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In this episode of The Pause Pod, I sit down with Dr. Deepali Kashyap, a board-certified OB/GYN, functional medicine practitioner, and certified menopause specialist, for an honest and inspiring conversation about redefining women’s health.
She talks about combining Western and functional medicine for a more holistic and compassionate approach to menopause care.
Dr. Kashyap shares her personal health journey and what it taught her about prevention, balance, and advocating for our own well-being. We also dive into some of the less-talked-about parts of midlife, like low libido, pelvic changes, and urinary incontinence and so much more.
My hope is that this conversation helps you feel seen, informed, and empowered to approach menopause in the way that works best for you.
Let’s Connect, Perimenopause and Prosper!
In this episode:
00:00:00: Episode Trailer + Intro
00:02:49: Bridging Western and Functional Medicine
Dr. Kashyap explains her background, personal health journey, and integration of functional medicine.
00:04:33: Patient-Centered Care Evolution
How her approach to patient care shifted to holistic, individualized, and compassionate care.
00:06:41: The Power of Listening
Importance of understanding patients’ stories and emotional health in treatment.
00:08:56: Personal Perimenopause Experience
Dr. Kashyap discusses her own perimenopause journey and the lack of medical training on menopause.
00:11:00: Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Care
Emphasizes working with other specialists and the need for more research on menopause.
00:12:03: Normalizing Taboo Topics
Discussing low libido and other taboo symptoms to help women feel less isolated.
00:13:35: Creating Safe Spaces for Sensitive Issues
How Dr. Kashyap’s office environment and approach encourage open conversations about sexual health.
00:17:29: Six Pillars of Holistic Care
Overview of her six-pillar approach: sleep, movement, diet, stress, relationships, and external factors.
00:18:53: Team-Based Practice Structure
Description of her practice team, including nurse practitioner, health coach, and ultrasound tech.
00:19:56: Silent Women’s Health Issues
Highlights low libido, urinary incontinence, and musculoskeletal health as under-discussed problems.
00:22:02: Prevention and Early Intervention
Advice for addressing low libido, incontinence, and musculoskeletal health early in life.
00:24:56: Functional Medicine and Prevention
The importance of prevention and addressing health before symptoms arise.
00:25:41: Integrative Model Challenges
Barriers to shifting from traditional to integrative care, and advice for clinicians.
00:26:22: Medical Education Gaps
Need for lifestyle and prevention education in medical schools and residencies.
00:30:34: Changing Attitudes in Menopause Care
Observations on increased awareness and community support among women.
00:32:01: Community Building and Peer Support
How women are spreading menopause awareness and supporting each other.
00:32:49: Hormone Therapy Misconceptions
Clarifying myths about bioidentical hormones, progesterone, and cancer risks.
00:36:46: Advocating for Patient Education
Encouraging women to seek informed care and for doctors to stay educated.
00:39:54: Emerging Innovations in Menopause Care
Excitement about new research, especially individualized risk assessment and ongoing studies.
00:42:50: Menopause and Cardiovascular Health
Discusses increased cardiovascular risks post-menopause and the role of estrogen.
00:44:03: Evidence-Based Habits for Lifelong Health
Three practical habits: gratitude, mindful nutrition, and early self-care for long-term health.
00:44:45: Dr. Kashyap’s Self-Care Rituals
Her personal routines: gratitude, healthy breakfast, sauna, weight training, yoga, and cold showers.
00:49:00: Closing & Contact Information
How to connect with Dr. Kashyap and final thanks to listeners.
Connect with Dr. Kashyap
Connect With Me/Dixie:
Instagram – The Pause Pod
Instagram – Personal
Additional Resources For Support:
Join The Menopause Lab: A six-week course for people experiencing menopause
Take the Menopause Quiz: Find out if you might be experiencing (peri)menopause
Menopause blog posts: Various posts about the menopausal phase
The symptoms checklist: A checklist with over forty symptoms you can check off
The menopause question list: A list of questions to ask your healthcare partner
The Pause Pod Community: Private Online Community. Click the link to Join.
I am by no means a medical professional. I am a Licensed and certified Biology/Health teacher/educator and award-winning beauty/wellness founder. Any information shared on this and future podcasts is my point of view or that of the guests. Please consult with your primary care partner for advice and treatments for your health and well-being. Please read the entire disclaimer Here.
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