The International Menopause Society

Impending Menopause: How can fertility be preserved? with Dr. Duru Shah | For Women

The International Menopause Society

Show Notes

Introduction: The International Menopause Society is proud to provide the interview series for women on current topics of interest in the field of menopause. In the series, IMS Board Member Dr. Marla Shapiro interviews renowned experts on menopause and midlife women’s health. YouTube Link: The interview is also available on video: https://youtu.be/MFXbogTv-Lw Disclaimer: The views expressed by speakers are their own and may not necessarily represent the views of the IMS. Episode Summary: Join Dr. Marla Shapiro and Dr. Duru Shah as they delve into the concept of impending menopause and the critical topic of fertility preservation. In this insightful discussion, Dr. Shah, a renowned gynecologist and fertility expert from Mumbai, India, shares her expertise on premature ovarian insufficiency, the risks associated with early menopause, and the importance of understanding ovarian reserve. Learn about the factors that contribute to early menopause, such as genetic predisposition, autoimmune disorders, and lifestyle choices. Discover the latest advancements in fertility preservation techniques, including egg and embryo freezing, and understand the success rates associated with these methods. Dr. Shah also highlights the importance of early intervention for women who wish to delay pregnancy due to career or personal reasons. She emphasises the need for awareness and proactive measures to ensure better fertility outcomes. Don’t miss this episode packed with valuable information and practical advice for women navigating the complexities of impending menopause and fertility preservation. Relevant Links & Resources: Menopause Info website Menopause FAQs - downloadable PDF When Your Periods Leave Too Early with Nick Panay

Host Bio: Marla Shapiro C.M.‎, MDCM, CCFP, MHSC, FRCPC, FCFP, NCMP Marla Shapiro is a professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro completed medical school at McGill University and trained at the University of Toronto for her Masters of Health Science. She concluded her specialty training in Community Medicine, receiving her Fellowship in Preventive Medicine and Public Health from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She also holds a Fellowship in Family Medicine and is currently a Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro is seen on CTV NewsChannel and is the medical expert on CTV’s National News and NewsChannel. She is the author of the bestselling book, Life in the Balance: My Journey with Breast Cancer. Dr. Shapiro is a member of several advisory boards, including the Terry Fox Research Institute. She sat on the Board of Trustees for NAMS for 9 years. She was the President of the North American Menopause Society in 2017 and Scientific Chair of the NAMS Annual General meeting in 2019. She continues to produce and direct both videos in women’s health for health practitioners and the general public for NAMS. The videos can be seen on YouTube and www.menopause.org. She is on the editorial board of both Menopause and Climacteric. She received an Award of Excellence from the College of Family Physicians of Canada and was awarded the Excellence in Creative Professional Activity by the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro was also chosen in the top 10 of the 50 most powerful doctors in Canada by the Medical Post. In 2015 Dr. Shapiro was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her contributions as a family physician and trusted source of health information. One of this country’s highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Guest Bio: Prof. Duru Shah, MD FRCOG FCPS FICS FICOG FICMCH DGO DFP Dr. Duru Shah is the Director of Gynaecworld, the “CENTER for Women’s Health & Fertility”. She is currently the Founding President of the “The PCOS Society” (India), the Chair

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Oct 21, 2026

The International Menopause Society is proud to provide the interview series for women on current topics of interest in the field of menopause. In the series, IMS Board Member Dr. Marla Shapiro interviews renowned experts on menopause and midlife women’s health. Disclaimer: The views expressed by speakers are their own and may not necessarily represent the views of the IMS. Episode Summary: Dr. Marla Shapiro and Prof. Susan Goldstein introduce the MQ‑6 website (mq6.ca), an evidence‑based resource designed for both clinicians and women to screen and manage menopausal symptoms. They explain the MQ‑6 assessment tool, treatment algorithm, counseling resources, and health‑promotion guidance for bones, heart, and brain. The episode shows how women can self‑administer the screener, bring results to their healthcare provider, and use the site to become informed consumers amid widespread misinformation. Host Bio: Marla Shapiro C.M., MDCM, CCFP, MHSC, FRCPC, FCFP, NCMP Marla Shapiro is a professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro completed medical school at McGill University and trained at the University of Toronto for her Masters of Health Science. She concluded her specialty training in Community Medicine, receiving her Fellowship in Preventive Medicine and Public Health from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She also holds a Fellowship in Family Medicine and is currently a Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro is seen on CTV NewsChannel and is the medical expert on CTV’s National News and NewsChannel. She is the author of the bestselling book, Life in the Balance: My Journey with Breast Cancer. Dr. Shapiro is a member of several advisory boards, including the Terry Fox Research Institute. She sat on the Board of Trustees for NAMS for 9 years. She was the President of the North American Menopause Society in 2017 and Scientific Chair of the NAMS Annual General meeting in 2019. She continues to produce and direct both videos in women’s health for health practitioners and the general public for NAMS. The videos can be seen on YouTube and www.menopause.org. She is on the editorial board of both Menopause and Climacteric. She received an Award of Excellence from the College of Family Physicians of Canada and was awarded the Excellence in Creative Professional Activity by the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro was also chosen in the top 10 of the 50 most powerful doctors in Canada by the Medical Post. In 2015 Dr. Shapiro was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her contributions as a family physician and trusted source of health information. One of this country’s highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Guest Bio:Dr. Goldstein is a community-based Family Physician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine , Temerty Faculty of Medicine , at the University of Toronto. With a special interest in medical education and women’s health, Dr. Goldstein is President-Elect of the Canadian Menopause Society and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She has participated in research and developed and/or delivered many educational programs on topics related to menopausal care both nationally and internationally. Her menopause assessment tool, the Menopause Quick 6 (MQ6) and the accompanying MQ6 treatment algorithm, which were published in Canadian Family Physician in April 2017 have been integrated into her novel website, www.MQ6.ca.The website is used world-wide and hosts resources for both clinicians and patients, including an online menopause treatment decision tool.

Oct 21, 2026

The International Menopause Society is proud to provide the interview series for women on current topics of interest in the field of menopause. In the series, IMS Board Member Dr. Marla Shapiro interviews renowned experts on menopause and midlife women’s health. Disclaimer: The views expressed by speakers are their own and may not necessarily represent the views of the IMS. Episode Summary: Dr. Marla Shapiro and Prof. Susan Goldstein introduce the MQ‑6 website (www.MQ6.ca), an evidence‑based resource designed for both clinicians and women to screen and manage menopausal symptoms. They explain the MQ‑6 assessment tool, treatment algorithm, counseling resources, and health‑promotion guidance for bones, heart, and brain. Host Bio: Marla Shapiro C.M., MDCM, CCFP, MHSC, FRCPC, FCFP, NCMP Marla Shapiro is a professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro completed medical school at McGill University and trained at the University of Toronto for her Masters of Health Science. She concluded her specialty training in Community Medicine, receiving her Fellowship in Preventive Medicine and Public Health from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She also holds a Fellowship in Family Medicine and is currently a Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro is seen on CTV NewsChannel and is the medical expert on CTV’s National News and NewsChannel. She is the author of the bestselling book, Life in the Balance: My Journey with Breast Cancer. Dr. Shapiro is a member of several advisory boards, including the Terry Fox Research Institute. She sat on the Board of Trustees for NAMS for 9 years. She was the President of the North American Menopause Society in 2017 and Scientific Chair of the NAMS Annual General meeting in 2019. She continues to produce and direct both videos in women’s health for health practitioners and the general public for NAMS. The videos can be seen on YouTube and www.menopause.org. She is on the editorial board of both Menopause and Climacteric. She received an Award of Excellence from the College of Family Physicians of Canada and was awarded the Excellence in Creative Professional Activity by the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro was also chosen in the top 10 of the 50 most powerful doctors in Canada by the Medical Post. In 2015 Dr. Shapiro was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her contributions as a family physician and trusted source of health information. One of this country’s highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Guest Bio:Dr. Goldstein is a community-based Family Physician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine , Temerty Faculty of Medicine , at the University of Toronto. With a special interest in medical education and women’s health, Dr. Goldstein is President-Elect of the Canadian Menopause Society and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She has participated in research and developed and/or delivered many educational programs on topics related to menopausal care both nationally and internationally. Her menopause assessment tool, the Menopause Quick 6 (MQ6) and the accompanying MQ6 treatment algorithm, which were published in Canadian Family Physician in April 2017 have been integrated into her novel website, www.MQ6.ca.The website is used world-wide and hosts resources for both clinicians and patients, including an online menopause treatment decision tool.

Oct 16, 2026

The International Menopause Society is proud to provide the interview series for women on current topics of interest in the field of menopause. In the series, IMS Board Member Dr. Marla Shapiro interviews renowned experts on menopause and midlife women’s health. Disclaimer: The views expressed by speakers are their own and may not necessarily represent the views of the IMS. Episode Summary: Dr. Marla Shapiro speaks with pain specialist Dr. Angela Mailis about the International Menopause Society's white paper on pain. They explain why women experience higher rates of chronic pain, how menopause can increase pain sensitivity, and the need for proper assessment. Highlights include the importance of resistance training and muscle-building, sleep, nutrition, stress management, avoiding risky substances, skepticism about quick fixes, and using active, evidence-based strategies. The IMS white paper is available on their website for more detail. Host Bio: Marla Shapiro C.M., MDCM, CCFP, MHSC, FRCPC, FCFP, NCMP Marla Shapiro is a professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro completed medical school at McGill University and trained at the University of Toronto for her Masters of Health Science. She concluded her specialty training in Community Medicine, receiving her Fellowship in Preventive Medicine and Public Health from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She also holds a Fellowship in Family Medicine and is currently a Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro is seen on CTV NewsChannel and is the medical expert on CTV’s National News and NewsChannel. She is the author of the bestselling book, Life in the Balance: My Journey with Breast Cancer. Dr. Shapiro is a member of several advisory boards, including the Terry Fox Research Institute. She sat on the Board of Trustees for NAMS for 9 years. She was the President of the North American Menopause Society in 2017 and Scientific Chair of the NAMS Annual General meeting in 2019. She continues to produce and direct both videos in women’s health for health practitioners and the general public for NAMS. The videos can be seen on YouTube and www.menopause.org. She is on the editorial board of both Menopause and Climacteric. She received an Award of Excellence from the College of Family Physicians of Canada and was awarded the Excellence in Creative Professional Activity by the University of Toronto. Dr. Shapiro was also chosen in the top 10 of the 50 most powerful doctors in Canada by the Medical Post. In 2015 Dr. Shapiro was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her contributions as a family physician and trusted source of health information. One of this country’s highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Guest Bio:Dr. Mailis is Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and a specialist in Physical Medicne specializing exclusively in ther area of Chronic Pain for the past 44 years. She was the director and founder of the Pain Program at the Toronto Western Hospital/ University Health Network for 3 decades, and for the past 12 years the director of a large community-based pain centre in Vaughan, the Pain and Wellness Centre, funded by Ontario's Ministry of Health. She is known internationally for her work in pain as a clinician and proliferative researcher. She is also a published author, a patient advocate and an educator for pain trainees and the public.

Oct 16, 2026

The International Menopause Society is proud to provide the interview series for women on current topics of interest in the field of menopause. In the series, IMS Board Member Dr. Marla Shapiro interviews renowned experts on menopause and midlife women’s health. Disclaimer: The views expressed by speakers are their own and may not necessarily represent the views of the IMS.

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The International Menopause Society is proud to present a special episode of the IMS Interview Series.

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