I’m Dr. Heather Hirsch, board-certified internist, menopause specialist, and founder of the Menopause & Midlife Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Welcome to my podcast where I give you the straight tea on everything midlife and menopause—real symptoms, real solutions, and what actually works—so you can understand your body and take back control of your health.
For a deeper dive into my no BS approach to menopause care, I’ve written Unlock Your Menopause Type and The Perimenopause Survival Guide. You can find me most days guiding patients at The Collaborative, my telemedicine practice
23. Financial health for women
Jan 15, 2020
Show notes This much requested topic was selected to remind women that finances make up a significant part of women’s health. When finances are misaligned, this can lead to stress, sleepless nights, and arguments with loved ones, all which derail our goals of a happy, health life. In this episode, Dr. Hirsch gives a brief outline on how to establish healthy financial goals, including getting organized, when to share finances with a loved one, and how to best set yourself up for retirement, the ultimate life goal. Listen in as she shares her strategies and her favorite resources to get your excited and motivated to get in amazing financial shape. In this podcast episode she specifically references: * “Smart Couples Finish Rich” https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Couples-Finish-Rich-Creating/dp/0767904842* Author Dave Ramsey https://www.daveramsey.com/
22. Getting Unstuck: Navigating your goals and worth using neuroplasticity.
Jan 07, 2020
Show notes In this fascinating episode, Dr. Hirsch interviews this weeks guest Dr. Deb Elbaum, a doctor focusing on personalized coaching to help individuals reach their maximum potential. Together, they discuss why women often find themselves in a “rut” and how they can remove themselves from negative situations by changing the way the brain is wired. This process, while not easy, can be done by anyone and has helped countless women overcome their negative thinking. Dr. Elbaum discuss some tips you can start implementing right away, while Dr. Hirsch brings in some of her personal experiences to shed light on how brain neuroplasticity has changed her outlook on life and helped in her success.
21. Top Ten Women’s Health Advancements in 2019:
Dec 23, 2019
Show notes 2019 was a banner year in terms of women’s health. There were many advancements made in medications, diagnostic breast imaging, and more that Dr. Hirsch discusses in this uplifting episode. In more detail, Dr. Hirsch’s top ten advancements in women’s health are: * Neurokinin 3 receptor antagonists. A new non-hormonal medication that is being studied to treat menopausal hot flashes. * Bremelanotide. A new as needed injectable medication used for low libido in women. * The year long birth control vaginal ring. M* Brexanolone injection for severe post-partum depression. * The position statement on topical testosterone when used for women with low libido that is distressing. * Flibanserine, a medication used for low libido in women had a no-alcohol ban lifted, and becomes more cost effective.* New advancements in breast imaging to detect breast cancer, and non-hormonal medications are being studied for their use in breast cancer. * For women with migraines, many new medications became available, most in the mono-clonal antibody class. * Hormone replacement therapy is studies for preventative measures in Alzheimer’s disease. * Precision medicine takes center stage.
20. The best types of exercise for your body.
Dec 09, 2019
Show notes Many people exercise for all the wrong reasons. In this podcast, Dr. Hirsch says that it is best to begin by defining your goals in exercising. She discussed three reasons why NOT to exercise, and several reasons WHY you should exercise. Next, Dr. Hirsch gives women 5 tips to incorporate when exercising. This podcast is a great reminder for anyone who loves to exercise and also for those who need the motivation to get going!
19. The essential power in gratitude and your health; an interview with Dr. Natalie Dattilo.
Nov 22, 2019
Show notes Dr. Natalie Dattilo is the director of clinical psychology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. She believes strongly in the power of gratitude in bringing about positive changes in women who begin to practice gratitude. Listen in as Dr. Hirsch interviews her about this incredibly positive practice that is easy to incorporate in your daily life.
18. Five things you can do to change the landscape for midlife women’s health care.
Nov 08, 2019
Show notes In this episode, your host Dr. Hirsch discusses five steps you can take today to improve health care for women in midlife. Working together is key in making strides in healthcare, especially for women’s midlife health. This episode will get you excited and prepared to act and make a change. Together there is no stopping what women can do. By taking, demanding more, education ourselves, taking a stance, and love there is no limit to what we want to accomplish for women’s healthcare.
17. The Fourth Trimester, with Dr. Kristina Lehman
Oct 27, 2019
Show notes The Fourth Trimester is an incredible podcast with Dr. Kristina Lehman, A Columbus based dual board-certified physician in both pediatrics and internal medicine. She joins Dr. Hirsch in this informative podcast to discuss what the fourth trimester is all about. In more details, she describes why taking care of mom in the months after birth is just as important as taking care of baby. She gives amazing tips and trips for making maternity leave successful, and she also dispels many of the major myths about breastfeeding and some of this history behind the marketing of formula. You won’t want to miss this one if you are a new mom, have friends who are new mothers or are a new grandparent. Enjoy!
16. Why less is more, an interview with professional minimalist Rose Lounsbury.
Oct 14, 2019
Show notes Does your stuff ever make you feel anxious? Do you hate spending the last hour of your day cleaning up after your family? Have you ever wanted to donate things but never “got around to it” (i.e., get the courage to actually do it)? This incredible interview with minimalist Rose Lounsbury answers many of the questions all of us have about how we can embrace aspects of healthier, more manageable lives. Rose discussed her life changing transformation of letting go of her physical things to open up space in her life to avoid anxiety, burnout, and allowed her precious time to spend more time on self-care. Her strategies are totally practical, and her story is empowering and motivating. Listen in on how, and why, you might want to start some small steps in clearing out room in your closet, and in your life.
15. Three tips for handling stress, with Dr. Cenell Boch.
Aug 24, 2019
Show notes Dr. Cenell Boch, an expert in health and wellness, sits down with Dr. Hirsch to discuss the impact stress has on our mental and emotional health. Her three tips to deal with stress can easily be integrated into our lives to make big changes. She talks about the difference between positive and negative stressors, and the importance of physical activity as a way to release the stress. Dr. Boch also gives tips on implementing guided meditation, even for those of us with little to no time.. Listen in to this informative podcast for all these tips and more!
14. Ten Common Myths about Hormone Therapy:
May 27, 2019
Show notes In this episode, Dr. Hirsch breaks down ten of the most common myths about menopause and the use of hormone therapy that that persist among physicians, patients, and on social media. As a fellowship trained menopause physician, Dr.Hirsch wants to ensure that you are getting the real facts so that you can make the most informed choices about your health. Feel free to listen on iTunes at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-by-heather-hirsch/id1423965506