Since May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, we talk on this episode about what preeclampsia is and how it affects pregnant women. This condition can actually lead to very serious effects, such as seizures and even death, so it’s imperative that pregnant women know the signs of preeclampsia as soon as possible so that it can be addressed quickly. I also explain that the health of both the expecting mom and baby need to be closely addressed if preeclampsia occurs. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Do we really only have a finite window of time to have the greatest chances of getting pregnant, having healthy pregnancies, and healthy babies…YES!; and surprisingly that "ticking" is actually happening sooner than we think. In today’s episode we talk about the importance for women to have the right information about their bodies and reproductive system so that they can make the right decisions at the right time depending on their own desire of having a baby or not. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza

Black Maternal Health week is from April 11 to April 17. The statistics are still dire: black pregnant women die 3 to 4 times more than the rate of white women. You read that correctly 3x-4x more in today's United States! In this episode, we talk to an amazing politician and activist around Black Maternal Health, Antonio Reynoso -. the current Brooklyn Borough President. He is not only completely committed to this important issue, but he has also spent ALL of his capital budget of $45 million to help black maternal health in his community. Antonio shares with us why he is so dedicated to this cause, how he is solving the challenges, and what keeps him going. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

For more information on Antonio Reynoso’s and black maternal health: https://www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov/maternal-health-agenda/

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey...and can also cause many drastic changes that can be difficult, physically and emotionally. In this episode, we talk about the last phase of the pregnancy through patient stories, physical challenges, self-image issues, how to alleviate symptoms, reframing the “downs” with the “ups”, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Herpes. It’s a word that people don’t even like to say. It has a lot of negative connotations and is the pun of jokes…and it shouldn’t. In this episode we talk openly about all different aspects of herpes: what it truly is, how it’s transmitted, its symptoms, its management, how to talk about it with your partner, how your sex life is not over, cold sores, etc. We also address head on the “bad rap” of herpes as being portrayed as a more “dirty” or “icky” sexually transmitted disease – and explain why the shame and guilt around herpes is unwarranted. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Have you ever wondered what sexual health actually means? In this episode, we open up the conversation on sexual health, from sex, STDs/STIs, pleasure, orgasms, feeling uncomfortable talking about sex, etc? We also cover how sex and libido can change over the course of a woman’s life, and how an ObGyn can support you along the way. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Our very own co-host, Touseef Mirza, has entered menopause and is curious on whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a good option for her. In this episode, we get personal and go over her lab results and address all the questions she has on what is being measured and why we need to consider the different bloodwork elements to understand what is happening from a menopause standpoint. This is the second installment of this series with Touseef Mirza; the first one is “Episode 12: Should I go on HRT?”

Perimenopause and menopause can cause many symptoms that can go under the radar, such as mental health issues and how it can affect your menstrual cycle. In this episode, we go through the basics of perimenopause and menopause, explain why changes are occurring in your body, how these stages can affect a woman’s life in minor to major ways, and what you can do to alleviate symptoms. Dr. Sophia also shares the personal stories of 2 of her patients going through the trials and tribulations of perimenopause and menopause. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

Please note that this episode deals with sensitive topics, including severe mental health issues – viewer discretion advised. Anyone who is struggling with a mental health crisis, please know you can find support by dialing 988 from any phone.