In this episode of Not Your Mother’s Menopause, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back gerontologist and podcaster Zora Benhamou for a deeply personal discussion on her recent bilateral hip replacement surgery at just 54 years old. What begins as a conversation about lifestyle and health choices unfolds into an honest exploration of living with chronic pain, the challenges of delaying surgery, and the emotional weight of making such a life-altering decision.
Zora shares her years-long effort to manage pain and preserve mobility without surgical intervention, and the turning point that ultimately led her to pursue hip replacement. Together, she and Dr. Lovely discuss the multifaceted contributors to early osteoarthritis, from genetics and lifestyle factors to the potential influence of menopause and shifting hormone levels. They also touch on the vital role of muscle strength in recovery, the importance of choosing healthcare providers you can trust, and the empowerment that comes with advocating for your own well-being.
This conversation offers both practical insights and a sense of solidarity for women navigating similar challenges in midlife.
If you or someone you know is dealing with joint pain or facing a similar medical decision, this conversation offers valuable perspective, reassurance, and a sense of community.
You can find more from Zora Benhamou on her website, hackmyage.com, and listen to her podcast, Hack My Age.
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Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine. She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause.
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