The Savvy Patient

Perimenopause is trending on social media, but how do you separate the viral “hot takes” from clinical reality? This week on The Savvy Patient, co-hosts Dr. Gillian Goddard and Erin Stein deliver a fun, fluff-free masterclass on what is actually happening to your body. From the difference between perimenopause and menopause, to the metabolic shifts people rarely talk about. Plus, we dare to discus...

We unpack the science of cortisol—the hormone often blamed for everything from weight gain to burnout—and explain why it’s essential for survival. Cortisol isn't just your stress hormone—it’s your wake-up call, your emergency response system, and the reason you’re ready for a nap at 3 p.m. From saber-toothed tigers to modern-day deadlines, our stress response hasn’t changed much, even if our stres...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women—yet many women don't realize they're at risk. We all know we should take care of our hearts, but what does that actually mean? In this episode, we break down essential heart-health facts every woman should know, from how cholesterol really works and why family history matters to the role menopause plays in cardiovascular risk. You'll learn why h...

Turning 40 is a great time to take charge of your health. In this episode Erin and Gillian walk through the ultimate midlife health checklist, from tracking down your family medical history and finding a good primary care doctor to staying on top of mammograms, colonoscopies, and all the other glamorous milestones of adulthood. They also talk about sleep, diet, exercise, hydration, mental health,...

We continue our candid conversation about breast cancer, though much of what we discuss applies to anyone facing a major diagnosis or hospital stay. Erin shares practical advice on telling family and friends about a diagnosis, and managing the emotional challenges that come with being both a patient and a supporter. We dive deeper into breast cancer screening and risk assessment tools, reconstruct...

What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), and how concerned should we be about toxicity? We dive into the science behind things such as BPAs and phthalates, exploring what the data actually says about their effects on hormonal health and the endocrine system. We discuss where EDCs come from, working toward a non-toxic home, and understanding what you can and can’t control.   In this episode,...

You’ve heard about Ozempic and Zepbound, but what are these GLP-1 receptor agonists designed for? We go beyond the celebrity weight loss hype to explain the discovery of the GLP-1 hormone, the development of these medications for diabetes, the role of BMI, side effects, and much more.   We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treat...

Last year, co-host Erin Stein went through diagnosis and treatment for pre-menopausal breast cancer. She intimately details her patient experience from mammogram to MRI, from cancer surgery and breast reconstruction to Tamoxifen. Erin shares insights from her journey with her boobs so other women will know what to expect.   We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it...

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (now PMOS) is a wildly common endocrine condition among women. We explain why, and cover PCOS symptoms, diagnosis, its impact on ovulation and fertility, and break down the process of getting treatment.   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 diagnos...

Cut through the confusion over Perimenopause and Menopause. We talk through all the stages of the female reproductive Hormone Loop--and there are way more than we've been told. A true understanding of women's health starts here!   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 diagnos...

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...

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 particu...

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 theate...