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Dr Rachel Rubin on The Diary of a CEO: The Women’s Health Conversation Everyone Should Hear
Women’s health has been overlooked for far too long, leaving many women struggling with symptoms that are often brushed off as “just getting older.” In this episode of The Diary of a CEO, Dr Rachel Rubin joins Steven Bartlett for a fascinating discussion on hormones, menopause, sexual health, pelvic floor dysfunction, libido and why so many women leave medical appointments feeling unheard.
Dr Rubin is a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist who challenges many long-held beliefs about women’s health. Her biggest message is that education removes fear, and many conditions women accept as normal can actually be treated.
Episode Breakdown
The conversation starts with why women’s sexual health has historically received so little attention in medicine.
From there they explore:
- How hormones influence every stage of a woman’s life, not just fertility.
- The difference between perimenopause and menopause, and why symptoms often begin years before women expect.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), why it became controversial and how current research paints a different picture.
- Why painful sex, recurrent urinary tract infections, low libido and vaginal dryness should never be accepted as “just ageing.”
- The role of pelvic floor health in pain, bladder control and sexual function.
- How stress, medications, relationships and communication all play a role in sexual wellbeing.
- The difference between spontaneous desire and responsive desire, and why understanding this can improve relationships.
The 5 Biggest Takeaways
1. Perimenopause Starts Earlier Than Most Women Think
One of the biggest misconceptions discussed is that menopause only begins once periods stop.
Dr Rubin explains that perimenopause can begin years earlier, with changing hormone levels causing symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Poor sleep
- Mood changes
- Reduced libido
- Irregular menstrual cycles
Many women are told these symptoms are simply stress or ageing when hormonal changes may already be underway.
2. Hormone Replacement Therapy Deserves Another Look
Much of the discussion focuses on why HRT developed such a poor reputation after early studies made headlines.
Dr Rubin explains that newer research has changed how many specialists view HRT. While it certainly isn’t suitable for everyone, many women who could benefit are never given the opportunity to discuss it with their doctor.
The key takeaway is that treatment should always be individualised and based on a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional.
3. Pain During Sex Isn’t Something You Should Just Put Up With
Many women believe discomfort during sex is simply part of childbirth or ageing.
Dr Rubin couldn’t disagree more.
Pain usually has an underlying cause that deserves attention. That might include:
- Hormonal changes
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Changes in vaginal tissue
- Clitoral adhesions
- Other treatable medical conditions
The message is simple. Pain isn’t normal, and it shouldn’t be ignored.
4. Sexual Health Reflects Overall Health
Libido isn’t just about hormones or psychology.
Dr Rubin explains that sexual wellbeing is influenced by many different factors, including:
- Hormones
- Some medications
- Sleep quality
- Stress
- Heart health
- Relationship quality
- Pelvic floor function
Looking after your overall health often has a positive effect on your sexual health too.
5. Better Conversations Lead to Better Relationships
Towards the end of the episode, the conversation shifts towards relationships.
One idea that stood out was the difference between spontaneous desire, where someone feels desire before intimacy begins, and responsive desire, where desire develops after intimacy has started.
Understanding that both are completely normal can remove a lot of unnecessary pressure from relationships and help couples communicate more openly.
Final Thoughts
This is one of the most informative conversations on women’s health I’ve listened to. Whether you’re approaching perimenopause, supporting a partner or simply wanting to understand how hormones affect long-term health, there is plenty to take away from this episode.
Some topics discussed are still evolving as research continues, but Dr Rubin encourages women to ask questions, advocate for themselves and seek evidence-based medical advice when something doesn’t feel right.
About The Phoenix Project by BodyTech
The Phoenix Project by BodyTech exists to help women become stronger in body, mind and community. Based in the heart of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, we specialise in fitness and wellness for women through expert coaching, practical education and a welcoming community.
Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause or simply looking to prioritise your health, you’ll find a group of incredible women who genuinely support one another.
Disclaimer
This article is not our own medical research. It’s simply our summary of an episode of The Diary of a CEO, written to make some of the key points easier to digest. We always recommend listening to the full interview so you can hear the discussion in its entirety and make up your own mind.