Empowering The Menopause Journey: Science, Solutions, And Strategies
The Women’s Health Summit sold out faster than expected this year. Every in-person seat at The Westin Kierland is claimed for October 9-11. But here’s the good news. If you missed the live registration window, you can still access conference content online at a4m.com/womens-health-2025.
Whether you’re joining us in person next week or diving into session recordings after the event, an exceptional agenda of expert-led discussions on the most pressing topics in women’s health awaits. Featuring masterclasses, case study panels, and deep-dive sessions on metabolic health, hormone optimization, cardiovascular care, and precision diagnostics, this year’s program is crafted to impart actionable skills that directly translate into clinical practice.
The 2025 program is packed with protocols, deep dives, and clinical strategies that distinguish practitioners who lead from those who follow. Here’s what’s on stage when the brightest minds in women’s longevity medicine converge in Scottsdale.
Spotlight On Sessions Driving The Program
Explore the sessions capturing practitioner attention and the programs designed to equip attendees with state-of-the-art protocols and crucial insights to address clinical challenges.
HRT Masterclass: Latest Research, Protocols and Patient Personalization – Tara Scott, MD
The gap between emerging HRT evidence and clinical implementation continues to frustrate practitioners. Dr. Tara Scott, a renowned expert in women’s hormones, addresses this directly in her comprehensive masterclass. Participants will analyze current research on safety and efficacy, and then gain expertise in implementing personalized protocols that can be used with patients immediately.
The Menopause Metabolism: Rewriting the Weight Gain Narrative – Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP
Dr. Carrie Jones, a leading voice in functional endocrinology, tackles one of the most common and challenging clinical presentations in menopause care. In this session, she will examine the specific hormonal changes that drive weight accumulation during the menopausal transition, with particular focus on visceral adiposity and its metabolic implications. Dr. Jones will present evidence-based nutritional approaches that support metabolic function rather than simply restricting calories, discuss the clinical application of targeted supplementation for managing insulin resistance and inflammatory processes, and outline practical interventions that practitioners can implement to help patients achieve better metabolic outcomes and overall wellness during this critical life stage.
Inside The Female Code: Genes That Shape Hormones, Fertility & Mood – Yael Joffe, PhD
Dr. Yael Joffe, a pioneer in nutrigenomics and personalized medicine, translates genetic science into clinical application for women’s health. She will explore how individual genetic variations influence hormonal responses throughout a woman’s life, from puberty through menopause. Attendees will identify specific gene variants that affect estrogen metabolism pathways, detoxification capacity, clotting factors, and emotional regulation mechanisms. Dr. Joffe will demonstrate how to evaluate these genetic insights and translate them into personalized clinical strategies for patients struggling with fertility challenges, mood disorders, or elevated thrombotic risk, bridging the gap between ordering genetic tests and actually using genomic data to inform treatment decisions.
Sexual Health, Menopause and The Gut Connection – Jolene Brighten, ND
Dr. Jolene Brighten, a naturopathic physician and prominent voice in functional women’s health, explores the often-overlooked relationship between gut health and sexual function during menopause. While most strategies address vaginal dryness and decreased libido with local estrogen therapy alone, the gut microbiome plays a significant role in hormonal signaling, inflammation pathways, and neurotransmitter production – all critical factors affecting sexual health. Participants will learn the mechanisms by which gut dysbiosis impacts sexual function and gain targeted interventions that address underlying causes rather than simply managing symptoms. Dr. Brighten will demonstrate how integrating gut health optimization into menopause care leads to better outcomes for patients struggling with sexual health concerns.
Breaking Barriers: Menopause, Equity, and the Future of Women’s Health – Erika Schwartz, MD
A pioneering voice in women’s health reform, Dr. Erika Schwartz addresses the systemic challenges that have left many women without adequate menopause care. Historical and social barriers continue to limit access to evidence-based treatment, from outdated clinical guidelines to disparities across different populations. Dr. Schwartz will examine how background and socioeconomic status impact treatment access and present strategies for equitable approaches that ensure all women receive quality care grounded in current research. Attendees will gain perspective on recognizing and addressing these barriers within their own practices and broader healthcare systems.
LC-MS/MS Testing of Sex-Steroid Hormones in Finger-Stick Capillary Blood (DBS) (Non-CME) – David Zava, PhD
Dr. David Zava, a leading expert in hormone testing methodologies, presents a critical examination of diagnostic approaches for monitoring hormone therapy. Traditional venipuncture serum testing and dried blood spot (DBS) analysis using finger-stick capillary blood each have distinct advantages and limitations when measuring endogenous gonadal sex hormones. The differences become particularly striking when assessing topically delivered hormones, as venipuncture serum often shows dramatically different levels compared to DBS testing. Dr. Zava will explain why LC-MS/MS DBS testing more accurately reflects actual tissue hormone uptake and bioavailable levels when patients use topical delivery methods. At the same time, venipuncture serum testing can significantly underestimate tissue concentrations, potentially leading to overdosing. This session offers essential insights for practitioners who prescribe and monitor topical hormone therapies.
Metabolic Health in Menopause: Weight Management & Insulin Sensitivity – Kyrin Dunston, MD
Dr. Kyrin Dunston, a functional medicine physician specializing in women’s health, focuses on the metabolic shifts that make weight management particularly challenging during menopause. Insulin resistance often develops or worsens at this stage, contributing to weight gain that is resistant to conventional dietary interventions. Attendees will learn to assess these metabolic changes in their patients and apply strategies that address the underlying issues of insulin sensitivity, rather than relying solely on caloric restriction. Dr. Dunston will provide clinical approaches for managing both weight and metabolic dysfunction.
Active Aging: Musculoskeletal Health & Mobility in Menopause – Debra Atkinson, MS, CSCS
Certified strength specialist Debra Atkinson examines how menopause affects bone density, muscle mass, and joint health, with expertise in women’s fitness and aging. The hormonal changes during this transition accelerate bone loss and contribute to sarcopenia, increasing injury risk and mobility limitations. Atkinson will present evidence-based strategies for maintaining and improving musculoskeletal function, including specific exercise protocols, nutritional approaches, and lifestyle modifications that support bone health and muscle preservation. Attendees will learn practical interventions to help patients stay active, mobile, and injury-free through menopause and beyond.
Menopause Meets Its Match: October 9-11, Scottsdale, AZ
The Women’s Health Summit addresses the full spectrum of menopause medicine. Hormone optimization and metabolic health. Precision diagnostics and equity in care. Each session offers practitioners the opportunity to elevate their expertise in women’s healthspan medicine, gain actionable protocols for common clinical challenges, and stay current with burgeoning research and therapeutic approaches.
For those joining us in person at The Westin Kierland, we look forward to hosting you for a dynamic conference weekend. Expert faculty, networking opportunities, and the collaborative energy of practitioners advancing women’s health await. Those accessing the recorded program will find the same clinical depth, evidence-based protocols, and expert insights available for review at their convenience.
As menopause care continues to evolve, the leading women’s health event positions practitioners at the forefront of that evolution.
Access The Summit
Although the 2025 Women’s Health Summit is sold out, complete conference recordings are available at a4m.com/womens-health-2025. Secure your access today.