SHE MD

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.

What does a pap smear test for, and what happens after an abnormal pap smear? In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney interviews Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi to break down exactly what a pap smear is, how HPV affects cervical cancer risk, and what women need to know about abnormal results.  A pap smear is a cervical cancer screening test that checks for precancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix. A pap smear does not test for ovarian cancer, uterine conditions, or all sexually transmitted infections. HPV testing is often performed at the same time because high risk HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Can you have HPV with a normal Pap smear? What actually happens after an abnormal result? Dr. A answers these questions and more, explaining that while most HPV infections clear on their own within one to two years, monitoring and follow-up are key. The bottom line: cervical cancer is highly preventable with routine Pap and HPV screening—but annual well-woman visits are still essential for protecting your long-term health. 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. Midi Health - Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit JoinMidi.com today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit.  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. Peloton - Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  What You’ll Learn: What a pap smear actually tests for and what it does not screen How HPV and pap smear testing work together to prevent cervical cancer What abnormal pap smear results like ASCUS, CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3 mean When a normal pap smear still requires follow up or colposcopy Why regular pap smear screening makes cervical cancer almost entirely preventable Key Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 What a pap smear tests for and what it does not check 03:40 HPV explained: low risk vs high risk and why it’s common 05:15 Screening guidelines and why pap smear alone is not enough 07:15 What types of results you can get back from a pap smear 17:20 When you need a colposcopy and what happens during the procedure 22:15 Biopsy results and CIN staging explained 34:00 Treatment options: cryotherapy, LEEP procedure, and cold knife cone 35:40 Risks of aggressive LEEP and pregnancy considerations 38:00 HPV dormancy and common misconceptions 41:45 HPV vaccine recommendations and prevention 43:00 Final takeaway: pap smear schedule vs well woman exam Key Takeaways: A pap smear screens for cervical cancer and HPV, not STDs, ovarian cancer, or uterine conditions High risk HPV, especially types 16 and 18, may require colposcopy even with a normal pap smear Colposcopy and cervical biopsy confirm whether precancer cells are present and guide treatment Most HPV infections clear naturally within one to two years Cervical cancer is preventable with routine pap smear and HPV screening, but annual well woman exams remain essential Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 🌐HPV Vaccine Information (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/index.html 🌐Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines (ACOG): https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/cervical-cancer-screening 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 Hospice Nurse Julie, a hospice and palliative care nurse who has supported thousands of patients and families at the end of life. Together, they gently explore what dying actually looks like, both physically and emotionally, and how understanding the process can help reduce fear. Julie explains common signs seen in the final days, including terminal lucidity, changes in breathing, the “death rattle,” and decreased awareness, helping listeners understand that many of these experiences are natural and not signs of suffering. They discuss terminal agitation, how hospice teams manage comfort, and the thoughtful use of medications like morphine. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of end of life planning, including advance directives, family conversations, and making wishes known to reduce guilt and conflict later. Julie shares how her work has changed the way she lives, encouraging presence, gratitude, and honest conversations about mortality. This episode offers comfort, clarity, and reassurance for anyone caring for a loved one, facing serious illness, or simply wanting to approach death with less fear and more understanding. 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: Ka’Chava - Stick with your wellness goals. Go to kachava.com and use code SHEMD for 15% off Peloton - Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  ButcherBox - As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between organic ground beef, chicken breast or ground turkey in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/SHEMD  Talkiatry: Head to Talkiatry.com/shemd and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes What You’ll Learn: How hospice care works and when it’s appropriate What terminal lucidity is and why it happens What the “death rattle” is and why it usually does not indicate suffering How hospice manages comfort, pain, and terminal agitation Why advance directives and end of life planning matter for families How talking about death can reduce fear and guilt How working with dying patients can change the way we live Key Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to hospice care and why understanding death reduces fear 06:25 What does hospice really mean and when is it appropriate 10:00 What is terminal lucidity and why do some patients suddenly rally 11:30 Julie’s journey as a nurse 14:40 The difference between dying in the ICU and in hospice 19:30 The stages of dying 21:50 What actually happens during the actively dying phase 39:10 Explanation of “visioning” 42:30 What causes the death rattle and is the patient suffering 48:50 When is morphine used and is it always necessary 50:00 What is terminal agitation and how is it managed 53:00 How can families prepare emotionally and practically for end of life 01:00:25 How working with dying patients changes the way you live 01:07:10 Advice for someone who is scared they are dying 01:09:30 Is hospice covered by insurance and Medicare 01:10:30) Final reflections on making death less frightening and more meaningful Key Takeaways: Many physical changes at the end of life are natural and not signs of suffering Comfort, dignity, and presence are the core goals of hospice care Planning ahead helps families feel confident and united in difficult moments Being present with a loved one can be more meaningful than trying to control every detail Understanding death can help us live more fully and with deeper gratitude Guest Bio: Julie McFadden, RN, is the bestselling author of Nothing to Fear and a hospice/palliative care nurse with more than fifteen years of experience. Passionate about normalizing death and dying, she has more than one million followers on TikTok as @hospicenursejulie. She has been featured in Newsweek, Time, USA Today, and The Atlantic, and has appeared on Dr. Phil Primetime, Howie Mandel Does Stuff, and elsewhere. Links: Hospice Nurse Julie Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulie Website: https://www.hospicenursejulie.com Nothing to Fear Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734126/nothing-to-fear-by-julie-mcfadden-rn/ Nothing to Fear Journal: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777758/the-nothing-to-fear-journal-by-julie-mcfadden-rn/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions on body image, food and disordered eating In this deeply personal episode of SHE MD Podcast, host Mary Alice Haney welcomes Mikayla Nogueira, beauty influencer, MN and mental health advocate. Mikayla opens up about her journey navigating disordered eating, body image struggles, and the pressures of social media, offering an honest and compassionate perspective on self-worth, recovery, and empowerment. They talk about the tools that helped her get back to a healthier place, like therapy, journaling, better nutrition support, and taking intentional breaks from social media. Mikayla reminds us that healing isn’t a straight line, and that self-compassion, patience, and having the right support system really matter. This episode offers real-life insight on handling social pressure, building emotional resilience, and learning to show up as your true self. If you’ve ever struggled with self-image, online comparison, or personal growth, this conversation is a supportive reminder to take care of your mental and emotional well-being while honoring your own journey. 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. Babbel: Here's a special, (limited time) deal for our listeners. Right now get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription–at Babbel.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. Osea:  Give your skin a rest with clean, clinically tested skincare from OSEA. And right now we have a special discount just for our listeners. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code SHEMDat OSEAMalibu.com Midi Health - 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 How to navigate social media and societal pressures without losing self-worth Practical tools for emotional resilience and personal growth Strategies for cultivating self-compassion during recovery How to embrace authenticity and redefine personal beauty standards Key Timestamps 00:00 Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions on body image, food and disordered eating 08:00 How social media impacted her self-worth and confidence 10:50 Mikayla shares her early experiences with disordered eating and body image struggles 20:40 What helped Mikayla start her recovery journey: therapy, journaling, and self-reflection 27:45 Navigating setbacks and learning patience in the recovery process 39:00 Mindful social media use and creating healthy boundaries 49:20 Wellness hacks and self care 50:00 Advice for others facing similar challenges with confidence and self-image 55:25 Final reflections and empowering takeaways Key Takeaways Recovery and growth are non-linear but achievable with self-compassion Social media boundaries support emotional and mental well-being Journaling, therapy, and intentional self-reflection are powerful tools for confidence Authenticity and self-acceptance create lasting empowerment Sharing personal stories can inspire and uplift others facing similar challenges Guest Bio –  At just 27 years old, Mikayla's impact on the global beauty sector is unparalleled– her engaging tutorials, honest product reviews, and candid content have garnered a massive following of more than 21 million fans on her personal socials and counting.  Seamlessly blending entertainment with her passion to educate, Mikayla has made her love for beauty accessible to a diverse audience around the world; she has not only generated trends but also inspired a new generation of beauty enthusiasts to express themselves through makeup.  Her influence has been recognized through prestigious awards and platforms, including winning the 2023 Streamy Award for Beauty Creator of the Year, as well as recognitions in the inaugural TIME100 Creators list for 2025, the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2024, and the Forbes Top Creators list for four years in a row since its inception in 2022.  In March 2025, Mikayla’s expertise and entrepreneurial spirit culminated in the record-breaking launch of her own beauty brand, Point of View Beauty, which embodies her commitment to her core values: celebrating authenticity over approval, creating a safe space for experimentation and connection, and encouraging self-expression through beauty without boundaries. Links https://www.instagram.com/mikaylajmakeup/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylanogueira?lang=en https://povbeauty.com/ https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.