In this episode, I take a closer look at compounded medications—what they are, when they’re used, and the important nuances behind their growing popularity.

From hormone therapy and menopause care to semaglutide and GLP-1s, compounded meds are often described as personalized solutions. But these treatments exist in a regulatory gray area, with real variability in quality, safety, and effectiveness.

This episode is about cutting through confusion—without judgment or hype—and offering context to help you better understand your options.

• What compounded medications are and when they’re used
• Why some women rely on them for hormone therapy, PCOS, progesterone intolerance, or GLP-1 access
• What’s different between FDA-approved medications and compounded versions
• Why terms like “bioidentical” can be misleading
• The impact of drug shortages, insurance limitations, and gaps in care

Many people don’t realize that compounded medications aren’t FDA-approved—and that doesn’t automatically make them dangerous or ineffective. But it does mean they operate by different rules. This episode offers a grounded look at what’s happening behind the scenes and why these treatments are increasingly common in women’s health and beyond.

• Read article on Fear, misinformation, and pharmaceutical messianism in the promotion of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy
• Check out the blog post version of this episode here, which includes all citations.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here.
5. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok,

For years, patients have reported severe pain during IUD insertions—only to be told it's "just a pinch." Now, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued updated guidance that changes everything.

This episode breaks down what’s in the new guidelines, why it matters, and what’s still standing in the way of better care.

• What ACOG and CDC now recommend for IUD pain relief
• Why misoprostol is no longer a routine option
• How reimbursement challenges affect what happens in the exam room
• What to do if your provider isn’t aware of the new guidelines
• The role of trauma-informed and shared decision-making models
• Why this shift is critical for women’s health equity and trust

• ACOG Clinical Consensus on Pain Management (May 2025)
• CDC U.S. SPR Update (Aug 2024)

• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health

• Recommended Books on Hormones and Menstrual Health

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here.
5. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content.
6. Stay Informed: Sign up for our...

You’ve heard of the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. But what about the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—the one that helps regulate all of them?

In this episode, Georgie breaks down one of the most overlooked systems in human biology. Discovered through cannabis research but far more than a cannabis issue, the ECS plays a critical role in maintaining balance across mood, metabolism, hormones, inflammation, pain, and immune response.

So why isn’t it taught in medical school? And how is that omission impacting the care we receive—especially for women dealing with complex, chronic symptoms?

This is a must-listen if you’re a health-conscious woman, clinician, innovator, or advocate wondering why the healthcare system keeps missing the root cause.

• What the endocannabinoid system is—and what it isn’t
• How the ECS helps regulate key systems: hormonal, metabolic, immune, and neurological
• Why cannabis stigma is still limiting ECS education in medicine
• The real-world consequences of not teaching ECS in medical or nursing school
• Why women with complex symptoms may be falling through the cracks
• How diet, stress, and trauma can dysregulate the ECS—and what to do about it
• What clinicians, patients, and innovators need to know now

• Read the blog post: The System That Regulates Everything (citations for this episode included)

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here.
5. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content.
6. Stay Informed: Sign up for our...

Over 50% of women with chronic vaginal pain considered giving up on care altogether, according to a new JAMA Network Open study co-authored by Drs. Jill Krapf and Chailee Moss. In this episode, Georgie breaks down the findings, explores why this kind of dismissal is so common in women’s health, and explains how communication—not just diagnosis—can make or break care.

If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” when you were in pain, this episode is for you.

• Why over half of women with vaginal pain say they nearly gave up on care—and what that says about the system
• How seemingly harmless phrases like “your exam is normal” can cause lasting harm
• What two leading experts are doing differently—and why their approach is worth hearing
• Why this isn’t about blaming doctors—but it is about breaking the cycle
• What every woman (and clinician) should understand about trust, trauma, and communication in healthcare

• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health

• Read the Experiences of Care and Gaslighting in Patients With Vulvovaginal Disorders study
• Learn about TightLipped and the National Vulvodynia Association

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here.
5. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and...

In this episode of Fempower Health, we break down one of the most common—and misunderstood—conditions women face after menopause: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

Often referred to by symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful sex, burning with urination, or frequent UTIs, GSM affects nearly half of postmenopausal women. Yet many women are never told it has a name—let alone that it’s treatable.

We’re unpacking what the new 2025 GSM guidelines reveal, and why they mark a turning point in how clinicians should diagnose and treat this condition.

• What Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) really means
• How GSM symptoms impact vaginal, sexual, and urinary health
• Why vaginal estrogen is a frontline treatment, even with systemic HRT
• Common myths about lubricants, moisturizers, and “just aging”
• The difference between managing GSM vs. masking it
• Why GSM often goes unaddressed in clinical settings—and what needs to change
• What the 2025 guidelines clarify for patients and providers alike
• How untreated GSM can impact confidence, relationships, and even career performance

Too often, women’s health is narrowly defined as periods, pregnancy, and menopause hot flashes. But vaginal and urinary health after menopause deserves equal attention.

Whether you're a patient, provider, or policymaker, understanding GSM is essential to changing the conversation around what midlife care really looks like.

• Read Burning, Dryness, Pain? These New Guidelines Change Everything
• Read the 2025 GSM Guidelines

• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here.
5. Find Us on...

Did you know that many women undergo hysterectomies without fully understanding their options?

Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed on women—but too often, patients aren’t given the full picture. From what should (and shouldn’t) be removed to the long-term effects on hormone balance and pelvic health, the lack of informed consent has lifelong consequences.

In this episode, we break down:

• The different types of hysterectomy and their impact on your body
• How guidelines and reimbursement models influence surgical recommendations
• Why pelvic physical therapy (PT) is critical but rarely recommended
• The role of hormone therapy when ovaries are removed
• Questions every woman should ask before considering surgery

Many women experience post-surgical complications like pelvic pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction—issues that could be prevented with better education and advocacy. Doctors don’t always tell you the full story, but you have the right to ask questions and make informed decisions about your body.

This episode is for:

• Women considering or recovering from hysterectomy
• Healthcare professionals navigating patient advocacy
• Startups and investors in women’s health, understanding systemic barriers
• Anyone interested in how medical guidelines impact real-world healthcare

To access the article on this topic, click here: https://fempowerhealth.beehiiv.com/p/hysterectomy-informed-consent-womens-health

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here.
5. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content.
6. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.
7. Reach Out:...

The menopause industry is projected to hit $24.4B by 2030. But are we prioritizing real care—or just creating more confusion?

In this episode of Fempower Health, we break down the biggest challenges in menopause care, from hormone therapy debates to venture-backed telehealth startups and the lack of research in women’s health.

• How startups and telehealth companies are filling gaps in menopause care—but at what cost?
• The truth behind hormone therapy: What does the latest research actually say?
• Why medical societies take 17 years to update clinical guidelines—and how that affects your care
• The impact of influencers on menopause education—who should you trust?
• What solutions really help women navigate menopause with confidence

Menopause is no longer a whisper—it’s a movement. But as awareness grows, so does the noise.

• Are you making informed health decisions—or just navigating marketing trends?
• Who’s shaping the conversation—startups, medical societies, or influencers?
• What’s the future of menopause care, and how do we ensure women get the right solutions?

Click here to access the newsletter article of this episode, which also includes citations.

**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024**

Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.

If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:

1. Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!
2. Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.
3. Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!
4. Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here.
5. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content.
6. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your...

Join Georgie in this heartfelt episode as she reflects on the evolution of Fempower Health, the trusted resource for women and clinicians navigating complex health topics. Discover how community feedback will shape the future of this empowering platform.

In this special episode of Fempower Health, host Georgie shares a heartfelt update about the evolution of the podcast and her decision to take a pause. Reflecting on her journey as a problem solver and advocate for women’s health, Georgie highlights the impact of connecting listeners with hard-to-find experts and providing credible, actionable information.

With the growing conversation around women’s health on social media and the challenge of navigating limited time and trustworthy resources, Georgie explains how this moment of reflection is an opportunity to recalibrate and ensure Fempower Health continues to make a meaningful difference.

Whether you're a woman seeking clarity on your health or a clinician striving to better serve your patients, this episode invites you to be part of the conversation. Share your feedback, join the newsletter, and stay connected as Fempower Health evolves to meet your needs.

Discussion Points

• Why is now the right time to pause and reassess the future of Fempower Health?
• How has the growing conversation on women’s health evolved, and what gaps still exist?
• What makes Fempower Health a trusted resource for women and clinicians?
• How can listeners contribute to shaping the next phase of Fempower Health?
• What lessons can be learned from leaders like Simone Biles about taking a pause to prioritize sustainability?
• Why is credible, expert-driven information still so important in today’s health landscape?
• How does Fempower Health balance deep insights with accessible, actionable advice?
• What role does community feedback play in the evolution of this platform?
• Why is self-advocacy in women’s health more important than ever?
• How can listeners stay connected during this pause in content production?

Stay connected with Fempower Health:

• Visit us online at www.fempower-health.com
• Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the latest announcements, news, and research
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
• Email us for inquiries & outreach: info@fempower-health.com
• Catch up on Fempower Health Podcast episodes

As the founder of Fempower Health, Georgie has had the privilege of engaging directly with the best minds in healthcare, wellness, and advocacy—challenging them to address the questions that women are asking but the system too often ignores. Her unique position allows her to see the full picture: the patients struggling to navigate their health, the entrepreneurs trying to innovate without support, and the systemic forces keeping real solutions just out of...