EFR 910: Muscle, Menopause & Metabolism - The Hidden Health Crisis Impacting Every Woman After 40 with Dr. Jessica Shepherd

This episod is brought to you by Cured Nutrition, Caldera Lab and Joi & Blokes. Dr. Jessica Shepherd—OB/GYN, clinical advisor for P-Volv, and author of Generation M—breaks down everything women need to know about perimenopause, menopause, and longevity. She explains why mindset is the foundation of midlife health, how declining estrogen affects every organ system, why only 8% of symptomatic women ever receive a diagnosis, and how common comorbidities rise 45% or more between ages 40–59. Dr. Shepherd shares science-backed strategies for navigating symptoms, improving metabolic and mitochondrial health, understanding the truth about hormone therapy after the flawed WHI study (which led to an 82% decline in prescriptions), and using exercise, protein, and muscle-building to protect cognition, heart health, and overall vitality. Whether you're a woman entering midlife—or a partner wanting to better support her—this conversation is a masterclass in women's health, empowerment, and aging well. Follow Jessica @jessicashepherdmd Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:01 - Intro & shocking stats: women live longer but spend more years in poor health; HRT prescriptions dropped 82% after 2002 00:28 - Muscle as the organ of longevity; women lose 3–5% per decade, accelerated after menopause 01:18 - Why estrogen decline shifts the whole body; Dr. Shepherd introduces herself and her mission in women's health 02:15 - Redefining women's health & longevity; why women aren't thinking about longevity soon enough 04:23 – Mindset, habits, and community as the foundation of midlife health 07:13 - Barriers to staying well: socioeconomic factors, upbringing, access, and misconceptions about wellness 09:33 - Women's current wellness landscape; societal expectations, caregiving burden, and systemic gaps 12:46 – Major healthcare gaps: lack of research, exclusion of women from clinical studies until the '70s, and only 3% of VC health funding going to women 17:30 – Pharma eliminating women's health divisions; downstream effects on innovation and access 19:10 – Perimenopause 101: defining terms, symptoms vs. cycles, 34+ possible symptoms, and why diagnosis is trick 24:45 – The cardiovascular danger of estrogen decline; heart disease as the #1 killer of women 27:02 – Stress vs. perimenopause symptoms; mood disorders peak between 45–55 29:48 – How HRT has evolved in the last 10–20 years; symptom relief and longevity benefits 32:32 – Why only 5% of women are on hormone therapy today; misconceptions and new guidelines 34:20 – WHI study deep dive: media panic, misinterpretation, lack of statistical significance, and lasting fear 39:06 – Risk vs. benefit: how to think about HRT decisions with your provider 41:51 – Chase shares his TRT story; quality of life, fertility considerations, and hormone literacy 45:16 – Dr. Shepherd's personal hormone story: cognition issues, testosterone, and starting estrogen at 46 48:12 – Supplements Dr. Shepherd uses: Vitamin D, creatine, CoQ10, Urolithin A 50:10 – Muscle, mitochondrial health, sarcopenia & glucose control: why resistance training is non-negotiable 52:25 – Movement, neuroplasticity, balance & cognition: why staying active protects the aging brain 55:12 – How partners can best support women in perimenopause: emotional support & shared routines 57:52 – The science of emotional support: social connection decreases pain, inflammation, and improves outcomes 59:22 – Menopause explained: average age, symptom timeline, and the hidden cellular changes 01:02:39 – Nutrition, glucose control, protein needs, alcohol & sugar intake, and metabolic health 01:07:07 – Protein requirements (1.0–1.2g/kg), resistance training, and why women must build muscle 01:09:37 – U.S. data: 55%+ of women report symptoms; only 8% diagnosed; why doctors miss it 01:12:34 – Which providers are best for menopause care & what certifications to look for 01:15:31 – Comorbidities rise 45% between 40–59: hypertension, thyroid, arthritis, sleep disorders & estrogen's role 01:18:25 – Is biohacking menopause possible? Current limits + ovarian longevity research 01:22:24 – Exercise as the ultimate biohack; sustainable movement for aging wel 01:23:19 – Final Q: How Dr. Shepherd lives Ever Forward — flexibility, pause, and growth ----- Episode resources: 20% off DREAM gummies with code EVERFORWARD at CuredNutrition.com/everforward50% off any product or diagnostic labs with code CHASE at JoiAndBlokes.com/chase20% off any men's skincare product with code EVERFORWARD at CalderaLab.comWatch and subscribe on YouTube