Girlish Gurus

Lichen sclerosus (LS) affects far more women than most people realize—yet it remains widely misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and rarely discussed openly. In this compassionate and educational episode of Girlish Gurus, we shine a much-needed light on vulvar lichen sclerosus and the emotional, physical, and nervous-system impact it can have on women, especially in midlife. Our guest, Stephanie Hrehirchuk, brings a deeply grounded and holistic perspective to the conversation. Stephanie is a writer, Qigong teacher, and women’s wellness expert with over 25 years of experience in health and personal development. She is the author of the award-winning book, Lichen Sclerosus: Body, Mind & Spirit Practices to Heal the Stress of LS, as well as more than 10 additional titles on wellness and spirituality. In this episode, we explore why LS is so often misdiagnosed or dismissed, the early symptoms many women are told to “normalize,” and why addressing the emotional and psychological toll of LS is just as important as treating the physical symptoms. Stephanie shares her personal journey with LS and the moment she realized that true healing required more than symptom control—it required a whole-person approach that included nervous system regulation, compassionate self-care, and mind-body practices. She offers gentle, supportive tools beyond medication, including Qigong, breathwork, and stress-reduction practices, to help calm flare-ups and restore a sense of safety in the body. We also talk openly about the isolation and shame many women feel when living with LS—and the importance of breaking the silence so no one feels alone in their diagnosis. Stephanie explains what inspired her to write her book and how she hopes it serves as a reassuring companion for women navigating this condition. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus—or if you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or overwhelmed by a chronic condition—this episode offers validation, education, and hope. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: What vulvar lichen sclerosus is and why it’s so often misunderstood or misdiagnosed Common early signs and symptoms women frequently overlook or dismiss The emotional and psychological impact of LS—and why it’s rarely addressed in conventional care Why a whole-body, mind-body-spirit approach matters for long-term well-being Supportive practices beyond medication that help calm the nervous system How to navigate feelings of isolation, shame, and overwhelm The first small, grounding step to take after a new diagnosis 📖 Featured Resource: Lichen Sclerosus: Body, Mind & Spirit Practices to Heal the Stress of LS by Stephanie Hrehirchuk An award-winning, compassionate guide that honors the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of living with LS. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and help us continue breaking the silence around women’s health. Stephanie’s Qigong Program Stephanie’s author link with her other published titles The Vulvatini Recipe for Vulva support! Life Line Screening: Get Peace of Mind: It’s National Heart Month! #GirlishGurus #MidlifeWomen #LichenSclerosusAwareness #WomensHealthMatters #WholeBodyHealing