In today's episode of the Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn, I am honored to host Heather Craig Alonge, a dedicated healthcare professional and educator who shares her journey surviving uterine sarcoma, a rare cancer diagnosis that turned her world upside down. Heather's story is not just about battling cancer, but about embodying the role of a self-advocate in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system and managing her treatment. Our discussion unveils the challenges and valuable learnings found in persisting through a serious health crisis and the critical nature of personal advocacy in healthcare.

In this episode you'll:

• Grasp the importance of healthcare literacy and proactivity in treatment decisions.
• Delve into the nuances of being your own health advocate when standard medical practices do not align with personal health needs or make logical sense.
• Explore Heather’s role in educating future healthcare professionals from her experiences, promoting a patient-centered care model.
• Recognize the power of community support and shared experiences in dealing with chronic illnesses, particularly cancer.

Episode Timeline:
00:06 Introduction and Welcome
01:45 Guest Introduction: Heather Craig Alonge
02:38 Heather’s Initial Diagnosis and Emotional Impact
05:20 Background: Heather's Expertise in Healthcare
09:34 The Importance of Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare
13:12 Discrepancies in Medical Advice and Personal Health Choices
18:27 Heather's Role in Education and Touching Lives
22:50 The Role of Community and Support Systems
25:53 Listener Q&A: Coping Mechanisms and Keeping Positive
31:15 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
32:00 Farewell to Heather and Closing Remarks

Heather Craig Alonge holds a PhD in health services and has an extensive background in teaching healthcare research methods to a diverse array of medical professionals. She challenges the traditional narratives around patient care, pushing for a system that listens more attentively to the individuals it aims to serve. Heather’s journey through cancer not only tested her resilience but also galvanized her commitment to teaching and advocating for a more humane and insightful approach to healthcare.

To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit:
https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/time-to-talk

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Person's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://realhealthmd.kartra.com/page/SmartPersonsGuidetoBreastCancer

Join the Facebook group: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepingabreastwdrjenn

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In today's episode of Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn, I’m delighted to be joined by Dr. Corinne Menn, a passionate advocate for women's health and hormone therapy expert. We delve deep into the complexities of menopause care, especially focusing on breast cancer survivors. Dr. Menn discusses the nuanced options available and emphasizes the importance of a tailored treatment plan considering individual patient needs and backgrounds. This episode unfolds the hidden struggles of managing menopause symptoms post-breast cancer and lays out concrete steps for embracing informed decision-making.

In this episode you'll:

• Learn about the transformative effects of personalized hormone therapy post-breast cancer.
• Understand the critical role of vaginal estrogen and FDA-approved DHEA in alleviating genitourinary symptoms.
• Recognize the challenges and possibilities related to testosterone use in breast cancer survivors concerning libido issues.
• Gain insights from pivotal trials and studies about the safety and efficacy of hormone therapy in breast cancer survivors.
• Address the myths and misconceptions surrounding hormone therapy, with a focus on the quality of life and women's health empowerment.

Episode Timeline:
00:05 Introduction to Today’s Topic
01:15 Guest Introduction: Dr. Corinne Menn
02:45 Understanding Menopause in Breast Cancer Survivors
06:30 The Role of Hormones in Long-Term Health Management
10:58 Addressing the Specific Needs of Breast Cancer Survivors
17:25 Dr. Menn’s Personal and Professional Insights on Breast Cancer Journey
24:34 Debunking Hormone Therapy Myths
36:20 How Alloy Helps Survivors Navigate Post-Cancer Menopause
44:05 Practical Advice for Advocating Personal Health Decisions
52:39 Closing Thoughts: Empowerment through Knowledge

Dr. Corinne Menn is an esteemed OB GYN and a menopause specialist who co-founded Alloy, a telehealth platform dedicated to providing accessible menopause care. After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 28 and undergoing a profound personal health journey, Dr. Menn dedicated her career to enhancing menopause education and hormone therapy practices. Her work now focuses on advocating for personalized healthcare and empowering women to make informed choices about their treatment and well-being.

Connect with Dr. Corinne Menn:
www.instagram.com/drmennobgyn/
drmenn.com/

To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit:
https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/time-to-talk

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Person's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://realhealthmd.kartra.com/page/SmartPersonsGuidetoBreastCancer

Join the Facebook group: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepingabreastwdrjenn

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In today's episode of Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn, I am joined by the esteemed Dr. Heather Hirsch, a leading figure in menopausal health and hormone therapy. Our conversation today centers on the myths and realities surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the pivotal role of hormones in overall wellness, and the nuanced challenges of managing menopause symptoms, particularly in the context of breast health.

In this episode you'll:

• Grasp a deeper understanding of hormone therapy and its impact on alleviating menopausal symptoms.
• Recognize the comprehensive benefits of estrogen beyond reproductive health, including its roles in brain function, emotional stability, and chronic disease prevention.
• Unpack the prevailing myths linking HRT to breast cancer
• Explore the importance of tailored healthcare approaches that integrate patient narratives and preferences in treatment plans.
• Understand the complexities and advancements in hormone therapy usage, especially in contexts like breast cancer survivorship.
• Discuss the role of social media and telemedicine in transforming patient empowerment and healthcare delivery.
• Consider the broader societal and medical contexts that influence hormone therapy perceptions and prescriptions.

Episode Timeline:
00:54 Guest Introduction: Dr. Heather Hirsch
02:15 The misinterpretation of hormone therapy and breast health
07:29 Benefits of hormone therapy in systemic health
14:50 Hormones and their multifaceted functions in the human body
20:22 Addressing the misinformation and fear surrounding hormone therapy
27:35 The impact of social media on patient empowerment and healthcare accessibility
32:28 Strategies for comprehensive patient care in menopause management
38:45 The stigma around HRT and its reshaping through informed discourse
44:19 Dr. Hirsch's personal and professional standpoint on HRT usage
53:30 Closing thoughts and further resources

Dr. Heather Hirsch is a leading physician specializing in internal medicine with a sub-specialty focus on women's health and midlife transitions, particularly menopause. After leaving a role in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Hirsch has dedicated her career to advancing the understanding and treatment of menopause through a holistic and patient-centered approach. She is well known for her educational efforts on various platforms, including her acclaimed course, "the reclaiming menopause Masterclass," and her comprehensive guidebook available on Amazon. Dr. Hirsch is reshaping the conversation around menopause and women's health

Connect with Dr. Heather Hirsch
www.instagram.com/heatherhirschmd/
https://heatherhirschmd.com/

To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit:
https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/time-to-talk

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Person's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://realhealthmd.kartra.com/page/SmartPersonsGuidetoBreastCancer

Join the Facebook group: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepingabreastwdrjenn

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons