Hot Menopause Questions Answered - Pt. 2 | The Girlfriend Doctor Show Ep. 197

Menopause questions still piling up? I’m back with my daughter Amira for Part 2 of “Hot Menopause Questions - Answered,” because there’s so much more to talk about! Last time, we covered some of the biggest changes-those first signs of perimenopause, sleep struggles, and managing hot flashes. Now, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty topics you’ve been asking about, like how to handle those “where did my libido go?” days, what’s up with brain fog, and why bone health is something we need to pay attention to sooner rather than later.
We’re also tackling some things that don’t always come up in regular health conversations, like how checking your urine pH can reveal a lot about your body, or why painful intercourse doesn’t have to be just “part of aging.” I’ll share the real stuff-tips that can help with intimacy, boost your mood, and clear that brain fog with a few easy tweaks. And if you’re curious about natural alternatives to hormone therapy, Amira and I have got you covered with practical advice that you can actually use to feel better every day.
Also, if you’ve been feeling like your energy’s been on the low side lately, I can’t say enough about Mighty Maca Plus. I created it to help with exactly these kinds of things-mood swings, hot flashes, and that “just not feeling like myself” vibe. So many women have shared with me how it’s become their go-to for feeling energized and balanced. Give it a try and see what it can do for you!
Key Timestamps:
[00:02:36] Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
[00:06:19] Joyful vulva and libido health.
[00:09:11] Sexual health and cardiovascular health.
[00:12:50] Urine pH and health.
[00:16:02] Bone density scans and prevention.
[00:20:33] Bone health and management strategies.
[00:25:15] Natural alternatives to hormones.
[00:29:22] Toxins in daily cosmetics.
[00:30:39] Brain health and hormone balance.
[00:34:23] Menopausal symptoms duration and management.
[00:39:01] Yeast overgrowth and cravings.
[00:42:39] Feeling better after menopause.
Memorable Quotes:
"Menopause is mandatory and natural suffering is optional." [00:34:15] - Dr. Anna Cabeca
"Menopause is the time to open up and not to shut down. And even there are times like when I had that frozen shoulder, I was like, oh my gosh, am I going to have to live with this? Just come back to the foundations. Get to the root issue, reestablish the foundations, and then it just heals." [00:43:51] - Dr. Anna Cabeca
Links Mentioned:
Mighty Maca Plus: dranna.com/dri...
BodySpec: www.bodyspec.com/
BodyBio E-Lyte Water (Discount Code: DRANNABODYBIO): bodybio.com/
Ion Layer NAD + Patches (Discount Code: IONDRANNA): ionlayer.com/p...
Episode 195 with Jess Berman: drannacabeca.c...
Email Questions: [e-mail]
Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:
Website: drannacabeca.c...
Instagram: / thegirlfrienddoctor
RUclips: / @thegirlfrienddoctor
TikTok: / drannacabeca
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com
Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice. *

[@marycohen4228]

I just discovered your channel as recommended by Cynthia Thurlow and Dr Mindy Pelz! Wow, you have added so much to my repertoire of knowledge as a functional nurse, holistic coach specializing in hormonal imbalance for women. I will be emailing Amira for a topic that I’d like to see covered in your Q&A platform. Sleep disturbances and hormonal imbalances thank you both for a great session.

[@thegirlfrienddoctor]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for connecting with us! We’re thrilled to hear that our content has been valuable for your work as a functional nurse and holistic coach. We look forward to your email and appreciate your suggestion on covering sleep disturbances and hormonal imbalances-such an important topic! Thank you for tuning in and for your support! 🌟
- Dr Anna's Happiness Team

[@kkellyg1]

This conversation with Amira is so helpful! I need to hear your expertise over and over because there is sooo much! The good things if you are a menopausal woman who does not take bio-identical hormones is worth so much! And then the list of things for adrenal health! Going through your Magic Menopause course is teaching me information that makes me cry because if I had know this 35 years ago I would understand the many health issues I have faced. Yes I thought too well it is just aging. Wow have you just blown my mind that there is more to this for women.

[@thegirlfrienddoctor]

We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the episode and found it so resourceful! Even more, we’re delighted that you had such a powerful and transformative experience with Magic Menopause. It’s an honor to have you as part of our community.

[@rosasoto8158]

Is Julva safe to use even through an infection?

[@thegirlfrienddoctor]

Can you let us know what infection? We suggest that you consult your doctor first about it for more guidance.
- Dr Anna's Happiness Team

[@tashinafransua9160]

Does the DHEA in Julva affect your estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone overall?

[@thegirlfrienddoctor]

Hi! Great question. The DHEA in Julva primarily works locally, meaning it acts directly on the tissues where it’s applied-like the vulva, urethra, and vaginal area-without significantly affecting your overall hormone levels systemically.
When applied locally, DHEA is converted by the cells in the vaginal and vulvar tissues into small amounts of estrogen and testosterone as needed. This localized conversion helps improve tissue health, elasticity, and hydration, which is why Julva is so effective for addressing vaginal dryness, irritation, and even mild incontinence. However, because the amounts are small and localized, it doesn’t typically lead to systemic changes in your overall estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone levels.
- Dr Anna's Happiness Team

[@tashinafransua9160]

How young can you start Julva?

[@thegirlfrienddoctor]

Julva can be used by women as young as their 20s or 30s, depending on their needs. Dr Anna had patients in their 20s who experienced vaginal dryness or tissue thinning due to hormonal contraceptives, like the Mirena IUD, and found Julva to be incredibly helpful for restoring tissue health and comfort. It’s also been used to prepare and strengthen tissues before surgeries or to support healing afterward, regardless of age.
The key is that Julva is designed to nourish and rejuvenate the delicate vulvar tissue with ingredients like DHEA, which supports tissue health, elasticity, and hydration. If someone is experiencing symptoms like dryness, irritation, or discomfort-even at a younger age-it’s worth considering. Of course, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right fit for your specific situation.
- Dr Anna's Happiness Team