In this episode of the Private Parts of Wellness podcast, Jessica Jolie discusses the complex interplay between surgery, emotional well-being, and women's health. She explores how major surgeries can impact intimacy and emotional health, the gut-brain connection, the role of hormones in recovery, and the significance of understanding the polyvagal theory. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing both emotional and physical pain, particularly in relation to heart health, and offers practical steps for healing and support.

TAKE THE SEXUALITY & THE HOSPITALIZED PATIENT SURVEY

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing After Surgery

02:39 The Impact of Surgery on Intimacy and Connection

04:54 Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

07:22 The Role of Hormones in Recovery

09:51 Exploring the Polyvagal Theory

11:58 Emotional Pain and Its Physical Manifestations

14:12 The Heart's Role in Women's Health

16:24 Addressing Cardiac Depression

18:52 Personal Reflections on Hormone Therapy

20:44 Healing the Triangle: Heart, Gut, and Hormones

22:42 Practical Steps for Recovery

24:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

References:

• ACEs and IBS (2022 Study)
  “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Effect on Irritable Bowel Syndrome”
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9270910/

• Polyvagal Theory – Deb Dana and Stephen Porges

  • Official resources and practitioner tools: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/

  • Scientific overview: Porges, S. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, Self-regulation

• Takotsubo Syndrome (Broken Heart Syndrome)
  Mayo Clinic overview:
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-heart-syndrome

• Tylenol and Emotional Pain – NYT Article
  “Can Tylenol Heal a Broken Heart?”
  https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/05/fashion/breakups-rejection-neuroscience.html

• Women and Heart Disease – Cleveland Clinic
  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-things-women-should-know-about-heart-disease

• CDC – ACEs Study Overview
  https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html

• Estrobolome and Hormone-Gut Axis

  • Article on estrogen metabolism and the microbiome:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5541407/

  • More functional medicine perspective: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/the-estrobolome/

• SpeakPipe – Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
  https://www.speakpipe.com/privatepartsofwellness

• Books Mentioned

  • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

  • Healing Sex by Staci Haines

  • Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski

Episode #56 I thought I would talk about stuff I am curious about when it comes to sex, aging, health, and of course menopause.

Have something you are curious about?

Email me at jessica@ppwfnp.com

Leave me a voice message.

Keywords: menopause, GLP-1, hormone replacement therapy, health, aging, psilocybin, quality of life, women's health, obesity, mental health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to PPW

00:01 Exploring GLP-1 Medications

06:16 Hormone Replacement Therapy and GLP-1s

16:19 Menopause and Aging Beyond 65

23:38 The Role of Psilocybin in Mental Health

28:50 Cocoa and Heart Health

32:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

References:

Baik, S. H., Baye, F., & McDonald, C. J. (2024). Use of menopausal hormone therapy beyond age 65 years and its effects on women’s health outcomes by types, routes, and doses. Menopause the Journal of the North American Menopause Society, 31(5), 363–371. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0000000000002335

Brooks, M. (2025, June 19). One psilocybin dose eases cancer depression over long term. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/one-psilocybin-dose-eases-cancer-depression-over-long-term-2025a1000gd9

Office, B. (2025, April 16). NEW BMS Tool for Clinicians – Use of incretin-based therapies in women using HRT. British Menopause Society. https://thebms.org.uk/2025/04/new-bms-tool-for-clinicians-use-of-incretin-based-therapies-in-women-using-hrt/

Sesso, H. D., Manson, J. E., Aragaki, A. K., Rist, P. M., Johnson, L. G., Friedenberg, G., Copeland, T., Clar, A., Mora, S., Moorthy, M. V., Sarkissian, A., Carrick, W. R., & Anderson, G. L. (2022). Effect of cocoa flavanol supplementation for the prevention of cardiovascular disease events: the Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 115(6), 1490–1500. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac055

In this Loving Day / Juneteenth / Pride special, host Jessica opens up in a powerful “get to know me” episode that weaves personal history with cultural legacy. From being born into the aftermath of Loving v. Virginia to navigating Gen X skepticism, hot flashes at 43, and queer liberation, this is a story of radical knowing, embodied identity, and unapologetic truth.

Jessica shares how her own hormonal journey—rooted in race, gender, and resistance—informs the way she practices as a menopause specialist, nurse practitioner, and host of Radical Pause Salons.

This episode is not just about where she comes from. It’s about what your body remembers—and what kind of care we all deserve as we age.

Whether you're in menopause, on the cusp, or still learning the language of your body—this one’s for you.

• 🎤 Leave a voice note: speakpipe.com/privatepartsofwellness

• 📸 Instagram: @privatepartsofwellness

• 🌐 Website: privatepartsofwellness.com

🔗 Links Mentioned