Perimenopause and Menopause: Empowering Midlife Wellness with Dr. Jessica Shepherd

Did you know that the average woman still has 40% of her life ahead of her after menopause? What if, instead of feeling confused, lost, or past your prime, you could thrive during this time—feeling stronger, more empowered, and in control of your well-being?

In this episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, host Jenn Cassetta sits down with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB-GYN and leading advocate for women’s health, to reframe the menopause experience. Dr. Shepherd shares the importance of a holistic approach, incorporating nutrition, exercise, mindset, and hormone therapy to enhance overall well-being. She also emphasizes the value of support systems, encouraging women to cultivate a trusted “board of advisors” to navigate this life stage with confidence. Most importantly, Jenn and Dr. Shepherd explore how empowerment and mindset shifts can transform menopause from a period of loss into one of personal growth and self-discovery. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace midlife with strength, clarity, and purpose.

Watch the episode here

Listen to the episode here

Perimenopause and Menopause: Empowering Midlife Wellness with Dr. Jessica Shepherd

Welcome to the latest installment of the Art of Badassery podcast. In this episode, our host Jenn Cassetta, Chief Badassery Officer, welcomes the renowned Dr. Jessica Shepherd to explore the art of thriving through perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Shepherd is a board-certified OB-GYN and a leading advocate for women’s health, bringing a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to the table.

Dr. Shepherd emphasizes the importance of embracing change during the perimenopausal and menopausal transitions, offering a positive, empowering perspective on what can often be a daunting experience for many women. Through her health and wellness center, Sanctum Med and Wellness, Dr. Shepherd provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to women’s health, integrating traditional medical practices with alternative medicine.

Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause

During the podcast, Jenn and Dr. Shepherd delve into their personal experiences with perimenopause, sharing insights and tips for navigating the changes that come with this phase of life. Dr. Shepherd reveals her journey towards understanding and advocating for more awareness and education on menopause, highlighting a gap in the medical field that she is passionate about addressing.

Empowerment Through Education and Community

Dr. Shepherd encourages women to approach perimenopause with curiosity and compassion, fostering a supportive community where women can share and grow. She discusses the significance of empowering oneself with knowledge and creating a supportive circle of individuals who uplift and challenge you during this journey.

Strategies for a Healthy Transition

Offering practical tips, Dr. Shepherd underscores the importance of nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness in managing symptoms and maintaining overall health during menopause. Her advice includes increasing protein intake, engaging in strength training, and considering hormone replacement therapy if necessary.

Dr. Shepherd’s book “Generation M” is an essential resource for anyone looking to thrive through menopause, providing an empowering roadmap to navigate this stage of life with grace and vigor.

Takeaways from this Episode:

Embrace Change with Positivity: Menopause marks a new chapter, not a decline. Embrace it with positivity and resilience, focusing on the potential for growth and self-discovery.
Holistic Health Approach: Integrating nutrition, exercise, and mental wellness into daily routines can significantly ease the transition through perimenopause and menopause.
Build Your Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive and informed individuals who can offer guidance and encouragement. Having a community to lean on can make a substantial difference.

Conclusion:

Dr. Jessica Shepherd is not only transforming the conversation around menopause but also the experience itself, inspiring women to embrace their journey with confidence. Whether you’re starting to notice changes in your body or seeking guidance on how to handle them, this episode is packed with valuable insights for living well through every stage of life.

For more enlightening conversations and to keep up with the latest from Jenn Cassetta, make sure to subscribe to the Art of Badassery podcast. Leave a review, and let us know your thoughts and questions for future episodes. Your journey through life deserves to be empowered and respected.

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About Dr. Jessica Shepherd

Dr. Jessica Shepherd is Chief Medical Officer at Hers. She is a board-certified OB/GYN, a women’s health, sexual wellness, and menopausal expert, the founder of Sanctum Med and Wellness, and the author of Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause.

She regularly appears on Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN, MSNBC, CBS News, educating viewers on topics including endometriosis, fibroids, sexual health, menopausal health, and healthcare disparities. She is on the Advisory Board for Women’s Health Magazine, Women’s Health.org. and the Society for Women’s Research. Dr. Shepherd earned her MD from Ross University School of Medicine and her MBA from University of Louisville. She was also previously the Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

As a healthcare expert, she strives to educate people on their bodies and how to address their physical, sexual, emotional health in addition to the incorporation of wellness. Her passion for women’s health has allowed her to be an advocate for conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, sexual health, menopausal health and healthcare disparities.

For more, see jessicashepherdmd.com.