In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt sits down with Dr. Mallory Stuparich, a fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon based in Los Alamitos, California, to take a deep dive into endometriosis — a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory condition affecting roughly 10% of women and girls of reproductive age worldwide. Dr. Stuparich describes endometriosis as a systemic, neuro-immune condition rather than a purely hormonal one, drawing connections to autoimmune disorders, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and POTS.

The two doctors then walk through what a real diagnostic workup looks like, from the "four Ds and an I" symptom pattern (dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, dysuria, dyspareunia, and infertility) to the value of a specialized pelvic exam and transvaginal mapping ultrasound — dispelling the myth that normal imaging rules out the disease. They also cover emerging blood-based tests, the recently updated ACOG guidelines allowing clinical diagnosis without surgery, and the critical distinction between ablative and excisional surgery.

Rounding out the episode, Dr. Stuparich shares lifestyle and dietary strategies — including anti-inflammatory eating patterns and the supplement NAC — that can help manage symptoms alongside medical or surgical treatment. The episode closes with a call for patients to trust their instincts, seek second opinions when something feels wrong, and never suffer in silence. Listeners looking for a specialist can find Dr. Stuparich across social media under her name, and Dr. Novatt reminds her audience that persistent pain always deserves investigation, whatever its cause.

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Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

On this episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt sits down with fashion industry veteran Lisa Metcalfe to explore the language we use around aging and what it really means to reinvent yourself in midlife. After a 40-year career in fashion, Lisa made a bold move in 2022, leaving New York City for the Hudson Valley, a shift that unexpectedly plunged her into loneliness before leading her to build a thriving community of women through dinners, vulnerability, and shared stories.

The conversation digs into the double standards women face around aging, from backhanded compliments like "you look great for your age" to the fashion industry's obsession with anti-aging. Lisa and Amy trace how the words used by parents, partners, and peers shape self-perception, and share research showing that positive beliefs about aging can add years to your life and improve physical and cognitive health. They also open up about deeply personal territory: breast cancer recovery, menopause, postpartum changes, and the silence that so often surrounds women's bodies.

Ultimately, this episode is a celebration of curiosity, authenticity, and boldness as tools for a fulfilling third act. Lisa shares how her journey led her to found a support group called "Your Third ACT-ually" and open a Hudson Valley thrift shop that's become a hub for connection. The takeaway: reinvention isn't loss, it's opportunity, and staying curious, honest, and unafraid of failure is what keeps women feeling alive at any age.

Questions of comments?
Call 845-307-7446 or email comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org

Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff

In this solo episode of GynoCurious, Dr. Amy Novatt takes a deep dive into urinary tract infections — one of the most common bacterial infections affecting women, with an estimated 150 million cases worldwide each year. She breaks down what UTIs are, how they develop, who is most at risk, and why women face a lifetime risk of over 50% of experiencing at least one. From anatomy to hormonal changes to birth control methods, Dr. Amy explains the many factors that make women uniquely vulnerable to these infections.

Dr. Amy then walks through the latest science on diagnosis, challenging the outdated assumption that the bladder is sterile and introducing the concept of the urinary and vaginal microbiome. She explains how shifts in lactobacillus levels — particularly around menopause — increase the risk of infection, and how modern diagnostic tools like urine dipsticks, clean-catch cultures, and imaging are used to accurately identify and distinguish UTIs from conditions like overactive bladder or vaginitis. She also addresses a critical and often overlooked point: asymptomatic bacteria in the urine should not automatically be treated with antibiotics.

Finally, Dr. Amy reframes UTI treatment and prevention through a holistic, microbiome-centered lens. She discusses the judicious use of antibiotics — shortest effective course, first-line agents only — and highlights promising non-antibiotic strategies including vaginal estrogen, cranberry tablets, D-mannose, methenamine, and probiotics. She closes with a look at emerging therapies like UTI vaccines and bacteriophage therapy, urging listeners to have informed conversations with their providers rather than defaulting to antibiotics at the first sign of symptoms.

Questions of comments?
Call 845-307-7446 or email comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org

Produced by Jennifer Hammoud and Matty Rosenberg @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff