Navigating the intersection of menopause and breast health can be confusing and fraught with misinformation. In this essential episode of The Dusty Muffins, our specialist trio—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—sit down with breast health expert Dr. Sabrina Sahni, M.D., to bring clarity and confidence to this critical topic.

This is a deep dive into the facts you need to make empowered decisions for your body. They tackle outdated myths, highlight the latest evidence, and provide a clear path forward for personalized care. In this episode, you’ll discover:

🔬 PEt & Breast Health: The Real Story: Cutting through the fear and misconceptions surrounding hormone therapy and its risks, based on current evidence-based practices.

📄 The Critical Role of Breast Density: Why your mammogram report’s mention of "dense breasts" is a key piece of your health puzzle and how it impacts your screening needs.

🧬 Who Needs Genetic Testing? A clear guide on understanding your family history and when to consider genetic testing for breast cancer risk.

🎓 The Education Gap: Why many clinicians are still misinformed about menopause management and how you can advocate for better, more nuanced care.

💪 Your Health, Your Voice: Practical strategies for becoming your own best advocate, ensuring your quality of life is a top priority in every medical decision.

The Dusty Muffins:

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins

Hosts:

👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc

👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo

👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp

Guest – Dr. Sabrina Sahni:

🌐 Mayo Clinic Profile → https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/sahni-sabrina-m-d/bio-20509454

📸 Instagram → @sabrinaksahnimd

Tune in for an episode that replaces anxiety with actionable knowledge, empowering you to take control of your health during midlife and beyond.

Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

A new generation is changing the conversation around menopause, and this episode is your front-row seat! The specialist trio of The Dusty Muffins—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—are joined by author and women's advocate Lauren Tetenbaum for a powerful discussion on taking control of your health journey.

This conversation is all about action, access, and advocacy. They tackle how to build a proactive plan for menopause and why a unified front is the future of effective treatment. In this episode, you’ll discover:

🔑 Knowledge as Your Key: How arming yourself with information is the ultimate form of empowerment, transforming you from a passive patient into an informed advocate for your own care.

🩺 The Power of the Dream Team: Why the best menopause care isn't a solo mission, but a collaborative effort that can involve your doctor, a coach, and your entire support network.

🚫 Smashing the Stigma: The importance of breaking generational silence and having open, honest conversations to normalize this universal life transition.

🌟 The Generational Shift: How millennials are proactively preparing, asking tough questions, and demanding better, more personalized healthcare options than ever before.

💼 From Personal to Professional: How Lauren’s own journey fueled her mission to educate and empower women through writing, training, and advocacy.

The Dusty Muffins:

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins

Hosts:

👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc

👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo

👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp

Guest – Lauren Tetenbaum (The Counselaur):

🌐 Website → https://thecounselaur.com

📸 Instagram → @thecounselaur

Tune in for an energizing and strategic episode that will leave you feeling equipped, supported, and ready to demand the care you deserve.

Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Ready to cut through the confusion and get the real scoop on hormone therapy? In this powerhouse episode of The Dusty Muffins, our specialist trio—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—break down everything you need to know about navigating menopause with knowledge, humor, and confidence.

This is your ultimate field guide to the change, straight from the experts who live and breathe this stuff. They’re demystifying the science and sharing the practical tips you won't always get from a rushed doctor's appointment. In this episode, you’ll discover:

💊 Your Hormone Therapy Menu: A clear breakdown of the options—from patches and gels to pills—and how to figure out what might be right for YOU.

🔬 Bioidentical Explained: What this term actually means and how these hormones differ from what your body produces naturally.

📊 Why Tracking is Everything: How logging your symptoms is the first step to taking control of your menopause journey and having productive conversations with your doctor.

🩺 Be Your Own Advocate: Why many doctors aren't menopause experts and the crucial questions you need to ask to get the care you deserve.

❤️ The Lube Lowdown: Straight talk on vaginal estrogen and why lube isn't a luxury, it's a necessity for comfort and intimacy.

Tune in for an episode that’s equal parts science class, support group, and comedy hour. Consider this your official permission slip to ask questions, demand better, and thrive through menopause.

The Dusty Muffins:

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins

Hosts:

👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc

👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo

👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp

Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Feeling unlike yourself? You're not alone, and it's not your fault. In this crucial episode of The Dusty Muffins, our expert trio—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—delve deep into the mental and emotional whirlwind of perimenopause and menopause.

This is the conversation that validates what so many women feel but are often told to just "push through." The docs break down the powerful science behind why your brain feels like it's betraying you and what you can actually do about it. In this episode, you’ll discover:

🧠 The Hormone-Mind Connection: The scientific link between fluctuating hormones and very real mood changes, anxiety, and depression.

💊 Beyond the Prescription Pad: Why SSRIs aren't always the answer and when addressing the hormonal root cause is the key to effective treatment.

📝 The Meno-D Questionnaire: Learn about this essential tool that helps clinicians identify menopause-related mood disorders—so you can get the right diagnosis.

⚡ ADHD Unmasked: How the hormonal shifts of menopause can suddenly unmask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women who never struggled before.

❤️ Your Mental Health is Health: Actionable steps for self-care, open communication, and prioritizing your well-being during this transformative transition.

Tune in for an episode that offers validation, clarity, and hope. It's time to stop blaming yourself and start empowering yourself.

The Dusty Muffins:

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins

Hosts:

👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc

👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo

👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp

Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Crank up the volume and get ready to smash the stigma! The dynamic trio of Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) are joined by filmmaker and revolutionary Alicia J. Rose to dive into the explosive documentary and movement known as Menopunks.

This isn't just a film -it's a full-throttle, mic-drop moment for midlife health. Alicia discusses how she's turning a whisper network into a scream, using the raw power of punk rock and unfiltered stories to demand what's been denied for decades: access, autonomy, and the right to thrive. In this episode, you’ll discover:

🎸 The Birth of a Movement: How Menopunks is shattering decades of silence and misinformation with a fierce lineup of musicians, medical experts, and celebrities.

💥 More Than a Documentary: Why this project is a radical act of reclaiming power, challenging the status quo, and fighting for hormonal optimization for all.

🔬 Debunking the Myths: An inside look at how the film tackles persistent falsehoods surrounding HRT head-on with explosive interviews and scientific truth.

🎬 Art as Activism: The transformative power of sharing vulnerable, real-time stories from artists navigating peri/menopause and the creative process.

✊ Your Invitation to Revolt: How to join the movement demanding respect, proper care, and the unstoppable power that comes with being seen and heard.

Tune in for an episode that is as empowering as it is enlightening. This is the sound of a revolution, and The Dusty Muffins are here for it.

Social Media Links:

The Dusty Muffins:

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins

Hosts:

👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc

👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo

👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp

Guest – Menopunks / Alicia J. Rose:

🌐 Website → https://www.menopunks.com

📸 Instagram → @menopunks

Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Have your tissues ready and get ready for an episode packed with passion, truth, and a whole lot of laughs! The dynamic trio of Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) are joined by Australian journalist, powerhouse advocate, and self-proclaimed "Peri Godmother" Shelly Horton.

Shelly opens up about the moment perimenopause nearly ended her career and how it ignited a fire in her to break the silence. This is a raw, honest, and deeply empowering conversation that moves from personal struggle to collective action. In this episode, you’ll discover:

🎤 From Newsroom to Revolution: How a high-profile TV journalist became a leading voice in the menopause movement after hitting her own breaking point.

📚 Your Best Defense is Knowledge: Practical advice on how to arm yourself with information and confidently advocate for the care you deserve.

🩺 Doctor Shopping is Self-Care: Why you should never settle for a dismissive doctor and how to build your personal "dream team" of healthcare providers.

🗣️ Breaking Generational Silence: The importance of sharing our stories to shatter the stigma so future generations won't have to suffer in silence.

💥 Laughs, Tears, and Truth: A conversation that perfectly captures the rollercoaster of perimenopause, proving that humor and hope are essential survival tools.

Tune in for an episode that is as inspiring as it is informative. Consider this your official permission slip to demand better for your health and your life.

The Dusty Muffins:

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins

Hosts:

👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc

👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo

👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnp

Guest – Shelly Horton:

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/ShellyHorton

📸 Instagram → @shellyhorton1

📚 Book → https://geni.us/ImYourPeriGodmother

Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Get ready for a transformative and deeply personal episode of The Dusty Muffins! Join Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) as they sit down with Gabriella Espinosa, women's health coach and host of the "Pleasure in the Pause" podcast, for a candid conversation about reigniting pleasure and rediscovering yourself during the menopause transition.

This is more than just a talk about hormones—it's about reclaiming your power, your pleasure, and your identity. Gabriella shares her powerful journey of midlife awakening and how she turned menopause into an opportunity for profound personal growth. In this episode, you'll discover:

🌹 The Art of Self-Pleasure: How Gabriella redefined self-love as an act of devotion, breaking through cultural barriers to reconnect with her body and desires.

🔄 Rewriting Your Story: Why it's essential to move beyond societal "scripts" about sexuality and focus on what brings you joy right now.

🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness & Intimacy: Practical ways to integrate nervous system regulation and mindfulness practices to enhance your connection with yourself and your partner.

💫 Midlife as an Upgrade: How to approach menopause as an invitation to become the wisest, strongest, and most empowered version of yourself.

🔥 Keeping the Spark Alive: Insights from Gabriella's own journey of rediscovering attraction and intimacy with her husband through mentorship and exploration.

Tune in for an episode that's equal parts inspiring, practical, and liberating. If you're ready to embrace this chapter of your life with confidence and curiosity, this conversation is for you!

The Dusty Muffins:

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins

Hosts:

👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan → @portlandmenopausedoc

👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → @drrebbeccaherteldo

👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → @christinehartkress_dnp

Guest – Gabriella Espinosa:

📸 Instagram → @gabriellaespinosa

🌐 Website → https://www.pleasureinthepause.com

Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they're not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Get ready for a brilliantly informative and empowering episode of The Dusty Muffins! Join Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) as they sit down with the phenomenal vulvovaginal specialists Dr. Ashley Fuller MD and Dr. Meredith McClure MD of Labia Logic for a masterclass in female anatomy.

This is the conversation about your body you wish you’d had years ago. The docs are pulling back the curtain on the most misunderstood, under-studied, and vital parts of female biology. In this episode, you’ll discover:

🔍 Vulva vs. Vagina: Finally understand the crucial difference and why using the right terminology is the first step to empowerment and accurate healthcare.

🎯 The Clitoris Uncovered: Explore the fascinating anatomy of the only human organ dedicated solely to pleasure - and why even doctors are still learning about it.

🤔 It's Not Always Yeast: Learn why vulvar itching demands a proper diagnosis and how self-treating can often make things worse.

📚 The Education Gap: How ongoing research is rewriting the textbooks on women's health and why patient advocacy is changing the game.

💪 Knowledge is Power: How understanding your own anatomy leads to better communication with your doctors, smarter health decisions, and improved outcomes.

Tune in for an episode that is equal parts educational, shocking, and liberating. It's time to replace confusion with confidence and finally get to know the incredible landscape of your own body.

The Dusty Muffins:

📸 Instagram → @thedustymuffins

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins

Hosts:

👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → @portlandmenopausedoc

👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → @drrebbeccaherteldo

👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → @christinehartkress_dnp

Guests – Dr. Ashley Fuller & Dr. Meredith McClure:

🌐 Dr. Fuller's Website → Ashley Fuller, MD

🌐 Dr. McClure’s Website → Meredith McClure MD

🎧 Labia Logic Podcast → Spotify Link

📸 Dr. Fuller's Instagram → @ashleyfuller_md

📸 Dr. McClure's Instagram → @drmeredithmcclure

Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Get ready for a powerful and paradigm-shifting episode of The Dusty Muffins! Join Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) as they sit down with the brilliant Dr. Catherine Johnson, MD to dismantle the one-size-fits-all approach to medicine and champion the future of precision women's healthcare.

This is a deep dive into why your unique biology, life story, and biomarkers matter more than any generic guideline. The docs get real about the challenges within conventional medicine and advocate fiercely for a more nuanced, individualized approach. In this episode, you’ll discover:

🔬 Precision Over Protocol: Why true healthcare means treating the individual, not just the textbook, and how "evidence-informed" care allows for creative, effective solutions.

💪 Hormones as Health Cornerstones: The critical role hormonal balance plays in your overall well-being, from metabolism to mental clarity.

🧬 Your Life, Your Health: How major life events—from stress to childbirth—profoundly impact your metabolic and hormonal health, and why your doctor needs to listen.

📊 Decoding Your Body's Data: The power of understanding your biomarkers to truly optimize your health, including a nuanced look at practices like fasting.

⚖️ The Fight for Feminine Health: The unique challenges women face in the medical system and why advocacy and awareness are the first steps toward change.

Tune in for an episode that is equal parts scientific, personal, and revolutionary. It's a call to action for every woman to become the author of her own health story.

The Dusty Muffins:

✨ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → @portlandmenopausedoc

✨ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → @drrebbeccaherteldo

✨ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → @christinehartkress_dnp

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins

Guest – Dr. Catherine Johnson, MD:

➕ Instagram → @precisionmedicalcare, @catherinejohnsonmd

🌐 Website → https://myprecisionmedicalcare.com

🔎 Precision Lab Panels

Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Get ready for a uniquely insightful and heartfelt episode of The Dusty Muffins! For the first time, Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) are joined by their husbands for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation about navigating menopause from both sides of the relationship.

This isn't just a women's issue—it's a couples' journey. The docs and their partners pull back the curtain on the real, raw, and often hilarious realities of "The Change," offering a rare glimpse into how it truly affects a household. In this episode, you’ll discover:

🧔‍♂️ The "Aha!" Moment: How men first realize menopause is happening (hint: it's not always the hot flashes).

🤯 Beyond the Misdiagnosis: Why symptoms are often mistaken for other issues, leading to unnecessary anxiety and medical tests.

❤️ The Art of Support vs. Solution: Why listening with empathy is a superpower, and why "fixing it" is the wrong approach.

💪 Building Resilience Together: How understanding the science and symptoms can actually strengthen your partnership for the better.

🗣️ Normalizing the Conversation: Practical tips for couples and families to communicate openly and navigate this transition smoothly, together.

Tune in for an episode that is equal parts enlightening, validating, and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s the ultimate guide to not just surviving, but thriving as a couple through midlife.

The Dusty Muffins:

✨ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → @portlandmenopausedoc

✨ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → @drrebbeccaherteldo

✨ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → @christinehartkress_dnp

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins

🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffins

Disclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.