This conversation explores the need for broader access to menstrual products — a basic necessity that’s still treated as optional. We share a story of a period mishap many women can relate to, followed by an interview with Jennifer Severns of Egal Pads, who is leading a movement to make period products as available and stigma-free as toilet paper.We can't stop talking about:The design breakthrough of “pads on a roll” — a simple, sustainable solution that hangs right next to toilet paper in stalls at schools, airports, and stadiums.How stigma and silence around menstruation fuel challenges for girls and women —  unnecessarily missing life events.Why menstrual equity is both a dignity issue and a business case: when women have what they need, they can stay at school, at work, and in the game.Connect with Jennifer:LinkedIn: Jennifer Severens Visit: Egal: Pads on a RollHave an idea or story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Visit: her-house.com/your-stories — 100% anonymous submissions welcome.Contact: melissa@her-house.comVisit: her-house.comInstagram: @herhouse.forwomenshealth

This episode begins with a personal story of a woman whose persistent abdominal pain led to repeated ER visits, unnecessary surgery, and delayed cancer detection — all because her symptoms were dismissed. We then sit down with Maria Shriver, lifelong advocate for women, journalist and Chief Visionary and Strategic Advisor for the Cleveland Clinic’s Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center. Maria shares her mission to transform how women’s health is understood, researched, and delivered — across every stage of life.We can’t stop talking about:The Cleveland Clinic Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center because of its investment in integrated, whole-life care for women — from adolescence to advanced age.Menopause triggering new symptoms like migraines, asthma, or other conditions women have never experienced before and the reality that women’s health research is decades behind in areas like hormone therapy, brain health, and disease prevention.How clinical trials are one way to advance women’s health research — and often provide participants with top-tier care.“Women’s health” is not just reproductive health — it’s a continuum that includes mental health, bone health, cardiovascular health, neurological health, and more.Your right and responsibility to advocate for yourself and other women — before, during and after medical appointments. Connect with Maria via her book: I Am MariaLearn more about the Cleveland Clinic Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research CenterHave an idea or story to share?We’d love to hear from you! Visit: her-house.com/your-stories — 100% anonymous submissions welcome.Contact: melissa@her-house.comVisit: her-house.comInstagram: @herhouse.forwomenshealth

This conversation explores the need for new approaches to diagnose and treat endometriosis — a painful disease that impacts millions of women yet remains notoriously under-researched. We share one woman's story dealing with painful sex due to the disease followed by an interview with Dr. Idhaliz Flores, a six-time PhD, professor at Ponce Health Sciences University, and Chief Scientific Officer at Nura Health, who talks about her personal journey from patient to pioneering researcher for reshaping the options for care.We can't stop talking about: Endometriosis affecting an estimated 10% of women globally — yet it’s still commonly misdiagnosed or misunderstood. Symptoms like severe cramps, fatigue, and pain during sex are often normalized or dismissed for years.The only definitive diagnosis for endometriosis being laparoscopic surgery. That means many women go undiagnosed for years — often until infertility or severe complications arise.Endometriosis tissue has been found not only in the pelvis — but in the lungs and even the brain. It’s not just a reproductive condition; it's a full-body disease with systemic symptoms like inflammation and chronic fatigue.There’s no cure for endometriosis — and most treatments are hormonal contraceptives. These aren’t viable for everyone, especially for women trying to conceive, leaving many stuck choosing between pain relief and fertility.Blood-based biomarker tests for endometriosis are finally emerging. Dr. Flores and her team at Nura Health are working to enable diagnosis through a simple sample — no surgery required.Connect with Idhaliz:LinkedIn: Dr. Idhaliz FloresVisit: Nura HealthVisit: The EMMA ConsortiumHave an idea or story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Visit: her-house.com/your-stories — 100% anonymous submissions welcome.Contact: melissa@her-house.comVisit: her-house.comInstagram: @herhouse.forwomenshealth

Her House: Built for Women's Health is all about engaging and encouraging women to be proactive advocates in their healthcare experience. We strive to celebrate leaders and care providers who are building solutions for the betterment of women's health. Did you know?Women weren’t required to be included in U.S. clinical trials until 1993. That means decades of medical research was built primarily on male biology.Women’s bodies have been underrepresented in basic research.In animal studies, male mice were often the default — despite sex differences that could affect outcomes. Sex-specific analysis and dosing has historically been rare in drug approvals.Even though women metabolize many medications differently than men.Thankfully, Funding for women’s health research has nearly doubled in the past decade. Major public and private initiatives are prioritizing sex-based research like never before.The FDA is increasingly mandating sex-based data analysis in clinical trials. More therapies are now being evaluated and approved with women’s unique biology in mind.Femtech is one of the fastest-growing health sectors. Startups are driving innovation in menstrual health, fertility, menopause, and chronic conditions affecting women.Read the Women's Health Access Matters Report

This episode explores the overlooked connection between sleep health and cardiovascular outcomes, especially for women. Dr. John Kim, ER physician and venture capitalist at Aphelion Capital (American Heart Association), shares insights into gender biases in diagnosing sleep disorders and the emerging technologies reshaping treatment.We can't stop talking about: Women being less likely to be referred for sleep apnea testing — even when they show symptoms. Fatigue, mood shifts, and headaches in women are often misattributed to hormones or depression instead of sleep disorders.Untreated sleep apnea putting serious strain on the heart. When breathing repeatedly stops or slows during sleep, the heart works harder to supply oxygen — increasing cardiovascular risks over time.Estrogen's potentially protective role against sleep apnea. After menopause, a woman’s risk increases — suggesting hormones are a key factor in sleep-related health changes.Standard CPAP machines having only a 50% adherence rate. Many patients find them too uncomfortable or claustrophobic — especially women, who may drop off early in treatment.Personalized nerve stimulation treatments on the horizon. Startups are developing minimally invasive, tailor-fit sleep apnea devices that adapt to a person’s anatomy — with some aimed specifically at women’s needs.Most sleep apnea marketing targetting men — but women are a growing, underserved market. New technologies aim to be more discreet, effective, and aesthetic to appeal to this overlooked group.Connect with John:Visit: Aphelion Capital's WebsiteLinkedIn: Dr. John KimHave an idea or story to share?We’d love to hear from you! Visit: her-house.com/your-stories — 100% anonymous submissions welcome.Contact: melissa@her-house.comVisit: her-house.comInstagram: @herhouse.forwomenshealth