Weight gain during menopause frustrates countless women—but what if there was a science-backed solution that addressed the underlying hormonal shifts? Michelle Cardel, Chief Nutrition Officer at Weight Watchers, takes us on an eye-opening journey through the world of GLP-1 medications, debunking myths and revealing surprising truths along the way.

Originally developed for diabetes management, these medications have revolutionized weight management by targeting the biological drivers of hunger. "They mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, reduces appetite, and slows gastric emptying," explains Cardel. The result? A remarkable reduction in what researchers call "food noise"—that persistent, all-consuming focus on eating that many women experience during menopause.

Perhaps most surprising is the medication's impact beyond the scale. Weight Watchers research shows an astonishing 50% improvement in overall quality of life for GLP-1 users, affecting everything from self-esteem to sexual function. "Women report feeling more in control around food, with less urgency to snack or overeat," notes Cardell, making these medications particularly valuable during hormonal transitions.

Contrary to circulating fears, Cardel addresses bone health concerns head-on: "Research has shown GLP-1 medications might actually be beneficial for bone formation." However, she emphasizes the importance of resistance training, adequate protein, and a comprehensive approach. Her simple-to-remember 30-30-30 rule provides practical guidance: aim for 30 grams of protein per meal, 30 grams of fiber daily, and 30 minutes of physical activity.

The conversation shifts from viewing GLP-1s as a "shortcut" to recognizing them as legitimate treatment for a chronic condition. As Cardel powerfully states, "Just as we support treatment for other conditions like asthma or hypertension, using GLP-1s to support weight and metabolic health is a science-backed choice." For women navigating menopause, this perspective offers not just hope but permission to prioritize their health without shame or stigma.

Ready to transform your understanding of weight management during menopause? Listen now and discover if GLP-1 medications might be part of your midlife wellness journey.

Website: https://www.weightwatchers.com

@dr.michellecardel

Dr. Cardel is a nutrition scientist, registered dietitian, and Chief Nutrition Officer at WeightWatchers. She also serves as a faculty member at the University of Florida, where she co-directs the Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases. At WeightWatchers, Dr. Cardel leads clinical trials, the program innovation team, and nutrition and food database. Her team shapes the organization’s nutrition strategy using the latest science, develops evidence-based programs, and the most cutting-edge science is integrated into member programs and content.

A Fellow of The Obesity Society, Dr. Cardel has authored over 125 publications in high-impact journals like JAMA, JAMA Pediatrics, AJCN, and Obesity. Her numerous accolades include the University of Alabama (UAB) Outstanding Woman Award, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Excellence in Emerging Outcomes Research Award, UAB’s Young Alumni Rising Star Award, and The Obesity Society’s Practitioner of the Year Award for Excellence in Clinical Care and Management of Obesity.

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The modern menopause experience doesn't have to be shrouded in confusion, isolation, and suffering. Melissa Oliveira and Stacey Ulacia co-founders of HotPause Health, are on a mission to transform how women navigate this significant life transition by creating what they call "the Baby Center of menopause.” Born from their own frustrating perimenopause journeys during the pandemic, HotPause Health launched in August 2024 to fill a critical gap in women's healthcare. They identified that while pregnancy comes with 40 weeks of guidance and support, women experiencing perimenopause and menopause often struggle alone for years, battling symptoms they don't understand and facing healthcare providers who dismiss their concerns.

The HotPause Health platform offers comprehensive resources including symptom education, treatment information, provider directories, and community forums. Their most groundbreaking feature may be the nation's largest menopause provider portal, where women can find specialists across multiple disciplines or access telehealth options if they live in healthcare deserts. All content is vetted by their impressive all-female medical advisory board of 16 specialists ranging from OBGYNs to mental health professionals, dermatologists, and sleep medicine experts.

What truly sets HotPause Health apart is their unwavering commitment to empowering women through evidence and community. They're tackling alarming statistics head-on – like the fact that 23% of American women ages 40-59 are on antidepressants, representing the highest use in any demographic. Through education events, advocacy for legislation like the Menopause Research and Equity Act, and creating safe spaces for women to share experiences, they're changing the narrative around this universal female experience.

Their message is clear and powerful: "You do not have to suffer." Women experiencing rage, insomnia, night sweats, or any of the myriad symptoms of perimenopause aren't crazy – they're experiencing a natural transition that deserves proper medical attention and support. Visit hotpawshealth.com to join their community, find resources, and take control of your menopause journey with evidence-based information and compassionate support.

Website: https://www.hotpausehealth.com

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MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Menopause is not just a personal journey for women; it profoundly shapes their professional lives too. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mache, a distinguished expert in women's health, as he uncovers the transformational effects of menopause in the workplace. We delve into how menopause can affect productivity and organizational dynamics, with statistics revealing that nearly 10% of women may leave their jobs due to its symptoms.

Dr. Mache emphasizes that menopause starts earlier than most realize and that the associated challenges can significantly hinder career advancement for many women. He discusses how a lack of understanding and support in workplaces often leads to presenteeism—employees are there physically but not mentally engaged, leading to a loss of productivity, increased stress, and even changes in career paths.

This eye-opening conversation explores solutions and insights, highlighting the importance of advocacy and awareness. Dr. Mache encourages both women and organizations to engage in discussions about menopause openly, breaking the taboo surrounding it. He advocates for actionable strategies to transform workplace culture, ensuring women not only survive but thrive during this significant life transition.

Join us as we unpack the connection between menopause and workplace wellness, and discover how awareness and understanding can lead to healthier outcomes for all. Don't miss out on these essential discussions—your health and career are worth prioritizing! Tune in today, and let’s keep the conversation going. Subscribe for more insights and share your thoughts with us!

Dr. Mache Seibel is a nationally renowned women’s wellness and menopause expert. When his wife entered early menopause after surgery—just months after a flawed study linked estrogen to breast cancer—he was determined to uncover the truth.

A former leading fertility expert, Dr. Mache shifted his focus to estrogen and menopause. He’s passionate about helping professional women take back control of their health, work, and relationships. His philosophy: care for the SUM of you, not just SOME of you™.

His books, The Estrogen Window and The Estrogen Fix, explore the best timing for estrogen therapy to reduce disease risk and ease symptoms. His latest, Working Through Menopause, addresses menopause’s impact on women, businesses, and the bottom line—and what to do about it.

Website: https://drmache.com

Coaching: MenopauseCoaching.com

Magazine: https://drmache.com/resources

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MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

This episode centers on workplace advocacy for women's health rights, particularly around pregnancy and menopause. Legal experts Jack Tuckner and Catherine Crider discuss recent legislative changes and the importance of creating supportive environments for women experiencing these life stages.

• Discussion on the history of pregnancy discrimination law
• Overview of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
• Introduction to the Menopause Workers Fairness Act
• Importance of workplace culture and communication
• Real-life implications of menopausal symptoms
• Strategies for women to advocate for their rights
• The role of employers in creating inclusive policies
• Call for awareness and advocacy on women's health issues

Jack Tuckner is a Women’s Rights in the Workplace attorney and a founding partner of Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser, LLP, a NY-based law firm dedicated to workplace gender rights. With over 20 years of experience, Jack advocates for working women at all stages of their reproductive life cycle, from pregnancy through menopause. His practice focuses on combating sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, illegal gender pay disparity, sex discrimination, maternity leave matters, unlawful retaliation, and wrongful termination.

Jack has served as an advocate and commentator on women’s discrimination issues across the media spectrum, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Daily News, NBC’s Nightly News with Brian Williams, Good Morning America, Anderson Cooper, The Joy Behar Show, National Public Radio, CNN, Inside Edition, numerous local television and radio stations, and at civic and grass roots community meetings and seminars throughout the NY tri-state area.

Catherine Crider was admitted to the California bar in 2015. In addition to being a lawyer, Catherine is an active labor and postpartum doula helping families. When she’s not working with families one-on-one, she teaches childbirth education and postpartum classes for new parents across the United States. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Catherine worked with parents and children in a variety of roles as a licensed elementary and special educator.

Catherine also writes for websites on women’s health and parenting related topics. Materials she has produced can be found on Forbes.com, Healthline.com, and Education.com.

Website: https://womensrightsny.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacktuckner
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-crider-2b5b3232

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MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

This episode emphasizes the long-term health risks associated with menopause and encourages women to take proactive measures for their well-being. Dr. Cat offers valuable insights on nutrition, exercise, and the importance of understanding one’s body, all while advocating for a cultural shift in how we discuss women's health issues.

• Discussion of the lack of long-term health education regarding menopause
• Importance of understanding menopause's impact on bone health and cardiovascular risks
• Need for women to advocate for their health and educate themselves
• Emphasis on resistance training and proper nutrition to combat health decline
• Insights into the role of telemedicine in bridging healthcare gaps for women

Website: https://bywinona.com

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Email Us: info@midovia.com

MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

What if the very culture you're immersed in is shaping your organization's success more than any strategy or business plan? Join us as we unpack this intriguing notion with Laura Hamill, an eminent organizational psychologist and author of "The Power of Culture." Drawing upon her extensive experience at Microsoft and as a founder of a thriving software company, Laura helps us explore the invisible yet powerful force of workplace culture. We dissect the nuanced difference between culture and climate, and why leaders must intentionally craft an organizational culture that synchronizes with strategic goals to bridge the often-overlooked gap between strategy and organizational ethos.

As we navigate through the challenges of fostering cultural change, particularly concerning flexible work environments and menopause support, Laura shares candid personal stories that illuminate the critical role of senior leadership in fostering a supportive workplace. We examine the concept of "cultural betrayal" and how the misalignment between promised and actual experiences can lead to detrimental outcomes. This episode challenges leaders to scrutinize and evolve workplace programs, urging a transformation towards a culture where employee well-being is prioritized, and everyone feels safe to express their authentic selves.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurahamill
"The Power of Culture” Buy now on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Culture-Economist-Edge-Book/dp/1639367284

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MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Curious about how menopause impacts mental health? Carolyn Thayer, a seasoned leader in mental health and wellness, joins us to shed light on the complex interplay between menopause and emotional well-being. Carolyn shares her expertise on how hormonal shifts influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, leading to heightened anxiety and depression risks. We challenge the idea that menopause is merely a physical transformation, advocating for supportive environments that foster open dialogues about mental health in both personal and professional settings.

Discover practical strategies for managing menopause symptoms with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and breath work. Carolyn passionately explains how these tools, akin to strengthening muscles, can enhance emotional regulation and stress management over time through the power of neuroplasticity. By being present without judgment and using breath work as a calming tool, individuals can rewire their brains for better mental health. From recognizing the signs that therapy might be needed to adopting regular mindfulness practices, we explore actionable ways to cope with the challenges of menopause.

The conversation takes a turn towards advocacy, particularly within the workplace, where creating a supportive culture is paramount. Carolyn offers insights on how women can assert their needs amidst menopause-related challenges like mood swings and brain fog. We emphasize the importance of psychological safety, open communication, and proactive solutions to address mental health resource gaps. Balancing personal and professional obligations becomes a theme as Carolyn shares her mantra for prioritizing tasks, along with her love for fall and her favorite drip coffee with oat milk. This episode is a heartfelt journey towards normalizing discussions about menopause and mental health, helping listeners find joy and understanding in their experiences.

Website: https://carolyn.thayer.azof.fr/services.pdf

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Email Us: info@midovia.com

MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Ever wonder if the secret to a healthier and more balanced life lies in understanding your own body better? Join us as we engage with Shay Pascale, a certified nutrition and functional diagnostic coach, who took a bold leap from a tech career into the realm of health and wellness. Through sharing her own challenges with conventional dieting and health issues, Shay unveils the transformative power of functional nutrition and lab testing. Discover how she helps women navigate midlife transitions by crafting personalized nutrition plans that target the root causes of health concerns.

As we explore the journey of women in their midlife, Shay provides valuable insights into addressing gut and hormone issues, weight management, and more through natural solutions. This episode sheds light on the functional health approach, where we emphasize understanding the body's unique signals over quick fixes. Learn how a comprehensive metabolism assessment and functional analysis of blood work can unlock a path to optimal wellness, contrasting this method with conventional Western practices for a more tailored health journey.

Dive into the world of building a sustainable health routine, as Shay highlights the importance of muscle-building workout plans and the critical role of nutrition. From her personal health challenges to the creation of her blog, The Body Bulletin, Shay's passion for advocating women's health shines through. Be inspired by her plans to make holistic solutions accessible through an affordable membership and enjoy some light-hearted moments, including a rapid-fire round that reveals her love for mountains and audiobooks. Join us for an episode filled with empowerment, practical advice, and a touch of inspiration for your own health journey.

About Shay:
Embarking on her health and fitness journey, Shay intimately understands the challenges of restrictive diets and perpetual restarts. Having been trapped in
the cycle of trial and error with various diets, low calories, and intense workout regimens, she empathizes with 35-55 year old career women
struggling to see results of their workouts and weight
loss efforts.

Having struggled with gut and hormone imbalances most of her life, especially in perimenopause, with doctors saying “blood work looks normal” or simply prescribing birth control or antibiotics, nothing
resolved her issues.

By discovering how to eat for her metabolic needs, running functional labs, and addressing her root causes, she healed her relationship with food,
resolved chronic gut and hormone issues, and achieved better workout results in a sustainable way. Now, Shay guides her clients toward their path of
food freedom and lean body composition.Transforming their health from the root to build strength and resilience for years to come.

Website: https://thebodybulletin.com/

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Email Us: info@midovia.com

MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.