HRT After Cancer, Previvors, and Menopause with Rachel Frankenthal (UCLA)

This is StRest! Rachel Frankenthal—gynecologic oncology PA at UCLA and Menopause Society–certified practitioner—joins Kerstin to demystify hormone therapy for cancer survivors, genetic “previvors,” and women navigating midlife. She explains the stark difference between natural and treatment-induced menopause, how to build an individualized HRT plan (timing, route, dosing), and why informed, shared decision-making with your care team is essential. We unpack current guidance for high-risk gene carriers (e.g., BRCA), prophylactic surgery timing, and what proactive screening can look like (including when MRIs make sense for dense breasts). Rachel addresses widespread WHI-era fears, discusses late-start estrogen in select older patients, and walks through a quality-of-life case where a survivor chose HRT after understanding risks. You’ll also hear practical playbooks: how to advocate with data (send studies before your visit, ask for longer follow-ups), when to seek second or third opinions, and the non-negotiables that support recovery and midlife health—anti-inflammatory nutrition, daily movement with strength work, nervous-system regulation, sleep, and thoughtfully used fasting (different for cycling vs. post-menopause). We close with testosterone basics for women and why social platforms can help you find evidence-based clinicians and communities. REGISTER National Menopause Show | Anaheim October 4 & 5, 2025 - https://ow.ly/yKYf50WJFSW Thanks to our sponsors ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ancient Nutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Use code STREST25 ⁠⁠⁠Waco Shoe Company⁠⁠⁠ - KERSTIN20 CHAPTERS 00:00 Shared Decisions & Episode Setup 02:38 Sponsor + Meet Rachel 05:09 Induced vs Natural; BRCA Choices 10:23 Genetic Testing & HRT Myths 14:36 Advocate Smart + Case Study 20:41 Cognition Risks & WHI Context 24:42 Breast MRI, Stress & Sleep 29:45 Planning & Fine-Tuning HRT 36:06 Bones, Hormones & Testosterone 45:04 Care Team, Lifestyle, Fasting, Next Work with Kerstin ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Workshops & Events⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Join upcoming events & retreats. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Health Coaching with Kerstin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – 1:1 coaching for stress reduction & wellness. Connect with Rachel Frankenthal Instagram: @rachelfrankenthal UCLA Health: Rachel Frankenthal, PA-C More about Kerstin Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kerstin-lindquist.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @kerstin.lindquist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kerstin Lindquist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @Kerstin.lindquist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @kerstin.lindquist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif & Kroo Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.massifsp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Massif Studio & Production⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TallawahWorldwide.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Tallawah Group For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [e-mail]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices