In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sameena Rahman — board-certified OBGYN, sex medicine Gynecologist, and menopause specialist — to have the conversation most women never get to have with their doctor. We cover whether hormone level testing actually matters, how to tell the difference between hormone imbalance and hormone optimization, and why a woman's libido is almost never just about one thing.
Dr. Rahman breaks down the biopsychosocial framework she uses in her practice, explains why so many women in long-term relationships experience responsive — not spontaneous — desire, and gets specific about the treatments available right now for women with low libido who are bothered by it. That includes testosterone, flibanserin (Addyi), bremelanotide (Vyleesi), and a promising new topical sildenafil being prescribed at leading practices. I share my own experience with testosterone and Wellbutrin, we talk about the gender double standard in sexual medicine, and Dr. Rahman makes the case that women deserve the same range of options men have had for decades.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
01:35 - Who Is Dr. Sameena Rahman?
02:50 - Should You Measure Your Hormone Levels?
05:20 - Hormone Imbalance vs. Hormone Optimization
07:10 - Why Women's Libido Is Never Just One Thing
09:30 - Responsive Desire & the Incentive-Based Model
11:20 - What Is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?
13:10 - Testosterone for Women: Does It Work?
15:25 - Flibanserin (Addyi) — The Pink Pill Explained
17:55 - Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) — The On-Demand Option
19:45 - Topical Sildenafil: The Newest Treatment for Women
21:20 - Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts
Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!
Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.
This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.
Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:
Email: karen@taboototruth.com
Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast
About the Guest:
Dr. Sameena Rahman is a board-certified OB/GYN and certified Menopause Practitioner with over a decade of expertise in midlife care, sexual medicine, and concierge gynecology. After training and practicing at leading institutions including USC, the University of Chicago, and Northwestern, she founded The GSM Collective in downtown Chicago to deliver a more personalized, patient-first model of women’s healthcare.
Nationally recognized for her leadership in sexual and menopausal health, Dr. Rahman serves on the Board of Directors and as Scientific Committee Chair for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), where she is also a Fellow (IF). She is a Menopause Certified Practitioner and active member of The Menopause Society’s Education Committee, frequently speaking at national and international conferences on culturally informed care and sexual health.
Connect with Dr. Sameena Rahman:
Website: https://www.thegsmcollective.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gynogirl/
Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.
Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.
This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.
Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:
Email: karen@taboototruth.com
Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast
Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com
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