Jessica Shepherd, MD ’05, Adtalem’s Blake Simpson, and chef, author, and TV personality Carla Hall sat down for an intimate conversation on women’s health. Here’s what you need to know.
In observance of Menopause Awareness Month, Adtalem Global Education Senior Vice President and Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer Blake Simpson brought together Jessica Shepherd, MD ’05, a Ross University School of Medicine alumna and author of the new book Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause, and chef Carla Hall to talk about women’s health at an October event in Washington, D.C.
Here’s what you need to know from their conversation:
Breaking the Stigma Around Menopause
One of the most striking moments of the conversation focused on how menopause has historically been stigmatized, leaving women feeling isolated during this natural transition.
Moderating the conversation, Simpson said: “For me, I don’t stay silent in those instances. It’s cathartic. I need to know I’m not suffering alone. I just started to bring up this topic with my team, even though most of them aren’t going through this yet. Some of them are in their 30s, but they’ve become well-versed in this subject and are really interested in knowing what they should be aware of for the future."
Dr. Shepherd added: “A lot of that has to do with patriarchy in society, where a woman’s value is tied to her reproductive years.”
Historically, the decline in reproductive function marked a perceived reduction in women's societal value, but that narrative is beginning to shift with more women in leadership and public positions.
“Now, the voice is becoming more prominent. We as a collective of women don’t feel well during this cycle, and we need to talk about it. By openly discussing menopause, women can begin to normalize the conversation, reducing the shame often associated with it.”
Hall shared her perspectives working in television: “I mention menopause on every show I’m on, every interview. If you’re a man around me, you’re going to hear about it because you have a wife, a girlfriend, a sister, an aunt, or a mother. Menopause is part of women’s lives, and we have to normalize it.”
How Can Menopause Affect My Mental Health? Adtalem and Dr. Shepherd answer your questions.
The Evolving Understanding of Menopause in Healthcare
For years, menopause was overlooked or minimized within the healthcare system, leaving women to suffer in silence. “In my first 10 years of practice, we would say, ‘Oh, well, you’re not menopausal yet, so I can’t help you,’” Dr. Shepherd said. “That has completely changed.”
Simpson added: “I remember asking my mom once about it, and she just didn’t have much to say. So, I had to start bringing it up on my own.”
Healthcare providers are now beginning to recognize the importance of supporting women throughout perimenopause and menopause. This shift ensures women are not left without options during a critical stage in their lives. There’s a growing understanding that symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and sleep disturbances require attention, and that comprehensive care is crucial.
The Role of HRT in Long-Term Health
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was a focal point of the discussion, with the panel stressing the need to reconsider its use. “Why wait until the tank is empty? If we address symptoms early, we can improve how we feel today, but also invest in our long-term health,” said Dr. Shepherd.
Not only does HRT help alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, but it also plays a vital role in preventing serious conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline.
The panel urged women to become informed about HRT and understand it as an option for improving both quality of life and longevity.
Empowering Women to Take Control of Their Health
Another major theme was the importance of personal empowerment in healthcare. Women should feel equipped to make decisions about their treatment and well-being. “We need to change that narrative,” Dr. Shepherd said. “Each moment in a woman’s life is worth their value, time, and effort.” The panel emphasized that women need to take an active role in managing their health, seeking out accurate information and trusted healthcare providers. By reframing menopause as a natural transition rather than a medical problem, women can feel more in control and empowered to make decisions that best suit their needs.
Simpson and Dr. Shepherd shared their personal and professional self-advocacy stories with a full room during a fireside chat at ColorComm conference. Read How to Be Heard in the Doctor’s Office and the Corporate Office.
Prevention Through Lifestyle Changes
In addition to HRT, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise in adulthood were identified as crucial in managing menopausal symptoms and improving long-term health. Regular strength training can help offset the loss of muscle mass that often accompanies menopause, while a balanced diet rich in protein supports overall health.
Try Chef Carla Hall’s Go-To Recipe for a Mental Health Boost.
The panel also encouraged women to cut down on alcohol, which can worsen symptoms like hot flashes and disrupt sleep. These preventative measures, taken early, can have a significant impact on reducing the severity of menopause symptoms and improving overall well-being.
For more information, email the Adtalem Global Communications Team: adtalemmedia@adtalem.com.
