SHE MD

What if your health is about more than your lab results? In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice sits down with Dr. Lucy McBride, physician and author of Beyond the Prescription, to talk about how women can become better advocates for their health while navigating an overwhelming medical system. They discuss HRT and perimenopause, GLP-1s, cortisol, alcohol, health misinformation, vaccines, AI, and how to know which medical information you can actually trust. Dr. McBride shares how to make the most of a 10- or 15-minute doctor’s appointment and why sometimes the most important health question isn’t the one you think you should be asking.
Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

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Midi Health: Book your first virtual visit today at joinmidi.com.
Opill: Opill is birth control in your control. Check out Opill to see if it is right for you. You can find Opill at most major retailers in store and online at opill.com.
Olly: Shop Precise Probiotics with Skin, Stress Response, or Metabolism Support at a Walmart near you.
Figs: So if you're in healthcare - or know someone who is - get 15% off your first order at wearfigs.com with code FigsRx.
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What You’ll Learn
Why your health is about more than what shows up on a blood test
How to prepare for a short doctor’s appointment and advocate for yourself
What Dr. McBride wants women to understand about HRT and perimenopause
How she approaches GLP-1 medications and the growing conversation around “microdosing”
Why cortisol has become a misleading catch-all explanation for women’s health concerns
How to think about your relationship with alcohol rather than simply how much you drink
How to identify misinformation and evaluate medical claims online
How to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude more thoughtfully when researching your health
What questions women should ask when thinking about preventive health
Why finding the right doctor and building an ongoing relationship with them matters

Key Timestamps
00:00 Welcome Dr. Lucy McBride
04:02 How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor's Office
07:33 What Women Need to Know About HRT
10:58 Testosterone in Women: Benefits, Risks & When to Consider It
12:20 The Truth About the "Cortisol" Wellness Myth
14:19 Alcohol, Women's Health & Your Relationship With Drinking
21:10 What Preventive Health Really Looks Like
23:51 The Pandemic & Why Dr. McBride Wrote Her Book
25:24 How to Navigate Health Information in the Age of AI
27:50 Spotting Misinformation & Finding Trusted Medical Sources
30:23 How to Use AI to Ask Better Health Questions
36:05 How to Read Medical Studies & Spot Misleading Headlines
38:24 Dangerous Wellness Trends & Medical Misinformation
39:39 Vaccines, COVID-19 & What the Data Shows
41:36 Understanding Long COVID
43:27 Dr. Lucy McBride's Three Takeaways for Patients
45:52 Final Thoughts & SHE MD Takeaways

Key Takeaways
How to advocate for yourself during a short doctor’s appointment
Why your health is about more than your lab results
What women should know about HRT during perimenopause and menopause
How to think about GLP-1 medications and who they may be right for
The truth about cortisol and chronic stress
How alcohol can impact women’s physical and mental health
How to spot health misinformation online
How to use AI to ask better questions about your health
What preventive health questions women should be asking their doctors
Why finding the right doctor can make all the difference

Guest Bio: Dr. Lucy McBride
Dr. Lucy McBride is a physician, author, and medical communicator whose public-facing work grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she began sharing evidence-based information and helping people separate medical facts from misinformation. She has written for The Atlantic, appeared regularly on MSNBC, and testified before congressional committees. Her book, Beyond the Prescription, draws on her own experience as a patient and more than 25 years of medical experience to explore a more holistic approach to health. She is also the author of the weekly Substack newsletter Are You Okay?, which focuses on cutting through medical noise and helping people better understand their health.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kim Kardashian joins Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thais Aliabadi on SHE MD for an honest conversation about living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Kim opens up about her first flare, the challenges of managing psoriasis in the public eye, the treatments and lifestyle changes she’s tried, and what finally helped get her symptoms under control.
Alongside Dr. Wallace, Mary Alice and Dr. Thais break down what psoriasis actually is, how it can affect the joints and other parts of the body, how it’s diagnosed, and when it’s time to see a dermatologist or rheumatologist. They also discuss genetics, stress, self-care, and why understanding what’s happening beneath the skin is so important.
Kim also shares why she’s chosen to be open about her health and use her platform to bring more awareness to psoriasis and help others feel less alone.
Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

Sponsors
Smile Set:  Listeners of our show get an additional 35% off discount when they go to smileset.com/shemd. With this discount, you can get the smile of your dreams for under 1,300 bucks.
Ladder:  If you have an iPhone, head to ladder.fit/shemd. Take the quick quiz and find your plan. You'll get a free seven-day trial, no credit card required, and $10 off your first month when you join.
BEAM Minerals: Get 20% off your first order at beamminerals.com/shemd with code SheMD.
Gusto:  Try Gusto today at gusto.com/shemd and get three months free when you run your first payroll.
Acely:  If your student is heading into testing season and you wanna help them achieve a life-changing score, go to acey.com and use code SheMD for 20% off today.
Skylight Frames:  Go to myskylight.com/shemd for $30 off your 15-inch calendar.

What You’ll Learn
What psoriasis is and how it affects the skin
Why psoriasis is considered an immune-mediated condition
The different types of psoriasis and how they can present
How psoriasis can be connected to psoriatic arthritis
Why diagnosing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can sometimes be complicated
When topical treatments may be enough and when systemic therapy may be considered
Why certain topical steroids need to be used carefully
How stress and the mind-body connection may relate to psoriasis
What Kim Kardashian experienced throughout her own psoriasis journey
Why seeking medical care is important instead of relying solely on social media or home remedies

Key Timestamps
00:00 Welcome Kim Kardashian & Dr. Daniel J. Wallace
02:25 Kim's First Psoriasis Flare at Age 30
09:04 What Exactly Is Psoriasis?
15:05 When to See a Dermatologist or Rheumatologist
22:25 How Doctors Diagnose & Evaluate Psoriasis
26:22 Topical Steroids & How to Use Them Safely
29:32 Kim's Psoriatic Arthritis & Flare-Up Experience
33:45 Kim's Skincare & Self-Care Routine
35:45 Kim on Living With Psoriasis in the Public Eye
38:13 Kim's Workout, Supplements & Wellness Routine
41:04 Kim's Advice to Her Younger Self
43:48 5 Things to Know If You Think You Have Psoriasis
44:39 Final Thoughts & Goodbye

Key Takeaways
Psoriasis can look different from person to person and may range from localized skin lesions to more extensive disease.
Psoriasis can affect more than the skin, including the joints and potentially other parts of the body.
Psoriatic arthritis can develop in people with psoriasis and may cause joint pain and swelling.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of psoriasis, and some people may require systemic therapy.
Strong topical steroids can be effective but need to be used carefully, particularly on the face.
Stress, self-care, exercise, and overall lifestyle can be important parts of managing health, although individual triggers and experiences vary.
Medical evaluation is important when psoriasis is suspected, especially when joint symptoms are present.

Guest Bio: Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian is a cultural trailblazer, actress, fashion icon, activist, entrepreneur, and devoted mother of four. She revolutionized the shapewear market with her cult-favorite brand SKIMS and has significantly transformed the beauty industry through her highly successful cosmetic and fragrance lines, KKW Beauty and KKW Fragrance. Beyond her business acumen, Kim is a powerful advocate for criminal justice reform and is currently pursuing a law degree. Her influence on contemporary culture is unparalleled, making her a defining figure of our time.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the anxiety, emotional sensitivity, and overwhelm you've experienced for years are actually connected to ADHD? On this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice sits down with board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD specialist Dr. Sasha Hamdani to unpack why ADHD is so often missed or misdiagnosed in women. They discuss the emotional side of ADHD, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), hormones and ADHD symptoms, ADHD during perimenopause and postpartum, medication options, and why treating ADHD is about so much more than improving focus. Dr. Hamdani also shares the science behind her new book, Too Sensitive: Rejection, Resilience, and the Science of Feeling Deeply.
Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

Sponsors
Sera: To learn more you can visit PreTRM.com. Talk with your provider about whether the PreTRM Test might be right for you.
Momentus: If you want to try Momentous Signature Spec Creatine, head to livemomentous.com and use code SheMD or SheMDpod for up to 35% off your entire first order.
Talkiatry: Head to talkiatry.com/shemd to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.
Larine: Right now, Larinco is offering our listeners up to 50% off at buylarine.com/shemd.
DripDrop: Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to dripdrop.com and use promo code SheMD.
Olly: You can find OLLY Precise Probiotics with skin, stress, or metabolism support at a Walmart near you.

What You’ll Learn
Why ADHD can look different in women than in men
Why women with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression instead
How estrogen fluctuations can affect ADHD symptoms and dopamine regulation
What happens to ADHD symptoms during PMS, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause
The difference between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications
How medication decisions can be personalized for women and children
What rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is and how it can affect relationships and daily life
Why emotional dysregulation is an important part of the ADHD conversation
Whether supplements can help with ADHD symptoms
Why you can't “give yourself” ADHD by spending too much time on your phone
Dr. Hamdani's favorite ADHD sleep hack

Key Timestamps
00:00 Welcome Dr. Sasha Hamdani
02:40 Sasha's ADHD Diagnosis & Her Journey Through Medical School
07:28 Why ADHD Looks Different In Women
09:07 Why So Many Women Are Misdiagnosed With Anxiety & Depression
10:20 How Hormones Can Make ADHD Symptoms Worse
16:43 Estrogen, Menopause & ADHD Symptoms
18:50 ADHD Medication vs. HRT: What's The Difference?
20:56 Finding The Right ADHD Medication
23:09 Stimulants Vs. Non-Stimulants & The 80/20 Approach
25:26 ADHD Medication For Children
31:44 Why ADHD Medication Can Stop Working During Perimenopause
32:49 The Long-Term Effects Of ADHD Medication
34:11 Are Medication Holidays Helpful?
36:40 Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
40:59 How To Regulate Emotional Dysregulation
41:36 Inside "Too Sensitive" & The Science Of Feeling Deeply
44:52 Dating Advice For Women With RSD
47:16 Do Supplements Actually Help ADHD?
48:46 Can Your Phone Make ADHD Worse?
50:16 The Biggest Misconceptions About ADHD
51:05 Sasha's Favorite ADHD Hack For Better Sleep
52:28 Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Key Takeaways
ADHD is about much more than attention and focus. It can affect emotions, relationships, sleep, eating, executive function, and everyday life.
Women are frequently missed because they may present primarily with inattentive symptoms rather than the stereotypical hyperactive presentation.
Hormonal changes can worsen ADHD symptoms, particularly when estrogen drops during the menstrual cycle, postpartum period, and perimenopause.
Anxiety and depression can coexist with ADHD, but they can also be diagnoses that obscure underlying ADHD.
Rejection sensitive dysphoria describes an intense emotional or physical response to real or perceived rejection or criticism and can be particularly disruptive for people with ADHD.
Finding the right ADHD treatment is highly individualized. Medication can be one tool alongside behavioral strategies and other forms of support.
Dr. Hamdani emphasizes that the goal of ADHD medication isn't to make someone feel “perfect,” but to provide consistent support that allows them to function more like they do on a good day.
Emotional sensitivity isn't necessarily something that needs to be eliminated. The goal can be learning to better understand and regulate it.

Guest Bio: Dr. Sasha Hamdani
Dr. Sasha Hamdani is a board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD specialist who has both personal and professional experience with ADHD. After being diagnosed with ADHD as a child, she went on to become a physician and now specializes in treating ADHD and helping patients better understand the condition beyond traditional symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. She is also the author of Too Sensitive: Rejection, Resilience, and the Science of Feeling Deeply, which explores the neuroscience of emotional sensitivity, rejection, hormones, and practical tools for managing intense emotions.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A heartbreaking case making national headlines has reignited an important conversation about postpartum mental health. In this special bonus episode, Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney are joined by psychiatrist Dr. Stacy Cohen to break down the critical differences between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis: a rare but life-threatening psychiatric emergency.
Together, they explain the warning signs every parent, partner, and loved one should know, discuss how these conditions are diagnosed and treated, and share why early intervention can save lives. They also explore the stigma surrounding maternal mental health, the safety of treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the hope available for women and families navigating postpartum challenges.
Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.

What You’ll Learn
The difference between postpartum blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis
Why postpartum psychosis is considered a psychiatric emergency
The symptoms families, partners, and physicians should recognize immediately
Risk factors associated with postpartum psychosis
How postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are treated differently
The role of medications, psychotherapy, TMS, ketamine therapy, and newer treatment options
Why seeking help early can make a life-saving difference

Key Timestamps
00:00 The Case That Shocked The Nation: Postpartum Psychosis
01:10 Postpartum Psychosis vs Postpartum Depression Explained
03:22 Who Is At Risk And When It Becomes An Emergency
07:01 How Postpartum Psychosis And Depression Are Treated
09:18 What To Do If You Think Someone Has Postpartum Psychosis
11:12 Treatment Options For Postpartum Depression
15:19 You Are Not Alone: Resources And Final Words From Dr. Stacy Cohen

Key Takeaways
Postpartum psychosis affects approximately 1 in 1,000 women after childbirth and requires immediate emergency psychiatric care.
Unlike postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis can include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and a loss of contact with reality.
Postpartum depression is much more common and is often successfully treated with therapy, antidepressants, and strong support systems.
Families and loved ones play a vital role in recognizing warning signs and getting emergency help when necessary.
Mental health treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding is often safer than leaving depression untreated, and many effective options are available.

Guest Bio: Dr. Stacy Cohen
Dr. Stacy Cohen is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health, perinatal psychiatry, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. She works closely with patients during pregnancy and the postpartum period, helping families navigate conditions including postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. In this episode, she explains the science behind postpartum psychiatric illnesses, discusses evidence-based treatments, and shares practical guidance on recognizing when immediate medical intervention is needed.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For decades, women have been told that hormone replacement therapy causes breast cancer, but where did that message come from, and is it the full story? In this episode, Mary Alice Haney is joined by former SheMD executive producer and award-winning storyteller, Ami Armstrong, to unpack the Women's Health Initiative, the landmark study that changed the course of menopause care for an entire generation. Together, they explore how one of the largest women's health studies ever conducted became one of the most misunderstood, and why many experts are working to correct the narrative today.
Mary Alice and Ami break down the difference between relative and absolute risk, discuss how media headlines fueled decades of fear around hormone therapy, and explain what today's research says about menopause treatment. They also examine why women have historically been left out of medical research, the importance of personalized healthcare, and how understanding your own risks can empower you to make informed decisions alongside your doctor.
Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.
Sponsors
K'chava: Treat yourself to a childhood favorite. Go to kachava.com and use code SheMD for 15% off your first order.
Midi Health: Book your first virtual visit today at joinmidi.com.
Babel: Right now, Babbel is offering listeners up to 60% off. Go to babbel.com/shemd. Rules and restrictions may apply.
Osea: Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code SheMD at oseamalibu.com.
Cash App: Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids aged six through 12. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.
Opill: Opill is birth control in your control. Check out Opill to see if it is right for you. You can find Opill at most major retailers in store and online at opill.com.
What You’ll Learn
Why the Women's Health Initiative became one of the most influential and controversial studies in women's health.
The difference between relative risk and absolute risk, and why that distinction matters.
How media coverage dramatically changed public perception of hormone replacement therapy.
Why today's menopause hormone therapy differs from what was studied in the original trial.
How women were historically excluded from clinical research and how that affected medical care.
What current evidence says about the timing of hormone therapy and menopause treatment.
Why understanding your personal health risks leads to better conversations with your doctor.
Key Timestamps
00:00 Welcome Ami Armstrong
02:57 Ami's own HRT journey & why she made this series
05:04 The idea behind "It's Not a Purse" (Magritte inspiration)
07:43 "Feminine Forever" and the history of estrogen marketing
09:02 Why Ami dug into the Women's Health Initiative
11:48 Getting women into clinical trials: the 1990s shift
18:43 Placebo, estrogen-only & estrogen+progestin arms
20:15 What hormones were actually used in the WHI
22:04 The timing hypothesis explained
23:14 Inside the July 2002 press conference decision
24:53 Breaking down the breast cancer numbers (absolute vs. relative risk)
27:06 Why the trial was stopped early & the estrogen-only results
32:07 HRT use plummets & what hot flashes really mean
35:42 The researchers who fought back
42:32 Individualized risk & questioning the headlines
Key Takeaways
The Women's Health Initiative began as an ambitious effort to better understand disease prevention in postmenopausal women but became defined by a controversial 2002 announcement that dramatically changed hormone therapy use.
Headlines focused on relative risk increases without explaining the much smaller absolute risk, creating lasting public fear around HRT.
The hormone formulations used in the original study are different from many of today's commonly prescribed bioidentical therapies.
Experts now recognize that the timing of hormone therapy initiation plays an important role in determining benefits and risks.
Women have historically been underrepresented in clinical research, leading to gaps in medical knowledge that continue to impact healthcare today.
Every woman's health decisions should be individualized, based on current evidence, personal risk factors, and informed conversations with qualified healthcare providers, not fear-driven headlines.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.