Shows
The Dusty MuffinsBeyond Survival: A Special Conversation with Rachel FrankenthalThis week, The Dusty Muffins sat down with renowned expert Rachel Frankenthal (PA-C, MPH, MSCP) for a powerful conversation about hormone therapy after cancer. In this deeply informative yet hopeful episode, they explore why these crucial discussions should happen while patients are still in treatment - because every survivor deserves to plan for thriving, not just surviving.You'll learn:🩺 Why hormone therapy consultations should begin during cancer treatment💪 How many survivors CAN safely use hormone therapy (it's more than you think!)🧬 The importance of genetic testing and overcoming fears around it🌱 Rachel's inspiring career path in gynecolog...2025-05-0957 minThe Dusty MuffinsPopcorn & Perimenopause: The Dusty Muffins Review PBS's Must-See DocumentaryGrab your popcorn and your girlfriends - The Dusty Muffins are turning film critics this week! Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan, Dr. Christine Hart Kress, and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel share their reactions to PBS's groundbreaking menopause documentary "The M Factor," and why they believe every woman should watch it (preferably with a crew of your besties).In this special episode, you'll discover:🎥 What made these doctors cheer (and maybe cringe a little) while watching👯♀️ Why menopause is best navigated with community support📺 Where to stream "The M Factor" (hint: check MFactor.com or PBS)💬 Their prescription for turning document...2025-05-0231 minThe Dusty MuffinsStarting Your Path to Custom CareThe Dusty Muffins are back to debunk the biggest menopause myth of all - that there's a universal treatment that works for everyone! Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan, Dr. Christine Hart Kress, and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel explain why personalized care is crucial during this life stage and how to find what works specifically for YOU.In this empowering episode, you'll learn:📚 Must-read books to educate yourself about hormonal changes💬 How to assess if your clinician truly understands menopause care🔍 Where to find menopause-approved specialists when you need more help📞 Why picking up the phone can be your secret weapo...2025-04-2641 minThe Dusty MuffinsGetting Personal: Our Hormone Therapy Trials & TriumphsThis week, The Dusty Muffins get REAL about their own hormone therapy journeys! Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan, Dr. Christine Hart Kress, and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel peel back their white coats to share personal stories of what worked (and what definitely didn't) in their menopausal medication experiences.In this vulnerable and eye-opening episode, you'll hear:💊 Their candid medication mishaps and "aha" moments⏳ Why giving yourself grace during the adjustment period is crucial💡 How they navigated insurance hurdles to find their perfect treatment fit🚗 Powerful reminders that YOU should be in the driver's seat of your midlife healthThe do...2025-04-1938 minThe Dusty MuffinsHormone Therapy is Safer Than You've Been Told, Here's WhyThe Dusty Muffins are cracking open the hormone therapy debate! Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan, Dr. Christine Hart Kress, and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel tackle the most persistent myths about menopausal hormone therapy that even some doctors still believe.In this myth-busting episode, you'll discover:💊 Why hormone therapy is safer than you've been told🧠The surprising benefits for your bones AND brain🩺 How to navigate insurance hurdles and find affordable options💡 The truth about different delivery methods (pills, patches, creams and more)The Muffins share insider tips for making treatment ac...2025-04-1252 min
Women Mastering Midlife46. Understanding Perimenopause: Symptoms, Treatment, and Advocacy with Dr. Aoife O’SullivanIn this episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd welcomes back Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan, MD MSCP, for an in-depth conversation about perimenopause. While the menopause movement is gaining momentum, perimenopause often remains misunderstood and underrepresented in medical discussions. Together, Victoria and Dr. O’Sullivan shed light on the symptoms, challenges, and treatment options for perimenopause, providing women with the knowledge they need to advocate for their health.Key Topics Discussed:The lack of standardized care and awareness around perimenopauseWhy many doctors still don’t recognize or treat perimenopause effectivelyThe...2025-04-0747 minThe Dusty MuffinsMenopause Lab Work Decoded: Essential vs. OverkillThe Dusty Muffins are back with a no-nonsense guide to menopause lab work! Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) break down exactly which tests matter, which might be overkill, and how to advocate for the right testing with your clinician.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ The essential lab work every menopausal woman should consider❌ When testing crosses the line into unnecessary territory📋 Their complete recommended testing checklist to bring to your next appointment💡 How to interpret results and what numbers actually matterThe Muffins cover all...2025-04-0341 minThe Dusty MuffinsWhat You Should Ask Your Doctor!In this empowering fifth episode of The Dusty Muffins, Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) guide you through the essential questions to ask your family provider about menopause. Whether you’re just starting to notice symptoms or are deep in the throes of perimenopause, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take charge of your health. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to educate yourself on the contemporary management of hormones. Why it’s important to start with a gynecologist or primary care doctor and come prepa...2025-03-2827 minThe Dusty MuffinsTeamwork, Trust, and Treatment: Insights from Atlanta, Part 2In this follow-up episode of The Dusty Muffins, Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) continue sharing their insights and takeaways from the 2025 Atlanta Convention. This time, they dive deeper into the importance of collaboration, informed consent, and open dialogue in women’s health.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why working together as professionals is key to advocating for women’s health.The critical role of informed consent—and how to ensure you’re fully informed when talking to your doctor.How to weigh the costs and...2025-03-2251 minThe Dusty MuffinsKey Takeaways from the ISSWSH 2025 Convention in ATLIn this exciting episode of The Dusty Muffins, Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) share their key takeaways from the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) 2025 Convention in Atlanta. Join them as they dive into the latest clinical research, insights, and breakthroughs from some of the brightest minds in women’s health.Here’s what you’ll learn:●   Why it’s important to look at and familiarize yourself with your vulva—it’s your body, after all!●   How to feel more comfortable with pelvic...2025-03-151h 00The Dusty MuffinsDon’t “Just Deal With It!”: Debunking Perimenopause MythsIn this eye-opening third episode of The Dusty Muffins, Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) tackle the biggest myths surrounding perimenopause—myths that even clinicians have told patients! With their trademark humor and expertise, the ladies set the record straight and empower you to take control of your health.Here’s what you’ll learn and so much more:You DON’T have to “just deal with it!”—there are treatments and products that can help.Menopause isn’t just for women 45+; early menopause is real, and it matters.Why...2025-03-0137 minThe Dusty MuffinsDemystifying PerimenopauseIn the debut episode, the ladies introduce themselves and share the hilarious and heartfelt origins of The Dusty Muffins. Along the way, they demystify perimenopause, offering insights on:What perimenopause really is (and why it’s not just “hot flashes”)How to prepare for your next doctor’s appointment with the right questionsTips for creating an open, ongoing dialogue with your primary care providerWhere to find trusted resources, articles, and certified practitioners through their LinktreeWith a perfect blend of expertise and humor, Dr. Aoife, Dr. Christine, and Dr. Rebbecca are here to guide you—but remember, they’re do...2025-03-0139 minThe Dusty MuffinsBusting Myths and Embracing Benefits of Hormone TherapyIn this episode, the ladies explore:What estrogen is and a brief history of hormone studiesThe connection between hormones and cancer (spoiler: it’s not all scary!)Why estrogen and progesterone need to work together in harmonyHow hormone therapy can lower the risk of dementia and strokeThe many benefits of hormones—and why they’re SAFER than you might thinkWhether you’re curious about hormone therapy or just want to better understand your body, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Aoife, Dr. Christine, and Dr. Rebbecca break it all down in a way that’s easy to gr...2025-03-0135 minThe Dusty MuffinsThe Dusty Muffins’ Journey to Menopause ExpertiseIn this heartfelt and inspiring fourth episode of The Dusty Muffins, Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) take you behind the scenes of their professional journeys. They open up about their early days in practice, when they didn’t fully understand the critical role hormones play in women’s health—and how they grew from their mistakes to become the advocates they are today.Here’s what you’ll learn:Each host’s personal shortcomings and how they turned them into opportunities for growth.How they’re now making a dif...2025-03-0132 min
The Dusty MuffinsIntroducing: The Dusty Muffins!Introducing...The Dusty Muffins!In this insightful episode of NEXT 2.0, host Marcus Atkinson sits down with the Dusty Muffins, a dynamic podcast group of menopause professionals dedicated to shedding light on the often-overlooked realities of menopause. Composed of Dr. Christine Hart Kress, Dr. Rebecca Hertel, and Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan, the Dusty Muffins share their personal journeys and professional insights into navigating the physical and emotional changes that come with this life stage. Listeners will hear candid discussions about how the group formed, their struggles in understanding the transformations their own bodies underwent, and the strategies they...2025-02-2751 min