Mayan Lopez: Finding Confidence Through PCOS, Healing, and Humor

02/11/25 • 42 min

Welcome to SHE MD, the podcast where medicine, wellness, and real-life experiences intersect. Hosted by Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney, today’s episode dives into a powerful conversation about confidence, resilience, and self-discovery. We’re joined by actress and comedian Mayan Lopez, who shares her deeply personal journey with PCOS, the impact of her public family struggles, and how she’s navigated complex PTSD, body image, and self-worth. From hormone health to emotional healing, this episode is a testament to the strength it takes to rebuild and thrive. Get ready for an inspiring and heartfelt discussion on finding confidence from within.

Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii

Sponsors:

YNAB: Listeners of She MD can claim an exclusive three-month free trial, with no credit required, at YNAB

MidiHealth: You deserve to feel great. Book your visit today at JoinMidi.com

Seed: Get ahead of the New Year with a routine that helps you now by going to Seed.com/SHEMD and use code 25SHEMD to get 25% off your first month.

Timeline: Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/SHEMD.

One Skin: Visit OneSkin.co/SHEMD and use code SHEMD at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.

MAYAN LOPEZ TAKEAWAYS:

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis in Health and Well-being—Struggling with unexplained health issues can lead to emotional distress and self-doubt. Proper diagnosis and treatment can provide validation, improve quality of life and mental health and empower individuals to rebuild their self-esteem and confidence.
Success Requires Confidence, Resilience, and Effort – These qualities help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Identifying which one may be lacking can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
Healing Takes Awareness and Action – Understanding the root causes of struggles, whether medical conditions like PCOS or personal hardships, allows individuals to seek solutions and regain control of their lives.
The Importance of Support Systems – Whether from a parent, friend, or mentor, having even one strong support figure can be life-changing. If that support isn’t available, learning to provide self-love and seeking a trusted community can help fill that role.
Turning Pain into Purpose - Difficult experiences can be channeled into growth, creativity, and even storytelling, helping others experiencing similar struggles.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:06] Mayan shares what brought her and her famous father together after their estrangement
[6:37] Mayan discusses her journey with PCOS and its effects on mental health and her self-worth
[15:07] Mayan’s journey with binge eating and PCOS
[30:07] Mayan talks about the genetic testing done in her family and her PTSD
[31:27] The value of self-love and Mayan advises anyone experiencing trauma

RESOURCES:

Mayan Lopez - Instagram

People Mag Intro HERE

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Mayan Lopez is the co-creator, writer, co-executive producer, and star of NBC’s Lopez vs. Lopez, which returned for its third season in October. Inspired by her TikTok content, the series follows a Gen Z daughter rebuilding her relationship with her old-school Latino father. Her performance earned her a 2024 Imagen Award nomination for Best Actress. In 2025, she will make her feature film debut in The Evilry as an executive producer. Lopez, a trained improv artist, studied at Second City and Columbia College’s Comedy Writing Program. She is an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and a vocal advocate for Gen Z, Millennials, and the LGBTQ+ community.

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Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii

Sponsors:

YNAB: Listeners of She MD can claim an exclusive three-month free trial, with no credit required, at YNAB

MidiHealth: You deserve to feel great. Book your visit today at JoinMidi.com

Seed: Get ahead of the New Year with a routine that helps you now by going to Seed.com/SHEMD and use code 25SHEMD to get 25% off your first month.

Timeline: Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/SHEMD.

One Skin: Visit OneSkin.co/SHEMD and use code SHEMD at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.

MAYAN LOPEZ TAKEAWAYS:

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis in Health and Well-being—Struggling with unexplained health issues can lead to emotional distress and self-doubt. Proper diagnosis and treatment can provide validation, improve quality of life and mental health and empower individuals to rebuild their self-esteem and confidence.
Success Requires Confidence, Resilience, and Effort – These qualities help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Identifying which one may be lacking can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
Healing Takes Awareness and Action – Understanding the root causes of struggles, whether medical conditions like PCOS or personal hardships, allows individuals to seek solutions and regain control of their lives.
The Importance of Support Systems – Whether from a parent, friend, or mentor, having even one strong support figure can be life-changing. If that support isn’t available, learning to provide self-love and seeking a trusted community can help fill that role.
Turning Pain into Purpose - Difficult experiences can be channeled into growth, creativity, and even storytelling, helping others experiencing similar struggles.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:06] Mayan shares what brought her and her famous father together after their estrangement
[6:37] Mayan discusses her journey with PCOS and its effects on mental health and her self-worth
[15:07] Mayan’s journey with binge eating and PCOS
[30:07] Mayan talks about the genetic testing done in her family and her PTSD
[31:27] The value of self-love and Mayan advises anyone experiencing trauma

RESOURCES:

Mayan Lopez - Instagram

People Mag Intro HERE

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

See Privacy Policy at

Previous Episode

The Science Behind Ketamine and the Treatment of Depression

Welcome to the SHE MD podcast! Today hosts Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney dive into a groundbreaking topic with Dr. Peyman Tashkandi and Anabel González: the transformative potential of ketamine therapy for mental health. From treatment-resistant depression and severe anxiety to postpartum depression, this episode explores how ketamine is reshaping the landscape of mental health treatment.

Dr. Tashkandi breaks down the science behind ketamine’s unique mechanism, which boosts neuroplasticity, reduces inflammation, and balances neurotransmitters to offer life-changing relief for those who haven’t found success with traditional treatments. Anabel shares her deeply personal story of overcoming postpartum depression and lifelong mental health struggles through a structured ketamine infusion program paired with therapy.

You’ll also hear about the importance of integration therapy, how to identify who is—and isn’t—a good candidate for ketamine, and the need to advocate for innovative mental health solutions. Whether you’re a medical professional, a patient seeking new options, or simply curious about cutting-edge treatments, this episode is packed with insights to transform how we approach mental health. Let’s get started!

Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting our website at shemdpodcast.com and Ovii.com/shemd.

Sponsors:

Cymbiotika: Go to Cymbiotikia.com/SHEMD for 20% off your order + free shipping today.

Lume: Control Body Order ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code SHEMD at Lumepodcast.com/SHEMD! #lumepod

DR. PEYMAN TASHKANDI & ANABEL GONZALEZ TAKEAWAYS:

Explore Ketamine as a Transformative Option: Ketamine therapy offers rapid relief for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, and postpartum depression. Its unique mechanism of action—boosting neuroplasticity, reducing inflammation, and balancing neurotransmitters like glutamate—makes it life-changing for patients where traditional medications have failed.
Understand the Science Behind Ketamine's Impact: Ketamine works differently from standard antidepressants by targeting NMDA receptors, increasing glutamate activity and enhancing neuroplasticity. This helps patients break free from patterns of chronic depression or anxiety, offering not just temporary relief but lasting mental health improvements with proper infusion protocols.
Recognize the Spectrum of Mental Health Needs: Ketamine therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is most effective for those with clinical depression, severe anxiety, or debilitating conditions like postpartum depression. Understanding the distinction between everyday stress and clinical symptoms is essential for determining who can benefit from this cutting-edge treatment.
Pair treatment with integration therapy for maximum impact: Therapy within 72 hours of ketamine infusions enhances the benefits by helping process and integrate experiences. While infusions alone can be effective, combining them with tools like EMDR can lead to profound and lasting emotional breakthroughs.
Advocate for awareness and education: Despite its potential, ketamine therapy remains underutilized due to slow guideline changes and resistance from some mental health professionals. Push for greater understanding and open discussions with providers about innovative treatments, especially when conventional methods aren’t meeting your needs.

THIS EPISODE:

[4:27] Ketamine for depression and how it works scientifically
[13:53] Clinical depression and anxiety and Anabel shares her story of depression and her first ketamine infusion
[22:31] Therapy, the infusion experience and who is not a good candidate
[31:24] Long-term effects of ketamine treatments and finding the right clinic
[38:45] Treating a child or adolescent with ketamine and the difference between women's and men’s symptoms

RESOURCES:

Dr. Tashkandi’s Instagram

Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles Website

Dr. Tashkandi’s Private Psychiatry Practice Website

Anabel’s Company, Good Bacteria

Anabel's Instagram

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Dr Peyman Tashka...

Next Episode

What Women Need to Know About Hormones, Menopause, and Sexual Wellness with Dr. Kelly Casperson

Today’s episode features the amazing Dr. Kelly Casperson, host of the podcast You Are Not Broken. Dr. Casperson, a trained urologist, has had a fascinating journey that led her to become an expert in sex and women’s health, and we're diving into how that transformation unfolded. We’ll explore the concept of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, the benefits of vaginal estrogen for bladder and sexual health, and discuss important topics like brain fog and the role of hormone therapy in supporting women’s well-being during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Casperson’s insights on managing menopause symptoms with preventative care, understanding hormone replacement, and debunking common myths are incredibly valuable. So, let’s get into this informative conversation!

Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii.

SPONSORS:

Visit OneSkin.co/SHEMD and use code SHEMD at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.
Hero Bread is offering listeners 10% off your order. Go to hero.co and use code SHEMD at checkout.
Go to livemomentous.com and try it today for 20% off with code SHEMD, and start living on purpose.
Go to Cymbiotikia.com/SHEMD for 20% off your order + free shipping today.
As a ZOE member, you'll get an at home test kit and personalized nutrition program to help make smarter food choices that support your gut. Thats ZOE.com and use code SHEMD10 to get 10% off your membership.
Listeners of She MD can claim an exclusive three-month free trial, with no credit required at www.YNAB.com/shemd

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Dr. Aliabadi shares exciting news about Ovii

(02:05) Dr. Casperson shares her career journey

(06:47) Why podcasts discussing menopause, hormone therapy and vaginal dryness are necessary

(18:34) Lubrication is essential, painful sex and testosterone usage for women

(29:27) Vaginal estrogen treatments and brain fog

(38:35) The benefits of hormone therapy

DR. KELLY CASPERSON TAKEAWAYS:

Vaginal estrogen isn’t just for treating symptoms; it helps prevent recurrent UTIs, bladder issues, and tissue atrophy. It’s a game-changer for long-term vaginal and urinary health.
Vaginal dryness is a common but treatable symptom of menopause. Lubricants and vaginal estrogen can help maintain comfort and intimacy. Don’t suffer in silence, solutions exist!
Your pleasure and sexual wellness matter. Don't let outdated myths or stigma hold you back. Advocate for yourself, seek the proper care, and take control of your intimacy.
Hormones are not miracle workers, and while hormone therapy can be incredibly beneficial, it’s not a cure-all. A holistic approach, nutrition, exercise, and stress management, works alongside hormones for optimal health.
Your Health Is Not Static, You’re in Control – Menopause and aging bring changes, but you can make informed choices. From hormone therapy to lifestyle shifts, you can take charge of your well-being.

RESOURCES:

Dr. Kelly Casperson Instagram

You Are Not Broken Podcast

Kelly Casperson MD Website

You Are Not Broken YouTube

You Are Not Broken Book

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologic surgeon, renowned public speaker, sex educator, and host of the top-ranking podcast You Are Not Broken. Dedicated to empowering women, Dr. Kelly blends humor, candor, and science to demystify sexual health, intimacy, and midlife wellness. Through her podcast and online courses, she tack...