Ep. 51 Menopause Matters: Clinical Strategies & Patient Support with Dr. Jessica Ritch

This episode features host Dr. Mark Hoffman and guest Dr. Jessica Ritch as they discuss the lack of menopause education and research during medical training, and the necessity for practitioners to learn more about menopausal symptoms and management strategies. The episode begins with Dr. Ritch, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, describing her path into menopause care, including the development of her podcast, EnRitched Menopause. She touches on the role of laboratory workup in menopause, but emphasizes the patient’s symptoms are more important to address than numerical values on labs. She then delves into treatment options, including the complexities of hormone replacement therapy, and the multifactorial nature of sexual function issues. Most importantly, the physicians emphasize listening to patients, offering comprehensive care beyond hormone therapy, and utilizing resources like podcasts to educate both practitioners and patients. Finally, they explore new treatments and the potential future advancements in menopause care. --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/I7Ougz --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 08:52 - The EnRitched Menopause Podcast: A Resource for Patients and Practitioners 15:22 - Common Patient Presentations of Menopause 20:43 - The Role of Laboratory Evaluation of Hormone Levels 24:20 - Testosterone in the Menopausal Patient 27:13 - Navigating Hormone Therapy: Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone 31:03 - Physiologic Hormonal Changes in Menopause 35:00 - Shared Decision-Making 39:00 - Exploring Sexual Function and Libido in Menopause 45:38 - The Power of a Physician’s Support and Trusted Advice 50:09 - Innovative Approaches and Future Directions in Menopause Care --- RESOURCES EnRitched Menopause Podcast: https://podtail.com/en/podcast/enritched-menopause/welcome-to-enritched-menopause/ Rosy App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rosywellness&pli=1 (Google) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rosy-womens-sexual-health/id1444780510 (Apple)