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March 24, 2026
Ep -
131

Ask Dr. A: Painful Periods are Not Normal! Endometriosis Deep Dive

In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney sits down with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi to break down endometriosis, an often misunderstood condition that goes far beyond painful periods. Dr. A explains why endometriosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder, the wide range of symptoms it can cause, and why so many patients are dismissed or misdiagnosed for years before getting answers.

They discuss how endometriosis presents, from chronic pelvic pain and bloating to bladder, bowel, and even mental health symptoms, and why it can’t reliably be detected through standard imaging. Dr. A also covers how the condition can impact fertility, ovarian reserve, and overall quality of life if left untreated.

The episode also walks through treatment options, including hormonal therapies, IUDs, medications that suppress estrogen, and the importance of finding a highly trained surgeon for laparoscopic excision. This conversation offers both validation and clear guidance for anyone struggling with symptoms and looking for real answers.

About the Guest

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Dr. Aliabadi, a prominent OB-GYN in Los Angeles since 2002, is the official gynecologist for various royal families and numerous celebrities. Known as “Dr. A” on the Kardashians, she is a sought-after subject matter expert on TV shows like The Doctors, Dr. Phil, Paula Zahn, and Mr. and Mrs. With over 400k Instagram followers, Dr. A is a leading authority in the field of OB-GYN.

Graduating summa cum laude from Georgetown University School of Medicine, Dr. A was a member of the Alpha Omega medical honor society. She completed her internship and residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. 

Before establishing her practice at Cedars-Sinai, Dr. A held key roles such as Medical Director of Teresa Medical Center, Director of Gynecology at 90210 Surgery Center and Precision Ambulatory Surgery Center, and supervising physician and Northeast Valley Health Corporation and California Hospital Medical Center.

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Mary Alice Haney is a dynamic Women's Advocate, Fashion Designer, TV Host, Producer, Celebrity Stylist, and dedicated Mother of five, who launched her career as the West Coast Editor at prestigious publications like GQ, ALLURE, MARIE CLAIRE, and Domino Magazine. A trailblazer in fashion and entertainment, Mary Alice has influenced Hollywood trends and style choices.

As a familiar face on top-rated shows like "Good Morning America" and "Today," Mary Alice showcased her fashion expertise. She hosted "Ambush Makeover" for Fox and created "Celebrity Closet Confidential" for the Style Network, reaching viewers globally. Founder of the acclaimed fashion line HANEY, Mary Alice's designs adorned Hollywood celebrities for a decade, establishing her as a go-to designer.

Beyond her fashion success, Mary Alice passionately advocates for women's health, inspired by her parents' battles with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Her dedication to raising awareness and promoting preventive measures showcases her commitment to making a positive impact and she continues to champion women's health by bringing in and interviewing some of the most important experts in the field of medicine.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why painful periods are not normal, and when to take them seriously
  • The most common (and often overlooked) symptoms of endometriosis
  • Why it can take up to a decade to get properly diagnosed
  • How endometriosis affects the gut, brain, and mental health
  • The connection between endometriosis and infertility
  • Why ultrasounds and tests often miss endometriosis
  • The difference between hormonal treatments and surgical options
  • How to advocate for yourself and find the right specialist

Key Timestamps

(0:00) Introduction to SHE MD

(2:33) What Is Endometriosis?

(4:33) Key Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

(7:58) Stages of Endometriosis Explained

(8:53) What Causes Endometriosis?

(13:10) Painful Sex Explained

(23:56) How Do You Treat Endometriosis?

(26:18) Stromal Endometriosis Explained

(28:05) Understanding Endometriosis Treatment Options

(37:50) Why Removing Endometriosis Helps Fertility

(40:09) What Happens During Perimenopause and Menopause

(47:47) How Tamoxifen Affects Endometriosis

(49:14) Questions From Listeners

Key Takeaways

  • Endometriosis is a systemic inflammatory condition, not just a reproductive issue.
  • Pain is the most common symptom, including painful periods, sex, bowel movements, and urination.
  • Many patients are misdiagnosed with IBS, anxiety, or “normal cramps” before receiving the correct diagnosis.
  • Diagnosis often takes 9-11 years due to lack of awareness and limitations in imaging.
  • Endometriosis can impact fertility by affecting egg quality, ovarian reserve, and the pelvic environment.
  • Laparoscopic excision surgery is the gold standard for treatment, but requires a highly trained specialist.
  • Hormonal treatments, including progestin IUDs and medications that suppress estrogen, can help manage symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent disease progression and long-term complications.