Short Biography

A women’s health and lifestyle medicine expert, whose expertise is shared through her books, research publications, workshops, speaking engagements, consulting work, and as a professor.
She is on the executive board of the non-profit organization, PAVING the Path to Wellness. Dr. Tollefson co-authored the PAVING the Path to Wellness Workbook with Drs. Beth Frates and Amy Comander as well as PAVING a Woman’s Path through Menopause and Beyond.
In addition to being an ob-gyn, she is board certified through the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, is a fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and serves on their executive board.
She co-founded the Women’s Health Member Interest Group and is recognized as a pioneer in the field of women’s lifestyle medicine.
In addition to being the mom of three busy kids, Dr. Tollefson is a breast cancer survivor (and thriver) through the power of lifestyle medicine. She enjoys spending time in the blue zone of Costa Rica and excitedly shares her expertise in lifestyle medicine through Educando’s Costa Rican Thriving Through Lifestyle Medicine experiences.

Workshop Title: Lifestyle Medicine for the Menopause Transition

Description of the Workshop (WGA1):

Menopause is a natural part of life’s journey, but as a society, we do a poor job of educating and preparing women for this phase of life. Dr. Michelle Tollefson is an ob-gyn, women’s health, and lifestyle medicine expert who works with women to optimize their well-being. By sharing the latest science and practical tips, she helps women learn lifestyle behaviors to thrive (rather than just survive) during the menopause transition. She busts menopause myths, shares science you can use, and empowers women to live their best lives, now and for decades to come. Healthy lifestyle behaviors, including enjoying nourishing foods, embracing movement, managing stress, prioritizing sleep and interpersonal connections, make thriving through menopause and beyond a reality. Questions are welcome.

Objectives

• Practitioners will understand how nutrition can be used to help women optimize their wellbeing during the menopause transition
• They will understand the role that physical activity, including resistance training, can play in optimizing body composition during the menopause transition
• Practitioners will understand the importance of sleep in optimizing wellbeing for women during the menopause transition