Normal Isn’t Always Optimal with Shelby Sheppard

On today’s episode, we welcome Shelby Sheppard, a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with a passion for women’s health and preventive healthcare. Shelby currently works at Preventous Collaborative Health, a preventative health clinic in Calgary, Alberta.She has a Master of Nursing-Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has attended the Academy of Preventative & Innovative Medicine Bioidentical Hormone Optimization Series. Shelby started a program called Hormone Optimization by Preventous, to address the gap she saw in medicine and its management of hormonal concerns. Shelby embraces an evidence-based and holistic approach to hormone health, integrating wellness pillars such as movement, sleep, nutrition, and mental wellness, along with individualized supplementation, to achieve optimal hormone balance.To learn more, connect with Shelby here:InstagramLinkedInHere are some other things we talked about in our conversation today and where you can find them in this episode.5:40 - What is Preventous?Shelby explains to us what this Calgary-based clinic is and how they take a proactive approach to health care. 7:05 - Hormone OptimizationLearn how this individualized program focuses on each patient's specific needs.11:30 - Common Perimenopausal SymptomsShelby reviews the various perimenopausal symptoms she sees in her patients. 17:11 - Feeling Unheard?We discuss our shared frustrations and experiences talking to medical professionals about perimenopause. 22:05 - Hormones GaloreShelby educated us on the various hormone options available. 24:55 - Women’s Health InitiativeShelby talks to us about the impact of the study on women’s health. 35:21 - There is Still a Long Way to Go.Listen to Shelby’s thoughts on what needs to happen going forward to address the challenges that persist in women’s health. 38:50 - Making A PlanShelby’s advice on how to prepare to visit your healthcare practitioner to discuss your perimenopause concerns. 41:25 - Shelby’s Recommended ResourcesEstrogen Matters - BookThe Drive: Dr. Peter Attia - PodcastHuberman Lab: Andrew Huberman - PodcastThis Is Perimenopause - WebsiteHormone Optimization by Preventous - InstagramWhat did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!