Medsplaining

Women’s health and wellness.

Treating Menopause in Healthcare Today with Jessica Bawden 08/26/2025

Reinvent Yourself with Penny Light of Grit & Grace Adventures 07/09/2025

The Untold Truth About Cholesterol and Heart Risk in Perimenopause 06/25/2025

Dermatologist Shares Underrated Summer Skincare Tips 06/11/2025

What’s in My Bag—Summer Essentials I Swear By 05/21/2025

What’s in My Bag—Summer Essentials I Swear By If you’re planning your summer vacation, don’t let a bug bite, stiff shoulders, or sunburns ruin the vibe. The mom in me can’t help but think about safety when travelling. Everyone’s at risk of bug bites or bruises, but not everyone thinks about what they can do to prevent and remedy the situation. So I’ve fine-tuned my first aid kit down to the essentials—small enough to toss in any bag, smart enough to actually help when things go sideways. So let’s take a peek inside my summer bag—what I carry, what I swear by, and what’s saved me more than once. Marnie will throw scenarios at me, and I have to pull three things from my bag to help remedy the situation. Sunburns and bruises have no standing chance. ✨ What’s in my bag [03:10] — Long travel day? This is what I reach for first to soothe stiff shoulders. [05:28] — Planning any hikes or outdoor activities? These first-aid essentials are perfect to soothe bruises. [07:53] — Bugs will crash your party. But don’t let them ruin your trip! These products work wonders to get them off your back. [09:44] — Very few things will effectively fade scars. This is the one product I found that actually does the trick. [11:50] — I used this product when my husband burned himself in the kitchen. What’s the saying? If you can’t handle the heat… Get some burn cream! [14:27] — Of course I didn’t forget about sunburns! And there’s more to it than just SPF. [16:06] — Coolness in a can exists. Combat redness like a pro. 💜 Like, share, and leave a review! 💌 Subscribe to my 🩺 Send me a DM on 🎥 Watch this episode on This episode is sponsored by Zax’s Original first aid skincare products—your go-to solution for soothing relief. Developed by a pharmacist and created by a mom, Zax’s Original is the trusted first-aid skincare solution for families. Check out for more info. /episode/index/show/af4c3089-999f-4646-a046-787503e8121e/id/36648100

What You Didn’t Hear on Oprah’s Menopause Special 05/14/2025

What You Didn’t Hear on Oprah’s Menopause Special Oprah launched her big menopause special, and it’s all I’ve been hearing about lately. It’s on the news, on my social media feeds, and has even made its way into conversations with peers. In case you missed it, Halle Berry, Naomi Watts, Maria Shriver, and Certified Menopause Specialist Dr. Mary Claire Haver joined Oprah in a broadcasted conversation about what women experience in perimenopause. The message was clear: if you’re in midlife and feeling off, it’s definitely menopause. That’s where I hit pause. Have we completely missed the point? So in this episode of Medsplaining, I go through common symptoms of perimenopause that could hide as a real health condition. To those who watched or heard of Oprah’s special, I want to say that although your perimenopause symptoms are valid, it should not be a reason to skip the doctor. ✨ Is it perimenopause or something else? [00:28] — There’s an exclusive Zax’s Original skincare giveaway worth over $130. Want in? Here’s how to enter. [01:04] — Everything you need to know about Oprah’s big menopause special. [02:22] — Racing heart? It might be perimenopause. Or it might be something your cardiologist would love to discuss. [02:55] — Heavy bleeding or irregular spotting? Before labelling it as “just menopause,” there’s a whole world of possibilities lurking beneath the surface. [03:20] — Migraine alert: sometimes it’s just hormones. Sometimes it’s your body waving a big red flag. [03:19] — Fatigue? It might not always be a lack of sleep. It could also be iron and B12 that are MIA. [03:54] — Is your sleep apnea worsening? Perimenopause might not be the culprit here. [04:0] — Don’t write off mood swings as part of the transition because it’s also a big part of mood disorders. [04:27] — This one sign will tell you if brain fog could be more than just forgetting your keys again… 💜 Like, share, and leave a review! 💌 Subscribe to my 🩺 Send me a DM on 🎥 Watch this episode on Thanks for tuning in. See you next time! Hugs and good health, Dr. Jen /episode/index/show/af4c3089-999f-4646-a046-787503e8121e/id/36554345

Your Summer Skin Survival Guide 05/07/2025

Your Summer Skin Survival Guide The Medsplaining podcast is back! We’re kicking off this new season with a hot topic: summer skincare. I’m joined again by Dr. Jennifer Tran (), a double board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, and our go-to skin expert, to talk about treating summer skin woes: from breakouts to sunburns. We’re breaking down what works, what doesn’t and what products to grab (or ditch) this season. So if you’re not sure how to update your skincare this summer, this is the best place to start. We’re giving you the real solutions to the most common (and annoying) skin issues that come with the heat. Featured in your guide: [03:16] — New pup alert! Meet the newest member of the fam. I’m head over heels about her. [05:27] — A patient walks into a derm’s office… and yup, this summer skin issue is what dermatologists see every. single. day. [06:59] — Skincare mistakes you don’t know you’re making. Are you using the right sunscreen? [07:40] — Mystery skincare case: One of my patients got melasma, a condition causing skin darkening and discolouration. What happened? Could it have been prevented? [12:22] — YES! You still need a moisturizer in the summer. NO. Your sweat doesn’t count. Here’s what a derm recommends instead. [12:45] — Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen: which one is queen? Does it matter? [14:52] — You don’t need a derm to treat a sunburn. Here are some at-home remedies to help. [16:32] — Summer breakouts are the worst (likely from all the sweating). This is the best way to keep your skin clear. Like, share, and leave a review! Subscribe to my Send me a DM on Watch this episode on This episode is sponsored by Zax’s Original first aid skincare products—your go-to solution for soothing relief. Developed by a pharmacist and created by a mom, Zax’s Original is the trusted first-aid skincare solution for families. Check out for more info. Thanks for tuning in. See you next time! /episode/index/show/af4c3089-999f-4646-a046-787503e8121e/id/36467325

Top 5 Health Habits to Do in 2025 01/01/2025

The Truth About Hormone Balancing 12/25/2024

Medsplaining Wrapped: Your Health Questions Answered 12/18/2024

How to Lose Weight in Midlife with the Gina Livy Method 12/11/2024

Your Go-To Skincare Guide with Estée Lauder 12/04/2024

Easy Meals for Menopause with Laura Keogh of Sweet Potato Chronicles 11/27/2024

Taylor Swift Songs Meet Women's Health (Live from the National Women’s Show 2024) 11/20/2024

The Secret to Beauty Sleep with Sleep Expert Alanna McGinn 11/13/2024

Eating Disorder Recovery with Kyla Fox, founder of the Kyla Fox Centre 11/06/2024

It Happened to Me: Skin Cancer 10/30/2024

Breaking the Period Stigma with Dr. Jen Gunter 10/23/2024

Let me Medsplain: HRT 10/16/2024

Preventing Breast Cancer with Dr. Toni Zhong 10/09/2024

Preventing Breast Cancer with Dr. Toni Zhong Season 1 of Medsplaining is brought to you by Use promo code DRZ15 for 15% off all Estée Lauder products at I’m Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky. Welcome to Medsplaining. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This important month is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting those impacted by breast cancer. I am deeply humbled by today’s guest: Dr. Toni Zhong. She is a true rockstar in the world of women’s health. She is the Clinical and Research Director of the University Health Network Breast Reconstruction Program here in Toronto, an Associate Professor in UofT’s Department of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, and a passionate advocate for breast health. Today, we will take a deep dive into the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer, including the brand-new Ontario breast screening guidelines. Find Dr. Toni Zhong on Instagram Quick 6: What: Breast health and breast cancer. Who: Breast cancer can affect anyone with breast tissue, including about 300 biological males in 2024, but it overwhelmingly affects women, with 84 women diagnosed every day in Canada. Where: Breast cancer most often develops in the milk ducts or milk-producing glands of the breasts, and 50% of breast cancers are discovered in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, where the tissues are denser. When: Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed when a woman is in her 60s, followed by her 70s and then her 50s. Although still relatively rare, women are being diagnosed increasingly in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Why: Apart from age, the major risk factors for the development of breast cancer are: - Genetic mutations - Having fewer children - Having dense breasts - Family history of breast or ovarian cancer - Previous radiation therapy to the chest - Obesity - High-risk alcohol intake -Smoking or vaping How: How to get screened for breast cancer in Ontario: As of October 2024, women, including non-binary, trans and two-spirit people between the ages of 40 and 74 can self-refer for a mammogram every 2 years. No doctor's referral is required. Follow Medsplaining on all your favourite platforms! Medsplaining is for educational purposes, not medical advice! ✨ /episode/index/show/af4c3089-999f-4646-a046-787503e8121e/id/33365742

Get Great Skin with (the Other) Jenn Tran 10/02/2024

Cervical Cancer to Surrogacy with Isrene & Tommy of @wombmate4life 09/25/2024

Cervical Cancer to Surrogacy with Isrene & Tommy of @wombmate4life Season 1 of Medsplaining is brought to you by Find your next perfect pair with promo code DRZ15 for 15% off all Estée Lauder products at Welcome to Medsplaining! I’m Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky. My guests today are two people I hold close to my heart. I first met Isrene and Tommy when I worked at Sunnybrook Hospital’s INDYGO clinic—which stands for Individualized Care for Young Gynecology Oncology Patients. Isrene was one of my patients. She had recently undergone a complete hysterectomy for Stage 3 Cervical Cancer and found herself in early menopause at age 30. Today, she and Tommy are intended parents—also known in their world as IPs. On Instagram at their handle @wombmate4life, they share the highs and lows with their community. In this episode of Medsplaining, Tommy and Isrene share their emotional journey to become parents, from attempted adoption to choosing and working with an egg donor to the search for a surrogate, the importance of getting Pap tests, and what it means to them to become parents. Find Tommy & Isrene here: QUICK 6: 1. What: Cervical Cancer 2. Who: Anyone with a uterus can be affected, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. 3. Where: The cervix is the opening to the uterus—it protrudes into the vagina, and it dilates to allow a baby to pass through during childbirth. 4. When: Typically it is diagnosed after the initiation of sexual activity and before age 50. 5. Why: The number one cause is HPV infection, but smoking, being immunosuppressed and having a high number of sexual partners or a history of STIs can also increase your risk. 6. How: HPV or the Human Papilloma Virus, is extremely common: 3 out of 4 sexually active people will contract it. Of those 90% will clear it on their own within 2 years, however of the remaining 10%, some will develop a persistent infection that alters the cells of their cervical lining and eventually leads to cancer. A pap test or HPV test can pick up those changes before they become cancer, and of course, the HPV vaccine can help prevent the infection from developing in the first place. Follow Medsplaining on all your favourite platforms! Medsplaining is for educational purposes, not medical advice! ✨ #WomensHealth #CervicalCancer #PapTest #Surrogacy #Surrogate #FertilityJourney #Survivor /episode/index/show/af4c3089-999f-4646-a046-787503e8121e/id/33197067

What It's Like to Get a Colonoscopy 09/18/2024

What It's Like to Get a Colonoscopy Season 1 of Medsplaining is brought to you by Get great skin courtesy of Estée Lauder! Enter promo code DRZ15 for 15% off all Estée Lauder products at Welcome to Medsplaining! I’m your host Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky. I’ve made no secret about the fact that I’ve turned 50 this year, and with that milestone birthday came another milestone—my very first colonoscopy. In this episode, I’m joined by my other daughter Becky to answer a listener question: What is it like to get a colonoscopy? At this age, a screening colonoscopy to detect early signs of colorectal cancer is appropriate for anyone—regardless of family history or typical symptoms related to colon cancer (any changes in stool pattern, size, or colour; any pain with passing stools; and any other worrying symptoms such as unexplained anemia or weight loss). Seeing that I live a pretty healthy lifestyle, and don’t have any of the symptoms associated with colorectal cancer, I went in there as a preventative measure, you know, because of the whole “turning 50” thing. Imagine my shock when I found out that I had 5 polyps removed, 2 of which were already 8mm in size. Fortunately, these were all non-cancerous, but now I have to return in 3 years because of my elevated risk of future cancerous polyps. Colonoscopies are well worth the prep and are crucially important as early detection is often the difference between life and death when it comes to colorectal cancer. If you are 50 or older, please speak to your doctor today. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you will want to start your screening 10 years earlier than the age of your relative’s diagnosis. If you are having any symptoms, you will need to request a colonoscopy as soon as possible. Follow Medsplaining on all your favourite platforms! Medsplaining is for educational purposes, not medical advice! ✨ /episode/index/show/af4c3089-999f-4646-a046-787503e8121e/id/33077462

Living with the Breast Cancer Gene with Lauren Levy 09/12/2024

Living with the Breast Cancer Gene with Lauren Levy Season 1 of Medsplaining is brought to you by Find your next skincare essentials with promo code DRZ15 for 15% off all Estée Lauder products at Welcome to the very first episode of Medsplaining! I’m your host Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky. I’m so excited to introduce our very first guest on Medsplaining—Lauren Levy. She’s a successful entrepreneur, former podcaster, mom of four and all-around fashion and food guru. In her mid-20s, Lauren discovered she carried the breast cancer gene, also known as the BRCA1 gene, which is associated with a dramatically increased risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. She underwent multiple preventative steps—a prophylactic double mastectomy, an oophorectomy, and proper hormone therapy—to minimize her risks of developing cancer. Today, we get to talk to her about her life since then, what it was like to find out she was a carrier of this gene at a young age, and how she made the important decision to advocate for her own health. You can find Lauren here: QUICK 6: What: A mutation in the Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene, (BRCA 1 or BRCA 2) leads to a much higher than normal risk of developing cancer. Where: In the breast, ovaries, prostate, and pancreas. Who: Affects about 1 in 400 people—predominantly women but also some men of Ashkenazi Jewish, French Canadian, Icelandic, Hispanic and African American descent. When: BRCA mutations tend to cause cancer before age 50. BRCA1 mutations tend to be associated with earlier development of cancer than BRCA2 mutations. Why: The BRCA gene is known as a tumour suppressor gene. It plays a crucial role in DNA repair so that if cell replication goes wrong, this gene can step in and be correct. When this gene is mutated, such repairs cannot occur, and cancer can develop How: BRCA is passed down from parent to child—from either a father or mother. This is known as Autosomal Dominant inheritance. In other words, if your parent is a carrier of this gene mutation, you have a 50% chance of inheriting it. Follow Medsplaining on all your favourite platforms! Medsplaining is for educational purposes, not medical advice! ✨ #WomensHealth #BreastCancer #BreastCancerAwareness #AngelinaJolie #Cancer #OvarianCancer /episode/index/show/af4c3089-999f-4646-a046-787503e8121e/id/33020517

Medsplaining Season 1 Trailer 08/14/2024

Medsplaining

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