The Dusty Muffins

• Thriving, Not Just Surviving: A Modern Guide to Menopause Treatment

  Ready to cut through the confusion and get the real scoop on hormone therapy? In this powerhouse episode of The Dusty Muffins, our specialist trio—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—break down everything you need to know about navigating menopause with knowledge, humor, and confidence.This is your ultimate field guide to the change, straight from the experts who live and breathe this stuff. They’re demystifying the science and sharing the practical tips you won't always get from a rushed doctor's appointment. In this episode, you’ll discover:💊 Your Hormone Therapy Menu: A clear breakdown of the options—from patches and gels to pills—and how to figure out what might be right for YOU.🔬 Bioidentical Explained: What this term actually means and how these hormones differ from what your body produces naturally.📊 Why Tracking is Everything: How logging your symptoms is the first step to taking control of your menopause journey and having productive conversations with your doctor.🩺 Be Your Own Advocate: Why many doctors aren't menopause experts and the crucial questions you need to ask to get the care you deserve.❤️ The Lube Lowdown: Straight talk on vaginal estrogen and why lube isn't a luxury, it's a necessity for comfort and intimacy.Tune in for an episode that’s equal parts science class, support group, and comedy hour. Consider this your official permission slip to ask questions, demand better, and thrive through menopause.The Dusty Muffins:📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffinsHosts:👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnpDisclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

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• Anxiety, ADHD & The Change: Navigating Menopause & Mental Health

  Feeling unlike yourself? You're not alone, and it's not your fault. In this crucial episode of The Dusty Muffins, our expert trio—Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP)—delve deep into the mental and emotional whirlwind of perimenopause and menopause.This is the conversation that validates what so many women feel but are often told to just "push through." The docs break down the powerful science behind why your brain feels like it's betraying you and what you can actually do about it. In this episode, you’ll discover:🧠 The Hormone-Mind Connection: The scientific link between fluctuating hormones and very real mood changes, anxiety, and depression.💊 Beyond the Prescription Pad: Why SSRIs aren't always the answer and when addressing the hormonal root cause is the key to effective treatment.📝 The Meno-D Questionnaire: Learn about this essential tool that helps clinicians identify menopause-related mood disorders—so you can get the right diagnosis.⚡ ADHD Unmasked: How the hormonal shifts of menopause can suddenly unmask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women who never struggled before.❤️ Your Mental Health is Health: Actionable steps for self-care, open communication, and prioritizing your well-being during this transformative transition.Tune in for an episode that offers validation, clarity, and hope. It's time to stop blaming yourself and start empowering yourself.The Dusty Muffins:📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffinsHosts:👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnpDisclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

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• The Menopunks Revolution: Smashing Stigma with Punk Rock & Truth

  Crank up the volume and get ready to smash the stigma! The dynamic trio of Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) are joined by filmmaker and revolutionary Alicia J. Rose to dive into the explosive documentary and movement known as Menopunks.This isn't just a film -it's a full-throttle, mic-drop moment for midlife health. Alicia discusses how she's turning a whisper network into a scream, using the raw power of punk rock and unfiltered stories to demand what's been denied for decades: access, autonomy, and the right to thrive. In this episode, you’ll discover:🎸 The Birth of a Movement: How Menopunks is shattering decades of silence and misinformation with a fierce lineup of musicians, medical experts, and celebrities.💥 More Than a Documentary: Why this project is a radical act of reclaiming power, challenging the status quo, and fighting for hormonal optimization for all.🔬 Debunking the Myths: An inside look at how the film tackles persistent falsehoods surrounding HRT head-on with explosive interviews and scientific truth.🎬 Art as Activism: The transformative power of sharing vulnerable, real-time stories from artists navigating peri/menopause and the creative process.✊ Your Invitation to Revolt: How to join the movement demanding respect, proper care, and the unstoppable power that comes with being seen and heard.Tune in for an episode that is as empowering as it is enlightening. This is the sound of a revolution, and The Dusty Muffins are here for it.Social Media Links:The Dusty Muffins:📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffinsHosts:👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnpGuest – Menopunks / Alicia J. Rose:🌐 Website → https://www.menopunks.com📸 Instagram → @menopunksDisclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

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• Fans, Facts & Fire: Shelly Horton on Surviving and Thriving in Perimenopause

  Have your tissues ready and get ready for an episode packed with passion, truth, and a whole lot of laughs! The dynamic trio of Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) are joined by Australian journalist, powerhouse advocate, and self-proclaimed "Peri Godmother" Shelly Horton.Shelly opens up about the moment perimenopause nearly ended her career and how it ignited a fire in her to break the silence. This is a raw, honest, and deeply empowering conversation that moves from personal struggle to collective action. In this episode, you’ll discover:🎤 From Newsroom to Revolution: How a high-profile TV journalist became a leading voice in the menopause movement after hitting her own breaking point.📚 Your Best Defense is Knowledge: Practical advice on how to arm yourself with information and confidently advocate for the care you deserve.🩺 Doctor Shopping is Self-Care: Why you should never settle for a dismissive doctor and how to build your personal "dream team" of healthcare providers.🗣️ Breaking Generational Silence: The importance of sharing our stories to shatter the stigma so future generations won't have to suffer in silence.💥 Laughs, Tears, and Truth: A conversation that perfectly captures the rollercoaster of perimenopause, proving that humor and hope are essential survival tools.Tune in for an episode that is as inspiring as it is informative. Consider this your official permission slip to demand better for your health and your life.The Dusty Muffins:📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffinsHosts:👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan → https://www.instagram.com/portlandmenopausedoc👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → https://www.instagram.com/christinehartkress_dnpGuest – Shelly Horton:🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/ShellyHorton📸 Instagram → @shellyhorton1📚 Book → https://geni.us/ImYourPeriGodmotherDisclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they’re not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

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• The Pleasure Revolution: Why Midlife is Your Time to Shine

  Get ready for a transformative and deeply personal episode of The Dusty Muffins! Join Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan (MD, MSCP), Dr. Christine Hart Kress (DNP, MSCP), and Dr. Rebbecca Hertel (DO, MSCP) as they sit down with Gabriella Espinosa, women's health coach and host of the "Pleasure in the Pause" podcast, for a candid conversation about reigniting pleasure and rediscovering yourself during the menopause transition.This is more than just a talk about hormones—it's about reclaiming your power, your pleasure, and your identity. Gabriella shares her powerful journey of midlife awakening and how she turned menopause into an opportunity for profound personal growth. In this episode, you'll discover:🌹 The Art of Self-Pleasure: How Gabriella redefined self-love as an act of devotion, breaking through cultural barriers to reconnect with her body and desires.🔄 Rewriting Your Story: Why it's essential to move beyond societal "scripts" about sexuality and focus on what brings you joy right now.🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness & Intimacy: Practical ways to integrate nervous system regulation and mindfulness practices to enhance your connection with yourself and your partner.💫 Midlife as an Upgrade: How to approach menopause as an invitation to become the wisest, strongest, and most empowered version of yourself.🔥 Keeping the Spark Alive: Insights from Gabriella's own journey of rediscovering attraction and intimacy with her husband through mentorship and exploration.Tune in for an episode that's equal parts inspiring, practical, and liberating. If you're ready to embrace this chapter of your life with confidence and curiosity, this conversation is for you!The Dusty Muffins:📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedustymuffins🔗 Linktree → https://linktr.ee/thedustymuffinsHosts:👩⚕️ Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan → @portlandmenopausedoc👩⚕️ Dr. Rebbecca Hertel → @drrebbeccaherteldo👩⚕️ Dr. Christine Hart Kress → @christinehartkress_dnpGuest – Gabriella Espinosa:📸 Instagram → @gabriellaespinosa🌐 Website → https://www.pleasureinthepause.comDisclaimer: The Dusty Muffins are doctors, but they're not YOUR doctors. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

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