Preventive health is not glamorous. No one is casually texting their friends like, “Just scheduled my screenings. Feeling unstoppable.”

Which is exactly why we’re discussing it today. Because these preventative care appointments do matter, especially in midlife when routine screenings can help identify changes in our body early. We talk about all of it from STDs to dental checks to colonoscopies. This is a series that encourages you to show up and make that appointment and ask the questions.

My guest today is Dr. Rudo Mashindi. Dr. Mashinidi is a family physician at Hancock Health, working with women at all stages of life. . 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Why are we talking about preventative health?

- Most important screenings from a preventative health standpoint

- How to communicate with your primary care doctor

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Dr. Rudo Mashindi: https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/rudo-mashindi-md/ 

Learn more about screenings at Hancock Health’s Gateway Center: https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/labs/ 

Preventative Care Guidelines from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/prevention/preventive-care.html 

Just Jenn Blog - Season 02 Episode 05 - Let’s Talk Menopause Part 5, Midlife Weight Gain: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-4-midlife

Hancock Health Blog - 10 Health Care Appointments You Should Consider Making This Year: https://www.hancockhealth.org/2022/12/10-health-care-appointments-you-should-consider-making-this-year/

Hancock Health Blog - What is Primary Care and Why It Matters More Than You Think: https://www.hancockhealth.org/2025/07/what-is-primary-care-and-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think/

Hancock Health Blog - Preventative Health Screenings: https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/2023/10/preventative-health-screenings/ 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/

Before we officially close this menopause series… Jenn takes a moment to reflect and look back at everything we covered. Together we learned about hormones, relationships, weight changes, and treatment options available to women in perimenopause.

Specifically this episode highlights:

- Let’s Talk Menopause, today’s focus was on summarizing the series

- Ways we can normalize, educate, and reduce fear on menopause topics

- Jenn’s personal takeaways from this series

- What ahead: Preventative Health

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES

We want to hear from you! Submit your mailbag questions here: [email protected]

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/

Catch-up on the Menopause Series from Just Jenn

- Part 1 - Fact vs. Fiction: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-1-fact-vs

- Part 2 - All About Menopause Hormone Therapy: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-2-menopause

- Part 3 - What Does the Evidence Say?: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-3-what-does

- Part 4 - Midlife Weight Gain: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-4-midlife

- Part 5 - How Menopause Impacts Relationships: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-5-how-menopause

We’re continuing our series on menopause. Welcome to Part 5!

Today, we’re discussing how menopause doesn't just affect us as individuals, but also how it impacts the people we’re closest with.  

In this episode we discuss how menopause can impact our relationships, both physically and mentally. And highlight some treatment options that are available for women navigating perimenopause. 

My guest today is Ashleigh Guenin. Ashleigh is a Nurse Practitioner at Hancock Health, working in  the James T. Anderson Women’s Clinic. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Let’s talk about menopause, today’s focus is on our relationships and what can change during perimenopause

- Today’s guest: Ashleigh Guenin, a Nurse Practitioner at Hancock Heath

- Common themes on how menopause impacts relationships

- Ways menopause impacts libido and sexual health

- Treatment options that are available to women to help treat menopause symptoms

- Why it’s important not to be hard on yourself

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Ashleigh Guenin, NP: https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/ashleigh-guenin-np/ 

Just Jenn Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-real

Just Jenn Season 02 Episode 02 - Let’s Talk Menopause - Fact vs. Fiction: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-1-fact-vs 

Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not: https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/vagina-whats-typical-whats-not/ 

Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Women’s Sexual Health: Talking About Your Sexual Needs: https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/womens-sexual-health-talking-about-your-sexual-needs/ 

Learn more about services at Hancock Health’s Center for Women’s Health: https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/2023/12/hancock-healths-womens-clinic/ 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/

Today, we’re discussing what weight changes actually look like during perimenopause for women.

In this episode we discuss what’s actually happening hormonally, metabolically, and mentally to women in midlife, and some lifestyle changes that can help manage the shifting weight changes we experience in our bodies.

My guest today is Dr. Rudo Mashindi. Dr. Mashinidi is a family physician at Hancock Health, working with women at all stages of life.

Specifically this episode highlights:

- Let’s talk about menopause, today’s focus is on how weight shifts during perimenopause and what that means for your body and mental wellness

- Today’s guest: Dr. Rudo Mashindi, a Family Physician at Hancock Heath

- A discussion on what is happening in the body during perimenopause

- Reasons to talk to your doctor about weight gain

- Lifestyle changes to prioritize in perimenopause

- There’s a lot of information out there about GLP-1 medicine, what is most important to know

- Tips to manage mental health and stress

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Dr. Rudo Mashindi: https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/rudo-mashindi-md/ 

Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Perimenopause: https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/perimenopause/   

Resource - 10 Tips to Stick with Exercise and Nutrition Goals: https://www.hancockhealth.org/2026/02/10-tips-for-sticking-with-your-exercise-and-nutrition-goals-all-year-long/ 

Learn more about services at Hancock Health’s Gateway Center: https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/ 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/ 

Just Jenn Blog - Why I Don’t Do Resolutions (and What I Do Instead): https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/why-i-dont-do-resolutions-and-what 

Just Jenn Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-real

Just Jenn Season 02 Episode 02 - Let’s Talk Menopause - Fact vs. Fiction: https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-1-fact-vs

Today, we’re looking at a study released from the Mayo Clinic based on a survey of women in midlife.

In this episode we discuss a study recently published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. This women’s health study found more than 3 out of 4 respondents experienced menopause symptoms. But over 80% did not seek medical care.

My guest today is Jason Wells. Jason leads the collaboration between Hancock Health and the Mayo Clinic Care Network—and he comes to this work as a registered nurse, which gives him a really grounded perspective on how studies like this turn into better care. (Spoiler alert: he’s also my husband).

Specifically this episode highlights:

* Let’s talk about menopause, today’s focus is on a study recently published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings focused on women’s health.

* Today’s guest: Jason Wells, Mayo Clinic Care Clinic Liaison at Hancock Heath

* Is there such a thing as TMI in healthcare?

* Mayo Clinic Proceedings study on menopause - What does it say? What does it mean?

* Reasons we tend to delay care

* Hancock Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES

You can learn more about the Mayo Clinic Study here: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-study-finds-majority-of-midlife-women-with-menopause-symptoms-do-not-seek-care/

Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Addressing Menopause Symptoms: https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(25)00111-9/fulltext

Learn more about Jason Wells, RN, BSN: https://www.hancockhealth.org/2024/06/hancock-health-and-mayo-clinic-working-together-for-you/

Hancock Health - Health Library: https://www.hancockhealth.org/health-library/

Learn more about what it means that Hancock Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network: https://www.hancockhealth.org/about/mayoclinic/

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/

Menopause is having a moment — and it’s about time.

Today, we’re getting specific about one of the treatment options that brings up a lot of feelings — Menopausal Hormone Therapy, or MHT. You may also know it by its former name, Hormone Replacement Therapy.

MHT is one of those topics that comes with strong opinions, mixed messages, and a whole lot of confusion. For some women, it’s been described as life-changing. For others, it feels intimidating, controversial, or like something they were very clearly told to avoid.

Today, we’re continuing our menopause series by discussing MHT, but also other treatment options available to women in perimenopause.

I’m joined by Dr.Molly Strong, Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Hancock Health. She is a physician who also holds a masters in public health and is certified by the Menopause Society for her dedication and excellence in perimenopausal care.

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Let’s talk about menopause, today’s focus is specifically on menopause hormone therapy

- Today’s guest: Dr. Molly Strong, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hancock Heath

- How we think about menopause hormone therapy today vs. in the past

- Treatment options available to women in perimenopause

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Dr. Molly Strong

https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/molly-strong-md/ 

Just Jenn Blog - You’re Not the Only One Googling This at 2:00AM

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/youre-not-the-only-one-googling-this 

Just Jenn Season 02 Episode 02 - Menopause Facts vs. Fiction

https://open.substack.com/pub/thisisjustjenn/p/lets-talk-menopause-part-1-fact-vs

Learn more about Labs & Screening with Hancock Health

 https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/labs/

Menopause Society - Visit for helpful resources

https://menopause.org/ 

American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists – Visit for clinical guidance and resources

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hormone-therapy-for-menopause 

Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Perimenopause

https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/perimenopause/   

Just Jenn Season 01 Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-real

Hancock Health Blog - Every Question is a Good Question

https://www.hancockhealth.org/2021/11/every-question-is-a-good-question-preparing-for-your-ob-gyn-appointment/

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You

https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/

If the word menopause makes you tense up a little — or you saw the title of this episode and thought, Do I really have the emotional capacity for this today? — stay with me.

Menopause is one of those things we joke about, whisper about, or avoid altogether… until one day we’re right in the middle of it thinking, wait, why did no one explain this to us? 

Today, we’re starting with the basics. We’re separating fact from fiction when it comes to menopause.

I’m joined by Dr.Molly Strong, Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Hancock Health. She is a physician who also holds a masters in public health and is certified by the Menopause Society for her dedication and excellence in perimenopausal care.

We’re kicking off a series that is focused on menopause for the next few weeks. Join me as we cut through the noise, answer the questions we’ve all Googled at 2 a.m., and explain what’s normal, what’s not, and what actually deserves attention.

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Let’s talk about menopause and what’s ahead in this series

- Today’s guest: Dr. Molly Strong, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hancock Heath

- Common myths about menopause

- Signs and symptoms that signal perimenopause

- Ways menopause impacts long-term health

- Treatment and recommendations to manage menopause 

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Learn more about Dr. Molly Strong

https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/molly-strong-md/ 

Just Jenn Blog - You’re Not the Only One Googling This at 2:00AM

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/youre-not-the-only-one-googling-this 

Menopause Society - Visit for helpful resources

https://menopause.org/ 

American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists – Visit for clinical guidance and resources

https://www.acog.org/topics/menopause 

Mayo Clinic Care Network Health Library Resource - Perimenopause

https://www.hancockhealth.org/mayo-health-library/perimenopause/   

Just Jenn Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-real

Hancock Health Blog - What Cardio is Right For You?

https://www.hancockhealth.org/2022/10/what-cardio-is-right-for-you/

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You

https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/womens-health/

We’re officially jumping into Season 2, but before we bring in guests and deep dives and all the good stuff, this episode is a bit of an intro, part preview and part cozy conversation with your friend, Jenn. 

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- What Just Jenn is (and isn’t)

- What types of topics (with examples) this podcast covers

- Meet your host, Jenn Wells

- What’s coming up in Season 2

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

Just Jenn Season 1: Catch-up on episodes and resources from Just Jenn

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/

Episode 01 - It’s Not Just You: Women Are Tired of Being Tired

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/its-not-just-you-women-are-tired

Episode 02 - The Mental Load is Real - Learn all about the invisible backpack

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/the-mental-load-is-real

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You

https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/womens-health/

As Season One wraps up, Jenn reflects on the biggest lessons (and myths) from the conversations so far, from self-advocacy to redefining rest, and shares what’s next for Just Jenn.

Advocating for yourself in a doctor’s office isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most important skills you can build. In this episode, Jenn and Hancock Health OBGYN Dr. Audrey Martin talk about how to be heard, ask the right questions, and know when to push for answers.