On this episode of Going the Distance, Dr. Joy'El Ballard, an OB-GYN based in Annapolis, MD, shares her journey through medical school, the unique challenges faced by Black women in healthcare, and the importance of addressing women's health issues, particularly during menopause. The discussion covers the impact of stress on health outcomes, the significance of listening to patients, and the role of community support. Dr. Ballard emphasizes the need for accurate information regarding hormone therapy and the importance of vaginal health, while also promoting her book, 'Loving Me, Myself and Her: Through Perimenopause and Beyond,' which encourages women to love themselves through their health journeys.
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Jump to:
00:00 - Introduction to Women's Health Challenges
00:52 - Dr. Joy'El's Journey to OBGYN
04:35 - Navigating Medical School as a Black Woman
09:36 - The Importance of Representation in Healthcare
11:21 - Gaslighting in Women's Health
13:19 - The Impact of Stress on Health Outcomes
16:53 - LGBTQ+ Health Concerns
18:37 - Understanding IUDs and Birth Control Options
19:37 - Finding the Right OBGYN for IUD Placement
24:16 - Understanding IUDs: Hormonal vs Non-Hormonal
25:54 - Navigating Menopause: Symptoms and Hormone Testing
30:09 - Menopause Hormone Therapy: What to Ask Your Doctor
35:00 - Synthetic vs Bioidentical Hormones: Making the Choice
39:51 - The Importance of Vaginal Estrogen
44:04 - The Importance of Vaginal Estrogen
46:11 - Pap Smears and Gynecological Health in Your 40s
48:16 - Pelvic Floor Therapy: When to Seek Help
50:14 - Misinformation on Menopause and Supplements
53:39 - Hormone Therapy: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions
56:34 - Dr. Joy'El's Book: Loving Me, Myself and Her