On episode #13 of the podcast, my guest is Marla Stein. Marla is 49 years old and has had a varied and exciting professional career.

On this episode, Marla shares her story about what it was like to go through a surgically induced menopause when she was in her late 30s after going through cancer treatment and then another cancer scare.

Now, ten years later, Marla shares what it was like to go through “cold turkey menopause;” what the worst part of going through menopause before her 40th birthday was; and she talks a lot about the importance of listening to her body and how that instinct has literally saved her life many times over.

Despite the heavy topics we cover, Marla shares her story with humor and complete transparency. I know it’s going to resonate with anyone who also went through early menopause, but also for all of us looking at the second half of our lives and wondering what comes next.

Some of the issues Marla covers in her story include:

-Finding a lump in her breast at age 32 and having a doctor dismiss her concerns about cancer because she was “too young.”

-Why she elected to have her ovary removed as a preventive measure

- The emotional pain from the loss of her fertility

-Why humor is the best menopause medicine

Links from the Show

Find out more about Marla Stein and her writing business on her website Marlita’s Atlas.

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Disclaimer: Lori L. Tharps is not a doctor, nor any other type of medical professional, therefore do not use anything you hear on this podcast as a substitute for verifiable medical advice and information. Always check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any medical questions or concerns regarding menopause or any other health-related issue.