Going Menopostal: Advocacy, Pain, and Perseverance Part 2 | Amy Alkon

📣 Pain relief during gynecologic procedures shouldn't be optional — and "it's just a pinch" isn't informed consent. In Part 2 with Amy Alkon, the conversation goes deeper into the real-world fight for proper menopause care.📋 This is the second episode in a two-part Ketobiography series featuring investigative science writer and "science-help" author of Going Menopostal, Amy Alkon. In Part 2, we go deeper into the realities of navigating menopause care in real time — from fighting for proper progesterone and estradiol dosing, to demanding pain relief for gynecologic procedures, to pushing back when doctors downplay risks or dismiss symptoms. This conversation is raw, practical, and aimed at helping women replace self-doubt and "being polite" with informed, unapologetic self-advocacy.🔑 What You'll LearnWhy oral micronized progesterone at an adequate dose is critical for both symptom relief and cancer protection in perimenopauseHow estradiol can support sleep, bladder function, cardiovascular health, and bone protection in menopause when used appropriatelyThe dangers of under-dosing hormones, relying on unregulated creams, or using poorly chosen drug combinations without understanding "class effects"What shared decision-making actually looks like in practice, and how to recognize a doctor willing to partner with you instead of talking over youHow and why to insist on pain relief for procedures like IUD insertion, removal, and biopsies, and why "it's just a pinch" is not acceptable care💡 Key Insight "You have a right to pain relief. You have a right to informed consent. Being high in agreeableness isn't a mandate—you can be brave, stand up for yourself, and be proud that you did." — Amy Alkon🌐 Connect with Amy Alkon Website: https://www.amyalkon.net X: https://x.com/amyalkon Substack newsletter "Science Made Practical": https://sciencemadepractical.amyalkon.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyalkonbookstagram/⚕️ This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice; always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own health decisions.⏳ Chapters 00:47 Why 300 mg progesterone (and why creams aren't enough) 06:57 Sleep, nighttime bathroom trips, and estrogen in menopause 13:17 When and how to start estradiol safely 20:47 The hidden risks of certain drugs and "class effects" 29:17 Online pharmacies, compounding, and how to vet your meds 37:27 Shared decision-making and finding a doctor who really listens 49:57 IUDs, ultrasounds, and why pain relief is not optional 55:02 "It's just a pinch" – the ethics of denying women analgesia 56:17 Agreeableness, bravery, and speaking up at the doctor's office 56:47 Why real change in healthcare starts with informed patients🎧 New episodes drop every Thursday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.🌱 Know someone with a keto success story? Nominate them to be featured: [email protected]🔗 Subscribe, follow, and leave a review — it helps more people find the show.👥 Connect with Robyn: https://www.robyndobbins.com https://linktr.ee/robyn.r.dobbins🎬 Robyn is featured in The Cholesterol Code – Watch it on Amazon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.