Changing the Conversation Around Menopause with Dr. Jessica Shepherd
Mar 1, 2023
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Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Chief Medical Officer for Verywell Health, joins Kristen Holmes to discuss various aspects of menopause. They delve into topics such as the physiological changes during menopause, common symptoms, hormone replacement therapy, detecting perimenopause, sleep and nutrition tips, health risks, and the future of menopausal research. Dr. Shepherd's expertise and dedication to changing the conversation around menopause make this conversation informative and enlightening.
Understanding the importance of identifying menopause stages and its associated symptoms is crucial for women's overall well-being.
Education and early awareness about menopausal health empower women to make informed decisions and take proactive measures for a high quality of life.
Quality sleep, achieved through personalized strategies like hormone evaluation and replacement therapy, mindfulness and proper nutrition, is essential for mitigating health risks during the menopausal transition.
Deep dives
Understanding Menopause and Hormone Levels
During menopause, the body experiences shifting hormone levels, such as estrogen and progesterone. It is important to determine whether one is in paramenopause or menopause and understand the associated symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings. Creating an individualized hormone therapy profile is essential for managing health risks, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and colon cancer. Balanced nutrition and good sleep quality play crucial roles in managing menopausal symptoms, and there is ongoing research in menopausal health and women's overall well-being.
The Importance of Early Education on Menopause
Women in their 40s and 50s should start focusing on menopausal health to understand how it impacts their energy, weight distribution, cholesterol levels, and overall well-being. It is crucial to educate women about hormonal changes and address questions and concerns about the transition to menopause. By promoting early education and awareness, women can make informed decisions about their health and implement proactive measures to maintain a high quality of life.
Managing Sleep and Menopausal Symptoms
Sleep disturbances commonly occur during menopause and can have negative effects on health and well-being. It is important to address the factors affecting sleep quality and seek professional advice for personalized strategies. These strategies may include hormone evaluation and replacement therapy, mindfulness practices like meditation and breathing techniques, proper nutrition, and optimizing sleep environment. Quality sleep is essential for mitigating associated health risks and maintaining overall well-being during the menopausal transition.
Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be beneficial for women experiencing menopause, if done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. HRT should be considered for healthy women under the age of 60 and within 10 years from the start of menopause. The timing of HRT initiation is essential for maximizing its benefits, and individual factors should be assessed to determine suitability. HRT can involve various hormone combinations and may include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. Education and ongoing research in this field help women make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Proactive Measures for Long-Term Health
To mitigate health risks associated with menopause, it is crucial to prioritize overall health. This includes maintaining hormonal balance through personalized hormone replacement therapy, adopting a balanced nutrition plan, engaging in regular exercise (including weight-bearing activities), prioritizing quality sleep, practicing mindfulness techniques, and fostering social connections. These proactive measures can help prevent conditions like heart disease, diabetes, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline. By taking a proactive approach, women can improve their overall well-being during and after the menopausal phase of life.
On this week’s episode, WHOOP VP of Performance Science Kristen Holmes is joined by OB/GYN and women’s health expert Dr. Jessica Shepherd. She is the Chief Medical Officer for Verywell Health. She is the founder and CEO of Sanctum Med + Wellness, a wellness concierge practice. Dr. Shepherd is also a member of the WHOOP Scientific Advisory Council and is also the founder of Her Viewpoint, an online women's health forum that focuses on addressing taboo topics in a comfortable setting. Kristen and Dr. Shepherd discuss why men should learn about menopause (5:55), what is happening in the body during menopause (8:10), the timing of entering menopause (11:15), the hallmark symptoms of menopause (13:15), advice on getting good sleep when experiencing symptoms (17:00), hormone replacement therapy (22:25), how to detect whether you’re in perimenopause (28:05), nutritional tips and behavioral recommendations (33:15), understanding mindsets and habits (40:40), health risks associated with postmenopause (46:55), Don Lemon on women in their primes (54:25), and the women’s health space over the next 10 years (58:25).
