Women's Healthspan Voices with Dr. Pat McShane

How pregnancy complications like hypertension and diabetes predict women’s long-term health risks—and what to do now to protect your healthspan. In this episode, I’m joined by recently retired OB-GYN Diane Ryan to explore why your reproductive history matters long after menopause. We discuss how pregnancy complications like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, PCOS, and missed periods can pr...

Dr. Pat McShane explains stroke, TIA warning signs, and how viral infections may increase dementia risk in postmenopausal women. In this episode, I break down recent medical reports on stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and dementia risk in postmenopausal women. I explain why one in five women over 55 will experience a stroke, how most strokes are preventable, and what warning signs should n...

Learn when and how to stop hormone therapy, the real risks and benefits, and what research shows about menopause, aging, and long-term health. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Nanette Santoro to discuss how long women can safely use hormone therapy and how to approach tapering off. We explore how age, duration, and hormone type affect risk, what the Women’s Health Initiative and SWAN studies hav...

Loneliness affects up to 40% of adults over 60 and increases risks for heart disease, dementia, depression, and early death—learn why connection matters. In this episode, I explore the growing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation and why it has become a serious health risk for women after midlife. We look at how loneliness impacts the brain, immune system, stress hormones, and chronic disea...

How adrenal depletion, gut health, and hormone imbalance shape menopause—and why root-cause care matters more than symptom control. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Joanna Maytree about menopause through a functional and integrative lens. We explore how chronic stress, adrenal depletion, gut health, and hormone metabolism shape women’s health long before symptoms appear. Dr. Maytree explains why...

Discover how inflammation, sleep, gut health, and amino acids impact brain fog, mood, and identity during menopause — and how to restore balance naturally. ---- In this episode, I talk with Laurie Hammer about the brain changes many women face during menopause — from fog and anxiety to feeling disconnected or “not themselves.” We explore how inflammation, sleep quality, gut health, movement, and a...

Discover how to protect your vision after 40 as Dr. Rani Banik shares functional and medical strategies for preventing cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, and more. ---- In this episode, I talk with Dr. Rani Banik about what really happens to our eyes as we age and why women over 40 face higher risks for cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, and vision decline. She explains how lifestyle, diet, hormones, UV exp...

New research reveals why vegetarians face a higher hip fracture risk and what women can do to protect bone health with diet, exercise, and fall prevention. ---- In this episode, I break down new research showing that vegetarians have a higher risk of hip fracture and why nutrients like protein, calcium, and key minerals matter for bone strength. I explain the major risk factors women face as they...

Discover how Dr. Clint Carter uses personalized medicine, hormones, and lifestyle care to transform women’s health in midlife and beyond. ---- In this episode, I speak with Dr. Clint Carter about his journey from ER burnout to building a direct primary care practice that gives patients time, access, and personalized support. We explore hormone therapy, thyroid health, toxins, lifestyle medicine, a...

Discover how Dr. Pat McShane’s 21-point Brain Score helps women reduce dementia risk through lifestyle and preventive brain health strategies. ---- In this episode of Women’s Healthspan Voices, I dive into the science of dementia prevention and introduce the 21-point Brain Score—a simple test that helps you assess your brain health. We’ll explore how everyday habits like diet, exercise, and alcoho...

Find out how waist-to-hip ratio reveals hidden metabolic risks and why it’s a more accurate measure of women’s health than BMI. ---- Dr. Pat McShane explores why BMI doesn’t tell the full story of women’s health. She reveals how waist-to-hip ratio offers a clearer picture of metabolic risk, inflammation, and internal fat distribution—especially in postmenopausal women. Learn how to measure it, wha...

Discover how pelvic floor therapy, pessaries, and lifestyle strength training can restore function and confidence in women with pelvic organ prolapse. ---- Dr. Pat McShane brings together pelvic health experts Dr. Ellie Allen and Dr. Rochelle Bernstein to demystify pelvic organ prolapse—a condition affecting millions of women. They explore what happens when the pelvic floor weakens, how physical t...

In this episode, Dr. Pat McShane explores how polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects women long after their fertility years are over. She discusses new research showing that women with PCOS remain at greater risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease after menopause, but also enjoy some bone-strength benefits. Tune in to learn how to stay proactive and maintain long-term health. D...

In this episode of Women’s Healthspan Voices, Dr. Pat McShane explores the essential role of vitamin D in women’s overall health. From stronger bones to sharper minds, she explains how a deficiency in this “sunshine vitamin” increases risks of heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and dementia. Drawing from new research, Dr. McShane shares practical ways to measure, maintain, and optimize your vita...

Discover why the muscle is your most vital organ for aging well—and how protein and resistance training protect women’s healthspan. ----- In this episode of Women’s Healthspan Voices, I explore why muscle is the body’s most underrated organ. You’ll learn how skeletal muscle acts as an endocrine system powerhouse—regulating metabolism, glucose, and even brain function. I’ll share practical ways to...

In this episode, Dr. Pat McShane explains how multiple medications can undermine women’s healthspan. She highlights the dangers of side effects, why deprescribing is often overlooked, and practical steps women can take to review medications, ask the right questions, and explore safer alternatives. ----- Dr. McShane is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as reproductive endocrinolo...

In this first episode of The Women’s Healthspan Voices Podcast, Dr. Pat McShane explains the critical difference between lifespan and healthspan — and why quality of life matters more than just years lived. She explores the most common health challenges women face in later life and highlights proven strategies like better sleep, diet, exercise, and social connection to help extend your years of vi...