Health Starts With Her Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:00:01 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2623359 en-us © 2026 Health Starts With Her yes 14dfc5fe-e344-5495-b775-929d755cd17e Dr. Tara Shirazian episodic false So many women feel overwhelmed when it comes to their health—and unsure of what information to trust. Health Starts With Her is an unfiltered, science-based talk show hosted by Dr. Tara Shirazian, created to help women cut through misinformation so they can feel more informed, confident, and in control of their health.


This talk show is where we have the conversations that too many people shy away from with no sugarcoating or shame, just honest, science-based discussions to help you feel informed, confident, and empowered about women's health. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Dr. Tara Shirazian https://storage.buzzsprout.com/baa4hs80gy1o8n406e90mwkyzydd?.jpg Health Starts With Her https://www.buzzsprout.com/2623359 Postpartum Depression & Intrusive Thoughts Postpartum Depression & Intrusive Thoughts Postpartum depression can bring terrifying feelings that many women carry in silence—overwhelming sadness, fear, shame, or thoughts they’re afraid to share with anyone. The pressure to feel happy or to be a “good mother” can make speaking up feel even harder. If this is your experience, you are not alone, and you do not have to face it alone. There are treatments, resources, and people who can help you feel better. You deserve to be heard, supported, and cared for.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with Dr. Maria Sarmiento, a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist at Northwell, and Teneisha Oliverre, a certified doula and project coordinator at NYU Langone Medical Center, for an honest conversation about postpartum depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and finding support during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.

Teneisha shares her deeply personal experiences after two pregnancies, reflecting on isolation, shame, and the pressure to manage motherhood alone—and how therapy, community, and a stronger support system changed her second postpartum journey. Dr. Sarmiento brings a clinical perspective on recognizing symptoms, navigating treatment, and understanding the role of sleep and support.

This conversation explores the questions so many women and families are asking:
• What can postpartum depression and anxiety look like?
• How can hormonal changes and sleep deprivation affect the postpartum experience?
• What are intrusive thoughts, and how can they relate to postpartum OCD?
• Why do shame and stigma keep so many mothers from seeking help?
• Where are the gaps in postpartum screening and follow-up care?
• How can therapy, medication, and reproductive psychiatry support mothers?
• What role can doulas, partners, families, and communities play?
• What does it mean to ask for help—and accept it?

______________________________________________

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about women’s health, fibroids, reproductive health, hormones, and medical issues impacting women worldwide.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher
______________________________________________

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

Supernus Pharmaceuticals / Biogen
Supernus Pharmaceuticals and Biogen have partnered together to bring a treatment option to people experiencing postpartum depression. By combining expertise in brain health and biotechnology, we’re working with the healthcare community to help improve awareness and education of postpartum depression.

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy
https://www.cerene.com/

Saving Mothers
https://savingmothers.org/

CHAPTERS
00:00 Opening: The realities of postpartum depression
00:25 Meet the host and guests
02:23 Understanding postpartum depression and anxiety
03:47 Tanisha’s first postpartum experience
08:54 Hormonal changes and risk factors
13:16 Intrusive thoughts and postpartum OCD
15:35 How doulas can support mothers
17:03 Gaps in postpartum care
20:57 Tanisha’s breakthrough: Therapy and support
22:48 Building a postpartum care team
25:07 What is a reproductive psychiatrist?
26:08 Hormonal shifts and questions about treatment
28:14 Breaking the stigma around seeking help
28:42 What every mother and community should know
32:35 Closing: Maternal mental health matters

Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicidal thoughts and intrusive thoughts involving harm. If you or someone you know needs crisis support in the U.S., call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with your physician or qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health.

]]> Postpartum depression can bring terrifying feelings that many women carry in silence—overwhelming sadness, fear, shame, or thoughts they’re afraid to share with anyone. The pressure to feel happy or to be a “good mother” can make speaking up feel even harder. If this is your experience, you are not alone, and you do not have to face it alone. There are treatments, resources, and people who can help you feel better. You deserve to be heard, supported, and cared for.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with Dr. Maria Sarmiento, a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist at Northwell, and Teneisha Oliverre, a certified doula and project coordinator at NYU Langone Medical Center, for an honest conversation about postpartum depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and finding support during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.

Teneisha shares her deeply personal experiences after two pregnancies, reflecting on isolation, shame, and the pressure to manage motherhood alone—and how therapy, community, and a stronger support system changed her second postpartum journey. Dr. Sarmiento brings a clinical perspective on recognizing symptoms, navigating treatment, and understanding the role of sleep and support.

This conversation explores the questions so many women and families are asking:
• What can postpartum depression and anxiety look like?
• How can hormonal changes and sleep deprivation affect the postpartum experience?
• What are intrusive thoughts, and how can they relate to postpartum OCD?
• Why do shame and stigma keep so many mothers from seeking help?
• Where are the gaps in postpartum screening and follow-up care?
• How can therapy, medication, and reproductive psychiatry support mothers?
• What role can doulas, partners, families, and communities play?
• What does it mean to ask for help—and accept it?

______________________________________________

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about women’s health, fibroids, reproductive health, hormones, and medical issues impacting women worldwide.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher
______________________________________________

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

Supernus Pharmaceuticals / Biogen
Supernus Pharmaceuticals and Biogen have partnered together to bring a treatment option to people experiencing postpartum depression. By combining expertise in brain health and biotechnology, we’re working with the healthcare community to help improve awareness and education of postpartum depression.

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy
https://www.cerene.com/

Saving Mothers
https://savingmothers.org/

CHAPTERS
00:00 Opening: The realities of postpartum depression
00:25 Meet the host and guests
02:23 Understanding postpartum depression and anxiety
03:47 Tanisha’s first postpartum experience
08:54 Hormonal changes and risk factors
13:16 Intrusive thoughts and postpartum OCD
15:35 How doulas can support mothers
17:03 Gaps in postpartum care
20:57 Tanisha’s breakthrough: Therapy and support
22:48 Building a postpartum care team
25:07 What is a reproductive psychiatrist?
26:08 Hormonal shifts and questions about treatment
28:14 Breaking the stigma around seeking help
28:42 What every mother and community should know
32:35 Closing: Maternal mental health matters

Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicidal thoughts and intrusive thoughts involving harm. If you or someone you know needs crisis support in the U.S., call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with your physician or qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health.

]]> Dr. Tara Shirazian Buzzsprout-19920498 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400 2019 postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, PPD, postpartum depression symptoms, signs of postpartum depression, postpartum depression treatment, maternal mental health, intrusive thoughts, postpartum OCD, baby blues, postpartum support, new mom mental hea 1 11 full false GLP-1s Beyond Weight Loss: Endometriosis, Inflammation & Women’s Health GLP-1s Beyond Weight Loss: Endometriosis, Inflammation & Women’s Health Could GLP-1 medications play a role in women’s health beyond weight loss? From endometriosis and inflammation to perimenopause and metabolic health, this episode of Health Starts With Her explores the questions patients are asking—and where more research is needed.

Endocrinologist, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, and clinical nutritionist and endometriosis advocate, Savannah Regensberger, join us to discuss GLP-1 medications, body composition, and the importance of nutrition and strength training. Savannah also shares her personal experience using a GLP-1 while managing endometriosis.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Personal experiences with endometriosis symptoms and the limits of existing research
• Visceral fat, inflammation, and why body composition matters
• Differences between GLP-1 medications
• Protein, fiber, and preserving muscle during weight loss
• Weight stigma and the misconception that medication is “cheating”
• Long-term treatment, maintenance, and questions to bring to your doctor

⸻

Special thank you to our sponsor for this episode: 
Saving Mothers: https://savingmothers.org/

⸻

Stay Connected:
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PMOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻

CHAPTERS
00:00 GLP-1s beyond weight loss
00:34 Meet the guests
01:52 Savannah’s experience with endometriosis and GLP-1s
05:19 Body composition, visceral fat, and inflammation
09:00 Finding relief and returning to exercise
11:13 How GLP-1 medications differ
12:55 Access to care and monitoring treatment
15:22 Nutrition and preserving muscle
17:02 The “quick fix” myth and weight stigma
20:11 Relationship with food and eating disorders
21:38 Patient selection and safety questions
23:01 Pregnancy and preconception discussion
25:39 Endometriosis advocacy and patient questions
27:36 Why taking medication isn’t “cheating”
29:09 Do you have to stay on a GLP-1 forever?
32:42 Final thoughts

]]> Could GLP-1 medications play a role in women’s health beyond weight loss? From endometriosis and inflammation to perimenopause and metabolic health, this episode of Health Starts With Her explores the questions patients are asking—and where more research is needed.

Endocrinologist, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, and clinical nutritionist and endometriosis advocate, Savannah Regensberger, join us to discuss GLP-1 medications, body composition, and the importance of nutrition and strength training. Savannah also shares her personal experience using a GLP-1 while managing endometriosis.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Personal experiences with endometriosis symptoms and the limits of existing research
• Visceral fat, inflammation, and why body composition matters
• Differences between GLP-1 medications
• Protein, fiber, and preserving muscle during weight loss
• Weight stigma and the misconception that medication is “cheating”
• Long-term treatment, maintenance, and questions to bring to your doctor

⸻

Special thank you to our sponsor for this episode: 
Saving Mothers: https://savingmothers.org/

⸻

Stay Connected:
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PMOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻

CHAPTERS
00:00 GLP-1s beyond weight loss
00:34 Meet the guests
01:52 Savannah’s experience with endometriosis and GLP-1s
05:19 Body composition, visceral fat, and inflammation
09:00 Finding relief and returning to exercise
11:13 How GLP-1 medications differ
12:55 Access to care and monitoring treatment
15:22 Nutrition and preserving muscle
17:02 The “quick fix” myth and weight stigma
20:11 Relationship with food and eating disorders
21:38 Patient selection and safety questions
23:01 Pregnancy and preconception discussion
25:39 Endometriosis advocacy and patient questions
27:36 Why taking medication isn’t “cheating”
29:09 Do you have to stay on a GLP-1 forever?
32:42 Final thoughts

]]> https://youtu.be/ESNyHZDTjsI Dr. Tara Shirazian Buzzsprout-19777611 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 01:00:00 -0400 2032 GLP-1 ,GLP1, GLP-1 medications, GLP-1 weight loss, women's health, endometriosis, GLP-1 and endometriosis, inflammation, metabolic health, visceral fat, body composition, insulin resistance, obesity, perimenopause, menopause, nutrition, protein, strength 1 10 full false How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor | Fibroids, Treatment Options & Being Heard How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor | Fibroids, Treatment Options & Being Heard What happens when you know something is wrong with your body — but you don’t feel heard by your doctor?

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with Jamie Hosman, Nurse Advocate at Hologic, and Holly Gorman, Nurse Practitioner at the Center for Fibroid Care at NYU Langone Health, for an important conversation about patient advocacy, fibroids, medical dismissal, and helping women understand their treatment options.

They discuss why heavy bleeding and other fibroid symptoms are so often normalized, how a lack of education can prevent women from receiving the care they need, and why treatment should never feel like a one-size-fits-all decision.

Together, they explore:
• Why women often normalize heavy bleeding and fibroid symptoms?
• What happens when patients feel dismissed or unheard?
• The importance of understanding all of your fibroid treatment options
• Medications and minimally invasive treatments for heavy bleeding and fibroids
• Why shared decision-making matters?
• How to prepare for a doctor’s appointment and ask better questions?
• When it may be time to seek a second opinion?
• What “watch and wait” really means for fibroids?
• How education, community, and access can empower women to take control of their health

The biggest takeaway: You know your body better than anyone else. Ask questions. Understand your options. And if you don’t feel heard, it’s okay to seek another opinion.

There is power in knowing you are not alone.

⸻

Special thank you to Hologic for supporting this episode of Health Starts With Her.

Connect with a Hologic Nurse Advocate - https://gynsurgicalsolutions.com/nurse-advocate/

⸻

Stay Connected:
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PMOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻

Chapters:
00:00 Why Patient Advocacy Matters
01:30 Meet Jamie Hosman and Holly Gorman
03:51 The Most Common Fibroid Symptoms
05:00 Why Women Normalize Heavy Bleeding
06:30 When the Medical System Doesn’t Offer Enough Options
08:00 Why Women Aren’t Hearing About All Their Treatment Options
10:00 Doing Your Own Research and Asking Better Questions
11:00 How the Medical Community Can Improve Patient Access
13:00 Why the Emergency Room Is an Important Touchpoint
14:30 Understanding the Full Spectrum of Fibroid Treatment Options
15:30 Lifestyle, Diet and Vitamin D
16:30 Medications for Fibroid Symptoms and Heavy Bleeding
18:30 Tranexamic Acid (TXA) and Other Non-Surgical Options
20:00 RFA, Endometrial Ablation and Minimally Invasive Treatments
22:00 Trust, Surgery and Barriers to Care
23:30 “Why Didn’t My Doctor Tell Me About This?”
25:00 How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor
26:00 How to Prepare for a Medical Appointment
27:30 Why Women Feel Dismissed and Unheard
28:30 The Anger, Exhaustion and Despair Behind Medical Dismissal
29:30 How Education Can Give Patients Hope
31:15 What Does “Watch and Wait” Really Mean for Fibroids?
34:30 Other Ways to Advocate for Your Healthcare
35:30 How Telehealth Can Expand Access to Fibroid Care
37:00 What Every Woman Should Know About Advocating for Herself
38:00 When to Get a Second Opinion
38:30 The Power of Community and Knowing You’re Not Alone
40:00 Final Takeaway: Your Symptoms Matter

]]> What happens when you know something is wrong with your body — but you don’t feel heard by your doctor?

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with Jamie Hosman, Nurse Advocate at Hologic, and Holly Gorman, Nurse Practitioner at the Center for Fibroid Care at NYU Langone Health, for an important conversation about patient advocacy, fibroids, medical dismissal, and helping women understand their treatment options.

They discuss why heavy bleeding and other fibroid symptoms are so often normalized, how a lack of education can prevent women from receiving the care they need, and why treatment should never feel like a one-size-fits-all decision.

Together, they explore:
• Why women often normalize heavy bleeding and fibroid symptoms?
• What happens when patients feel dismissed or unheard?
• The importance of understanding all of your fibroid treatment options
• Medications and minimally invasive treatments for heavy bleeding and fibroids
• Why shared decision-making matters?
• How to prepare for a doctor’s appointment and ask better questions?
• When it may be time to seek a second opinion?
• What “watch and wait” really means for fibroids?
• How education, community, and access can empower women to take control of their health

The biggest takeaway: You know your body better than anyone else. Ask questions. Understand your options. And if you don’t feel heard, it’s okay to seek another opinion.

There is power in knowing you are not alone.

⸻

Special thank you to Hologic for supporting this episode of Health Starts With Her.

Connect with a Hologic Nurse Advocate - https://gynsurgicalsolutions.com/nurse-advocate/

⸻

Stay Connected:
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PMOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻

Chapters:
00:00 Why Patient Advocacy Matters
01:30 Meet Jamie Hosman and Holly Gorman
03:51 The Most Common Fibroid Symptoms
05:00 Why Women Normalize Heavy Bleeding
06:30 When the Medical System Doesn’t Offer Enough Options
08:00 Why Women Aren’t Hearing About All Their Treatment Options
10:00 Doing Your Own Research and Asking Better Questions
11:00 How the Medical Community Can Improve Patient Access
13:00 Why the Emergency Room Is an Important Touchpoint
14:30 Understanding the Full Spectrum of Fibroid Treatment Options
15:30 Lifestyle, Diet and Vitamin D
16:30 Medications for Fibroid Symptoms and Heavy Bleeding
18:30 Tranexamic Acid (TXA) and Other Non-Surgical Options
20:00 RFA, Endometrial Ablation and Minimally Invasive Treatments
22:00 Trust, Surgery and Barriers to Care
23:30 “Why Didn’t My Doctor Tell Me About This?”
25:00 How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor
26:00 How to Prepare for a Medical Appointment
27:30 Why Women Feel Dismissed and Unheard
28:30 The Anger, Exhaustion and Despair Behind Medical Dismissal
29:30 How Education Can Give Patients Hope
31:15 What Does “Watch and Wait” Really Mean for Fibroids?
34:30 Other Ways to Advocate for Your Healthcare
35:30 How Telehealth Can Expand Access to Fibroid Care
37:00 What Every Woman Should Know About Advocating for Herself
38:00 When to Get a Second Opinion
38:30 The Power of Community and Knowing You’re Not Alone
40:00 Final Takeaway: Your Symptoms Matter

]]> https://youtu.be/sMThG7olf3E Dr. Tara Shirazian Buzzsprout-19754811 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 2444 Health Starts With Her, Dr Tara Shirazian, patient advocacy, women’s health, fibroids, fibroid symptoms, fibroid treatment, heavy periods, heavy bleeding 1 9 full false Lupita Nyong’o & Dr. Lauren Mims Open Up About Their Fibroids: Symptoms, Surgery & Treatment Options Lupita Nyong’o & Dr. Lauren Mims Open Up About Their Fibroids: Symptoms, Surgery & Treatment Options Fibroids affect millions of women, yet symptoms like heavy bleeding, painful periods, fatigue, anemia, and pelvic pain are still too often normalized or dismissed.

In this powerful episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian, OBGYN and Gynecologic Surgeon, sits down with Academy Award-winning actress and author Lupita Nyong’o, recently seen in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, and Dr. Lauren Mims, Associate Professor of Developmental Psychology at NYU, for an honest conversation about their personal experiences with uterine fibroids.

Lupita shares how she spent years believing painful periods and cramping were simply “normal” — until worsening symptoms led to a fibroid diagnosis and surgery. Ten years later, when her fibroids returned, she began asking deeper questions about prevention, research, treatment, and why women are still left searching for answers.

Lauren shares her own journey from severe fatigue and iron-deficiency anemia to multiple surgeries, recurring fibroids, and finally finding an approach to care that considered not just her diagnosis, but her quality of life.

Together, they explore the questions so many women are asking:

• What are the early signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids?
• When are heavy periods, blood clots, fatigue, and anemia a sign that something is wrong?
• Why are women’s pain and bleeding so often normalized or dismissed?
• Why are Black women disproportionately impacted by fibroids?
• Can fibroids be detected and treated earlier?
• What fibroid treatment options exist beyond major surgery?
• How do medications, myomectomy, radiofrequency ablation, and other treatments differ?
• What role can lifestyle, stress, vitamin D, and ongoing monitoring play in fibroid care?
• Why are second opinions and shared decision-making so important?

This conversation is about more than fibroids. It’s about learning to listen to your body, challenging the idea that debilitating periods are “normal,” understanding your treatment options, and advocating for care that considers your entire life — not just your diagnosis.

⸻

Special thank you to our sponsors for this episode that are helping support conversations about women’s health:

Hologic
Learn more about Sonata here: https://gynsurgicalsolutions.com/know...

Sumitomo Pharma:
https://www.sumitomo-pharma.com/
https://www.uterinehealthguide.com/

Saving Mothers: https://savingmothers.org/

⸻

Stay Connected:
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PMOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻


Chapters:
00:00 Why Women’s Pain and Fibroid Symptoms Are Dismissed
01:20 The First Signs and Symptoms of Fibroids
04:09 Lupita Nyong’o: Why I Thought Painful Periods Were Normal
08:29 When the Medical System Dismisses Women’s Pain
11:35 Lauren Mims’ Fibroid Diagnosis and Journey Through Surgery
17:40 Lupita Nyong’o on Her Fibroid Diagnosis and Search for Answers
21:14 The Emotional Toll of Living With Fibroids
22:24 Can Fibroids Be Prevented or Detected Earlier?
23:41 Lupita on Fibroid Recurrence and Taking Control of Her Health
27:01 Black Women, Stress and the “Strong Black Woman” Expectation
29:17 Why Fibroids Are a Chronic and Recurrent Disease
29:59 Fibroid Treatment Options Beyond Surgery
32:24 Lupita and Lauren Share Their Experiences With Medication
37:03 Radiofrequency Ablation for Fibroids Explained
41:17 Why Long-Term Fibroid Care Matters
42:23 How to Know When Your Period Is Not Normal
44:38 Know Your Options and Get a Second Opinion
45:54 The Power of Sisterhood, Community and Advocacy

]]> Fibroids affect millions of women, yet symptoms like heavy bleeding, painful periods, fatigue, anemia, and pelvic pain are still too often normalized or dismissed.

In this powerful episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian, OBGYN and Gynecologic Surgeon, sits down with Academy Award-winning actress and author Lupita Nyong’o, recently seen in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, and Dr. Lauren Mims, Associate Professor of Developmental Psychology at NYU, for an honest conversation about their personal experiences with uterine fibroids.

Lupita shares how she spent years believing painful periods and cramping were simply “normal” — until worsening symptoms led to a fibroid diagnosis and surgery. Ten years later, when her fibroids returned, she began asking deeper questions about prevention, research, treatment, and why women are still left searching for answers.

Lauren shares her own journey from severe fatigue and iron-deficiency anemia to multiple surgeries, recurring fibroids, and finally finding an approach to care that considered not just her diagnosis, but her quality of life.

Together, they explore the questions so many women are asking:

• What are the early signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids?
• When are heavy periods, blood clots, fatigue, and anemia a sign that something is wrong?
• Why are women’s pain and bleeding so often normalized or dismissed?
• Why are Black women disproportionately impacted by fibroids?
• Can fibroids be detected and treated earlier?
• What fibroid treatment options exist beyond major surgery?
• How do medications, myomectomy, radiofrequency ablation, and other treatments differ?
• What role can lifestyle, stress, vitamin D, and ongoing monitoring play in fibroid care?
• Why are second opinions and shared decision-making so important?

This conversation is about more than fibroids. It’s about learning to listen to your body, challenging the idea that debilitating periods are “normal,” understanding your treatment options, and advocating for care that considers your entire life — not just your diagnosis.

⸻

Special thank you to our sponsors for this episode that are helping support conversations about women’s health:

Hologic
Learn more about Sonata here: https://gynsurgicalsolutions.com/know...

Sumitomo Pharma:
https://www.sumitomo-pharma.com/
https://www.uterinehealthguide.com/

Saving Mothers: https://savingmothers.org/

⸻

Stay Connected:
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PMOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻


Chapters:
00:00 Why Women’s Pain and Fibroid Symptoms Are Dismissed
01:20 The First Signs and Symptoms of Fibroids
04:09 Lupita Nyong’o: Why I Thought Painful Periods Were Normal
08:29 When the Medical System Dismisses Women’s Pain
11:35 Lauren Mims’ Fibroid Diagnosis and Journey Through Surgery
17:40 Lupita Nyong’o on Her Fibroid Diagnosis and Search for Answers
21:14 The Emotional Toll of Living With Fibroids
22:24 Can Fibroids Be Prevented or Detected Earlier?
23:41 Lupita on Fibroid Recurrence and Taking Control of Her Health
27:01 Black Women, Stress and the “Strong Black Woman” Expectation
29:17 Why Fibroids Are a Chronic and Recurrent Disease
29:59 Fibroid Treatment Options Beyond Surgery
32:24 Lupita and Lauren Share Their Experiences With Medication
37:03 Radiofrequency Ablation for Fibroids Explained
41:17 Why Long-Term Fibroid Care Matters
42:23 How to Know When Your Period Is Not Normal
44:38 Know Your Options and Get a Second Opinion
45:54 The Power of Sisterhood, Community and Advocacy

]]> https://youtu.be/SuYOlkhzcC0 Dr. Tara Shirazian Buzzsprout-19577516 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 2964 Lupita Nyong'o, Lupita Nyong'o fibroids, Lauren Mims, fibroids, uterine fibroids, fibroid symptoms, fibroid treatment, fibroid awareness, women's health, Black women's health, heavy periods, painful periods, iron deficiency anemia, fibroid surgery 1 8 full false Endometriosis: Pain, Healing, and Taking Your Power Back with Savannah Regensburger and Bai Ruskus Endometriosis: Pain, Healing, and Taking Your Power Back with Savannah Regensburger and Bai Ruskus Endometriosis and adenomyosis can affect every part of a woman’s life — from chronic pain, inflammation, and digestion to mental health, fertility, body image, and daily wellbeing.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with Savannah Regensburger, clinical nutritionist, researcher, speaker, and Co-Founder of I Am Endometriosis, and Bai Ruskus, chef, best-selling author, activist, and Co-Founder of I Am Endometriosis, for an honest conversation about living with endometriosis, navigating medical dismissal, finding community, and using nutrition as a tool for support.

Together, they share their personal journeys with painful periods, delayed diagnosis, medical gaslighting, adenomyosis, fibroids, mental health challenges, inflammation, and the emotional toll of trying to advocate for care in a system that often overlooks women’s pain.

This conversation explores the questions so many women are asking:

• What are the early signs of endometriosis?
• Why are painful periods so often dismissed as “normal”?
• How can endometriosis affect mental health?
• What is the connection between endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, and inflammation?
• Why can diagnosis be validating — and also emotionally overwhelming?
• How can nutrition support women living with endometriosis?
• What does it mean to advocate for yourself in the medical system?
• Why does community matter so much when living with a chronic condition?

Endometriosis is complex, isolating, and often misunderstood — but women deserve answers, support, and care that sees the full picture.

⸻

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

CooperSurgical: https://www.coopersurgical.com/
CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women’s healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most in life.

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy: https://www.cerene.com/

ALTEVA RCM: https://www.altevarcm.com/
ALTEVA works side-by-side with physicians and healthcare groups to improve financial outcomes, reduce administrative burden, and create smarter revenue strategies in an increasingly difficult payer environment. Their mission is simple: support providers, protect patients, and help independent practices grow with confidence

⸻

Stay Connected:
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PCOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻

Chapters:
01:46 First Symptoms of Endometriosis
05:21 Painful Periods at a Young Age
09:57 Growing Up With Chronic Pain
14:37 Feeling Dismissed by the Medical System
16:41 Medical Trauma and Losing Trust
19:25 Why Medicine Is Slow to Change
22:29 Getting an Endometriosis Diagnosis
26:20 The Emotional Weight of Diagnosis
26:55 Silent Endometriosis and Infertility
28:16 Advocacy, Education, and Patient Power
29:07 Endometriosis and Coexisting Conditions
29:43 Adenomyosis and Understanding Symptoms
32:26 Breakthrough Moments
35:20 Advice for Women Newly Diagnosed
37:37 Why Community Matters
38:27 Fibroids and Other Coexisting Conditions
40:33 Nutrition, Inflammation, and Endometriosis
42:24 Simplifying Food and Healing
44:35 Final Thoughts
44:50 Closing Message

]]> Endometriosis and adenomyosis can affect every part of a woman’s life — from chronic pain, inflammation, and digestion to mental health, fertility, body image, and daily wellbeing.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with Savannah Regensburger, clinical nutritionist, researcher, speaker, and Co-Founder of I Am Endometriosis, and Bai Ruskus, chef, best-selling author, activist, and Co-Founder of I Am Endometriosis, for an honest conversation about living with endometriosis, navigating medical dismissal, finding community, and using nutrition as a tool for support.

Together, they share their personal journeys with painful periods, delayed diagnosis, medical gaslighting, adenomyosis, fibroids, mental health challenges, inflammation, and the emotional toll of trying to advocate for care in a system that often overlooks women’s pain.

This conversation explores the questions so many women are asking:

• What are the early signs of endometriosis?
• Why are painful periods so often dismissed as “normal”?
• How can endometriosis affect mental health?
• What is the connection between endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, and inflammation?
• Why can diagnosis be validating — and also emotionally overwhelming?
• How can nutrition support women living with endometriosis?
• What does it mean to advocate for yourself in the medical system?
• Why does community matter so much when living with a chronic condition?

Endometriosis is complex, isolating, and often misunderstood — but women deserve answers, support, and care that sees the full picture.

⸻

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

CooperSurgical: https://www.coopersurgical.com/
CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women’s healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most in life.

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy: https://www.cerene.com/

ALTEVA RCM: https://www.altevarcm.com/
ALTEVA works side-by-side with physicians and healthcare groups to improve financial outcomes, reduce administrative burden, and create smarter revenue strategies in an increasingly difficult payer environment. Their mission is simple: support providers, protect patients, and help independent practices grow with confidence

⸻

Stay Connected:
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PCOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻

Chapters:
01:46 First Symptoms of Endometriosis
05:21 Painful Periods at a Young Age
09:57 Growing Up With Chronic Pain
14:37 Feeling Dismissed by the Medical System
16:41 Medical Trauma and Losing Trust
19:25 Why Medicine Is Slow to Change
22:29 Getting an Endometriosis Diagnosis
26:20 The Emotional Weight of Diagnosis
26:55 Silent Endometriosis and Infertility
28:16 Advocacy, Education, and Patient Power
29:07 Endometriosis and Coexisting Conditions
29:43 Adenomyosis and Understanding Symptoms
32:26 Breakthrough Moments
35:20 Advice for Women Newly Diagnosed
37:37 Why Community Matters
38:27 Fibroids and Other Coexisting Conditions
40:33 Nutrition, Inflammation, and Endometriosis
42:24 Simplifying Food and Healing
44:35 Final Thoughts
44:50 Closing Message

]]> https://youtu.be/9pWKj9lLBAk Dr. Tara Shirazian Buzzsprout-19754750 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2734 endometriosis, adenomyosis, endo symptoms, painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, women’s health, Health Starts With Her, Dr Tara Shirazian, Savannah Regensburger, Bai Ruskus, I Am Endometriosis, endometriosis nutrition, anti inflammatory diet, endo belly, 1 7 full true Endometriosis: Symptoms, Misdiagnosis & Learning to Trust Your Body Endometriosis: Symptoms, Misdiagnosis & Learning to Trust Your Body Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet so many live for years with pain, misdiagnosis, and symptoms that are dismissed or misunderstood.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with Dr. Tamar Zelovich, Co-Founder & CEO of SymptoLab, and Christine, a strategist in packaged goods and one of Dr. Shirazian’s patients, to talk about the real impact of endometriosis.

Together, they share their personal journeys with painful periods, IBS-like symptoms, fertility challenges, adenomyosis, surgery, chronic pain, and the emotional toll of searching for answers.

This conversation explores the questions so many women are asking:
• What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
• Why is endometriosis so often misdiagnosed?
• How can endometriosis affect fertility?
• What is the connection between endometriosis, IBS, fibroids, and adenomyosis?
• What treatment options exist beyond surgery?
• How can women advocate for themselves when they feel dismissed?

Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition, but women deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. This episode is a reminder to trust your body, keep asking questions, and know that you are not alone.

Watch the full episode to learn more about endometriosis, diagnosis, treatment options, patient advocacy, and the importance of building a care team that listens.

⸻

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

CooperSurgical: https://www.coopersurgical.com/
CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women’s healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most in life.

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy: https://www.cerene.com/

ALTEVA RCM:
ALTEVA works side-by-side with physicians and healthcare groups to improve financial outcomes, reduce administrative burden, and create smarter revenue strategies in an increasingly difficult payer environment. Their mission is simple: support providers, protect patients, and help independent practices grow with confidence

⸻

Stay Connected:
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PCOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻

Chapters:
00:00 Endometriosis: Living With Pain, Misdiagnosis & Searching for Answers
01:28 Christine’s Endometriosis Journey
04:16 Tamar’s Endometriosis Journey
06:03 How Endometriosis Impacts Daily Life
09:31 Feeling Dismissed by Doctors
13:09 Endometriosis as a Multi-System Disease
20:21 Getting Diagnosed With Endometriosis
23:07 Fibroids, Adenomyosis & Endometriosis
26:13 Medical Dismissal, Fertility & Finding the Right Care Team
30:05 Why Endometriosis Requires Long-Term Management
32:15 Treatment Options Beyond Surgery
33:37 Breakthrough Moments in Their Endometriosis Journeys
37:00 How SymptoLab Helps Track Symptoms
41:19 Advice for Women Managing Endometriosis
44:11 Hope, Research & the Future of Women’s Health
49:18 Final Thoughts on Endometriosis
49:49 Closing Message

]]> Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet so many live for years with pain, misdiagnosis, and symptoms that are dismissed or misunderstood.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with Dr. Tamar Zelovich, Co-Founder & CEO of SymptoLab, and Christine, a strategist in packaged goods and one of Dr. Shirazian’s patients, to talk about the real impact of endometriosis.

Together, they share their personal journeys with painful periods, IBS-like symptoms, fertility challenges, adenomyosis, surgery, chronic pain, and the emotional toll of searching for answers.

This conversation explores the questions so many women are asking:
• What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
• Why is endometriosis so often misdiagnosed?
• How can endometriosis affect fertility?
• What is the connection between endometriosis, IBS, fibroids, and adenomyosis?
• What treatment options exist beyond surgery?
• How can women advocate for themselves when they feel dismissed?

Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition, but women deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. This episode is a reminder to trust your body, keep asking questions, and know that you are not alone.

Watch the full episode to learn more about endometriosis, diagnosis, treatment options, patient advocacy, and the importance of building a care team that listens.

⸻

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

CooperSurgical: https://www.coopersurgical.com/
CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women’s healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most in life.

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy: https://www.cerene.com/

ALTEVA RCM:
ALTEVA works side-by-side with physicians and healthcare groups to improve financial outcomes, reduce administrative burden, and create smarter revenue strategies in an increasingly difficult payer environment. Their mission is simple: support providers, protect patients, and help independent practices grow with confidence

⸻

Stay Connected:
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PCOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻

Chapters:
00:00 Endometriosis: Living With Pain, Misdiagnosis & Searching for Answers
01:28 Christine’s Endometriosis Journey
04:16 Tamar’s Endometriosis Journey
06:03 How Endometriosis Impacts Daily Life
09:31 Feeling Dismissed by Doctors
13:09 Endometriosis as a Multi-System Disease
20:21 Getting Diagnosed With Endometriosis
23:07 Fibroids, Adenomyosis & Endometriosis
26:13 Medical Dismissal, Fertility & Finding the Right Care Team
30:05 Why Endometriosis Requires Long-Term Management
32:15 Treatment Options Beyond Surgery
33:37 Breakthrough Moments in Their Endometriosis Journeys
37:00 How SymptoLab Helps Track Symptoms
41:19 Advice for Women Managing Endometriosis
44:11 Hope, Research & the Future of Women’s Health
49:18 Final Thoughts on Endometriosis
49:49 Closing Message

]]> https://youtu.be/x2PPtFhr5Ok Dr. Tara Shirazian Buzzsprout-19754642 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0400 3053 endometriosis, endometriosis symptoms, endometriosis diagnosis, endometriosis treatment, endometriosis surgery, painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, adenomyosis, fibroids, IBS, fertility, infertility, women’s health, reproductive health, gynecology, Dr. 1 6 full false Understanding IVF and It's Fertility Outcomes Understanding IVF and It's Fertility Outcomes Fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, egg quality, male factor infertility, and blocked fallopian tubes can all play a role in fertility — but every IVF journey is deeply personal.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, we’re talking about IVF, fertility, and gynecologic disease — including the physical, emotional, and mental health realities many women face when trying to build their families.

Host Dr. Tara Shirazian is joined by Dr. Lucky Sekhon, OBGYN and fertility specialist and author of The Lucky Egg, and Dr. Lauren Mims, Associate Professor of Developmental Psychology at NYU and one of Dr. Shirazian’s patients, who shares her personal IVF journey while navigating recurrent fibroids.

Together, they discuss the questions so many women are asking:
• What is IVF and how does it work?
• Is IVF a guarantee?
• How do fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis affect fertility?
• Can IVF make gynecologic symptoms worse?
• What should women know before starting IVF?
• How can patients prepare for the emotional side of fertility treatment?
• Why is community and support so important during the fertility journey?

This conversation highlights why fertility care is not one-size-fits-all — and why women deserve clear information, compassionate care, and support throughout the entire process.

Whether you’re considering IVF, currently going through fertility treatment, living with fibroids or endometriosis, or supporting someone on this journey, this episode is here to help you feel more informed, less alone, and empowered to ask the right questions.  

Watch the full episode to learn more about IVF, fertility, gynecologic disease, and the importance of self-advocacy in women’s health.

______________________________________________

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about women’s health, fibroids, reproductive health, hormones, and medical issues impacting women worldwide.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher
______________________________________________

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:

Saving Mothers
savingmothers.org

______________________________________________

Topics Covered: 
0:00 Intro
1:30 Why fertility is complicated
3:00 What is IVF?
3:40 Common IVF misconceptions
5:00 Why IVF can feel like a marathon
6:00 Preparing for the intensity of IVF
8:30 IVF, egg freezing, and gynecologic disease
9:00 Lauren’s fibroid and IVF journey
10:45 How fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis affect fertility
12:30 Can IVF make symptoms worse?
13:40 Balancing IVF with existing treatment plans
16:00 Understanding chronic recurrent gynecologic disease
18:20 Common causes of infertility
21:00 Are infertility rates increasing?
22:30 IVF success rates and expectations
24:00 Why every IVF journey is different
28:30 What Lauren wishes she knew before IVF
31:15 The problem with unsolicited fertility advice online
33:15 The emotional side of IVF and fertility treatment
37:40 How fertility specialists can support patients emotionally
40:45 What women should know before starting IVF
43:00 You are not alone
44:15 Final thoughts and closing message

]]> Fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, egg quality, male factor infertility, and blocked fallopian tubes can all play a role in fertility — but every IVF journey is deeply personal.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, we’re talking about IVF, fertility, and gynecologic disease — including the physical, emotional, and mental health realities many women face when trying to build their families.

Host Dr. Tara Shirazian is joined by Dr. Lucky Sekhon, OBGYN and fertility specialist and author of The Lucky Egg, and Dr. Lauren Mims, Associate Professor of Developmental Psychology at NYU and one of Dr. Shirazian’s patients, who shares her personal IVF journey while navigating recurrent fibroids.

Together, they discuss the questions so many women are asking:
• What is IVF and how does it work?
• Is IVF a guarantee?
• How do fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis affect fertility?
• Can IVF make gynecologic symptoms worse?
• What should women know before starting IVF?
• How can patients prepare for the emotional side of fertility treatment?
• Why is community and support so important during the fertility journey?

This conversation highlights why fertility care is not one-size-fits-all — and why women deserve clear information, compassionate care, and support throughout the entire process.

Whether you’re considering IVF, currently going through fertility treatment, living with fibroids or endometriosis, or supporting someone on this journey, this episode is here to help you feel more informed, less alone, and empowered to ask the right questions.  

Watch the full episode to learn more about IVF, fertility, gynecologic disease, and the importance of self-advocacy in women’s health.

______________________________________________

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about women’s health, fibroids, reproductive health, hormones, and medical issues impacting women worldwide.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher
______________________________________________

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:

Saving Mothers
savingmothers.org

______________________________________________

Topics Covered: 
0:00 Intro
1:30 Why fertility is complicated
3:00 What is IVF?
3:40 Common IVF misconceptions
5:00 Why IVF can feel like a marathon
6:00 Preparing for the intensity of IVF
8:30 IVF, egg freezing, and gynecologic disease
9:00 Lauren’s fibroid and IVF journey
10:45 How fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis affect fertility
12:30 Can IVF make symptoms worse?
13:40 Balancing IVF with existing treatment plans
16:00 Understanding chronic recurrent gynecologic disease
18:20 Common causes of infertility
21:00 Are infertility rates increasing?
22:30 IVF success rates and expectations
24:00 Why every IVF journey is different
28:30 What Lauren wishes she knew before IVF
31:15 The problem with unsolicited fertility advice online
33:15 The emotional side of IVF and fertility treatment
37:40 How fertility specialists can support patients emotionally
40:45 What women should know before starting IVF
43:00 You are not alone
44:15 Final thoughts and closing message

]]> https://youtu.be/VTmIctztido Dr. Tara Shirazian Buzzsprout-19754619 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2720 IVF, fertility, infertility, IVF journey, in vitro fertilization, IVF treatment, IVF success rates, IVF and fibroids, fibroids and fertility, endometriosis and fertility, adenomyosis, gynecologic disease, women’s health, reproductive health, egg quality, 1 5 full true In the Hot Seat with Nicolle Wallace: The Politics of Women’s Health, Reproductive Rights & More In the Hot Seat with Nicolle Wallace: The Politics of Women’s Health, Reproductive Rights & More Women’s health has always been personal—but now, it’s also political.

In this special "at-home" episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with journalist, political commentator, and host of The Best People, Nicolle Wallace, for an unfiltered conversation about the politics shaping women’s healthcare today. 

From reproductive rights and IVF access to maternal mortality and menopause, this episode explores how policy, power, and misinformation are directly impacting the care women receive—and the choices they’re allowed to make.

⸻

Together, they unpack the questions millions of women are asking right now:

• Why is women’s healthcare so politicized?
• How has the Dobbs v. Jackson decision changed access to care?
• What does “patient autonomy” actually mean—and who gets to decide?
• How are IVF, fertility care, and pregnancy outcomes being affected?
• Why are maternal mortality rates rising in the U.S.?
• How do social media and misinformation shape the way women understand their bodies?

This conversation also highlights the deeper, often unspoken realities—how shame, systemic bias, and lack of education continue to shape women’s health experiences, and why community, advocacy, and access to trusted medical care matter more than ever.

⸻

Stay Connected

Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PCOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻

Chapters:
00:00 – Cold Open: Why women’s health is in crisis
00:35 – Introduction: Nicolle Wallace joins
01:30 – A personal story: emergency care & fertility
03:13 – Why women reach crisis points
05:00 – Access, privilege, and quality of care
06:55 – Knowing when your doctor is listening
07:32 – The internet: help vs. misinformation
09:17 – Shame and stigma in women’s health
12:18 – Power, agency, and politics
14:28 – Dobbs v. Jackson & impact on care
17:58 – Regional differences across the U.S.
20:27 – When healthcare becomes political
23:01 – IVF, fertility, and access
25:32 – Why this affects every woman
31:27 – Maternal mortality & global perspective
35:28 – Menopause, hormones, and misinformation
41:19 – HRT: what to know
46:35 – Wellness culture & information overload
49:59 – Community and what actually helps
52:15 – Outro

]]> Women’s health has always been personal—but now, it’s also political.

In this special "at-home" episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with journalist, political commentator, and host of The Best People, Nicolle Wallace, for an unfiltered conversation about the politics shaping women’s healthcare today. 

From reproductive rights and IVF access to maternal mortality and menopause, this episode explores how policy, power, and misinformation are directly impacting the care women receive—and the choices they’re allowed to make.

⸻

Together, they unpack the questions millions of women are asking right now:

• Why is women’s healthcare so politicized?
• How has the Dobbs v. Jackson decision changed access to care?
• What does “patient autonomy” actually mean—and who gets to decide?
• How are IVF, fertility care, and pregnancy outcomes being affected?
• Why are maternal mortality rates rising in the U.S.?
• How do social media and misinformation shape the way women understand their bodies?

This conversation also highlights the deeper, often unspoken realities—how shame, systemic bias, and lack of education continue to shape women’s health experiences, and why community, advocacy, and access to trusted medical care matter more than ever.

⸻

Stay Connected

Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe for more conversations on women’s health, including fertility, hormones, fibroids, PCOS, and reproductive health.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher

⸻

Chapters:
00:00 – Cold Open: Why women’s health is in crisis
00:35 – Introduction: Nicolle Wallace joins
01:30 – A personal story: emergency care & fertility
03:13 – Why women reach crisis points
05:00 – Access, privilege, and quality of care
06:55 – Knowing when your doctor is listening
07:32 – The internet: help vs. misinformation
09:17 – Shame and stigma in women’s health
12:18 – Power, agency, and politics
14:28 – Dobbs v. Jackson & impact on care
17:58 – Regional differences across the U.S.
20:27 – When healthcare becomes political
23:01 – IVF, fertility, and access
25:32 – Why this affects every woman
31:27 – Maternal mortality & global perspective
35:28 – Menopause, hormones, and misinformation
41:19 – HRT: what to know
46:35 – Wellness culture & information overload
49:59 – Community and what actually helps
52:15 – Outro

]]> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8hmtoHbA8I&t=7s Dr. Tara Shirazian Buzzsprout-19754473 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0400 3178 women’s health, womens health, women's healthcare, reproductive rights, Nicolle Wallace,Nicolle Wallace, IVF, fertility, healthcare access, women’s health crisis, health policy, maternal mortality, patient advocacy, Dr Tara Shirazian, Health Starts With H 1 4 full false Perimenopause Explained: Symptoms, Hormones, and What No One Tells You Perimenopause Explained: Symptoms, Hormones, and What No One Tells You Perimenopause can feel confusing, overwhelming, and often misunderstood— but you’re not alone.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with Cheldin Barlatt, CEO of This Is It Network, and Mary Pierce, former professional tennis champion, to talk openly about their experiences navigating perimenopause.

Together, they share what this stage of life really looks like—from the symptoms that caught them off guard to how they’re managing hormonal changes, advocating for themselves, and finding what works.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms could be perimenopause, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:
• What is perimenopause
• Common perimenopause symptoms (and the ones no one talks about)
• Hormonal changes and how they impact your body
• How to manage symptoms and feel like yourself again
• When to talk to a doctor
• How to advocate for better care

______________________________________________

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about women’s health, reproductive health, hormones, and medical issues impacting women worldwide.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher
______________________________________________

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy
cerene.com

Saving Mothers
savingmothers.org

Sumitomo Pharma
sumitomo-pharma.com
Stay connected with Health Starts With Her:
Sign up for our newsletter: healthstartswithher.com

Timestamps: 
00:00 – Introduction
00:47 – Meet Cheldin Barlatt Rumer & Mary Pierce
02:00 – Symptoms of perimenopause (what to look for)
06:35 – What is Perimenopause? 
07:15 – Where you prepared for this period of life
15:30 – “Is this normal?” How to know it’s perimenopause
16:30 – Navigating symptom changes 
19:30 – Navigating doctors 
20:00 – Advocating for yourself
22:15 – Treatment options based on lifestyle and goals
31:30 – Treatments that work 
42:50 – Advice for women entering this stage

]]> Perimenopause can feel confusing, overwhelming, and often misunderstood— but you’re not alone.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, host Dr. Tara Shirazian sits down with Cheldin Barlatt, CEO of This Is It Network, and Mary Pierce, former professional tennis champion, to talk openly about their experiences navigating perimenopause.

Together, they share what this stage of life really looks like—from the symptoms that caught them off guard to how they’re managing hormonal changes, advocating for themselves, and finding what works.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms could be perimenopause, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:
• What is perimenopause
• Common perimenopause symptoms (and the ones no one talks about)
• Hormonal changes and how they impact your body
• How to manage symptoms and feel like yourself again
• When to talk to a doctor
• How to advocate for better care

______________________________________________

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about women’s health, reproductive health, hormones, and medical issues impacting women worldwide.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher
______________________________________________

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy
cerene.com

Saving Mothers
savingmothers.org

Sumitomo Pharma
sumitomo-pharma.com
Stay connected with Health Starts With Her:
Sign up for our newsletter: healthstartswithher.com

Timestamps: 
00:00 – Introduction
00:47 – Meet Cheldin Barlatt Rumer & Mary Pierce
02:00 – Symptoms of perimenopause (what to look for)
06:35 – What is Perimenopause? 
07:15 – Where you prepared for this period of life
15:30 – “Is this normal?” How to know it’s perimenopause
16:30 – Navigating symptom changes 
19:30 – Navigating doctors 
20:00 – Advocating for yourself
22:15 – Treatment options based on lifestyle and goals
31:30 – Treatments that work 
42:50 – Advice for women entering this stage

]]> https://www.healthstartswithher.com/episodes/v/5nkdznty9cfj3ln7kznkjbccy6za4e Dr. Tara Shirazian Buzzsprout-19633076 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0400 2704 womens health, women's health, heavy period causes, perimenopause, menopause, heavy bleeding, estradiol patch, estrogen, hormones, hormonal changes, perimenopause symptoms, menopause symptoms, hormone health, hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, 1 3 full false Venus Williams Opens Up About Fibroids: Symptoms, Misdiagnosis & Self-Advocacy Venus Williams Opens Up About Fibroids: Symptoms, Misdiagnosis & Self-Advocacy Venus Williams shares her personal journey with fibroids—opening up about the symptoms she didn’t recognize, the years of uncertainty, and how she ultimately learned to advocate for her own health.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, Venus sits down with Dr. Tara Shirazian to talk about the real experience of living with fibroids—from heavy, uncontrollable bleeding and pain to the frustration of not having clear answers. She reflects on how long it took to understand what was happening in her body—and why so many women are told their symptoms are “normal” when they’re not.

This conversation is about more than fibroids. It’s about awareness, education, and the power of self-advocacy in women’s health.

In this episode, we cover: 
• What are early signs and symptoms of fibroids
• What heavy bleeding and pain can actually mean
• Why so many women go undiagnosed for years
• The importance of understanding your body
• How to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are normal or felt dismissed when seeking care, then this conversation is for you. Watch the full episode to learn more about fibroids, their symptoms, and the treatment options available to women today. 
______________________________________________

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about women’s health, fibroids, reproductive health, hormones, and medical issues impacting women worldwide.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher
______________________________________________

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy
cerene.com

Saving Mothers
savingmothers.org

Sumitomo Pharma
sumitomo-pharma.com

]]> Venus Williams shares her personal journey with fibroids—opening up about the symptoms she didn’t recognize, the years of uncertainty, and how she ultimately learned to advocate for her own health.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, Venus sits down with Dr. Tara Shirazian to talk about the real experience of living with fibroids—from heavy, uncontrollable bleeding and pain to the frustration of not having clear answers. She reflects on how long it took to understand what was happening in her body—and why so many women are told their symptoms are “normal” when they’re not.

This conversation is about more than fibroids. It’s about awareness, education, and the power of self-advocacy in women’s health.

In this episode, we cover: 
• What are early signs and symptoms of fibroids
• What heavy bleeding and pain can actually mean
• Why so many women go undiagnosed for years
• The importance of understanding your body
• How to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are normal or felt dismissed when seeking care, then this conversation is for you. Watch the full episode to learn more about fibroids, their symptoms, and the treatment options available to women today. 
______________________________________________

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about women’s health, fibroids, reproductive health, hormones, and medical issues impacting women worldwide.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher
______________________________________________

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy
cerene.com

Saving Mothers
savingmothers.org

Sumitomo Pharma
sumitomo-pharma.com

]]> https://www.healthstartswithher.com/episodes/v/tips-for-better-focus-cc7rp-3zkby Dr. Shirazian and Drix Media Buzzsprout-19632247 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400 445 fibroids, venus williams fibroids, fibroid symptoms, heavy bleeding period, uterine fibroids symptoms, women’s health, health starts with her, dr tara shirazian, fibroids treatment, period pain, reproductive health, self advocacy healthcare, menstrual hea 1 2 full false The Truth About Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options Every Woman Should Know The Truth About Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options Every Woman Should Know Fibroids affect up to 80% of women, yet many women still don’t know what they are, what symptoms to look for, or what treatment options are available.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, we uncover the truth about fibroids — including symptoms, causes, and treatment options every woman should know.

Host, Dr. Tara Shirazian is joined by Tanika Gray Valbrun, Founder of the White Dress Project, and Mary Pierce, Tennis Hall of Famer, who share their personal fibroid journeys and the challenges many women face when seeking answers and care.

Together, we discuss the questions millions of women are searching for:
• What are fibroids?
• What symptoms do fibroids cause?
• Can women get pregnant with fibroids?
• Do fibroids need to be removed?
• What treatment options exist besides hysterectomy?

This conversation highlights why fibroid awareness, education, and patient advocacy are so important. Women deserve to understand their bodies and be empowered to make informed decisions about their health.

Watch the full episode to learn more about fibroids, their symptoms, and the treatment options available to women today.
______________________________________________

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about women’s health, fibroids, reproductive health, hormones, and medical issues impacting women worldwide.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher
______________________________________________

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy
cerene.com

Saving Mothers
savingmothers.org

Sumitomo Pharma
sumitomo-pharma.com

Topics Covered 
00:30 Introduction
01:52 Mary Pierce's fibroid symptoms 
03:19 Tanika Gray Valbrun's fibroid symptoms
09:36 Tanika Gray Valbrun’s fibroid journey
15:02 Mary Pierce’s experience with fibroids
24:20 Treatment options for fibroids
25:48 Understanding hysterectomy and alternatives
42:04 Advocating for yourself in healthcare

]]> Fibroids affect up to 80% of women, yet many women still don’t know what they are, what symptoms to look for, or what treatment options are available.

In this episode of Health Starts With Her, we uncover the truth about fibroids — including symptoms, causes, and treatment options every woman should know.

Host, Dr. Tara Shirazian is joined by Tanika Gray Valbrun, Founder of the White Dress Project, and Mary Pierce, Tennis Hall of Famer, who share their personal fibroid journeys and the challenges many women face when seeking answers and care.

Together, we discuss the questions millions of women are searching for:
• What are fibroids?
• What symptoms do fibroids cause?
• Can women get pregnant with fibroids?
• Do fibroids need to be removed?
• What treatment options exist besides hysterectomy?

This conversation highlights why fibroid awareness, education, and patient advocacy are so important. Women deserve to understand their bodies and be empowered to make informed decisions about their health.

Watch the full episode to learn more about fibroids, their symptoms, and the treatment options available to women today.
______________________________________________

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an episode:
https://healthstartswithher.com

Subscribe to the channel for more conversations about women’s health, fibroids, reproductive health, hormones, and medical issues impacting women worldwide.

Follow us on Instagram:
@drshirazian
@healthstartswithher
______________________________________________

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Special thank you to the organizations helping support conversations about women’s health:

Cerene Endometrial Cryotherapy
cerene.com

Saving Mothers
savingmothers.org

Sumitomo Pharma
sumitomo-pharma.com

Topics Covered 
00:30 Introduction
01:52 Mary Pierce's fibroid symptoms 
03:19 Tanika Gray Valbrun's fibroid symptoms
09:36 Tanika Gray Valbrun’s fibroid journey
15:02 Mary Pierce’s experience with fibroids
24:20 Treatment options for fibroids
25:48 Understanding hysterectomy and alternatives
42:04 Advocating for yourself in healthcare

]]> https://www.healthstartswithher.com/episodes/v/episode1 Dr. Shirazian and Drix Media Buzzsprout-19631672 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2719 fibroids, fibroid symptoms, symptoms of fibroids, uterine fibroids, what are fibroids, fibroid treatment, what causes fibroids, can fibroids cause infertility, can you get pregnant with fibroids, do fibroids need to be removed, how to get rid of fibroids, 1 1 full false