MenopauseWize: Navigating Through Menopause with Knowledge and Wisdom

Sukhpreet Patel, MD(ObGyn, India), MPH, HCA-RHC™ HCA-RHNC™ (Canada)
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Medicine

Welcome to MenopauseWize, your essential guide to navigating the complexities of menopause and perimenopause with evidence-based facts. Whether you’re a healthcare provider seeking the latest research-based practices or a woman on her menopause journey, this podcast offers valuable insights to empower you with knowledge and confidence. Each episode delves into key topics, from symptom management and lifestyle strategies to hormones and menopausal hormone replacement (MHT), ensuring you’re equipped to make informed decisions. Join us as we explore the wisdom needed for every stage of menopause, helping you or those you care for thrive during this pivotal time.

  1. Sep 12

    Sexual Health Beyond Hormones: When the Mind Is Part of the Treatment with Dr. Lori Brotto

    Have something to share? Send us a text! In this episode of the MenopauseWize podcast, we sit down with Dr. Lori Brotto, a psychologist, researcher, and internationally recognized expert in women’s sexual health, to explore an important but often overlooked part of sexual healthcare: the mind. When women experience changes in desire, arousal, pleasure, or sexual satisfaction, the conversation often focuses on hormones, medications, and physical causes. While these are important pieces of the puzzle, psychological factors can also have a significant impact on sexual health. And importantly, there are evidence-based psychological treatments available. Dr. Brotto takes us through the role of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) in treating sexual concerns, what the research tells us about these approaches, and why they remain surprisingly underutilized. We also discuss the barriers that can make psychological sexual healthcare difficult to access, from a shortage of trained professionals and gaps in healthcare delivery to the stigma and shame that still surround conversations about sexual health. Importantly, this is not about choosing between medical and psychological treatment. We discuss why good sexual healthcare needs to be multidisciplinary, with hormones, medications, psychological therapies, pelvic floor therapy, and other interventions working together rather than competing with one another. Dr. Brotto also introduces eSense, an online platform developed to make evidence-based CBT and mindfulness-based interventions for sexual concerns more accessible. She explains who it is designed for, how the programs work, and what the research has shown so far. Key Topics Covered: • The role of the mind in women’s sexual health, desire, arousal, and pleasure • Evidence for CBT and mindfulness-based therapy in sexual health • Why psychological treatments for sexual concerns remain underutilized • Stigma, shame, access, and other barriers to seeking care • How CBT and mindfulness-based approaches differ • Why hormones, medications, and psychological treatments should work together • What multidisciplinary sexual healthcare can look like • What eSense is, who it is for, and how it works • The research behind eSense and online psychological interventions • How women can begin seeking help for sexual health concerns Join us for an important conversation that takes sexual health beyond hormones and reminds us that the mind is not separate from sexual health. It can be an important part of both understanding the problem and finding the right treatment. Support the show The information provided in all episodes of the MenopauseWize podcast, including content shared by Sukhpreet Patel or any guest or representative, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.  SheRise Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MenopauseWize, Sukhpreet Patel, or any representative will not be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use the information at their own discretion and always seek advice from a licensed medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.

    Sexual Health Beyond Hormones: When the Mind Is Part of the Treatment with Dr. Lori Brotto

  2. Aug 1

    Is Bioidentical Best? Navigating Hormone Therapy Choices in Midlife with Dr Lauren Streicher

    Have something to share? Send us a text! The words bioidentical, natural, synthetic, and compounded are everywhere in menopause care. They're often used interchangeably, marketed as though they mean the same thing, and can leave women wondering which hormones are truly the safest and most effective. In this episode of the MenopauseWize podcast, Dr. Sukhpreet Patel is joined by renowned menopause expert Dr. Lauren Streicher to separate marketing from evidence and help women make informed decisions about hormone therapy. What does "bioidentical" actually mean? Does "natural" automatically mean safer? Are compounded bioidentical hormones really more personalised or superior to FDA-approved therapies? Dr. Streicher explains the science behind these commonly used terms and discusses what women should know before choosing any hormone therapy. The conversation also explores an often-overlooked aspect of menopause care: the important role that non-bioidentical hormones continue to play, particularly during perimenopause. Many women still require effective contraception while also managing menopausal symptoms, and options such as combined oral contraceptive pills, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD), and conjugated estrogens with bazedoxifene can be valuable tools in the right clinical situations. Key Topics Covered What "bioidentical" really meansBioidentical versus "natural": understanding the differenceCompounded bioidentical hormones: myths, marketing, and regulationPractical limitations of bioidentical hormones during perimenopauseBioidentical and non-bioidentical estrogens and progestogensWhy the Women's Health Initiative continues to shape perceptions of hormone therapyIs the fear of synthetic hormones really about progestogens?Hormonal contraceptive options during perimenopauseThe role of combined oral contraceptive pillsUsing the LNG-IUD for contraception and as part of menopausal hormone therapyUnderstanding bazedoxifene and where it fits in menopause careKey messages for women navigating hormone therapy choices Join us for this practical, evidence-based discussion as we explore how the best hormone therapy isn't determined by whether it's labelled "bioidentical" or "synthetic," but by choosing the right treatment for the right woman. Support the show The information provided in all episodes of the MenopauseWize podcast, including content shared by Sukhpreet Patel or any guest or representative, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.  SheRise Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MenopauseWize, Sukhpreet Patel, or any representative will not be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use the information at their own discretion and always seek advice from a licensed medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.

    Is Bioidentical Best? Navigating Hormone Therapy Choices in Midlife with Dr Lauren Streicher

  3. Jul 18

    Taking GLP-1s? Don't Forget Your Bones with Dr. Susan Brian

    Have something to share? Send us a text! Taking GLP-1s? Don't Forget Your Bones GLP-1 medications have transformed the treatment of obesity and are helping millions of people lose weight and improve their metabolic health. But as these medications become increasingly common, an important question is receiving far less attention: what happens to our bones during weight loss? In this episode of the MenopauseWize podcast, Dr. Sukhpreet Patel is joined by Dr. Susan Brian, a board-certified endocrinologist and clinical researcher, to explore the relationship between GLP-1 medications, weight loss, and skeletal health. Weight loss itself can influence bone health, but are GLP-1 medications doing anything beyond that? Do they directly affect bone metabolism, or are changes in bone density simply a consequence of carrying less weight? Dr. Brian explains what the current evidence tells us, how strong that evidence is, and where important knowledge gaps still remain. This conversation is particularly relevant for women in perimenopause and menopause. As estrogen levels decline, bone loss naturally accelerates. What happens when significant weight loss is added to the picture? Could these effects be additive, and should women in midlife think differently about protecting their bones while taking GLP-1 medications? The episode also explores the difference between bone density and fracture risk, who may benefit from closer monitoring, whether a baseline DEXA scan should be considered before starting treatment, and the practical strategies women can implement to preserve bone health. From adequate protein intake and resistance training to calcium, vitamin D, and the role of menopausal hormone therapy, Dr. Brian provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help women maximise the benefits of GLP-1 therapy without compromising their long-term skeletal health. Key Topics Covered The relationship between body weight, weight loss, and bone healthDo GLP-1 medications directly affect bone metabolism?Bone density, bone turnover, and fracture risk: what's the difference?Why women in perimenopause and menopause deserve special considerationWhich women may require closer bone health monitoringShould you have a baseline DEXA scan before starting a GLP-1?The role of body composition assessment during weight lossPractical strategies to protect bone health, including protein, calcium, vitamin D, and resistance trainingCan menopausal hormone therapy help protect bone during GLP-1 treatment?Balancing the metabolic benefits of GLP-1 medications with long-term skeletal healthThree practical takeaways for protecting your bones while taking a GLP-1 medicationJoin us for this evidence-based discussion as we look beyond the number on the scale and explore how women can lose weight, improve metabolic health, and protect their bones for years to come. Support the show The information provided in all episodes of the MenopauseWize podcast, including content shared by Sukhpreet Patel or any guest or representative, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.  SheRise Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MenopauseWize, Sukhpreet Patel, or any representative will not be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use the information at their own discretion and always seek advice from a licensed medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.

    Taking GLP-1s? Don't Forget Your Bones with Dr. Susan Brian

  4. Jul 4

    GLP-1s: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started with Dr Michelle Gordon

    Have something to share? Send us a text! GLP-1 medications have rapidly transformed the treatment of obesity, but they have also generated an enormous amount of confusion. Are they simply another weight loss drug? Who are they really for? How do they work? And do they have a role for women navigating perimenopause and menopause? In this episode of the MenopauseWize podcast, Dr. Sukhpreet Patel is joined by Dr. Michelle Gordon, a board-certified physician in obesity medicine, lifestyle medicine, and general surgery. After fifteen years as a general surgeon, Dr. Gordon shifted her focus to women's metabolic health, recognising that many chronic diseases are best addressed long before patients reach the operating room. Today, she helps women understand the biology of obesity while providing compassionate, evidence-based care. The conversation begins by exploring how our understanding of obesity has changed. Rather than viewing obesity as simply a matter of willpower or lifestyle choices, Dr. Gordon explains why it is now recognised as a chronic, multifactorial disease influenced by genetics, hormones, metabolism, appetite regulation, and the environment. From there, the discussion tackles one of the most common misconceptions in weight management: "calories in versus calories out." Dr. Gordon explains why energy balance still matters, but why the biology regulating hunger, satiety, and energy expenditure makes weight management far more complex than many people realise, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. The episode then explores where GLP-1 medications fit into modern obesity care, including who may benefit, who may not be an appropriate candidate, how clinicians choose between the growing number of available medications, what women should realistically expect before starting treatment, common side effects, and the exciting health benefits of GLP-1 therapy that extend well beyond weight loss. Whether you are considering a GLP-1 medication yourself or simply want to better understand the science behind these treatments, this episode provides an evidence-based foundation to help you make informed decisions. Key Topics Covered Why obesity is recognised as a chronic, multifactorial diseaseMoving beyond blame and understanding the biology of weight regulation"Calories in versus calories out": why the story is more complexWhy weight management becomes more challenging during perimenopause and menopauseHow GLP-1 medications workWho is an appropriate candidate for GLP-1 therapyWhy BMI alone may not tell the whole storyWho should avoid GLP-1 medicationsChoosing between the different GLP-1 and dual agonist medicationsSetting realistic expectations before starting treatmentCommon side effects and how to manage themHealth benefits beyond weight loss, including cardiovascular and metabolic healthIs GLP-1 therapy lifelong?Three key messages for women considering GLP-1 medicationsJoin us for this evidence-based discussion as we separate fact from fiction and explore where GLP-1 medications fit into modern obesity care, particularly for women navigating the metabolic changes of midlife. Support the show The information provided in all episodes of the MenopauseWize podcast, including content shared by Sukhpreet Patel or any guest or representative, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.  SheRise Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MenopauseWize, Sukhpreet Patel, or any representative will not be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use the information at their own discretion and always seek advice from a licensed medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.

    GLP-1s: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started with Dr Michelle Gordon

  5. May 16

    Dense Breasts and the Diagnostic Gap: What Every Woman Deserves to Know with Dr. Paula Gordon

    Have something to share? Send us a text! Did you know that almost half of all women have dense breasts, and most have no idea what that means for their health? In this episode of the MenopauseWize Podcast, Dr. Sukhpreet Patel sits down with Dr. Paula Gordon, a pioneering breast radiologist and Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia, to unpack one of the most underappreciated gaps in women's healthcare. Dr. Gordon was among the first researchers to show that ultrasound could detect small cancers missed by mammograms in women with dense breasts. Her advocacy has helped change policy across Canada, ensuring women are now told whether they have dense breasts in their mammogram reports, and successfully pushing all Canadian provinces to lower the screening age to 40 along with her colleagues In this conversation, we cover: What breast density actually means and how common it isHow density changes through perimenopause and menopauseWhy mammograms can miss cancers in women with dense breastsWhat supplemental imaging options are available and how to chooseThe truth about interval cancers and what the data tells usHow to navigate callbacks and reduce unnecessary anxietyWhat every woman should be asking her doctor right nowWhether you have been told you have dense breasts, are navigating breast cancer screening decisions, or simply want to be informed, this episode is essential listening. Resources mentioned: DenseBreastsCanada.caFollow: @densebreastscanada on InstagramFollow MenopauseWize: @MenopauseWize on Instagram Support the show The information provided in all episodes of the MenopauseWize podcast, including content shared by Sukhpreet Patel or any guest or representative, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.  SheRise Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MenopauseWize, Sukhpreet Patel, or any representative will not be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use the information at their own discretion and always seek advice from a licensed medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.

  6. Apr 4

    Sexual Health, Midlife and South Asian Women: Breaking the Silence with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi

    Have something to share? Send us a text! Sexual Health, Midlife and South Asian Women: Breaking the Silence In this episode of the MenopauseWize Podcast, Dr. Sukhpreet Patel is joined by Dr. Sadaf Lodhi. Dr Lodhi is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who has been practicing in New York for over 20 years. Dr. Lodhi’s work is centered around empowering and educating women, with a special focus on sexual health, menopausal care, and intimacy coaching. She currently runs a concierge medical practice serving patients in New York and also provides telehealth care to women in Michigan. While she supports women across all aspects of female health, her clinical passion lies in helping women navigate midlife, sexuality, and hormonal transitions with confidence and clarity. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Lodhi is also the host of The Muslim Sex Podcast, where she explores conversations around intimacy and women’s health in culturally nuanced spaces. You can also find her on Instagram at @drsadafobgyn, where she continues to break stigma and educate women about sexual and menopausal health. Sexual health in midlife is rarely discussed openly, and when we add the cultural context of South Asian communities, the silence often becomes even deeper. Many women grow up without language around pleasure, intimacy, or the physical changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. In this conversation, Dr. Lodhi and Dr. Patel explore how hormonal changes during midlife affect sexual health, including painful intercourse, low libido, and shifts in arousal and pleasure. They also discuss the cultural layers that shape how South Asian women experience and talk about these changes — from normalization of discomfort to hesitation around seeking treatment. The discussion also examines how cultural expectations, communication patterns within marriages, and longstanding beliefs about modesty and duty can influence whether women seek help or simply endure symptoms. Importantly, this episode also highlights that many of these concerns are both common and treatable. From vaginal estrogen and lubricants to pelvic floor therapy and improved communication, there are evidence-based options that can significantly improve comfort and sexual well-being. The episode concludes with practical advice for South Asian women navigating midlife sexuality and reflections on whether the next generation may be entering menopause with a more open understanding of sexual health. This conversation aims to break stigma, provide clarity, and remind women that sexual health is an important part of overall health. Support the show The information provided in all episodes of the MenopauseWize podcast, including content shared by Sukhpreet Patel or any guest or representative, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.  SheRise Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MenopauseWize, Sukhpreet Patel, or any representative will not be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use the information at their own discretion and always seek advice from a licensed medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.

    Sexual Health, Midlife and South Asian Women: Breaking the Silence with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi

  7. Mar 7

    Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer: What Does the Evidence Say with Dr. Corinne Menn

    Have something to share? Send us a text! Episode 27: Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer: What Does the Evidence Say? In Episode 27 of the MenopauseWize Podcast, Dr. Sukhpreet Patel is joined by Dr. Corinne Menn, a board-certified OB-GYN, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and a 24-year breast cancer survivor, to explore one of the most complex and emotionally charged topics in menopause care: hormone therapy after breast cancer. For many women, surviving breast cancer is only part of the journey. The very treatments that save lives can abruptly trigger menopause — often with severe hot flashes, sleep disruption, anxiety, sexual pain, vaginal dryness, and profound changes in quality of life. Yet when it comes to hormone therapy, the conversation often ends quickly with a simple and definitive “no.” But is the evidence truly that black and white? In this thoughtful and evidence-based discussion, Dr. Menn helps us unpack: • The difference between ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer • Why estrogen is intentionally lowered or blocked in certain cancers • How chemotherapy, ovarian suppression, tamoxifen, and aromatase inhibitors induce menopause • The difference between tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors — and why it matters • The real-world impact of abrupt, treatment-induced menopause • The history behind avoiding systemic hormone therapy • The HABITS and Stockholm trials — what they showed and why their results differed • Whether the safety discussion differs for women on tamoxifen versus aromatase inhibitors • The severity of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause in breast cancer survivors • What the evidence says about low-dose vaginal estrogen after breast cancer • How to approach nuanced, individualized risk–benefit discussions Dr. Menn brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to this conversation as a breast cancer survivor and BRCA carrier. Through her telehealth practice and educational platform, she focuses on menopause management and the unique healthcare needs of female cancer survivors and women at high risk for breast cancer. This episode reinforces an essential message: the answer is not simplistic. It depends on receptor status, type of endocrine therapy, timing, symptom severity, and individual risk. Most importantly, it requires informed, shared decision-making. Breast cancer survivors deserve not only longevity — they deserve quality of life. You can follow Dr. Corinne Menn on Instagram at @drmennobgyn, where she shares thoughtful, evidence-based insights on menopause and survivorship care. As always, this episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for personalized guidance. Join us for this important and nuanced conversation. Support the show The information provided in all episodes of the MenopauseWize podcast, including content shared by Sukhpreet Patel or any guest or representative, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.  SheRise Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MenopauseWize, Sukhpreet Patel, or any representative will not be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use the information at their own discretion and always seek advice from a licensed medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.

    Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer: What Does the Evidence Say with Dr. Corinne Menn

  8. Feb 13

    Hormone Therapy and Menopause: Clarifying the Confusion with Dr. Louise Newson

    Have something to share? Send us a text! In this powerful episode of the MenopauseWize podcast, we’re joined by one of the most influential voices in the menopause space—Dr. Louise Newson. Based in the UK, Dr. Newson is a physician, women's hormone specialist, and a member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce. She is widely credited with revolutionizing the conversation around hormone health, challenging outdated narratives, and helping women reclaim informed choice through education and empowerment. Together, we tackle the most common fears and misconceptions that continue to create confusion around Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) / Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)—for both women and their healthcare providers. From the lingering shadows of the WHI study to myths about family history, cancer risk, and "natural" alternatives, this episode breaks down complex science into clear, accessible guidance. Key Questions We Explore: “Hormone therapy causes breast cancer”—what does the evidence really say?What about women who say they’re “doing fine” and don’t need hormones?Are “natural remedies” safer than regulated body-identical HRT?Can calcium and vitamins alone protect your bones in menopause?Why is waiting 12 months post-period to start HRT an outdated idea?Do you only need hormone therapy if symptoms are “severe”?What role does testosterone play in women’s health? Whether you’re a woman navigating menopause or a clinician seeking to better support your patients, this episode offers a science-backed, stigma-free look at why hormone therapy deserves a place in the conversation—and often, in the care plan. Support the show The information provided in all episodes of the MenopauseWize podcast, including content shared by Sukhpreet Patel or any guest or representative, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.  SheRise Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MenopauseWize, Sukhpreet Patel, or any representative will not be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use the information at their own discretion and always seek advice from a licensed medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.

    Hormone Therapy and Menopause: Clarifying the Confusion with Dr. Louise Newson
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About

Welcome to MenopauseWize, your essential guide to navigating the complexities of menopause and perimenopause with evidence-based facts. Whether you’re a healthcare provider seeking the latest research-based practices or a woman on her menopause journey, this podcast offers valuable insights to empower you with knowledge and confidence. Each episode delves into key topics, from symptom management and lifestyle strategies to hormones and menopausal hormone replacement (MHT), ensuring you’re equipped to make informed decisions. Join us as we explore the wisdom needed for every stage of menopause, helping you or those you care for thrive during this pivotal time.

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