272 When Medicine Fails You - Start A Company Monica Molenaar and Anne Fulenwider, co-founders of Alloy, discuss their journey into menopause and the creation of their company. They highlight the lack of information and inconsistent advice they received from doctors, leading them to start a platform that provides women with credible information, support, and access to hormone replacement therapy. They emphasize the importance of validation and listening to women's concerns, as well as the need for streamlined and efficient menopause care. They also discuss the barriers to accessing testosterone for women and the need for change in regulations and education. The conversation explores the safety and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women. The speakers discuss the fear and misinformation surrounding HRT, emphasizing that it is a safe and effective treatment for menopause symptoms and can also have protective effects on the heart, bones, and brain. They highlight the importance of preserving function and quality of life in menopausal women and the need for a shift in the conversation around hormones from disease prevention to preservation of function. The speakers also discuss the international perspective on menopause and the challenges women face in accessing hormone therapy in different countries. Takeaways The lack of information and inconsistent advice from doctors led Monica and Anne to start Alloy. This platform provides women with credible information, support, and access to hormone replacement therapy. Validation and listening to women's concerns are crucial in menopause care, as many women have been dismissed or invalidated by healthcare providers. The barriers to accessing testosterone for women include its classification as a schedule three drug, the lack of FDA-approved dose for women, and the need for in-person prescriptions by knowledgeable practitioners. The stigma around menopause needs to be challenged, as it is a powerful time in a woman's life where she can take control and live life on her own terms. The telehealth technology and behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic have created an opportunity for improved access to menopause care. Alloy is focused on creating solutions for the problems women face in perimenopause and menopause, including addressing vaginal health, systemic hormones, and skincare. The safety and efficacy of hormones, including testosterone, need to be emphasized to overcome misconceptions and provide women with the full range of benefits. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a safe and effective treatment for menopause symptoms and can have protective effects on the heart, bones, and brain. The fear and misinformation surrounding HRT are unfounded, and women should have access to this treatment to improve their quality of life. The conversation around hormones should shift from disease prevention to preservation of function and quality of life in menopausal women. Access to hormone therapy is a challenge in many countries, and there is a need to spread awareness and improve access to treatment internationally. https://www.myalloy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/monica.molenaar/ https://www.instagram.com/annefulenwider/ Special thanks to our sponsor, Solv Wellness! To learn more about Ellura by Solv Wellness, visit ellura.com for 30% off your first purchase automatically applied at checkout. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Preorder my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my NEW Adult Sex Ed Master Class: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/adult-sex-ed Join my membership to get these episodes ASAP, a private facebook group to discuss and my private accountability group for your health, hormones and life support! www.kellycaspersonmd.com/membership