In this episode of The Midlife Truth Project podcast, hosts Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia sit down with Dr. Sharon Malone to discuss perimenopause and menopause, including why generations of women were left to suffer in silence, the now infamous Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study and the resulting controversy regarding the use of hormonal therapy (HRT) and breast cancer. In this episode, we also discuss what’s happening to our bodies during the menopause transition, why women may feel like they’re ‘going crazy,’ common myths about HRT relative to symptom relief as well as the many long term health benefits including preventing cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes. The conversation also highlights a stark disparity in research funding, noting that less than 11% of the $45 billion in NIH research goes to women’s studies. Dr. Malone emphasizes the need for equitable access to quality healthcare for all women.

About our Guest, Dr. Sharon Malone

Dr. Sharon Malone is on a mission to empower women to take charge of their health.

As a celebrated OB|GYN for over 30+ years and Chief Medical Advisor for Alloy Women’s Health, Dr. Malone brings decades of clinical and real-life experiences to her treatment of women in the menopausal transition and the post-reproductive years.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, the youngest of 8 children, Dr. Malone was raised by her siblings after the death of her mother and moved multiple times, changing schools four times in four years in three different states. Dr. Malone found strength and resilience in community, in her own work ethic and in her strong belief that there are no accidents in the universe. She went on to graduate cum laude from Harvard with a degree in Psychology and Social Relations and later graduated with honors from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Upon completing her residency at The George Washington University, Dr. Malone served women across Washington DC in her OB|GYN practice.

With appearances on The Michelle Obama Podcast, Oprah Winfrey’s The Life You Want, Today Show and more, Dr. Malone is a New York Times bestselling author and a nationally known expert in women’s health and a vocal advocate for menopause awareness and evidence-based information about hormone replacement therapy. A certified Menopause Practitioner, she believes that all women should be able to make decisions regarding their health and quality of life based on facts – not fear.

An instant New York Times bestseller, her first book, Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy is now available nationwide.

Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!

Dr. Sharon Malone

• Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy
• https://www.drsharonmalone.com/book
• https://www.drsharonmalone.com/ 
• Instagram: @smalonemd
• Alloy - New Telehealth Platform for Women

Julie Flakstad

• https://julieflakstad.com/ 
• Instagram @julieflakstad (ALT Link for YT) https://www.instagram.com/julieflakstad/ 
• Facebook @thejulieflakstad (ALT Link) https://www.facebook.com/thejulieflakstad

Dr. Taz Bhatia

• YouTube: @DrTazMD
• Instagram: @drtazmd
• Website: doctortaz.com
• Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
• Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/ 

Tune in next Wednesday, 10/9, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “”Families Change,” with PBS host, podcaster, and author Kelly Corrigan. In this one-on-one, in-person conversation, our host, Julie Flakstad and Kelly Corrigan, go deep on changing family dynamics including how our roles as mothers evolve, the ache of learning to let go and navigating aging parents. Available on Audio and on YouTube!

Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on new episodes. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review! 

This series is presented by Womaness

Created by women for women, Womaness (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well.

Just for you… Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now

Production:This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at rainbowcreative.co.