The Hot Flash Diaries Podcast
Welcome to the official podcast of Bonita Medical Aesthetics & Wellness.
The Hot Flash Diaries is the conversation you didn’t know existed. It’s the one you didn’t know you needed. And definitely the one you share with all your friends. It’s your safe space to feel seen in your unique female experience.
Your feelings and experiences are valid. The Hot Flash Diaries is a space where nothing is too personal and nothing is off-limits. It’s time for transparency in women’s health!
Join our host, Jessica, as she delves into candid conversations about hormone health, sexual health, and women’s overall wellness. As an industry leader in hormone education, she’ll cover it all, without holding anything back. Because you deserve answers!
Jessica’s goal is to provide you with the resources and knowledge you need to feel confident, beautiful, and empowered in your own skin. If you are perimenopausal, menopausal, and anything in between, Jessica will guide you through educated discussions about women’s issues as a whole, so you can make informed decisions.
The Hot Flash Diaries Podcast
The Complexities of Desire: Understanding Libido in Women Part II
Summary
Welcome to Episode 3 of The Hot Flash Diaries! In this episode, host Jessica Caceres continues her conversation with Dr. Maureen Slattery, a board-certified OBGYN with over 20 years of experience, certified menopause practitioner, sex educator, and certified sexuality counselor from Rochester, New York.
What You'll Learn:
- How to reframe your mindset about desire and intimacy in midlife
- Why libido changes are multifactorial (it's not just about testosterone!)
- Practical communication strategies for talking with your partner about sexual health
- The importance of managing stress, sleep, and nervous system regulation
- Creative ways to maintain intimacy when desire is low
- When to consider sex therapy vs. regular counseling
- The role of hormones, moisturizers, and other physical solutions
- Why scheduling intimacy isn't unsexy—it's strategic!
Key Takeaways: ✨ Menopause is a transformation, not something happening TO you ✨ Small changes can make a big difference (variety is the spice of life!) ✨ Normalize what you're experiencing and communicate openly ✨ Protect your time and set boundaries to reduce stress ✨ Your fully developed frontal lobe is your superpower in midlife
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Libido and Midlife Changes
01:55 Mindset Shifts in Sexual Desire
04:56 Navigating Relationships and Intimacy
07:42 The Role of Hormones in Sexual Health
10:49 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care
13:38 Communication Strategies for Couples
16:30 Scheduling Intimacy and Building Anticipation
25:04 The Importance of Timing in Conversations
26:17 Maintaining Intimacy in Low-Desire Situations
29:21 Exploring New Ways to Enhance Sexual Experience
32:42 Recognizing When to Seek Professional Help
36:00 Understanding the Role of Mental Health in Sexuality
37:43 First Steps for Women Addressing Low Sex Drive
42:28 Empowering Women with Knowledge and Resources
Recommended Reading:
- "Come As You Are" by Emily Nagoski
- "She Comes First" by Ian Kerner
- "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
- Books by Esther Perel on relationships and intimacy
Helpful Resources:
- The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS): menopause.org
- Canadian Menopause Society
- International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
- American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
Interested in connecting with Dr. Slattery? https://www.drmaureenslattery.com/
Jessica’s Links For You:
Jessica’s Links For You:
Website: https://www.bonitamedicalaesthetics.com/podcast
Instagram: @thehotflash.diaries & @youare.bonita
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Youtube: @thehotflashdiariespodcast
