Ketobiography Going Menopostal: Advocacy, Pain & Perseverance
📋 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 Learn in this Episode
- Why oral micronized progesterone (at an adequate dose) is critical for both symptom relief and cancer protection in perimenopause.
- How estradiol can support sleep, bladder function, cardiovascular health, and bone protection in menopause when used appropriately.
- The 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 who is willing to partner with you instead of talking over you.
- How 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
Substack newsletter “Science Made Practical”
https://sciencemadepractical.amyalkon.net
🎟️ Grab your ticket for The Cholesterol Code theatrical screening in DFW! 🎟️
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