Empowering Midlife Wellness with Dr. Susan

Can a shingles vaccine do more than prevent shingles?

Emerging research suggests it might.

A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that older adults who received the two-dose recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix®) had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, compared with those who were not vaccinated. While this research does not prove that the vaccine prevents dementia, it adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting a potential protective effect on brain health.

In this video, I explain:

What shingles is and why it occurs
Who should receive the Shingrix® vaccine The latest research on shingles vaccination and dementia risk What these findings mean—and what they don't

As always, medical decisions should be individualized. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether the shingles vaccine is right for you.

Subscribe for evidence-based conversations about menopause, healthy aging, and women's health.

Read the research:Susan dos Reis, et al. Reduced Risk of Dementia with Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in US Adults Age 65 or Older.

Alzheimer's & Dementia. March 2026.
https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.71407

Interested in booking an appointment with me? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

Creatine has been part of the conversation in sports nutrition for decades, but it may be even more important for women in midlife.

As estrogen declines, maintaining muscle becomes more difficult, bone loss accelerates, and many women notice changes in energy, strength, and even cognitive function. Creatine is one of the most extensively researched supplements available and has been shown to support muscle strength, healthy aging, bone health, and brain function.

In this video, I explain:

Why creatine matters for women in midlife The science behind its benefits Common myths and safety concerns Who should consider taking it—and how to use it

If you're looking for one evidence-based supplement that can make a meaningful difference as you age, creatine deserves your attention.

Interested in the creatine I personally recommend?

Thorne Creatine: https://bit.ly/4dfg6Po

Testosterone therapy for women is one of the most debated topics in modern menopause medicine—and one of the areas where misinformation is most common.Over the past year, I have been collaborating with Baylor College of Medicine's world-renowned urologist and sexual medicine specialist Dr. Mohit Khera, to better understand how testosterone can be prescribed safely and effectively for women.One of the key questions we set out to answer is surprisingly simple: What testosterone blood levels do women actually achieve when using testosterone gel at the recommended female dose, and how do those levels compare with appropriately dosed pellet therapy?In this video, I discuss:Our research comparing blood levels with testosterone gel vs. pellet therapy in women. Why optimal testosterone therapy depends on appropriate dosing and careful monitoring, not simply the method of delivery. When to draw testosterone blood tests, which laboratory tests to order, and the differences between LC-MS and ELISA testing.I also discuss the following publications:Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women (2019) Efficacy of Changing Testosterone Gel Preparations (AndroGel® or Testim®) Among Suboptimally Responsive Hypogonadal Men The 50-Year Amsterdam Transgender Cohort Study (long-term safety data)At Complete Midlife Wellness Center, we believe testosterone therapy should never follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Every woman deserves an individualized treatment plan, expert monitoring, and dose adjustments based on her unique needs and goals.Whether you choose to work with us or another provider, make sure your testosterone therapy is managed by clinicians with specialized expertise in women's hormone health. Testosterone affects much more than sexual function—it also plays an important role in cognition, bone density, muscle health, energy, mood, and overall quality of life.Learn more about Complete Midlife Wellness Center:www.completemidlifewellness.comSchedule a consultation:https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/book-your-appointment/

The internet is buzzing about a new trend called "vagina-maxxing"—the idea that women should optimize their vaginal microbiome to achieve the "perfect" vaginal health profile.
But how much of this trend is actually supported by science?
In this video, I break down what we currently know about the vaginal microbiome, why certain Lactobacillus species are associated with vaginal health, and whether genetic testing, probiotics, supplements, and various vaginal wellness products truly deliver on their promises.
We'll discuss:
What "vagina-maxxing" actually means The role of the vaginal microbiome in women's health Why Lactobacillus crispatus gets so much attention The different vaginal community state types (CSTs) What the research says about vaginal probiotics The difference between evidence-based treatments and marketing claims Whether you really need microbiome testing Vaginal wellness treatments including the O-Shot®, PRP, Emsella®, vaginal laser therapies, labiaplasty, and vaginoplasty When these treatments may be appropriate—and when they may not What women should focus on instead of chasing the "perfect" vaginal microbiome
The truth is that vaginal health is far more complex than a single test result or social media trend. While the vaginal microbiome is an important part of women's health, there is no such thing as a perfect vagina, and many of the claims circulating online deserve a closer look.
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, recurrent infections, discomfort, sexual concerns, pelvic floor symptoms, or simply have questions about your vaginal health, there are evidence-based options available. The right approach depends on your symptoms, goals, and stage of life.
As always, my goal is to help you separate science from hype so you can make informed decisions about your health.
If you'd like personalized guidance, we'd be happy to help. Schedule a consultation with our team at Complete Midlife Wellness Center to discuss your concerns and explore the options that may be right for you.

https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com
RESOURCES:Live Vaginal Laser Therapy & O-Shot Procedurehttps://youtu.be/_ZZYgWAgUYI
Urinary Incontinence? Here are your optionshttps://youtu.be/BvN2-Z3SIdQ
Labiaplasty 101https://youtu.be/jRAsEXTPU9A
Amazon - VagiBiomhttp://bit.ly/4oTuzHX
Amazon - Genetic testinghttps://a.co/d/03BqtsZS
ARTICLES:Randomized Trial of Lactin-V to Prevent Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosishttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1915254
Vaginal Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Sexual Function: A Randomized Controlled Trialhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41855531/

Progesterone is one of the most important reproductive hormones in a woman's body, yet there is often confusion about what progesterone levels actually mean and whether they should be measured.

In this video, I explain what progesterone is, how it is produced, how levels change throughout a woman's reproductive life, and why interpreting a progesterone blood test is often more complex than many people realize.

We'll discuss

The role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle and reproductive health
How progesterone levels change from the reproductive years through perimenopause and menopause
The normal rise and fall of progesterone during a menstrual cycle
Why progesterone levels can vary dramatically from day to day in perimenopause
Common signs and symptoms associated with declining or fluctuating progesterone
When progesterone testing may provide useful information—and when it may not
Why symptoms and clinical context are often more informative than a single laboratory value

One of the most important concepts to understand is that progesterone is not a static hormone. Its levels change throughout the cycle and can fluctuate significantly during perimenopause, making a single blood test difficult to interpret in many situations.

My goal is to help you better understand the physiology of progesterone so you can make more informed decisions about your health and have more productive conversations with your healthcare provider.

Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com