Perimenopause is already a rollercoaster—hot flashes, brain fog, and now…SURPRISE! cancer screenings.

In this episode of OvaryActive, Amy and Rebecca sit down with Gynecologic Oncologist Fernanda Musa, MD MS to tackle the less-fun-but-super-important reality: perimenopause is also prime time for gynecologic cancers.

Think of it as the sequel nobody asked for, but everybody needs to watch.

Dr. Musa brings her scalpel-sharp expertise (she is a surgeon, afterall ) and a refreshingly candid approach to topics we’d rather avoid. Cervical and uterine cancers and pesky fibroids that multiply like bad ex-boyfriends both made the list.

She tells you what’s common, what’s rare, and when you should actually worry. Hmmm…not every bloated belly means ovarian cancer, but you shouldn’t ignore it either.

Bottom line? Now you’ll know when to laugh off your perimenopausal chaos, and when to call your gynecologist.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:28] Guest intro: Dr. Fernanda Musa

[2:28] Understanding cervical cancer

[5:19] HPV screening and vaccines

[14:15] Symptoms & diagnosis of endometrial cancer

[18:11] Hormone therapy after uterine cancer

[20:28] Fibroids vs tumors (with symptoms!)

[25:55] Risks & symptoms of ovarian cancer

[32:23] Don’t brush off abnormal bleeding!

[34:20] Final thoughts and encouragement

More about Dr. Fernanda Musa:

swedish.org/doctors/gynecologic-oncology/wa/everett/fernanda-musa-1700044054

Dr. Musa on Instagram @ferniebo

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Perimenopause: when sneezing, laughing, or even thinking too hard about a trampoline suddenly becomes a bladder hazard. And guess what!? Kegels aren’t the cure-all we were promised.

In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch take us below the belt to talk pelvic floor health—the underappreciated muscle group that keeps your insides from falling out and your basement from springing a leak.

Joining the Docs is Tanya Goodrich, founder of Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy and proud owner of the best blueberry analogy you’ll ever hear. Tanya is here to prove that pelvic floor therapy isn’t scary—it’s empowering, practical, and sometimes even hilarious.

In this conversation, you’ll learn why incontinence isn’t inevitable, what “panic bladder” really means, and why your pelvic floor might be too tight (not just too loose).

Tanya also shares her signature “poo poo ritual,” tips for pain-free sex, and a crash course in blueberry lifting—yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. By the end, you’ll walk away with real strategies for bladder, bowel, and bedroom health… and a few jokes you’ll never un-hear.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:56] Meet Tanya Goodrich

[3:18] What the heck is the pelvic floor?

[5:17] Pelvic floor PT

[6:37] Perimenopause and incontinence

[8:56] Kegels are cancelled

[11:01] Stop peeing “just-in-case”

[20:01] Let’s talk about poop

[27:44] Chronic pelvic pain

[33:18] Sex, menopause, & pain

[42:34] Self-care is NOT scary

Links:

healthypelvis.com

@thehealthypelvis on Instagram

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

If perimenopause has turned your brain to mush and your patience to vapor, fear not—we’ve got your next reading list and your next excuse to hide in a closet with a book.

In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch tackle the hot topic of hot flashes and paperbacks, reminding us that reading is not just fundamental—it’s survival.

These two brilliant minds dive into why reading is a legit form of self-care during perimenopause––wine and doomscrolling can only take you so far. From brain health and stress reduction to reconnecting with yourself when your hormones have ghosted you, they make the case for curling up with a good book—no matter the genre.

You’ll get recs for everything from practical guides like The Menopause Manifesto and The Vagina Bible, to erotica that might just make your estrogen do a double take. Plus, empowering fiction, spicy sci-fi, feminist fantasy, and memoirs that scream “same, girl, same.”

Tune in to fill your TBR pile and your soul. Share this episode and start a book club!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:34] Reading is fundamental

[2:54] Reading instead of scrolling

[5:20] Book Recs: Women’s health, perimenopause, and sexual health

[19:04] Book Recs: Erotica, romance, & beach reads

[24:47] Book Recs: Throwbacks, perimenopause fiction, hot “flush”, & fun fiction

[37:26] Fun Reads from Rebecca: Sci-fi and fantasy

[42:20] Fun reads from Amy: Historical fiction, light reads, murder mysteries

[47:23] Final thoughts

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Welcome to the wild west of perimenopause, where hot flashes meet hashtags and popular influencers suddenly have a lab test recommendation—thanks, TikTok. Hormone lab testing is “trending” and the Docs are taking a skeptical scalpel to the flood of hormone lab testing trends that have invaded exam rooms and inboxes alike.

In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su go over which hormone tests are actually helpful and which ones are just good at emptying your wallet. Remember: just because your favorite influencer swears by a saliva test doesn’t mean your ovaries agree.

They explain why testing isn’t always the best next step, even if AI says so. This episode has everything you wanted to know about hormone testing (minus the woo, plus the wisdom).

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:45] Social media and AI’s influence on patient expectations

[2:45] Understanding labs

[3:37] Estrogen, progesterone, and other commonly requested tests

[11:16] Progesterone: When and why to test

[16:07] FSH and LH: Key hormones in menopause

[20:03] What you need to know about thyroid testing

[26:02] Understanding cortisol

[30:43] The Role of DHEA in hormone production

[36:28] Pitfalls of unnecessary testing

[40:04] Testing methods: blood vs. urine vs. saliva

[41:58] The Importance of symptom-based treatment

[43:37] A few things to remember

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs dive headfirst into the hot (flash) topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for breast cancer survivors. It’s complicated, it’s emotional, and yes, it’s got a healthy splash of perimenopause thrown in—because nothing says “fun” like navigating midlife with a side of oncology.

They talk all about the swirling myths, the clickbait headlines, and the TikTok “experts” who got their MDs from the comments section. Dr. Dunsmoor-Su even shares her own experience with breast cancer and menopause, adding a real-world lens to the science.

We’ve got real talk on estrogen’s role in cancer risk, the current scientific consensus on HRT post-diagnosis, and why early detection still matters.

You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what to actually bring up with your doctor (hint: not what Becky from Instagram said).

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:57] The “Influencer Effect”

[1:18] Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su’s experience with breast cancer and menopause

[7:40] The Gold Standard: Mammograms

[11:25] Alternative screening methods: myths and facts

[16:48] Estrogen’s role in breast cancer

[20:43] Understanding HRT & breast cancer

[30:24[ Tamoxifen & Aromatase inhibitors: a comparison

[39:22] Women’s health needs more research

Resources:

thewisdomstudy.org

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Welcome to the magical mystery tour that is perimenopause, where your hormones throw a rave and forget to invite your metabolism.

In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs tackle the ever-fun topic of weight gain during perimenopause—because just when you thought you had your fitness routine down, suddenly your jeans won’t button no matter what you do.

Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su are here to tell us what’s really going on with our bodies during this hormonal joyride. They talk through the outdated gospel of BMI, the realities of lifestyle changes (yes, we see you, kale), and the current science of obesity treatment, fresh off the Obesity Medicine Association runway.

From GLP-1s to diabetes meds and everything in between, they cover the full pharmacy aisle of weight loss medications—along with the pros, cons, and costs. Listeners will gain clarity, a few laughs, and a better idea of what might actually work for you.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:31] Hot Topic: Weight loss & perimenopause

[1:35] Obesity Medicine Association Conference insights

[3:48] Body composition vs. BMI

[7:06] The role of medications in weight management

[12:31] Who’s a candidate for weight loss medications?

[18:15] Did you know there are categories?!

[22:43] GLP-1s

[27:39] How does one even choose?

[30:36] What’s the price tag?

[32:00] Wait–there are risks to losing weight during perimenopause?

[34:10] Nutrition and lifestyle are very important

[35:05] Looking into the [metaphorical] crystal ball

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Ahhhh…perimenopause: the delightful phase of life where your hormones throw a rager and forget to invite you.

If you thought contraception was a concern of your younger years, think again. In this episode, the Docs are tackling the wild world of birth control during perimenopause—because yes, you can still get pregnant, and yes, that’s as terrifying as it sounds.

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch are talking about everything from IUDs to sterilization myths, and explaining why contraception still matters even when your cycle starts playing hide-and-seek.They break down the science behind IUDs, birth control pills, and other contraceptive options, all while dispelling common misconceptions.

Spoiler alert: IUDs do more than just prevent pregnancy—they can also help manage heavy bleeding and cramping. And birth control pills? Turns out they might just be the unsung heroes of perimenopausal symptom control.

This episode is full of information (and some laughs), including your birth control options, the latest advancements like the Nextstellis pill, and why hormones like estetrol and drospirenone are making waves in menopause management. We also cover emergency contraception (because life happens) and safe sex practices—because STIs don’t care how old you are.

So grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine and join us for a candid, insightful, and slightly irreverent conversation about contraception in your 40s and beyond.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[3:34] Understanding contraception during perimenopause

[7:09] How do you choose the right method?

[13:51] Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARS)

[16:03] IUDs and their benefits

[28:17] The pill

[34:37] Nextstellis and E4

[41:42] IUDs as hormone therapy

[46:22] Emergency contraception

[50:24] Barriers to contraception and STI prevention

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Perimenopause: it’s not just hot flashes and rage-cleaning your kitchen at 2 a.m. (although that’s part of it).

In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs get into the chaos and confusion that is hormonal fluctuation with none other than Dr. Jen Gunter, the internet’s favorite OBGYN and myth-slayer-in-chief.

From PMS to PMDD to bleeding that seems to follow no known calendar system, this conversation tackles the messy, misunderstood realities of perimenopause with wit, wisdom, and zero tolerance for pseudoscience.

Dr. Gunter is a bestselling author and advocate for fact-based women’s health. She brings her signature blend of science, sass, and serious credentials to a conversation that pulls back the curtain on topics that often get ignored—or worse, wildly misrepresented. Whether you’ve read The Vagina Bible or just Googled “why does everything hurt after 40,” this is one guest you’ll want to hear from.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:28] Meet Dr. Jen Gunter: author & OBGYN

[3:26] Misinformation impacts women’s health

[8:04] Perimenopause myths

[11:05] A legit treatment plan is more than essential oils and good vibes

[16:34] When bleeding becomes an issue

[25:15] PMS and PMDD – two acronyms of perimenopause

[30:38] Pain is not “just part of being a woman’

[33:16] Break the silence with your vaginal health

[37:23] Caring for your vulva and vagina

[51:48] Information is power!

Connect with Dr. Jen Gunter:

drjengunter.com

@drjengunger

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html