Ep. 424 Menopause 101: Symptoms, HRT, and a Bio-Individual Approach with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG

I am privileged to have Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a menopause expert and board-certified OB/GYN, join me on the podcast today. Dr. Shepherd is the author of the newly released book Generation M and has won many awards for her work as a physician and leader in women's health. 

In our conversation, we dive into the challenges women face in talking openly about menopause and ovarian senescence, discussing the societal perspectives that shape those attitudes and contributing factors to accelerated aging during the menopause transition. We look at the findings of the SWAN study and discuss common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, weight-loss resistance, estrogen and metabolic health, bone health, and the risks of osteoporosis and fractures. We also explore concerns around bladder health and urosepsis, the gut-brain connection, exercises for bone health, and the importance of a personalized approach to hormone replacement therapy. 

You will not want to miss this rich and informative discussion with Dr. Jessica Shepherd.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How social conditioning impacts women’s perspectives on their value and worth, especially during reproductive years
• The benefits of weight training for maintaining ovarian health
• How menopause treatment and management varies for women of different ethnicities
• The most problematic symptoms women face during menopause
• How declining estrogen impacts weight gain and muscle loss
• How proactively addressing menopause symptoms improves the quality of life for women
• The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for improving bone density and reducing the risk of fractures
• Why estrogen is essential for bladder health
• The role of the gut microbiome in cognitive function
• Why a holistic approach to health is critical for women  

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

• Follow on Twitter
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• Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Jessica Shepherd

• Sanctum Med and Wellness
• On Instagram: Jessica Shepherd or Modern Meno
• Dr. Shepherd’s new book, Generation M, is available in-store or online from Barnes and Noble or on Amazon.