This is StRest! Rachel Frankenthal—gynecologic oncology PA at UCLA and Menopause Society–certified practitioner—joins Kerstin to demystify hormone therapy for cancer survivors, genetic “previvors,” and women navigating midlife. She explains the stark difference between natural and treatment-induced menopause, how to build an individualized HRT plan (timing, route, dosing), and why informed, shared decision-making with your care team is essential.

We unpack current guidance for high-risk gene carriers (e.g., BRCA), prophylactic surgery timing, and what proactive screening can look like (including when MRIs make sense for dense breasts). Rachel addresses widespread WHI-era fears, discusses late-start estrogen in select older patients, and walks through a quality-of-life case where a survivor chose HRT after understanding risks.

You’ll also hear practical playbooks: how to advocate with data (send studies before your visit, ask for longer follow-ups), when to seek second or third opinions, and the non-negotiables that support recovery and midlife health—anti-inflammatory nutrition, daily movement with strength work, nervous-system regulation, sleep, and thoughtfully used fasting (different for cycling vs. post-menopause). We close with testosterone basics for women and why social platforms can help you find evidence-based clinicians and communities.

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National Menopause Show | Anaheim October 4 & 5, 2025 - https://ow.ly/yKYf50WJFSW

Thanks to our sponsors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ancient Nutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Use code STREST25

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Shared Decisions & Episode Setup

02:38 Sponsor + Meet Rachel

05:09 Induced vs Natural; BRCA Choices

10:23 Genetic Testing & HRT Myths

14:36 Advocate Smart + Case Study

20:41 Cognition Risks & WHI Context

24:42 Breast MRI, Stress & Sleep

29:45 Planning & Fine-Tuning HRT

36:06 Bones, Hormones & Testosterone

45:04 Care Team, Lifestyle, Fasting, Next

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Connect with Rachel Frankenthal

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