OMG!-BGYN: Getting To Know Your Gynecologist with Joy'El Ballard, MD

On this episode of Going the Distance, Dr. Joy'El Ballard, an OB-GYN based in Annapolis, MD, shares her journey through medical school, the unique challenges faced by Black women in healthcare, and the importance of addressing women's health issues, particularly during menopause. The discussion covers the impact of stress on health outcomes, the significance of listening to patients, and the role of community support. Dr. Ballard emphasizes the need for accurate information regarding hormone therapy and the importance of vaginal health, while also promoting her book, 'Loving Me, Myself and Her: Through Perimenopause and Beyond,' which encourages women to love themselves through their health journeys.More about Jill & Go Long:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign-up for Go Long’s newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Go Long⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More about Dr. Joy'El Ballard:⁠⁠Website⁠Menopause Moguls Podcast⁠Instagram⁠LinkedInFacebookJump to:00:00 - Introduction to Women's Health Challenges00:52 - Dr. Joy'El's Journey to OBGYN04:35 - Navigating Medical School as a Black Woman09:36 - The Importance of Representation in Healthcare11:21 - Gaslighting in Women's Health13:19 - The Impact of Stress on Health Outcomes16:53 - LGBTQ+ Health Concerns18:37 - Understanding IUDs and Birth Control Options19:37 - Finding the Right OBGYN for IUD Placement24:16 - Understanding IUDs: Hormonal vs Non-Hormonal25:54 - Navigating Menopause: Symptoms and Hormone Testing30:09 - Menopause Hormone Therapy: What to Ask Your Doctor35:00 - Synthetic vs Bioidentical Hormones: Making the Choice39:51 - The Importance of Vaginal Estrogen44:04 - The Importance of Vaginal Estrogen46:11 - Pap Smears and Gynecological Health in Your 40s48:16 - Pelvic Floor Therapy: When to Seek Help50:14 - Misinformation on Menopause and Supplements53:39 - Hormone Therapy: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions56:34 - Dr. Joy'El's Book: Loving Me, Myself and Her