Dr. Shawna Ruple

Dr. Shawna Ruple OBGYN. Mother. Advocate. Educator. Friend.

01/29/2026

I advocate for patients professionally — and I fight the system personally.
As both a physician and a patient with chronic illness, I live on both sides of this system.

Chronic illness is hard.
Insurance interference makes it harder.

Denials, delays, prior authorizations, and endless administrative barriers don’t just slow care — they worsen disease, increase suffering, and drain already limited physical and emotional reserves.

The people writing the policies don’t live with the consequences.
Patients do.
Providers do.

We deserve a healthcare system that prioritizes healing over profit, access over obstacles, and people over paperwork.

01/22/2026

Pelvic and breast exams matter. They’re essential parts of well-woman care.

If you’re not receiving them, advocate for yourself and find a gynecologist who will ❤️

01/21/2026

I was honored to be part of a panel tonight discussing women’s healthcare and how to advocate for yourself within the medical system.

A few key takeaways:
1️⃣ Make the appointment
2️⃣ Come prepared with your top concerns
3️⃣ Reflect on your symptoms—you never know when things may be connected
4️⃣ Keep an open mind to lifestyle changes, not just quick fixes

Your voice matters. Advocate for it. 💪✨

12/17/2025

Family practice providers do incredible work, but they don’t always have the time—or specialized training—to perform thorough pelvic and breast exams.

That’s why it’s worth considering an annual visit with a gynecologist, even if you’ve already had your yearly exam with your primary care provider. These visits offer focused expertise and an added layer of preventive care for your reproductive and breast health.

12/07/2025

Chronic illness is exhausting to navigate — and some days it feels like the medical system adds more hurdles than help.

I’m tired. I’m hurting. And I know I’m not the only one.

If you’re in this season too, I see you. Your strength isn’t in pretending everything is fine — it’s in showing up anyway, even when you’re worn down.

Here’s to better days ahead, and to giving ourselves grace while we get there. 💛

12/04/2025

🚫✨ Stop taking perimenopause and menopause advice from clinicians, pharmacists, or well-meaning friends who aren’t actually trained in this specialty.

Hormone care is nuanced. Evidence evolves. Your symptoms deserve expertise — not generic advice, fear-based myths, or outdated information.

If you’re struggling, confused, or overwhelmed, seek out someone who truly understands menopause medicine. You deserve care that’s individualized, informed, and confident. 💛

11/21/2025

🌸 PRP + Menopause: What’s the buzz? 🌸

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) isn’t a replacement for hormone therapy, but it can support some of the changes we feel in midlife. Here’s where it may help:

✨ Vaginal & v***ar health — improved lubrication, elasticity, and comfort (think less dryness + less pain with in*******se).
✨ Sexual function — many women notice better arousal or stronger OOOooOOos.

PRP doesn’t treat hot flashes or replace estrogen, but it can be a great addition to your therapy if you’re looking to support tissue health, sexual wellness, or hair changes in menopause.

Curious if it’s right for you? Always start with your individual symptoms and goals — personalized care matters most. 💛

11/13/2025

Had a couple patients ask me about the very buzz worthy FDA “black box” warning today…

To be clear, my counseling and prescribing will remain the same— I was ALREADY following evidence based recommendations!!!

This doesn’t mean everyone is getting a prescription 🤭 HRT is individualized. Decisions are made between patients and their doctor!

The hope is ➡️➡️➡️ this regulatory step forward for women’s healthcare IMPROVES ACCESS to an important treatment option

11/12/2025

🎉 Big news for women’s health: the FDA is removing the black-box warning from many menopause hormone therapies (HRT)! 💪

📣FINALLY— letting patients and their physician make educatied and PERSONALIZED decisions as a team.

Since 2003 these treatments carried the strongest safety warning — citing risks of breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots and dementia. 
But now (FINALLY!!!) the agency says that evidence supports a lower‐risk profile for many women, especially when therapy begins within 10 years of menopause or before age 60. DUH!!!

11/07/2025

✨ Let’s talk about ovarian cysts! ✨

They sound intimidating, but the truth is — ovarian cysts are really common and often totally normal. 💛

Most cysts form naturally during your cycle and disappear on their own without you even knowing they were there. Your ovaries are just doing their thing!

Sometimes cysts can cause discomfort, bloating, or pain — and that’s when it’s worth checking in with your doctor. But having a cyst doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong or dangerous.

Your body goes through amazing hormonal changes every month, and small cysts are often part of that NORMAL process 👍🏻

11/03/2025

Estrogen gets all the spotlight in hormone therapy—but progesterone deserves some love too 💛

It’s the calming, balancing hormone that helps protect the uterus, improves sleep, supports mood, and even aids brain health.

If you’re on HRT and something still feels “off,” don’t overlook progesterone. Balance is everything. ✨

10/30/2025

Halloween is a great time to think about getting your “other” pumpkin out! 🎃 🎃🎃

🙈🙊🙉 I cannot begin to tell you how many women stop going in for pelvic exams when they no longer need a pap.

You should check your v***a once a month so you know your normal. Any changes ➡️ see your doctor.

Not all v***al itching is thrush!!!

If treatment for a yeast infection isn’t helping then it could be a chronic skin condition lichen sclerosus.

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