darkening sky, and then back to me. "What should I do?" he asked. A wave of relief washed over me; it had been years since I'd served, and every instinct I had was telling me to do what I was doing, but that civilian part of my brain was second-guessing everything. Leo agreeing told me I was being logical, even if he didn't like it or I turned out to be wrong. "Just be with the girls tonight," I said. "I can handle the yard, you stay with them. Think of it like a shitty tower defense game. If I do my job, you'll never have to do anything." He nodded and left me to my work. Surprisingly, it was Danielle who came to see me next. "What can I do to help?" she asked. Her Australian accent was sounding stronger, the California valley girl part of it dropping with her serious demeanor. "Nothing, I've got it," I said. She'd caught me as I was strapping on my ghillie suit; another item that Leo and Erica had found silly to own considering we didn't need it for hunting deer. It had honestly been more of a gag item in my collection than anything until tonight. "Harrison, I'll remind you that my Dad was military, yeah?" she said. "I grew up outside the city. I know how to work a firearm." I took a breath and looked at her. Even at night, by the light of a lantern, she looked like an elven beauty despite the cutoff denim shorts and zippered knit sweater. "Can you handle a handgun?" I asked. "I've shot the head of an Eastern Brown from ten paces away when it was threatening to bite my dog," she said. "I assume that's a snake?" "A fucking poisonous one," Danielle said. "Alright," I nodded. "Under the passenger seat of my truck is a gun case with my pop's old 1911 and a couple of magazines. Hang on to it for tonight. Try not to freak out Erica or Ivy, and if you hear shots tonight don't let Leo come looking for me, let alone Erica and Ivy. If they leave the RVs it'll just make things worse." "Okay," she said with a serious nod, then stepped towards me, hugged me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks." "For what?" I asked as she stepped back. "For being the man I figured you were," she said. "Leo's all mine and I'm happy with that, but like I told you; you remind me of all the good parts of my Dad. I'm glad I have Leo and you around." She left to fetch the pistol, and I finished strapping on the ghillie suit and slung my two rifles over my shoulders and closed the gun safe. When I was finished slamming the storage container closed, I turned around to find Ivy and Erica both looking at me with their arms crossed. "Both of you, huh?" I asked. "Yes, both of us," Erica said. "United front," Ivy said. "Look,” "Shut up, Harrison," Erica said, and then they were both hugging me while being careful around the firearms. "Just be careful." "Extra careful," Ivy said, burying her face into the strings of the ghillie suit in my chest and then immediately pulling back with a wince. "Ugh, this smells terrible." "Yeah, well it's not exactly the sort of thing you clean very often," I shrugged. "Whatever," Erica said and kissed me. Ivy kissed me as well, looking at me with those big eyes of hers with concern. "So you're not going to try and convince me this isn't necessary?" I asked. "Wouldn't do anything except lead to a fight we couldn't win," Erica said. "You're too stubborn not to do it." "And too brave," Ivy added. "That too," Erica smiled sadly. Then she handed me the big thermos of coffee. "Come back to us in one piece." "I will," I said. "Don't worry. But if you two hear anything tonight, if there's any gunfire, don't come looking for me. Just stay in the RVs and hunker down from the windows. If you come looking for me, you'll add more danger and not take it away, alright?" They both agreed, though I could tell Erica didn't like it. I could only imagine her sprinting across the construction yard, bullets flying everywhere, screaming my name as she worried I'd been shot. Hell, she'd probably pick me up and carry me to safety if it were true, but she'd also likely never get to me in the first place if things were that bad. I kissed them both again, then stalked off into the night. I ended up settling into a nook on the side of the hill to the south of the construction yard, with a clear view of about two-thirds of the yard and most importantly the RV compound. I unslung my rifles and carefully positioned myself in a comfortable prone position I was going to be able to manage for a long time. I'd never gone through Sniper training, but I'd picked up enough from my Bootcamp, talking with other soldiers and from movies to know a thing or two; not to mention years of hunting. So I cracked the thermos and took a sip of the hot, strong coffee, and started my watch. I saw them moving through the trees at around 02:30 in the morning down on the east side of the yard near the driveway. They must have skirted around the construction worker picket line and followed the driveway up, but they were still in the shadows so I couldn't tell how many there were, or what they were carrying. The only reason I spotted them early at all was because someone was flicking a flashlight up occasionally. I had the 700 cradled in my arms, and I slowly rolled into position but didn't sight down the scope yet. I didn't have any night vision gear, and while the simple Leopold scope easily gave me the range to tag anything moving down there, I wouldn't know what I was hitting. They stopped at the edge of the tree line, and I could only imagine the nerves they were feeling looking out over the open area. There were seven portables set up holding various offices now, and half a dozen big crew vans that had been left behind for the night along with some of the company pickup trucks. The pilings and supplies to erect the bigger barracks were also looming in the big, open space. "Just take a look and leave," I muttered quietly to myself, willing whoever was down there to not make this worse than it could be. Five minutes went by before a figure began to creep out of the tree line, crossing the rise of the hill and slipping towards the yard. From the distance I was at, I couldn't see them clearly enough other than to tell they were probably wearing a backpack; not a big deal in and of itself, but my training was screaming at me. 'Anything' meant anything. That backpack could hold weapons, or communications equipment, or even an I E D. I sighted in on the figure. It was a man, military age but young. I couldn't see much of his face between the black bandana over his nose and mouth and a ball cap backwards on his head. My finger tightened just a fraction on the trigger when I saw the flash of metal in his hand, but my hesitation saved his life; he was carrying a can of spray paint. He reached what he thought was the shelter of the first building; and it was shelter if he thought a guard was patrolling inside the yard. But I wasn't inside the yard, and instead I was looking at him dead on along the length of the building as he took off his backpack and then turned, motioning back towards the tree line. A half dozen more figures began quickly creeping across the hillside. I had a choice; if that backpack was full of spray-paint and that was all they were there to do, it would be annoying vandalism at worst as long

Episode 328: Should I take hormones? In this episode, I dive deep into the evolving conversation around hormone therapy—where we've been, where we are, and where we need to go. If you've been confused, scared, or unsure about hormones, this one's for you. I break down the myths, share the science, and explain why education—not fear—should drive our health decisions. I talk about the crucial difference between vaginal and systemic hormones, the benefits of both, and why so many women are missing out simply because they've never been properly informed. I also touch on the role of GLP-1 medications, not just for weight, but as part of a broader discussion around midlife health. We also get into the realities of perimenopause—what's normal, what's not, and how to stop dismissing symptoms as “just aging.” I explain why hormone therapy isn't just about hot flashes—it's a longevity and quality-of-life tool. The truth? Living decades post-menopause without hormones can come with real risks. But with the right education, you get to choose what's right for you. Reminder: knowledge is power—and the foundation of empowered healthcare. Takeaways: The narrative around hormone therapy is changing—from fear-based to informed and empowering. Education is the single most important tool in making good decisions about your health. Vaginal estrogen and DHEA are safe and effective for many postmenopausal women. Perimenopause isn't just “normal aging”—hormonal shifts can cause real symptoms worth treating. GLP-1 medications are part of a bigger picture of metabolic and hormonal health. It's never too late: women post-menopause can still benefit from hormone therapy. Hormones play a critical role in preventive health, including protecting your bones and brain. We need to stop misunderstanding breast cancer risk in the context of hormone therapy. Choosing to live without hormones comes with its own set of risks—know them before deciding. Want more honest, empowering conversations like this one?⁠⁠⁠ Preorder my Next Book⁠⁠⁠ , share this episode, and leave a review to help others find this important work. Let's stop leaving women out of the conversation—especially when it comes to sex, health, and healing. Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and expand pleasure with resources, advice, and the most exciting pleasure products with Good Vibes, and save 10% with coupon code NOTBROKEN10 at ⁠goodvibes.com/menopause⁠ Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Paige Gutheil and Jen Delvaux explore a range of topics related to women's health, particularly focusing on issues surrounding breast cancer, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and the impact of these factors on overall well-being. They discuss the safety and efficacy of vaginal estrogen, the complexities of hormone replacement therapy in relation to breast cancer, and the importance of digestive health post-menopause/cancer. The conversation also delves into joint pain management for cancer survivors, hair loss related to hormonal changes, and the emerging role of GLP-1 medications after breast cancer. Finally, they emphasize the significance of stress management and the need for women to prioritize their health and happiness. Connect with Dr. Paige here: https://www.drpaige.com AnaOno: Intimate where for breast cancer survivors Join The Cancer Community HERE Hormone Safe Cleaning Products: HERE Magnesium from Seeking Health Supplements  Third Party Tested Protein Powder Use HELLO10 for $10 off The BLUEPRINT from Results to Rising details HERE FREE Download of cancer fighting vegan recipes: HERE Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendelvaux/ EMAIL ME: coachjennyd@gmail.com FAVORITE TEA: Pique Tea:  https://www.piquetea.com/?rfsn=5818415.d1d969a&utm_source=affiliate

In this electrifying continuation of our two-part series with intimacy and Tantra coach Hani Cheng, we go deeper—literally and energetically—into the vast world of orgasmic potential. From full-body waves to cervical transcendence, Hani walks us through the art of tapping into deeper pleasure, emotional release, and spiritual connection through Tantra and Taoist principles. We also explore the fascinating concept of the mystery orgasm, where pleasure becomes an intuitive, ever-evolving experience. Hani opens up about her personal journey with this powerful sensation and offers listeners tools to awaken their own multidimensional pleasure pathways. In this episode, we cover: What the mystery orgasm is and how to access it The difference between clitoral, G-spot, cervical, and full-body orgasms How breath, voice, and emotion play key roles in sexual energy Why orgasm isn't the goal—presence is The practice of daily pleasure and body awareness How to co-create novel experiences with your partner Hani's take on squirting, self-pleasure, and releasing performance pressure An intro to vaginal reflexology and the emotional connections stored in the body Connect with Eve: Support the Podcast: Become a ⁠Patreon⁠ member for ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and early access Website: Please Me Online - Reach Eve and stay connected. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation to talk about coaching for health or intimacy, or to explore physical therapy services for sexual health concerns? First, book your appointment here: calendly.com/pleasemebyevecreations/10-min-call-me-on-owwll. Then, download the OWWLL app and use my free call code EH576472 so we can connect directly on the platform. I look forward to supporting you on your personal intimacy journey! Subscribe for free to ASN Magazine so you can check out Eve's column Big Clit Energy: A Please Me! Series. Connect with Hani Cheng: Hani Cheng's Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful and informative episode, Lisa is joined by nurse and menopause health coach Amanda Otterman to unpack the realities of perimenopause and menopause. Amanda shares her deeply personal health journey—from adenomyosis to hysterectomy—and how it led her to become a passionate advocate for women's health. Together, they explore the lack of education, the stigma around hormone therapy, and why vaginal estrogen is more than just a “nice to have.” They dive into what it really means to support women through midlife, how men can better understand and show up during this transition, and why community connection and honest conversations matter now more than ever. ✨ Key Takeaways: Amanda's journey began with adenomyosis and resulted in a hysterectomy. Many women are left in the dark about perimenopause and menopause. Community education and workshops are essential for empowerment. Men need education too—so they can support the women in their lives. Midlife can be overwhelming; support systems are everything. Hysterectomies often create confusion around menopause symptoms. Vaginal estrogen is an underused tool that can improve quality of life. Hormone therapy advocacy is still deeply needed. A holistic, collaborative approach to women's health changes everything. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Menopause Advocacy 01:04 Amanda's Personal Journey with Menopause 03:40 Transitioning from Nursing to Menopause Coaching 06:55 The Importance of Education in Menopause 09:18 Understanding the Impact of Menopause on Relationships 11:04 The Challenges of Aging and Caregiving 12:21 The Hormonal Chaos of Menopause 16:09 The Misconceptions Surrounding Hysterectomies 21:04 The Importance of Comprehensive Care in Menopause 26:41 Advocacy for Hormone Replacement Therapy 29:47 The Need for Vaginal Estrogen Awareness 31:04 The Safety of Vaginal Estrogen 32:29 Advocacy for Vaginal Estrogen 34:16 The Crisis of UTIs in Women 36:47 The Importance of Education in Menopause 39:16 Navigating Controversies in Menopause Advocacy 44:51 Scarcity Mentality Among Women 47:29 The Role of Personal Experience in Advocacy 50:49 The Holistic Approach to Menopause 56:16 Individualized Treatment Plans for Menopause Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Got questions or feedback? Drop us a message at lisa@liberatedmenopause.ca Download my Free Guide - How To Reignite Your Purpose Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Guilty!

What are the stages of birth and what actually happens when you go into labour? We go to Med School to find out what a decidual cast is and what happens when it falls out of your uterus. And in our Quick Consult, could your menstrual cup be causing UTIs? In this episode, we talk to Obstetrician & Advanced Gynaecological Surgeon Dr Nargis Noori and Clinical Midwifery Specialist Betty Holland who discuss home versus hospital birth, vaginal versus caesarean and what happens if you have an induction. They also talk about pain relief, what’s involved in an episiotomy, breastfeeding and baby brain. Plus, how to advocate for yourself in the delivery room. And, what if your baby doesn’t get the memo about your birth plan? THE END BITS For information on breastfeeding: Australian Breastfeeding Association If you're pregnant or want to learn more about pregnancy, check out Mamamia's pregnancy podcast: Hello Bump. GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. All your health information is in the Well Hub. Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriberCREDITS Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam Guests: Dr Nargis Noori & Midwife Betty Holland Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton. Visit fentonandfenton.com.au Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 194: Things get even juicier in part two of this girl chat with Fi. We're talking everything from painful cysts to coconut lube regrets (yes, really), plus how Fi's journey with semaglutide has evolved—from tough side effects to finding balance. We also unpack body image, food freedom, and the wild impact of “skinny” culture on social media. On a lighter note, Fi shares how real estate is actually lighting her up, and we reflect on what it means to build a fulfilling life in your thirties. Whether you're navigating your own transformation or just here for the girl talk, this episode is for you. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari's Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast's Instagram click here! For Mari's Newsletter click here! For Fi's Instagram click here! Sponsored By: Upgrade your kitchen with Caraway's non-toxic cookware and get 10% off at carawayhome.com/WELLNESS10 with code WELLNESS10—risk-free trial included. Clear your skin from within with CLEARSTEM. Get 20% off your first order at clearstem.com/POW using code POW. Experience next-level comfort with SKIMS. Shop now at skims.com/pow & select “podcast” to support Pursuit of Wellness. Get 20% off your first order of Foria's all-natural period relief at foriawellness.com/POW or use code POW at checkout. Clean, safe water starts at home. Take 20% off your first AquaTru purifier at AquaTru.com with code POW. Experience deeper, smarter sleep with Eight Sleep. Get $350 off the Pod 4 Ultra at eightsleep.com/pow with code POW. The new normal in health starts here. Visit functionhealth.com/POW and use code POW for a $100 credit. Show Links: Girl Chat: Fi's ER Trip & Her New Man! (Part 1) Solo: Navigating My First IVF Appointment & Fertility Challenges Boost focus and energy with Bloom Sparkling Energy—zero sugar, natural caffeine, and feel-good ingredients in a refreshing 10-calorie can. Topics Discussed 00:08 Introduction 00:44 The Bartholin cyst ordeal 11:59 Q&A 12:23 ACOTAR & fantasy book recs 14:09 Ozempic side effects & mindset shift 26:40 Body image & SkinnyTok 29:38 Wellness journeys & burnout cycles 35:19 Life updates in real estate 36:35 Helping Bloom staff relocate 38:33 Control vs. freedom in new seasons 39:36 European trip logistics chaos 40:30 Liver King's arrest & POW throwback 42:13 Turning 30 & feeling good Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I'm diving into a vital topic surrounding women's health and vaginal care with guest Dr. Dolores Fernandez. Together, we discuss normalizing conversations about genital urinary symptoms, the creation of the clean science-backed vaginal care brand Iris, and its importance in breaking stigma around women's health.  Key Moments: Understanding Vaginal Health and Vaginal Care Products Challenges and Innovations in Women's Health Guidance on Using Vaginal Moisturizers Strategies for Medical Consultations Let's dive in! Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special! Click here to listen: Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERESpotify – CLICK HERE Connect with Guest - Instagram | @lovemy.iris Instagram | @drdoloresnd Website | lovemyiris.com | use code “JENN10” for a discount at checkout!   This episode is sponsored by: withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your order St. Francis Herb Farm | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 Skin Essence Organics | Go to skinessence.ca and save 15% off your first order with code JENNPIKE15 /// Save 10% off every order with code JENNPIKE10 Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for “subscribe & save” option   Free Resources: Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast Programs: The Perimenopause Project | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject The Hormone Project Academy | jennpike.com/thehormoneproject Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced The Simplicity Women's Wellness Clinic | jennpike.com/wellnessclinic The Audacious Woman Mentorship | jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman Connect with Jenn: Instagram | @jennpike Facebook | @thesimplicityproject YouTube | Simplicity TV Website | The Simplicity Project Inc. Have a question? Send it over to hello@jennpike.com and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

Ever wish you could be a fly on the wall during my conversations with my favorite menopause experts? Well today… you are. You'll get a front-row seat to a no-filter Q&A with hormone expert Karen Martel, where we both answer your most pressing hormone questions—together. We cover: The pros and cons of oral progesterone Oral vs. vaginal progesterone—what's better and when? Whether DHEA is safe to take with estradiol and progesterone What you can really expect when starting estrogen And so much more (including a few juicy detours you didn't even know you needed) Karen is a woman, like you, like me, also going through the menopause transition herself. Her mission is to help women in this phase of life, because she knows a ton about hormones and managing the unexplained weight gain some of us get in menopause. She is not only a Certified Hormone Specialist, but she is also a Transformational Nutrition Coach, and an authority on women's weight loss. She is the host of one of my favorite podcasts called The Hormone Solution, where she unravels the enigmas of female fat loss and hormone imbalances. Check it out and you will surely learn something new and be more in charge of your wellbeing. Karen went through her own health challenges, so she understands what you may be going through and has created a revolutionary approach to women's hormone health and weight management. She goes beyond the regular advice of diet and exercise, even disrupting what we think know about weight loss. She is so incredibly passionate about supporting women during the peri and post-menopausal phases and she does an incredible job guiding them to overcome weight management obstacles. You're going to love this conversation and I know it will help you! Take the Hormone Quiz and find out which hormones could be stopping you from losing weight:  https://coaching.karenmartel.com/karens-hormone-quiz Use code ZORA50 for 50% off the OnTrack weight loss group program https://karenmartel.mykajabi.com/  ZORA creams for 10% off Contact Karen Martel: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenmartelhormones Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenmartelhormones/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfWWN_4IhMZJOXjvj8FDKIQ Podcast The Hormone Solution:  https://open.spotify.com/show/2xpg17ey4JiRcxlB0GGPeh  Give thanks to our sponsors: Qualia senolytics and brain supplements. 15% off with code ZORA here. Try Vitali skincare. 20% off with code ZORA here https://vitaliskincare.com Get Primeadine spermidine by Oxford Healthspan. 15% discount with code ZORA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Get Mitopure Urolithin A by Timeline. 20% discount with code ZORA at https://timeline.com/zora Try Suji to improve muscle 10% off with code ZORA at TrySuji.com https://trysuji.com Get Magnesium Breakthrough by Bioptimizers. 10% discount with code HACKMYAGE at https://bioptimizers.com/hackmyage Try OneSkin skincare with code ZORA for 15% off https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/3974954/2885171/31050 Join ⁠⁠⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠ before August 1, 2025 to win a free set of SUJI targeted compression bands! 10% off with code ZORA at trysuji.com https://www.trysuji.com/?ref=ZORA   Join the Hack My Age community on: Facebook Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Hack My Age⁠     Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠  Private Women's Only Support Group: https://hackmyage.com/biohacking-menopause-membership/ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠HackMyAge⁠    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HackMyAge.com⁠   

Howard and Antonia dive into their tenth season with a critical look at several new studies. Topics include:• Estrogen-soaked vaginal packing after surgery lacks evidence for benefits while carrying unnecessary costs• Recent studies on vaginal birth after cesarean deserve careful interpretation beyond aggregate outcomes• Hospital uterine rupture rate is 0.2-0.4%, with only 8% resulting in catastrophic outcomes when properly managed• Warnings against infant co-sleeping date back to ancient times, predating modern pediatric recommendations• Vaginal hysterectomy continues to decline despite shorter OR times, lower costs, and similar complication rates• Swedish study shows only 25% of ideal candidates receive vaginal hysterectomies, with projections showing disastrous decline in rates of appropriate surgeriesStay tuned for our next episode featuring Scott Guthrie discussing neonatal resuscitation and other neonatal concepts important for OB-GYNs to understand.00:00:00 Season 10 Introduction00:01:13 No Evidence for Estrogen Packs After Surgery00:10:35 VBAC Studies: Interpreting Maternal Risks00:19:12 Catastrophic Uterine Rupture: Hospital vs Home00:28:53 King Solomon and Infant Co-Sleeping Dangers00:39:50 Vaginal Hysterectomy: Declining Despite Evidence00:54:09 Cost and Time Analysis of Hysterectomy Routes01:06:24 Closing Thoughts on Season 10Follow us on Instagram @thinkingaboutobgyn.

In this episode, Dr. Karen Brodman, a seasoned gynecologist, discusses the complexities of menopause, hormone therapy, and the importance of addressing women's health issues. She emphasizes the need for personalized care and the impact of lifestyle changes on menopause symptoms. The conversation also highlights the significance of vaginal and bladder health, as well as the positive aspects of aging and maintaining optimal health. Key Takeaways: Dr. Brodman has over 40 years of experience in gynecology. Menopause symptoms can significantly affect quality of life. Hormone therapy options include both bioidentical and synthetic hormones. Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing menopause symptoms. Vaginal estrogen can effectively treat vaginal dryness and bladder issues. The internet has increased awareness about menopause and women's health. Not all women will benefit from hormone therapy; individual needs vary. Healthy aging is possible with the right lifestyle choices. Women should not fear losing their femininity during menopause. Regular check-ups are essential for managing menopause-related health issues. Links: https://www.karenbrodmanmd.com/ https://profiles.mountsinai.org/karen-f-brodman How you can stay in touch with Linda: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube SoundCloud   "Proud Sponsors of the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T" Essential Formulas

Dr. Natalie Crawford and Dr. Shieva Ghofrany dive into the often-unspoken world of women's sexual health. From hormonal changes to relationship dynamics, this episode breaks down the science and stigma surrounding libido, offering candid insights and empowering advice for women at every life stage. Key Topics: 1. Hormones and Sex Drive - The role of testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol - How hormonal changes impact intimacy 2. Perimenopause and Sexual Health - Recognizing hormonal transitions  - Managing libido changes 3. Medical Insights - Contraception and sexual side effects - Vaginal health and non-hormonal options 4. Empowerment and Self-Care  - Breaking down shame and stigma  - Loving your body through different life stages Follow Dr. Shieva Ghofrany on Instagram ⁠@drshievag⁠ Check out her website to learn more about Dr. Shieva Ghofrany and her practice. h⁠ttps://www.drshievag.com/⁠ Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive updates, Q&A, special content and freebies. If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Tuesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@nataliecrawfordmd,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fora Fertility. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vaginal estrogen is not the enemy. Outdated data is. In this crossover episode of the BackTable Urology and OBGYN podcasts, Dr. Suzette Sutherland and Dr. Yahir Santiago-Lastra delve into the persistent challenges and ongoing advocacy efforts surrounding the FDA's black box warning on vaginal estrogen. --- SYNPOSIS They explore the historical context and far-reaching influence of the 1990s Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, asserting that its misinterpretation continues to shape misconceptions and hinder effective menopause care. The discussion highlights recent data refuting the risks associated with vaginal estrogen therapies and underscores the urgent need for updated, evidence-based guidelines to support women throughout menopause. Dr. Santiago-Lastra also draws attention to gender-based inequities in hormone treatment, the robust evidence contradicting the current black box warning, and the multi-faceted advocacy required to bring about change. This episode is part of a broader series focused on various aspects of menopause. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction02:01 - Menopause Series Overview03:55 - History of the Black Box Warning on Estrogen07:26 - Understanding the Black Box Warning12:11 - The Citizen's Petition and FDA Process18:11 - Gender Inequity in Medical Treatment22:45 - Factors Resulting in Gender Inequity29:02 - Genital Urinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)29:32 - Benefits of Vaginal Estrogen33:33 - Legislative Advocacy and Medicare34:43 - Professional and Patient Advocacy36:35 - Challenges and Progress in Label Change43:35 - Historical Context and Gender Equity45:07 - Recap and Future Directions

Our guest for this episode is the hilarious actor and social media star Clara Batten! We talk about everything from writing books and kickstarting your career to what it's like to have dinner with Boris Johnson. Clara tells us how she makes her brilliant reaction videos, and what the people she's reacting to make of them. We discuss how she got banned and then unbanned from Instagram, and how her comedy has helped her return to acting after a 20 year break. We also talk about Clara's desert island drinks, her exciting new project with a close personal friend of ours, and we play a quick round of Wine Game. To finish, there are some superb Scummy Mummy Confessions, and Helen rounds everything off nicely by spectacularly insulting our guest. You can follow Clara on the socials @clara_batten_. Her excellent show, Shoot Your Shot, is on YouTube, and her book Gin and Phonics is out now. WE ARE ON OUR! This month we're bringing our new show Hot Mess to Buxton, Lancaster, Lichfield, Eastleigh, Bristol, Poole, Barnsley, Stevenage and Cheltenham... Feastival and Deer Shed Festival in the summer. Then Stamford, Loughborough, Tonbridge, Exeter, Redruth, Basingstoke, Bishop's Stortford and many more in the autumn, and beyond! Some shows are already SOLD OUT so get in quick - visit scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY! We're on X, Instagram, and Facebook @scummymummies. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send Kiona a Text Message!Heather dives deep into the details of what each of her three pregnancies was like for her. She also touches on the importance of postpartum support and following your intuition because she had to do so for her second pregnancy, which was her first home birth experience. This led her to discover that her daughter was a footling breech at home. Want to find out what happened? Tune in to this episode and let me know what you find out! Support the showThank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don't hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don't forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologic surgeon,CEO and founder of The Casperson Clinic, a modern practice dedicated to hormones and sex medicine, renowned public speaker, sex educator, and host of the top-ranking podcast You Are Not Broken. Dedicated to empowering women, Dr. Kelly blends humor, candor, and science to demystify sexual health, intimacy, and midlife wellness. Through her podcast and online courses, she tackles myths about desire and normalizes conversations around healthy, fulfilling sex. Her work also provides essential education on hormones and midlife health. Connect with Dr. Kelly on Instagram (@kellycaspersonmd) or visit kellycaspersonmd.com.Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologic surgeon who believes in the transformative power of science and the mind to reshape our understanding of sexuality and hormones. After many years of practice, a pivotal encounter with a patient ignited her deep curiosity about female sexual wellness, leading her to learn everything she could to help others.Compelled to do more, she realized that helping patients one-on-one in her clinic wasn't enough to address the widespread gap in sexual and hormonal education. Recognizing that women aren't broken in the bedroom but simply misinformed, she launched the You Are Not Broken podcast. The show quickly gained popularity, consistently ranking in the top 10 in Apple Podcasts' “Medicine” category in the U.S., and has been nominated for an AASECT award three years in a row.In 2025, Dr. Casperson expanded her mission to revolutionize women's health by founding The Casperson Clinic, a modern practice dedicated to hormones and sex medicine.Dr. Casperson's book, You Are Not Broken: Stop Should-ing All Over Your Sex Life, is available on Amazon and Audible. In 2025, she will be opening the Casperson Clinic for hormones and sex medicine, expanding her reach even further in women's health.Her book: “You Are Not Broken: Stop Should-ing All Over Your Sex Life” is out now on Amazon and Audible.kellycaspersonmd.comwww.facebook.com/yourenotbrokenwww.instagram.com/@kellycaspersonmdwww.youtube.com/@kellycaspersonmd_________________________________________________________________________________________vTry the Fringe Heals Red Light Pelvic Wand here:https://fringeheals.com/ref/467/Thank you so much for listening! I use fitness and movement to help women prevent and overcome pelvic floor challenges like incontinence and organ prolapse. There is help for women in all life stages! Every Woman Needs A Vagina Coach! Please make sure to LEAVE A REVIEW and SUBSCRIBE to the show for the best fitness and wellness advice south of your belly button. *******************I recommend checking out my comprehensive pelvic health education and fitness programs on my Buff Muff AppYou can also join my next 28 Day Buff Muff Challenge https://www.vaginacoach.com/buffmuffIf you are feeling social you can connect with me… On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VagCoachOn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vaginacoach/On Twitter https://twitter.com/VaginaCoachOn The Web www.vaginacoach.comGet your Feel Amazing Vaginal Moisturizer Here

Surgical techniques in gynecology vary widely between surgeons, creating both excitement and frustration for residents trying to learn the "right way" to perform procedures. Howard and guest host Maddie White discuss this and more:• Trocar placement during laparoscopy requires careful consideration of patient factors and potential adhesions• Elevating the abdomen during trocar placement remains standard practice, though definitive evidence on its necessity would require studies of over 100,000 patients• Surgeons should understand power analysis to recognize when studies are underpowered to detect meaningful differences in rare complications• Visceral slide technique using ultrasound can identify adhesions and determine the safest entry point for laparoscopic surgery• Palmer's point may no longer be the safest entry point for many patients given the prevalence of bariatric surgeries• Jain's point (lateral to the umbilicus) may now be statistically safer for many patients with complex surgical histories• Vaginal cuff dehiscence rates are 6-10 times higher with laparoscopic/robotic hysterectomy compared to vaginal approaches• The higher dehiscence rate stems from using energy devices for colpotomy rather than cold scalpel techniques• Barbed sutures simplify cuff closure but don't reduce dehiscence rates compared to standard suturing techniques• Surgery consists of "a thousand little things done well" - mastering these micro-skills distinguishes excellent surgeons00:00:00 Surgical Techniques: Excited and Frustrated00:08:00 Elevation During Trocar Placement 00:17:00 Evidence and Power Analysis00:21:35 Visceral Slide Technique00:35:10 Alternative Trocar Entry Points00:40:10 Cuff Closure and Dehiscence Risk00:51:45 Laparoscopic vs Vaginal Colpotomies01:03:00 First Accredited OB-GYN Residency ProgramFollow us on Instagram @thinkingaboutobgyn.

Ian Kerner, nationally recognized sex therapist and author, joins Dr. Rena Malik to discuss the essentials of a fulfilling sex life, including communication, sexual scripts, psychological arousal, and the importance of both novelty and familiarity in intimate relationships. The conversation covers strategies for reigniting desire and maintaining the spark in long-term partnerships, practical tips for pleasuring partners, overcoming sexual shame and avoidance, using fantasy and psychological stimulation, and introducing topics like pornography or non-monogamy. Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content: renamalik.supercast.com Schedule an appointment with me: https://www.renamalikmd.com/appointments ▶️Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction00:00:51 Menopause Definitions00:02:54 Estrogen and Skin00:07:05 Estrogen and Brain Health00:11:11 Estrogen and Weight Gain00:12:54 Bone Health and Osteoporosis00:18:53 Joint Health and Pain00:24:30 Mood and Depression00:28:28 Cardiovascular Health00:32:36 Vasomotor Symptoms00:36:04 Pelvic Floor, Vaginal, and Urinary Changes Stay connected with Dr. Ian Kerner on social media for daily insights and updates. Don't miss out—follow him now and check out these links! INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/iankernerlmft/ https://amzn.to/44btgKo Let's Connect!: WEBSITE: http://www.renamalikmd.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD TWITTER: http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/renamalikmd/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/RenaMalikMD ------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. The content of this podcast is my personal opinion, and not that of my employer(s). Use of this information is at your own risk. Rena Malik, M.D. will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evvy, a vaginal microbiome testing and care company, launched in 2021 with a mission to close the gender health gap by leveraging overlooked female biomarkers. Through its platform, the company has built the world's largest dataset on the vaginal microbiome and is using this novel data to drive better outcomes in women's health.

Wendy Strgar is the founder of Good Clean Love. Wendy shares her journey from personal health struggles to creating innovative products that support the vaginal microbiome and women's reproductive health. The conversation explores the challenges women face in healthcare, the importance of trusting one's body, and the need for compassionate, science-based solutions. Wendy also discusses her commitment to women's empowerment and the healing power of love, encouraging listeners to embrace self-advocacy and community support in their health journeys. Connect with Wendy: https://goodcleanlove.com Her Drive's Website: https://her-drive.com Her Drive's Instagram: https://instagram.com/herdrivepodcast  

Y'all, today's episode is not about theory. It is about action. I'm walking you through what it really takes to transition from using vaginal dilators to having pain-free, pleasurable sex. We're talking consistency, mindset, muscle recovery, and how to stop making dilation feel clinical and start making it feel sensual. Whether you're single, partnered, or just tired of feeling stuck, this episode is your roadmap to taking control of your body and your pleasure. Let's get to work because buttery, juicy sex is possible for you.Vaginismus 2 VAGLICIOUS 3 Day Master course, July 1-3rd click HERETo sign up for our 8 Week Pain Free Sex Program, schedule a call with me to make sure we're a fit & get you onboarded! It's time for you to be free, fearless & experiencing buttery sex! Click here to book your call with me today: https://www.vaginarehabdoctor.com/our-services/ Join our private Vaginismus Strategy & Support Group on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/274014645123366/ Follow me on Instagram @vaginarehabdoctor Leave a 5 star review if you are learning from and loving this podcast! Email us with any questions about working with us: support@vaginarehabdoctor.com Produced by Light On Creative Productions

Hysterectomy and dehiscence.

Dr. Anne Truong is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of clinical experience and a trailblazer in the field of regenerative medicine and men's sexual health. Known for her outside-the-box approach, she helps patients heal the cause of sexual dysfunction—not just mask the symptoms. Through her practice, Dr. Anne has helped countless individuals reclaim their vitality, confidence, and quality of life. Her patients, lovingly called “Vitality Warriors,” trust her integrative, patient-centered methods that blend cutting-edge regenerative therapies with nutrition, hormone balancing, lifestyle support, and deep education.

In this essential episode of the Sex with Emily podcast, Dr. Emily sits down with Dr. Ina Park, associate professor at UCSF School of Medicine and author of "Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs." From her early days as a peer educator dressed as a giant condom at UC Berkeley to becoming a leading expert in sexual health, Dr. Park brings both humor and expertise to one of the most stigmatized topics in sexual wellness. We dive deep into the myths and realities surrounding STIs, exploring why HPV is truly "the common cold of the genitals" that nearly everyone will encounter, how herpes stigma far outweighs its actual health impact, and why people who know their status are actually safer partners than those who don't. Dr. Park shares fascinating insights about everything from The Bachelor's problematic STI testing to the connection between pubic hair grooming and infection risk. This conversation tackles the shame and fear that keep us from having honest discussions about sexual health, while providing practical advice on testing, disclosure, and maintaining healthy relationships regardless of STI status. We also explore the vaginal microbiome, why some people are more susceptible to infections, and promising new treatments on the horizon. Key Topics Covered: HPV: Why it's unavoidable and how to think about it differently Herpes disclosure and reducing transmission risk The truth about oral sex and STI transmission Pubic hair, Brazilian waxes, and infection risk Vaginal health and the microbiome Why knowing your status makes you a safer partner Breaking down STI stigma and shame Dr. Park's refreshing approach reminds us that STIs are simply part of being sexually active humans, and that knowledge, communication, and compassion are our best tools for sexual wellness. Show Notes:  00:00:00 - Dr. Park's journey from condom costume to STI expert 07:00:00 - HPV: The common cold of the genitals 14:00:00 - Herpes myths, realities, and disclosure strategies 22:00:00 - Oral sex and STI transmission risks 26:00:00 - Pubic hair grooming and infection risk 31:00:00 - Vaginal microbiome and bacterial balance 36:00:00 - Listener Q&A: Real STI concerns answered 42:00:00 - Breaking stigma and having better conversations This episode emphasizes that sexual health is part of overall wellness, and that honest, shame-free conversations about STIs can transform how we approach intimate relationships. Join the SmartSX Membership : ⁠https://sexwithemily.com/smartsx ⁠ Access exclusive sex coaching, live expert sessions, community building, and tools to enhance your pleasure and relationships with Dr. Emily Morse. List & Other Sex With Emily Guides: ⁠https://sexwithemily.com/guides/ ⁠  Explore pleasure, deepen connections, and enhance intimacy using these Sex With Emily downloadable guides. SHOP WITH EMILY!:https://bit.ly/3rNSNcZ (free shipping on orders over $99) Want more? Visit the Sex With Emily Website: ⁠https://sexwithemily.com/ ⁠ Let's get social:  Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sexwithemily/⁠  X ⁠https://twitter.com/sexwithemily⁠ Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/sexwithemily⁠ TikTok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sexwithemily ⁠ Threads https:⁠//www.threads.net/@sexwithemily  ⁠ Let's text: Sign up here ⁠https://sexwithemily.com/text 

A bite-sized boost to your day! This mini is an excerpt from episode 403 with Dr. Kelly Casperson with a focus on the wide-ranging benefits of vaginal estrogen for women.

On today's Extra, Vaginal Vagabond, 23 & Me, & Josh Arnold Airlines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices