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

This episode explores the power of data to improve breast cancer detection — and the career journey of one woman advancing innovation in women’s health worldwide. Marissa Fayer, CEO of Deep Look Medical and founder of Her HealthEQ, shares how her engineering background and corporate experience helped her lead a startup focused on visualizing cancer in dense breast tissue.We can't stop talking about: 45%–50% of women having dense breast tissue.  Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram — just like cancer — making tumors harder to detect.Women of Black, Asian, and Jewish descent being disproportionately affected by dense breast tissue. This leads to a 3x higher risk of developing breast cancer in these groups — yet many don’t know they’re at risk.Recalls (being called back for more imaging) being something radiologists want to avoid, too. Tools that help them feel more confident in what they see could reduce stress for both doctors and patients.How technology that’s been replaced in the U.S. can still be repurposed and save lives globally. Her HealthEQ, helped install a repurposed machines in Costa Rica — and they are still in use 10+ years later.That women reinvest over 90% of their income into their families in low-income countries — compared to just 45% for men. It's one reason Her HealthEQ focuses on access to diagnostics and care for women around the world.Connect with Marissa:Visit: Deep Look MedicalVisit: Marissa FayerVisit: HERhealthEQLinkedIn: Marissa FayerHave 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.com Instagram: @herhouse.forwomenshealth