Join Jessica Jolie, a family nurse practitioner and certified menopause provider, as she delves into the complex topics of body image, wellness, and societal expectations. In this candid episode, Jessica shares her personal journey and insights on menopause, weight, and the importance of embracing our bodies as they are. Discover the science behind body changes and the impact of cultural perceptions on our health.

Key Topics:

The politics of desirability and body image

Personal stories of body transformation and acceptance

The role of hormones in aging and wellness

Challenging societal norms around weight and health

Contact: For more insights and to join Jessica's newsletter email her at Jessica@PPWFNP.com.

Hashtags: #BodyImage #Wellness #Menopause #HealthJourney

Here's an old blog post on BDSM

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References:

• • Quetelet A. Sur l'homme et le développement de ses facultés (1835). BMI origins.

  • Ashwell M, Gibson S. Waist-to-height ratio better predictor than BMI. BMJ Open 2016;6:e010159.

  • Kelly DM, Jones TH. Testosterone and metabolism. J Endocrinol 2013;217(3):R25–45.

  • Santosa S, Jensen MD. Body fat distribution & hormones. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2008;295:E531–5.

  • Wildman RP et al. “Metabolically healthy obesity.” Arch Intern Med 2008;168(15):1617–24.

  • Ruderman NB et al. “Metabolically obese normal weight.” Diabetes 1998;47(5):699–713.

  • MyVagina.com. Ozempic, Wegovy, Semaglutide in the Vagina: Gynecologists Reveal Ozempic’s Unexpected Effects on Your Vagina. (online article).

  • Gada, Farouk, Mohamed, Salih. Tirzepatide Effect on Sexual Function in Women: Case Report. Clinical Medicine Insights: Case Reports. Sage Publishing. Abu Dhabi.

  • Clinical commentary: Gynecologists on Ozempic’s vaginal side effects (“Ozempic vulva”) – reports of rapid subcutaneous fat loss affecting genital tissues.

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