Podcast
Endocrine Matters
Hosted by Dr. Arti Thangudu · EN
Endocrine matters empowers women physicians to challenge conventional norms and enhance patient relationships. Through deep discussions, we aim to elevate the specialty and inspire future generations of women physicians, driving meaningful change in hormonal health.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Thyroid Hormones & the FDA Decision Causing Debate
1w ago00:20:09Tap to summarizeIf you’re taking Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, or any compounded thyroid medication — this episode is for you. Because over the past year, something major has happened:→ The FDA changed how these medications are regulated.→ Insurance companies are changing what they cover.→ And patients are being left confused, frustrated, and in some cases — forced to switch medications. In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu breaks down what’s actually happening, what it means for your care, and what your real options are if you’re still symptomatic on levothyroxine.🔍 This episode explores:⚖️ What the FDA actually did to desiccated thyroid medications💊 Why NP Thyroid is being removed from some insurance formularies📊 The difference between NDT (Armour/NP) and levothyroxine🧠 Why some patients still feel unwell on standard thyroid treatment🔬 The truth about T3 therapy and who it may help⚠️ Risks of excess thyroid hormone (heart, bone, and metabolic health)🚫 Misinformation around reverse T3, TSH, and “thyroid optimization”💡 What a real, evidence-based approach to persistent symptoms looks like👩 This episode is for you if:• You take Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, or compounded thyroid meds• Your medication coverage recently changed• You still feel tired, foggy, or “off” despite normal labs• You’ve been told “your labs are fine” but don’t feel fine• You’re considering T3 therapy or online thyroid programs⚖️ The bottom lineThere is no one-size-fits-all thyroid treatment.Levothyroxine works for many patients — but not all. Desiccated thyroid isn’t inherently “better” — and comes with real limitations.And high-dose T3 protocols being sold online are not the same as evidence-based care. There is a middle ground. One that’s personalized, monitored, and grounded in real physiology — not extremes. You deserve that level of care.👩⚕️ About the HostDr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in thyroid disease, hormone health, and metabolic health. She focuses on evidence-based, patient-centered care and helping women navigate complex health decisions with clarity.📚 Resources MentionedIf you’re navigating thyroid treatment, consider discussing with your physician:• Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3 when appropriate)• Iron studies (ferritin)• Vitamin D levels• Insulin resistance and metabolic health• Whether combination T4/T3 therapy is appropriate🔗 Learn More / Connect✨ Clinic: SacompleteComplete Medicine | Endocrinology Care and Education💌 Newsletter: SacompleteBlog | Complete Medicine📲 Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/drartithangudu🎙️ About Endocrine MattersEndocrine Matters is a podcast focused on women’s hormone health, thyroid disease, metabolism, menopause, and evidence-based medicine. Each episode breaks down complex topics so you can make informed decisions about your health — without misinformation.⏱️ Chapters0:00 Why this matters right now1:30 FDA changes explained4:00 What this means for your medication6:00 Insurance and formulary changes8:00 NDT vs levothyroxine11:00 Why symptoms persist14:00 T3 therapy explained18:00 What wellness clinics get wrong21:00 Risks of overtreatment24:00 What you should actually do#ThyroidHealth #WomensHealth #HormoneHealth #EndocrineMatters #Hypothyroidism
Transcribe →Osteoporosis Isn't About Calcium | The Real Culprit
2w ago00:23:21Tap to summarizeOne in two women over the age of 50 will have a fracture related to osteoporosis in their lifetime.Not a rare disease. Not a niche issue. A near certainty for half of women. And the decisions that determine whether that fracture happens are being made decades earlier — in your 30s and 40s.In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu breaks down what osteoporosis actually is, why it’s called a silent disease, and what women should be doing now to prevent it.Because by the time a fracture happens, the window for prevention has already narrowed.🔍 This episode explores:🦴 What osteoporosis actually is and how it’s diagnosed📉 Why bone loss accelerates during menopause⏳ Why your 30s and 40s are critical for prevention⚠️ Risk factors most women don’t realize they have🏋️ The most effective way to protect your bones (and it’s not cardio)🥛 The truth about calcium and vitamin D💉 GLP-1 medications and their impact on bone health📊 When you should ask for a DEXA scan💊 What osteoporosis treatment actually looks like👩 This episode is for you if:• You’re in your 30s or 40s and thinking about long-term health• You’ve never had a conversation about bone health• You’ve been told to focus on weight, but not strength• You’re approaching or going through menopause• You want to prevent disease — not react to it later⚖️ The bottom lineOsteoporosis doesn’t start when you’re older.It becomes visible then — but the groundwork is laid decades earlier.Bone health is not just about aging.It’s about what you do before the problem shows up.And for most women, that conversation is happening far too late.👩⚕️ About the HostDr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in hormone health, metabolism, and menopause care. She focuses on evidence-based medicine and helping women understand what’s actually happening in their bodies.📚 Resources MentionedIf you’re concerned about bone health, consider discussing:• Bone density testing (DEXA scan)• Calcium intake (preferably from diet)• Vitamin D levels• Strength training and resistance exercise• Risk factors like early menopause or steroid use🔗 Learn More / Connect✨ Clinic:SacompleteComplete Medicine | Endocrinology Care and Education💌 Newsletter: SacompleteBlog | Complete Medicine📲 Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/drartithangudu🎙 About Endocrine MattersEndocrine Matters is a podcast dedicated to women’s hormone health, metabolism, thyroid disease, menopause, and evidence-based care.Each episode breaks down complex medical topics so you can make informed decisions about your health.⏱ Chapters0:00 Why 1 in 2 women will fracture a bone2:00 What osteoporosis actually is5:00 Peak bone mass explained8:30 Why menopause accelerates bone loss12:00 Hidden risk factors16:00 Exercise for bone health (most important section)20:00 Calcium and vitamin D24:00 GLP-1 medications and bone health29:00 When to get a DEXA scan34:00 Treatment options explained
Transcribe →Midlife Transformation: Dermatology and Hormonal Intersections with Dr. Anita Gill
3w ago00:44:38Tap to summarizeHair thinning. Acne in your 30s or 40s. Skin that suddenly feels dry, sensitive, or completely different.These changes can feel random — but they’re not.For many women, these are some of the earliest visible signs of hormonal shifts, especially during perimenopause and menopause. And yet, most women are told it’s just “aging” — or handed skincare products without any real explanation.In this episode of Endocrine Matters, board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Arti Thangudu is joined by dermatologist Dr. Anita Gill to break down what’s actually happening beneath the surface — and why your skin and hair deserve a real medical conversation.Because these aren’t just cosmetic concerns. They’re signals.🔍 *What You’ll Learn*🧠 Why hair thinning increases in women during perimenopause and menopause 📉 How estrogen decline impacts collagen, elasticity, and skin health ⚠️ Why acne can show up in your 30s and 40s (even if you never had it before) 🩺 How thyroid disease, PCOS, and hormonal shifts show up in your skin and hair 💊 The truth about supplements like biotin, collagen, and “hair growth” products 🧴 What dermatologists actually recommend (and what’s just marketing) 🚫 Why using too many skincare “actives” can make your skin worse 💉 What to know about trending treatments like peptides, exosomes, and red light therapy 📊 When hormone therapy can actually improve skin and hair changes*This Episode Is For You If:*• You’ve noticed hair thinning and don’t know why • Your skin changed suddenly in your 30s or 40s • You’re dealing with adult acne, dryness, or sensitivity • You’ve been told it’s “just aging” but that doesn’t feel like the full answer • You want real, evidence-based guidance instead of trial-and-error products⚖️ *The Bottom Line*Your skin and hair are not separate from your health.They’re often the first place your hormones show up.And while the skincare and wellness industries offer endless products and promises, the real answer is understanding what’s happening inside your body — and treating that first.👩⚕️ *About the Guest*Dr. Anita Gill is a board-certified dermatologist with nearly 20 years of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She specializes in treating women through hormonal transitions, focusing on evidence-based care that connects internal health with external changes.*Learn More & Follow Dr. Anita Gill:*On her website - https://www.thegillcenter.com/about/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegillcenter/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/pgill2001👩⚕️ *About the Host:*Dr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in hormone health, metabolism, and menopause care. She focuses on evidence-based medicine and helping women understand what’s actually happening in their bodies.📚 *Resources & Recommendations Mentioned:*If you’re experiencing hair or skin changes, consider discussing:• Thyroid function testing • Iron deficiency and ferritin levels • Vitamin D levels • PCOS evaluation • Perimenopause and menopause assessment🔗 *Connect & Learn More:*✨ Clinic: https://www.sacomplete.com/ 💌 Newsletter: https://www.sacomplete.com/complete-medicine-blog 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drartithangudu🎙 *About Endocrine Matters:*Endocrine Matters is a podcast focused on women’s hormone health, metabolism, thyroid disease, and evidence-based care.Each episode helps you understand your body clearly — without misinformation, fear, or oversimplification.⏱ *Chapters*00:00 Meet Dr Anita Gill01:35 Midlife Skin Concerns02:49 Why Hair Thins04:33 Hormones and Skin Issues05:48 Collagen Loss Explained08:06 HRT and Topical Estrogen11:30 Supplements Hype vs Evidence14:58 Biotin Lab Interference17:05 Derm and Endo Overlap19:12 Hair Loss Treatments21:14 LED Masks and Red Light21:29 Red Light Results22:17 How Red Light Works23:21 Too Many Actives25:02 Skin Barrier Basics25:44 Simple Routine Essentials26:50 Exosomes Explained28:23 Choosing Safe Providers30:54 Peptides Hype Check33:47 Evidence Over Trends39:15 Start Skin Care Early41:46 Where To Find Them#WomensHealth #HormoneHealth #Perimenopause #HairLossInWomen #EndocrineMatters
Transcribe →Adrenal Fatigue Isn't Real: Endocrinologists Explain
4w ago00:37:17Tap to summarizeWe are living in a time where “adrenal fatigue” is one of the most common explanations given for fatigue, stress, and burnout — and one of the most misleading.It sounds medical. It sounds validating. But it’s not a real diagnosis.In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu is joined by two fellow endocrinologists to break down what adrenal fatigue actually is (and isn’t), what real cortisol disorders look like, and how patients are being misled by unvalidated testing and supplements.What We Cover:🔬 How the adrenal glands and cortisol actually work — and why "fatigue" of the glands is physiologically implausible❌ Why adrenal fatigue is not recognized by endocrinology — and who benefits from the label⚠ Adrenal insufficiency vs. adrenal fatigue — a critical distinction that affects your safety💊 Why adrenal supplements can suppress your natural cortisol production (and cause real harm)🧪 What valid cortisol testing looks like — and why online salivary tests don't qualify🩺 Real patient cases: money spent, symptoms worsened, and what proper care looked like insteadDr. Thangudu and her colleagues also walk through real patient scenarios — including patients who spent significant money on testing and supplements, only to feel worse or develop actual medical conditions as a result.This episode is about clarity in a very noisy space.Because your symptoms are real — but the explanation you’re given needs to be real too.About the HostDr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, with additional certification in Lifestyle Medicine and menopause care. She focuses on evidence-based care, metabolic health, hormone health, and improving transparency in healthcare.In This Episode You’ll Learn• Why adrenal fatigue is not a real medical diagnosis• How cortisol actually works in the body• The difference between adrenal fatigue and adrenal insufficiency• The risks of adrenal supplements (including steroid exposure)• What proper cortisol testing looks like• How to find credible, evidence-based careResources MentionedIf you’ve been told you have adrenal fatigue, consider discussing proper evaluation with a qualified physician, including:• 8am cortisol testing• ACTH stimulation testing• 24-hour urine cortisol (if indicated)• Thyroid function testing• Evaluation for anemia, sleep disorders, or hormonal changesLearn More / Connect✨ See Dr. Thangudu in clinic:Complete Medicine → https://www.sacomplete.com/💌 Stay connected:Newsletter → https://www.sacomplete.com/complete-medicine-blog📲 Follow Dr. Arti ThanguduInstagram →🎧 Listen to the podcast:Endocrine Matters →About Endocrine MattersEndocrine Matters is a podcast dedicated to hormone health, metabolic health, thyroid disease, menopause, obesity medicine, and evidence-based healthcare education.Each episode breaks down complex medical topics so patients can make informed, empowered decisions about their health.
Transcribe →The Iodine Question: Are Americans Getting Enough Without Supplements?
Apr 2200:10:38Tap to summarizeWe are living in a time where supplements are often marketed as essential for “optimal health” especially when it comes to thyroid function.And iodine is one of the most commonly recommended. It sounds simple. It sounds preventative. But for most women in the U.S., it’s unnecessary — and in some cases, harmful.In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu breaks down what iodine actually does, why most women don’t need supplementation, and how taking too much can lead to real thyroid disease.This episode explores:🧠 What iodine actually does in the body and thyroid function📊 Why the United States is considered iodine sufficient⚠ How iodine supplementation can cause both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism🔍 Why iodine testing is often misleading and not clinically useful💊 The risks of high-dose iodine and kelp-based supplements📈 How excess iodine can trigger or worsen autoimmune thyroid disease🩺 What to look for on supplement labels and when to avoid themDr. Thangudu also shares real patient cases where unnecessary iodine supplementation led to serious thyroid dysfunction — including situations where patients were told they needed surgery for a problem caused entirely by a supplement.This episode is about understanding risk in a space that is often oversimplified. Because more is not always better — and when it comes to your thyroid, too much iodine can be just as harmful as too little.About the HostDr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, with additional certification in Lifestyle Medicine and menopause care. She focuses on evidence-based care, metabolic health, hormone health, and improving transparency in healthcare.In This Episode You’ll Learn• Why most women in the U.S. do not need iodine supplements• The difference between iodine deficiency and iodine excess• How excess iodine can cause thyroid dysfunction• Why iodine testing is not reliable for individuals• What to look for in thyroid and supplement labels• When iodine supplementation is actually appropriate (pregnancy)Resources MentionedIf you’re concerned about your thyroid or iodine intake, consider discussing:• Thyroid function testing (TSH, Free T4, etc.)• Evaluation for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s, Graves’)• Review of supplement use and ingredient labels• Prenatal vitamins with iodine if pregnant or breastfeedingLearn More / Connect✨ See Dr. Thangudu in clinic:Complete Medicine → https://www.sacomplete.com/💌 Stay connected:Sign up for the newsletter → https://www.sacomplete.com/complete-medicine-blog📲 Follow Dr. Arti ThanguduInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/drartithanguduAbout Endocrine MattersEndocrine Matters is a podcast dedicated to hormone health, metabolic health, thyroid disease,menopause, obesity medicine, and evidence-based healthcare education.Each episode breaks down complex medical topics so patients can make informed, empowereddecisions about their health.
Transcribe →What Does Hormone Imbalance Really Mean?
Apr 1500:14:09Tap to summarizeWe are living in a time where “hormone imbalance” is one of the most common diagnoses givento women —and one of the least helpful.It sounds medical. It sounds validating.But it tells you absolutely nothing about what is actually wrong.In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu breaks down why the term “hormoneimbalance” is not a real medical diagnosis — and what it’s often being used to cover up.This episode explores:🧠 Why “hormone imbalance” is not a recognized diagnosis in medicine📊 The difference between real endocrine conditions and vague symptom labels⚠ How this term is used to oversimplify complex medical issues🔍 The truth about adrenal fatigue and why it’s not a real diagnosis💊 The risks behind unregulated hormone and adrenal support supplements📈 Why hormone testing like the DUTCH test is often misunderstood or misused🩺 What a proper hormonal evaluation should actually look likeDr. Thangudu also explains how women often end up with this label — not because theirsymptoms aren’t real, but because the healthcare system frequently fails to provide thorough,individualized evaluation.And when that happens, it creates space for vague diagnoses, unnecessary supplements, andmissed conditions that deserve real treatment.This episode is about reclaiming clarity in your health.Because your symptoms are real —but the explanation you’re given needs to be real too.About the HostDr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes,and metabolism, with additional certification in Lifestyle Medicine and menopause care. Shefocuses on evidence-based care, metabolic health, hormone health, and improvingtransparency in healthcare.In This Episode You’ll Learn• Why “hormone imbalance” is not a real medical diagnosis• The difference between vague symptom labels and true endocrine disorders• What adrenal fatigue actually is (and isn’t)• The risks of hormone and adrenal supplements• How proper hormone testing and diagnosis should be doneResources MentionedIf you’ve been told you have “hormone imbalance,” consider discussing proper evaluation with aqualified physician, including:• Thyroid function testing• PCOS evaluation• Menopause and perimenopause assessment• Adrenal function testing when appropriateLearn More / Connect✨ See Dr. Thangudu in clinic:Complete Medicine → https://www.sacomplete.com/💌 Stay connected:Sign up for the newsletter → https://www.sacomplete.com/complete-medicine-blog📲 Follow Dr. Arti ThanguduInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/drartithanguduAbout Endocrine MattersEndocrine Matters is a podcast dedicated to hormone health, metabolic health, thyroid disease,menopause, obesity medicine, and evidence-based healthcare education.Each episode breaks down complex medical topics so patients can make informed, empowereddecisions about their health.
Transcribe →Do You Need To Go Gluten-Free For Hypothyroidism? Evidence Based Answer
Apr 800:11:57Tap to summarizeWe are living in a time where thyroid advice is everywhere — and much of it is oversimplified, misleading, or just plain wrong.If you have Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism, you’ve probably been told to go gluten-free. But is that actually necessary?In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu breaks down the science behind one of the most common recommendations in the thyroid world — and explains why the truth is far more nuanced than what you see online.This episode explores: 🧠 What Hashimoto’s thyroiditis actually is and how autoimmune disease works 📊 The real relationship between gluten, celiac disease, and thyroid disorders ⚠️ Why “go gluten-free” became such common advice — and where it falls short 🔍 What the latest research actually shows about gluten and thyroid health 🩺 When a gluten-free diet is necessary — and when it’s not 💡 Why proper diagnosis and treatment matter more than restrictive dietsDr. Thangudu also addresses the growing problem of misinformation in thyroid care — and how to identify whether someone is giving you evidence-based medical guidance or simply repeating popular wellness narratives.The goal of this episode is not to dismiss patient experiences, but to bring clarity, context, and science back into the conversation.Because your thyroid care should be based on your diagnosis — not internet trends.About the Host Dr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, with additional certification in Lifestyle Medicine and menopause care. She focuses on evidence-based care, metabolic health, hormone health, and improving transparency in healthcare.In This Episode You’ll Learn • Whether gluten causes Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism • The difference between celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity • Why thyroid patients are often told to go gluten-free • What the evidence actually says about diet and thyroid disease • How to approach thyroid treatment in a personalized, evidence-based wayResources Mentioned Episodes referenced: • Compassionate Thyroid Care • Thyroid Treatment & T3 Therapy with Dr. Ruchi GabaLearn More / Connect✨ See Dr. Thangudu in clinic: Complete Medicine →https://www.sacomplete.com/💌 Stay connected: Sign up for the newsletter → https://www.sacomplete.com/complete-medicine-blog📲 Follow Dr. Arti Thangudu Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/drartithanguduAbout Endocrine Matters Endocrine Matters is a podcast dedicated to hormone health, metabolic health, thyroid disease, menopause, obesity medicine, and evidence-based healthcare education.Each episode breaks down complex medical topics so patients can make informed, empowered decisions about their health.
Transcribe →Women’s Libido: Hormones, Stress, Relationships & Evidence-Based Ways to Improve Desire (with Dr. Anu Sdu)
Apr 100:42:32Tap to summarizeWomen’s libido is one of the most misunderstood topics in medicine.For decades, low libido in women has been oversimplified into a hormone problem, a menopause problem, or something women are just expected to tolerate in silence.But women’s sexual desire is far more complex than that.In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu sits down with Dr. Anu Sidhu, a family medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician, to talk about the real causes of low libido in women, what actually affects female sexual desire across the lifespan, and why a woman’s libido should never be reduced to a single hormone level or a one-size-fits-all prescription.This episode explores: 🧠 Why women’s libido is different from men’s libido 💊 How hormones, stress, sleep, medications, relationships, and mental health all affect sexual desire ⚠️ Why low libido is often misunderstood in medical care 📚 The role of Bibliotherapy and erotic reading as an evidence-based treatment option 💉 When Testosterone may help — and when it may not 🩺 Which medications commonly lower libido, including antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and oral contraceptives 🤝 Why women deserve whole-person, nuanced care for sexual healthDr. Thangudu and Dr. Sidhu also discuss how shame, embarrassment, and lack of education keep women from talking about libido concerns — even though millions of women experience low sexual desire at different stages of life.This is a conversation about women’s sexual health, women’s libido, low libido treatment, hormones, relationships, body image, medication side effects, and why libido should be approached as a whole-body, whole-life issue.If you’ve ever wondered: Why is my libido low? Can stress cause low libido? Does Testosterone help women’s libido? Do antidepressants affect libido? What causes low libido in perimenopause or menopause? Can low libido be treated without medication?This episode is for you.Women deserve better conversations about sexual health.And they deserve clinicians who understand that libido is not just about hormones — it is about biology, psychology, relationships, safety, stress, and context.About The HostDr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified Endocrinologist specializing in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, with additional certification in Lifestyle Medicine and menopause care. She focuses on evidence-based care, metabolic health, hormone health, and improving transparency in healthcare.About The GuestDr. Anu Sidhu is a Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. She is the founder of Spring Monarch Primary Care, a direct primary care practice in Houston, Texas, and she is passionate about helping women become agents of their own health.Learn more about Dr. Sidhu here: Spring Monarch Primary Care →https://www.springmonarchmd.com/Follow Dr. Sidhu: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/anu.sidhu.md TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@anu.sidhu.mdIn This Episode You’ll Learn• What really causes low libido in women • Why women’s libido is highly responsive and multifactorial • How stress, sleep, body image, and relationships shape desire • Which medications commonly lower libido • The role of Testosterone in women’s sexual health • Why Bibliotherapy may help improve libido • How physicians can approach women’s sexual health more effectivelyLearn More / Connect✨ See Dr. Thangudu in clinic: Complete Medicine →https://www.sacomplete.com/💌 Stay connected: Sign up for the newsletter → https://www.sacomplete.com/complete-medicine-blog📲 Follow Dr. Arti Thangudu Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/drartithanguduAbout Endocrine MattersEndocrine Matters is a podcast dedicated to hormone health, metabolic health, thyroid disease, menopause, obesity medicine, and evidence-based healthcare education.Each episode breaks down complex medical topics so patients can make informed, empowered decisions about their health.
Transcribe →Women Are Not Being Dismissed in Healthcare by Accident — It Is Structural
Mar 2500:13:15Tap to summarizeWomen are not being dismissed in healthcare by accident — it is structural.One of the most universal transitions in a woman’s life, menopause, remains one of the most under-taught topics in medical training.And the consequences are showing up in exam rooms every single day.In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu breaks down a critical and often unspoken gap in medicine: the lack of menopause education, the legacy of outdated research, and how medical training environments shape the way physicians care for women.This episode explores: 🧠 Why only a small percentage of physicians feel prepared to manage menopause 📉 The long-term impact of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) on hormone therapy and medical education ⚠️ How gaps in training contribute to dismissed symptoms and misdiagnoses in women 📚 Why women’s health is still underrepresented in medical curricula 🤝 The shift from paternalistic medicine to collaborative, patient-centered care 🌐 How social media and online health information are reshaping the doctor-patient relationship 🤖 The role of AI in medicine — and what it still cannot replaceDr. Thangudu also discusses how medical culture, training environments, and systemic healthcare structures contribute to the experience many women have of not being heard.This is not about blaming individual physicians.It is about understanding the system — and building something better.You will walk away with a clearer understanding of why menopause care often feels fragmented, why your symptoms may have been dismissed, and what true collaborative, evidence-based care should look like.Your health is not the problem. The system was never designed with you at the center.About the HostDr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, with additional certification in Lifestyle Medicine and menopause care. She focuses on evidence-based care, metabolic health, hormone health, and improving transparency in healthcare.In This Episode You’ll Learn• Why menopause education is lacking in medical training • How the Women’s Health Initiative shaped modern menopause care • Why many women feel dismissed in healthcare settings • The difference between paternalistic and collaborative medicine • How to advocate for yourself in a system not designed for you • What good menopause care should actually look likeLearn More / Connect✨ See Dr. Thangudu in clinic: Complete Medicine →https://www.sacomplete.com/💌 Stay connected: Sign up for the newsletter → https://www.sacomplete.com/complete-medicine-blog📲 Follow Dr. Arti Thangudu Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/drartithanguduAbout Endocrine MattersEndocrine Matters is a podcast dedicated to hormone health, menopause, metabolic health, thyroid disease, obesity medicine, and evidence-based healthcare education.Each episode breaks down complex medical topics so patients can make informed, empowered decisions about their health.
Transcribe →Metformin Is One Of The Most Prescribed — And Most Misunderstood — Medications In Modern Medicine.
Mar 1800:09:04Tap to summarizeDespite decades of research and real-world evidence, Metformin is constantly criticized online by influencers, wellness personalities, and people who do not understand insulin resistance, metabolism, or diabetes care.Yet Metformin remains one of the most effective, safest, and most accessible medications in Endocrinology.In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu explains why Metformin still plays a central role in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, Prediabetes, Insulin Resistance, and PCOS, and why misinformation about this medication continues to spread online.Dr. Thangudu also discusses an issue that often gets ignored in social media health conversations: affordability.Diabetes medications can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per month. For many patients, access to treatment is determined not just by science, but by cost, insurance barriers, and real-life financial decisions.Metformin, which can cost about $10 for 90 days even without insurance, remains one of the most accessible evidence-based tools physicians have to improve metabolic health and prevent long-term complications.This episode explores:🧠 Why Metformin has developed a negative reputation online 📚 What the research actually shows about Metformin safety and effectiveness ⚠️ Common fears about Metformin and kidney function, lactic acidosis, and side effects 📉 How Metformin lowers A1C and improves insulin sensitivity 👩⚕️ The role of Metformin in Prediabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS, fertility, and pregnancy 💰 Why affordability and accessibility matter in diabetes treatment 📊 What the Diabetes Prevention Program revealed about long-term diabetes preventionDr. Thangudu also addresses how misinformation spreads when confident voices online oversimplify complex metabolic science, and why evidence-based medicine still supports Metformin as a foundational therapy in many patients.Metformin may not be trendy. It may not be expensive. But it continues to change lives.And in a healthcare system where access to treatment is often limited by cost, that matters enormously.About The HostDr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified Endocrinologist specializing in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, with additional certification in Lifestyle Medicine and menopause care. She focuses on evidence-based care, metabolic health, hormone health, and improving transparency in healthcare.In This Episode You’ll Learn• Why Metformin is still widely used by Endocrinologists • How Metformin works to improve insulin resistance • The truth about Metformin side effects and safety concerns • How Metformin helps patients with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes • The role of Metformin in PCOS, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes • Why affordability and access matter in modern diabetes careResources MentionedKey research discussed includes the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), one of the largest and longest studies on diabetes prevention and Metformin therapy.Learn More / Connect✨ See Dr. Thangudu in clinic: Complete Medicine →https://www.sacomplete.com/💌 Stay connected: Sign up for the newsletter → https://www.sacomplete.com/complete-medicine-blog📲 Follow Dr. Arti Thangudu Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/drartithanguduAbout Endocrine MattersEndocrine Matters is a podcast dedicated to hormone health, metabolic health, thyroid disease, menopause, obesity medicine, and evidence-based healthcare education.Each episode breaks down complex medical topics so patients can make informed, empowered decisions about their health.
Transcribe →