Podcast Summary: "Heart Disease, Autoimmunity, & the Clitoris: What Medicine Got Wrong"

Podcast: BETTER! Muscle, Mobility, Metabolism & (Peri) Menopause with Dr. Stephanie
Host: Dr. Stephanie Estima
Guest: Meghan Rabbitt (award-winning journalist, author of The New Rules of Women’s Health)
Release Date: January 19, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode serves as both an introduction and a “greatest hits” for BETTER!—making it ideal for new listeners and longtime “Bettys” alike. Dr. Stephanie sits down with Meghan Rabbitt to challenge the status quo of women’s health, tackling everything from overlooked anatomical truths and language bias to myths about menopause, cardiovascular risk, and autoimmunity. The conversation weaves complex medical issues with actionable guidance, aiming to empower women (especially those approaching or navigating menopause) to take charge of their health using the latest research, honest storytelling, and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Historical Neglect of Women’s Health

• Women have historically been treated as “small men” in medical research and practice—studied less, and only viewed through the lens of reproductive organs ("bikini medicine").
• There’s a persistent and damaging narrative that “there’s no difference between men and women” beyond basic mechanics, which both hosts adamantly challenge as outdated and sexist.
• Quote:

  “To continue this narrative of there’s no difference between men and women is insulting and, quite frankly, outdated and sexist.”
  —Dr. Stephanie (06:07)

Timestamps:

• [00:00–04:54] — Introduction: the lack of focus on women’s health and why this episode matters for all listeners
• [05:21–08:17] — The origins and limitations of “bikini medicine”

2. The Power of Language in Medicine

• Many anatomical terms for women’s body parts are eponyms—named after (usually male) “discoverers,” e.g., Fallopian tubes, Kegels.
• There is a push to use precise, location-based names (toponyms) instead (e.g., “uterine tubes” vs. “fallopian tubes”), improving clarity and reducing cognitive load for learners.
• Proper terminology for treatments matters: “menopause hormone therapy” is more accurate than “hormone replacement therapy (HRT),” helping destigmatize necessary treatments.
• Quote:

  “Words matter ... using these terms actually decreases cognitive load, so we’re actually helping the next generation of people who are helping us by using these terms.”
  —Meghan Rabbitt (09:54)

Timestamps:

• [08:17–12:52] — Language, anatomy, and the push for neutrality
• [12:52–13:50] — The importance of using “menopause hormone therapy”

3. Clitoris Research, Anatomy, and Medical Sexism

• Historically, the clitoris was grossly understudied; nerve counts were based on cow anatomy until very recently!
• Modern research reveals the clitoris is structurally analogous to the penis, far more extensive than the “little button” many were taught about, and central to women’s sexual health.
• Societal, educational, and medical discomfort with women’s pleasure has limited research and conversation.
• Quotes:

  “Most women do not know that the clitoris is a structure that is way more than what we can see or feel ... the similarities [to a penis] are striking.”
  —Meghan Rabbitt (15:22)
  “Women will accept, like, a staggering amount of suffering.”
  —Dr. Stephanie (00:57, 35:46)

Timestamps:

• [13:50–19:24] — The “cow clitoris” myth and anatomy as power
• [19:24–22:21] — Responsive vs. spontaneous desire and reframing pleasure

4. Women’s Health Risks: Beyond "Bikini Medicine"

Cardiovascular Disease

• Heart disease, not breast cancer, is the leading killer of women—but awareness is dropping.
• Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, are potent, often unrecognized, later-life risk factors.
• Symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, and even sexual dysfunction (e.g., clitoral changes) may be early cardiac warning signs.
• Quote:

  “Pregnancy is the heart’s first stress test. … That part of your health history should be brought up with every doctor you see.”
  —Meghan Rabbitt (28:03)

Autoimmunity

• Women, especially in midlife/perimenopause, experience higher rates of autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto’s, MS, RA).
• Research points to changing hormones (notably, estrogen) and chronic stress as potential triggers, but gaps remain due to lack of targeted research.
• Cortisol’s regulatory role in the immune system and heightened stress during midlife may play a part.
• Quote:

  “That dip in estrogen really can mess with the immune system in a way that can make some of these autoimmune diseases become more prevalent.”
  —Meghan Rabbitt (32:46)

Timestamps:

• [26:21–31:06] — Heart disease risk, why awareness is lacking, and the importance of pregnancy history
• [31:09–34:38] — Autoimmunity, midlife, hormones, and stress

5. Normalization vs. Individual Experiences: What’s "Normal" for Women?

• Women are conditioned to ignore suffering, often blaming themselves or dismissing symptoms as “just aging.”
• Meghan shares her personal story with undiagnosed heavy bleeding due to fibroids, illustrating how even experts internalize abnormal experiences as “normal.”
• Open communication with practitioners and being informed empowers better care and outcomes.
• Quotes:

  “Symptoms got worse and worse, and... it was really eye opening to me, like, wow, if I’m ignoring, like, I know other women are doing this left and right.”
  —Meghan Rabbitt (39:06) “Hormones are helping us. They’re actually good little soldiers.”
  —Dr. Stephanie (37:52)

Timestamps:

• [37:31–43:52] — Meghan’s personal story: fibroids, suffering in silence, the journey to surgery and self-advocacy

6. Empowerment, Knowledge, and Bringing Health into the Home

• The massive scope of “The New Rules of Women’s Health” (700 pages!) is meant as a lifelong resource for women, their loved ones, and their healthcare providers.
• Having knowledge before appointments (for you and your family) can elevate the quality of care; educating men helps normalize women's health issues at home.
• The value of centering women’s health on the coffee table—placing these conversations in everyday life, not hiding them away.
• Quote:

  “There’s something I love... about having a book like this in the living room. Like, what a concept—to have women’s health, front and center, in the heart of your home.”
  —Dr. Stephanie (55:24)

Timestamps:

• [48:02–51:39] — Using the book to facilitate better conversations with doctors, men, and family
• [55:24–56:05] — Women’s health as a coffee table issue

7. Re-framing Menopause and Embracing the Upsides

• Menopause is often stigmatized as an “end,” but for many it signals a new phase of self-acceptance, freedom, and physical empowerment.
• Mindset shifts, proactive prevention, and prioritizing yourself are positive aspects.
• Quote:

  “I feel more myself... I’m entering Meghan 2.0. The phrase, ‘we’re just giving fewer Fs about things,’ and just getting laser-focused on what makes our own lives meaningful...”
  —Meghan Rabbitt (53:01)

Timestamps:

• [51:54–55:24] — Reframing menopause; advice for listeners entering this life stage

8. Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Dr. Stephanie on shame and discovery:

  “I remember talking to a bunch of women a while ago, and the question I posed was, how many of you have used a hand mirror just to look at your vulva?”
  (30:30)

• On men and women’s health:

  “This podcast is for women—and the men who love them.”
  (delivering on practical advice for partners) [46:32–48:02]

Notable Quotes by Timestamps

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 06:07 | Dr. Stephanie | "To continue this narrative of there’s no difference between men and women is insulting and, quite frankly, outdated and sexist." | 09:54 | Meghan Rabbitt| "Words matter... using these terms actually decreases cognitive load, so we’re actually helping the next generation of people who are helping us by using these terms."
| 15:22 | Meghan Rabbitt| "Most women do not know that the clitoris is a structure that is way more than what we can see or feel... the similarities [to a penis] are striking." | 19:24 | Meghan Rabbitt| "The more information we have, the more we can understand how our bodies work so that [we] get solutions for our problems." | 28:03 | Meghan Rabbitt| "Pregnancy is the heart’s first stress test. … That part of your health history should be brought up with every doctor you see." | 32:46 | Meghan Rabbitt| "That dip in estrogen really can mess with the immune system in a way that can make some of these autoimmune diseases become more prevalent." | 39:06 | Meghan Rabbitt| "Symptoms got worse and worse... it was really eye opening to me, like, wow, if I’m ignoring, like, I know other women are doing this left and right." | 37:52 | Dr. Stephanie| "Hormones are helping us. They're actually good little soldiers." | 53:01 | Meghan Rabbitt| "I feel more myself... I’m entering Meghan 2.0. The phrase, ‘we’re just giving fewer Fs about things,’ and just getting laser-focused on what makes our own lives meaningful..." | 55:24 | Dr. Stephanie| "There’s something I love... about having a book like this in the living room. Like, what a concept—to have women’s health, front and center, in the heart of your home."

Actionable Takeaways

• Seek out precise medical language and educate yourself; language empowers both you and your care team.
• Don’t dismiss abnormal symptoms or suffering as “normal”—if you’re concerned, speak up and pursue answers.
• Use comprehensive resources (like Meghan’s book) to prepare for doctor appointments, advocate for yourself, and involve family.
• Celebrate midlife and menopause as opportunities for health, self-knowledge, and confidence—not decline.
• Include men and boys in these conversations; women's health is a family and community concern.

Where to Find More

• Meghan Rabbitt’s book: newrulesofwomenshealth.com
• Meghan’s site: meghanrabbitt.com (redirects to book)
• Connect with Dr. Stephanie Estima and the BETTER! podcast through all major platforms.

Recommended for:
Any woman (or supportive man!) wanting to understand the real science and stories of women’s health, debunk myths, and discover practical ways to feel and live better through midlife and beyond.