In this episode of Perimenopause: Head to Toe, Dr. Rachel Pope is joined by expert dermatologist Dr. Melissa Mauskar [https://www.melissamauskar.com/], who dives into how perimenopause and menopause affect our skin. From changes in the face to thinning skin, Dr. Mauskar explains why skin and hair transformations during this time are not only inevitable but also manageable.

Dr. Mauskar is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Dermatology and OB-GYN at UT Southwestern Medical Center [https://utswmed.org/doctors/melissa-mauskar/]. She specializes in dermatology, with a focus on vulvar health and dermatologic changes that come with different stages of a woman’s life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 * How estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect your skin.
 * Why you might notice acne, dryness, or thinning hair in your 40s and beyond.
 * The importance of topical estrogen for maintaining skin thickness.
 * How perimenopause might trigger or worsen conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and even melasma.
 * Tips for preventing skin aging, including the importance of sunscreen and good skincare routines.

If you've noticed changes in your skin, this episode offers expert advice on how to address them and what you can do to prevent further damage.

About Dr. Mauskar:
Dr. Melissa Mauskar is an expert in dermatology and vulvar health, with extensive experience in addressing the skin changes that women experience during perimenopause and menopause. She is the founder of the Vulvar Health Program at UT Southwestern and frequently presents at symposia on women’s health dermatology.

7. Perimenopause: Skin & Hair with Dr. Melissa Mauskar, MD, FAAD

Welcome back to Our Womanity! In this episode, Dr. Rachel Pope sits down with Lindsay Means, CNP [https://www.uhhospitals.org/doctors/Means-Lindsay-1487888004], a nurse practitioner at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Institute at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. They explore how perimenopause and menopause affect ENT health and the common issues women face during this time.

Lindsay Means earned her Master's in Nursing at Malone College and became a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2009. She began her career at University Hospitals in Cleveland in the department of Gyn/Oncology. She remained in that specialty until 2015, when she transferred to the ENT department, working for the division of Neurotology. She currently manages patients with a variety of ear-related issues, including dizziness.

Key Takeaways:

 * Dizziness & Balance Issues: Lindsay discusses how dizziness is one of the most common complaints she sees in women during perimenopause and menopause, with a focus on vestibular migraines and balance problems.
 * Understanding Vertigo: Learn the difference between vertigo (spinning sensation) and other balance issues, and why many women mistakenly associate dizziness with vertigo when they’re actually experiencing lightheadedness or unsteadiness.
 * Hormonal Changes & Migraine: How perimenopausal women may experience vestibular migraines without traditional headaches, with hormonal fluctuations potentially making these symptoms worse.
 * Meniere’s Disease vs. Migraine: Lindsay explains the overlap between Meniere’s disease and migraine-related ear symptoms, and the importance of proper diagnosis to avoid confusion between the two.
 * Ear Health and Dryness: Perimenopausal women may experience itchy ears due to dry skin and changes in earwax production. Lindsay shares practical advice, including oil drops to alleviate symptoms.

Why You Should Listen:

This episode highlights how perimenopause and menopause impact different systems of the body that are often overlooked, such as ENT health. Lindsay’s insights into balance disorders, migraines, and ear-related issues provide valuable information for women navigating this stage of life.

Remember, you don’t have to suffer through it! Seek help if you’re experiencing these symptoms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare professionals like Lindsay who specialize in ENT and balance disorders.

6. Perimenopause: Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) with Lindsay Means, CNP

In this episode, join Dr. Rachel Pope and her colleagues, Dr. Anne Sammarco [https://www.uhhospitals.org/doctors/Sammarco-Anne-1033400957] and Dr. Maria Shaker [https://www.uhhospitals.org/doctors/Shaker-Maria-1922325372], as they reflect on their recent trip to Tanzania. Dr. Pope shares the personal connection she has with the country, dating back to her early career when she worked on a research project about obstetric fistulas. Fast forward nearly two decades, and she returns with her colleagues to assist with fistula surgeries, childbirth injuries, obstetrics, and women's health care.

Key Takeaways:

 * The Early Days in Tanzania: Dr. Pope recounts her initial time in Tanzania working with Utu Mwanamke (Women’s Dignity Project) and conducting a study on the social reintegration of women who underwent obstetric fistula surgeries.
 * CCBRT Hospital: Now a much larger charity hospital, Dr. Pope reflects on how much the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT) hospital has grown, offering services for vulnerable populations and providing high-quality care in a resource-limited setting.
 * A Team of Experts: Dr. Pope, alongside Dr. Sammarco and Dr. Shaker, shares their unique collaboration during the trip, combining their skills in obstetrics, gynecology, and urogynecology to provide critical care and training at CCBRT.
 * Cultural Exchange: The episode highlights the importance of exchanging knowledge with local medical professionals, offering education to Tanzanian medical students and residents while learning valuable insights from their practices.
 * Global Health Impact: The trio discusses the complexities of global health, including how resources and cultural factors shape patient care. They stress the importance of capacity building and sustainable healthcare practices that extend beyond short-term missions.

The episode also covers the broader themes of women’s healthcare advocacy, access to surgery, and the need for global solidarity in providing equitable health services to underserved populations.

Resources Mentioned:

 * CCBRT [https://ccbrt.org/] – Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania
 * Roe Green Foundation [https://dgf.org/staff/roe-green/] – Support for global health initiatives
 * What is Obstetric Fistula? [https://whatisobstetricfistula.com/]

If you’re passionate about global health, women’s empowerment, or the importance of providing sustainable medical care, this episode will inspire you to consider the ways we can all make a positive impact.

A huge thank you to the Roe Green Foundation for sponsoring this impactful journey, CCBRT for hosting the team, and all the medical professionals involved for their dedication to women's health globally.

5. Global Health in Tanzania: A Journey of Fistula Surgery and Empowerment

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jewel Kling, an expert in women's health and menopause. Dr. Kling is a professor of medicine, chair of the Division of Women's Health at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is also the director of the Women's Health Center and dean of the Mayo Clinic Arizona Campus. With a background in public health and internal medicine, Dr. Kling has become a recognized leader in the fields of menopause, sexual health, and LGBT care education. She speaks nationally on menopause and hormone therapy and has published extensively on the subject.

Dr. Kling joins us to dive into the topic of perimenopause, shedding light on common misconceptions and discussing the best approaches to treatment. In particular, she offers her insights on the pros and cons of starting hormone therapy during perimenopause and how to address contraception during this transitional period.

Key discussion points:

 * Perimenopause and Hormone Therapy
 * Managing Symptoms
 * Contraception Considerations
 * Individualized Care

Throughout the episode, Dr. Kling provides evidence-based insights and reassures women that effective treatments are available, especially for those suffering from persistent symptoms beyond the typical transition period.

As an advocate for women's health, Dr. Kling is also involved in advanced hormone therapy training through the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISWHISH), where she and Dr. Sarah Cigna offer a comprehensive course for healthcare professionals. See below!

Resources Mentioned:

 * Advanced Hormone Therapy Course [https://www.isswshcourse.org/isswsh-advanced-hormones-course-2025-26/program] - A year-long virtual course for healthcare professionals, covering a range of topics, including hormone therapy and its effects on sexual functioning throughout different life stages, including pregnancy, lactation, and menopause.
 * The Menopause Society [https://menopause.org/] - A resource for menopausal health and guidance on finding certified menopause practitioners.

If you're experiencing perimenopausal symptoms or seeking guidance on hormone therapy, this episode offers invaluable knowledge and practical advice for navigating this stage of life with confidence.

For more information on the Advanced Hormone Therapy Course and other resources, visit ISWHISH [https://www.ishwish.org/].

4. Perimenopause: Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (MHT) for you? with Dr. Jewel M. Kling

In this powerful episode of Our Womanity, we sit down with Maisha Sullivan Ongoza, the visionary behind P.A.S.H.I. — the Pan-African Sisterhood Health Initiative. Maisha shares how this community-rooted organisation is tackling period poverty, reducing stigma around menstruation, and centering ancestral wisdom through eco-friendly, reusable menstrual products. From intergenerational teachings led by elders to engaging boys and men in the conversation, Maisha walks us through how P.A.S.H.I. is changing lives across the globe.

What We Cover:

 * The origin and mission behind P.A.S.H.I
 * Why menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a public health and dignity issue
 * The power of reusable pads and eco-conscious period solutions
 * The importance of involving elders as hands-on teachers
 * How P.A.S.H.I. is shifting cultural norms by including men and boys
 * Stories of impact from Philadelphia to Africa and the Caribbean
 * How you can support or replicate this model in your own community

About P.A.S.H.I:

P.A.S.H.I. empowers girls, women, and others by providing free, eco-friendly, reusable menstrual pads and education on life skills, reproductive health, and MHM. With over 47 global shipments and annual youth workshops in Philadelphia, P.A.S.H.I is restoring dignity and access one pad at a time.

Impact Snapshot:

 * 47+ pad shipments to Africa & the Caribbean since 2019
   Thousands of free menstrual and hygiene kits distributed
 * Annual youth workshops teaching reusable pad creation
 * Hands-on guidance from elders in the community

Key Quote from Maisha:
"We’re not just handing out products—we’re rebuilding a sense of worth, reclaiming ancestral knowledge, and reminding our young people they are worthy of care, dignity, and tradition."

Resources & Links:
Website: www.pashiglobal.org [https://www.pashiglobal.org/]
Email:  pashi.global@gmail.com
Phone: (215) 385-0214

Subscribe to Our Womanity wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a review to help amplify women-led grassroots change around the world!

3. Reusable Pads, Community Wisdom & Period Justice with Maisha Sullivan Ongoza

In this episode of Our Womanity Dr. Rachel Pope [https://ourwomanity.com/] sits down with Dr. Lily Gutnik [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-gutnik-89120665/], a breast surgeon and global health advocate dedicated to advancing equitable healthcare for women.

Dr. Gutnik’s journey is deeply rooted in her experience as a first-generation immigrant. After her parents fled religious persecution in the former USSR, she grew up in the United States, where she developed a profound appreciation for education and hard work. Her global perspective—shaped by extensive travel, multilingual abilities, and cross-cultural training—has reinforced her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare.

A firm believer in innovative, cross-disciplinary collaborations, Dr. Gutnik focuses on implementing high-quality, cost-effective breast cancer care, particularly for vulnerable women. She champions a convergence science approach to address the complex root causes of health disparities, using implementation science to develop interventions that drive health equity.

For Dr. Gutnik, becoming a breast surgeon is more than a profession—it is a mission to empower women through health. Tune in as she shares her insights on building sustainable healthcare solutions, tackling systemic inequities, and the future of breast cancer care.

Featured in this episode:

 * Stigma around breast cancer and mistrust in the African and African American community
 * Discovering Hands [https://www.discovering-hands.de/international/page-international] Initiative empowering blind women
 * Uninsured and underinsured patients still face barriers to care
 * Advancing breast cancer treatment in the US – But at what cost?
 * Tanzania leading the charge in education, awareness, and stigma reduction
 * Tuskegee Syphilis Study [https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/about/index.html]

Follow us on social media:

 * Instagram: @drrpope [https://www.instagram.com/drrpope/]
 * TikTok: @vulvadoctor [https://www.tiktok.com/@vulvadoctor]
 * Twitter: @drrpope [https://twitter.com/drrpope]
 * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpope/]

Want more from Our Womanity?

If you enjoyed this episode of Our Womanity, please subscribe [https://ourwomanity.com/about/#join], rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you engaging and empowering content.

2. Breast Cancer Care: Myths & Barriers with Dr. Lily Gutnik 

With the changes unfolding in the U.S. under the new administration, I wanted to launch this season of Our Womanity with powerful stories of women uplifting women around the world.

In this episode, I proudly welcome Habiba Corodhia Mohamed [https://wadadia-nonprofits.org/team/habiba-corodhia-mohamed/], Founder of WADADIA [https://wadadia-nonprofits.org/].

The journey of WADADIA began with a defining moment in Habiba C. Mohamed’s life. Initially dedicated to veterinary medicine, her path took a transformative turn during a routine visit to a farmer’s home. While searching for the farmer, she noticed a small face peeking from behind a house. When she approached, she discovered a four-year-old boy—disabled, tied up, and neglected. His only “crime” was being born disabled and out of wedlock. His teenage mother had been cast out by her family, exposing a deeper issue affecting marginalized women and girls.

This encounter sparked Mohamed’s commitment to social justice, leading her to transition from veterinary work to founding WADADIA, a nonprofit focused on women’s health and empowerment. What started as a small village-level support group for sex workers has grown into a national organization, providing holistic fistula care (6,000+ cases), support for SGBV survivors (1,500+), and services for PLHIV (3,500+).

Under Mohamed’s leadership, WADADIA is dedicated to restoring dignity through psychosocial support, reproductive health advocacy, and socio-economic empowerment—ensuring that the most vulnerable have the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about Wadadia here. [https://wadadia-nonprofits.org/team/habiba-corodhia-mohamed/]

Follow us on social media:

 * Instagram: @drrpope [https://www.instagram.com/drrpope/]
 * TikTok: @vulvadoctor [https://www.tiktok.com/@vulvadoctor]
 * Twitter: @drrpope [https://twitter.com/drrpope]
 * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpope/]

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If you enjoyed this episode of Our Womanity, please subscribe [https://ourwomanity.com/about/#join], rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you engaging and empowering content.

1. Healing & Empowering Women in Kenya  with Habiba Corodhia Mohamed

Vulvar cancer screening refers to checking for signs of vulvar cancer in individuals who may not have symptoms. Vulvar cancer is rare, and there isn't a standard screening test specifically for it like there is for cervical cancer with Pap smears. However, early detection often relies on regular pelvic exams and self-examinations to look for any abnormalities or changes in the vulvar area. Dr. Melissa Mauskar joins me to discuss vulvar screening in this episode.

Dr. Melissa Mauskar is a Dermatologist [https://utswmed.org/doctors/melissa-mauskar/] and Associate Professor in the Departments of Dermatology and Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. She is the Director of Genital Dermatology and Women's Health and is an International expert in Lichen Sclerosus and Vulvar dermatoses. Melissa is a fellow of the International Society of the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases (ISSVD) and the Secretary General of the North American Chapter of the ISSVD. In addition to caring for patients with lichen sclerosus, she is active in clinical research and passionate about patient quality of life and health literacy initiatives.  Melissa is the Founding President of the Vulvar Dermatoses Research Consortium (VDRC), an expansive group of healthcare practitioners and trainees in North America dedicated to advancing the field of vulvar health.

Featured in this episode:

 * When to see your GYN or healthcare practitioner
 * Look at your vulvar once a month
 * Lichen Scelorus symptoms
 * Check out the vulvar poem here
 * Get Dr. Melissa Mauskar’s free e-book on Lichen Scelorus here [https://www.lichensclerosus.ch/custom/data/ckeditorfiles/Dokumente/LichenSclerosusGuide2024.pdf]
 * Listen to the Vulva poem by Dr. Pope here [https://www.tiktok.com/@vulvadoctor/video/7179677087765122346?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7348769972712654341]

Follow us on social media:

 * Instagram: @drrpope [https://www.instagram.com/drrpope/]
 * TikTok: @vulvadoctor [https://www.tiktok.com/@vulvadoctor]
 * Twitter: @drrpope [https://twitter.com/drrpope]
 * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpope/]

Want more from Our Womanity?

If you enjoyed this episode of Our Womanity, please subscribe [https://ourwomanity.com/about/#join], rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you engaging and empowering content.

23. Vulvar Cancer Screening with Dr. Melissa Mauskar

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

In this insightful episode, I am joined by Dr. Cynthia Owusu [https://case.edu/cancer/members/member-directory/cynthia-owusu], a leading expert in geriatric oncology. Together, we discuss proactive steps women can take to reduce cancer risk, the emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis, and the importance of early detection.

Dr. Owusu shares valuable tips for lowering the chances of developing breast cancer:

 * Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Learn how maintaining a normal weight can significantly impact your health and reduce cancer risk.
 * Increase Physical Activity: Dr. Owusu explains how regular exercise is crucial not only for boosting mood but also for lowering cancer risk. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
 * Limit Alcohol Consumption: Find out how reducing or eliminating alcohol can make a big difference in your overall health.

Dr. Owusu also dives into the emotional challenges women face post-diagnosis, including anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly around the uncertainty of treatment options like chemotherapy. However, she reassures listeners that many women diagnosed with breast cancer do not require chemotherapy.

The episode emphasizes that breast cancer is curable, especially when detected early. Dr. Owusu also sheds light on the common use of surgery and other treatments for breast cancer patients.

Dr. Cynthia Owusu is a renowned expert in geriatric oncology. She is currently the principal investigator on a $2.8M research grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Disparities. This important study explores the impact of physical activity on functional status, body composition, and biomarkers of breast cancer prognosis among African American and socially disadvantaged breast cancer survivors. Dr. Owusu is also actively working to improve participation of all women in clinical trials to help enhance breast cancer outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Follow us on social media:

 * Instagram: @drrpope [https://www.instagram.com/drrpope/]
 * TikTok: @vulvadoctor [https://www.tiktok.com/@vulvadoctor]
 * Twitter: @drrpope [https://twitter.com/drrpope]
 * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpope/]

Want more from Our Womanity?

If you enjoyed this episode of Our Womanity, please subscribe [https://ourwomanity.com/about/#join], rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you engaging and empowering content.

22. Breast Cancer Awareness with Dr. Cynthia Owusu

September is Perimenopause Awareness Month and October is Menopause Awareness Month!! And we are diving into all things perimenopause and menopause.

Did you know that in Costa Rica, hormone therapy for menopause is available through the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) as part of its universal healthcare services? Women who are covered by the public healthcare system can access medical consultations and treatments, including hormone therapy, for menopausal symptoms. What a wonderful resource for women.

In this episode of Our Womanity with Dr. Rachel Pope, I am joined by Dr. Gabriela Alvarado to discuss perimenopause and menopause within the Latin American culture.

Dr. Gabriela Alvarado [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr2gaby/] is a physician and an associate policy researcher at RAND who focuses on maternal health and sexual and reproductive health using a reproductive justice framework. Her research includes the use of innovative qualitative and community-centered approaches to understand and address drivers of disparities in different reproductive health outcomes such as contraceptive uptake, breastfeeding, maternal morbidity and mortality, maternal mental health, postpartum depression, access to health information (and misinformation), and access to abortion. Prior to RAND, she has worked in primary health care delivery, the health nonprofit sector, state government, and as a consultant for the Pan-American Health Organization.

She obtained her medical degree from the University of Costa Rica and has a masters in public health and anthropology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Georgia State University. She completed her Ph.D. in policy analysis from the Pardee RAND Graduate School.

Featured in this episode:

 * How different languages may not have a name for menopause or hot flashes
 * Traditional roles for Latin American women
 * Increase in various conditions once women move across the border to the US
 * Lack of diversity in menopause research

Follow us on social media:

 * Instagram: @drrpope [https://www.instagram.com/drrpope/]
 * TikTok: @vulvadoctor [https://www.tiktok.com/@vulvadoctor]
 * Twitter: @drrpope [https://twitter.com/drrpope]
 * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpope/]

Want more from Our Womanity?

If you enjoyed this episode of Our Womanity, please subscribe [https://ourwomanity.com/about/#join], rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you engaging and empowering content.

21. Latin American Culture & Menopause with Dr. Gabriela Alvarado

Dr. Rachel Pope, along with women's healthcare professionals, experts, and inspiring women, address commonly asked (and not asked) questions about, health equity, sexual health, menopause, reproductive health care, anatomy, and more. Whether you have questions about periods, pregnancy, or menopause, we will do our best to address them here! 

Our Womanity Q & A with Dr. Rachel Pope

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The Our Womanity podcast with Dr. Rachel Pope is a place to have intimate discussions about a wide range of women's health topics.

Dr. Rachel Pope

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