Women's Healthspan Voices with Dr. Pat McShane

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Daryl Turner to explore why thyroid disorders are so often overlooked in women, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, when symptoms can overlap significantly. We discuss common signs of thyroid dysfunction, the relationship between thyroid health and other hormones, and how sleep, stress, exercise, and nutrition may influence overall hormonal balance...

In this episode, I sit down with neurologist Dr. Kenneth Sharlin to explore why women face a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease after menopause. We discuss the protective role of estrogen, the importance of hormone replacement therapy, genetic risk factors like ApoE4, and the everyday lifestyle habits—including sleep, movement, nutrition, stress management, and social connection—that may help...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Christina Enzmann to discuss Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), a condition that affects far more than vaginal dryness alone. We explore how menopause impacts vaginal and urinary health, the role of vaginal estrogen, common misconceptions about hormone therapy, changes in the vaginal microbiome, pelvic floor dysfunction, and why many women are dismissed...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Monisha Bhanote to explore why travel often becomes more challenging as we age. We discuss how travel can reveal underlying issues in energy production, gut health, immunity, circadian rhythm, and recovery. Dr. Bhanote explains the role of mitochondria, inflammation, and the microbiome in healthy aging, while sharing practical strategies to help women build res...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Laurel Oliver to explore how chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, and survival patterns can impact a woman’s ability to heal. We discuss applied neurology, neuroplasticity, vagal tone, and practical tools that may help regulate the nervous system. We also examine how menopause can become a powerful opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and creating n...

In this episode, I speak with renowned menopause researcher and clinician Dr. Nanette Santoro about the evolving science of menopause hormone therapy. We discuss what we've learned from the SWAN study, how the Women's Health Initiative changed the conversation around hormones, and what current evidence tells us about symptom management, bone health, vaginal estrogen, and long-term risks. W...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Laurie Marbas about the biological processes of aging and the everyday habits that can influence them. We explore why movement is one of the strongest tools for healthy aging, how plant diversity, fiber, time-restricted eating, and blood sugar stability support metabolic health, and why tiny habits can make lifestyle change feel more possible and sustainable. - - -...

In this episode of Women’s Healthspan Voices, I speak with Dr. Hanah Polotsky about why menopause can feel especially disruptive for high-performing women balancing careers, caregiving, and constant demands. We discuss brain fog, sleep disruption, metabolic changes, stress, and why “normal” lab work does not always reflect how women actually feel. Dr. Polotsky also shares practical strategies for...

In this episode of Women’s Healthspan Voices, I speak with Diamond Fernandes about a different way of understanding heart disease prevention. We explore why cholesterol may not be the primary driver of cardiovascular disease, how inflammation and artery health play a larger role, and why many standard heart screenings may miss underlying risk. Diamond also shares practical lifestyle strategies tha...

In this episode of Women’s Healthspan Voices, I discuss why falls are one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence in older women. I walk through the biggest contributors to fall risk, including medications, poor balance, muscle loss, low bone density, hearing and vision changes, sleep problems, and home hazards. I also share practical, evidence-based ways to reduce fall risk and p...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Paula Kruppstad about how inflammation, toxins, and lifestyle factors shape women’s health after menopause. We explore common symptoms like pain, fatigue, and sleep issues, and why hormones alone are not the full answer. She shares a functional medicine approach that focuses on diet, detoxification, and personalized care to help women feel better and address root...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joel Kahn to explore why heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women and why it’s often missed until it’s too late. We discuss early screening, the impact of menopause and hormones, and how lifestyle choices like diet, sleep, and inflammation management can dramatically reduce risk. This conversation offers practical, science-backed steps to prote...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. John Nieters about menopause through the lens of Chinese medicine, where it is seen as a “second spring” rather than a decline. We explore frailty, blood stasis, osteoporosis, overmedication, and why movement, protein, fiber, and social connection matter so much for women’s healthspan. It is a rich conversation about aging with more strength, clarity, and freedom....

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Audrey Wells to explore why sleep becomes such a struggle during menopause. We unpack the real physiological changes behind disrupted sleep, why insomnia is often misdiagnosed, and how conditions like sleep apnea are frequently missed in women. We also talk about practical ways to improve sleep, from hormone therapy to behavioral strategies and better sleep eva...

In this episode, I explore bone health with Kathy Basel and what women can do to protect their strength as they age. We discuss how bone loss accelerates after menopause, why early testing matters, and how targeted mechanical stress can help rebuild bone density. We also cover nutrition, balance, and lifestyle strategies that support long-term mobility and reduce fracture risk. - - - - -  Kathy Ba...

In this episode, I explore why weight gain becomes more common during menopause and why traditional dieting often fails. I talk with Dr. Carolynn Francavilla about the role of hormones, insulin resistance, and metabolic adaptation, and how these changes impact body composition. We also discuss personalized treatment options, including nutrition, exercise, medications, and when surgery may be appro...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Julia Ward to explore a functional medicine approach to menopause and midlife health. We discuss how bioidentical hormones, reducing toxic burden, and addressing root causes can transform symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and poor sleep. Dr. Ward shares how small, practical changes can help women regain energy, clarity, and a sense of vitality during this trans...

In this episode, I explore the science of circadian rhythm and why it plays such a vital role in healthspan. I discuss how our internal clocks regulate hormones, metabolism, sleep, and energy—and how modern lifestyles can disrupt these rhythms. I also share simple strategies to support better circadian alignment through light exposure, consistent sleep, exercise, and meal timing. - - - - -  Dr. Mc...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Beverly Yates about why diabetes risk rises during menopause and how blood sugar affects everything from energy to brain health. We explore the difference between lifespan and healthspan, the role of A1C testing and CGMs, and why strength training may be the most powerful prevention strategy. This conversation is about taking control before pre-diabetes turns into...

In this episode, I speak with Daniel Chille about how the gut microbiome influences hormones, inflammation, brain health, and aging in women. We explore leaky gut, microbial imbalances, food sensitivities, and why many menopausal symptoms may start in the gut — not the ovaries. Daniel explains how testing, personalized nutrition, and bioidentical hormone therapy can work together to support long-t...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Bill Pawluk about pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) and how it may support women’s health after menopause. We explore its potential role in reducing inflammation, improving bone density, enhancing ATP production, and supporting cardiovascular and whole-body function. This conversation expands how we think about healthspan — moving beyond symptom manageme...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Heidi Codino about what many women experience in perimenopause and postmenopause but rarely hear explained. We discuss overlooked symptoms like anxiety and palpitations, the evolving conversation around hormone therapy, and why resistance training and protein are essential for preserving muscle, bone, and brain health, and independence as we age. Dr. Heidi Codino...

In this episode, I speak with Tess Peterson about photobiomodulation, commonly known as red light therapy, and how it supports healing, pain reduction, and cellular regeneration. Tess shares her personal journey from chronic pain and autoimmune disease to recovery, and we explore how red and near-infrared light stimulate mitochondrial energy, improve tissue repair, and support women navigating per...

Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, falls, and fainting—learn the causes, symptoms, and practical steps to manage hypotension safely. In this episode, I walk you through what low blood pressure is, why it happens, and why it matters—especially as we age. We explore common causes like medications, dehydration, standing up too quickly, and even eating meals. I explain symptoms such as dizziness,...

Learn why optimal blood pressure is now lower than before and how managing it after menopause reduces heart disease and dementia risk. In this episode, I focus on high blood pressure and why it matters so much for women after midlife. I explain why “normal” blood pressure is now considered lower than it used to be, how hypertension often has no symptoms, and why it dramatically increases the risk...