💪 The Hairy Chin Newsletter #11

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Hello and Happy Monday to everyone!

Welcome back to The Hairy Chin, where we talk, share, and educate about all things women’s health and wellness - yes, including those wiry chin hairs that pop up at the most unwelcome times. 🤷‍♀️

Here’s a quick rundown of this week’s entry:

• Your Advocacy Toolkit: Creating Support During Appointments

• Body Talk 101: Bruising: Why & What To Do

• Health Truths: Birth Control & Stroke Risk

• Told By Her: Sarah Ramey & Female Mysterious Illnesses

• On The Podcast: Metals & Allergens in Make-Up

Let’s learn together! 💪

Spencer Moore
Founder, The Hairy Chin
(Listen to The Hairy Chin Podcast)
(Subscribe to The Hairy Chin Newsletter)
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Why Support During Appointments Is So Important

You don’t have to advocate for yourself in a vacuum. In fact, bringing someone with you - a second pair of ears, a note-taker, a calm presence - can completely shift the tone (and outcome) of a medical appointment.

Doctors often take patients more seriously when someone else is in the room.
It’s unfair, but it’s true. And it’s not just about perception, it’s about protection, clarity, and emotional backup.

Here are three ways to advocate for support:

• Bring an advocate: A friend, partner, or even a health-savvy neighbor. Someone who can take notes, ask clarifying questions, speak up if you’re being dismissed or just be a supportive hand to hold.

• Ask to record the visit: If you’re overwhelmed or feeling like it’s information overload, it’s completely valid to ask, “Would it be okay if I recorded this for personal use? I want to make sure I remember everything.” (Hint: Always ask before you hit record, some states require two-party consent.)

• Prep a written summary: If no one can come with you, bring your own voice on paper. A typed list of symptoms, questions, or red flags can anchor the conversation, and also give your provider something concrete to engage with.

  (Not sure what to ask - check out our previous entries about The Power of Preparation, Talking To Your Doctor and Using AI for Healthcare.)

Support isn’t a weakness, it’s a strategy. And when you're sick, vulnerable, or not being heard, it’s a pretty darn smart one. 💪 

Bruising Easily? Let’s Talk About Why & What You Can Do About It

You look down and notice another mystery bruise. No bump, no injury, no memory.
Just a random purple badge of who-knows-what. If you’re bruising more than usual, your body might be waving a flag - and it’s not always about clumsiness.

Let’s talk possibilities:

• Estrogen changes: Bruising can be quite common in perimenopause/menopause or if your hormones are shifting. Estrogen depletion can cause skin to thin. Hello random bruises!

• Medications: Some types of medication can interfere with your body’s ability to form blood clots. Think: Blood thinners, NSAIDs, Steroids and some supplements like St. John’s wort or ginseng.

• Vitamin deficiencies: These can make you bruise more easily, especially if you're low in vitamin K or vitamin C, which help your blood clot. Malnourishment also increases this risk, but a simple blood test can check your levels. If needed, your provider may recommend supplements.

• Genetics and connective tissue: Some people bruise more because of looser connective tissue (hypermobility, EDS, etc.). But if it’s new for you? Don’t ignore it.

If your body is suddenly painting you in purple and yellow, it might be time to pause and listen. You can read more about bruising in this article from Healthline, “What Can Cause You To Bruise Easily.”

And here’s a tip: Ask your doctor about arnica!

Arnica Gel and Arnica Montana Sublingual Pills can’t fully prevent bruising, but they may help prevent their severity and length. You can find more information about that in this article from Healthline, “Arnica For Bruises: Does It Work?”

Your body’s always talking. Keep listening. 💪 

New Study Shows How Oral Contraceptives May Triple Your Risk of Stroke

If you’ve ever been told not to worry about taking birth control because “everyone’s on it,” here’s something you need to know.

According to recent findings presented at the European Stroke Organization Conference, oral contraceptives (OCs) can TRIPLE your risk of ischemic stroke. (You can read those findings, here and also about ischemic strokes, here.)

The risk is especially high if:

• You smoke

• You experience migraine with aura

• You have a family or personal history of blood clots

Here’s the science: Estrogen can increase certain clotting factors in the blood, which raises the risk of forming blood clots. In people who are already predisposed (listed above), this can increase the likelihood of a clot forming and traveling to the brain. Aka, a stroke.

But here’s the kicker: Most women are never screened for stroke risk factors before being prescribed hormonal birth control, especially if they appear “young and healthy.”

It’s not about scaring you, it’s about informed choice. Knowing your risks means you can ask better questions, request proper screening, and advocate for alternatives, if needed.

Stay curious my amigas! 🤔

Sarah Ramey: “I Wasn’t a Hypochondriac. I Had a Disease.”

Sarah Ramey was a vibrant college student when a minor health issue spiraled into a debilitating, years-long illness that defied diagnosis. Despite her family's medical background, she encountered a healthcare system that dismissed her symptoms as psychosomatic.

In her memoir, “The Lady’s Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness,” Ramey recounts her harrowing journey through chronic illness, shedding light on the systemic biases that often leave women's health concerns unheard and untreated.

Ramey's story is not just a personal narrative but a rallying cry for the millions of women suffering from misunderstood conditions like autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Her work underscores the urgent need for a more inclusive and empathetic medical system that validates and addresses women's health issues with the seriousness they deserve.

If any of this sounds like you, or someone you love, I highly recommend checking out her book. She offers both insight and inspiration in the complex world of chronic illness and the gender disparities in healthcare.

You can find the link here to order from Amazon or check out your local bookstore! 💛

We took a surprise pod-pause last week (because... life!), but we’re back! 🙌 And this week’s Chin Chats episode is packed with super informative insight on what might be making your face (and skin) freak out.

I’m diving into a topic most people (and doctors) overlook: metal allergies & make-up products. From nickel and cobalt to mica and more, there are common ingredients in everyday makeup and skincare that could be triggering your eczema, acne, or dermatitis - and you might not even know it.

If you’ve ever struggled with unexplained skin issues, or just want to understand what’s really in your products, this episode is for you!

🎙️ Catch the episode this Wednesday at 9 AM EST on all major podcast platforms - including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart and YouTube.

(And please don’t forget to hit subscribe wherever you watch or listen to the podcast - it helps more than you know! Many thanks 💛 )

Ok my amigas, that’s a wrap.

Self-advocacy has never been easier - from To-Do to TA-DA - just like that! 💪

Bravo for being here,
Spencer Moore

_{DISCLAIMER: The information shared here, which can include affiliate links, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be treated as such. Always consult with a qualified provider before making any medical decisions, changing your health routine, or starting a new treatment. This content is meant to help you learn about yourself and advocate for your well-being. What you do with this information is entirely up to you.} 💛

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