January 1, 2026 • 31 mins
We kick off season four by unpacking the most important women’s health developments of 2025 and turning them into simple, confident actions for 2026. From menopausal care finally getting a long-overdue reboot to new tools for mood, pain, and preventive screening, we focus on what’s real, what helps and what to do next.
Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker walks through timely risks and practical choices: the new data linking long-term Depo-Provera use to meningioma, the way even therapeutic levothyroxine can chip away at bone density and why the Mediterranean diet still outperforms trends despite the GLP-1 spotlight.
Menopause takes center stage with real progress: smarter labels, better education, and a broader toolkit.
We finish by swapping brittle resolutions for intentions that stick: consistent sleep, daily movement you enjoy, water before meals, gratitude to steady your mood, and strong social ties that extend life. If you’re ready to feel informed and in charge, this guide to the year’s biggest shifts will help you act with calm confidence.
If this helped you, subscribe free, turn on notifications, share it with a friend, and leave a quick five‑star review to help more people find the show.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dr. Holly Thacker (00:03):
Welcome to the Speaking of the Healthy
Podcast.
I'm your host, Dr.
Holly Thacker, and I am Let'sBack in the Sunflower for a new
season.
Happy New Year.
But before we all sing that AuldLang Sign song where we say
(00:28):
goodbye to 2025 and hello 2026,whether you're feeling super
energized from your red lighttherapy we talked about last
season, or you're just shakingoff your holiday glitter, I
really want to thank you, ourlisteners, for tuning in.
(00:49):
And thank you so much to thoseof you who subscribe and donate.
And of course, anyone cansubscribe for free, and we'll
talk about that.
So today I'm kicking off seasonfour of the season Speaking of
Women's Health Podcast.
(01:10):
Can you believe it?
Season four.
It's really been a great and anincredible journey.
And we're really grateful toall of our followers, our loyal
listeners who've supported usfrom the very beginning.
Your encouragement, yourfeedback, your enthusiasm
inspires us to keep bringing youempowering content.
(01:33):
Because our motto is to bestrong, be healthy, and be in
charge.
And so thanks for being part ofour speaking community.
And we can't wait to sharewhat's ahead in season four.
But before I get into that, Iwant to go over some highlights
(01:57):
of 2025.
And on our speaking of women'shealth.com site, we post
breaking news.
And this is good to bookmark onyour phone or your computer.
And certainly some big newseveryone seems to hear, but not
always.
And 2025 marked really alandmark news in women's health.
(02:25):
Now, in my opinion, it was over20 years too late.
I have certainly been beatingthe drum about the benefits of
menopausal hormone therapy.
But there's lots of importantnews.
Late last year, just as we wereentering into 2025, a common
(02:53):
contraceptive, injectabledepoprovera, was noted to be
potentially linked to aheightened risk for certain
types of brain tumors in women.
And depoprovera, the genericname is madroxy progesterone
acetate, and it appears toincrease the risk of
(03:16):
intracranial meningioma 5.6 foldif used for longer than a year,
as reported by researchers inthe British Medical Journal.
Now, the absolute risk is stilllow because this type of tumor
is low, uh, but it doeshighlight that this is a risk,
(03:38):
and we have lots of othercontraceptive options.
Now, the researchers warnedthat it was an observational
study, so it couldn't 100% drawa cause and effect link.
So for some women, they stillmay want to choose this, but it
highlights that we need furtherstudy.
(03:59):
And uh of note, progesteronereceptors are present in over
60% of meningiomas.
That's a type of brain tumor.
And so a lot of women who wantum very individualized hormone
(04:20):
therapy who don't needprogesterone, for instance, if
they don't have um a uterus orendymetrium, uh, it does give
pause to just throwing in extrahormones.
There has to be a reason forwhat you're using.
Another major news item that wehighlighted in uh entering into
(04:44):
2025 was that levothyroxin, avery common medicine.
Actually, it's one of thesecond most commonly prescribed
medications among adults in theUnited States, may be associated
with increased bone loss, evenwhen used at the therapeutic
replacement doses.
(05:05):
Typically, we aim for a TSHaround 0.4 to no higher than
five.
And we've known for a long timethat too much thyroid can thin
the bones.
But this study saw that even inparticipants who are taking
levothyroxina within the normalrange, when they were followed
(05:27):
up for 6.3 years, they had lostmore bone density.
And one in every eight woman,women uh has low thyroid.
On a happy note, in 2025, theMediterranean diet was named as
the healthiest diet for theeighth year in a row.
(05:51):
And it's similar to the DASHdiet, uh rich in whole foods,
uh, also plant-based, uh, oliveoil.
And so, really, the big newsfor the last few years have been
uh the GLP and GIP uh agonistweight loss in medications.
(06:11):
They've really shaken up thewhole diet industry.
But really, what's mostimportant is healthy eating.
The United States SurgeonGeneral issued a new advisory on
the link between alcohol andcancer risk.
Um, and in January, a lot ofpeople will do dry January.
I think that's uh a healthything to consider doing,
(06:34):
especially if you've had a lotof celebration uh at the end of
the year.
And if you didn't catch ourpodcast on alcohol and
alcoholism in season three,that's a good one to go back to.
Also in the news was that theFDA banned red dye number three,
(06:56):
um, a common artificial dyeused in beverages, candy, and
other foods.
It has been linked to cancer insome animals, and it was used
in lots of foods for children,like candy and cereal and
cherries and strawberry-flavoredmilkshakes.
Um, in fact, I did a podcast onbanned foods in other countries
(07:21):
and food freedom, and a lot ofthe things in our food supply in
the United States.
I mean, we're making someprogress, uh, but we have a
long, long way to go.
And red dye three uh wasapproved for use in foods back
in 1907, and it's made frompetroleum.
Uh, also, that's gotten a lotof attention, that's kind of
(07:45):
petroleum-based, are seed oilsthat are extracted uh from
plants that are veryinflammatory, like cottonseed
and sunflower, and palm oil, andcanola, which is just Canadian
rapeseed oil.
And um, I've done a fewpodcasts on omega-3s and the uh
(08:09):
fats that our body can't makethat we need to be exposed to.
Another topic that hit the newsin 2025 is what everyone needs
to know about radon exposure andlung cancer.
Because every two minutes,someone in the United States is
diagnosed with lung cancer.
And lung cancer is a verycommon cause of cancer deaths,
(08:35):
and we're seeing it in youngerages.
Non-small cell cancer as wellas small cell cancer are
concerning.
If you've never heard of radongas, you're not alone.
A lot of Americans aren't awareof the sneaky killer that's
lurking in uh homes.
It's invisible, it's colorless,and it's tasteless, but it is a
(08:59):
risk factor for lung cancer.
And um, when my husband and Ibuilt our uh first home before
we had our first son, StetsonThacker, who's been a recurring
guest on speaking of women'shealth, uh, we had our home
tested for radon, and I was soupset when I came in and found
out that the builder had openedup the windows because you
(09:22):
needed a closed environment toassess uh for your radon gas
exposure.
In the news also in 2025 wasthat the FDA approved a nasal
spray for depression as astandalone treatment for
depression.
(09:43):
The nasal spray sprovato, itkind of sounds Italian, doesn't
it?
Was the first ever standalonetherapy for treatment-resistant
depression.
And we have a lot ofinformation about mood disorders
and depression and anxiety onour speaking of women's
(10:05):
health.com site.
The FDA also approved in 2025 anew type of non-opioid pain
medication, the first of itskind in more than 20 years.
The drug called Gernax, uh,also known as Sutrigene, um, is
(10:27):
a non-opioid painkiller, whichdoes not have addictive
properties like opioids do.
And chronic pain is a vexing uhproblem.
Uh, and one of the treatmentsuh for chronic pain is ketamine.
(10:48):
And in season four, we will betouching on ketamine therapies
with endocrinologist, uh,neurotransmitter expert, and
anti-aging expert, um, myfriend, and a sister from
another mother, Dr.
Elena Christafides.
So that'll be one to tune intoin season four.
(11:10):
And if you haven't heard myprior podcast with her on
anti-aging, uh, be sure to catchthose.
So, uh, moving on in stories uhthat were very important in
2025.
Uh, there was an interestingstudy that showed omega-3 fatty
acids slow down the agingprocess.
(11:33):
Our senior specialized women'shealth fellow, Dr.
Nayang Sung, who's trained inOBGYN, family medicine,
reproductive endocrinology,immunology, and is now in her
second and final senior year ofour specialized women's health
fellowship.
Wrote an excellent column onomega-3 and is doing research in
(11:56):
this area.
Um, but findings from thislarge three-year randomized
trial that we have under our newsection on speaking of women's
health, the Due Health trial,looked at the effects of
omega-3, vitamin D, and exerciseon healthy aging in adults over
age 70.
(12:17):
And these interventions reducedthe risk of both infections and
falls, and cancer and prematurefrailty.
The next study was that hormonetherapy reduced antidepressant
needs in menopausal women.
(12:39):
And uh menopause experts haveknown this for a long time.
But it was nice to see thisstudy out of Texas Tech
University Health Science thatshowed um that perimenopausal
women and menopausal women withdepression that hormone therapy
may reduce the need forantidepressant therapy and/or
(13:03):
the dose and lowering the oddsof adverse side effects.
Healthy vitamin B12 levels maynot be enough to ward off
neurologic decline.
We posted this back in March of2025, and meeting the minimum
(13:24):
requirement for vitamin B12needed to make DNA, DNA, and red
blood cells and nerve tissuemay not actually be enough if
you're older.
A study from UC San Franciscoshowed that in healthy
volunteers with lowerconcentrations of B12, but still
(13:44):
in the normal range, showedsome signs of neurologic and
cognitive deficiency.
And so I have uh started to domuch more frequent B12 testing.
I used to routinely do it byage 65 or younger in people uh
with risk factors for B12deficiency on certain medicines,
(14:06):
family histories of perniciousanemia or other autoimmune
conditions.
But now I'm expanding thatalong with omega-3 testing.
We posted information also inMarch, uh, which is colon cancer
awareness month.
And unfortunately, we're seeingmore and more colorectal cancer
(14:27):
in younger and younger people.
Colaguard Plus was an improvedat-home colon cancer uh test,
expected to be an option forpeople that are at average risk,
age 45 and older.
So, certainly not high risk,certainly not those of you
who've had precancerous colonpolyps.
(14:48):
The next news uh was on vitaminD, high dose, reduced disease
activity in early multiplesclerosis.
And MS is more common thefarther north you go, where we
have um less sun and lessnatural vitamin D.
(15:08):
And multiple sclerosis doesaffect women uh more often than
men.
The other news on vitamin D wasthat uh better levels are
associated with reduced risk ofdementia.
In the news in April of 2025was the FDA granting marketing
(15:32):
authorization of a first hometest for chlamydia, gonorrhea,
and trichomoniasis.
And those sexually transmittedinfections.
Uh, we have a lot ofinformation on our website
about, as well as I've donepodcasts with several of our
terrific um nurse practitionerswho also practice in the Center
(15:55):
for Specialized Women's Health,talking about some of these
common uh problems.
We post when there is recallsof um various medications, and
that's important.
Um and there was a nationwiderecall of a common antibiotic uh
(16:19):
due to microbial contamination.
And so that's why when you'reill and your physician or nurse
practitioner uh doesn't thinkthat you need an antibiotic just
yet.
Um maybe you've got a cold, butit's not necessarily a sinus
infection, uh, or you have umviral type syndrome that
(16:44):
generally is not going torespond to antibiotics.
It's important not to takemedications that you don't need.
Now, in July is when thingsstarted to heat up in the
menopause uh field.
The FDA panel called for labelchanges and a lot more education
(17:04):
on hormone therapy.
And there were hearings held,several of my friends and
colleagues had testified.
I'd previously done that at theFDA.
For years, we've been trying toget those scary boxed warnings
off of vaginal estrogen andappropriate risk-benefit
(17:25):
alternatives.
It always irritated me thatthere was like no tolerance for
any possible remote risk, evenin the face of massive benefits
in symptomatic women.
Where other medications,whether they're antibiotics or
cholesterol-luring medicines orother commonly prescribed
(17:48):
medicines, which actually manyof those have a much higher side
effect and risk benefit thanmenopausal hormone therapy, that
there was no equivalence in thefield.
So vaginal estrogen use inbreast cancer survivors, we
posted on also in July, um,because there was a uh a
(18:09):
conclusion looking at over 5,500articles that the use of
vaginal estrogen in women with ahistory of breast cancer is not
associated with an increasedrisk of breast cancer
recurrence.
And we have other non-estrogenoptions to use uh for
genitourinary syndrome andmenopause like vaginal DHEA, but
(18:32):
it's nice to have the option ofvaginal estrogen.
We posted the uh docket thatwas open for public comments on
the risk and benefits to hormonetherapy, recurrent
uncomplicated bladder infectionsin women, the American Urologic
Association came out with newguidelines, and I uh was asked
(18:55):
in several media interviews tocomment on this, and it's very
important to use estrogenvaginally in peri- and
post-menopausal women uh becauseit does help reduce the risk of
recurrent infection.
We posted a study uh that wasfeatured on the from the
menopause society onhysterectomy with both ovaries
(19:17):
being removed, uh, showing aslight higher risk of stroke in
women having a hysterectomy withboth ovaries out.
And certainly to take outhealthy ovaries is something we
don't usually do, especiallyunder the age of 65, unless
there's brachogenes.
And we started off 2025 with avery interesting podcast
(19:42):
interview with Ryan Nas, ageneticist, talking about the
GENA law.
And I have a lot of patients uhwith genetic predispositions to
cancer, and so thosediscussions have to be very uh
individualized.
Big news came out at the end ofOctober of 2025.
(20:04):
The FDA approved a non-hormonalagent, which is not just um an
NK3 receptor antagonist, but anNK1 and 3.
So we've had VIOSA, which isphysolinitant, as a non-hormonal
excellent option to treat hotflashes since May of 2023.
(20:27):
And now we have an NK1 NK3antagonist, which is
alizenotant, also known asLinquet, which just hit the
market.
And it's so nice to have bothhormonal and non-hormonal
options to treat hot flashes, totreat osteoporosis, and to
(20:51):
treat genitourinary syndrome ofmenopause.
So no postmenopausal womanneeds to be left out in
optimizing health and longevity,which is definitely a theme in
2025 and will definitely be atheme in 2026.
And finally, the biggest newsum on November 10th was when
(21:16):
finally, finally, the FDAliberated women's menopausal
hormone replacement therapy.
And in the podcast interviewthat I have um with Dr.
Elena Christafites, um, shethought that we would talk about
(21:36):
that a lot, but we talked aboutketamine and um infusions and
boosting energy and anti-agingtherapy.
And what I said was it's soanticlimatic for me as a
trailblazer in midlife women'shealth that I had been talking
about this and writing aboutthis and podcasting about this
(21:59):
and educating about this tillI'm about blue in the face.
Um, but with all that mediaattention, because a lot of
people fortunately or probablyunfortunately get a lot of their
health care from these littlesound bites in the media.
In fact, the Women's HealthInitiative, the infamous women's
health initiative, that waspublished on July 10th of 2002,
(22:23):
um really kind of set the tonefor doing little sound bites of
a scientific study, but kind ofunscientifically interpreted by
these little sound bites.
And really, your health is soimportant that uh we don't want
to just relegate it to what somemedia talking head talks about.
(22:49):
Yeah, that is for sure.
And you've been listening tothe Speaking of Women's Health
podcast, our first episode inseason four.
I'm your host, Dr.
Holly Thacker, and we have somany great podcasts lined up for
season four.
We're having a dermatologistand laser expert, Dr.
(23:10):
Taryn Murray, back.
She's gonna talk aboutskincare.
Uh, we're gonna have a newguest, Vince Whalen of Wadsworth
Family Physical Therapy.
He's an expert in physicaltherapy, and we're going to talk
about the importance ofphysical therapy.
I've been trying to get aphysical therapist on the
podcast.
I think I probably ask five.
(23:32):
And um, Vince is the first oneto finally say yes to me, and
that's a great one.
And on today's episode, um, Iwant to just go over some
resolutions about being real,sustainable ways to make 2026
(23:53):
your healthiest and happiestyear from a physical
perspective, emotional, andmental perspective.
So, beyond resolutions, um, weall want to have intentions that
stick.
So, how many of us say onJanuary 1st we want to lose 10
pounds only to forget about itby February 1st?
(24:13):
So rather than just focusing onsome rigid goal, I think it's
important to ask yourself, whatdo I want to feel more of this
year?
And what things can I let goof?
And what brings me joy, peace,and energy?
Maybe your intention is toprioritize rest, focus on
(24:35):
relationships, as well asadvocating for your health and
your family's health.
And they're these are reallypowerful goals that go well
beyond just what the scale says.
Now, preventive care is veryimportant, and there are some
key screenings and tests.
The PAP smear.
(24:55):
It's very important to get thisevery three years under the age
of 30.
And by age 30, we usually pairit with an HPV test.
Now, the kind of bottombasement care is every five
years, but I see so many womenwho are educated, they're
(25:16):
interested in their health, theyhave access to health care, and
yet it's seven or eight yearsand they haven't had a PAP.
So in our center, we like toget a PAP smear every three
years.
Now, if your HPV is negativeand it's three and a half years,
okay, that's probably fine.
But getting a scrape of thecervix is not the same as a
(25:37):
pelvic exam.
So you may need to get a pelvicexam without a PAP.
And it's very important to keepa record and keep track.
And I always tell my patientsthat even though everything's on
the computer or they try tolook at it on their phone, but
then they don't get internetaccess, uh, or there's a power
outage, or you know, there'scyber attacks, anything really
(26:01):
important, you should have ahard copy of.
And it's very important to comeprepared for your visit to get
the most out of it.
Now, breast cancer screeningstypically start at age 40 to 45.
It can be individualized everyone to two years.
Um, there may need to be moreintensive screening for women at
higher risk, women with genemutations, women with very dense
(26:26):
breast.
Colorectal cancer is veryimportant.
We're starting that now at 45.
There's colonoscopy, there'salso stool-based test.
By age 65, all women shouldhave a bone density to check
their bone mineral density.
And increasingly, many places,and I've certainly offered this
(26:47):
since 2021, are looking attrabecular bone scoring or the
bone architecture.
Every adult should know theircholesterol and their blood
pressure starting in their 20s.
Um, by age 45, we need toscreen for sugar diabetes sooner
if there's risk factors.
(27:07):
Also, in pregnancy, this isdone.
Uh, depression and anxietyscreenings are very important.
And having an annual wellnessvisit to go over medications and
supplements, discuss healthconcerns, changes in lifestyle,
daily habits for a happy,healthy life, um, hydration.
(27:30):
Um, aim for six to eightglasses of water a day.
Always drink fluids before youeat.
Some people are thirsty andthey think they're hungry.
Prioritize sleep, at leastseven to nine hours of sleep.
It supports mood to metabolism,movement, whether it's yoga.
We've had some great podcastson exercise and yoga, or just
(27:54):
dancing in your kitchen.
It's important to move.
Practice gratitude.
Whether that's a gratitudejournal or writing notes to
loved ones, can really boostyour emotional resilience.
Decluttering your mind, trymeditation or prayer or just
(28:15):
unplugging from all electronics.
Connections, keep up strongsocial ties, they are linked to
longer and healthier lives.
And be familiar with yourhealth portals, stay informed
and engaged, track your testresults, joy and purpose.
(28:36):
Health just is not about labresults, it's about living with
purpose.
So I challenge you in 2026 tosay yes to things that light you
up, say no to things that drainyou, laugh more and worry less.
And remember, you are your bestadvocate.
(28:59):
Thanks for joining me in 2025and welcome to 2026.
If you found this episodehelpful, um, share it with a
friend, leave us a review, hitthe five-star button.
And speaking of subscribing, Ijust want to take a couple of
(29:20):
minutes to go over uh how to getnotified when there's a new
Speaking of Women's Healthpodcast.
I have some friends andpatients who uh really want to
listen to the podcast, um, butunless they're prompted and they
only see a little snippet onFacebook or a little reel on
Instagram, like for the longesttime, my husband thought that
was just the podcast when he'sscrolling on Instagram.
(29:44):
No, that's not it.
You really have to subscribe.
And it's all free.
If you have an iPhone, go toyour Apple Podcasts and open up
that little purple icon and justuh search for speaking of
women's health, everything we doon social media.
You can use your littlemicrophone if that's enabled and
just say it instead of type it.
(30:05):
And once that uh purple iconwith the microphone comes up,
you can just hit subscribe.
And if you want to enablenotifications, you can go to
settings and turn onnotifications.
That way, every time there's anew podcast, you'll be notified
of that.
(30:26):
And at the bottom of thenotification page, there's a
little link and you can makesure that that's turned on.
Now, if you have an Androidphone or if you're using Spotify
on an Android phone, you openup that little green Spotify
app.
You again in the search button,type or say, speaking of
(30:47):
women's health, and you clickfollow to subscribe.
And if you're alreadyfollowing, it will say
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And to receive alerts ornotifications, you just click on
the bell icon, which is to theright of the follow.
So I hope that this has beenhelpful for you.
And remember, our team is hereto help you be strong, be
(31:11):
healthy, and be in charge.
Until next time, I'm your hostand the executive director, Dr.
Holly Thacker, and this is thebeginning of the fourth season
of our Speaking of Women'sHealth podcast.
Welcome to the Speaking of the Healthy
Podcast.
I'm your host, Dr.
Holly Thacker, and I am Let'sBack in the Sunflower for a new
season.
Happy New Year.
But before we all sing that AuldLang Sign song where we say
(00:28):
goodbye to 2025 and hello 2026,whether you're feeling super
energized from your red lighttherapy we talked about last
season, or you're just shakingoff your holiday glitter, I
really want to thank you, ourlisteners, for tuning in.
(00:49):
And thank you so much to thoseof you who subscribe and donate.
And of course, anyone cansubscribe for free, and we'll
talk about that.
So today I'm kicking off seasonfour of the season Speaking of
Women's Health Podcast.
(01:10):
Can you believe it?
Season four.
It's really been a great and anincredible journey.
And we're really grateful toall of our followers, our loyal
listeners who've supported usfrom the very beginning.
Your encouragement, yourfeedback, your enthusiasm
inspires us to keep bringing youempowering content.
(01:33):
Because our motto is to bestrong, be healthy, and be in
charge.
And so thanks for being part ofour speaking community.
And we can't wait to sharewhat's ahead in season four.
But before I get into that, Iwant to go over some highlights
(01:57):
of 2025.
And on our speaking of women'shealth.com site, we post
breaking news.
And this is good to bookmark onyour phone or your computer.
And certainly some big newseveryone seems to hear, but not
always.
And 2025 marked really alandmark news in women's health.
(02:25):
Now, in my opinion, it was over20 years too late.
I have certainly been beatingthe drum about the benefits of
menopausal hormone therapy.
But there's lots of importantnews.
Late last year, just as we wereentering into 2025, a common
(02:53):
contraceptive, injectabledepoprovera, was noted to be
potentially linked to aheightened risk for certain
types of brain tumors in women.
And depoprovera, the genericname is madroxy progesterone
acetate, and it appears toincrease the risk of
(03:16):
intracranial meningioma 5.6 foldif used for longer than a year,
as reported by researchers inthe British Medical Journal.
Now, the absolute risk is stilllow because this type of tumor
is low, uh, but it doeshighlight that this is a risk,
(03:38):
and we have lots of othercontraceptive options.
Now, the researchers warnedthat it was an observational
study, so it couldn't 100% drawa cause and effect link.
So for some women, they stillmay want to choose this, but it
highlights that we need furtherstudy.
(03:59):
And uh of note, progesteronereceptors are present in over
60% of meningiomas.
That's a type of brain tumor.
And so a lot of women who wantum very individualized hormone
(04:20):
therapy who don't needprogesterone, for instance, if
they don't have um a uterus orendymetrium, uh, it does give
pause to just throwing in extrahormones.
There has to be a reason forwhat you're using.
Another major news item that wehighlighted in uh entering into
(04:44):
2025 was that levothyroxin, avery common medicine.
Actually, it's one of thesecond most commonly prescribed
medications among adults in theUnited States, may be associated
with increased bone loss, evenwhen used at the therapeutic
replacement doses.
(05:05):
Typically, we aim for a TSHaround 0.4 to no higher than
five.
And we've known for a long timethat too much thyroid can thin
the bones.
But this study saw that even inparticipants who are taking
levothyroxina within the normalrange, when they were followed
(05:27):
up for 6.3 years, they had lostmore bone density.
And one in every eight woman,women uh has low thyroid.
On a happy note, in 2025, theMediterranean diet was named as
the healthiest diet for theeighth year in a row.
(05:51):
And it's similar to the DASHdiet, uh rich in whole foods,
uh, also plant-based, uh, oliveoil.
And so, really, the big newsfor the last few years have been
uh the GLP and GIP uh agonistweight loss in medications.
(06:11):
They've really shaken up thewhole diet industry.
But really, what's mostimportant is healthy eating.
The United States SurgeonGeneral issued a new advisory on
the link between alcohol andcancer risk.
Um, and in January, a lot ofpeople will do dry January.
I think that's uh a healthything to consider doing,
(06:34):
especially if you've had a lotof celebration uh at the end of
the year.
And if you didn't catch ourpodcast on alcohol and
alcoholism in season three,that's a good one to go back to.
Also in the news was that theFDA banned red dye number three,
(06:56):
um, a common artificial dyeused in beverages, candy, and
other foods.
It has been linked to cancer insome animals, and it was used
in lots of foods for children,like candy and cereal and
cherries and strawberry-flavoredmilkshakes.
Um, in fact, I did a podcast onbanned foods in other countries
(07:21):
and food freedom, and a lot ofthe things in our food supply in
the United States.
I mean, we're making someprogress, uh, but we have a
long, long way to go.
And red dye three uh wasapproved for use in foods back
in 1907, and it's made frompetroleum.
Uh, also, that's gotten a lotof attention, that's kind of
(07:45):
petroleum-based, are seed oilsthat are extracted uh from
plants that are veryinflammatory, like cottonseed
and sunflower, and palm oil, andcanola, which is just Canadian
rapeseed oil.
And um, I've done a fewpodcasts on omega-3s and the uh
(08:09):
fats that our body can't makethat we need to be exposed to.
Another topic that hit the newsin 2025 is what everyone needs
to know about radon exposure andlung cancer.
Because every two minutes,someone in the United States is
diagnosed with lung cancer.
And lung cancer is a verycommon cause of cancer deaths,
(08:35):
and we're seeing it in youngerages.
Non-small cell cancer as wellas small cell cancer are
concerning.
If you've never heard of radongas, you're not alone.
A lot of Americans aren't awareof the sneaky killer that's
lurking in uh homes.
It's invisible, it's colorless,and it's tasteless, but it is a
(08:59):
risk factor for lung cancer.
And um, when my husband and Ibuilt our uh first home before
we had our first son, StetsonThacker, who's been a recurring
guest on speaking of women'shealth, uh, we had our home
tested for radon, and I was soupset when I came in and found
out that the builder had openedup the windows because you
(09:22):
needed a closed environment toassess uh for your radon gas
exposure.
In the news also in 2025 wasthat the FDA approved a nasal
spray for depression as astandalone treatment for
depression.
(09:43):
The nasal spray sprovato, itkind of sounds Italian, doesn't
it?
Was the first ever standalonetherapy for treatment-resistant
depression.
And we have a lot ofinformation about mood disorders
and depression and anxiety onour speaking of women's
(10:05):
health.com site.
The FDA also approved in 2025 anew type of non-opioid pain
medication, the first of itskind in more than 20 years.
The drug called Gernax, uh,also known as Sutrigene, um, is
(10:27):
a non-opioid painkiller, whichdoes not have addictive
properties like opioids do.
And chronic pain is a vexing uhproblem.
Uh, and one of the treatmentsuh for chronic pain is ketamine.
(10:48):
And in season four, we will betouching on ketamine therapies
with endocrinologist, uh,neurotransmitter expert, and
anti-aging expert, um, myfriend, and a sister from
another mother, Dr.
Elena Christafides.
So that'll be one to tune intoin season four.
(11:10):
And if you haven't heard myprior podcast with her on
anti-aging, uh, be sure to catchthose.
So, uh, moving on in stories uhthat were very important in
2025.
Uh, there was an interestingstudy that showed omega-3 fatty
acids slow down the agingprocess.
(11:33):
Our senior specialized women'shealth fellow, Dr.
Nayang Sung, who's trained inOBGYN, family medicine,
reproductive endocrinology,immunology, and is now in her
second and final senior year ofour specialized women's health
fellowship.
Wrote an excellent column onomega-3 and is doing research in
(11:56):
this area.
Um, but findings from thislarge three-year randomized
trial that we have under our newsection on speaking of women's
health, the Due Health trial,looked at the effects of
omega-3, vitamin D, and exerciseon healthy aging in adults over
age 70.
(12:17):
And these interventions reducedthe risk of both infections and
falls, and cancer and prematurefrailty.
The next study was that hormonetherapy reduced antidepressant
needs in menopausal women.
(12:39):
And uh menopause experts haveknown this for a long time.
But it was nice to see thisstudy out of Texas Tech
University Health Science thatshowed um that perimenopausal
women and menopausal women withdepression that hormone therapy
may reduce the need forantidepressant therapy and/or
(13:03):
the dose and lowering the oddsof adverse side effects.
Healthy vitamin B12 levels maynot be enough to ward off
neurologic decline.
We posted this back in March of2025, and meeting the minimum
(13:24):
requirement for vitamin B12needed to make DNA, DNA, and red
blood cells and nerve tissuemay not actually be enough if
you're older.
A study from UC San Franciscoshowed that in healthy
volunteers with lowerconcentrations of B12, but still
(13:44):
in the normal range, showedsome signs of neurologic and
cognitive deficiency.
And so I have uh started to domuch more frequent B12 testing.
I used to routinely do it byage 65 or younger in people uh
with risk factors for B12deficiency on certain medicines,
(14:06):
family histories of perniciousanemia or other autoimmune
conditions.
But now I'm expanding thatalong with omega-3 testing.
We posted information also inMarch, uh, which is colon cancer
awareness month.
And unfortunately, we're seeingmore and more colorectal cancer
(14:27):
in younger and younger people.
Colaguard Plus was an improvedat-home colon cancer uh test,
expected to be an option forpeople that are at average risk,
age 45 and older.
So, certainly not high risk,certainly not those of you
who've had precancerous colonpolyps.
(14:48):
The next news uh was on vitaminD, high dose, reduced disease
activity in early multiplesclerosis.
And MS is more common thefarther north you go, where we
have um less sun and lessnatural vitamin D.
(15:08):
And multiple sclerosis doesaffect women uh more often than
men.
The other news on vitamin D wasthat uh better levels are
associated with reduced risk ofdementia.
In the news in April of 2025was the FDA granting marketing
(15:32):
authorization of a first hometest for chlamydia, gonorrhea,
and trichomoniasis.
And those sexually transmittedinfections.
Uh, we have a lot ofinformation on our website
about, as well as I've donepodcasts with several of our
terrific um nurse practitionerswho also practice in the Center
(15:55):
for Specialized Women's Health,talking about some of these
common uh problems.
We post when there is recallsof um various medications, and
that's important.
Um and there was a nationwiderecall of a common antibiotic uh
(16:19):
due to microbial contamination.
And so that's why when you'reill and your physician or nurse
practitioner uh doesn't thinkthat you need an antibiotic just
yet.
Um maybe you've got a cold, butit's not necessarily a sinus
infection, uh, or you have umviral type syndrome that
(16:44):
generally is not going torespond to antibiotics.
It's important not to takemedications that you don't need.
Now, in July is when thingsstarted to heat up in the
menopause uh field.
The FDA panel called for labelchanges and a lot more education
(17:04):
on hormone therapy.
And there were hearings held,several of my friends and
colleagues had testified.
I'd previously done that at theFDA.
For years, we've been trying toget those scary boxed warnings
off of vaginal estrogen andappropriate risk-benefit
(17:25):
alternatives.
It always irritated me thatthere was like no tolerance for
any possible remote risk, evenin the face of massive benefits
in symptomatic women.
Where other medications,whether they're antibiotics or
cholesterol-luring medicines orother commonly prescribed
(17:48):
medicines, which actually manyof those have a much higher side
effect and risk benefit thanmenopausal hormone therapy, that
there was no equivalence in thefield.
So vaginal estrogen use inbreast cancer survivors, we
posted on also in July, um,because there was a uh a
(18:09):
conclusion looking at over 5,500articles that the use of
vaginal estrogen in women with ahistory of breast cancer is not
associated with an increasedrisk of breast cancer
recurrence.
And we have other non-estrogenoptions to use uh for
genitourinary syndrome andmenopause like vaginal DHEA, but
(18:32):
it's nice to have the option ofvaginal estrogen.
We posted the uh docket thatwas open for public comments on
the risk and benefits to hormonetherapy, recurrent
uncomplicated bladder infectionsin women, the American Urologic
Association came out with newguidelines, and I uh was asked
(18:55):
in several media interviews tocomment on this, and it's very
important to use estrogenvaginally in peri- and
post-menopausal women uh becauseit does help reduce the risk of
recurrent infection.
We posted a study uh that wasfeatured on the from the
menopause society onhysterectomy with both ovaries
(19:17):
being removed, uh, showing aslight higher risk of stroke in
women having a hysterectomy withboth ovaries out.
And certainly to take outhealthy ovaries is something we
don't usually do, especiallyunder the age of 65, unless
there's brachogenes.
And we started off 2025 with avery interesting podcast
(19:42):
interview with Ryan Nas, ageneticist, talking about the
GENA law.
And I have a lot of patients uhwith genetic predispositions to
cancer, and so thosediscussions have to be very uh
individualized.
Big news came out at the end ofOctober of 2025.
(20:04):
The FDA approved a non-hormonalagent, which is not just um an
NK3 receptor antagonist, but anNK1 and 3.
So we've had VIOSA, which isphysolinitant, as a non-hormonal
excellent option to treat hotflashes since May of 2023.
(20:27):
And now we have an NK1 NK3antagonist, which is
alizenotant, also known asLinquet, which just hit the
market.
And it's so nice to have bothhormonal and non-hormonal
options to treat hot flashes, totreat osteoporosis, and to
(20:51):
treat genitourinary syndrome ofmenopause.
So no postmenopausal womanneeds to be left out in
optimizing health and longevity,which is definitely a theme in
2025 and will definitely be atheme in 2026.
And finally, the biggest newsum on November 10th was when
(21:16):
finally, finally, the FDAliberated women's menopausal
hormone replacement therapy.
And in the podcast interviewthat I have um with Dr.
Elena Christafites, um, shethought that we would talk about
(21:36):
that a lot, but we talked aboutketamine and um infusions and
boosting energy and anti-agingtherapy.
And what I said was it's soanticlimatic for me as a
trailblazer in midlife women'shealth that I had been talking
about this and writing aboutthis and podcasting about this
(21:59):
and educating about this tillI'm about blue in the face.
Um, but with all that mediaattention, because a lot of
people fortunately or probablyunfortunately get a lot of their
health care from these littlesound bites in the media.
In fact, the Women's HealthInitiative, the infamous women's
health initiative, that waspublished on July 10th of 2002,
(22:23):
um really kind of set the tonefor doing little sound bites of
a scientific study, but kind ofunscientifically interpreted by
these little sound bites.
And really, your health is soimportant that uh we don't want
to just relegate it to what somemedia talking head talks about.
(22:49):
Yeah, that is for sure.
And you've been listening tothe Speaking of Women's Health
podcast, our first episode inseason four.
I'm your host, Dr.
Holly Thacker, and we have somany great podcasts lined up for
season four.
We're having a dermatologistand laser expert, Dr.
(23:10):
Taryn Murray, back.
She's gonna talk aboutskincare.
Uh, we're gonna have a newguest, Vince Whalen of Wadsworth
Family Physical Therapy.
He's an expert in physicaltherapy, and we're going to talk
about the importance ofphysical therapy.
I've been trying to get aphysical therapist on the
podcast.
I think I probably ask five.
(23:32):
And um, Vince is the first oneto finally say yes to me, and
that's a great one.
And on today's episode, um, Iwant to just go over some
resolutions about being real,sustainable ways to make 2026
(23:53):
your healthiest and happiestyear from a physical
perspective, emotional, andmental perspective.
So, beyond resolutions, um, weall want to have intentions that
stick.
So, how many of us say onJanuary 1st we want to lose 10
pounds only to forget about itby February 1st?
(24:13):
So rather than just focusing onsome rigid goal, I think it's
important to ask yourself, whatdo I want to feel more of this
year?
And what things can I let goof?
And what brings me joy, peace,and energy?
Maybe your intention is toprioritize rest, focus on
(24:35):
relationships, as well asadvocating for your health and
your family's health.
And they're these are reallypowerful goals that go well
beyond just what the scale says.
Now, preventive care is veryimportant, and there are some
key screenings and tests.
The PAP smear.
(24:55):
It's very important to get thisevery three years under the age
of 30.
And by age 30, we usually pairit with an HPV test.
Now, the kind of bottombasement care is every five
years, but I see so many womenwho are educated, they're
(25:16):
interested in their health, theyhave access to health care, and
yet it's seven or eight yearsand they haven't had a PAP.
So in our center, we like toget a PAP smear every three
years.
Now, if your HPV is negativeand it's three and a half years,
okay, that's probably fine.
But getting a scrape of thecervix is not the same as a
(25:37):
pelvic exam.
So you may need to get a pelvicexam without a PAP.
And it's very important to keepa record and keep track.
And I always tell my patientsthat even though everything's on
the computer or they try tolook at it on their phone, but
then they don't get internetaccess, uh, or there's a power
outage, or you know, there'scyber attacks, anything really
(26:01):
important, you should have ahard copy of.
And it's very important to comeprepared for your visit to get
the most out of it.
Now, breast cancer screeningstypically start at age 40 to 45.
It can be individualized everyone to two years.
Um, there may need to be moreintensive screening for women at
higher risk, women with genemutations, women with very dense
(26:26):
breast.
Colorectal cancer is veryimportant.
We're starting that now at 45.
There's colonoscopy, there'salso stool-based test.
By age 65, all women shouldhave a bone density to check
their bone mineral density.
And increasingly, many places,and I've certainly offered this
(26:47):
since 2021, are looking attrabecular bone scoring or the
bone architecture.
Every adult should know theircholesterol and their blood
pressure starting in their 20s.
Um, by age 45, we need toscreen for sugar diabetes sooner
if there's risk factors.
(27:07):
Also, in pregnancy, this isdone.
Uh, depression and anxietyscreenings are very important.
And having an annual wellnessvisit to go over medications and
supplements, discuss healthconcerns, changes in lifestyle,
daily habits for a happy,healthy life, um, hydration.
(27:30):
Um, aim for six to eightglasses of water a day.
Always drink fluids before youeat.
Some people are thirsty andthey think they're hungry.
Prioritize sleep, at leastseven to nine hours of sleep.
It supports mood to metabolism,movement, whether it's yoga.
We've had some great podcastson exercise and yoga, or just
(27:54):
dancing in your kitchen.
It's important to move.
Practice gratitude.
Whether that's a gratitudejournal or writing notes to
loved ones, can really boostyour emotional resilience.
Decluttering your mind, trymeditation or prayer or just
(28:15):
unplugging from all electronics.
Connections, keep up strongsocial ties, they are linked to
longer and healthier lives.
And be familiar with yourhealth portals, stay informed
and engaged, track your testresults, joy and purpose.
(28:36):
Health just is not about labresults, it's about living with
purpose.
So I challenge you in 2026 tosay yes to things that light you
up, say no to things that drainyou, laugh more and worry less.
And remember, you are your bestadvocate.
(28:59):
Thanks for joining me in 2025and welcome to 2026.
If you found this episodehelpful, um, share it with a
friend, leave us a review, hitthe five-star button.
And speaking of subscribing, Ijust want to take a couple of
(29:20):
minutes to go over uh how to getnotified when there's a new
Speaking of Women's Healthpodcast.
I have some friends andpatients who uh really want to
listen to the podcast, um, butunless they're prompted and they
only see a little snippet onFacebook or a little reel on
Instagram, like for the longesttime, my husband thought that
was just the podcast when he'sscrolling on Instagram.
(29:44):
No, that's not it.
You really have to subscribe.
And it's all free.
If you have an iPhone, go toyour Apple Podcasts and open up
that little purple icon and justuh search for speaking of
women's health, everything we doon social media.
You can use your littlemicrophone if that's enabled and
just say it instead of type it.
(30:05):
And once that uh purple iconwith the microphone comes up,
you can just hit subscribe.
And if you want to enablenotifications, you can go to
settings and turn onnotifications.
That way, every time there's anew podcast, you'll be notified
of that.
(30:26):
And at the bottom of thenotification page, there's a
little link and you can makesure that that's turned on.
Now, if you have an Androidphone or if you're using Spotify
on an Android phone, you openup that little green Spotify
app.
You again in the search button,type or say, speaking of
(30:47):
women's health, and you clickfollow to subscribe.
And if you're alreadyfollowing, it will say
following.
And to receive alerts ornotifications, you just click on
the bell icon, which is to theright of the follow.
So I hope that this has beenhelpful for you.
And remember, our team is hereto help you be strong, be
(31:11):
healthy, and be in charge.
Until next time, I'm your hostand the executive director, Dr.
Holly Thacker, and this is thebeginning of the fourth season
of our Speaking of Women'sHealth podcast.
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