Take Her Word For It

Hoag Health
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Entrepreneurship

Women hear a lot about their health. What they don’t always get are straight answers — or the feeling that someone is really listening. Take Her Word for It is a women’s health podcast from Hoag built on a simple idea: women know their bodies, and what they’re experiencing deserves to be heard and taken seriously. Hosted by Anusha Wijeyakumar, a Hoag wellness consultant, each episode gets candid about the questions, changes and experiences that shape women’s lives — from hormones, sex and menopause to mental health, relationships, prevention and everything in between.  Anusha brings real questions to Hoag physicians, clinicians and experts who pair the science with something just as important: listening to women. Together, they sort through the noise, challenge outdated assumptions and get to answers women can actually use. When a woman tells you what she’s experiencing, take her word for it.

Episodes

  1. Oct 20

    Science vs. Social Media: The Truth About Breast Health

    Science vs. Social Media: The Truth About Breast Health Dr Sadia Khan, DO, FACS, FACOS, FSSO, Medical Director Breast Program, Hoag Women’s Health Institute and Hoag Family Cancer Institute  Does soy actually raise your risk? Is that nightly glass of wine doing more harm than you think? The internet is flooded with conflicting advice on breast cancer prevention. This week, Anusha sits down with Dr. Sadia Khan to scientifically debunk the most stubborn health misconceptions. We’re cutting through the noise to separate popular fads from evidence-based facts. Arm yourself with the reliable, expert information you need to stop the guesswork and start making smarter, healthier choices for your breast health every single day.    Call to Action: Take Hoag’s Breast Cancer Risk Assessment https://profilers.evaliahealth.com/v3/f12065c3-e316-4c70-bb64-7bd4d1c3ff5b      Show Notes: Dietary Soy - Boutas, I., Kontogeorgi, A., Dimitrakakis, C., & Kalantaridou, S. N. (2022). Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis. In Vivo, 36(2), 556–562. https://doi.org/10.21873/invivo.12737  van Die, M. D., Bone, K. M., Visvanathan, K., Kyrø, C., Aune, D., Ee, C., & Paller, C. J. (2023). Phytonutrients and outcomes following breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. JNCI Cancer Spectrum, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/jncics/pkad104  Deodorant - Mirzadeh, M., et al. (2024). Antiperspirant/Deodorant Use and Breast Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. [PubMed PMID: 39396340]  Kliewer, S., et al. (2024). The Potential Metalloestrogenic Effect of Aluminum on Breast Cancer Risk for Antiperspirant Users. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(1), 184. [PubMed PMID: 39795956]  Mirick, S. S., Davis, S., & Thomas, D. B. (2002). Antiperspirant use and the risk of breast cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 94(20), 1578–1580. [PubMed PMID: 12381712]  HRT - Løkkegaard, E. L., et al. (2020). Use of hormone replacement therapy and risk of breast cancer: nested case-control study using the QResearch and CPRD databases. BMJ, 371, m3873 [PubMed PMID: 33115814]    Fitzmaurice, C., et al. / Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer.(2019). Type and timing of menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk: individual participant meta-analysis of the worldwide epidemiological evidence. The Lancet, 394(10204), 1159–1168. [PubMed PMID: 31474332] Alcohol - Massari, F., et al. (2026). Association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer incidence and prognosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Breast, 86, 104719. [PubMed PMID: 41689896]   Suzuki, R., et al. (2008). Alcohol intake and risk of breast cancer defined by estrogen and progesterone receptor status--a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. International Journal of Cancer, 122(8), 1832–1841. [PubMed PMID: 18067133] Reducing risk - Sánchez-Zamorano, L. M., et al. (2023). Lifestyle Quality Indices and Female Breast Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. In Vivo, 36(2), 556–562. [PubMed PMID: 37085092] Engmann, N. J., et al. (2017). Population-Attributable Risk Fraction for Modifiable Cancer Risk Factors. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 109(6). [PubMed PMID: 29284222]

  2. Oct 6

    Decoding Risk: The New Rules of Breast Cancer Screening

    Decoding Risk: The New Rules of Breast Cancer Screening   Guest: Dr. January Lopez, MD, CCD, Director of Breast Imaging, Hoag Breast Center, Hoag Women's Heath Institute and Hoag Family Cancer Institute When it comes to breast cancer, knowledge is your greatest superpower, but the sheer volume of information can often feel paralyzing. This week, Anusha sits down with Dr. January Lopez to bridge the gap between fear and facts. We’re clearly distinguishing between the factors we can’t change - like genetics and the powerful, evidence-based lifestyle shifts we can control. In this episode, we have a much-needed, honest conversation about the "radiation risk" of mammograms and explore the evolving roles of breast ultrasound and breast CT scans in modern wellness checks. Dr. Lopez debunks common myths to replace medical anxiety with peace of mind. Leave with a clear, actionable plan, from the gold standards of early detection to the roles of exercise and mindfulness in safeguarding your long-term health.  Read more about our breast cancer screening and schedule your 3D Mammogram, breast ultrasound and our brand new breast CT by calling 949-764-5573  https://www.hoag.org/treatment/breast-screening-types  Show Notes: Monticciolo D, Newell M, Moy L . Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Higher-Than-Average Risk: Updated Recommendations From the ACR. Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2023; 20, 902-914  National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2026). NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: Breast cancer screening and diagnosis (Version 1.2026). https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=2&id=1421   World Cancer Research Fund / American Institute for Cancer Research. Continuous Update Project Expert Report 2018. Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Breast Cancer. Available at dietandcancerreport.org  Expert Panel on Breast Imaging; Paulis LV, Lewin AA, Weinstein SP, Baron P, Dayaratna S, Dodelzon K, Dogan BE, Gulati A, Kantor O, Kasales C, Kunjummen JM, Kuzmiak CM, Newell MS, Salkowski LR, Sharpe RE Jr, Small W Jr, Ulaner GA, Slanetz PJ. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Supplemental Breast Cancer Screening Based on Breast Density: 2024 Update. J Am Coll Radiol. 2025 May;22(5S):S405-S423. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2025.02.023. PMID: 40409891.   Mango V, Bryce Y, Morris EA, Gianotti E, Pinker K. Commentary ACOG Practice Bulletin July 2017: Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening in Average-Risk Women. Br J Radiol. 2018 Oct;91(1090):20170907. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20170907. Epub 2018 May 24. PMID: 29688040; PMCID: PMC6350476.  American College of Radiology. (n.d.). Radiation Dose Reference Chart. https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Radiology-Safety/Radiation-Safety/Dose-Reference-Card.pdf

  3. Sep 22

    Stop Telling Me It’s Just Stress: The Perimenopause Truth

    Stop Telling Me It’s Just Stress: The Perimenopause Truth Dr. Heather Macdonald, MD, FACOG, MSCP, Medical Director Women’s Midlife Program and Breast & Ovarian Cancer Prevention Program, Hoag Women’s Health Institute and Hoag Family Cancer Institute It’s time to have the conversation no one prepped us for. This week, Anusha sits down with Dr. Heather Macdonald for an open, essential deep dive into perimenopause. We’re pulling back the curtain on the "why" behind your symptoms beyond hot flashes and irritability while looking at the big picture of your bone, heart, and brain health. Whether you’re curious about the truth behind HRT/MHT or looking for lifestyle hacks to feel like yourself again, this episode is your roadmap to navigating "the change" with total clarity and confidence. Take our free perimenopause assessment at https://www.hoag.org/menopause To attend one of our upcoming Perimenopause and Menopause Real Talk community events visit https://www.trumba.com/eareg.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=03hkbngyx2ndgdcctbbbm6739ug7wn8553a6ssc2wkj4x98fax5k Click Find a Healthcare Practitioner button https://menopause.org/ Re analysis of Women's Health Initiative trials: 2022 Hormone Therapy statement from The (North American) Menopause Society and HRT for osteoporosis prevention https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/abstract/10.1097/gme.0000000000002028~the-2022-hormone-therapy-position-statement-of-the-north?redirectionsource=fulltextview Exercise with Weighted Vest improved bone density Bemis-Dougherty, A., & Zehnacker, C. (2007). Effect of Weighted Exercises on Bone Mineral Density in Post Menopausal Women A Systematic Review. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 30(2), 79–88. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18171491/

  4. Sep 4

    The Science of Sex: Stress, Libido, and Reclaiming Intimacy

    It’s time to talk about the part of wellness that almost always stays behind closed doors. We are spending a fortune on fitness trends and clean eating yet completely ignoring our sexual health and relational intimacy. This week, Anusha sits down with OB/GYN and sexual wellness expert Dr. Stephanie Davis for an unfiltered, evidence-based reality check on female desire. Together, they move past the superficial advice to explore how modern stress, chronic burnout, and conditions like PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) physically hijack your hormone cascade and shut down your libido. Whether you are navigating hormonal shifts, feeling completely disconnected from your partner, or simply exhausted by the mental load of daily life, this episode delivers a data-backed blueprint to lower your nervous system’s alarm system, establish psychological safety, and reclaim your pleasure - without spending a single dime. Visit our Menopause and Sexual Medicine Program offerings  https://www.hoag.org/programs/menopause/overview/   To attend one of our upcoming Perimenopause, Menopause and Sexual Health Real Talk community events visit https://www.trumba.com/eareg.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=03hkbngyx2ndgdcctbbbm6739ug7wn8553a6ssc2wkj4x98fax5k   International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Find a provider directory - https://app.v1.statusplus.net/membership/provider/index?society=isswsh Prosayla ISSWSH patient education - https://www.prosayla.com/articles 2025 AUA Guidelines on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause - https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause 2026 Urology Study showing Vaginal Estradiol decrease Adverse Events - https://www.goldjournal.net/article/S0090-4295(26)00358-4/abstract Tightlipped Nonprofit/grassroots community resources for chronic vulvovaginal or pelvic pain - https://www.tightlipped.org/

  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Women hear a lot about their health. What they don’t always get are straight answers — or the feeling that someone is really listening. Take Her Word for It is a women’s health podcast from Hoag built on a simple idea: women know their bodies, and what they’re experiencing deserves to be heard and taken seriously. Hosted by Anusha Wijeyakumar, a Hoag wellness consultant, each episode gets candid about the questions, changes and experiences that shape women’s lives — from hormones, sex and menopause to mental health, relationships, prevention and everything in between.  Anusha brings real questions to Hoag physicians, clinicians and experts who pair the science with something just as important: listening to women. Together, they sort through the noise, challenge outdated assumptions and get to answers women can actually use. When a woman tells you what she’s experiencing, take her word for it.

Information

  • Creator
    Hoag Health
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Take Her Word For It

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