Medical Doctor, Ob-Gyn, Professor MSU Denver Loveland, Colorado, United States
Presentation Summary: For many women, menopause is a time of physical and emotional upheaval, often framed as a period to endure rather than embrace. Yet, this life stage presents a powerful opportunity for healthcare professionals to guide their patients toward adopting evidence-based lifestyle interventions that improve quality of life, mitigate chronic disease risk, and promote vitality for decades to come. This session is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who support women during the menopausal transition and beyond. It provides a deep dive into the scientific underpinnings of lifestyle medicine and its practical application to clinical care. By leveraging the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, clinicians can empower women to not only navigate menopause more comfortably but also build a strong foundation for lifelong health and well-being.
This presentation will provide a comprehensive review of the latest research supporting lifestyle medicine interventions for menopausal women. Practical, evidence-based strategies for integrating these approaches into clinical practice to enhance patient care and outcomes. Case studies and real-world examples illustrating how simple, yet impactful changes can lead to improved quality of life, decreased symptom burden, and reduced risks of chronic disease. By addressing the root causes of many menopausal symptoms and chronic disease risks, clinicians can play a transformative role in their patients' lives. Lifestyle medicine has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of hot flashes, improve sleep quality, reduce dementia and cancer risks, and enhance physical and mental vitality in peri- and post-menopausal women. This session aims to empower healthcare professionals to confidently implement lifestyle medicine principles in their clinical care, providing tools to support their patients in adding years to their lives and life to their years. With a focus on actionable strategies and rooted in cutting-edge science, this presentation equips attendees to help their patients not only navigate menopause but thrive through it and beyond. By reframing menopause as a pivotal opportunity for intervention, clinicians can make a lasting impact—helping women embrace this stage of life with energy, strength, and clarity. Join us to transform the way you care for your midlife and mature female patients and elevate their health outcomes for years to come.
Learning Objectives:
Analyze the role of nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep optimization in mitigating symptoms and enhancing overall health during the menopausal transition.
Identify effective strategies for integrating lifestyle medicine principles and evidence-based behavior change recommendations into clinical interactions with peri- and post-menopausal patients.
Evaluate the impact of a whole-food, plant-based diet and other core pillars of lifestyle medicine on the prevention and management of age-related health concerns in women.
Educate and motivate patients to view menopause as a pivotal opportunity to adopt lifestyle changes that significantly influence their long-term health trajectory, enhancing both lifespan and healthspan.
Describe the evidence-based role of menopause hormone therapy (MHT), its risks and benefits, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle during the menopausal transition regardless of MHT use.
