What this episode is about
Learn how to navigate today's complex healthcare system and become your own best advocate with insights from renowned OBGYN Dr. Sharon Malone.
In this episode
- The Changing Face of Healthcare: Why Self-Advocacy Matters Now
- Breaking the Silence: The Power of Family Health Conversations
- The Truth About Menopause: Suffering is Not Mandatory
Moments from this episode
Word for word from the recording. Tap a time to hear it.
Lack of estrogen touches every organ
“The long term health implications of being menopausal and not having estrogen in your body, it affects your bones, it affects your brain, it affects your heart, your skin, your hair.”
Whatever helps women feel better
“If hormones is the vehicle by which I can get women to feel better, do better and be healthier, then so be it, until I find something else that is superior.”
Women who thrive have a community
“The women who do well as we age, it is usually women who have a community of women of support around them.”
“One of the key takeaways from your book is this idea that even though menopause is mandatory, suffering is not.”
Gabriella Espinosaat 26:28
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Show notes
As a women's health and sexual wellness coach, I've heard countless stories from women who have felt dismissed or overwhelmed in doctors' offices when trying to explain their symptoms.
That's why I was thrilled to interview Dr. Sharon Malone, a nationally renowned OBGYN, Chief Medical Officer of Alloy Women's Health, and author of the New York Times bestseller "Grown Woman Talk."
Dr. Malone believes that in today's healthcare landscape, it's "every woman for herself" - not in a discouraging way, but as a call to action for women to become their own best advocates. Her insights offer a powerful roadmap for taking control of your health in midlife and beyond.
Read the full show notesShow less
The Changing Face of Healthcare: Why Self-Advocacy Matters Now
The healthcare system has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. As Dr. Malone explains, "The nature and business of medicine has changed. When I started over 30 years ago, doctors were in charge. Doctors told you what to do, and then you just did it."
Today's reality is different. With the rise of managed care, corporate medical practices, and frequent insurance changes, the traditional doctor-patient relationship has shifted. "You may have to tell your story to a stranger every time you change a job or your employer changes insurance," Dr. Malone notes.
Key Changes in Modern Healthcare:
- Shorter appointment times (often just 5-7 minutes)
- Frequent provider changes due to insurance
- Less continuity of care
- Corporate ownership of medical practices
- Limited access to specialists
Breaking the Silence: The Power of Family Health Conversations
One of Dr. Malone's most powerful recommendations is to have open conversations about health history within families. "There were things that people just didn't talk about," she shares. "Everyone would get all quiet when they were talking about things like cancer and mental health."
Dr. Malone suggests using family gatherings, like Thanksgiving, to discuss health history. This isn't about predicting your future health - it's about understanding potential risk factors and taking proactive steps.
Why Family Health History Matters:
- Helps identify potential health risks
- Enables early intervention
- Breaks down shame and stigma
- Empowers informed healthcare decisions
- Benefits multiple generations
Learn more on the CDC website.
The Truth About Menopause: Suffering is Not Mandatory
A key message Dr. Malone emphasizes is that while menopause is mandatory, suffering is not. "The menopause society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have said for the symptoms of menopause, there is nothing more effective than hormone therapy," she states.
Dr. Malone challenges the cultural narrative that women must suffer through various life stages. She emphasizes that quality of life matters, and women deserve relief from symptoms that affect their daily lives.
Important Menopause Facts:
- Menopause affects every organ system in your body
- Treatment options exist for symptom relief
- Quality of life should be a priority
- Early intervention can prevent unnecessary suffering
- Long-term health implications need consideration
The Future of Women's Healthcare: Embracing Innovation
Dr. Malone sees telehealth and digital health platforms as crucial solutions to healthcare access issues. "I don't think that any woman who lives in New Mexico should have any less information or access to care than someone who lives in New York City or Los Angeles," she states.
Through platforms like Alloy Women's Health, expert care becomes more accessible to women everywhere, regardless of location.
Benefits of Modern Healthcare Solutions:
- Increased access to specialized care
- More convenient appointment options
- Consistent quality of care
- Expert knowledge sharing
- Reduced wait times for treatment
Building Your Health Advocacy Toolkit
Based on Dr. Malone's insights, here are essential steps for taking charge of your health:
- Know your personal and family health history
- Keep detailed records of medications and procedures
- Prepare for appointments with specific questions and concerns
- Don't accept suffering as inevitable
- Seek second opinions when needed
- Consider telehealth options for specialized care
- Stay informed about your health conditions and treatment options
Conclusion
As Dr. Malone reminds us, "The only person that knows you and cares intimately about your health is you." While the healthcare system continues to evolve, we have more tools and resources than ever to take control of our health journey. The key is to stay informed, speak up, and never accept suffering as your destiny.
Remember, your health matters, and you deserve care that supports your quality of life. As I always say on Pleasure in the Pause, your pleasure has no age limit or expiration date - and neither does your right to quality healthcare.
Get the book here: drsharonmalone.com/book
About our guest: Dr. Sharon Malone is a nationally known expert in women’s health and the New York Times Bestselling author of Grown Woman Talk. She is the Chief Medical Advisor at Alloy Women’s Health, a telehealth company that focuses on women over 40. Before joining Alloy, Dr. Malone was a partner at one of the oldest and most successful OB/GYN medical practices in Washington, D.C. She is board-certified by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and certified by the North American Menopause Society as a Certified National Menopause Practitioner. Throughout her professional career, she has been active in advocating for reproductive rights, reducing teen pregnancy, and eliminating health care disparities. Dr. Malone has been honored with the Health Award from the Black Women's Agenda, Inc., and was named on the 2024 Forbes 50 over 50 list.
Connect with Dr. Sharon Malone:
- Website: drsharonmalone.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/smalonemd
- Special offer at MyAlloy: Use Code GWT25 for 25% off your first telehealth visit.
About the guest
Dr. Sharon MaloneNationally known expert in women’s healthGuest on this episode of Pleasure in the Pause.More about them
