The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

If you've ever wondered why UTIs, vaginal infections, or bladder issues seem to suddenly appear in midlife—you are not alone… and you are not imagining it. In this powerful solo episode, Dr. Anna Cabeca breaks down the real root causes behind recurrent UTIs and vaginal health issues during perimenopause and menopause—and why conventional approaches often miss the mark. As a triple board-certified OB-GYN and integrative medicine expert, Dr. Anna brings both clinical insight and heartfelt guidance to a topic many women are too embarrassed to talk about—but desperately need to understand. Drawing from decades of experience and emerging microbiome science, she reveals how hormonal shifts, vaginal pH changes, and microbiome imbalances create the perfect storm for recurring infections—and what you can do about it. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why declining estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA directly impact bladder and vaginal health • The critical role of the vaginal microbiome (and why diversity is not always a good thing here) • How pH shifts make you more vulnerable to UTIs, BV, and yeast infections • The surprising link between UTIs and cognitive symptoms like brain fog • Why antibiotics alone may be making the problem worse • The foundational steps to restore balance, resilience, and intimacy This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap—because your body was designed to thrive at every age. Your next step: If this resonates, don't ignore it. Share this episode with a friend, subscribe to The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast, and start implementing one small change today to support your vaginal and urinary health. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & why this topic matters now 01:01 – The hidden impact of UTIs and infections on aging and cognition 03:00 – Hormonal decline and structural changes in the vaginal/urethral tissue 07:00 – The vaginal microbiome explained simply 11:00 – Why pH balance is your first line of defense 15:00 – The antibiotic trap + root cause approach 20:00 – Practical solutions: hormones, probiotics, and lifestyle Memorable Quotes: • "The vagina is essential for life—and we have to start treating it that way." • "An imbalanced microbiome is often the root cause—not just the infection." • "If it hurts every time, why would you want to? Healing restores desire." • "Your body should be inhospitable to disease—and that starts at the cellular level." Connect With Dr. Anna: Website: https://dranna.com/vb https://drannacabeca.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor

What if aging isn't inevitable… but optional? What if you could feel 30 at 100—with energy, clarity, purpose, and vitality? In this powerful and expansive conversation, Dr. Anna Cabeca sits down with world-renowned cardiologist and longevity pioneer Dr. Jeffrey Gladden to challenge everything we've been told about aging. From his own health collapse in his 50s to reversing biological decline and redefining what's possible, Dr. Gladden reveals how we can stop managing disease—and start optimizing life. Dr. Gladden brings decades of cutting-edge experience to share a bold new framework: aging is exponential—and requires exponential solutions. Together, we explore the intersection of science, spirituality, cellular health, and human potential, uncovering what it truly means to "play the symphony of longevity." In this episode, you'll discover: Why traditional medicine misses the root cause of aging The powerful role of hormones, mitochondria, and detoxification in longevity How your nervous system (stress vs. healing) determines your health outcomes The surprising connection between meditation, oxytocin, and regeneration The 7 essential pillars of true rejuvenation (before ANY advanced therapy) Why mindset, purpose, and "asking better questions" may be your greatest longevity tools This conversation will stretch your thinking, inspire your future, and empower your next step. Your takeaway: You don't need to do everything—but you do need to start somewhere. CTA: ✨ What is ONE step you can take today to optimize your health and longevity? Share this episode with a friend, revisit it, and begin designing your future—on your terms. Key Timestamps: 00:01:00 – Dr. Anna's longevity reflection & framing the conversation 00:03:00 – Dr. Gladden's personal health crisis & turning point 00:08:30 – "How good can I be?" – the question that changed everything 00:11:00 – Meditation, nervous system, and true healing 00:18:00 – The 7 keys to regeneration explained 00:25:00 – Detox, inflammation, and preparing the body for healing 00:29:00 – Mitochondria, peptides, and advanced therapies 00:33:00 – Inside Gladden Longevity clinic (tour + technologies) 00:40:00 – Autoimmunity, precision medicine, and real patient results 00:42:00 – Final takeaways: define your longevity vision Memorable Quotes: Dr. Gladden: "You only get the answers to the questions you're asking." Dr. Gladden: "When I'm 100, I want a 30-year-old body and a 300-year-old mind." Dr. Anna: "We don't want to treat disease—we want to prevent it." Dr. Gladden: "Healing happens when the nervous system is calm—everything else builds on that." Dr. Anna: "There is always one next great step you can take for your health." Connect With Guest: Book: 100 is the New 30 (Available on Amazon & Audible) Podcast: Gladden Longevity Podcast Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/ Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/gladdenlongevity/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Gladdenlongevity Connect With Dr. Anna: Website: Dranna.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor