In this episode we lay down all the basics of what hormones are and what they do. Co-host and endocrinologist Dr. Gillian Goddard walks us through the different feedback loops in our bodies, and how hormones are the instruction manuals for all our major systems. This episode includes fun facts about organs and glands, the placenta, your brain, how Tamoxifen works, diabetes, perimenopause, and the myth of the hormonal imbalance!

For a lot more on your hormones and women’s hormonal health from birth to menopause, check out Gillian’s forthcoming book, The Hormone Loop! www.thesavvypatient.com/book

We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treatment or any medical advice. The only way to get a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice for your particular condition is through a discussion with your doctor.

Please subscribe savvypatient.substack.com

Visit www.thesavvypatient.com/podcast for episode transcripts.

Watch full podcast episodes @TheSavvyPatient on Youtube.com.

Get your copy of The Hormone Loop by Dr. Gillian Goddard wherever books are sold.

This episode was produced and edited by Erin Stein. Music: “All We Live For (instrumental)” by Wolfclub licensed through Audiio.com. Intro and outro edited, and video created, by Ian Mayer. The Savvy Patient logo by Amanda Spielman.

Recent headlines suggested the totally free home treatment known as masturbation could alleviate menopause symptoms. We examine and discuss the study that sparked all the excitement.

We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treatment or any medical advice. The only way to get a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice for your particular condition is through a discussion with your doctor.

Please subscribe savvypatient.substack.com

Visit www.thesavvypatient.com/podcast for episode transcripts.

Watch full podcast episodes @TheSavvyPatient on Youtube.com.

Get your copy of The Hormone Loop by Dr. Gillian Goddard wherever books are sold.

This episode was produced and edited by Erin Stein. Music: “All We Live For (instrumental)” by Wolfclub licensed through Audiio.com. Intro and outro edited, and video created, by Ian Mayer. The Savvy Patient logo by Amanda Spielman.

References:

Lehmiller, Justin J. PhD; Graham, Cynthia A. PhD; Ferrall, Louise BS; Mendelson, Emily A. MA; Prine, Merissa S. MS. The role of masturbation in relieving symptoms associated with menopause. Menopause 33(4):p 384-394, April 2026. DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002675 https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2026/04000/the_role_of_masturbation_in_relieving_symptoms.4.aspx

Heinemann K, Ruebig A, Potthoff P, Schneider HP, Strelow F, Heinemann LA, Do MT. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) scale: a methodological review. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2004 Sep 2;2:45. DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-2-45. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC516787/

Dr. Gillian Goddard and Erin Stein introduce themselves and explain what this podcast will be all about.

The Savvy Patient podcast makes medicine make sense, giving you simple, usable insights for smarter conversations with your doctor. Two best friends crack each other up as they bust medical myths and break down the latest research.

Dr. Gillian Goddard and Erin Stein performed high school theater together, and then one of them became a doctor. Gillian—endocrinologist, author of The Hormone Loop, and the popular newsletter The Savvy Patient—wants everyone to become a confident self advocate for their health. Erin asks the awkward questions, calls out jargon, and keeps it real. Together, they use fresh research and evidence to navigate the so-called “prime of their lives” and all the weird, wild shit no one warns you about.

We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treatment or any medical advice. The only way to get a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice for your particular condition is through a discussion with your doctor.

Please subscribe savvypatient.substack.com

Visit www.thesavvypatient.com/podcast for episode transcripts.

Watch full podcast episodes @TheSavvyPatient on Youtube.com.

Get your copy of The Hormone Loop by Dr. Gillian Goddard wherever books are sold.

This episode was produced and edited by Erin Stein. Music: “All We Live For (instrumental)” by Wolfclub licensed through Audiio.com. Intro and outro edited, and video created, by Ian Mayer. The Savvy Patient logo by Amanda Spielman.