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
13. This One’s For The Partners; All About The Midlife Transition.
May 03, 2019
Show notes In this episode, Dr. Hirsch discusses important changes that partners of women going through menopause should be aware of and knowledgeable about. She urges that education is power, and also brings you one-step closer to having a successful menopause transition with your partner. She discusses tips and techniques for how husbands (or wives) can help encourage and show love to the woman in their lives who may be experiencing a difficult menopause. In this informative podcast, Dr. Hirsch also shares many ideas on how to communicate changes in sexual function and intimacy, and how both partners many need to change their lifestyle in order to benefit their marriage or relationship.
12. The Science Behind it; Easing Your Fears of Hormone Therapy
Apr 22, 2019
Show notes This Episode takes you through nearly two decades of research and science behind the use of hormone therapy. You will learn more about the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), including long term follow up data from this study, along with more recent studies to help you feel confident that using hormone therapy is safe and effective. You will also learn about the “timing hypothesis”, or the science behind why hormone therapy is even better when used within ten years of menopause.
11. Trying To Concieve & The basics of (In)Fertility with Dr. Brooke Rossi.
Apr 19, 2019
Show notes In this episode, Dr. Hirsch interivews Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specalist Dr. Brooke Rossi. In this very informative podcast, Dr. Rossi discusses the common myths and misconceptions about fertility.
10. Menopause 101: Answering the ten most common questions on Menopause
Apr 19, 2019
Show notes This informative podcast episode, “Menopause 101” will cover ten of the most frequently asked questions about menopause that I hear from my patients in the office. By answering questions such as, “How do I know when I am in menopause, and when will these symptoms stop?”, I hope to begin to uncover some of the most common myths and misconceptions about this very important transition in midlife.
9. Perimenopause, what the HEL!
Mar 20, 2019
Show notes In this episode, Dr. Hirsch talks all about perimenopause. She answers many of the most common questions about this challenging time in women’s lives. She dives deep into how long perimenopause can last, the most common symptoms, and option for how to treat these bothersome symptoms. Also, she explains why it is important to connect your past medical history and family history into what you might be experiencing. Finally, she discusses the role perimenopause plays into the transition into menopause. If you are starting to experience unwanted changes in this crucial time of life, this podcast will help answer the many questions you might have.
8. Diastasis Recti: There’s More To The Core with Melissa Gallow, DPT
Feb 10, 2019
Show notes In this episode, Dr. Hirsch interviews Doctor of Physical Therapy, Melissa Gallow about diastasis recti (also known as DRA), a common post-partum or midlife condition. Together, Drs. Hirsch and Gallow dive deep into explaining how a diastasis recti develops, and answer common questions such as the most common presentations of DRA, how it is best diagnosed, and exercises or postures that can make a DRA worse during (or after) pregnancy. Dr. Gallow also talks about what types of exercise she recommends post-partum for women with a DRA, and when and how women can safely start re-strengthen their core after baby. Together, they invite to you listen in as they tackle the most common myths about DRA in an exciting podcast intended to make women more aware, proactive, and educated about their bodies.
7. Polycystic Ovaries? Please Explain, I think I have PCOS!
Nov 22, 2018
Show notes In this episode, Dr. Heather Hirsch goes in depth covering the most common endocrine disorder of reproductive age women, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Because this disorder crosses so many various specialties of medicine, this can actually lead both under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis of this syndrome. If you have this syndrome, it is vital to have it appropriately diagnosed, and to find treatment that fits your individualized goals and situational lifestyle priorities. This podcast covers many of the most commonly asked or searched for questions on PCOS such as: *How do I know that I have it? What can your doctor see on physical exam? What labs should your doctor check? When should you get an ultrasound? *Why should you care about or rule in or out this diagnosis? Well, it can lead to fertility concerns, metabolic syndrome, and uterine cancer due to long-standing unopposed estrogen. It can also lead to other issues such as anxiety/depression, fatty liver, insulin resistance, sleep apnea, and more. *How can I treat it? From lifestyle changes to various medications, this podcast provides some guidance on treatment modalities you can discuss with your doctor that fits your needs and priorities. *How can you tell if treatment is working? Join Dr. Hirsch on her journey to cover many of the common myths and misconceptions about the most common endocrine disorder that affects reproductive age women.
6. Why Osteoporosis Matters; An Interview with Dr. Kristi Tough.
Nov 12, 2018
Show notes In this episode, Dr. Kristi Tough, A highly accomplished and fellowship trained Women’s Health Specialist, talks in detail about why you should really dial into your bone health and make it a priority. Dr. Tough opens up about why she is so passionate about bone health, and why preventing a fracture is a real risk that poses significant challenges for women in midlife. She discusses the important differences between normal bone loss and pathological bone loss. She also answers questions about the role of Calcium and Vitamin D, and when this treatment is not sufficient. She breaks down numerous myths about treatment options, including bisphosphonates, anabolic agents and monoclonal antibody therapy. In more detail, she answers the following questions:* What are the biggest hesitancies women have about starting treatment for osteopenia/osteoporosis?* What is the difference between normal bone loss with aging and pathologic bone loss?* When should you be screened earlier than age 65 with a bone density (BMD)?* What is the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis?* What is the real story behind calcium and vitamin D treatment, and who really needs it?* What are the pro and cons of bisphosphonate treatment?* What lifestyle changes can be made to prevent bone loss and how effective are these remedies?* What is on the horizon for bone medications?* How can physician’s best advocate for bone health when other common medical conditions often take priority?* And more!
5. About Heather Hirsch MD: My Journey Through Medicine:
Oct 24, 2018
Show notes My lifelong best friend and radio host Lindsey Miller gets the chance to interview me on how I became interested in medicine and women’s health in particular. In this absolutely hilarious and raw interview, Lindsey takes a deep dive into learning more about me. We talk about my bumps along my journey, all things medical school, residency and fellowship, along with how being a doctor and a mom shape the way I practice. If you have been interested in my podcast topics and simply want to learn more about me on a personal level – this podcast gets it done!
4. The Pelvic Floor: Women and Physical Therapy, an Interview with Melissa Gallow, DPT
Sep 08, 2018
Show notes 06: The Pelvic Floor: Women and Physical Therapy:In This fascinating episode, Melissa Gallow, DPT talks about women and their pelvic floor health. You will be blown away when you learn all the aspects of pelvic health - especially if you have had a baby (even 30+ years ago), or even if you have never had a bady and how these can effect your daily life. In more detai we discuss:Why we feel pelvic pain gets missed by doctors and patients. What pelvic floor therapy is and what you can expect out of itHow chronic abdominal (or knee/shoulder/hip) pain can play a role in pelvic health.Who would benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy and why.What things can increase your risk for pain in the pelvic area.The role that incontinence plays in pelvic floor physical therapyWhat type of training is best after you have a baby (high vs. low impact)How painful sex can tie into your pelvic health.. and more
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