Women's Health Archives - Hamptons Mouthpiece

In Wellness

Part Two: Life After Breast Reduction. When Healing Took a Detour I Never Saw Coming

December 5, 2025 In Wellness 6 Mins Read

If you missed Part One of this journey, you can catch up here:

👉 Breast Reduction Surgery: What Every Woman Should Know

That article covered the decision, the surgery, the relief, and the optimism. This is the part of the story that came after the credits were supposed to roll.

When Healing Decided to Freestyle

Breast reduction is often described as the finish line. You cross it, take a deep breath, and step into a lighter, easier life. And in many ways, that was true for me. My shoulders relaxed. My body felt lighter. Clothes fit differently. The constant physical strain eased.

Then the scars started changing their personality.

At first, everything looked exactly how post-surgical scars are supposed to look. Then they became raised. Thicker. Itchy. Tender. Then painful. That was when I learned the word that would become a very unwelcome guest in my life: keloids.

The Plot Twist I Did Not Know Was in My DNA

Here is the part that still makes me pause. If I had known that keloids were hereditary, I would have told Dr. Bui immediately. Maybe he could have put a preventative plan in place. Maybe we could have tried early interventions sooner. Maybe I still would have developed them anyway. I truly do not know.

That is the thing about hindsight. It is always very confident.

What I do know is this. Once the keloids formed, my body made it clear that this was no small side effect. They grew slowly at first, then more aggressively. They rubbed against bras. They pulled at my skin. They turned getting dressed into a daily negotiation.

The Year I Tried to Out-Patient My Own Body

For a full year, I stayed in the “let us try everything else first” lane. Steroid injections. Silicone tape. Patience. Hope. Repeating the same sentence in my head: maybe this will be the time it works.

There were moments of improvement. Enough to keep me optimistic. Enough to make me delay a bigger decision. But over time, the truth became undeniable. The keloids were increasing in size. The treatments were no longer effective. And the discomfort was becoming part of my daily routine.

That is the moment when it stopped being about scars and started being about pain.

The Decision I Tried to Talk Myself Out Of

Making the choice to have another surgery was not easy. I was scared. There is no pretty way to say that. I did not want to put my body through another operation with no guarantee of success.

And then there was radiation.

That word hit me differently because my mother had breast cancer. She went through extensive radiation treatments. While it saved her life, it also caused other long-term health challenges. That experience lived quietly in my chest for decades. This was not just a medical decision. This was emotional history resurfacing at full volume.

To be fair, that was 32 years ago, when radiation treatment was still evolving. Medicine has come a long way. My doctors walked me through everything carefully. I was told this would be a very mild, targeted treatment, only three sessions, strictly to prevent the keloids from returning. Not cancer treatment. Not full radiation therapy. Just enough to interrupt the cycle of excessive scar growth.

I trusted the science. I trusted my medical team. But fear still rode shotgun.

Day One: When Courage and Pain Clocked In Together

The first radiation treatment happened immediately after surgery. And I will not sugarcoat it. I was in immense pain. Fresh incision pain. Emotional overload. Physical exhaustion. And instead of going home to rest, I went straight into radiation.

That day was the hardest of the entire journey. I showed up sore, scared, exhausted, and determined. Because sometimes healing does not give you the luxury of timing or comfort.

By the third day, something shifted. I did not need help undressing anymore. My body began to reclaim its independence. Fear loosened its grip just enough for hope to peek through.

Two Weeks Later: Hope Has Entered the Chat

It has now been two weeks since the keloid removal and radiation. And for the first time in a long time, I wake up with no pain. No sharp shooting pains through my breast. No constant tightness. No relentless itching.

I am still in recovery mode. I am not allowed to lift anything over five pounds. My physical activity is limited. I move carefully. I listen closely to my body. But the difference is night and day.

For the first time, I am looking forward to scar care instead of dreading it. I look forward to using silicone tape again not as a last-ditch effort, but as a healing tool. And this time, I can be patient. Because this was never about vanity.

This was about living without discomfort.

What This Whole Journey Has Taught Me, With a Side of Wit

Here is the real talk.

Breast reduction changed my life.
Keloids tried to hijack the happy ending.
Steroids and silicone were helpful, but not the final answer.
Fear makes every medical decision louder.
And relief is worth fighting for.
Also, bodies are unpredictable. Even when you do everything right. Especially when you do everything right.

Final Word to Any Woman Who Is Reading This With One Hand on Her Chest

If you developed keloids after breast reduction, you did nothing wrong. If you are afraid of another surgery, you are normal. If the word radiation makes your heart race, you are not alone. And if you are tired of living with daily discomfort, your feelings are valid.

You deserve to wake up without pain.
You deserve to get dressed without bracing yourself.
You deserve a body that feels like home again.

Two weeks in, I finally feel hopeful. And hope, my friends, is a very good place to begin again. I will add a part 3 of my wellness journey in a few months focused entirely on radiation recovery, scar care, and what to expect next.

In Wellness

Young Women Get Breast Cancer Too

October 17, 2025 In Wellness 4 Mins Read

Real Talk: Young Women Get Breast Cancer Too

Real talk, Breast cancer in young women; breast cancer doesn’t care how old you are, how fit you are, or how “healthy” your lifestyle seems. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while most people picture older women when they hear the words “breast cancer,” the truth is, young women can and do get breast cancer and it’s happening more often than you think.

According to the CDC, more than 250,000 women under the age of 40 in the U.S. are living with breast cancer right now. That’s a quarter of a million young women, daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends living with a disease many thought wouldn’t touch them until much later in life. “Breast cancer in young women“

It’s Happening More Often and It’s More Aggressive

Here’s something that might surprise you and honestly, it should. Research shows that cases of advanced or metastatic breast cancer among women ages 25 to 39 have sharply increased since the late 1970s, nearly doubling in incidence from 1.53 to 2.90 per 100,000 between 1976 and 2009, according to a landmark JAMA study. These are young women just starting careers, building families, and living their lives suddenly faced with a diagnosis that changes everything.

And the story doesn’t stop there. New research continues to show an alarming upward trend. A 2025 study published in JAMA Network Open found that breast cancer in young women ages 20 to 49 are still rising, with an average 0.79% yearly increase in invasive breast cancer cases from 2000 to 2019. Both early-stage (stage I) and late-stage (stage IV) diagnoses are going up meaning more young women are being diagnosed, and some are facing aggressive disease right out of the gate.

The CDC reports that in 2022, more than 27,000 women under 45 were diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S., and cases among younger women are climbing at about 0.7% per year. Researchers also note that these cancers are often more aggressive, particularly among non-Hispanic white and African American women, and that estrogen receptor–positive cancers which require specific, long-term treatments are becoming more common in this age group.

So the big question is, should we be talking about screening before 40?
Honestly, yes. Because early detection can change everything and for some women, it can mean the difference between treatment and survival.

Let’s Talk About Mammograms

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk. But breast cancer doesn’t always follow the rules, and your body doesn’t read medical guidelines.

If something feels off if you notice changes, pain, or something that just doesn’t seem right speak up. Ask your doctor about getting checked sooner. Some clinics will perform ultrasounds or mammograms on younger women if there’s a reason for concern or if you have dense breast tissue.

If you want more information on early detection, visit the American Cancer Society for screening guidelines and what to expect.

Know Your Family History (or Go Find It)

Family history matters but a lot of people don’t know theirs. Maybe your family didn’t talk about health, or you’ve lost touch with older relatives. That doesn’t mean you can’t find out.

You can research your family medical background using websites like GenealogyBank.com or FamilySearch.org to see if breast cancer appears in your family line. Sometimes death certificates or archives can tell you things your relatives couldn’t. Knowing your history could literally save your life.

Listen to Your Body

Your body will always tell you when something’s wrong, you just have to listen.
Even if you have no family history, be aware of signs like:

A lump or thickening in your breast
Changes in shape or size
Unexplained pain
Skin dimpling or nipple discharge

If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked. You know your body better than anyone else. Need a quick guide? Visit BreastCancer.org to learn what to look for and when to call your doctor.

The Bottom Line

Young women are not immune to breast cancer. Awareness, self-advocacy, and early action save lives.
If you’re nearing 40, book that mammogram.
If you’re younger but something feels off, don’t second-guess yourself.
And if you don’t know your family history, go find it.

Because the best time to care for your health isn’t when something’s wrong, it’s right now.

Real Talk, Real People.

In Health

Taming My Drama Queen Thyroid

October 7, 2025 In Health 6 Mins Read

Taming My Drama Queen Thyroid: My Thyroid Tried to Ruin My Life, But I Fought Back (And Won… For Now) Let me keep it real with you: my thyroid and I have had a very complicated relationship. If there were a reality show called “The Real Hormones of the Hamptons,” I’d be the breakout star.

For years, I told my primary care doctor, “I don’t feel well.” His answer? “Your thyroid tests are off.” And that was it. Meanwhile, I was dragging myself through menopause, hot flashes, weight gain, sleepless nights, mood swings, and feeling like a sweaty, exhausted extra in my own life.

But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t just menopause. My eyes became my trigger. Driving was difficult, my vision was blurred, and let’s be honest, it felt like my eyeballs were auditioning for their own horror movie. That’s when I finally saw a specialist. Boom: Graves’ disease.

Why Graves’ Disease Is So Hard to Pin Down

Graves’ is the ultimate shapeshifter. The symptoms are like that friend who borrows everyone else’s clothes, a little anxiety here, a little menopause there, maybe some heart palpitations just to keep things spicy. Graves’ copies everyone’s homework unless your doctor runs the right tests, it hides in plain sight.

Here’s the breakdown (and why it gets missed):

Graves’ disease: weight loss, fast heartbeat, heat intolerance, eye bulging, goiter
Anxiety: also fast heartbeat, also sleeplessness, also irritability
Menopause: oh, look – fatigue, hot flashes, mood swings, weight changes!
Heart disease: palpitations, chest discomfort, fatigue

See the problem? Graves’ is like that kid who copies everyone’s homework. Unless you get the right tests, it hides in plain sight.

The Tests (Or, How to Catch a Sneaky Thyroid)

When you finally land in front of a doctor who listens, here’s what helps sort it out:

TSH, Free T4, Free T3: The hormone trio. Low TSH + high T4/T3 = red flag.
Antibodies (TSI/TRAb): The smoking gun.
Radioactive Iodine Uptake Scan: Shows if your thyroid is lit up like Times Square.
Ultrasound: For those who can’t do the radioactive stuff (hello, moms-to-be).
Eye exam: Because sometimes your eyes tell the story before your bloodwork does.

Is It Hereditary?

Short answer: yes-ish. Graves’ can run in families, but it’s not guaranteed. I like to say: genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger.

Stress, smoking, hormones, even iodine in your diet, all can flip the switch. So if Auntie has a thyroid issue and you’re feeling “off,” it’s worth checking early.

My Journey, My Remission

I’ve had ups and downs. I went into remission, then during Covid my symptoms came roaring back and I had to return to meds. But here’s the twist: I started listening to my body. That’s also when I noticed the weight changes, the kind no one warns you about. When my thyroid was overactive, I dropped weight without trying. But once my meds kicked in and my levels normalized, my metabolism slowed down and the pounds crept back on. It was frustrating, but it forced me to look at my health differently, not from a place of control, but from understanding.

I reduced (not eliminated) gluten, iodine-heavy foods, and alcohol.
I made stress management non-negotiable.
I committed to a full night’s sleep.

Now, I’ve been in remission for a year and a half. I take it day by day. Graves’ is part of my story, but it’s not the headline. My headline is resilience, learning that healing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up for yourself every single day.

Can You Gain Weight With Graves’ Disease?

Oh, absolutely and I’m living proof. When people think of Graves’ disease, they usually picture dramatic weight loss. But after treatment, the story can flip. I actually gained weight, and losing it has been incredibly difficult and frustrating. Between menopause, lack of sleep, emotional eating, and my thyroid doing the cha-cha with my hormones, it felt like my body was working against me.

My doctor kept telling me my weight gain wasn’t connected to Graves’, but deep down, I knew something wasn’t adding up. Then I started noticing patterns, like how certain foods made me feel. I discovered that green leafy vegetables (yes, the ones we’re all told to eat!) triggered bloating that lasted for days. Turns out, when your thyroid’s recovering, your whole digestive system can become extra sensitive.

Here’s what’s really going on:

Treatment flips your metabolism. Once medication or radioactive iodine slows your thyroid, metabolism can dip below normal.
Your body’s recovering. During hyperthyroidism, you burn through calories; after treatment, appetite stays high while metabolism slows.
Hormone fluctuations. When thyroid levels swing from high to low, metabolism follows.
Menopause overlap. Lower estrogen and stress make weight management an uphill climb.

So what helps? Tracking labs, eating balanced (not restricted), limiting iodine, sleeping well, managing stress, and gentle movement, walking, yoga, light strength training. I stopped focusing on the number on the scale and started focusing on how I feel.

Because here’s the truth: the goal isn’t to be skinny, it’s to feel steady, strong, and at peace with your body.

📊 Graves’ Disease vs. Other Conditions

Symptom	Graves’ Disease	Anxiety/Stress	Menopause	Heart Disease
Weight changes	Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased eating	Normal weight or loss due to poor appetite	Weight gain or fluctuating	Can be stable or weight gain from limited activity
Heart rate	Fast heartbeat, palpitations	Fast heartbeat, usually tied to stress	Hot flashes can cause fast heart rate	Arrhythmias, chest pain, irregular beats
Energy level	Restless, hyperactive but also fatigued	Restless, wired, fatigue from poor sleep	Fatigue, sleep disturbance	Fatigue, exercise intolerance
Heat tolerance	Heat intolerance, sweating	Can sweat under stress	Hot flashes/night sweats	No consistent heat sensitivity
Mood/Behavior	Irritability, nervousness, insomnia	Worry, nervousness, insomnia	Mood swings, irritability	Depression or anxiety (secondary to illness)
Thyroid gland	Goiter (swelling at neck), sometimes tender	Normal	Normal	Normal
Eyes	Bulging eyes, gritty/dry feeling, double vision (specific to Graves’)	Normal	Normal	Normal
Skin	Rarely, thickened skin on shins (pretibial myxedema)	Normal	Normal	Possible changes due to circulation issues

Detailed Chart: How Each Test Helps Diagnose Graves


Test	What It Measures	Typical Result in Graves’	Why It Matters
TSH	Hormone from pituitary telling thyroid to make hormones	Very low or undetectable	First clue something is wrong
Free T4 / Free T3	Thyroid hormones in blood	High	Confirms hyperthyroidism
TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin) / TRAb	Autoantibodies that attack thyroid	Positive	Specific marker for Graves’
Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAIU)	How much iodine thyroid absorbs	High & spread evenly (diffuse uptake)	Differentiates Graves’ from thyroiditis
Thyroid Ultrasound	Size, structure, and blood flow	Enlarged with increased blood flow	Alternative to RAIU in pregnancy/breastfeeding
Eye & Physical Exam	Eye bulging, goiter, skin changes, tremors	Often present	Helps confirm the clinical picture

In Wellness

The Silent Struggle: Fibroids, Cysts and Women’s Health

September 17, 2025 In Wellness 3 Mins Read

*The Silent Struggle: Fibroids, Cysts & Women’s Health

I’ve been blessed not to personally experience the pain of fibroids or ovarian cysts, but I’ve watched women I love suffer for years in silence. Friends, family, sisters in my community, carrying the weight of heavy bleeding, unbearable cramps, and the fear of not knowing what’s going on in their own bodies. They pushed through workdays, family obligations, and life, while privately battling pain that should have been taken seriously from the start.

For many women, especially Black women this is not a rare story.

• Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus, but they can cause heavy periods, intense cramping, pelvic pressure, and even infertility. Black women are more likely to develop them, and they often show up earlier, grow larger, and cause more severe symptoms.

• Ovarian cysts can quietly exist without symptoms, but when they cause pain, it’s not subtle. Bloating, sharp pelvic aches, and even hospital trips are part of the reality.

• Dermoid cysts are a different type altogether, benign growths that come from undeveloped cells you’re born with. They can contain tissue like hair, skin, or teeth (yes, really) and often go unnoticed for years. Because their symptoms, pelvic pain, pressure, bloating, can mimic fibroids, they’re sometimes misdiagnosed. The only way to confirm their presence is through imaging, like a sonogram, which can lead to surgery if they’re large or causing complications.

And then there’s dysmenorrhea -painful periods that so many women dismiss as “normal,” even when it’s a sign of something deeper.

The heartbreaking part? Too many suffer in silence because they’ve been told, directly or indirectly, that women’s pain is something to “tough out.” Add in the racial disparities in healthcare, where Black women’s symptoms are often dismissed or downplayed and it’s a perfect storm for delayed diagnoses and unnecessary suffering.

Here’s what I’ve learned from the women who’ve shared their stories with me:

1. Listen to your body. Pain, heavy bleeding, bloating, and fatigue are not things you should just “get used to.”

2. Push for answers. If a doctor brushes you off, find another one. You deserve to be heard.

3. Break the silence. Talking about your experience can help another woman recognize she’s not alone.

Fibroids, cysts, and other reproductive health conditions are not just “women’s problems” they’re human problems. They affect our families, our work, our emotional well-being. The more we share, the less anyone has to suffer alone.

Real talk, real people, your health matters. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

In Wellness

Breast Reduction Surgery: What Every Woman Should Know

April 30, 2025 In Wellness 5 Mins Read

Women’s Health: Breast Reduction Surgery: What Every Woman Should Know

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a life-changing procedure for many women. Beyond the aesthetic benefits, it often dramatically improves physical comfort, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. If you’re considering this procedure—or just curious—this guide will walk you through the most important things to know, including insights from Dr. Duc Bui, a leading plastic surgeon at Stony Brook Hospital.

My Story: Why I Chose Breast Reduction

I recently made the decision to have breast reduction surgery—and my life has changed for the better. Before my surgery, I experienced constant back pain, difficulty exercising, and trouble finding clothing that fit comfortably. Many women who had the surgery shared with me that their only regret was waiting too long. For me, however, I truly felt that I had my surgery at the right time in my life.

I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Bui for not only his surgical expertise but also his kindness, thoroughness, and support throughout my journey. Thank you, Dr. Bui, for changing my life.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

To better understand who might benefit from this procedure, I asked Dr. Bui:

Dr. Bui:

“A good candidate for Breast Reduction is someone experiencing physical symptoms like back, neck, and shoulder pain, or lifestyle limitations due to the size of their breasts. It’s also common for women to seek reduction for emotional reasons, such as self-consciousness or difficulty finding clothing. Breast reduction isn’t just cosmetic—it can truly enhance daily living and health.”

Common reasons women consider Breast Reduction surgery include:

• Chronic pain and poor posture

• Difficulty with physical activity

• Skin irritation or rashes

• Emotional distress and low self-esteem

What Should Women Expect During Breast Reduction Recovery?

Recovery is an important part of the process. Dr. Bui explained:

Dr. Bui said most women need at least one to two weeks off work, depending on their job. You’ll experience swelling, some soreness, and fatigue at first. It’s important to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about four to six weeks. We guide patients carefully through each stage of healing to ensure the best results.”

Planning ahead for help at home and allowing your body the time it needs to heal is key for a smooth recovery.

Risks and Long-Term Considerations

Breast reduction is very safe, but like any surgery, it comes with considerations. Dr. Bui shared some important insights:

Dr. Bui:

Breastfeeding after breast reduction can be possible, but it may be impacted depending on the surgical method and how much tissue is removed. Weight gain or significant hormonal changes—like menopause—can also affect your breast size and shape long-term. We talk through these factors during consultations so women can make fully informed decisions.”

Women should also be aware that while results are long-lasting, aging, gravity, and life changes will naturally influence breast shape over time.

How Does Insurance Work for Breast Reduction?

One of the most common questions women have is whether breast reduction is covered by insurance because this surgery can be very expensive. This was definitely an important question for me. Dr. Bui explained that if the procedure is deemed medically necessary, many insurance plans will cover it. We help patients submit documentation showing the medical need—like chronic pain or rashes. Each insurance company has different requirements, so early verification is important.”

Factors like documented symptoms, medical history, and proof that other treatments have failed often help secure coverage.

I asked Dr. Bui what questions should you ask your Plastic Surgeon

During your consultation, it’s important to feel empowered. Here are smart questions to ask, as suggested by Dr. Bui:

• Are you board-certified in plastic surgery?

• How much experience do you have specifically with breast reductions?

• What surgical techniques do you use, and why?

• What results can I realistically expect?

• How do you minimize scarring?

• What should I prepare for during recovery?

• What happens if there are complications?

Choosing a surgeon you trust and feel comfortable with makes all the difference.

How Menopause Affects Breast Reduction Decisions

If you’re nearing or going through menopause, you may wonder whether it’s still a good time for surgery.

Dr. Bui:

“Hormonal changes during menopause can cause the breasts to change size or lose firmness. However, many women still benefit greatly from reduction, particularly if they’re experiencing physical discomfort. During consultations, we discuss how future changes might affect long-term results and set appropriate expectations.”

Even after menopause, breast reduction can provide physical relief and improve quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Breast reduction is about much more than just aesthetics—it’s about feeling better physically, emotionally, and mentally. My personal journey, with the incredible support of Dr. Duc Bui and the team at Stony Brook Hospital, reaffirmed that this decision was one of the best I’ve ever made.

If you’re considering breast reduction, know that you’re not alone. Ask questions, gather information, and find a surgeon who listens carefully to your goals. When the time is right, this surgery can truly be life-changing.