Decoding Women's Health with Dr. Elizabeth Poynor

Midlife can be a period of immense change and, sometimes, challenging emotions. But it’s also an opportunity to cultivate deeper, more lasting happiness. In today’s episode, Dr. Laurie Santos — renowned psychologist, happiness expert, and host of The Happiness Lab — shares insights on how midlife women can thrive. She breaks down the components of happiness, explains why we’re often mistaken about what...

GLP-1s are everywhere. But are they the only medical weight loss intervention worth considering? On today’s episode, Dr. George Fielding - a pioneer of laparoscopic adjustable band surgery and a patient of the procedure himself - offers an insider’s look at the world of weight loss surgeries. How do these surgeries work? Who are they really for? And how should we think about them alongside the surge of GLP-1 medications...

Almost two-thirds of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are women. Shifting hormones make us especially vulnerable. But what if there were ways to lower your risk? Preventive neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson believes nearly half of dementia cases can be avoided. He shares how to know if you’re at risk for Alzheimer’s and what steps to take for better long-term brain health.

Links to resources mentioned in this epis...

Why does your body start “shape shifting” in midlife, even if you’re doing everything “right”? And what’s really behind all the GLP-1 buzz? Endocrinologist and weight-management specialist Dr. Beverly Tchang explains the science behind midlife metabolism, why BMI alone doesn’t tell the full story, what GLP-1s actually do in the body, and what women should know before considering these treat...

Can cannabis really improve your sleep, help regulate your mood, and treat chronic pain? Neuroscientist Dr. Staci Gruber explains how cannabis works in the brain, what the latest research reveals about its therapeutic potential, and how different cannabinoids and delivery methods can make all the difference.

Links to resources mentioned in this episode: Women’s Health Initiative at Mind (WHIM)

Check out Sex Ed wit...

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Susan Domchek joins the show to talk about the importance of knowing your genetic history, using genetic testing to understand cancer risk, and what you can do if you learn that you have BRCA gene mutation.

Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

Basser Center for BRCA

National Society of Genetic Counselors

National Comprehensive Cancer Network

Note: In this show, we use “women&rdq...

Many women experience brain fog, forgetfulness, and sudden mood changes during midlife. Are these symptoms signs of dementia, ADHD, or are they simply our hormones at work? Dr. Elizabeth Poynor is joined by neuropsychologist Dr. Caroline Gurvich to unpack what’s really happening in the brain during perimenopause and menopause. They explore why more than 60% of women experience cognitive shifts, how estrogen impacts memory and...

On Decoding Women’s Health, Dr. Elizabeth Poynor—world-renowned gynecologic oncologist and Chair of Women’s Health at the Atria Health Institute—cuts through the noise to bring you the latest science on midlife women’s health. Whether you're in perimenopause, postmenopause, or simply looking for tools to prepare for the next chapter, take charge of your health—now and for the future—with ex...