Estrogen: The Controversial Menopause Fix with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi | Ep 87

Estrogen plays a role in your brain, bones, skin, and even your heart. When menopause hits and estrogen levels drop, the ripple effects can be dramatic—affecting everything from your mood and energy to your libido and long-term health. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi, a board-certified OB-GYN, menopause expert, sex coach, and host of The Muslim Sex Podcast to talk about everything from the forgotten sex-positive history of Islam to painful sex during perimenopause that is so common but rarely discussed, and the ongoing debate over estrogen hormone therapy. If you’re in perimenopause (or just wondering what’s ahead), this episode will change the way you see your body—and give you the tools to take charge of your health. Let’s dive in! Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction to Dr. Sadaf Lodhi (02:08) Islam and erotology: The surprising sex-positive history (03:58) How colonization erased a sex-positive culture and changed everything (06:30) Religion, sex, and clients: How Dr. Sadaf approaches coaching (07:21) Vaginismus and painful penetration (10:23) Why pain with sex accelerates during perimenopause and menopause (11:19) The role of vaginal estrogen in reducing painful sex (12:03) Why the urethra gets bigger during menopause—and the risk of bladder infections (12:36) Contraindications for vaginal estrogen use (13:05) Why you should use vaginal estrogen even in perimenopause (14:07) Why doctors should start the menopause conversation at 35 (including ovarian insufficiency) (16:03) The hormone therapy debate: What you need to know (17:15) Should women take testosterone? (23:47) The ideal time for estrogen therapy: When to start and why (26:11) Dr. Sadaf’s upcoming retreat: Love, Nourish, and Thrive 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. Sadaf Lodhi is a board-certified OB GYN with over 20 years of experience, specializing in sexual and menopausal health. She is the founder of Femme Vie Health, a concierge gynecology practice in New York, and provides telehealth services in Michigan. A certified sexual health specialist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, she is dedicated to empowering women through education and advocacy. Dr. Lodhi hosts The Muslim Sex Podcast , making sexual and menopausal health accessible globally. She delivered a TEDx talk on sexual education for physicians and was honored as the 2024 Alumni of the Year by the University of Michigan - Dearborn. She is also a contributing author in Thriving After Burnout . Connect with Dr. Sadaf: Website Instagram Podcast 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 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 . 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 .