Beyond Hot Flashes: Root-Cause Menopause Care

The Positive Pause

September 25, 2025 52 mins

About

In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill sits down with integrative and hormonal medicine expert Shivani Doctor, PA-C, BHMS, MPAS, founder of Integrative Health and Aesthetics in Springfield, VA, for a discussion to help demystify midlife women’s health by covering what integrative/functional medicine actually is, how to spot hormone-driven symptoms (beyond hot flashes), when and why bioidentical hormone therapy can help, and the everyday nutrition/movement habits that support thriving, not just “getting through” menopause.

With advanced training in bioidentical hormone therapy and a background in integrative medicine and counseling psychology, Shivani specializes in midlife women’s health, hormonal balance, and lifestyle-based treatment strategies. Her practice helps women navigate perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause with personalized care rooted in both science and compassion. She blends her background in integrative medicine and counseling with advanced training in Western medicine to deliver personalized, functional and integrative care. Her unique approach combines evidence-based medicine, lifestyle therapies, and a deep commitment to whole-person wellness.


Key Concepts Covered:

  • What “integrative/functional medicine” means
  • Midlife focus & hormones
  • Upstream & downstream matters
  • Commonly missed symptoms
  • Bioidentical vs synthetic hormones
  • Guidelines & the evidence gap
  • Advocacy with clinicians
  • Nutrition foundations that support hormones
  • Vitamin D3 + K2 & bones
  • Movement priorities in midlife

Menopause care should be proactive, personalized, and whole-person. If your symptoms are dismissed, seek a menopause-savvy clinician, review reputable resources (e.g., NAMS), and advocate for a plan that matches science and your body. Bioidentical HRT can be life-changing, often restoring sleep, cognition, mood, sexual health, and comfort. Pair therapy with lifestyle pillars for best results.

Connect with Shivani Doctor, PA-C:

Information

Episode

38

Date

September 25, 2025

Length

52 mins
  • The Importance of Women-Centered Healthcare Practices

    In this episode of The Positive Pause®, Claire Gill sits down with Dr. Soma Mandal, a leading board-certified Internist and midlife women’s health expert, to talk about her personal path into women’s health, the evolution of menopause care, her podcast “Soma Says”, and her major new role developing a comprehensive Women’s Health Center. The conversation […]

  • From Confusion to Confidence: How NNABI Is Changing the Perimenopause Conversation

    In this episode of The Positive Pause, host Claire Gill sits down with EJ Kim and Marina Pen, co-founders of NNABI, the first company built specifically to support women in perimenopause, for a discussion around the massive awareness gap surrounding this life stage, their groundbreaking “Peri Power Report 2025”, and why women deserve better education, […]

  • Reclaiming Menopause: Nutrition, Phytoestrogens and Hormonal Health

    On this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill welcomes Maryon Stewart, BEM, a pioneer in natural menopause care, the Founder & CEO at Femmar, and Creator of N-HRP™, the Natural Hormone Rebalancing Protocol, to discuss how nutrition, phytoestrogens, and lifestyle protocols can transform the menopausal journey. With over three decades of research, Maryon […]

  • Beyond Hot Flashes: Root-Cause Menopause Care

    In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill sits down with integrative and hormonal medicine expert Shivani Doctor, PA-C, BHMS, MPAS, founder of Integrative Health and Aesthetics in Springfield, VA, for a discussion to help demystify midlife women’s health by covering what integrative/functional medicine actually is, how to spot hormone-driven symptoms (beyond hot […]

  • Rethinking Bone Health at Menopause

    In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill speaks with Dr. Adrienne Bitar, PhD and Dr. Jennifer Han, PharmD, BCACP, co-founders of Seen Nutrition about their personal experiences with bone health issues, including pre-menopausal osteoporosis, the important role of calcium in bone health & bone density, how to protect bone health at midlife, and […]

  • More Than a Headache: Understanding Migraine at Midlife

    Resources: American Migraine Foundation American Migraine Foundation: Why Don't We Use the Terms "migraines," "migraine headaches" and "migraineur"? Canadian Headache Society  In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill speaks with Claire Sandoe, MD, MSc, neurologist, educator, and American Migraine Foundation board member, for a discussion about migraine’s impact on women, especially during […]

  • A Smarter Approach to Pelvic and Hormonal Health with Jenna Perkins

    In this episode, Jenna Perkins, RN, WHNP-BC, a board-certified women’s health and gender-related nurse practitioner and founder of DiscovHER Health joins us for a discussion about the importance understanding of pelvic health, which includes both urinary, bladder and gynecological issues, especially during perimenopause and menopause, the growing role and responsibilities of that nurse practitioners (NP) […]

  • Gaining Strength At Midlife

    In this episode, Joe Hoye, Owner/Operator of Hoye Fit, joins us for a discussion about how he helps women, especially those over the age of 40, in creating lasting change through fitness, nutrition, health and mindset. Most coaches tell women to eat less and move more—Joe Hoye does the opposite. Through Diet Detox, he simplifies […]

  • Heal, Evolve, Reignite: Navigating Midlife Mental Health

    In this episode, Dawn Van Berkel, LPC, CCTP, CST, a mental health counselor and founder of H.E.R. Therapy, joins us for a discussion to explore the emotional challenges and opportunities women face during midlife and menopause.  Dawn shares her inspiring story of going back to school in her mid-40s to earn a master’s degree in […]

  • Navigating Menopause with Humor and Strength

    In this episode, Colleen McIntosh, author of Menopause: The Horror, Humility, and Humor of It All joins us to discuss her candid and humorous approach to navigating menopause. She shares insights on how humor, support, and self-care can help women thrive during this challenging life transition. Colleen’s story is one of humor, resilience, and self-discovery. […]

  • Understanding Pelvic Health with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS

    In this episode, Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, a seasoned physical therapist, author, and speaker with over 40 years of experience, including almost three decades specializing in women’s health, joins us for a discussion into the often overlooked but crucial topic of pelvic health, its critical role in everyday functions like bowel and bladder control, sexual […]

  • Unlocking Hormonal Balance with Deborah Maragopoulos, FNP

    In this episode, Deborah Maragopoulos, FNP an intuitive integrative family nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in neuroimmune endocrinology, joins us for a discussion around the crucial role of the hypothalamus in managing menopause symptoms, overall health, and hormonal harmony.  Specializing in hypothalamic health, Deborah has helped thousands of patients restore hormonal balance […]

  • The Motivational Force of Menopause

    In this episode, Stephanie Mitchell, a certified personal trainer (CPT) and the inspiring wellness coach behind Stephanie Mitchell Fitness, joins us for a discussion around how women can prioritize wellness through the complex journey of perimenopause and menopause. In our conversation, Stephanie shares insights on staying connected to our "why" in our wellness routines, staying […]

  • Workplace Fairness for Women at Midlife: A Conversation on Menopause and Employee Rights

    In this episode Jack Tuckner, Esq. and Catherine Crider, Esq. of Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser, LLP, a NY-based law firm dedicated to workplace gender rights, join us to discuss the significant challenges faced by women at midlife, particularly around menopause, and how the workplace can better support them. The conversation is a deep dive […]

  • Empowering Women Through Perimenopause with Laura Okafor

    In this episode, Laura Okafor, founder and CEO of perry, joins us for a conversation about why perimenopause needs its own awareness month, how to help women understand & support them during the menopause transition, and misconceptions around perimenopause. This September, the National Menopause Foundation, in partnership with perry, launched the inaugural National Perimenopause Awareness […]

  • Self-Care Strategies with Cara-Michele Nether, L.Ac., FNC, CPT

    In this episode, Cara-Michele Nether, a distinguished licensed health practitioner, author, and founder of Strength & Vitality Wellness, joins us for a conversation about the self-care crisis and the four urgent steps women aged 45 and older can't afford to ignore.  Making friends with self-care consistency is more straightforward than you might think, and feeling […]

  • Understanding Menopause Through the Lens of Eastern Medicine

    In this episode, Dr. Evan M. Rabinowitz, the founder of the Yao Shan Center for Chinese Medicine in Washington, DC, joins us for a conversation about acupuncture for menopause symptom treatment relief, the importance of treatment for the individual, how the body is an ecosystem and how holistic & Eastern medicine focus on addressing and […]

  • Building Strength from Within

    In this episode, Rebekah Rotstein, NCPT, joins us for a conversation about the unique health challenges women face at midlife particularly regarding bone health and osteoporosis, and ways in which women can maintain and build bone health and muscle strength.  Rebekah Rotstein, a leading expert in Pilates, bone health, and movement education, is the founder […]

  • Navigating Menopausal Care with Dr. Samantha Dunham

    In this episode, Dr. Samantha Dunham joins us for a conversation on the crisis around menopausal care as often, women experience menopausal symptoms without understanding what’s happening and without knowing where to go for help. Dr. Samantha Dunham is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN), a certified menopause practitioner, and the co-director of the Center for Midlife […]

  • Holistic Wellness and a Purpose-Filled Life

    In this episode, we talk about the balance of physical movement and mental clarity, and how they lead to emotional balance and help you set and implement your goals. with guest Sonia Satra. Sonia Satra, certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, is an executive coach, author and mind-body thought leader who specializes in personal transformation by […]

  • Getting Your Zzzzzz During Menopause

    In this episode, we focus on the importance of sleep and how aging & menopause can affect our sleep habits with guest, Dr. Whitney Roban, PhD. Dr. Roban is a renowned sleep expert, author, and founder of Solve Our Sleep, a one-stop shop for family, educational, and corporate sleep needs, offering various sleep supports via […]

  • Heart Health & Menopause with Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN

    In this episode, we focus on heart health and menopause, and how we can be proactive in keeping our hearts healthy as we age with guest Michelle Routhenstein. Michelle is the owner and president of Entirely Nourished LLC, a specialized private practice in nutrition counseling and consulting focused on the prevention and management of heart […]

  • Episode #19 – Protecting Your Pelvic Floor with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, BCB-PMD

    In this episode, we discuss how important our pelvic floor is to our overall health with guest Ingrid Harm-Ernandes. Many women experience symptoms in the pelvic region during menopause. These are known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and are often not discussed with women as they transition through menopause. Ms. Harm-Ernandes is a physical […]

  • Maximizing Quality of Midlife Through Fitness – Dr. Maria Luque

    In this episode we discuss how physical activity affects the quality of life of women going through menopause, with guest Maria Luque, Ph.D. Dr. Luque is a menopause fitness expert, health science professor, U.S. Air Force veteran, and busy mom. Her vision is to help all women in menopause become stronger, healthier, saner, and much […]

  • Cultural Impacts on Menopause – Meera Bhogal

    Today’s episode of the Positive Pause is with Meera Bhogal. Meera, who is lives in the UK, is a menopause expert, personal trainer & fitness coach and provides training, classes & advocacy on the topic of menopause throughout the UK and around the globe. She is passionate about  raising awareness of menopause, especially in South […]

  • Managing Menopause in the Workplace – Dr. Mache Seibel

    Today’s episode of the Positive Pause is with Dr. Mache Seibel. Dr. Seibel is known for his expertise in helping menopausal women regain control over their lives, work, and relationships. With an impressive 25-year tenure as a Harvard Medical School faculty member, he’s not only shaped the field, but has also made a significant impact […]

  • The Art of Being Unmessablewith – Josselyne Herman-Saccio

    Today’s episode of the Positive Pause is with Josselyne Herman-Saccio. For more than 30 years, Josselyne has been leading transformative programs and coaching people who experience themselves stuck or "messablewith" in certain areas. She has worked with and impacted over 200,000 people directly in the areas of business and career, relationships and family, communication and […]

  • Taking a Big Bite out of Life: Combining Foods, Friends and Fun

    In today's episode of The Positive Pause, Bonnie Tandy Leblang, National Menopause Foundation Board Member, leads the conversation on the fun of life with guest, Silvia Baldini. Silvia is a branding expert and an Italian-born chef known for her work with popular Italian ingredients. She’s knowledgeable and passionate about food and wellness, and she holds […]

  • What the Tech is Happening in Menopause with Dr. Pamela Peeke

  • Body Image at Midlife with Ellen Albertson

    In today's episode of The Positive Pause, we get to hear a relatable discussion on some of the shared struggles of women: low self-image, comparison, practicing self-compassion, going through menopause. Claire is joined by Dr. Ellen Albertson. Dr. Albertson is also known as The Midlife Whisperer™. She is a Psychologist, Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Health […]

  • Women’s Health Tech with Ann Garnier

    Today’s guest is Ann Garnier, a healthcare leader and the driving force behind Lisa Health, the creator of the Midday App for menopause and healthy aging. As co-founder and CEO, Ann has dedicated her career to improving women's health using technology. Her passion for transforming women's health after 40, coupled with her expertise in artificial […]

  • The Whole Body Reset

    Heidi Skolnik is joining Claire on the podcast today. Considered a thought leader in nutrition, Heidi has influenced millions through her media work, writing and thriving consulting business. Heidi has been part of The Women’s Sports Medicine Center at HSS for over 20 years. Her company Nutrition Conditioning, oversees the Performance Nutrition program at The […]

  • Reproductive Longevity with Dr. Jennifer Garrison

    Joining me on the podcast today is Jennifer Garrison PhD. Jennifer is an assistant professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and also holds appointments in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California. Dr. […]

  • We’re Not Done Yet – Dealing with Ageism

    Ageism is real and we all likely know someone who has experienced it. In this episode, Claire Gill speaks with Patti Temple Rocks, author of I’m Not Done Yet: It’s Time to Talk About Ageism in the Workplace. In her close to four decades in the communications business, Patti has held senior leadership positions in […]

  • Managing Menopausal Symptoms via Diet

    In this episode, National Menopause Foundation Board Member, Bonnie Tandy Leblang, RD, interviews fellow nutritionists and authors of THE MENOPAUSE DIET PLAN: A Natural Guide to Managing Hormones, Health, and Happiness. Hillary Wright and Elizabeth Ward, registered dietitians and good friends since college, bring more than 60 years of combined knowledge as health professionals – […]

  • Our Bodies at Menopause

    There are many physical changes women experience at menopause. Some of these changes can be difficult to acknowledge and understand. In this episode of The Positive Pause we speak with Dr. Heather L. Johnson, an actively practicing gynecologist and author of two books, who, after delivering more than 3,500 babies over 40 years, recently retired […]

  • Sexy Sleepwear

    For about 75% of women, hot flashes and night sweats are a fact of life during perimenopause and menopause. Entrepreneur Lara Smith was inspired to create a beautiful and comfortable sleepwear product to help her sister who suffered through night sweats caused by cancer treatment. The result, Lusomè, is beautifully designed sleepwear using the most […]

  • Managing Motherhood and Menopause

    It’s estimated that more than 100,000 Americans give birth in their 40s each year, a number that has been steadily growing. It’s wonderful that the option of having children or adopting children is available to women later in life than was previously the norm. But, it’s still not the norm. For those who have become […]

  • Osteoporosis, Bone Health, and Menopause

    In this episode National Menopause Foundation board member, Susan Randall, MSN, FNP-BC, talks with Claire Gill, CEO of the National Menopause Foundation about osteoporosis and bone health. Susan is former head of education for the National Osteoporosis Foundation.  All women begin to lose bone at a faster rate at menopause due to a decrease in […]

  • Move Your Body: Exercise for Hormone Balance

    In this episode we discuss how women should consider adjusting their exercise routines to better respond to physical and mental changes at midlife. Fitness expert and best selling author Debra Atkinson share tips on how to listen to your body and develop an exercise routine that best meets your needs given what stage of menopause […]

  • Got Sex? Women's Sexual Health at Menopause

    In this first episode of The Positive Pause, we interview Dr. Andrea Singer, MD, FACP, CCD, associate professor and chief, Division of Women's Primary Care and director of bone densitometry, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., about women's sexual health at menopause. We discuss physical changes […]

  • Mariel Hemingway Shares How to Age Boldly and Embrace Your Authentic Self

    Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com New Episode with Mariel Hemingway! Actress and wellness advocate Mariel Hemingway joins Bridgett and Colleen to discuss authentic living, women’s empowerment, and thriving in midlife. Mariel shares how her programs Rise to Remember and Return of the Queen help women reconnect with their inner strength, overcome feelings of invisibility, and build healthier […]

  • image of woman with dark hair named Mary Claire Haver

    Menopause Masterclass: HRT Safety, Patch Absorption, Progesterone Intolerance, and Bone Density

    In this episode of unPAUSED, Dr. Mary Claire Haver answers your most asked questions about hormone therapy, menopause symptoms, and how to advocate for yourself when your doctor doesn’t have answers. She walks through who actually qualifies for HRT, what the real contraindications are versus conditions that simply require a different delivery method, and how […]

  • Ep. 218 – The Thyroid Fix by Dr. Amie Hornaman

    In this powerful episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back her friend and colleague, Dr. Amie Hornaman—known globally as “The Thyroid Fixer.” Dr. Amie is a functional medicine expert, host of the top-rated The Thyroid Fixer podcast, and author of the new book The Thyroid Fix: The No-Nonsense Guide to Reclaiming Your Health. Together, they pull […]

  • Healing, Grief & Trusting Yourself: Carly’s Story

    In this episode of Take a Breath, I’m joined by my lovely friend Carly for a deeply honest conversation about her journey through breast cancer and everything that came with it.   Nearly three years ago, Carly was diagnosed with breast cancer and advised to undergo a mastectomy and radiotherapy. Instead, she chose a very […]

  • 65 – The truth about food and health with The Happy Pear

    What if improving your health could start with what’s on your plate? In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dave and Steve Flynn, also known as The Happy Pear, for a refreshing and practical conversation about food, lifestyle and long-term health. Together, they explore how modern diets have changed, why so many of […]

  • The Tamsen Show podcast image

    Do Me and Ira Ever Fight? Your Spiciest Questions Answered

    Do you and your partner actually fight? Are you the one who freezes when things get uncomfortable, or are you the one who keeps pushing for an answer?  In this Q&A solo episode of The Tamsen Show, Tamsen sits down with producer Johanna to answer the spiciest questions you have sent in, and she does […]

  • Eps 413: Before You Start Peptides, Your Body Needs This First

    You’re not getting results from peptides for a reason. In perimenopause, there’s a shift most women feel but can’t quite explain. Your energy becomes unstable, your recovery takes longer, and even what used to “work” starts to feel inconsistent. So when you expect a breakthrough by adding peptides to your regimen, it can feel confusing […]

  • How to Eliminate Self-Doubt Forever & Build Unshakeable Confidence

    In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to beat self-doubt, stop procrastinating, and communicate with ease and confidence. Joining Mel today is Dr. Shadé Zahrai, a behavioral researcher and confidence expert, to teach you a research-backed, 4-part framework for building unshakeable confidence and eliminating self-doubt. Dr. Zahrai says that self-doubt shows up in many different ways […]

  • Sex scenes are liberating! Nafessa Williams on Rivals, racism, and self-belief

    Sex scenes involve a lot more padding and tape than you might expect! Rivals actress Nafessa Williams has found being at the centre of one of TV’s sexiest shows both nerve-wracking and incredibly liberating. In this chat with Fearne, Nafessa explores what it means to play the only black woman in a white man’s world […]

  • Hack your hydration for better energy and longevity

    What if you could supercharge your water to improve gut health, clear brain fog and increase your energy? Liz talks about fascinating new longevity research into structured water – what is it, and how is it better for us? Plus: natural remedies to boost low mood in midlife, tips for improving bone health, whether broken […]

  • Endometriosis, Fibroids & HRT: What You Need To Know

    Win a year's worth of Menopause Care appointments by entering our giveaway here: https://bit.ly/4t3ELhb Can you take HRT if you have endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids? In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by Menopause Care doctor Dr Eloise Elphinstone to talk through the conditions that can make menopause treatment feel more complicated – […]

  • What Actually Works in Menopause for Fat Loss Becky: Client Case Study Part 1-Doing Everything Right But Still Stuck

    Why does fat loss in menopause feel so hard… even when you’re doing everything right? If you’ve been stuck eating 1,200 calories, doing more cardio, and still not seeing results, this episode will show you exactly why. This is Part 1 of a real client case study, where I take you inside an actual coaching […]

  • image of woman with dark hair named Mary Claire Haver

    Mast Cells, Histamine, and Perimenopause Explained: MCAS, Anxiety, Estrogen

    In this bonus episode of unPAUSED, Dr. Mary Claire Haver is joined by Dr. Zachary Rubin, double board certified allergist and immunologist and New York Times bestselling author of All About Allergies, to dig into the connection between histamine, mast cells, and women’s hormonal health. Dr. Rubin breaks down what mast cells are, how histamine works across […]

  • 4 easy ways to eat more fibre, with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

    Sluggish digestion? Energy crash at 3pm? Struggling to lose weight? There could be a surprisingly simple solution. Celebrity chef and broadcaster Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall tells Liz how supporting our gut with more fibre could be one of the most impactful changes we make to our health. They discuss how over 90% of the population are not […]

  • The Tamsen Show podcast image

    The ADHD Psychiatrist: How to Get Your Focus Back After 40

    Dr. Tracey Marks is a board-certified psychiatrist. In today’s episode of The Tamsen Show, she sits down with Tamsen Fadal to talk about ADHD in women: why it can go undiagnosed for so long, how to know if you have it, and what you can actually do about it. If you’ve ever felt frozen by […]

  • Eps 412: A New Way to Think About Food and Health with Dr. Robert Kiltz

    Everything you’ve been told about food and hormones is being questioned in this conversation. In this episode, I exchanged thoughts with Dr. Robert Kiltz, a fertility specialist who brings a very different perspective around women’s health. We talk about why so many symptoms in perimenopause and menopause get brushed off as “normal,” and why that […]

  • 64 – Estrogen: separating fear from fact

    Why are so many women still being told estrogen is dangerous? In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by oncologist and author of Estrogen Matters, Dr Avrum Bluming, to explore how fear around hormones took hold and why it persisted for so long. They also revisit the evidence behind the Women’s Health Initiative and […]

  • The Reality of Adult Friendship: Here’s Why You’re Lonely & How to Make Real Friends as an Adult

    If you’ve ever felt like making friends as an adult feels impossible, or you’ve looked around and thought, “Where did all my friends go?” – you are not alone.  Or maybe you have friends, and you want deeper connections, but you don’t know how to create it without forcing it. Friendship is hard right now. […]

  • Play therapy rewires the brain! Facing childhood traumas, with The King’s Trust

    Everyone deserves the chance at a fulfilling life. Shauna Tiffany grew up in foster care, feeling ashamed of and responsible for her parents’ choices. Creative play therapy helped her work through her childhood trauma, and now – with the support of The King’s Trust – she’s built her own business doing the same thing for […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Small Steps When Noone's Watching

    On this week's Thursday's Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about the small, unglamorous steps that we take when nobody’s watching, that ultimately get us to where we want to go. For example, I talks about the tiny, seemingly insignificant physio exercises I'm doing every day to help heal from my knee operation – it […]

  • Acupuncture & the Menopause with Lily Lai, PhD, Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner. S7. Ep 13.

    Have you ever considered acupuncture to help support you through — and beyond — the menopause? It’s a fascinating option for women at this stage of life, focusing on restoring balance across the body’s different systems — something many of us need during times of hormonal change. This month’s guest is acupuncturist and Chinese medicine […]

The Positive Pause

Our motivational-minded podcast covers topics women want to know about as they journey to and through menopause. We cover topics that impact women’s health and healthy aging, including what it means to age healthfully. Hosted by the National Menopause Foundation’s Founder & President, Claire Gill.

00:00
/
00:00