After listening to an episode of Itchy and Bitchy, a woman pushed for further testing and caught grade 1A ovarian cancer early—requiring only surgery. Karen revisits why self-advocacy saves lives, translating expert definitions into everyday guidance and offering practical steps: build a true partnership with your provider, keep detailed symptom and medication notes, ask clear questions about tests, risks, and costs, use reliable resources (not “Dr. Google”), consult your pharmacist, and keep your advance care planning up to date.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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16:21
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16:21
Estradiol and Skin: The Perfect Match!
Karen tackles a common menopause question: oral vs. topical estradiol. She explains first-pass metabolism and why transdermal options can lower clot, gallstone, and side-effect risks for many, then compares real-world choices.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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16:27
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16:27
Redefining Lithium with Low Dosing
Karen tackles a listener question about low-dose lithium. She reviews micro- vs. low-dose ranges, discusses forms like lithium orotate/aspartate and third-party-tested supplement options, and flags safety essentials such as toxicity symptoms, thyroid/kidney considerations, and when to loop in your clinician.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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16:41
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16:41
Blood Tests for Multiple Cancers + Whole Body Scan Info
In this update to the August 2024 episode, Karen explains the surge of direct-to-consumer “whole-body” MRI/CT screenings and how to decide with your provider whether they’re a good fit. In the re-aired episode, Karen explores the Galleri test, a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test that can identify over 50 types of cancer. She explains how the test works, its potential benefits, and the risks associated with its use. She also shares personal stories from individuals who benefited from the test, while discussing ongoing research to determine its effectiveness in improving cancer outcomes.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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26:08
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26:08
BPC-157: What Are You Really Buying?
Karen takes a look at BPC-157, the buzzy peptide touted for faster healing and joint relief, explaining what animal studies actually show, the lack of human clinical trials, and its regulatory reality.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Nurse practitioner Karen Nickell discusses the realities of menopause and the female midlife in a way that is both informative and fun.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Ireland