Empowering Midlife Wellness with Dr. Susan

Today I am discussing how for many or most of us, sex was fun when we were young, and at some point turned into work, or one more thing on the "to-do" list that we would just as soon avoid. How can we turn sex from work back into fun? I'll share some secrets from my own experience and from the research that led to my book "Sexually Woke."

On today's episode, I am chatting with style icon Stacy London, who we all know and love from TLC's "What not to Wear." Stacy is now the CEO of "State of Menopause" (www.stateofmenopause.com), a menopause-specific product line supporting midlife wellness and relief of common menopause related conditions. She shares her own inspiring journey with menopause starting at age 47, and how she learned to reframe midlife as a time of opportunity and rebirth. She describes her passion with State of Menopause as "not only taking the stigma away from menopause, but creating solutions for people to experience this as a midlife renaissance instead of a crisis." With a new and rapidly growing company, Stacy describes her plan to grow "State of Menopause" to provide not only products, but also to be a center for education and discussion about all things menopause.

Today I'm talking to my good friend and colleague Dr. Rupal Mathur, Harvard trained internal medicine physician and weight loss specialist. Rupal is the owner of Lifelong Weight Loss in Houston and has dedicated her career to figuring out the science behind losing weight safely and keeping it off throughout your life. We are talking about the complex physiology of weight loss, including why we gain fat in perimenopause and menopause, as well as how much to exercise, how to balance protein and carbs, and which weight loss drugs are safe and effective. She also shares her expertise about intermittent fasting, and discusses the importance of developing a customized nutrition plan that will work for your lifestyle and allow you to reach your goal weight and stay there for life. Head on over to Dr. Mathur's Instagram page for more weight loss tips--@lifelongweightloss

On today's "encore episode," I will revisit some of the latest procedures and solutions we can do for one of the most common symptoms that I hear from women in menopause - and before menopause - which is vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. This, along with other issues that arise during midlife, can lead to an unfulfilling sex life for ourselves and our partners. The good news is that we can optimize these parts of our body that change as we age so that we can continue having a vibrant, pain-free sex life and fulfilling relationship. From products to procedures, enjoy learning about these solutions that are available to you.

On today's episode I am sharing some really important information about how to interpret your lab results, and how commonly healthcare providers will overlook results that are not optimal simply because they still fall within the "normal range." I'll be teaching you what the "normal range" really means and why that may have nothing to do with what is optimal for you. This episode will give you the information that you need to be your own advocate when you know your hormones are sub-optimal but you are told that "everything is fine."

Today, I’m discussing the touchy topic of whether or not women should elect to have gynecologic cosmetic surgery and how this affects our sense of freedom. Some may argue that the pressure to change ourselves when our culture tells us we aren’t good enough seems like a lack of freedom. While I understand this viewpoint, I would also argue that when constant discomfort restricts us from doing things we enjoy, gynecologic cosmetic surgery can open up so many opportunities and can free us to live our full aliveness. During this episode, I will talk about these two viewpoints and share my personal experience with cosmetic surgery after childbirth. Don’t miss this informative episode where I’ll talk through gynecologic cosmetic surgery and provide clarity on whether this may be a good option for you (or any woman).

Today on Sexually Woke, we are discussing a topic that is not very sexy: urine leakage. Unfortunately, so many women continue to suffer from urine leakage because we’ve learned to accept it as part of life at this age. Sometimes, we are able to laugh it off, but when it starts to impact the way we live our lives, whether that’s withdrawing from social activities, wearing specific clothing colors or changing our vacations, it can be quite devastating. On today’s episode, I hope to educate you on the types of urine leakage and what we can do to correct it. We will discuss the differences between stress incontinence and urge incontinence as well as the different methods that can be used to treat each. Tune in to learn more about how to address the underlying problems so that you can live in your full aliveness.

Today’s episode is with a dear friend of mine who has been on the show before, Rachel Gower. She is the CEO of award-winning salon network, The Upper Hand, and mother of twin girls. We are talking about how to feel fabulous after 50 and will be opening up about our own personal experiences in this unique phase of life. We will discuss the various changes women experience as they age and the amazing impact of hormonal optimization. Hormone replacement therapy has allowed us both to improve our quality-of-life post menopause, and we will be sharing the details of both of our experiences with testosterone replacement therapy at my office. Join us as we dive into what it looks like to optimize your changing hormones and feel your very best after 50.

Today, I am joined by a friend and regular guest on the podcast, Meg Ellis. Meg is an incredible life coach with Phoenix 8 Consulting and a fitness professional. In this episode, we challenge the pursuit of happiness, a founding aspect of our culture today, and talk instead about a different concept, which is the pursuit of wholeness and being fulfilled long-term. We find that the frantic pursuit of happiness, or instant gratification, ultimately does not lead us to a fully alive life. We will focus on what it looks like to live in wholeness and the value of being comfortable sitting in discomfort and processing painful emotions, which does not come naturally. Meg and I will give personal examples of what this has looked like in our lives, and we hope this episode will leave you feeling inspired to pursue wholeness over temporary happiness in your own life!

On today's "encore episode," I will revisit an important topic from March 2020: codependence. Codependence can often go unrecognized, so this episode is incredibly important for everyone to hear. It is all about understanding codependence in primary romantic relationships – when we place the responsibility of our happiness on someone else, we are putting ourselves in a precarious situation. A key part of recognizing the issue is understanding the drama triangle and the roles within it. Once we recognize codependence as well as the roles we take on within our own relationships, we are able to move away from unhealthy behaviors, expectations, and patterns that couples fall into. Tune in to gain better awareness of potentially unhealthy behaviors in your own relationship.

Today, I’m answering one of the most common questions asked in my office: why do we get fat around the middle during perimenopause and menopause? If you are experiencing this, you are not alone. I experienced this myself when I entered perimenopause and felt like it was something so far out of my control. In this episode, I will explain exactly why women experience weight gain during midlife and why that extra weight tends to be stored around the middle section of our bodies. There are various steps you can take to turn this negative symptom around! You can feel confident about your body again while still optimizing your overall health and well-being.

Today’s episode is with a special friend of mine, Christella McCall, who is one of the “original gangsters” interviewed for my book, “Sexually Woke.” We discuss the importance of not living in a place of blame and knowing your own self-worth as well as the power of positive thinking. We also talk about the importance of having and enforcing high standards in your relationships and refusing to allow men or culture dictate how you view yourself. Christella addresses the challenges of being a woman of color as it pertains to sexuality and feelings of worthiness. Don’t miss this honest conversation about the importance of showing up as your authentic self, telling the truth and practicing self-love so that you can feel sexy and open yourself up to all kinds of opportunities for connection.

Today’s episode is part two of my conversation last week with Mary Jo Rapini, psychotherapist and relationship and intimacy expert. We are excited to continue our discussion about how to have intimate conversations with your partner, and this week, we focus on how to heal the hurt in relationships. We will discuss what happens when hurt isn’t healed and the effect it can have on your relationship as a whole if left unresolved as well as what it takes to forgive others. Often times, women may struggle with identifying these feelings, and we hope this conversation will empower you to have difficult conversations with your partner when you have experienced hurt of any kind so that you can move forward with a more full, loving relationship. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Today, I am joined by my friend and colleague, Mary Jo Rapini, psychotherapist and sex and intimacy expert based in Houston. This podcast is part 1 of a 2-part series about how honest communication and vulnerability can deepen your relationships, particularly when it comes to how our bodies change during menopause. During this conversation, we discuss how your inner critic can impact your relationships as well as the risk and reward that comes with letting your guard down. Join us as we discover how being generous with your truth allows you to be truly seen.

Today I’m discussing and debunking the common misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy. I will kick off the discussion by breaking down what happens to our hormones during menopause before explaining how these changes impact our lives, where the most common misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy stemmed from, and why this treatment is so beneficial after menopause. Due to the lack of education on the topic, I’ll also discuss the importance of being your own advocate when determining what treatment is best for you and arm you with the knowledge you need when managing menopause and discussing your hormones. Join me as I guide you through the facts and myths of hormone replacement therapy so that you can be healthy and happy after 50.

On today’s episode, I’m joined once again by Meg Ellis, an incredible life coach with Phoenix 8 Consulting and fitness professional who has become a good friend and a regular guest of the podcast. Today, we are talking about how to have unconditional confidence and trust in yourself. As Meg says, there’s no magic light bulb that goes off; trusting yourself requires constant work. We talk about the connection between confidence and peace and how the belief that everything is workable will lead to a sense of peace that will ultimately allow you to be unconditionally confident. Don’t miss this conversation where we discuss the importance of showing up as your authentic self and believing that “what is for you will find you and what is for you will never leave you.”

Today, I am speaking with Houston-based designer, author, speaker, coach and self-proclaimed enneagram junkie, Elaine Turner, whose greatest passion is to guide women to believe, "You are worthy." We also delve into the topics reflected in Elaine's book, Breaking the Glass Slipper: Debunking the Myths that Hold Women Back. This includes owning the truth of who you are and knowing you are worthy regardless of external factors as well as how accomplishing these things may be challenging for women and the importance of giving ourselves grace.

Today’s episode is Part 2 of my conversation last week with Dr. Carolyn DeLucia, board-certified OB/GYN based in New York and New Jersey and one of the most distinguished experts in the field of sexual wellness in the country. She, like me, specializes in helping women in midlife revive their sex lives by providing solutions and treatments for the natural changes we experience as we age. Today we are talking about the important subject of vaginal laxity, that feeling that your vagina has become more relaxed after having children, and how it can affect our comfort, confidence and our ability to feel sexy and enjoy intimacy. We also talk through the various procedures offered at each of our practices to treat this common concern that will restore your freedom to do the things you want to do again and take control of your own sexuality. Don’t miss this informative conversation on a topic that is kept private far too often.

Today's very special guest is Dr. Carolyn DeLucia, a board certified OB/GYN based in New York and New Jersey. Dr DeLucia has over 30 years of experience, and she, like me, now specializes in helping women in midlife revive their sex lives by providing solutions and treatments for the natural changes we experience as we age. She is also the author of an incredible book called "Ultimate Intimacy: The Revolutionary Science of Female Sexual Health," which reveals how we as women can understand and choose the best treatments for our bodies so that we do not have to suffer from an unfulfilling or painful sex life. Enjoy this conversation as we talk about the procedures that we offer at our practices to ensure that you can rediscover ultimate intimacy.

Today's podcast is with a fascinating guest, Dr. Marco Pelosi III, a world-renowned cosmetic gynecologist. We explore the history, evolution, and controversy of cosmetic gynecology, facts and safety of vaginal surgery, and finding the balance between loving yourself as you are and seeking treatments to feel free and confident in your body.

Today's podcast guest is Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a prominent OB/GYN based in Dallas who shares my passion for sexual wellness. We dive into the importance of offering sexual health as part of our holistic medical practices, and how we as doctors are dedicated to learning about sexual wellness in a way that was never taught to us in medical school. Dr. Shepherd has an amazing practice called Sanctum Med + Wellness in Dallas where she merges Eastern and Western medicine to provide nurturing, holistic care for her patients. I hope you enjoy our conversation and learn more about our unique approach to women's health.

I'm joined today by a special guest Dr. Johnny Peet who is a friend of mine as well as an amazing gynecologist and pioneer in sexual wellness for both women and men. We chat about the myths and truths of bio identical hormone therapy, the importance of testosterone for optimal aging, the risks of *not* taking hormones, and cutting edge new treatments including platelet rich plasma laser therapy and stem cells. If you've ever been curious about hormone therapy, don't miss this informative episode!

Today's episode is Part 2 from my conversation last week with Meg Ellis, an amazing fitness instructor and life coach who also happens to be my favorite SoulCycle instructor. We're talking about the steps you can take to get what you want – from believing that you deserve it to being open to getting something even *better* than what you have envisioned for yourself. Don't miss this transformational and inspiring conversation!

I'm very excited to share part 1 of a 2-part podcast series with Meg Ellis, a fitness instructor and life coach who is also *the* best SoulCycle instructor. Today we're covering three big topics – resistance, trust, and fear – and how we can empower ourselves to step outside of our comfort zones and live from a place of curiosity and trust rather than a fear of failure. We talk about how to turn up the resistance, not only in your physical activity but also in your daily life, and to shift your mindset from fear of failure to "expect great things and they will happen."

Today's episode is an open and honest conversation with my friend and colleague Mary Jo Rapini, a renowned psychotherapist who specializes in relationships and sexuality. We dive into everything from how men have been affected by the pandemic (not well), to dating in midlife and how to reconnect with our long-term partners during this uncertain time. We also discuss our mutual belief that the most important relationship you have is the one with yourself.

On today's episode I'm speaking with my friend and fellow midlife wellness enthusiast Amanda Thebe, author of "Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too!" Amanda - a fitness and health expert with over 30 years of experience - shares her personal story of struggling with perimenopause and menopause, and how women can support their bodies through nutrition and fitness to reclaim their health and thrive in midlife.

I'm very excited to share with you some of the latest procedures and solutions we can do for one of the most common symptoms that I hear from women in menopause - and before menopause - which is vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. This, along with other issues that arise during midlife, can lead to an unfulfilling sex life for ourselves and our partners. The good news is that we can optimize these parts of our body that change as we age so that we can continue having a vibrant, pain-free sex life and fulfilling relationship. From products to procedures, enjoy learning about these solutions that are available to you.

Today I'm sharing my recent thoughts about how the secrets of the sexually woke apply to every aspect of your life, not just sex. This includes financial, career, family, and life in general. As a gyncecologist, I often look at life through the lens of sex, but I also understand that sex isn't a top priority or top of mind for everyone at this particular moment. Join me as I discuss the secrets of the sexually woke and how you can apply them to all areas of your life in order to feel fully alive and fulfilled.

Today I'm speaking with Houston icon Rachel Gower, the CEO of award-winning salon network, The Upper Hand, and mother to twin girls. We talk about navigating careers, relationships, and motherhood – and how to find time for self-care in the middle of all of it.

Today's podcast guest is Christine Mason, the Founder & CEO of Rosebud Woman, a beautiful line of women's intimate wellness products. She is also the author of The Invitation: Daily Love for Your Intimate Self, which is a manifesto for women to accept and cherish their bodies. In this episode we dive into honoring and embracing our feminine sexual beings at every age so that we can experience self-love, playfulness, reverence, and joy.

Today I'm talking with entrepreneur, author, and former literary agent Nina Lorez Collins, who founded The Woolfer – a vibrant community of women centered on disrupting social norms around aging. We talk about the importance of opening up about our health and sex lives with a supportive community, asking for what you want in the bedroom, why you should own a vibrator, and more.

One of the best parts about my job is that I get to have intimate conversations with women from all around the world. Every day I hear women describing their symptoms and experiences with menopause, and in today's episode I am sharing with you a list of the most common topics that come up. My hope is that this episode will help normalize these symptoms and release you from that isolating feeling that something is wrong with you. When I went through menopause, I was worried that something was wrong with me, which is a terrible feeling. The good news is that you are not alone, there is nothing wrong with you, and women around the world are all going through the same thing. Let's dive in and explore why these changes to our bodies are happening, and what you can do about them.

During her research study on a group of over 1,000 women in midlife, Dr. Susan discovered a group of women who are enjoying the most vibrant sex of their lives at 40, 50, and beyond. She divulges their three secrets to sexual reawakening in her best-selling book Sexually Woke. In today's episode she shares these three secrets and how you too can become sexually woke.

Dr. Susan explains how bio identical hormone therapy pellets can enhance your relationships and restore sexual function in women who are approaching menopause as well as for those whose bodies have begun changing. Early is better than late! Let her tell you why....

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. What if I told you that there are three secrets to a happy, peaceful life?

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. What if I told you that there are three secrets to a happy, peaceful life?

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. What if I told you that there are three secrets to a happy, peaceful life?

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Dr. Susan discusses vaginal relaxation after child birth, what we can do about it and how it effects our sex lives, our self esteem and our physical wellness.

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Dr. Susan talks hormone replacement as it is such a big topic with so many questions and often not so many answers.

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Dr. Susan talks with her friend and colleague, Mary Jo Rapini, licensed psychotherapist specializing in sex and intimacy and the common barriers to sex and intimacy.

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Dr. Susan talks with her friend and colleague, Mary Jo Rapini, psychotherapist and relationship and intimacy expert based in Houston, about relationship dynamics and family dynamics during this Coronavirus outbreak.

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Meditation… How do you do it? Why would you do it?

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Now we are almost 4 months into this Coronavirus pandemic, and Dr. Susan feels there is a universal sense of fear. In this episode, she talks about facing fear with compassion.

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Now 3+ months into the Coronavirus pandemic, is it possible that there is some beauty in this slowing down?

Empowering midlife wellness. Body, mind & connection. Dr. Susan talks with her friend and colleague, Mary Jo Rapini, licensed psychotherapist specializing in sex and intimacy and the common barriers to sex and intimacy.

Only 7 percent of older women are happy with their sex lives. Dr. Susan discusses treatments and health management strategies for staying sexually active for the other 93 percent who want to know their secrets.

Dr. Susan talks about improving your primary romantic relationship by stepping away from unhealthy behaviors and expectation patterns that couples fall into that make things worse over time instead of better. Get our of your drama triangle now!