127. Vaginal Health 101 with Dr. Betsy Greenleaf
Talking about vaginas, pelvic floors, and sex after 50 still feels taboo — but it shouldn’t. In this honest and empowering conversation, Kim sits down with Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, the first board-certified female urogynecologist in the U.S. and founder of the International Pause Institute. Dr. Betsy shares why so many women in perimenopause and post-menopause struggle with vaginal dryness, painful sex, bladder leaks, and infections and why these symptoms are common but not something you have to live with. From vaginal estrogen to cutting-edge therapies like lasers, red-light, and regenerative treatments, she explains the wide range of options available to restore confidence and intimacy. They also dive into the gut–brain–vagina connection, the emotional side of sex in midlife, body image, bladder health, hormone confusion, and how stress and sleep impact intimacy. You’ll walk away with practical tips, a dose of laughter, and a reminder that thriving in midlife is possible. Highlights What a urogynecologist actually does and how Dr. Betsy became the first female board-certified in the field The biggest vaginal and pelvic floor concerns women face in midlife (and why it’s not “just aging”) Why vaginal dryness, UTIs, and painful sex are connected to hormone shifts and the microbiome Options beyond vaginal estrogen: DHEA, testosterone, lasers, red-light therapy, and more Bladder leaks and incontinence: what’s really happening and why kegels alone aren’t enough The gut–brain–vagina connection and how food, stress, and bacteria impact libido and confidence Why stress and sleep directly influence hormones, intimacy, and sex drive The power of body image and confidence in reclaiming sensuality after 50 Dr. Betsy’s top 3 midlife health essentials — plus a bonus on protein and strength training About Dr. Betsy Greenleaf Dr. Betsy Greenleaf is a triple board-certified physician, the first female board-certified urogynecologist in the United States, and founder of the International Pause Institute. With over 20 years of experience, she helps women and men over 40 reclaim energy, confidence, and intimacy through hormone harmony, pelvic wellness, and functional care. Featured in outlets such as Oprah Daily and Forbes and co-host of She Said She Said Podcast, Dr. Betsy combines clinical expertise with a relatable, no-fluff approach to taboo topics like vaginal health, hormones, and sex after 50. She also founded PelvicFloorStore.com, where she curates products she recommends for pelvic health. Enjoy a discount code from Dr. Betsy https://pelvicfloorstore.com/discount/EMOTIONALEATS Take the free hormone quiz at https://pauseinstitute.com Connect with Betsy: https://pauseeinsitture.com, https://pelvicfloorstore.com, https://femversity.com https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleafspeaks https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleaf https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleafmenshealth https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdu6ZIxyAYGKsmJPtEvTS4w https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbetsygreenleaf/ If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support. Connect with Kim: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe, follow, and leave a 5-star rating and review. Tag us on social media—I would be so grateful. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.
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