Introduction
Welcome to this learning series brought to you by the National Menopause Foundation. In this module, we discuss the most common symptom women experience during the menopausal transition: Vasomotor Symptoms, or VMS. While you may not be familiar with the term, you may be more familiar with the terms hot flashes/flushes and night sweats.
By the end of this module, you’ll understand:
- What are Vasomotor Symptoms or VMS
- How long does VMS last and what is the physiology of a hot flash
- Treatment options for VMS, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological options
Presenting Experts:
LaReesa Ferdinand, MD is a distinguished figure in women’s health, embodying a commitment to empowering women, advocating for diversity and equitable global healthcare, and promoting aging gracefully. As a board-certified OB/GYN, menopause health expert, and the CEO/Founder of Thrive Beyond Wellness Center in Orlando, FL, Dr. Ferdinand is dedicated to providing personalized, integrative healthcare solutions.
With over two decades of experience in private practice, Dr. Ferdinand maintains a keen understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape. She actively practices clinical protocols that promote preventive, proactive care by incorporating advanced training in hormone optimization, epigenetics, metabolic health, and longevity.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Ferdinand keeps at the forefront of innovation and the emerging femtech space by serving as a Women’s Health Advisor and consultant to both startup and corporate digital health tech brands. Her mission is to help empower, heal, and transform women so they can positively impact their lifespan and their community.
Recognized for her expertise, she was named one of the top OB/GYN Physicians in Orlando Family Magazine in 2020 and is a best-selling contributing author of “Codes of Longevity-Be Ageless-Live Limitless”. In 2023, she was awarded a grant funded by the BeyGOOD Foundation, the public charity founded by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter in partnership with Adidas. This program was administered by the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida.
Dr Ferdinand has been featured in various publications, including Thrive Global, Medium, Allure Magazine, and the “Intermittent Fasting for Women Over 50 Guide.” She is also a sought-after speaker, having presented at prestigious events such as Anita B.org Grace Hopper Celebration, Power Rising, and Wisepause Wellness, as well as various distinguished national and local organizations.
Dr. Ferdinand received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Xavier University of Louisiana, then completed an Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory Fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention in Atlanta, GA. She earned her doctorate at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport and completed her Internship/Residency training at University of Florida Health Sciences Center-Shands Jacksonville.
Mache (MAYsh) Seibel (rhymes with Bible), MD, NCMP is a leading menopause expert who helps women get the information they need to feel better and have more control over their lives, work, and relationships. He served 10 years on the University of Massachusetts Medical School faculty running the Complicated Menopause Program and 25 years on the Harvard Medical School faculty as Laboratory Director, REI Fellowship Director, and REI Division Chief.
Dr. Seibel is the author of the best-selling books The Estrogen Window and The Estrogen Fix and the Editor of the #1 digital magazine for midlife women, HotYearsMag.com. His latest book is Working Through Menopause: The Impact on Women, Businesses, and The Bottom Line. Before transitioning to focus on menopause, Dr. Mache was a leading expert in infertility who performed some of the first in vitro fertilization successes in the United States.
Dr. Mache has published over 200 scientific articles and 17 books for professionals and consumers and has received multiple national awards for patient education, research, and writing. He is also an award-winning musician. Dr. Mache has been featured on PBS, Today, NBC, MSNBC, FOX News, People, NPR, and many other media outlets. He is a former Advisory Board member of EmpoweHer and a former Advisory Board member of Red Hot Mamas and the Society of Women’s Health Research (SWHR). He consulted the Department of Labor (Women’s Division) on the Impact of Menopause in the Workplace.
Dr. Mache completed his undergraduate education at the University of Texas at Austin and received his M.D. at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). He completed his residency training in Women’s Health, Obstetrics & Gynecology at Emory University School of Medicine and completed a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility and Menopause at Harvard Medical School. He is board-certified in Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine and a Certified Menopause Practitioner.