Understanding which lab tests are most useful at different ages can help women focus on what truly matters for their health—without unnecessary testing or confusion.

Alexandria Delasantos, RN shares which lab tests women need at every age. 

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Tingling toes. A strange electric buzz that won’t let you sleep. We sat down with Dr. John Morren, Director of the Neuromuscular Center at Cleveland Clinic, to unpack what truly drives peripheral neuropathy, how to read the early signs, and which treatments actually help you function and rest again.

We trace the most common causes—diabetes and the broader metabolic syndrome—while surfacing underrecognized risks like rapid weight loss, malabsorption after bariatric surgery, chemotherapy, infections, alcohol, and hidden vitamin pitfalls. B12 deficiency takes center stage as a treatable driver; we talk real thresholds, why neurologists aim above 400, and how methylmalonic acid exposes low B12 even when standard labs look “normal.”

Looking ahead, we explore AI as augmented intelligence: tools that flag high-risk patients in primary care, prompt simple screening steps, and sharpen EMG and nerve conduction studies to detect nerve damage earlier. It’s not man versus machine; it’s smarter care through synergy, personalizing treatment and expanding access without losing the human touch.

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Alexandria Delasantos, RN shares which lab tests are important during the stages of menopause. 

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We kick off season four by unpacking the most important women’s health developments of 2025 and turning them into simple, confident actions for 2026. From menopausal care finally getting a long-overdue reboot to new tools for mood, pain, and preventive screening, we focus on what’s real, what helps and what to do next.

Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker walks through timely risks and practical choices: the new data linking long-term Depo-Provera use to meningioma, the way even therapeutic levothyroxine can chip away at bone density and why the Mediterranean diet still outperforms trends despite the GLP-1 spotlight.

Menopause takes center stage with real progress: smarter labels, better education, and a broader toolkit.

We finish by swapping brittle resolutions for intentions that stick: consistent sleep, daily movement you enjoy, water before meals, gratitude to steady your mood, and strong social ties that extend life. If you’re ready to feel informed and in charge, this guide to the year’s biggest shifts will help you act with calm confidence.

If this helped you, subscribe free, turn on notifications, share it with a friend, and leave a quick five‑star review to help more people find the show.

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The holidays don’t have to be a choice between joy and well-being. We invite you into a cozy Christmas Eve conversation that blends candlelight traditions with clear, doable strategies for eating well, staying energized, and sleeping better. From a nourishing breakfast to a colorful plate at dinner, you’ll learn how to slow down and savor your favorites.

We also share a one-minute breathing reset to melt stress and a warm, cinnamon baked apples recipe that makes your home smell like the season while keeping nutrition front and center.

If you’re ready for a holiday that feels lighter, kinder, and more intentional, press play and join us by the tree lights.

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First oral GLP-1 pill cleared for weight loss

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved a pill version of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster weight loss drug.

The Wegovy pill, as it’s called, is first oral version of a GLP-1 drug that has been brought to market for weight loss. A second pill, from Eli Lilly, is also expected to be approved in the coming months.

Novo Nordisk expects the Wegovy pill to be available widely in January 2026, a company spokesperson

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A tiny mineral with a big impact can change how you feel during the day -from steadier energy to clearer thinking and fewer snack attacks. So, what is this important mineral? Chromium, the quiet cofactor that helps your body process carbs, fats, and proteins more efficiently. 

Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly L. Thacker explains why “food first” beats a crowded supplement shelf, and how easy wins—broccoli, green beans, quinoa, lean proteins, dairy, and even stainless steel cookware—can boost chromium naturally.

Dr. Thacker shares how much chromium we need daily, highlights who might be at risk for deficiency, and explains why more isn’t better with trace minerals.

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With this approval, flibanserin becomes the first and only treatment of its kind for women younger than 65 years.

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Hot flashes don’t keep a schedule, and neither do lab numbers. We sit down with Dr. Rachel Novik of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Specialized Women’s Health to cut through the noise around perimenopause, menopause, and hormone testing—and focus on what actually helps you feel like yourself again.

We talk about why the most reliable “diagnosis” of menopause is still 12 months without a period, and when lab work like estradiol and FSH can be helpful for patients with hormonal IUDs or after hysterectomy. She breaks down common myths about the Dutch test and other urine hormone panels, explains why major medical societies don’t endorse them for menopause, and shows how chasing unvalidated numbers can drive unnecessary supplements and costs without improving outcomes.

If you’re overwhelmed by conflicting advice on “balancing hormones,” this episode offers a calmer path: collaborate with a clinician, align on goals, and judge success by how you feel, not a single number.

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What if birth control could be your most reliable tool for better cycles, clearer skin, steadier moods, and a smoother perimenopause—whether or not you need pregnancy prevention? 

Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with Certified Nurse Practitioner Dana Leslie to map out a smarter, personalized path through contraception, hormone balance, and sexual health that actually fits real life.

They also break down the latest in at‑home STI testing.

If you found this useful, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find credible, practical women’s health guidance.

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Perfection is loud during the holidays. Presence is quieter—and far more powerful. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Executive Producer Leigh Klekar sat down with clinical social worker and holistic psychotherapist Marita Pompeani to unpack why this season ratchets up stress and how to find steady ground with simple, science-backed tools you can use anywhere.

We talk about expectations and how social media scripts can push us to overspend, overcommit, and overlook our bandwidth. Marita shares a flexible framework for planning with blended families, setting a realistic budget, and rethinking gift giving with meaningful alternatives like experiences, contributions toward big items, and handwritten notes that land deeper than stuff.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who could use some peace, and leave a review so more listeners can find these tools.

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The wellness industry thrives on convincing us we need the latest supplements for optimal health. But do those trendy powders and pills pushed by social media influencers actually deliver results? In this eye-opening episode, Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker cuts through the marketing noise surrounding four popular supplements dominating online conversations: Creatine, L-Carnitine, Taurine, and Boron.

As Director for the Center for Specialized Women's Health, Dr. Thacker brings evidence-based clarity to the supplement conversation. She explains how these compounds naturally function in our bodies, what foods provide them naturally, and who might genuinely benefit from supplementation.

This podcast delivers exactly what modern health consumers need—straightforward information that cuts through marketing hype and empowers us to make smarter wellness decisions. Remember: when it comes to your health, knowledge truly is power!

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When family dynamics break down, who protects the bond between grandparents and grandchildren? Attorney Eva Saulnier returns to the Speaking of Women's Health Podcast to tackle this often-overlooked but emotionally charged area of family law.

Most grandparents are shocked to discover they have limited legal standing regarding their grandchildren. As Saulnier explains to Host Dr. Holly Thacker, courts maintain a strong preference for parental rights, even when those parents aren't perfect.

Whether you're concerned about your own grandchildren or supporting someone facing these difficult circumstances, this episode provides essential insights into the complex intersection of family bonds and legal rights.

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Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s column on startling research that links untreated menopausal symptoms with reduced work ability.

It alleviates menopause symptoms and provides long-term health benefits, but it has mistakenly been associated with fatal breast cancer.

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Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker unpacks what collagen actually is, why production slows with age and menopause, and how to protect and build it with food and daily habits. She weighs the evidence on collagen supplements, shares safety guardrails, and lays out a practical plan for skin, joints, and bones.

Dr. Thacker starts with the big levers: why smoking, alcohol, sugar, and UV exposure damage collagen, and how simple shifts—SPF on chronically exposed skin, smarter sun for vitamin D, and a realistic supplement plan after age 40—help you age slower. 

Then she moves to the plate. Dr. Thacker lists the collagen-rich foods like bone broth, chicken skin, and fish skin, plus the nutrients that actually drive collagen synthesis: complete protein, vitamin C, zinc, and copper.

Curious about powders and peptides? Dr. Thacker dives into when and how to choose safe supplement products.

If this conversation helps you think differently about your routine, tap follow, share it with a friend who’s collagen-curious, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find us. Have a question or a topic you want explored next? Send us a note at speakingofwomenshealth.com and let’s keep the conversation going.

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Bayer’s Lynkuet® (elinzanetant) is the first and only neurokinin 1 and neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist to receive FDA approval for moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause.

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Breast cancer survivors are sometimes told to endure the fallout of estrogen deprivation. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host sits down with Dr. Corinne Menn, a long‑term breast cancer survivor, to unpack what real, evidence‑based menopause care looks like for breast cancer survivors, high‑risk women, and BRCA previvors—without fear and without shame.

For more information on Dr. Corinne Menn, visit drmenn.com.

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Dr. Holly Thacker talks about the new research around niacin supplements helping to prevent skin cancer. She also discusses the other health benefits of niacin, including how it benefits the nervous system, digestive system and arthritis symptoms.

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Your bones are silently changing beneath the surface, and for women entering menopause, that change accelerates at an alarming rate. Did you know you could lose up to 30% of your bone mass in the first 5-7 years after menopause? This silent thief works without symptoms until a fracture occurs, often when it's too late for prevention.

In this episode, Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker reads Chapter 12 of her book, "The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Menopause," and offers additional insights and tips you won't find in the book.

This isn't just about preventing fractures – it's about maintaining independence and quality of life as you age. Breaking a hip after 65 carries a 40% one-year mortality rate, yet this risk is preventable with proper screening and treatment. Whether you're approaching menopause, recently diagnosed with bone loss, or simply planning for healthy aging, this episode provides crucial knowledge to keep your skeleton strong for decades to come.

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