Libsyn Directory

World Menopause Day Lives Part 1

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Release Date: 12/13/2024

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Most of us have no idea how much our mouths are telling us—and not just about our teeth. In this jaw-dropping episode, I sat down with Dr. Ellie Campbell, a powerhouse in functional medicine and the author of The Blood Pressure Blueprint, to uncover how oral health is deeply tied to cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalance, cognitive decline, and more. You’ll learn why blood pressure readings at your doctor’s office might be misleading, how mouth bacteria can trigger heart attacks and Alzheimer’s, and why mouth taping at night could be the simplest step toward better sleep and brain...

Decoding Physical and Mental Knots

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

There’s this deep connection between how we feel, what we think, and what our bodies go through—especially during big transitions like menopause. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Yasmine Saad, an award-winning NYC Psychologist and TEDx Speaker, who’s doing some seriously powerful work helping people understand their emotions in a whole new way. She talked about how our feelings—like sadness, anger, even loneliness—don’t just pass through quietly; they show up in our bodies. And when we start to really listen to those messages, that’s when the real healing...

Genetics & The Future of Personalized Medicine

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Most women don’t realize their DNA might be the reason they’re feeling off—foggy, tired, overwhelmed—and just chalk it up to getting older. But what if your genes were actually holding the answers to what’s going on with your hormones, your energy, even your ability to handle stress? I sat down with Kashif Khan, TEDx speaker, Author of The DNA Way, and Founder of The DNA Company, to talk about exactly that. He breaks down how understanding your unique genetic blueprint can completely shift how you approach your health—especially when hormones start doing their own thing. We also...

Repair Your Mitochondria, Heal Your Body

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Most people have no idea that something as tiny as algae is one of the most powerful foods for longevity, energy, and hormone balance. But what if just a few tiny tablets a day could support your mitochondria (those little powerhouses in your cells), detoxify your body, and even ease menopause symptoms? Catharine Arnston, algae expert and Founder of ENERGYbits®, breaks down the science behind spirulina and chlorella—two superfoods packed with antioxidants, protein, and essential nutrients for women’s health. We’re talking detoxification, hormone support, and even slowing down...

The Gut-Hormone Link You Need to Know with Steven Wright

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Sometimes, feeling “off” isn’t just about stress or aging—it could be your gut trying to tell you something. Your digestion plays a bigger role than you might think, influencing everything from your energy and hormones to your mood and even your sex life. Steven Wright, Functional Medicine Expert and Founder of The Healthy Gut Company, is back to share why gut health is the key to feeling like yourself again. We get into the hidden culprits behind bloating, brain fog, and even intimacy struggles—because, yes, your gut impacts that too! Turns out, simple changes can make a big...

HRT: Compounding Hormones & Customization with Sahar Swidan

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Have you ever felt like your hormones are running the show? One minute you’re energized, the next you’re dragging—or maybe those hot flashes and mood swings are making life way harder than it needs to be. The thing is, not all hormone therapies work the same, and that’s where compounding comes in. Dr. Sahar Swidan, PHARM.D., ABAAHP, FAARFM, FACA, is back to break down what you need to know about custom-compounded hormones, different formulations, and how to figure out what’s actually best for your body. Dr. Sahar is a powerhouse when it comes to compounding pharmacy and hormone...

The Benefits and Story of Mighty Maca

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Did you know ancient Peruvian warriors used Maca for strength and stamina? Turns out, they were onto something—this little root is a powerhouse for energy, mood, and hormone balance. Studies even show it can ease anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women, which is huge! But what really makes Maca so special, and how can it actually help you feel better every day? I first discovered Maca during a rough time—infertility, early menopause, the whole rollercoaster. That journey led me to explore healing superfoods, and Maca completely changed the game for me. In this episode, I’m...

Pause & Learn: Peri-Post Menopause Explained

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

One day, you’re cruising along like usual, and the next… everything feels off. Your mood’s all over the place, sleep is a struggle, and let’s not even talk about the sudden weight changes. Sound familiar? In this episode, my daughter Amira joins me again as we unpack what’s really happening during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—when it starts, what to expect, and how to handle the rollercoaster of symptoms. We’re getting real about everything from hormone therapy to natural ways to feel better, plus the surprising links between menopause, bone health, and heart...

Breast Implant Illness? Explant? with Candice Barley

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

It’s wild how something that’s supposed to make you feel more confident can actually be the thing making you sick. Candice Barley learned this the hard way after struggling with years of unexplained symptoms—fatigue, gut issues, even liver problems—before realizing her breast implants were the culprit. Now, as a leading advocate for women with Breast Implant Illness (BII), she’s on a mission to educate and support others through their own healing journeys. She’s here to share what she wishes she knew sooner, from the hidden health risks to the life-changing decision to explant. ...

Dating Then vs. Now: A Mother-Daughter Tell-All

The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Ever looked at today’s dating scene and thought, “Wow, things have really changed?” Dating apps, social media, and modern expectations make it a whole new world compared to back in the day. And since we’re still in February—fresh off Valentine’s Day—love, dating, and intimacy are definitely hot topics. So, I sat down with my daughter, Amira, and thought, this would be the perfect time to swap stories, talk red flags, and figure out what really makes someone a great partner. Confidence, kindness, and a few unexpected surprises—this conversation is full of eye-opening (and...

More Episodes

Menopause is often painted as the end of something, but it’s really a new chapter—a time to rediscover your strength and embrace what’s next. Today, we’re diving into the real, unfiltered stories and tools that can make this transition not just manageable but empowering. I’m sharing my own journey through early menopause at 39 and the powerful lessons I’ve learned from healers around the world. And with two incredible women joining me, we’re breaking down the stigma and showing you what’s possible when we take control of our health and our narrative.

Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, a Best-Selling Author and a trailblazer leader in women’s health, opens up about the changes no one talks about, like prolapse, and how we can take charge of our pelvic health. Tamsen Fadal, Journalist and Menopause Advocate, brings insights from her PBS documentary The M Factor—a powerful project giving women and doctors the tools to tackle menopause head-on. Together, we’re getting real about the challenges and offering practical ways to find balance, feel supported, and thrive during this stage of life.

By the way, if hormonal changes have you noticing hair loss, I’ve been there too. That’s why I created Beauty Locks, a natural formula to support hair growth and quality for all hair types. Check it out at dranna.com/beautylocks and give it a try. You deserve to feel amazing!

Key Timestamps:

[00:01:02] Your diagnosis is not your destiny.

[00:03:52] Early menopause and fertility journey.

[00:09:20] Men's support during menopause.

[00:11:36] Hormonal symptoms and partnerships.

[00:15:13] Menopause symptoms and healing.

[00:19:12] Menopause kit giveaways.

[00:22:34] Reverse aging of the vagina.

[00:27:23] Hormones and menopause connection.

[00:30:04] Atypical PCOS and epigenetics.

[00:35:31] Menopause documentary premiere.

[00:37:27] Community engagement and education.

[00:40:16] Integrative approach to hormone therapy.

[00:46:15] Prolapse awareness in women.

[00:47:10] Pelvic floor health and repair.

[00:50:45] Women in urogynecology.

[00:54:05] Bioidentical hormones vs. synthetic hormones.

[00:58:31] Menopause empowerment and support.

Memorable Quotes:

"When we see women come together watching this, it wasn't so much about the documentary, but it was about the community that it's forming." [00:40:53] – Tamsen Fadal

"Even though it says only one day for world menopause day, every day is menopause day. And it's a day to make your lives better because menopause does not have to be our grandmother's menopause. This is our time to kick some butt. It's actually your best lives; it's your best years ahead of you." [00:58:35] – Dr. Betsy Greenleaf

Links Mentioned:

Beauty Locks: https://dranna.com/beautylocks

Blog: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/blog

Keto-Green 16 Challenge: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/offers-keto-green-16-challenge

Carpathia Health: https://carpathiahealth.com/

Book an Appointment with me: https://dranna.com/about

Breeze Through Menopause: https://dranna.com/breeze

The M Factor Film: https://themfactorfilm.com/

Connect with Tamsen Fadal:

Website: https://www.tamsenfadal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamsenfadal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamsenfadal/