Keeping Abreast with Jenn Simmons and Jeffrey Dach Podcast

Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons Welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Dach Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Dach for a powerful discussion on bioidentical hormones, estrogen, and the myths that have shaped women’s health for decades. Dr. Dach draws from over 40 years of clinical experience and research to challenge the mainstream narrative that estrogen causes breast cancer. Together, he and Dr. Jenn explore how estrogen protects DNA integrity, why natural progesterone is vastly different from synthetic progestins, and how iodine and testosterone play overlooked but vital roles in breast cancer prevention. Along the way, they trace the history of hormone therapies—from DES and Tamoxifen to modern-day aromatase inhibitors—revealing both the progress and the persistent dogmas of conventional medicine. This is a conversation about evidence, empowerment, and the urgent need to rethink how we approach women’s health. Because of its depth and importance, this conversation has been divided into two parts.

This episode is Part 1 of 2. In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Why estrogen may protect against breast cancer rather than cause it.

The truth about estrogen receptors and how they shape cancer risk.

The critical difference between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins How testosterone supports breast cancer prevention.

Why iodine deficiency remains a hidden driver of disease.

The historical evolution of hormone therapies—from DES to Tamoxifen How entrenched medical dogmas persist despite new evidence.

107: Estrogen Myths & Bioidentical Truths with Jeffrey Dach, MD (Part 1)

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108: Estrogen Myths & Bioidentical Truths with Jeffrey Dach, MD (Part 2)

In the conclusion of this two-part conversation, Dr. Jenn Simmons and Dr. Jeffrey Dach go deeper on bioidentical hormones, long-term estrogen deprivation (LTED), and why “have” vs. “had” breast cancer matters when discussing HRT. They examine apoptosis after LTED, the role of estrogen in genomic stability, and how overdiagnosis from screening can drive unnecessary treatment. They also cover practical prevention pillars—iodine, DIM, selenium, and vitamin D—and what thoughtful, individualized care can look like for women navigating menopause and survivorship.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

How reintroducing estrogen can trigger apoptosis in specific contexts.

Why “have” vs. “had” breast cancer changes the HRT conversation.

How screening, overdiagnosis, and rising mastectomy rates intersect.

The difference between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins.

How iodine, DIM, selenium, and vitamin D factor into prevention programs.

What estrogen metabolites (2-hydroxy vs 4-hydroxy) and COMT mean for risk.

Where integrative oncology and repurposed therapies fit into patient-centered care.

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Click Here for the link to my ebook on Amazon:  ebook Bioidentical Hormones 101 Second Edition (2025) by Jeffrey Dach MD. This is a Three Volume Series e-book.

Click Here for Paperback Version of Bioidentical Hormones 101 second edition (2025). The paperback contains all three volumes.

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About Dr. Jennifer Simmons, MD, FACS

Breast Surgeon, Chief of Breast Surgery and Director of the Breast Program at the Einstein Medical Center and Director of the Breast Program at Aria Health.

M.D. from Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Dr. Jennifer Simmons is a breast surgeon, integrative oncologist, author, podcast host, Summit Host, and founder of Perfeqtion Imaging.

Dr. Jenn Simmons started her professional career as Philadelphia’s first fellowship trained breast surgeon and spent 17 years as Philadelphia’s top breast surgeon. Her own illness led her to discover functional medicine. Dr. Jenn left traditional medicine in 2019 and founded Real Health MD to help women along their breast cancer journey truly heal.

In 2017, Dr. Jenn experienced her own serious health crisis with chronic fatigue and became a patient of the mainstream medical system. Rejecting the harsh treatments of conventional medicine, Dr Jenn turned to functional medicine approaches, leading to complete recovery. After her recovery, Dr. Simmons transitioned from surgical oncology to functional medicine, with a special emphasis on prevention and treatment of breast cancer. In 2019, Dr. Simmons founded Real Health MD, a virtual medical oncology practice supporting women at any stage of the breast cancer journey—from prevention and diagnosis to post-treatment recovery. Dr. Simmons hosted the Breast Cancer Breakthroughs Summit and is the founder of PerfeQTion Imaging, an innovative breast ultrasound technique that creates high-resolution 3D images of the breast as an alternative to screening mammography.

Education and Training

Medical Degree (MD): Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University), Philadelphia, PA (graduation circa 1998–2000).

Residency: General Surgery, Albany Medical Center (Albany Med), Albany, NY (completed circa 2000–2003).

Fellowship: Breast Disease/Breast Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital/Breast Health Institute, Philadelphia, PA (2003–2004; first such fellowship in Philadelphia).

Certification in Functional Medicine: Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), completed 2019.

Board Certifications

Board-Certified in General Surgery (American Board of Surgery).
Specialization in Breast Surgery.

Professional Experience and Positions

2004–2019: Breast Surgeon, Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, Norristown, PA.
Chief of Breast Surgery.
Director of the Breast Program.
Medical Director of the Cancer Program.

2019–Present: Founder and Lead Practitioner, Real Health MD (virtual integrative oncology practice).

2020–Present: Founder, PerfeQTion Imaging (breast screening centers using QT technology).

Affiliations: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital (PA); MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center (IA); former roles at UCLA and other centers (not primary).

Publications and Authorship

The Smart Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer: The Functional Medicine Approach That Will Free You From Your Diagnosis (2024, independently published; international bestseller on Amazon). Covers personalized prevention, treatment, recovery, genetics, inflammation, diet, and toxins.

Recipes for Real Health (date not specified; cookbook tied to her programs).

Awards and Honors

Founders Award, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (2016)
“Top Doc,” Philadelphia Magazine (6 years consecutive, up to ~2018).
“Top Doc,” Main Line Today (2018) and Suburban Life.

Speaking and Media

Podcast Host: Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn podcast (2023–present; 100+ episodes).
Summit Host: Breast Cancer Breakthroughs Summit (3x, latest 2024).
Guest Appearances: Wellness Mama (2024), Rupa Health (2024), Integrative Women’s Health Institute (2024), and more.

Dr. Jenn is a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, and athlete. Her life’s mission is deeply personal, rooted in her cousin’s memory, and driven by a desire to make a lasting impact on all those who desire breast health. As she famously says, “Breast Health is Health!”

Connect with Dr. Jenn Simmons at her Website 

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Click Here for link to books on Amazon: 

ebook Bioidentical Hormones 101 Second Edition (2025) by Jeffrey Dach MD. This is a Three Volume Series e-book

Paperback Version of Bioidentical Hormones 101 second edition (2025). The paperback contains all three volumes.

Free Video Introduction to Book:

Introduction Video to Bioidentical Hormones 101 Second Edition (2025)

Bioidentical Hormones for Breast Cancer Survivors  Video Presentation

Articles with Related Interest:

Hormone Replacement for Breast Cancer Survivors Part One

Hormone Replacement for Breast Cancer Survivors Part Two

Estrogen Metabolism, Iodine, 2MEO Part Three

Testosterone for Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment

All Bioidentical Hormone Articles

Jeffrey Dach MD
7450 Griffin Road, Suite 190
Davie, Fl 33314
954-792-4663
my blog: www.jeffreydachmd.com 

Jeffrey Dach MD
7450 Griffin Road, Suite 190
Davie, Fl 33314
954-792-4663
my blog: www.jeffreydachmd.com 
Bioidentical Hormones 101 Second Edition
Menopausal Hormone Replacement, Health Benefits
Natural Thyroid Toolkit by Jeffrey Dach MD
Cracking Cancer Toolkit by Jeffrey Dach MD
Heart Book by Jeffrey Dach MD
www.naturalmedicine101.com
www.bioidenticalhormones101.com
www.truemedmd.com
www.drdach.com

Click Here for: Dr Dach’s Online Store for Pure Encapsulations Supplements
Click Here for: Dr Dach’s Online Store for Nature’s Sunshine Supplements

Web Site and Discussion Board Links:

jdach1.typepad.com/blog/
disc.yourwebapps.com/Indices/244066.html
disc.yourwebapps.com/Indices/244067.html
http://sci.med.narkive.com/covV2Qo2/jeffrey-dach-book-announcment-natural-medicine-101

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