Barb DePree, MD, NCMP,MMM
Director of the Women's Midlife Services at Holland Hospital
Holland, MI
Dr. Barb DePree, a gynecologist in practice for over 30 years, specializes in midlife women's health. She is certified through The Menopause Society as a provider, and was named the 2013 NAMS Certified Menopause Provider of the year. DePree currently serves as the director of the Women’s Midlife Services at Holland Hospital in Holland, Michigan. In 2018, she completed a certification in Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment.
A member of TMS, ACOG and ISSWSH, DePree has been a presenter for the ACOG CME audio program. She has also served as a key opinion leader for Shionogi, AMAG, Duchesnay, Valeant, Wyeth and Astellas, leading physician education and participating in research projects and advisory panels.
Finding that products helpful to her patients’ sexual health were not readily available, DePree founded MiddlesexMD.com, which shares practice-tested, clinically sound information and products, including guidance for working with partners and caregivers. DePree publishes regularly on her own blog, providing updates on research in women’s sexual health, as well as observations and advice based on her work with women in her practice.
Sharecare named DePree as a Top 10 Social Healthmaker for Menopause in September of 2013. In 2017, she was named among the “Top 10 Best Menopause Blogs” by Medical News Today. DePree also publishes podcast interviews on women in midlife, exploring the ways they have made the transition in their lives and careers.
UTIs in the News, and It's Not Good
With urinary tract infections—or UTIs—becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, it's important to know how to prevent them.
Coaxing Back Desire After Menopause
Loss of sexual desire is a major menopause-related problem for many women. Dr. Barb DePree shares some expert tips for dealing with loss of sex drive.
The Benefits of High-Intensity Workouts
All exercise has its benefits, but there is one form that may give you a boost in the bedroom—strength and high-intensity workouts.
HRT: The (Current) Upshot
Hormone replacement therapy isn't right for everyone, but it may be right for some. That's why you should discuss it with your health care provider, who can help you evaluate the risks for you.
Will Menopause Symptoms Ever Stop?
For some women, menopause symptoms like hot flashes may last a lifetime. But there are some lifestyle changes and treatments that may reduce the symptoms.
Why Are My Orgasms Weak?
There are many reasons women have a decline in the ability to orgasm. Most often the cause is aging, but there are some things you can do about it.
Can Surgery Restore Genital Sensation?
Genital sensation diminishes with age and loss of estrogen. There's no quick fix, but there are options you can try.
The Heart and Estrogen
If you're concerned about taking hormone replacement therapy because of increased risk for breast cancer, remember this: Heart disease kills more than twice as many women as breast cancer does. And HRT may reduce your heart disease risk.
Bone Health and Estrogen
If you are postmenopausal, calcium and weight-bearing exercise won't help prevent osteoporosis. Talk to your health care professional about hormone replacement therapy for bone health.
What's the Deal With HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a confusing topic for many women starting to experience menopausal effects. Dr. Barb DePree helps women understand the latest research.
How to Talk to Your Partner About Making Love Again
When sex stops because it's uncomfortable but you or your partner misses it, it's important to talk about it and seek help from a certified menopause care provider.
We're Not Where We Need to Be
A recent banning of a women's robotic vibrator from a tech show illustrates how women must still work to prove that their sexual health and sexual pleasure matter.