Meet Gray Shimko, The Menopause Registered Dietitian
Integrating nutrition science with compassionate care to support you during menopause and beyond.
I am a Clinical Registered Dietitian, with a specialization in perimenopause, menopause, and breast cancer nutrition. In working in clinical nutrition for nearly a decade and working with my patients with breast cancer, I recognized a gap in care. Most of my patients were either approaching or of menopause age or were forced into menopause due to surgery or breast cancer treatment. Woman after woman came to me with concerns with weight gain, muscle loss, bone mass changes, negative shifts in their metabolic labs, hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disruption.
This inspired me to extensively research and specialize in the science of menopause, the health risks this phase of life may impose, and the significance of dietary and lifestyle modifications. I have since helped hundreds of women navigate this phase of life with grace, have a better understanding of their body and health risks which come with hormone shifts, and help them feel more in control.
My goal is to help all women demystify perimenopause and menopause, and I am committed to offering evidence-based nutrition guidance, behavior change support, and help my patients improve their health during this important and frequently misunderstood stage of life. I am honored and passionate about assisting women in understanding and regaining control over their body, so they may live their best lives.
The symptoms that come with transitioning into midlife have been disregarded for far longer than we deserve, and I am here to help change the narrative.
Why Does Our Nutrition and Lifestyle Need to Change in Menopause?
During midlife, a woman's body undergoes significant physiological changes. The fluctuations in hormones can lead to increased inflammation, changes in metabolic labs such as blood glucose and cholesterol, and a heightened risk of cardiometabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the distribution of body fat shifts, resulting in a greater accumulation of visceral fat, which poses various health risks.
In light of these changes, it is essential to adjust not only our caloric intake but more importantly dietary choices, sleep habits, exercise regimen, and stress management. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is no longer merely a matter of balancing calories consumed with calories burned. While weight loss remains a priority when necessary, the type and quality of our food and our lifestyle overall becomes increasingly crucial during this phase of life.
Breast Cancer, Menopause and Nutrition
Breast cancer treatment frequently induces menopause in women, often unexpectedly. This transition adds to the already significant emotional and physical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis, as they must now navigate the physiological changes that accompany menopause. Compounding this difficulty is the fact that many patients with breast cancer, though not all, are advised against hormone replacement therapy due to safety concerns. My expertise lies in supporting women who are currently diagnosed with or have a history of breast cancer, empowering them to better understand and manage their menopause symptoms while also working to mitigate their risk of future cancer. I possess a comprehensive knowledge of the various treatment options and their health implications, and I offer guidance on nutrition aimed at cancer prevention and the management of menopause-related symptoms.