Welcome to the magical mystery tour that is perimenopause, where your hormones throw a rave and forget to invite your metabolism.

In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs tackle the ever-fun topic of weight gain during perimenopause—because just when you thought you had your fitness routine down, suddenly your jeans won’t button no matter what you do.

Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su are here to tell us what’s really going on with our bodies during this hormonal joyride. They talk through the outdated gospel of BMI, the realities of lifestyle changes (yes, we see you, kale), and the current science of obesity treatment, fresh off the Obesity Medicine Association runway.

From GLP-1s to diabetes meds and everything in between, they cover the full pharmacy aisle of weight loss medications—along with the pros, cons, and costs. Listeners will gain clarity, a few laughs, and a better idea of what might actually work for you.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:31] Hot Topic: Weight loss & perimenopause

[1:35] Obesity Medicine Association Conference insights

[3:48] Body composition vs. BMI

[7:06] The role of medications in weight management

[12:31] Who’s a candidate for weight loss medications?

[18:15] Did you know there are categories?!

[22:43] GLP-1s

[27:39] How does one even choose?

[30:36] What’s the price tag?

[32:00] Wait–there are risks to losing weight during perimenopause?

[34:10] Nutrition and lifestyle are very important

[35:05] Looking into the [metaphorical] crystal ball

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Ahhhh…perimenopause: the delightful phase of life where your hormones throw a rager and forget to invite you.

If you thought contraception was a concern of your younger years, think again. In this episode, the Docs are tackling the wild world of birth control during perimenopause—because yes, you can still get pregnant, and yes, that’s as terrifying as it sounds.

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch are talking about everything from IUDs to sterilization myths, and explaining why contraception still matters even when your cycle starts playing hide-and-seek.They break down the science behind IUDs, birth control pills, and other contraceptive options, all while dispelling common misconceptions.

Spoiler alert: IUDs do more than just prevent pregnancy—they can also help manage heavy bleeding and cramping. And birth control pills? Turns out they might just be the unsung heroes of perimenopausal symptom control.

This episode is full of information (and some laughs), including your birth control options, the latest advancements like the Nextstellis pill, and why hormones like estetrol and drospirenone are making waves in menopause management. We also cover emergency contraception (because life happens) and safe sex practices—because STIs don’t care how old you are.

So grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine and join us for a candid, insightful, and slightly irreverent conversation about contraception in your 40s and beyond.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[3:34] Understanding contraception during perimenopause

[7:09] How do you choose the right method?

[13:51] Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARS)

[16:03] IUDs and their benefits

[28:17] The pill

[34:37] Nextstellis and E4

[41:42] IUDs as hormone therapy

[46:22] Emergency contraception

[50:24] Barriers to contraception and STI prevention

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Perimenopause: it’s not just hot flashes and rage-cleaning your kitchen at 2 a.m. (although that’s part of it).

In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs get into the chaos and confusion that is hormonal fluctuation with none other than Dr. Jen Gunter, the internet’s favorite OBGYN and myth-slayer-in-chief.

From PMS to PMDD to bleeding that seems to follow no known calendar system, this conversation tackles the messy, misunderstood realities of perimenopause with wit, wisdom, and zero tolerance for pseudoscience.

Dr. Gunter is a bestselling author and advocate for fact-based women’s health. She brings her signature blend of science, sass, and serious credentials to a conversation that pulls back the curtain on topics that often get ignored—or worse, wildly misrepresented. Whether you’ve read The Vagina Bible or just Googled “why does everything hurt after 40,” this is one guest you’ll want to hear from.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:28] Meet Dr. Jen Gunter: author & OBGYN

[3:26] Misinformation impacts women’s health

[8:04] Perimenopause myths

[11:05] A legit treatment plan is more than essential oils and good vibes

[16:34] When bleeding becomes an issue

[25:15] PMS and PMDD – two acronyms of perimenopause

[30:38] Pain is not “just part of being a woman’

[33:16] Break the silence with your vaginal health

[37:23] Caring for your vulva and vagina

[51:48] Information is power!

Connect with Dr. Jen Gunter:

drjengunter.com

@drjengunger

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html