In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons is joined by Dr. Eugene Shippen, hormone specialist best known for his early work in bioidentical hormone therapy and for authoring The Testosterone Syndrome. Together, they explore the overlooked biology behind endometriosis, breast cancer, and persistent hormonal imbalance, focusing on how aromatase-driven inflammation links these conditions and why standard treatments often miss the root cause.

The conversation covers individualized vitamin D dosing, iodine’s role in thyroid and breast health, testosterone in women, and a clear, evidence-based approach to hormone replacement therapy, who it’s right for, who should avoid it, and why many women are being denied care unnecessarily.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

How estrogen and inflammation drive hormone-positive breast cancer
Why breast tumors produce their own estrogen and what treatment often overlooks
What endometriosis reveals about aromatase activity and breast cancer biology
Why vitamin D functions as a hormone and how deficiency impacts breast cancer risk and outcomes
The role of iodine in breast tissue, dense breasts, and fibrocystic disease
When hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate after breast cancer and when it is not

Episode Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Hormonal Health
05:06 Understanding Endometriosis
12:28 Endometriosis and Breast Cancer Connections
17:33 The Coimbra Protocol and Vitamin D
22:15 Vitamin D's Role in Disease Prevention
27:55 Individualized Vitamin D Dosing
35:39 Monitoring Health Conditions
37:03 The Role of Testosterone in Women's Health
42:46 Understanding Iodine and Its Importance
50:50 Hormone Replacement Therapy: Current Perspectives
01:00:18 Breast Cancer and Hormone Replacement
01:03:39 Environmental Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Rates

To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-call

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuide

To purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons