You Are Not Broken

• 326. Australia, Testosterone, Mast Cells and More

  326. Australia, Testosterone, Mast Cells and More In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ceri Cashell for a wide-ranging conversation that spans continents and dives deep into women’s health—from hormones to mast cells to medical mindset. Dr. Cashell and I talk about what we’re seeing in clinical practice and what women around the world are still fighting for: access, advocacy, and actual answers. We unpack the critical role of testosterone in women’s health (yes, women have and need testosterone), and explore how cultural perceptions—especially around sexuality—still shape what treatments women are offered or denied. We also talk about mast cell activation syndrome and how it might explain so many symptoms that often get brushed off or misdiagnosed in women. We get into why vaginal DHEA is so underutilized, how lifestyle changes make a real impact, and why curiosity in medicine is a superpower. There’s also a deep dive into the hormone–mental health connection and why so many women are struggling in silence because of outdated medical thinking. This episode is a reminder: women’s health is not niche, and we deserve better. Takeaways: Testosterone isn’t optional—it’s vital for women’s health, especially during midlife. Cultural norms around sexuality still impact the care women receive. Mast cell activation syndrome might be the missing puzzle piece for many women with unexplained symptoms. We need more advocacy to break through the outdated thinking that limits women’s treatment options. Lifestyle changes matter—more than most doctors admit. Staying curious as a clinician can change the game for patients. Vaginal DHEA is safe, effective, and overlooked far too often. Hormones are deeply connected to mental health—this isn’t just about libido. Access to hormone therapy is often blocked by stigma, not science. Education and awareness are the keys to transforming women’s healthcare. Australian petition to put Androfeme on PBS https://www.instagram.com/drcericashell/ https://www.healthyhormones.au/ https://drcericashell.com/ 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

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• 325. Sex, Safety and Embodied Intimacy

  This week, I sat down with the radiant Whitni Miller, also known as BDEmoves on Instagram, a queer sex educator and pleasure coach who’s changing the game when it comes to how we talk about sex, desire, and embodiment, especially in the queer community. Together, we explored what it really means to be embodied in midlife and why so many of us still struggle to feel sexually safe—not just physically, but emotionally and relationally. Whitni brings a trauma-informed lens to her work, helping people unpack shame, regulate their nervous systems, and come back home to themselves. We talked about: Why safety (not spontaneity) is the foundation of good sex How queer and same-sex couples deal with libido differences What late bloomers can teach us about authenticity and desire The power of non-sexual touch in long-term relationships How responsive desire isn't broken—it’s just misunderstood The absolute joy of reclaiming play and pleasure at any age Whitni also got real about what it takes to share accurate, pleasure-centered sex ed online in the face of constant censorship. Hint: It’s hard, it’s frustrating, and it’s absolutely necessary. She’s a fierce advocate for creating digital and real-life spaces where people—especially queer folks—can learn, explore, and thrive. If you’ve ever wondered, What can we learn from the queer community about sex, intimacy, and communication?—this episode is for you. Whitni’s work is bold, honest, and full of compassion. Follow her @bdemoves and check out her offerings for late bloomers, folks navigating WLW relationships, and anyone looking to deepen their connection with themselves and their partners. Takeaways: ✨ Sexual safety is foundational to desire—not optional. ✨ Queer relationships offer a refreshing reframe of intimacy and play. ✨ Scheduling sex is not unsexy—it’s smart, respectful, and hot. ✨ Responsive desire is normal, especially in midlife and long-term partnerships. ✨ Pleasure-first education challenges societal norms that prioritize performance. ✨ We need more trauma-informed, inclusive sex ed—and we need it now. https://www.instagram.com/bde.moves 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

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• 324. Perimenopause is Real

  🎙️ Episode 324: Perimenopause is Real—What You Need to Know with Jackie Piasta, WHNP-BC Perimenopause is real—and often misunderstood. In this episode, I sit down with women’s health nurse practitioner Jackie Piasta to unpack the truth about this critical (and neglected) phase of midlife. If you’ve been told “you’re too young” or “just tough it out,” this conversation will feel like the validation you’ve been missing. Jackie and I dive into what perimenopause really looks like—from migraines and mood swings to weight gain and disrupted sleep—and why these symptoms deserve real answers, not dismissal. We talk through what’s happening hormonally, why lab tests aren’t the gold standard, and how to shift from a “birth control” mindset to a hormone-optimization mindset in your 30s, 40s, and beyond. In this episode: Why perimenopause can start in your 30s—even with regular periods Common myths that keep women suffering in silence How to track symptoms and cycles instead of chasing lab results The role of hormonal birth control—and when it helps vs. masks symptoms How estradiol, progesterone, and vaginal hormones can support brain, sleep, and libido Supplements and newer options: magnesium, L-theanine, flibanserin, even topical CBD Real-world patient cases that show how individualized care changes lives Top takeaways: Perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis—there’s no perfect test. Hormonal fluctuations can cause real physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Bone loss, lipid changes, and heart risks start before menopause. Progesterone is often underused but powerful for night sweats, anxiety, and sleep. SSRIs are not first-line for new-onset mood changes in perimenopause. Early intervention matters—don’t wait until menopause to get help. We also talk about newer birth control formulations, managing migraines, and what the research is showing us about how menopause impacts heart health and brain function. Spoiler: it’s not just about hot flashes. This episode is your permission slip to stop toughing it out and start asking for care that actually helps. 🔗 Referenced Studies & Resources: Brinton RD et al. Perimenopause as a neurological transition state. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2015;11(7):393-405. Wu B et al. Trajectories of Blood Lipids Profile in Midlife Women. J Am Heart Assoc. 2023;12(22):e030388. SWAN Study: Lipid trajectory insights through the menopausal transition https://www.instagram.com/jackiep_gynnp https://www.mymonarchhealthco.com/ 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 To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   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

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• 323. Sexual Healing After Cancer

  In this episode, I sit down with Erin Sullivan Wagner for a raw and powerful conversation about something that’s too often ignored—sexual health in the context of cancer. Erin shares her personal experience with anal cancer, and what it was like to navigate the trauma of diagnosis and treatment while also feeling abandoned when it came to intimacy and her sexual well-being. We talk about the gaps in cancer care, especially when it comes to women. Why is it that sexual health is often dismissed or completely left out of the conversation? Erin and I unpack how deeply cultural biases and medical liability fears impact the way sexual health is (or isn’t) addressed—especially for women. We also dive into the concept of prehabilitation—starting sexual health conversations before treatment begins—and why it's critical that providers get educated and empowered to offer resources, referrals, and support for their patients. Because survivorship isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about staying connected to your body, your relationships, and your pleasure. This is the conversation I wish every oncology team would hear. Cancer profoundly affects sexual health, yet it’s often ignored. Erin’s story is a powerful reminder of the trauma that comes with being left in the dark. There’s a huge disconnect in how cancer care approaches female sexuality. Male sexual health gets prioritized—female sexual health, not so much. So many patients feel invisible when it comes to intimacy concerns. These conversations need to happen early, not after damage has been done. Cultural discomfort and medical fear of liability keep people from addressing sex. Women are rarely told what to expect sexually after cancer treatment. Quality of life includes sex, pleasure, and connection. We have to normalize sexual health in survivorship care. When we ignore it, the damage can be long-lasting and irreversible. Emotional intimacy matters as much as physical recovery. Prehabilitation should be standard practice. Providers need training—patients need validation and direction. Advocacy matters. This change starts with conversations like this. Youtube video - Erins Story https://www.aftercancer.co/ https://allofmeiowa.org/ 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 To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMD.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gennaMDHCP.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   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

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• 322. Surgical Menopause - A Personal Narrative

  In this episode, number 322, I sit down with sex therapist Dr. Juliana Hauser for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about her experience with surgical menopause. She opens up about the decision-making process around her hysterectomy—what led her there, what she wishes she'd known beforehand, and how it impacted her physically, emotionally, and sexually. We discuss the importance of thoroughly understanding your hysterectomy options—not all procedures are the same, and having the right information can make a significant difference. Dr. Hauser shares how guided imagery became a key part of her healing process, and we dive into the complicated (and often frustrating) world of hormone therapy. She also brings up the role of doulas—not just for birth, but for menopause—highlighting how emotional support can be just as essential as medical care. We explore why open communication in relationships matters so much, especially when it comes to sexual confidence and intimacy post-surgery. This conversation is raw, real, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating hormonal changes, recovery after hysterectomy, or simply learning to advocate for themselves in a system that doesn’t always listen. https://dr-juliana.com/ https://flourishwholehealth.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order my book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" and ⁠⁠⁠⁠"Menopause Moment: Science, Hormones and Mindset for Optimal Longevity"⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 To learn more about GennaMD by Solv Wellness, visit ⁠gennaMD.com ⁠for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient education materials or samples at ⁠gennaMDHCP.com⁠.   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

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