Advertise on podcast: GynoInfo! Frank Talk with Dr. Burki

In this episode of Gyno Info Podcast, I’m talking about a question I hear often: Is any amount of alcohol safe during pregnancy? The answer is simple and important: there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, no safe type of alcohol, and no safe time in pregnancy to drink. That includes beer, wine, champagne, cocktails, and any other alcoholic drink. I explain how alcohol passes through the umbilical cord to the developing baby, and why a fetus cannot process alcohol the way an adult can. Because the baby’s liver is still developing, alcohol exposure can affect growth, brain development, the nervous system, and overall health. I also break down fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD, including the most severe form, fetal alcohol syndrome, or FAS. FASD can lead to developmental delays, learning challenges, behavior concerns, growth problems, characteristic facial differences, birth defects, and in some cases, pregnancy loss or fetal death. We’ll also talk about why early heavy drinking and binge drinking can carry higher risks, how common FASD is around the world, and what to do if you drank alcohol before realizing you were pregnant. If that happened to you, my message is this: do not panic. A small exposure early on does not mean something is definitely wrong. But the best next step is to stop drinking now and talk with your healthcare provider. And if stopping alcohol feels difficult, please know that you are not alone and help is available. Getting support early can make a real difference for both you and your baby. My simple takeaway: If you are trying to conceive or are pregnant, the safest choice is to avoid alcohol completely. In This Episode, I Talk About Whether any alcohol is safe during pregnancyWhy there is no safe amount, type, or time to drink while pregnantHow alcohol reaches the baby through the umbilical cordWhy a fetus cannot detoxify alcohol like an adult canWhat fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD, meansThe difference between FASD and fetal alcohol syndrome, or FASHow alcohol can affect fetal brain development, growth, and the nervous systemWhy binge drinking and early pregnancy alcohol exposure can be especially riskyWhat to do if you drank before knowing you were pregnantWhen to ask your doctor for help with alcohol useWhy early treatment matters if a child is affected by FASD Chapters 00:00 Alcohol Never Safe  00:16 Show Welcome  02:29 Question About Drinking  02:47 No Safe Amount  03:59 How Alcohol Harms Baby  05:06 FASD Explained  07:10 How Common Worldwide  08:19 Early Pregnancy Risks  11:02 If You Drank Already  12:19 Getting Help To Quit  13:36 Stop Now And Treat  14:41 Simple Takeaway  15:27 Wrap Up And Credits Disclaimer This episode is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or worried about alcohol use, please talk with your healthcare provider. You can write to us at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

When can you finally STOP taking birth control? If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or somewhere in the mysterious land of perimenopause, the answer is not always as simple as blowing out a certain number of birthday candles. In this episode of GynoInfo, Dr. Burki answers a listener question many midlife women quietly wonder about: “At what age can I stop using birth control?” She explains what really matters when it comes to pregnancy risk: whether the ovaries are still releasing eggs that can be fertilized, and whether those eggs are healthy enough to result in pregnancy. Spoiler: there is no blood test that can tell you with 100% certainty that pregnancy is impossible before menopause. Dr. Burki walks through how ovulation and fertilization work, why there are only a few fertile days each month, and how different birth control methods help prevent pregnancy — including the pill, IUDs, barrier methods, vasectomy, and tubal ligation. She also breaks down what happens to egg supply and egg quality with age, why fertility declines over time, and why common hormone tests like AMH and FSH can be helpful in some contexts but are limited when it comes to answering the big question: “Can I still get pregnant?” And because perimenopause loves to keep things interesting, Dr. Burki explains why ovulation can become unpredictable during this stage — meaning skipped or irregular periods do not automatically mean you are in the clear. The key takeaway? Menopause is confirmed after 12 full months without a period. Once that has happened, pregnancy is no longer possible. Until then, if you do not want to get pregnant, birth control may still matter. If you have ever looked at your birth control and thought, “Do I still need this thing?” — this episode is for you. You can write to us at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

In this episode of Gyno Info, I’m talking about one of the most emotional and visible side effects many cancer patients worry about: chemotherapy-related hair loss. This topic came up after a patient with breast cancer shared her fear about losing her hair during treatment — a fear that is incredibly common and completely understandable. Hair loss can feel like more than a physical side effect. It can affect identity, privacy, confidence, and the way you move through the world while going through cancer treatment. I’ll walk you through why chemotherapy can cause hair loss, what’s happening in the hair follicle, when hair loss may start, and why it is usually temporary and reversible. We’ll also talk about the normal hair growth cycle — including the anagen, catagen, telogen, and shedding phases — and how much daily hair shedding is considered normal. I’ll also explain the difference between temporary chemotherapy hair loss and permanent scarring hair loss, plus what you may notice when your hair begins to grow back, including possible changes in color, texture, or curl pattern. Finally, we’ll discuss scalp cooling caps, sometimes called cold caps, which are used before, during, and after chemotherapy infusions to help reduce hair loss for some patients. Scalp cooling can be helpful for certain breast cancer chemotherapy regimens, but it is not right for everyone. It can be uncomfortable, time-consuming, expensive, and less effective with some medications — so it’s important to talk with your oncology team about whether it makes sense for your specific treatment plan. As always, this episode is for education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing hair loss during chemotherapy or wondering about options to support hair regrowth, please speak with your oncologist, dermatologist, or care team. You remember can write to me at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

Many women wonder: “Do I still need to see a gynecologist after menopause?” My answer is yes — and in this episode, I explain why your yearly well-woman visit still matters long after your period stops. I am joined by Jeni, one half of the duo  from “Dismissed: The Empty Nest Era” podcast for a candid conversation about what women should know about menopause, perimenopause, postmenopausal health, bone loss, vaginal dryness, bladder urgency, painful sex, hemorrhoids, and preventive care. Even if you no longer need a Pap smear every year, your gynecologist can still play an important role in your overall health. During a well-woman visit, we may talk about blood pressure, breast health, cancer risk, cervical cancer screening guidelines, vaccines, hormone therapy, sexual health, bladder symptoms, and bone density testing. Menopause changes the body in many ways, and I want women to feel informed, comfortable, and empowered to ask questions. In this episode, we also discuss common menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness, pain with sex, urinary urgency, night sweats, sore breasts, headaches, and perimenopause hormone fluctuations. I explain why these symptoms happen, what treatment options may help, and why you don’t have to simply “live with it.” A big part of our conversation focuses on osteopenia and osteoporosis prevention. After menopause, declining estrogen can increase the risk of bone loss, which makes bone health a major priority. I talk through when to consider a bone density scan, how to support strong bones with calcium, vitamin D, protein, weight-bearing exercise, strength training, and when medications — including estrogen therapy or bone-specific treatments — may be appropriate. We also cover a very common but often under-discussed issue: hemorrhoids. I explain how constipation, pregnancy, straining, and irritation can contribute to hemorrhoids, and why fiber, hydration, and gentle care can make a big difference. My hope is that this episode helps you feel more confident advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office — especially in midlife, menopause, and beyond. In This Episode, We Cover: Do you still need a gynecologist after menopause?What happens during a yearly well-woman examWhy Pap smears may not be needed every yearUpdated cervical cancer screening guidelinesMenopause symptoms your gynecologist can help treatVaginal dryness and painful sex after menopauseBladder urgency and urinary symptoms in midlifePerimenopause hormone changes, night sweats, headaches, and sore breastsBone loss after menopauseOsteopenia vs. osteoporosisWhen to get a bone density testCalcium, vitamin D, protein, and exercise for bone healthEstrogen therapy and medications for osteoporosis preventionHeight loss, spine changes, and fracture riskHemorrhoids, constipation, fiber, and preventionHow to advocate for yourself during doctor visits You remember can write to me at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

In this episode of GynoInfo, I’m answering one of the most common and stressful fertility questions: “Until what age can I get pregnant?” Many online fertility tests claim they can help measure my “biological clock” with a simple AMH blood test, but the truth is not that simple. I explain what AMH, or anti-Müllerian hormone, can actually tell me about ovarian reserve — and what it cannot tell me about my exact fertility timeline. I break down how fertility changes with age, why egg supply and egg quality both matter, and why fertility generally begins to decline more noticeably in the 30s, with a faster drop in the late 30s. I also explain why a “normal” AMH does not guarantee I can wait, and why a “low” AMH does not automatically mean I can’t get pregnant. AMH and antral follicle count, or AFC, can be useful tools in fertility treatment, especially for predicting how someone may respond to IVF medications. But they cannot reliably predict the exact age when I will no longer be able to conceive naturally, how quickly I will get pregnant, or when menopause will happen. If I’m wondering how much time I have to get pregnant, whether I should start trying sooner, or whether egg freezing is worth considering, this episode helps separate fertility facts from fear-based marketing. I also talk about why it’s so important to discuss pregnancy goals, medical history, family history, and age with a gynecologist or fertility specialist. The bottom line: there is no single test that can tell me exactly how long I have to get pregnant. AMH can offer helpful information in the right medical context, but it is not a countdown clock. The best next step is to have an honest conversation with a trusted doctor about my age, health history, family goals, and options — so I can make informed decisions without panic, pressure, or misleading online promises. In this episode, I cover: Until what age can I get pregnant?What happens to fertility as I get olderWhy egg supply and egg quality both matterWhat AMH fertility testing actually measuresWhy AMH cannot predict my exact biological clockWhy online fertility tests can be misleadingWhat antral follicle count, or AFC, tells doctorsWhen to talk to my gynecologist about pregnancy plansWhat to know before considering egg freezingWhy egg freezing is an option, not a guarantee You remember can write to me at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo Until What Age Can I Get Pregnant? AMH Tests and Your Biological Clock

Hello and welcome back to season two of GynoInfo! In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s question about something that is incredibly common, deeply personal, and not talked about nearly enough: painful sex after menopause and estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer. If you’ve experienced vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, tearing, or pain with sex after breast cancer treatment or menopause, you are not alone. Many women develop something called genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM, which happens when lower estrogen levels make the vaginal and vulvar tissue thinner, drier, and more sensitive. I’ll explain why estrogen-based treatments — including vaginal estrogen cream — may not be safe for everyone, especially soon after treatment for estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer, and why this is something to discuss carefully with both your gynecologist and oncology team. Then, I’ll walk you through the non-estrogen options I usually recommend first, including using a vaginal moisturizer with hyaluronic acid several times a week and a water-based lubricant during sex. I’ll also cover what to avoid, like oil-based or perfumed products that may irritate the tissue, disrupt healthy vaginal bacteria, or affect condom safety. And if those first steps aren’t enough, I’ll share the truth about vaginal laser treatment — how it works, what we know from the research, what we still don’t know, why “vaginal rejuvenation” marketing can be misleading, and why it’s so important to see a trained, qualified provider. My goal is to help you understand your options, feel less alone, and know what questions to bring to your doctor. Painful sex after breast cancer is real — and you deserve compassionate, evidence-based care. You remember can write to me at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

One year ago, I launched Gyno Info with a simple mission: explain women’s health in plain English. After decades in OB/GYN, I saw the same thing over and over — smart, capable women leaving appointments confused because medicine is filled with jargon. So I decided to create something different. No influencer fluff.  No medical gatekeeping.  No scare tactics. Just real, clear, practical GYN education — the kind I wish every woman had before walking into a doctor’s office. The idea started over breakfast in New York City in spring 2025, after I stepped back from surgery and office practice. By August 2025, we launched. And within months, women from over 50 countries were listening. This episode marks our one‑year anniversary, and I’m reflecting on why I started this podcast, what I’ve learned, and why understanding your body should never feel intimidating or embarrassing. If you’ve ever: Felt rushed at an appointmentGoogled symptoms at 2amWondered what’s “normal”Or wished doctors explained things more clearlyThis show is for you. Subscribe, share, and keep asking questions. Your health shouldn’t feel confusing. Thank you for all your support this year. We will be back with a second season of GynoInfo! in September. See you then. -Dr. Burki You can write to us at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

This episode is a re‑air and the final (and longest) episode in my 3‑part PCOS series. If you haven’t listened to the first two episodes yet, I highly recommend starting there so this one makes even more sense. In this episode, I focus on treatment — how we manage PCOS symptoms, support weight loss, and help with getting pregnant. I briefly recap what PCOS really is: a hormonal mix‑up that affects ovulation and insulin resistance. That’s what leads to irregular, heavy, or absent periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, weight gain, and fertility challenges. Treatment depends on your goals. If you’re not trying to get pregnant, I explain how combined hormonal birth control works by quieting the ovaries, lowering testosterone, improving acne, helping regulate bleeding, and sometimes even improving insulin resistance. (Keep in mind, it prevents new hair growth but won’t remove existing hair or scars.) If you are trying to conceive, we talk about options like: Lifestyle changes and even modest weight loss (5–10%)Ovulation medications like clomiphene or letrozoleInjectable fertility treatments with ultrasound monitoringI also explain why AMH levels are often high in PCOS and why fertility success rates are generally very good with treatment. A big part of this conversation is insulin resistance. I walk through medications like: Metformin — effective, affordable, generally safe (including in pregnancy), with manageable side effectsGLP‑1 medications — more powerful for weight loss but expensive, weight often returns after stopping, and pregnancy safety is still unclear (so birth control is recommended while using them)If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by PCOS, this episode pulls everything together and walks through your real‑world options.

This is a re‑air of Part 2 in my 3‑part PCOS series. In this episode, I walk you through how we actually confirm a PCOS diagnosis — and why so many women with PCOS struggle with stubborn, belly‑centered weight gain. I briefly recap common symptoms like irregular or missing periods, acne, unwanted facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, weight gain, and difficulty getting pregnant. I explain how irregular bleeding happens because you’re not ovulating, and how higher testosterone levels drive many of the skin and hair changes. Then I break down how we diagnose PCOS, including: Hormone blood workTransvaginal ultrasound showing multiple small follicle cystsKey labs to rule out other causes (thyroid, adrenal issues, prolactin levels, and pituitary hormones like FSH and LH)A big focus of this episode is insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia — the vicious cycle that increases hunger, promotes fat storage, and raises long‑term risks like diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. I explain why weight loss can feel so frustrating with PCOS and what’s actually happening in your body. In the next episode, I’ll cover treatment options and fertility support. You can write to us at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

This episode is a re‑air and the first in my three‑part PCOS summer series.  I am dropping this episode again, along with the other two episodes on PSCO because I believe that this is such an important topic I do not want anyone to miss it., In this episode, I explain why PCOS is called a syndrome and review common symptoms, including irregular or absent periods, heavy bleeding, acne, unwanted facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, weight gain, and infertility. I walk through how normal ovulation works compared to PCOS, where no dominant follicle develops—leading to multiple small cysts and the classic “string of pearls” appearance on ultrasound (you can watch on YouTube to see the slides and images). I also connect irregular bleeding to lack of ovulation and progesterone, and explain how excess testosterone—often related to insulin imbalance—contributes to acne, hirsutism, and hair thinning. In upcoming episodes, I’ll cover weight, long‑term health risks, diagnosis, and treatment options, including fertility support. You can write to us at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

In today’s episode of Gyno Info, I’m answering three listener questions that come up all the time in women’s health — but people are often too embarrassed to ask. First, we talk about sex after hysterectomy. When is it actually safe? What happens to sperm after the uterus is removed? And why I usually recommend waiting about 6–8 weeks (sometimes closer to two months) for the vaginal cuff to fully heal. I also share tips on positioning — like why being on top can help you control pressure — and why some sensitivity can last for months after surgery. Next, I break down the difference between HPV vs HSV. These two viruses get confused constantly. I explain what HPV does (abnormal cells, genital warts, cancer risk, Pap smears, and the HPV vaccine) versus HSV (herpes outbreaks, transmission, antivirals, and why it’s not linked to cancer). We also talk about immune clearance and some of the misinformation floating around online. Finally, I address a listener question about severe vaginal odor after hysterectomy. This is not something to ignore. It could be bacterial vaginosis (BV), retained surgical material, or hormonal changes after surgery — especially in menopause — that may require vaginal estrogen or probiotics. If something smells off, get evaluated. My goal is always to give you clear, evidence-based information so you can advocate for your body with confidence. If you find this helpful, subscribe to Gyno Info and share it with someone who needs it. You can write to us at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

This is a bonus episode that is a follow up to this week’s re-airing of another episode on osteoporosis.    Osteoporosis is one of those things people ignore… until someone breaks a hip. And by then, we’re playing catch‑up. Let me say this clearly: osteoporosis is not just “getting older.” It’s real bone loss. And yes — it can absolutely shorten lives. After menopause, when your ovaries stop making estrogen, bone loss speeds up. Fast. What starts as osteopenia (which just means early bone thinning) can turn into full osteoporosis. That’s when bones get fragile enough that a simple fall — or sometimes just bending the wrong way — can cause a fracture. I see this every week. Height loss. Rounded upper backs. Vertebral compression fractures where the spine literally collapses a little. And hip fractures? Those can completely change someone’s independence. In this episode, I walk you through what’s actually happening in your bones after menopause and how we diagnose it with a DEXA scan (that’s the bone density test). I also explain why you don’t feel osteoporosis happening — it’s silent until something breaks. The good news? There is a LOT you can do. We talk about prevention starting way earlier than people think — even in the teen years. Protein matters. Calcium matters. Vitamin D matters (but more isn’t always better). Strength training and weight‑bearing exercise are huge. And balance training reduces falls, which reduces fractures. Then I break down treatment options in plain English. Some medications slow bone breakdown (like bisphosphonates and raloxifene). Some build new bone (like the daily injection anabolic medications). Some do a little of both. We talk about Prolia and why you can’t just stop it abruptly without a plan. And yes — we talk about estrogen, which is the most natural treatment for bone loss and also helps with other menopausal symptoms. My goal with this episode is simple: I don’t want you to wait for a fracture to take your bone health seriously. If you’re postmenopausal, nearing menopause, have a family history of osteoporosis, or you’re wondering whether you need a DEXA scan — this episode is for you. Your bones are your frame. Protect them. You can write to us at [email protected] And follow us on:  Instagram @gynoinfo

This is a re‑airing of one of the most important episodes I’ve done — because postmenopausal osteoporosis is something I see every single week in practice, and most women don’t realize it’s happening until it’s too late. If you’ve ever noticed your grandmother or mother getting shorter, developing a rounded upper back, or seeming more fragile over time, this episode explains why. After menopause — which happens on average around age 52 — estrogen levels drop, and that changes how your bones remodel. Bone resorption starts to outpace bone formation. In plain English? You lose bone faster than you build it. That’s how osteopenia progresses to osteoporosis. In this episode, I break down the difference between osteopenia vs. osteoporosis, what low‑trauma fractures really mean, and why hip fractures, wrist fractures, and vertebral compression fractures are such a big deal in older women. We talk about vertebral wedge fractures — the small spinal collapses that cause height loss, that classic “dowager’s hump,” and even reduced lung and abdominal space that can affect breathing and digestion. Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because you don’t feel bone loss happening. Most women find out after a fracture. And unfortunately, hip fractures especially can dramatically affect independence and long‑term survival. The good news? Osteoporosis prevention is possible. In this episode I walk through: How much calcium women actually need (1,000–1,200 mg daily)Safe vitamin D dosing (600–1,000 IU — and why more isn’t always better)Why adequate protein intake matters for bone strengthThe importance of weight‑bearing and resistance exerciseMajor osteoporosis risk factorsHow we diagnose bone loss with a DEXA scanHow the FRAX score estimates 10‑year fracture riskWe also touch on estrogen and hormone therapy as part of the larger conversation around menopause and bone health — something I’ll cover more deeply in another episode. If you’re postmenopausal, approaching menopause, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are wondering whether you need a DEXA scan, this is essential information. Bone health after menopause is not cosmetic. It’s structural. It’s survival. If this episode helps you, send it to your mom, your aunt, your sister — prevention works best when we start early. You can write to us at [email protected] And follow us on:  Instagram @gynoinfo

What is a placebo, and is the placebo effect real?  In this episode of Gyno Info, I answer a listener’s question and explain what placebos actually are. The word “placebo” comes from Latin and means “I shall please.” Historically, it referred to a sugar pill or inactive treatment given when no real therapy was available. Today, giving a placebo without a patient’s knowledge is considered unethical because it involves deception — and trust is essential in medicine. That said, the placebo effect itself is very real. When you believe a treatment will help, your brain can release endorphins, reduce stress, and even decrease pain processing on imaging studies. I discuss examples like fake aspirin relieving headaches and studies where patients couldn’t tell the difference between real numbing medication and salt water because they expected relief.  The placebo effect can improve symptoms like pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea, and IBS — but it cannot treat serious conditions like cancer, infections, or medical emergencies. Belief is powerful, but it does not replace evidence‑based care. I also explain the ethical uses of placebos today, including reminder pills in birth control packs and double‑blind, placebo‑controlled drug trials, which help us determine whether medications truly work.  The takeaway is simple: belief and trust matter, but honesty and real medical treatment always come first. You can write to us at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo

What is a placebo, and is the placebo effect real?  In this episode of Gyno Info, I answer a listener’s question and explain what placebos actually are. The word “placebo” comes from Latin and means “I shall please.” Historically, it referred to a sugar pill or inactive treatment given when no real therapy was available. Today, giving a placebo without a patient’s knowledge is considered unethical because it involves deception — and trust is essential in medicine. That said, the placebo effect itself is very real. When you believe a treatment will help, your brain can release endorphins, reduce stress, and even decrease pain processing on imaging studies. I discuss examples like fake aspirin relieving headaches and studies where patients couldn’t tell the difference between real numbing medication and salt water because they expected relief.  The placebo effect can improve symptoms like pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea, and IBS — but it cannot treat serious conditions like cancer, infections, or medical emergencies. Belief is powerful, but it does not replace evidence‑based care. I also explain the ethical uses of placebos today, including reminder pills in birth control packs and double‑blind, placebo‑controlled drug trials, which help us determine whether medications truly work.  The takeaway is simple: belief and trust matter, but honesty and real medical treatment always come first. You can write to us at [email protected] And follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo