What do a 1940s scientific breakthrough, a 2000s public health scandal, and your perimenopause symptoms have in common? Answer: Estrogen.

In this episode, the Docs kick off a hormone therapy series by telling listeners the dramatic story of estrogen. How “she” got famous, suffered a scandal, and is beginning to resurge in light of more information on menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor–Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch mix science, history, and some observations on how medical research has typically treated women to explain how randomized controlled trials and evolving interpretations of data have reshaped our understanding of hormone therapy. And why getting the facts straight matters more than ever.

Whether you’re curious about the science, interested in the drama, or just wondering how hormone therapy became so complicated, this episode delivers the goods.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[:45] Intro to Hormone Therapy Series

[5:30] The history of estrogen

[8:32] Hormone therapy on the rise

[13:24] Digging into some research

• observational studies
• randomized control studies

[23:31] HRT as preventive medicine

[25:06] HERS study: HRT and heart health

[31:52] Ethical considerations

[38:14] Coming up in our HRT series

Learn more about the Women’s Health Initiative at www.whi.org

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

How does perimenopause show up in your life compared to others’? Why do experiences vary so widely across cultures? What factors contribute to how people experience perimenopause?

Each person’s experience is completely unique, but in this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs are offering insight and wisdom to explain the complexities of perimenopause.

Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch get into the epidemiology of perimenopause. They shed light on how genetics, social norms, and environmental factors play a role in shaping individual experiences. They also discuss the importance of a holistic and personalized approach to managing symptoms, emphasizing the need to go beyond the one-size-fits-all perspective.

They also address common myths, examining the impact of diet and stress – things that are actually backed by science. You’ll get some practical strategies for managing all the challenges and know how to advocate for the individualized care you deserve.

Rate, review, and share! You are NOT crazy, this is happening and it’s happening to someone else too!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[1:03] Introduction to perimenopause around the world

[2:26] Cultural perspectives on perimenopause

[5:29] The soy myth

[12:34] Perimenopause in the U.S.

[20:39] Challenges in diagnosing perimenopause

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Have you seen the headlines about an increased risk of breast cancer associated with levonorgestrel IUDs? You might know these IUDs as Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, or Liletta. Before you head to your OBGYN to schedule a removal, hang on: there’s so much more to the story than just the headline.

Lucky for us, our Docs, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, have dedicated this episode of OvaryActive to breaking down the science and the stats surrounding breast cancer, the role of progestins, and the implications of recent studies. What are the benefits, risks, truths, and misconceptions around birth control, including IUDs?

In this episode, our Docs define the hormone lingo, explain what the Swedish study actually means, and clear up the difference between “absolute” risk and “relative” risk. You will walk away with a much better understanding of what questions to ask your doctor about using an IUD or other birth control during perimenopause.

This discussion is a great reminder to dig deeper when you see those scary headlines. Media representation of women’s health often lacks nuance, which is why OvaryActive is here for you! And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, sister, or colleague who may benefit from learning more.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:30] IUDs & breast cancer

[3:55] Progestins (different than progesterone)

[10:13] Let’s talk about the Swedish study

[21:52] Uterine cancer & IUDs (it’s good news)

[25:42] Other recent studies on IUDs

[31:21] IUDs in perimenopause

[37:59] Addressing misconceptions and media representation

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html