Just Jenn: A Woman’s Health Podcast

There are few things more overwhelming than opening your patient portal and seeing a bunch of numbers, letters, and ranges and being told they’re either normal or abnormal, without knowing what that specifically means for you.Today’s conversation is about taking the mystery out of common lab work. We’re discussing what labs are and how they provide critical trend data for your health and well-being. My guest today is Angela Trackwell, a nurse practitioner at Gateway Hancock Health for Family Medicine and Primary Care.Specifically this episode highlights: - Common labs ordered as part of preventative care- Common misunderstandings when it comes to lab work- Things to keep in mind about lab results- How labs fit into a patient’s health plan- Ways to schedule an appointment and start a conversation with your primary care providerMENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES We want to hear from you! Submit your mailbag questions here: [email protected] Learn more about Angela Trackwell, NP https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/angela-trackwell-np/ Learn more about Family Medicine at Hancock Health’s Gateway Center https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/family-medicine/ Labs & Pathology at Hancock Health https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/labs-pathology/ Preventative Care Guidelines from the CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/prevention/preventive-care.html Just Jenn Blog - Season 02 Episode 08 - Preventative Health Isn’t About Being Perfecthttps://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/preventative-health-isnt-about-beingHancock Health Blog - What is Primary Care and Why It Matters More Than You Think: https://www.hancockhealth.org/2025/07/what-is-primary-care-and-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think/Hancock Health Blog - Essential Appointments to Make: https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/2025/06/5-essential-medical-appointments-to-make-this-fall/ Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

Preventive health is not glamorous. No one is casually texting their friends like, “Just scheduled my screenings. Feeling unstoppable.”Which is exactly why we’re discussing it today. Because these preventative care appointments do matter, especially in midlife when routine screenings can help identify changes in our body early. We talk about all of it from STDs to dental checks to colonoscopies. This is a series that encourages you to show up and make that appointment and ask the questions.My guest today is Dr. Rudo Mashindi. Dr. Mashinidi is a family physician at Hancock Health, working with women at all stages of life. . Specifically this episode highlights: - Why are we talking about preventative health?- Most important screenings from a preventative health standpoint- How to communicate with your primary care doctorMENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES Learn more about Dr. Rudo Mashindi: https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/rudo-mashindi-md/ Learn more about screenings at Hancock Health’s Gateway Center: https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/labs/ Preventative Care Guidelines from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/prevention/preventive-care.html Just Jenn Blog - Season 02 Episode 05 - Let’s Talk Menopause Part 5, Midlife Weight Gain: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-4-midlifeHancock Health Blog - 10 Health Care Appointments You Should Consider Making This Year: https://www.hancockhealth.org/2022/12/10-health-care-appointments-you-should-consider-making-this-year/Hancock Health Blog - What is Primary Care and Why It Matters More Than You Think: https://www.hancockhealth.org/2025/07/what-is-primary-care-and-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think/Hancock Health Blog - Preventative Health Screenings: https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/2023/10/preventative-health-screenings/ Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

Before we officially close this menopause series… Jenn takes a moment to reflect and look back at everything we covered. Together we learned about hormones, relationships, weight changes, and treatment options available to women in perimenopause.Specifically this episode highlights:- Let’s Talk Menopause, today’s focus was on summarizing the series- Ways we can normalize, educate, and reduce fear on menopause topics- Jenn’s personal takeaways from this series- What ahead: Preventative HealthMENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCESWe want to hear from you! Submit your mailbag questions here: [email protected] Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/Catch-up on the Menopause Series from Just Jenn- Part 1 - Fact vs. Fiction: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-1-fact-vs- Part 2 - All About Menopause Hormone Therapy: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-2-menopause- Part 3 - What Does the Evidence Say?: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-3-what-does- Part 4 - Midlife Weight Gain: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-4-midlife- Part 5 - How Menopause Impacts Relationships: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-5-how-menopause This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

We’re continuing our series on menopause. Welcome to Part 5!Today, we’re discussing how menopause doesn't just affect us as individuals, but also how it impacts the people we’re closest with.  In this episode we discuss how menopause can impact our relationships, both physically and mentally. And highlight some treatment options that are available for women navigating perimenopause. My guest today is Ashleigh Guenin. Ashleigh is a Nurse Practitioner at Hancock Health, working in  the James T. Anderson Women’s Clinic. Specifically this episode highlights: - Let’s talk about menopause, today’s focus is on our relationships and what can change during perimenopause- Today’s guest: Ashleigh Guenin, a Nurse Practitioner at Hancock Heath- Common themes on how menopause impacts relationships- Ways menopause impacts libido and sexual health- Treatment options that are available to women to help treat menopause symptoms- Why it’s important not to be hard on yourselfMENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES Learn more about Ashleigh Guenin, NP: https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/ashleigh-guenin-np/ Just Jenn Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-realJust Jenn Season 02 Episode 02 - Let’s Talk Menopause - Fact vs. Fiction: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-1-fact-vs Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not: https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/vagina-whats-typical-whats-not/ Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Women’s Sexual Health: Talking About Your Sexual Needs: https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/womens-sexual-health-talking-about-your-sexual-needs/ Learn more about services at Hancock Health’s Center for Women’s Health: https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/2023/12/hancock-healths-womens-clinic/ Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

Today, we’re discussing what weight changes actually look like during perimenopause for women.In this episode we discuss what’s actually happening hormonally, metabolically, and mentally to women in midlife, and some lifestyle changes that can help manage the shifting weight changes we experience in our bodies.My guest today is Dr. Rudo Mashindi. Dr. Mashinidi is a family physician at Hancock Health, working with women at all stages of life.Specifically this episode highlights:- Let’s talk about menopause, today’s focus is on how weight shifts during perimenopause and what that means for your body and mental wellness- Today’s guest: Dr. Rudo Mashindi, a Family Physician at Hancock Heath- A discussion on what is happening in the body during perimenopause- Reasons to talk to your doctor about weight gain- Lifestyle changes to prioritize in perimenopause- There’s a lot of information out there about GLP-1 medicine, what is most important to know- Tips to manage mental health and stressMENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES Learn more about Dr. Rudo Mashindi: https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/rudo-mashindi-md/ Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Perimenopause: https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/perimenopause/   Resource - 10 Tips to Stick with Exercise and Nutrition Goals: https://www.hancockhealth.org/2026/02/10-tips-for-sticking-with-your-exercise-and-nutrition-goals-all-year-long/ Learn more about services at Hancock Health’s Gateway Center: https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/ Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ Just Jenn Blog - Why I Don’t Do Resolutions (and What I Do Instead): https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/why-i-dont-do-resolutions-and-what Just Jenn Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-realJust Jenn Season 02 Episode 02 - Let’s Talk Menopause - Fact vs. Fiction: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-1-fact-vs This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

Today, we’re looking at a study released from the Mayo Clinic based on a survey of women in midlife.In this episode we discuss a study recently published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. This women’s health study found more than 3 out of 4 respondents experienced menopause symptoms. But over 80% did not seek medical care.My guest today is Jason Wells. Jason leads the collaboration between Hancock Health and the Mayo Clinic Care Network—and he comes to this work as a registered nurse, which gives him a really grounded perspective on how studies like this turn into better care. (Spoiler alert: he’s also my husband).Specifically this episode highlights:* Let’s talk about menopause, today’s focus is on a study recently published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings focused on women’s health.* Today’s guest: Jason Wells, Mayo Clinic Care Clinic Liaison at Hancock Heath* Is there such a thing as TMI in healthcare?* Mayo Clinic Proceedings study on menopause - What does it say? What does it mean?* Reasons we tend to delay care* Hancock Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care NetworkMENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCESYou can learn more about the Mayo Clinic Study here: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-study-finds-majority-of-midlife-women-with-menopause-symptoms-do-not-seek-care/Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Addressing Menopause Symptoms: https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(25)00111-9/fulltextLearn more about Jason Wells, RN, BSN: https://www.hancockhealth.org/2024/06/hancock-health-and-mayo-clinic-working-together-for-you/Hancock Health - Health Library: https://www.hancockhealth.org/health-library/Learn more about what it means that Hancock Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network: https://www.hancockhealth.org/about/mayoclinic/Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

Menopause is having a moment — and it’s about time.Today, we’re getting specific about one of the treatment options that brings up a lot of feelings — Menopausal Hormone Therapy, or MHT. You may also know it by its former name, Hormone Replacement Therapy.MHT is one of those topics that comes with strong opinions, mixed messages, and a whole lot of confusion. For some women, it’s been described as life-changing. For others, it feels intimidating, controversial, or like something they were very clearly told to avoid.Today, we’re continuing our menopause series by discussing MHT, but also other treatment options available to women in perimenopause.I’m joined by Dr.Molly Strong, Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Hancock Health. She is a physician who also holds a masters in public health and is certified by the Menopause Society for her dedication and excellence in perimenopausal care.Specifically this episode highlights: - Let’s talk about menopause, today’s focus is specifically on menopause hormone therapy- Today’s guest: Dr. Molly Strong, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hancock Heath- How we think about menopause hormone therapy today vs. in the past- Treatment options available to women in perimenopauseMENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES Learn more about Dr. Molly Stronghttps://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/molly-strong-md/ Just Jenn Blog - You’re Not the Only One Googling This at 2:00AMhttps://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/youre-not-the-only-one-googling-this Just Jenn Season 02 Episode 02 - Menopause Facts vs. Fictionhttps://open.substack.com/pub/thisisjustjenn/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-1-fact-vsLearn more about Labs & Screening with Hancock Health https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/labs/Menopause Society - Visit for helpful resourceshttps://menopause.org/ American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists – Visit for clinical guidance and resourceshttps://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hormone-therapy-for-menopause Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Perimenopausehttps://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/perimenopause/   Just Jenn Season 01 Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpackhttps://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-realHancock Health Blog - Every Question is a Good Questionhttps://www.hancockhealth.org/2021/11/every-question-is-a-good-question-preparing-for-your-ob-gyn-appointment/Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole Youhttps://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

If the word menopause makes you tense up a little — or you saw the title of this episode and thought, Do I really have the emotional capacity for this today? — stay with me.Menopause is one of those things we joke about, whisper about, or avoid altogether… until one day we’re right in the middle of it thinking, wait, why did no one explain this to us? Today, we’re starting with the basics. We’re separating fact from fiction when it comes to menopause.I’m joined by Dr.Molly Strong, Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Hancock Health. She is a physician who also holds a masters in public health and is certified by the Menopause Society for her dedication and excellence in perimenopausal care.We’re kicking off a series that is focused on menopause for the next few weeks. Join me as we cut through the noise, answer the questions we’ve all Googled at 2 a.m., and explain what’s normal, what’s not, and what actually deserves attention.Specifically this episode highlights: - Let’s talk about menopause and what’s ahead in this series- Today’s guest: Dr. Molly Strong, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hancock Heath- Common myths about menopause- Signs and symptoms that signal perimenopause- Ways menopause impacts long-term health- Treatment and recommendations to manage menopause MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES Learn more about Dr. Molly Stronghttps://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/molly-strong-md/ Just Jenn Blog - You’re Not the Only One Googling This at 2:00AMhttps://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/youre-not-the-only-one-googling-this Menopause Society - Visit for helpful resourceshttps://menopause.org/ American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists – Visit for clinical guidance and resourceshttps://www.acog.org/topics/menopause Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Perimenopausehttps://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/perimenopause/   Just Jenn Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpackhttps://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-realHancock Health Blog - What Cardio is Right For You?https://www.hancockhealth.org/2022/10/what-cardio-is-right-for-you/Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole Youhttps://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/womens-health/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

We’re officially jumping into Season 2, but before we bring in guests and deep dives and all the good stuff, this episode is a bit of an intro, part preview and part cozy conversation with your friend, Jenn. Specifically this episode highlights: - What Just Jenn is (and isn’t)- What types of topics (with examples) this podcast covers- Meet your host, Jenn Wells- What’s coming up in Season 2MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES Just Jenn Season 1: Catch-up on episodes and resources from Just Jennhttps://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/Episode 01 - It’s Not Just You: Women Are Tired of Being Tiredhttps://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/its-not-just-you-women-are-tiredEpisode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpackhttps://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-realHancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole Youhttps://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/womens-health/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

As Season One wraps up, Jenn reflects on the biggest lessons (and myths) from the conversations so far, from self-advocacy to redefining rest, and shares what’s next for Just Jenn. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

Advocating for yourself in a doctor’s office isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most important skills you can build. In this episode, Jenn and Hancock Health OBGYN Dr. Audrey Martin talk about how to be heard, ask the right questions, and know when to push for answers. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

Your friends aren’t just good for your soul, they’re good for your health. Jenn explores the science behind friendship and why social connection is one of the most important parts of your wellness plan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

Sometimes the most powerful lessons in healthcare come from real women’s stories. Jenn talks with her friend Ryan about the symptoms she ignored, the diagnosis she didn’t expect, and what it taught her about listening to your body. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

You’ve heard of burnout, but what about the invisible checklist that causes it? Jenn talks about “the mental load,” the unseen work that keeps households running, with insight from Christina DeWitt from Hancock Health’s Connection Center. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com

If you’ve been running on empty and wondering why you’re so tired all the time, this one’s for you. Jenn dives into what’s really behind women’s exhaustion, from burnout and the “second shift” to the biology of fatigue,  with insight from Hancock Health primary care physician Dr. Elizabeth Sirois. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com