In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons is joined by Dr. Erica Schwartz, a pioneer in hormone and integrative medicine, for a blunt conversation about menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and why women are still being denied care that protects their long-term health.

Together, they get real about why modern medicine still runs on a “wait until you’re sick” model, why hospitals can be the most dangerous place to heal, and how the system trains both doctors and patients to outsource responsibility. They break down the lasting damage of the Women’s Health Initiative, the fear-based messaging around estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and the real-world consequences of medical gatekeeping from pharmacies to hospitals. 

This is a conversation about truth, autonomy, and what it actually looks like to practice medicine from the whole-body, whole-life perspective.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why conventional medicine is built for acute care, not long-term health
• How the Women’s Health Initiative changed hormone care for generations of women
• Why “just deal with it” menopause advice is harmful (and wildly outdated)
• What estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone actually do in the female body
• Why testosterone for women is still restricted and why that matters
• How medical errors and hospital systems put patients at risk
• Why taking responsibility for your health isn’t optional anymore

Episode Timeline:

00:00 The Crisis in Conventional Medicine

03:54 Dr. Schwartz's Journey to Holistic Health

09:59 The Shift from Acute Care to Preventative Health

17:47 The Importance of Hormonal Health

25:29 The Impact of Alcohol on Health

28:10 Nutrition and Cancer: A Misunderstood Connection

30:55 The Role of Hormones in Health

36:06 Understanding the Importance of Hormones

40:24 The Truth About Cancer and Hormones

44:38 Empowering Patients in Their Health Journey

47:45 The Need for Compassionate Care in Medicine

51:03 Introduction to Breast Health Awareness

Dr. Erica Schwartz

Visit her Website: www.eshealth.com/

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/eshealth/

To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-call

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuide

To purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons