Can estrogen increase your risk of breast cancer? Is testosterone really just for men? And is pregnancy off the table during perimenopause?

In this episode, “Menopause Myths Debunked – Part 1” of the Modern Midlife Collective podcast, Dr. Jillian Woodruff and Dr. Ade Akindipe tackle some of the most common—and harmful—myths surrounding midlife health and hormone therapy.

They explore the long-standing confusion stemming from the Women’s Health Initiative study, the reality behind perimenopausal fertility, and the essential role testosterone plays in women’s well-being. With a clear-eyed look at misunderstood studies and decades of misinformation, this episode brings clarity, clinical context, and practical guidance to questions too many women have had to navigate alone.

You’ll also learn how outdated beliefs have shaped care options—and why it’s time to reclaim evidence-based decision-making in midlife.

Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part episode. Be sure to listen to Part 2 for more insights on hormone therapy, weight gain, lab testing, and personalized care.

Highlights: 

• Why estrogen does not cause breast cancer—and where that myth came from
• How and why pregnancy can still occur during perimenopause
• The powerful role of testosterone in women’s health and well-being
• How misinformation has kept many women from accessing life-changing care

Get to know the doctors behind the insights of The Modern Midlife Collective Podcast:

Aderonke “Ade” Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, hormone and obesity specialist, and expert in metabolic and longevity medicine. She is the founder and Medical Director of Rejuvenate Health and Wellness, where she has helped hundreds of women reclaim their health, overcome stubborn weight challenges, and unlock vibrant energy through her signature coaching platform, The Elevated Woman™. Blending cutting-edge innovation with a functional, root-cause approach, Dr. Akindipe is deeply committed to transforming midlife health. She is recognized as a trusted authority in women’s wellness and a passionate advocate for health equity. Beyond her clinical work, she serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, championing access to preventive care and wellness initiatives in underrepresented communities. 

Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP, is a board-certified gynecologist, surgeon, and nationally certified menopause provider specializing in general and cosmetic gynecologic surgery. As Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin, she specializes in hormone therapy, sexual medicine, and aesthetic treatments to help women thrive.

 She is the host of “Line One” on Alaska Public Media, an NPR-affiliated medical affairs radio show, and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation, dedicated to women’s health education and access.

 As the co-host of The Modern Midlife Collective, she brings expertise in hormones, sexual health, aesthetics, and holistic practices, teaching women to advocate for their health and well-being in midlife with confidence.

 Passionate about global health, lifestyle medicine, and education, she enjoys traveling, humanitarian work, studying languages, and family life while empowering women to take charge of their health.