As women transition into and through menopause, the decline of ovarian hormones puts them at risk of developing a host of health conditions. Menopause is associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, placing women at this life stage at increased risk for diabetes and heart disease. Certain breast cancer treatments place survivors at even greater risk.

A new study from the Women's Wellness and Healthy Aging Program at Johns Hopkins aims to improve health outcomes and help ensure healthy transitions by identifying and coordinating care for those most at risk.

The Women's Wellness and Healthy Aging Program is led by co-directors gynecologist Wen Shen, M.D., and breast cancer expert Vered Stearns, M.D., is a coordinated effort of dedicated specialists from departments across Johns Hopkins Medicine to provide excellent patient care, evidence-based health education, and social support for women transitioning into and through their post reproductive years. Program Coordinator and Patient Navigator Kate Pisano works with physicians and patients to facilitate medical consultations and connect patients with educational resources and support groups.

After treatment for breast cancer, the transition of care from medical oncology to primary care can result in delays in screening for diabetes and heart disease risk factors. The Women's Wellness  and Healthy Aging Program Cardiometabolic Study seeks to identify patients at higher risk for both through a formalized screening program. Patients at risk are directed to appropriate specialists at the Johns Hopkins or in the community.

The Cardiometabolic Screening Program has helped us identify individuals with elevated cholesterol who warrant evaluation with cardiology or re-evaluation or reestablishment of a primary care doctor,” said the study's principal investigator Jenni Sheng, M.D.. The program has also assisted in identifying those with excess weight who may benefit from institutional resources for weight loss.

Those resources and referrals may include Cardiology for cardiovascular disease prevention, the Johns Hopkins Healthful Eating, Activity and Weight Program at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Greenspring Station, Endocrinology for diabetes management, and clinical trials for weight management.

For more information on the WWHAP Cardiometabolic Study or to join please email [email protected].