Hormone Heroes with Dr. Kelly Hopkins

What Most Men Don't Know About Prostate Cancer & Hormone Therapy with Mr. Michael Bovarnick

• Dr. Kelly Hopkins • Episode 48

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Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, lonely, and medically complex. But what if you could learn directly from a survivor who has successfully walked the path for over two decades?

In this episode of the Hormone Heroes Podcast, Dr. Kelly Martin Hopkins sits down with Michael Bovarnick, a 23-year prostate cancer survivor and the founder of the Prostate Education Project. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease, Michael shares his deeply personal journey through radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). 

Rather than letting fear dictate his life, Michael turned his lived experience into a mission, creating a comprehensive resource platform to help men and their families navigate every stage of this disease.  

Throughout our conversation, Michael opens up about what most men don’t know regarding prostate cancer, the critical importance of proactive PSA testing and how patients can bridge the information gap between medical appointments. 

He also discusses the physical and emotional realities of losing testosterone during hormone therapy, managing side effects, the challenges of going off treatment, and why lifestyle elements like nutrition and gut health play a vital role in recovery.

In this episode:

  • Michael's 23-year journey as a prostate cancer survivor.
  • How his father's experience shaped his approach to prostate health.
  • Life after prostate cancer surgery and the importance of follow-up monitoring.
  • His experience with prostate cancer recurrence after approximately 20 years.
  • What radiation and hormone therapy were like from a patient's perspective.
  • The impact of testosterone suppression on everyday life.
  • How prostate cancer affected his outlook on relationships, family and aging.
  • The importance of asking questions and understanding treatment options.
  • How he transformed his personal experience into a resource for other patients and caregivers.

Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient, a caregiver supporting a loved one, or simply looking to understand men's health on a deeper level, this episode provides practical, plain-language guidance to help you make informed decisions.


CONNECT WITH US!

Website: https://podcast.hormoneheroes.org/2396932

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hormone.heroes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-martin-hopkins-387ab66/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormoneheroes_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564771363467


CONNECT WITH MICHAEL!

Website: https://theprostateeducationproject.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081487818057



About the Podcast:

Hormone Heroes with Dr. Kelly Hopkins brings inspiring patient stories and expert conversations about hormone health. Each week, Dr. Hopkins, a functional medicine practitioner and hormonal wellness specialist interviews men and women whose lives have changed after bio-identical hormone therapy, along with leading functional medicine practitioners

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider.

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