This past April,  I attended Columbia Inspired Magazine’s CoverGirls Brunch. The main event featured a panel with two distinct perspectives on caring for women experiencing menopause: Jessie Kates, a licensed menopause specialist and yoga instructor, and Dr. Kimberly Turner, an obstetrician-gynecologist. They came together to focus on what they have in common: helping women navigate the complexities of menopause.

Menopause will affect every woman, yet finding the right help and support can feel impossible. “I often talk with women who are struggling to find answers,” says Kates. “And they are frustrated when their concerns are dismissed by their doctor.” If your physician consistently disregards your concerns, it may be time to consider seeking a new doctor or a certified menopause specialist, such as Kates. “Clinicians might not be trained to help someone with nutrition, exercise, or sleep strategies.” She says, “I offer a more holistic approach.”

Jessie Kates is the owner of SHIFT yoga studio in Laurel, Maryland. Her journey started during COVID-19, when at age 40, she was hit with a barrage of symptoms. “I felt like a self-destruct button went off in my body.” During lockdown, social isolation, lack of exercise, and other unhealthy habits worsened her overall health. “I went to all the doctors and had all the tests, and they all told me I was fine. But I was still suffering.”

This frustration fueled her to find answers. So, Jessie dove headfirst into research mode and discovered that she was in perimenopause. She realized that her purpose was to share her new knowledge with other women to prevent similar suffering. The women in her practice were thrilled to have a knowledgeable and caring source to help them through menopause. After becoming a certified menopause specialist, she expanded her services to include menopause coaching and support.

Jessie offers some key pieces of advice for handling perimenopause and menopause:

●      Get moving: Include strength training, balance, and mobility exercises.

●      Nutrition: Focus on nourishing the body and supporting brain, gut, and bone health.

●      Social Connection and Support: Find people who make you feel seen, heard, and loved.

●      Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize good sleep habits.

●      Stress Relief: Manage and reduce stress.

●      Menopause Information and Resources: The Menopause Society offers comprehensive guides and support for women navigating this transition.

●      Listen to your body and trust your instincts. If your symptoms can’t be fixed through lifestyle changes, it's time to see your physician.

As a yoga instructor and wellness practitioner, Jessie is no stranger to the intrinsic connection between mind, body, and spirit. She believes that menopause is a chance for women to learn and grow in their understanding of themselves. “For many women, this is the first time they have asked themselves: What do I want? What do I need? There's an opportunity for them to rebuild their lives and become the woman they’ve always wanted to be.”

To learn more about how to advocate for yourself in the doctor’s office, see our interview with Dr. Turner in this newsletter.