Menopause Medicine - #46

The average age of a woman in menopause is 51 but can range between 40-58 years old. We are going to spend a third of our lives in menopause so why not make it as vibrant as possible? There is no need to suffer during perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause when we have options to support us. Perimenopause and menopause may include a variety of symptoms such as hot flashes, brain fog, low libido, anxiety, hair loss, and weight gain. Menopause also opens the door to an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and metabolic syndrome.

I’ve said this before on previous podcasts, and I will say it again, at the end of the day you get to make the final decision on whether or not to take hormone replacement therapy, whether it’s HRT or BHRT. At the very least, educate yourself on the topic, the benefits, and the possible health consequences if you don’t do anything. Then, make your decision.

My guest today is Dr. Wen Shen, an associate professor of clinical gynecology and an associate professor of oncology at the oncology center in the Johns Hopkins Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. She is also the clinical director of the Menopause Consultation service and Co-Director of the Women’s Wellness & Healthy Aging Program.

A board-certified gynecologist, Dr. Shen has concentrated on menopause medicine for more than 15 years. She specializes in treating peri-menopause and menopausal symptoms taking into consideration the woman’s overall health. She often works with her patients’ primary care provider to recommend non-hormonal therapies, alternative treatment options and menopause hormone therapy as appropriate for the individual patient.

In addition to clinical care, Dr. Shen focuses on educating her patients, other physicians and future physicians on women’s post reproductive health. She is engaged in clinical trials for new therapies for the treatment of menopause symptoms. She is actively developing curricula and educational aids for future physicians and health care providers on menopause medicine and the importance of healthy aging. 

Dr. Shen has published numerous articles and book chapters on menopause and perimenopause. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and is on the Board of Trustees for the North American Menopause Society.

Dr. Shen earned her Master’s in Public Health and her Medical Degree from the Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Gynecology and Obstetrics at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. During the 18 years Dr. Shen spent in general practice she became aware of the lack of physician education on post-reproductive health in women.

Since her 2005 return to Johns Hopkins, she has committed herself to raising awareness of menopausal and post-reproductive health in women to help them stay their healthiest beginning in peri-menopause and as they age.

Medical Disclaimer:

By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or for making any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.

Studies & Resources mentioned during our conversation:

Treatment Strategies for Hot Flushes: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19405789/

The Bioidentical Hormone Debate: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19179815/

Women's Wellness & Healthy Aging Program: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/womens_wellness_program/meet_our_team.html