Dr.Sophia, ObGyn - Embrace your body. Embrace yourself.

#31: Down and ups of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey...and can also cause many drastic changes that can be difficult, physically and emotionally. In this episode, we talk about the last phase of the pregnancy through patient stories, physical challenges, self-image issues, how to alleviate symptoms, reframing the “downs” with the “ups”, and so much more. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#30: It’s time to talk about H…erpes

Herpes. It’s a word that people don’t even like to say. It has a lot of negative connotations and is the pun of jokes…and it shouldn’t. In this episode we talk openly about all different aspects of herpes: what it truly is, how it’s transmitted, its symptoms, its management, how to talk about it with your partner, how your sex life is not over, cold sores, etc. We also address head on the “bad rap” of herpes as being portrayed as a more “dirty” or “icky” sexually transmitted disease – and explain why the shame and guilt around herpes is unwarranted. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#29: What is sexual health?

Have you ever wondered what sexual health actually means? In this episode, we open up the conversation on sexual health, from sex, STDs/STIs, pleasure, orgasms, feeling uncomfortable talking about sex, etc? We also cover how sex and libido can change over the course of a woman’s life, and how an ObGyn can support you along the way. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#28: Reading my labs for HRT with Touseef Mirza

Our very own co-host, Touseef Mirza, has entered menopause and is curious on whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a good option for her. In this episode, we get personal and go over her lab results and address all the questions she has on what is being measured and why we need to consider the different bloodwork elements to understand what is happening from a menopause standpoint. This is the second installment of this series with Touseef Mirza; the first one is “Episode 12: Should I go on HRT?”

#27: Perimenopause / menopause: How it affects anxiety and periods

Perimenopause and menopause can cause many symptoms that can go under the radar, such as mental health issues and how it can affect your menstrual cycle. In this episode, we go through the basics of perimenopause and menopause, explain why changes are occurring in your body, how these stages can affect a woman’s life in minor to major ways, and what you can do to alleviate symptoms. Dr. Sophia also shares the personal stories of 2 of her patients going through the trials and tribulations of perimenopause and menopause. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.
Please note that this episode deals with sensitive topics, including severe mental health issues – viewer discretion advised. Anyone who is struggling with a mental health crisis, please know you can find support by dialing 988 from any phone. 

#26: A New Year is a new beginning...a new birth

Happy New Year Everyone! We are celebrating the New Year of 2025 with the ultimate concept of a new beginning…which is birth. In this episode, Dr. Sophia shares why she is still enthralled by the magic of birthing as an ObGyn. She also explains different aspects that can help the birthing process be a more healthy and enjoyable experience for both the mother and the baby. In essence, we are all magical beings as we all went through this new beginning into life as we know it. So let’s celebrate you, and me, and all of us! I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#25: The first period and how caretakers can address it

The first period in a girl’s life is momentous but can feel confusing, overwhelming, and even scary. So it’s good to know the basics of what happens during the first period so that it’s less daunting. Also, if you are a caretaker of a girl who might be getting her period soon, or has started her period, we talk through how you can address this potentially uncomfortable conversation so that the girl understands what is going on and feels supported. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#24: STD/STI testing even when you’re in a relationship

STD/STI testing is not just meant for when we are in our twenties and/or when we are not in a monogamous relationship. In this podcast, through an actual patient story, we talk about why it’s important to get routine STD/STI testing no matter our relationship status – without shame. Basically, if you are having sex with someone, even if it’s with your significant other, you should get STD/STI testing in order to take care of your health and yourself. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

#23: Post Election Feels

The results of the 2024 election pose a serious concern for democracy, including women’s rights and bodily autonomy. So we wanted to take this time to process our range of emotions, recognize what has happened, its potential implications from a women’s health perspective, and talk about how we can move forward as individuals and as a community. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.

To endure or not to endure? [Encore Episode from Touseef Mirza]

In celebration of the 1st year Anniversary of the Dr Sophia, ObGyn podcast, Touseef shares her favorite episode from the past year “To endure or not to endure.” On this podcast, we openly explore why it is that women may not seek certain medical care or treatment in order to not feel pain and/or to feel better. Is it a rational decision? Does it stem from conditioning? Or something else? For example, we discuss menopause and hormone replacement treatment, giving birth and getting an epidural, as well as having extreme bleeding during periods and whether or not to raise this issue with your doctor or ObGyn. I believe it's important to consciously reconnect with who we are so that we can have agency over ourselves and our bodies. I am joined with my co-host and good friend, Touseef Mirza.