SHE MD

In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney sits down with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi to break down endometriosis, an often misunderstood condition that goes far beyond painful periods. Dr. A explains why endometriosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder, the wide range of symptoms it can cause, and why so many patients are dismissed or misdiagnosed for years before getting answers. They discuss how endometriosis presents, from chronic pelvic pain and bloating to bladder, bowel, and even mental health symptoms, and why it can’t reliably be detected through standard imaging. Dr. A also covers how the condition can impact fertility, ovarian reserve, and overall quality of life if left untreated. The episode also walks through treatment options, including hormonal therapies, IUDs, medications that suppress estrogen, and the importance of finding a highly trained surgeon for laparoscopic excision. This conversation offers both validation and clear guidance for anyone struggling with symptoms and looking for real answers. Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being. Sponsors Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at PremierProtein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers.  Butcherbox: As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between chicken breast or top sirloin for a year OR  ground beef for life, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/shemd Mill: Try Mill risk-free for 90 days and get $75 off at mill.com/SHEMD and use code SHEMD at checkout. Myriad: List GetMyRisk.com to learn more about hereditary cancer testing and how you can use Myriad’s virtual care option for fast, at-home testing - no office visit required.  Gusto: Try Gusto today at gusto.com/sheMD, and get three months free when you run your first payroll. That’s three months of free payroll at gusto.com/sheMD. Ancient + Brave: Go to Ancientandbrave.com/planet and use the code SHEMD for 10 dollars off any purchase.  What You’ll LearnWhy painful periods are not normal, and when to take them seriouslyThe most common (and often overlooked) symptoms of endometriosisWhy it can take up to a decade to get properly diagnosedHow endometriosis affects the gut, brain, and mental healthThe connection between endometriosis and infertilityWhy ultrasounds and tests often miss endometriosisThe difference between hormonal treatments and surgical optionsHow to advocate for yourself and find the right specialist Key Timestamps (0:00) Introduction to SHE MD (2:33) What Is Endometriosis? (4:33) Key Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore (7:58) Stages of Endometriosis Explained (8:53) What Causes Endometriosis? (13:10) Painful Sex Explained (23:56) How Do You Treat Endometriosis? (26:18) Stromal Endometriosis Explained (28:05) Understanding Endometriosis Treatment Options (37:50) Why Removing Endometriosis Helps Fertility (40:09) What Happens During Perimenopause and Menopause (47:47) How Tamoxifen Affects Endometriosis (49:14) Questions From Listeners Key TakeawaysEndometriosis is a systemic inflammatory condition, not just a reproductive issue.Pain is the most common symptom, including painful periods, sex, bowel movements, and urination.Many patients are misdiagnosed with IBS, anxiety, or “normal cramps” before receiving the correct diagnosis.Diagnosis often takes 9-11 years due to lack of awareness and limitations in imaging.Endometriosis can impact fertility by affecting egg quality, ovarian reserve, and the pelvic environment.Laparoscopic excision surgery is the gold standard for treatment, but requires a highly trained specialist.Hormonal treatments, including progestin IUDs and medications that suppress estrogen, can help manage symptoms.Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent disease progression and long-term complications. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi sit down with colorectal surgeon Dr. Beth Moore to talk about colon cancer, colonoscopies, and the importance of screening. Dr. Moore explains how colon cancer develops, why it affects women just as much as men, and why most people diagnosed with colon cancer do not have a family history of the disease. The conversation breaks down how colonoscopies work and why they remain the gold standard for screening. Dr. Moore also explains the different types of colon polyps, what symptoms to watch for, and how colon cancer is staged and treated depending on how advanced it is. They also discuss lifestyle risk factors, newer screening options like Cologuard and virtual colonoscopy, and emerging topics including GLP-1 medications and digestive health. This episode offers clear, practical information to help women better understand colon cancer risk, screening options, and why early detection is so important. To learn more about MyRisk, visit this link: https://myriad.com/genetic-tests/myrisk-hereditary-cancer-risk-test/ Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being. Sponsors Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at PremierProtein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers.  R+Co: Visit randco.com and use code SheMD20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Use code SheMD20 for 20% off your first order Midi: Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit JoinMidi.com today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit.  Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push and GO. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  Warby Parker: Our listeners get 15%+ free shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/SHEMD  Babbel: Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/SHEMD  What You’ll LearnWhy colon cancer affects women just as much as menHow colonoscopies can actually prevent colon cancerThe symptoms of colon cancer you should never ignoreWhy most colon cancer cases occur without a family historyThe biggest lifestyle risk factors for colon cancerThe truth about Cologuard and other screening alternativesHow GLP-1 medications may impact digestive health and cancer riskWhat your bowel habits can reveal about your health Key Timestamps (00:00) Introduction to SHE MD (01:23) Colon Cancer Affects Women Too (02:16) Personal Story: Losing a Grandfather to Colon Cancer (03:08) Meet Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Beth Moore (05:15) What the Colon Actually Does (05:44) How Colon Cancer Starts (Polyps Explained) (06:25) Colon Cancer Stages Explained (1–4) (09:27) Immunotherapy: A Breakthrough in Colon Cancer Treatment (10:08) Why Colonoscopies Can Prevent Cancer (12:26) Colonoscopy Prep: What to Expect (18:27) What Happens During a Colonoscopy (20:33) Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer (42:13) Cologuard Test: Does the “Poop Test” Really Work? (58:16) HIPEC Surgery: Heated Chemotherapy Explained (1:05:24) How Often You Should Actually Poop Key TakeawaysColon cancer is the third most common cancer in women.Nearly 80% of colon cancer cases occur without a family history.Colonoscopies not only detect cancer but prevent it by removing precancerous polyps.Screening should begin at age 45, or earlier for higher-risk individuals.Lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity, alcohol, smoking, and low fiber intake can increase colon cancer risk.Paying attention to symptoms like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss is important.Preventive screening and early detection dramatically improve survival rates. Guest Bio Dr. Beth A. Moore is a colon and rectal surgeon in West Hollywood, California, affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She received her medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and has been in practice for more than 20 years. She has expertise in treating colonoscopies, colon removal, and other conditions See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi sit down with Dr. Steven Storage to unpack one of the most common mental health misdiagnoses affecting women today: ADHD being mistaken for anxiety or depression. Dr. Storage explains why ADHD is often overlooked in girls and women, and how many patients spend years being treated for anxiety before discovering the real cause of their symptoms. The conversation explores how ADHD can present differently in women, including emotional overwhelm, chronic stress, brain fog, and difficulty focusing. Dr. Storage also discusses the role of brain imaging in ADHD diagnosis and how different brain patterns may require different treatment approaches, highlighting why traditional symptom checklists often miss the full picture. They also discuss how hormonal changes, especially during perimenopause, can intensify ADHD symptoms, which is why many women first seek answers later in life. This episode sheds light on the importance of accurate diagnosis and brain-based approaches to better support women navigating ADHD. Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being. Sponsors Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at PremierProtein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers.  R+Co:  Visit randco.com and use code SheMD20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Use code SheMD20 for 20% off your first order ButcherBox: As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between organic ground beef, chicken breast or ground Tucker in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/SHEMD Pique Tea:  Redefine your standard of health. Secure 20% off your order and begin your intentional wellness journey today at Piquelife.com/shemd.  Bobbie:  If you want to feed with confidence too, head to hibobbie.com - to the formula trusted by parents and loved by their babies - 700k and counting.  Myriad:  GetMyRisk.com to learn more about hereditary cancer testing and how you can use Myriad’s virtual care option for fast, at-home testing - no office visit required.  What You’ll LearnWhy ADHD is so often misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression in womenThe key differences between ADHD and anxiety symptomsWhy many women are diagnosed with ADHD later in lifeHow hormonal shifts like perimenopause can worsen ADHD symptomsHow brain imaging may help identify different types of ADHD Key Timestamps (0:00) Introduction to SHE MD (03:09) What ADHD Actually Is (And Why the Name Is Misleading) (07:05) ADHD in Women: Why It’s Often Missed or Misdiagnosed (11:35) The ADHD Brain Explained: Dopamine & the Prefrontal Cortex (18:08) ADHD Medications: Stimulants vs Non-Stimulants Explained (21:28) ADHD vs Bipolar Disorder: Why Misdiagnosis Happens (30:12) The 7 Different Types of ADHD (39:12) Alcohol, Cannabis & the ADHD Brain (45:46) How to Naturally Increase Dopamine (47:45) Sleep, Exercise & Diet for ADHD Brain Health (57:10) Perimenopause, Hormones & ADHD Symptoms in Women (01:03:30) ADHD During Pregnancy & Natural Treatment Strategies (01:12:30) Final Thoughts: Rethinking ADHD & Brain Health Key TakeawaysADHD in women is frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.Symptoms can present differently in women, often showing up as overwhelm, brain fog, and emotional dysregulation rather than hyperactivity.Hormonal changes, particularly during perimenopause, can make ADHD symptoms significantly worse.Traditional diagnostic methods may overlook ADHD, especially in adults.Brain imaging may help identify different ADHD patterns and support more personalized treatment. Guest Bio Dr. Steven Storage is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in brain health and ADHD in both adults and children. His work focuses on helping patients who are often overlooked or misdiagnosed better understand the root causes of their symptoms. Using a comprehensive, brain-based approach, he works with patients to identify patterns in attention, mood, and behavior and develop more personalized treatment strategies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Aliabadi sit down with Hailey Bieber to discuss a terrifying health scare at 25. She experienced a TIA (mini-stroke) with classic stroke symptoms, and the chain of testing that led to finding (and closing) a PFO. Hailey also shares how her pregnancy was a surprise. It was complicated by a uterine septum and conversations about miscarriage risk. She explains how her care team monitored her for preterm risk. Hailey discuss induction tools like the Foley balloon, how she handled the epidural, and what it felt like when she couldn’t stop bleeding after delivery. Dr. Aliabadi breaks down postpartum hemorrhage and the Jada device that was used to stop it quickly. They also cover postpartum life, including anxiety, pumping/breastfeeding, PMDD months later, postpartum rehab (including pelvic floor therapy), and Hailey’s approach to balancing motherhood with building her company. Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert insight on women’s heart health, stroke warning signs, and what to know about PFOs, plus real talk on pregnancy risk, labor and delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, PMDD, and recovery after birth. Share this episode with a friend, and visit the SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, practical guidance, and expert support for women’s health and well-being. Sponsors: Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at PremierProtein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers. Gusto: Try Gusto today at gusto.com/sheMD, and get three months free when you run your first payroll. That’s three months of free payroll at gusto.com/sheMD. Care.com: Start your senior care journey with confidence. When it’s not you, it’s Care.com. For a limited time, go to Care.com and use code SHEMD for 20% off your initial Care.com subscription or a Senior Care Advisor Plan. Osea: She MD listeners get 10% off your first order site wide with code SHEMD at OSEAMalibu.com Midi: Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit JoinMidi.com today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. What You’ll Learn: What a TIA can look like at 25, and the stroke symptoms Hailey experienced What a PFO is, why it can be missed on early testing, and how closure works What a uterine septum is, and why 3D imaging can matter for diagnosis How preterm-risk screening was explained, plus the monitoring/support plan discussed What postpartum hemorrhage can feel like in real time, and how rapid intervention can change outcomes Key Timestamps: (01:51) Hailey joins the show + why she wanted to share her story (03:41) The TIA at 25 and the stroke symptoms she experienced (05:20) PFO basics and why the first bubble study missed it (06:33) PFO closure surgery and how the closure device works (11:06) “Let’s move on to the pregnancy” and why it was a surprise (12:11) What a uterine septum is and the miscarriage risk discussed (14:03) Why septums get missed on ultrasound and why 3D imaging matters (15:30) The preterm blood test explained and what it measures (16:59) What happens if you test high-risk, including progesterone, aspirin, and closer monitoring (27:03) Induction details, including the Foley balloon and epidural timing (31:51) “I couldn’t stop bleeding” after delivery and what that moment felt like (33:05) Sensing panic in the room, getting meds “to clot,” and asking “am I okay?” (35:57) Postpartum hemorrhage explained and why the Jada device was used (45:12) Postpartum PMDD, diagnosis, and what it felt like (56:19) Postpartum rehab and why pelvic floor therapy mattered (59:58) Working through pregnancy and easing back in after baby (01:02:35) Closing advice on trusting your intuition Key Takeaways:A TIA can present with classic stroke symptoms, even in a young patient.PFOs can be missed on initial testing. Additional imaging/testing can change the diagnosis.A uterine septum can be underdiagnosed on standard ultrasound, and may meaningfully affect pregnancy risk.Postpartum hemorrhage can escalate fast. Quick intervention matters.Postpartum care is more than “bouncing back.” Mental health (like PMDD) and physical rehab deserve real attention. Guest Bio: Hailey Bieber is a mom and founder who shares her experience navigating a TIA, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery with Dr. Aliabadi. She says she first started seeing Dr. Aliabadi at 19, developed her company idea in 2020, and launched it in 2022. She later worked through her pregnancy in 2024 and returned when she felt ready. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi welcome back Dr. Kelly Casperson to discuss perimenopause, menopause, and hormone therapy with clarity and science instead of fear. Dr. Casperson explains why perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis, not simply a lab result, and why so many women are dismissed as “too young” or “too old” when their symptoms are real. She addresses the biggest myth about hormone replacement therapy and reframes the conversation around individualized, science-backed risk-benefit decisions. The discussion dives into testosterone for women, including its impact on libido, motivation, muscle mass, and mood, along with the risks of high-dose hormone pellets. They explore progesterone for sleep, the hysterectomy myth, and why vaginal estrogen is one of the safest and most effective treatments for dryness, painful sex, bladder urgency, and recurrent UTIs. The episode also tackles the midlife brain, brain fog, and how estrogen influences glucose metabolism. From restoring desire in long-term relationships to navigating alcohol, supplements, and exercise, this conversation reinforces one powerful truth: women are not broken. With the right knowledge and support, midlife can be a season of clarity, strength, and transformation. Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being. Sponsors:  Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at PremierProtein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers. Prolon: Ready for your own reset? For a limited time, Prolon is offering SHE MD listeners15% off site wide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit ProlonLife.com/SHEMD to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Mill: Try Mill risk-free for 90 days and get $75 off at mill.com/SHEMD and use code SHEMD at checkout. Peloton - Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  Talkiatry: Head to Talkiatry.com/shemd and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Warby Parker: Warby Parker gives you quality & better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the going price. Our listeners get 15% + Free Shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/SHEMD.  What You’ll Learn: What perimenopause actually is and why labs are not required for diagnosis The biggest myth about hormone therapy and how fear shaped menopause care How testosterone supports libido, motivation, and muscle strength in women Why vaginal estrogen is safe and essential for preventing dryness and UTIs What happens to the brain in midlife and why brain fog occurs Key Timestamps: (01:30) Introduction and why Dr. Casperson wrote The Menopause Moment (04:10) The biggest myth about hormone therapy and why fear still shapes menopause care (09:25) Meet the hormones: testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone in midlife (11:50) Testosterone for women: libido, motivation, muscle, and dosing concerns (14:45) Hormone pellets explained: side effects, hair loss, and why removal is difficult (17:15) Progesterone for sleep and the hysterectomy myth clarified (24:25) Symptoms of too much estrogen (26:00) “Senile Vagina” - the “use it or lose it” myth (33:05) Vaginal atrophy, bladder symptoms, UTIs, and why vaginal estrogen matters (34:00) How to properly apply vaginal estrogen and why cream can be more effective (41:20) Great sex in midlife: lube and honest communication (50:30) Responsive vs spontaneous desire and bringing novelty back to long-term relationships (56:15) The midlife brain: estrogen, glucose metabolism, and brain fog (01:02:50) Alcohol, supplements, exercise, and non-hormonal tools for cognitive health (01:05:00) Final advice for women entering midlife and why you are not broken Key Takeaways: Hormone therapy decisions should be individualized and based on science, not fear Perimenopause is common, real, and often underdiagnosed Testosterone plays a significant role in women’s well-being beyond libido Vaginal estrogen is one of the safest and most effective preventive treatments in menopause Midlife can be a powerful reset when women prioritize their health and mindset Guest Bio: Dr. Kelly Casperson is a urologist, educator, and top international podcaster whose mission is empowering women to live their best love lives. In her podcast, You Are Not Broken, she combines science, humor, and candor to dismantle the myths women have learned about sex, intimacy, midlife, and hormones. Dr. Casperson earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota and completed her surgical training and residency at the University of Colorado. She is a proud member of the American Urological Association, International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and the Society of Women in Urology. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.