Despite conflicting results of previous studies, a new meta-analysis reveals an 18% higher risk of stroke for women having a hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and a 5% higher risk for hysterectomy aloneCLEVELAND, Ohio (Sept 3, 2025) – Given the seriousness and increased frequency of strokes, many studies have been conducted to assess the relationship between hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy and the risk of stroke with varying results. A new study suggests women having a…

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Ovarian cancer, the second most common gynecologic malignancy, can be cured 90-95% of the time when caught early. 

Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host talks through the risk factors like family history, BRCA gene mutations, obesity, and personal reproductive factors that are essential for early detection and prevention.

• Risk increases with age (over 50), family history, and BRCA gene mutations
• BRCA1 carriers face 35-70% lifetime risk compared to less than 2% in general population
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and hormonal contraceptives reduce risk by decreasing ovulation
• Tubal ligation, especially salpingectomy, dramatically lowers ovarian cancer risk
• Common symptoms include abdominal swelling, urinary changes, bloating, early satiety
• Regular pelvic exams and prompt reporting of symptoms are crucial for early detection
• Ashkenazi Jewish women have ten times higher rate of BRCA mutations
• Avoid using talcum powder near genital area as it's been linked to increased risk
• Consider genetic counseling if strong family history exists
• Prophylactic removal of tubes/ovaries after age 40 may be recommended for high-risk women

Please follow the Speaking of Women's Health podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Remember Be Strong, Be Healthy, and Be in Charge!

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Could balancing your omega-3 and omega-6 intake be the key to better health and wellness? Discover how omega fatty acids play a pivotal role in our lives as host Dr. Holly Thacker unravels everything you need to know about omega fatty acids.

Join us as we explore the remarkable benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on conditions ranging from depression to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Thacker addresses the challenges of achieving adequate omega-3 intake solely through diet and the potential necessity of supplements, especially for vegetarians.

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PurposeOver the past few decades, our ability to diagnose, treat, and manage recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) long-term has evolved due to additional insights into the pathophysiology of rUTI, a new appreciation for the adverse effects of repetitive antimicrobial therapy (“collateral damage”), rising rates of bacterial antimicrobial resistance, and better reporting of the natural history and clinical outcomes of acute cystitis and rUTI. For the purposes of this guideline, the Panel…

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Join Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Holly Thacker, MD, for secret skincare tips from dermatologists and other experts for younger, healthier skin. 

Did the summer sun dry out your hair and skin? This episode is filled with ways to get rid of sun spots, improve split ends and bring a glow to your skin.

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Nurse Alexandria Delasantos shares the most common menopause myths.

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The battle against cognitive decline begins long before memory problems appear. Dr. Holly Thacker delivers a fascinating deep dive into the nutrients and supplements proven to protect your brain as you age, with startling revelations about how women's brains age differently than men's.

At the heart of this episode is a treasure trove of practical knowledge about brain-protective nutrients. A newly available over-the-counter supplement called CerefolinNAC Brain Wellness (formerly prescription-only) combines active folate, methylated B12, and NAC to support brain health.

Perhaps most fascinating is the discussion of magnesium's profound impact on brain volume – particularly in women. Despite its vital role in over 300 enzymatic systems, nearly half of Americans consume insufficient amounts. 

Beyond supplements, Dr. Thacker emphasizes the critical role of physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive challenges in maintaining brain health. For anyone concerned about maintaining mental sharpness through midlife and beyond, this episode provides the roadmap you've been searching for.

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Nurse Samantha Graham joins Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker to share her expansive nursing knowledge and provide essential guidance on preparing for surgery and breastfeeding success. Sam offers both professional insights and personal experiences to help patients navigate important healthcare moments with confidence.

• Various nursing career pathways from nursing assistants to advanced practice nurses
• Flexibility of nursing careers for work-life balance
• Critical importance of following pre-operative instructions precisely
• Special considerations for patients on weight loss medications before surgery
• Why honesty about tobacco, alcohol use, and medications is crucial for surgical safety
• Pre-surgical preparation including bathing protocols and avoiding shaving\
• Importance of having support persons during hospital stays
• Differences between local and general anesthesia options
• Practical breastfeeding advice focused on baby's needs rather than social media expectations
• Realistic approach to breastfeeding challenges and support resources

Visit speakingofwomenshealth.com for additional resources on breastfeeding and preparing for surgery.

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Dr. Holly Thacker takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the often-overlooked world of women's foot health in this Speaking of Women's Health Podcast episode. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, she reveals why those 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 120 muscles in each foot deserve much more attention than they typically receive.

Did you know that one in three women over 65 experiences foot pain, and a staggering 87% of Americans will have painful feet at some point? Dr. Thacker doesn't just share statistics – she connects the dots between today's footwear choices and tomorrow's mobility issues. From her own collection of stilettos to practical advice on preventing common conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and hammer toes, this episode delivers actionable insights without sacrificing style.

Subscribe to Speaking of Women's Health and share this episode with someone who deserves to stand comfortably on their own two feet. Because Being Strong, Healthy, and In Charge begins from the ground up.

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On July 17, 2025, the FDA hosted the FDA Expert Panel on Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women. The panel focused on the risks and benefits of menopause hormone therapy, and in particular, the risks of breast cancer, uterine cancer, and certain cardiovascular risks versus potential benefits on bone, genitourinary, cardiovascular, and cognitive health. Discussions focused on data regarding differential risks and benefits depending upon the age of hormone initiation, formulation,…

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When doctors told Judi Bar she would need spinal fusion surgery or likely end up in a wheelchair, she made a bold request: "Give me one year to help myself." That decision not only saved her from surgery but launched her on a transformative journey to become a pioneering yoga therapist who has helped countless people with chronic pain.

In this deeply personal conversation, Judi shares how she developed "heart-centered yoga" after discovering traditional yoga classes weren't accessible for someone with her condition. Her approach breaks down yoga postures into accessible components that work for everybody—whether you're dealing with joint pain, mobility issues, or have never tried yoga before.

"Yoga should never hurt," Judi emphasizes, challenging the common misconception that yoga is only for the young and flexible. As she explains, the powerful combination of mindful movement, breathing techniques, and meditation can help calm the nervous system, reducing stress hormones that often exacerbate chronic pain conditions.

Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, sleep difficulties, stress management, or simply want to improve your overall well-being, this episode offers practical guidance on how to find the right yoga class for your needs and simple techniques you can try immediately at home. Discover how this accessible practice might become your path to better health, increased body awareness, and a more mindful approach to life.

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AbstractObjectiveTo assess the risk of breast cancer recurrence, breast cancer-specific mortality, and overall mortality for breast cancer survivors receiving vaginal estrogen therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.Data sourcesFrom the inception of each database to April 6th, 2024, a systematic literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, NCBI, and Science Direct. A secondary search was conducted on September 26th, 2024 utilizing Google Scholar, PubMed,…

Key takeaways:The FDA convened an expert panel to discuss the safety and efficacy of menopausal HT.Some panel members stated the boxed warning for HT should be changed to better reflect published evidence.Members of an FDA expert panel discussed reassessing boxed warnings for menopausal HT and how to better educate patients and health care professionals.Concerns about menopausal HT stem back to the publication of findings from the Women’s Health Initiative in JAMA in 2002. As Healio previously…

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Domestic violence cuts across all layers of society, affecting people of every age, background, and socioeconomic status. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Holly Thacker welcomes attorneys Ashleigh Holmes and Alexandria Ruden to break down the critical facts about intimate partner violence that everyone should know.

The statistics are sobering: a woman is assaulted by an intimate partner every nine seconds in the United States. The National Domestic Violence Hotline receives a staggering 775,000 contacts annually. But behind these numbers are real people facing complex, dangerous situations that aren't always visible to others.

Whether you're personally affected by domestic violence, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand this pervasive issue, this episode provides crucial insights that could save lives. Remember, no one deserves to live in fear, and there are resources available to help:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788 with confidential support 24/7/36
• domesticshelters.org
• Ohio Secretary of State Safe at Home Program: find an application at SafeAtHomeOhio.gov or call 614.995.2255
• Ohio Domestic Violence Network - Reports & Fact Sheets
• Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN): 1-800-934-9840
• National DV Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Journey Center for Safety and Healing: 1-216-391-HELP (4357) 
• Ohio Legal HELP: 1-614-285-6710 
• The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland: 1-888-817-3777
• Jewish Family Services Association (JFSA)
• Witness Victim Services & Family Justice Center: 216-443-7345
• Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court: 216-443-3155 (Domestic Violence Advocate)

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The pursuit of optimal health as we age requires more than just conventional medicine—it demands a deeper understanding of how our hormones, genetics, and metabolism interact. In this continuation of the conversation with Dr. Elena Christofides, Host Dr. Holly Thacker goes beyond the surface of women's health concerns to explore groundbreaking approaches that can literally change how we age.

Dr. Christofides reveals why comprehensive blood testing should include genetic markers that most physicians overlook. From MTHFR mutations affecting B vitamin metabolism to hemochromatosis genes common in those with Northern European ancestry, these hidden factors can dramatically impact metabolic health. Her revolutionary approach includes growth hormone screening for everyone—not just elite athletes—because deficiencies following head trauma (including domestic violence) affect one in five people and accelerate aging processes.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Christofides and Dr. Thacker emphasize that what many dismiss as "normal aging" is often addressable with personalized medical approaches.

For anyone frustrated by unexplained weight gain, fatigue, poor sleep quality, or declining physical performance despite "normal" lab work, this episode offers hope and actionable insights.

To learn more about Dr. Elena Christofides, visit endocrinology-associates.com.

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Acne doesn't discriminate by age. From teenagers to menopausal women, breakouts can strike at any life stage—often when we least expect them. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker dives deep into why some of us battle persistent acne while simultaneously fighting wrinkles and dry skin, revealing the surprising hormonal connections that dermatologists and patients often miss.

This comprehensive guide to skin health explores how our body's largest organ responds to everything from stress hormones to dietary choices. Dr. Thacker explains how the surge in adrenal hormones during perimenopause can trigger what feels like "reverse puberty" on your skin, and why some women see dramatic improvements with certain hormonal treatments while others don't. You'll discover why that midlife pimple appeared on your chin despite your careful skincare routine.

Whether you're dealing with teenage acne, adult hormonal breakouts, or trying to prevent future skin problems, this episode offers actionable advice for achieving healthier skin at any age. Plus, discover the decade-by-decade skincare essentials that address your changing skin needs as you move through life. Your skin deserves better than trial and error—tune in for evidence-based strategies that target the root causes of troublesome skin.

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Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC, is recalling three lots of Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Tablets, USP, 400 mg/80 mg only, to the consumer level as the tablets may exhibit black spots on the tablet surface due to microbial contamination. The observance of black spots was reported in a product quality complaint.Oral products contaminated with Aspergillus may result in serious and life-threatening infections. The use of the defective product in patients with underlying immunosuppressive conditions…

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Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Holly L. Thacker, MD focuses on the complexities of seizures and epilepsy in this episode. Dr. Thacker explores the types of seizures, causes, and treatment options with particular attention to women's health and hormonal influences.

• Explanation of seizures and epilepsy 
• Overview of different seizure types 
• Discussion on causes of seizures 
• Impact of hormonal changes on seizure activity 
• Importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment 
• Emphasis on follow-up care and management 
• Resources for further information on epilepsy

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What is thiamine?Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1 and thiamin, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, particularly energy metabolism and nerve function. It's a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it cannot be stored in the body and needs to be consumed regularly through diet or supplements.  What are the benefits of thiamine?Energy Production: Thiamine helps the body's cells convert carbohydrates into energy, which is essential for the brain and…

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The summer sun beckons with its warm embrace, but that golden tan comes with a hidden cost. Dr. Holly Thacker dives deep into the phenomenon known as "tanorexia" – the addiction to tanning that has serious health implications many don't recognize until it's too late.

This addiction isn't merely psychological. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, your body releases endorphins – those feel-good neurochemicals that create a genuine physical dependency. "People can actually get addicted to this," Dr. Thacker explains, drawing parallels between tanorexia and other recognized addictive behaviors.

Whether you're concerned about your own tanning habits or protecting children's delicate skin, this episode delivers practical, science-backed advice for maintaining healthy skin while still enjoying outdoor activities. Because as Dr. Thacker reminds us, all natural complexions are beautiful – it's about being "happy in your own skin" while keeping that skin healthy for years to come.

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