Some of the most important women’s health questions are the ones that rarely get asked out loud. They sit in the back of our minds. They show up during late-night Google searches. They may get talked about quietly with friends or saved for “maybe next time.” And often, they never quite make it into the exam room.
In a recent virtual women’s health talk with gynecologist Dr. Jack Coiner, he created space for those exact questions. The conversation focused on questions women frequently think about, like hormones, birth control, pain, sex, menopause, and cancer risk, but don’t always feel comfortable bringing up during appointments or don’t know how to start the conversation.
Let’s talk about hormone imbalance
One of the first questions centered on hormones and whether “hormone imbalance” is actually a real medical issue or just a buzzword people hear on TV or online. “In short, yes,” Dr. Coiner said. “Hormone imbalances are real. They are a thing.” He explained that hormones act as messengers throughout the body, helping regulate everything from menstrual cycles and energy levels to mood, sleep, and metabolism. When those signals are disrupted, symptoms can show up in ways that don’t always feel clearly connected.
The discussion touched on ovarian function, thyroid disorders, perimenopause, and menopause, and how hormonal changes can look very different from one woman to the next. Some women notice shifts in their cycles. Others feel it in their sleep, weight, anxiety, or how they respond to stress.
Libido, birth control, and the things women hesitate to say out loud
Questions about low libido came up multiple times throughout the talk. “Low libido is one of the questions I get all day, every day,” Dr. Coiner shared. He spoke honestly about how sexual health is influenced by far more than hormones alone. Stress, mental health, exhaustion, relationships, body image, medications, life transitions, and chronic pain can all play a role.
One listener asked whether birth control could be contributing. “Yes, some birth control can affect libido,” he answered. “But some women are more sensitive to that than others.”
He explained that responses to hormonal contraception vary widely, and that side effects don’t mean someone is “stuck.” Different formulations, non-hormonal options, and dosage changes can make a difference. The larger point was that women don’t have to quietly live with symptoms that are interfering with their quality of life.
Cancer risk, genetics, and screening
Several questions focused on breast and ovarian cancer risk, particularly for women with a family history or ongoing worry about what symptoms to watch for.
Dr. Coiner talked about how much genetic testing has advanced in recent years and how it can help clarify individual risk, rather than relying only on broad family history. That information can guide screening schedules, referrals, and long-term planning.
He also reviewed why gynecologic cancers can be difficult to detect early. Symptoms are often vague, gradual, or easy to dismiss. Bloating, pain, cycle changes, fatigue, or changes that don’t resolve deserve attention, especially when they are persistent or unusual.
Dr. Coiner’s message focused on awareness, not alarm, and encouraged women to know their bodies, notice patterns over time, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
Dr. Coiner is currently accepting new patients at Chestnut Ridge Medical in Blowing Rock. To schedule an appointment, call 828-386-3350.
To watch the first part of Dr. Coiner's Health Talk, click the video link below.
