Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube
Welcome to Episode 013 of the PHW Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Kristen Marvin sits down with Joleen Zivnuska, APRN, PHW's women's health expert, for an honest conversation about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and why every woman deserves to know the truth about this misunderstood treatment.
Important note: This episode was recorded before the FDA's groundbreaking announcement on November 10, 2025, removing the black box warnings from HRT products—validating exactly what Joleen discusses in this conversation about the flawed science that scared women away from treatment for over two decades.
Joleen brings decades of experience in women's health and shares her passion for helping women not just survive menopause and perimenopause, but truly thrive. She unpacks the real story behind the controversial Women's Health Initiative study that scared an entire generation away from HRT, explaining how flawed research created misconceptions that persist today.
This wide-ranging discussion covers the critical differences between bioidentical and synthetic hormones, why estrogen doesn't cause breast cancer (despite what many women have been told), and how HRT can protect your brain, bones, heart, and overall vitality. Joleen also addresses when to start HRT, the various forms available, and why some women experience symptoms as early as their 30s. Plus, they answer real listener questions about progesterone sensitivity, different delivery methods, and navigating conversations with healthcare providers.
If you're experiencing brain fog, sleep issues, joint pain, or other perimenopause symptoms—or if you care about a woman who deserves better healthcare—this episode is a must-listen!
Helpful Links
FDA Statement from November 10, 2025 - https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-advances-womens-health-removes-misleading-fda-warnings-hormone-replacement-therapy
Books:
Estrogen Matters by Avrum Blumming, MD & Carol Tavris, PhD - https://a.co/d/5s8uxqG
The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD - https://a.co/d/3lmk4aR
Dr. Peter Attia Podcasts: