The Dr Louise Newson Podcast1 Heinä 2025

14 - Breasts, bodies, and belonging: a conversation with Jean Hannah Edelstein

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson speaks with author Jean Hannah Edelstein about her deeply personal new book, Breasts: A Relatively Short Relationship, and the complex journey she’s had with her own body. Jean shares the experience of choosing to undergo a double mastectomy at 41, after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, and highlights the emotional and practical importance of finding the right doctors and surgeons during such a life-altering process.

Jean reflects on growing up in the hyper-sexualised 1990s, a world where pop stars like Britney Spears were both idolised and seen as cautionary tales, and Victoria’s Secret sold not just lingerie, but a narrow vision of womanhood, aimed at teenage girls. By her early twenties, Jean had size 30G/F breasts, which brought unwanted attention, but also moments of connection, especially with other women.

Jean also talks candidly about choosing to have a mastectomy, then later, a hysterectomy and oophorectomy. She opens up about her diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, and about the frustrations of navigating a medical system that often withholds information, especially when it comes to HRT and cancer risk, leaving too many patients to advocate for themselves in the dark.

We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.

Email dlnpodcast@borkowski.co.uk with suggestions for new guests!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.

LET'S CONNECT

Website: Dr Louise Newson

Instagram: The Dr LouiseNewson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn

YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube

CONNECT WITH Jean Hannah Edelstein

Website: Jean Hannah Edelstein

Instagram: Jean Hannah Edelstein (jhedelstein) • Instagram photos and videos

Book: Breasts: A Relatively Brief Relationship – the funny, moving and universally relatable new memoir

LinkedIn: Jean Hannah Edelstein | LinkedIn

Related resources:

Breast cancer treatment and HRT

Dr Corinne Menn: I’m a doctor who’s had breast cancer: here’s what I want you to know

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(368)

60 – Liz Earle on how to age well

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Liz Earle for a refreshing and empowering conversation about ageing, and why the way we think about it needs to change.Drawing on the science behind her ...

23 Huhti 30min

59 - Can you start HRT after 60? What the evidence shows

So many women are denied hormone replacement because they are told they are “too old”. In this special solo episode, Dr Louise Newson explains why this is wrong. She covers what happens when hormone l...

21 Huhti 28min

58 – ADHD and the gap in hormone care for women

What happens when a woman is finally diagnosed with ADHD, only to be blindsided by perimenopause making everything harder?In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Sarah-Jane Ayers for a powerful...

16 Huhti 21min

57 – Bleeding on HRT: what’s normal and what’s not

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by consultant gynaecologist Mr Osama Naji for a reassuring and practical conversation about one of the most common concerns women have when starting HRT, bl...

14 Huhti 21min

56 – Why confusion around contraception and hormones is failing women

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by US-based OB-GYN Dr Jordan Emont to explore why so many women are still being denied hormones, despite clear evidence of their benefits.They discuss the o...

9 Huhti 28min

55 – HRT, breast cancer and the real risks of not taking hormones

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by physician and author Dr Jeffrey Dach, who is the founder and Medical Director of the TrueMedMD Clinic in Florida and author of numerous books including B...

7 Huhti 28min

54 - Menopause at 10 years old

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by therapist SaraWitter who shares her deeply personal and shocking experience of being menopausal as a child. Sara describes how she lost most of her ovari...

2 Huhti 29min

53 – Rosie Viva on bipolar disorder, hormones and mental health

In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by model and author Rosie Viva, who speaks openly about her experience of living with bipolar disorder, something she also explores in her book, Completely ...

31 Maalis 32min