Melissa Waldron

Melissa Waldron, PT, DPT

Dr. Melissa Waldron, DPT specializes in treating women’s pelvic health, encompassing a range of diagnoses related to sexual function, bowel and bladder control, pelvic organ support and postural stability. She is passionate about educating and raising awareness of these conditions that are often difficult to discuss, improving her patient’s confidence and quality of life.

Why is it important to treat vaginal dryness at multiple stages of life?

Vaginal dryness can occur at any stage of life, and is most often experienced by women going through a hormonal change. I recommend a vaginal moisturizer to the majority of my patients, especially those who are on birth control, postpartum or breastfeeding, peri or postmenopausal women, those with a history of gynecological cancers or those with vulvar skin conditions such as lichens sclerosis. Using a vulvar or vaginal moisturizer daily will help to improve the color, pliability and plumpness of the tissue to reduce pain, irritation and urinary and sexual dysfunction.

Why do you recommend Plum?

Plum offers a superior formulation that is mess-free and without hormones or toxic chemicals, directly addressing my patient’s most common complaints. Dr. Waldron is excited to join Plum, a company backed by experts in the field, research and testing.

Carrie Jones

Dr. Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP

Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dubbed the “Queen of Hormones,” Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who did her 2-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She went on to get her Master of Public Health, was one of the first to become board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology, and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She was the first Medical Director for Precision Analytical (the DUTCH Test) and the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health. She co-hosts the highly popular show, the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, that has over 10 million downloads. She is the Clinical Expert for the Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center, was on Under Armour’s Human Performance Council, works with the new League One Volleyball (LOVB) organization and is an advisor to Metapause and Cerive. She is the Chief Medical Officer at NuEthix Formulations.

Why is it important to treat vaginal dryness at multiple stages of life?

Vaginal dryness isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a sign that something’s off in the body, and it deserves attention. When it gets ignored or normalized, we risk more than just discomfort—intimacy can become painful, leading to emotional strain, and our vaginal health can be compromised, increasing the chance of infections and urinary issues. Addressing vaginal dryness isn’t about vanity; it’s about reclaiming your comfort, confidence, and well-being, no matter your age. Your body’s signals are important, and so is feeling like yourself again.

Why do you recommend Plum?

This is why I choose Plum. Their science-backed products are thoughtfully designed with the understanding that vaginal health is a vital aspect of a woman's overall well-being, regardless of her age.

Sarah Zielsdorf

Dr. Sarah Zielsdorf, MD, MS, ABIM, IFMCP

Dr. Zielsdorf is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner and board-certified in Internal Medicine. As the Owner and Medical Director of Motivated Medicine, an innovative consultative medical practice in West Chicago, Illinois, she is a skilled diagnostician, microbiologist, and passionate teacher. Dr. Z specializes in chronic illnesses including autoimmune driven diseases, has a passion for women’s health, with a focus on hormone management (thyroid, sex hormones, adrenals, and more). In addition, Dr. Z serves as a medical and research advisor & the education director to the Low Dose Naltrexone Research Trust. She teaches internationally and created the 2020-2024 LDN Guides, and is an author featured in the LDN Book, Volume 2 & 3, and New Horizons. The Motivated Medicine approach that Dr. Z developed (and continues to evolve) is rooted in Translational Medicine, which bridges the gap between current clinical research worldwide and the direct care received from the physician. Dr. Zielsdorf’s open-minded approach to treatment is informed by data, advanced diagnostic testing, whole-body wellness, tried-and-true “conventional” medicine, and so much more.

Why is it important to treat vaginal dryness at multiple stages of life?
Vaginal dryness is imperative to address. In my experience, this care is not a priority at any stage of life for clinicians, and is ignored even when symptomatic for a majority of my patients. This is simply not a standard of care for gynecologic health. We must take symptoms seriously, which can occur not just during perimenopause and menopause for women, but at any time. Often patients will have symptoms due to hormone imbalances from pregnancy or while breastfeeding, chronic illnesses that cause hormonal havoc, and for patients prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) or vaginal microbiome imbalances, called dysbiosis. Vaginal dryness is a risk factor for chronic UTIs, and atrophy of the vaginal tissues, and painful toileting and intimacy. All of these issues cause poor quality of life and contribute to further risk of chronic disease development.

Why do you recommend Plum?

I am excited to partner with Plum as a peptide product fills a niche to moisturize tissues without hormones that patients may either not tolerate or wish not to use, and represents an innovation in the field of women's health care. In the field of personalized and precision medicine, we need a variety of therapeutic options for our patients and Plum is a unique product developed to make a difference.

Celia Chen

Celia Chen, Health Optimization Expert

Celia Chen is a health optimization expert and certified integrative coach. Leveraging her experience as a Chief Marketing Officer building educational platforms for innovative beauty, wellness, and longevity brands, she now empowers midlife women to optimize metabolism, navigate menopause, and enhance sexual health through her coaching practice and guest lectures.

Why is it important to treat vaginal dryness at multiple stages of life?

Women's biology is constantly evolving. By having open conversations about the various reasons for vaginal dryness, we can support women's daily comfort and confidence as well as optimize their overall well-being.

Why do you recommend Plum?

Plum embodies a new standard in innovation and integrity. As an expert in health optimization, I'm proud to endorse Plum's doctor-formulated, cutting-edge products and support their mission to cultivate a strong community centered on women's health.

Vanessa Rissetto

Vanessa Rissetto, RD

Vanessa Rissetto is a registered dietitian (RD) and the CEO and Co-founder of Culina Health, a revolutionary clinical nutrition care company created in 2020. Prior to starting this venture, she served as the Director of Dietetic Internships at New York University (NYU), where she led the clinical nutrition treatment for a diverse patient population and mentored early-career dietitians — many of whom now work at Culina Health.

Why is it important to treat vaginal dryness at multiple stages of life?

Often times we don't talk about vaginal dryness, but it's something to care about at all stages. Making sure there is consistent moisture will help over time. If ignored, more problems will arise when simply making sure your vagina is moisturized just like any part of the body is often the simple solution. 

Why do you recommend Plum?

Evidenced based, hormone free products are near and dear to my heart. As a cancer survivor of an estrogen dominant breast cancer not having to worry about ingredients etc. saves my mental state.

Keira Barr

Keira Barr, MD, FAAD

Keira Barr, MD, FAAD is a keynote speaker, consultant, and innovator in integrative dermatology, mind-body medicine, and trauma healing approaches to skin health. With over 20 years of experience, she combines cutting-edge science with a deep understanding of how skin reflects our emotional and physical well-being. Dr. Barr is a dual board-certified dermatologist who served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at UC Davis in dermatology and pathology and has been an editorial reviewer for leading medical journals. She’s a sought-after expert in the personal care and tech industries, serving as Chief Medical Officer for K’ept Health. As the founder and CEO of the Center for Mind-Skin Medicine, Dr. Barr has redefined skin care through her services and programs, emphasizing resilience and embodiment.

Why is it important to treat vaginal dryness at multiple stages of life?

Vaginal dryness isn't just a physical issue; it affects how we feel about ourselves and can lead to discomfort and challenges in our relationships. When unaddressed or overlooked, it can make these problems worse, creating a cycle of physical and emotional stress. Addressing vaginal dryness at any age helps maintain both physical comfort and emotional well-being so we can experience comfort and confidence in our skin.

Why do you recommend Plum?

I am excited to join Plum's advisory board because their science-backed products are thoughtfully designed with the understanding that vaginal health is a vital aspect of a woman's overall well-being:physical, mental and emotional.

Dr. Soma Mandal

Soma Mandal, MD

Dr. Soma Mandal is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician renowned for her compassionate approach to comprehensive healthcare. With a practice located in New Jersey, Dr. Mandal combines her extensive medical expertise with a deep commitment to patient-centered care, ensuring her patients receive personalized and attentive treatment.

Dr. Mandal graduated from the New York University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. With over two decades of experience, she has built a reputation for excellence in preventive care, women's health, and chronic disease management.

Dedicated to empowering her patients, Dr. Mandal emphasizes the importance of preventative care and lifestyle modifications to enhance overall well-being. She is passionate about educating her patients on the benefits of nutrition, fitness, and holistic health approaches to maintain optimal health.

Outside of her practice, Dr. Mandal is an active contributor to the medical community, frequently sharing her insights through speaking engagements, media and publications. She is also an advocate for wellness education, striving to make a positive impact on her patients and the broader community.

Why is it important to treat vaginal dryness at multiple stages of life?

As an internist and women's health specialist, I emphasize the importance of treating vaginal dryness at multiple stages of life because it can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, affecting intimate relationships, self-esteem, and overall comfort. Addressing this issue is crucial not only for alleviating symptoms like discomfort and irritation but also for preventing potential complications such as vaginal infections and urinary issues, which I frequently see in my practice.

Why do you recommend Plum?

I am drawn to being a part of the Plum story because of their commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable, and skin-friendly products that align with my values of promoting overall well-being and health. I recommend Plum products over others because they are thoughtfully formulated with natural ingredients, free from harmful chemicals, and designed to cater to diverse skin needs, ensuring safe and effective care for my patients. 

Lastly, as a 53 year-old perimenopausal woman, I am not only someone who treats these symptoms, but someone who is actively experiencing these issues. I would like to be part of a community where I can learn about everything that is available for women to lead a happier and healthier life.