The Hotflash inc podcast
Hotflash inc is an evidence, expert and human-experience driven podcast looking for the true truth in perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
In more than 100 episodes menopause and midlife journalist and host Ann Marie McQueen has spoken to a wide range of experts from around the globe, including practitioners, activists, researchers, doctors and industry leaders about this perplexing transition we still know too little about. She’s talked about her own frustrations and personal experiences. And she has connected with a perimenoposse of powerful women in the midst of a perplexing transition.
Hotflash inc is among the top 1.5 percent of podcasts in the world according to Listen Notes. It was named the number one podcast in women’s health in August 2023 by GOODPODS.
The Hotflash inc podcast
188: Jennifer Block is following the estrogen money
Welcome back to the Hotflash inc podcast, hosted by journalist and founder Ann Marie McQueen – the only reader-supported, evidence, expert opinion and human experience-based platform dedicated to all aspects of menopause and midlife. Today’s guest is Jennifer Block, an independent investigative journalist based in the United States. who reports on medicine, health, science and power. In this episode, Ann Marie and Jennifer explore the rising tide of estrogen-focused messaging in menopause care – and how it might not be as organic or evidence-based as it seems. Jennifer has just published three major articles — in The Free Press, The British Medical Journal and on her Substack Unpopular Science — that connect long-suspected dots between pharma-backed advocacy, conflicts of interest and the shifting tone around hormone therapy. Together, these pieces paint a picture of an industry-backed campaign influencing policy, public opinion, and clinical guidance. If you’ve been wondering why estrogen is suddenly everywhere, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.
Sponsor Shoutout: Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.
Also, thank you to our friends at Bonafide. Visit hellobonafide.com and use code SUMMIT20 to receive 20% off your first month of any Bonafide subscription product.
Highlights
- How Jennifer’s recent reporting was sparked by the FDA black box warning change
- The behind-the-scenes forces pushing for estrogen’s big comeback
- Why the “menopause awareness movement” isn’t as grassroots as it seems
- What Jennifer uncovered about the industry ties behind the Menopause Society
- Why many doctors may not be aware of their own industry entanglements
- How these dynamics affect everyday women making decisions about HRT
- What informed consent really means in this climate
- The importance of journalistic scrutiny in medical debates
Fact check:
- Addyi (flibanserin) offers a modest benefit for certain premenopausal women with HSDD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder), averaging 0.5 to 1 additional satisfying sexual event per month compared to placebo.
- Compounded hormones typically do not carry standardized FDA boxed warnings or package inserts. These customized medications are exempt from federal labeling regulations, meaning key risk information may not be included.
About Jennifer
- Website: www.jenniferblock.com
- Substack: Unpopular Science
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