This episode is a MUST listen. Mel calls it one of the most important conversations she has ever had on The Mel Robbins Podcast. Most women don’t know this, and this information could save the life of a woman you love. If you are thinking you’re “fine,” while quietly suffering through symptoms that are treatable, you probably don’t know this life-saving medical fact either. Today, Mel is joined by Dr. Rachel Rubin, MD, a leading urologist and sexual health expert, to talk about hormones, menopause, libido, pelvic health, UTIs, and what’s happening in your body. In fact, since recording this episode, the majority of women on the team have spoken to their doctors about what Dr. Rubin shared. You’re about to hear what she wishes every woman knew sooner: Almost every issue that you're dealing with “down there” is likely related to changing hormones. If you’ve ever dealt with a UTI, leaking, urgency, dryness, painful sex, or that feeling that something is “off” down there, and you’ve been told it’s normal, it’s aging, or it’s just something you have to live with, this episode could change your life and have you asking, Why have I not heard this before? Do not learn this too late. By the time most women get the right information, they have already lost years to pain, discomfort, anxiety, and unnecessary treatments. No matter how old you are, all women need to understand this information. This is the conversation that will make you understand your body differently, and realize you have been tolerating things you do not have to tolerate. If you’re a woman in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, this is information you deserve to have now. Your health should not be a mystery. You should not have to suffer. This conversation will give you the truth about your health and may even save your life or the lives of a woman you love. For every single study and resource Dr. Rubin mentions, click here for the podcast episode show notes: https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-380/ Follow The Mel Robbins Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelrobbinspodcast I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode. In this episode: 0:00 Meet the Guest 3:35 Why Women’s Sexual Health Falls Through The Cracks 5:45 The Most Common (And Harmful) Advice Women Hear About Pain 6:23 The Symptoms Women Are Told To “Just Live With”: Dryness, Painful Sex, UTIs, Night Peeing, Anxiety, Mood Shifts 8:17 Hormones Across The Female Lifespan: Puberty, Ovulation, Pregnancy, Postpartum, Breastfeeding, Perimenopause, Menopause 14:36 Recurrent UTIs In Women 16:17 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM Explained) 19:20 Vaginal Estrogen Box Warnings 21:16 GSM, Explained Simply: pH, Thinning Tissue, Burning, “UTI-Like” Symptoms, And Why GSM Gets Misdiagnosed 30:11 Why Systemic HRT Often Isn’t Enough 33:19 Vaginal Estrogen Delivery Options: Cream, Tablet, Ring—Benefits, Dosing, Cost, And How To Choose 41:00 Dr. Rubin’s Mother’s ICU Story 47:38 Who Should Consider Vaginal Estrogen Or Vaginal DHEA 49:54 Genitourinary Syndrome Of Lactation (GSL): Why Breastfeeding Can Mimic Menopause 55:39 Spironolactone And Birth Control 57:15 The Benefits Of Vaginal Estrogen Beyond UTIs And Why Dr. Rubin Calls It “Women’s Viagra” 1:01:21 How Hormones Trigger UTIs 1:05:39 The Story Behind The FDA’s Blackbox Warning on HRT 1:17:40 The 4 Buckets Framework For Hormone Care 1:19:10 Testosterone In Women’s Health 1:23:21 Vaginal DHEA Vs. Vaginal Estrogen Vs. Systemic Testosterone 01:36:36 Clitoral Adhesions: The Condition Affecting 1 In 4 Women 1:55:29 The 2 Most Common Causes of Painful Sex 1:58:30 How To Advocate For Yourself At The Doctors — Visit your local Ashley store or head to ashley.com to find your style. — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah