Many people worry about what aging might mean for their memory. In my clinic, I frequently see women in midlife who fear that their forgetfulness could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Memory lapses, difficulty finding the right words, and persistent brain fog can be unsettling, leaving women wondering whether these changes are a normal part of aging, a symptom of perimenopause, or something more serious. Fortunately, occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing your keys or forgetting your shopping list is usually a normal and harmless part of aging. Understanding the differences between normal aging, perimenopausal brain fog, and Alzheimer’s disease can help ease unnecessary worry. Below, we’ll explore what Alzheimer’s disease is and how it differs from the cognitive changes many women experience during perimenopause and the aging process. Estrogen & Cognitive Function In recent years, growing scientific attention has focused on the role of estrogen in cognitive function. This interest stems in part from the high prevalence of dementia and the fact that women are affected more …

There’s no denying that perimenopause brings its share of challenges. Mood swings, heightened anxiety, and periods of depression are common, and nearly half of women in this stage experience disrupted sleep. If these symptoms begin to interfere with your daily routine or overall well-being, it may be time to connect with a counselor and your primary care provider. If you feel like you need a little extra support and prefer a botanical approach, you may want to consider herbal supplements. Backed by solid scientific research, certain botanicals have been shown to ease common symptoms of perimenopause, including stress, mood fluctuations, anxiety, and sleep issues. Some herbs even offer broader health benefits, so take a closer look to find what might work best for you.

Few things can derail your day quite like a bloated belly. For many women navigating the hormonal shifts of perimenopause, digestive discomfort and stubborn weight gain have become all-too-familiar companions. Beyond the physical pressure, bloating can quietly chip away at your confidence, making even your favorite outfits look and feel uncomfortable. The good news? You are not alone, and there are plenty of lifestyle changes and effective strategies to help beat the bloat and get you back to feeling like yourself again—both inside and out.

As awareness of perimenopause and its symptoms continues to grow, the broader and more lasting impact of menopause on women’s health and longevity doesn’t get nearly enough attention. While estrogen deficiency during perimenopause is often linked to well-known symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, its long-term health implications—such as increased risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and weight gain—are frequently overlooked. Read on to learn more about the heightened health risks women face after menopause and what they can do to stay proactive and healthy. 

I grew up in a family of helpers. We took in foster kids, and even as a very young child, I remember this one particular woman who visited our home every month to check in on them. I always wondered about this kind-hearted but serious-minded woman. She wanted to know if the kids were adjusting well, eating right, and if they needed anything else to thrive while they stayed in our care.

The holidays are a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and good cheer, but the pressures of shopping, holiday travel, and hosting parties leave many feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Depression, anxiety, loneliness, and grief can all be heightened during the holidays, making an already hectic time even more challenging to manage. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce feelings of overwhelm and plenty of opportunities to find grace and gratitude this holiday season. 

If you’ve just shipped your youngest off to college or said good-bye to an only child who landed their dream job across the country, you’re likely feeling a confusing cocktail of emotions right now. After all, we want our kids to spread their wings yet we can’t help feeling worry, loneliness, and deep sadness when they fly the coop. As difficult as the empty nest can be, I am here to assure you that you will survive this stage of life and offer some tips and words of encouragement.

Perimenopause marks a natural transition in a woman’s life, often accompanied by a variety of physical and emotional challenges. In addition to the anticipated hot flashes and night sweats, it can also lead to less recognized symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, and insomnia. The impact of perimenopause on a woman’s overall health, particularly as she ages, is often underestimated. However, with increased awareness and simple lifestyle changes, women in perimenopause can take control of their health and wellness and live their best lives yet. Here are four life-changing tips for staying healthy and fit during perimenopause:

If you’re always on the lookout for the next wellness tip to help you become your best self, then you may have heard of Nootropics. With everyone looking for ways to improve their memory and overall brain health, especially during perimenopause, a lot of interest has centered around Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs.” We’ve tackled some of your most commonly asked questions to help you decide if Nootropics are the right choice for you.  

Hey, Ladies, have you read about this? In honor of Women’s History Month and to celebrate International Women’s Day, the medical journal The Lancet published a series of articles entitled Menopause 2024. It’s an interesting read, although some might question whether it’s insightful or downright insulting. While acknowledging the medical community’s history of ignoring and dismissing the healthcare needs of women as they age, it does a good job of calling for change within global healthcare systems.  However, the underlying theme of the series is pretty much…Suck It Up, Buttercup!

Do you recall the early stages of your career when retirement was decades away and just an elusive dream? Maybe you remember older colleagues packing up and heading out for new horizons. You may have even felt a twinge of envy (especially after a nightmarish day on the job!). But now that you are getting close to the reality of your own retirement, you may be feeling a sense of worry and trepidation. It’s like peering over a cliff into a gaping void, undefined and totally unknown. It’s completely understandable to experience many emotions at this time—excitement and anticipation mixed with a healthy dose of fear and uncertainty.

For some women, one of the more frustrating consequences of perimenopause is the onset of heavy menstrual bleeding. This is especially true for women who may never have experienced a heavy flow before or are experiencing blood clotting for the first time. While heavy menstrual bleeding is a major inconvenience and a cause for concern, believe it or not, changes in your bleeding pattern during perimenopause are not unusual. Fortunately, our medical expert is here to explain why you may be bleeding so heavily, how it can affect your health, and what treatment options are available to help improve your quality of life.

As women enter middle age, they may notice a steady increase in weight gain, especially across their midsection. Often referred to as the midlife spread, belly fat not only makes squeezing into your favorite jeans a workout all by itself, but if left untreated, it can put you at greater risk for chronic disease. While it’s no easy task, there are some things you can do to help reduce and even prevent belly fat. Staci Gulbin, a top nutritionist and women’s health advocate, is here to explain why belly fat develops in middle-aged women, how it impacts your health, and what lifestyle changes you can make to help you get a handle on those, ahem, love handles.

If you’re over 50 and back in the job market, don’t worry. You have the experience and the edge to land that job!

Can exercise really help combat the symptoms of perimenopause? The answer is a resounding yes!

Is asking for help or saying no uncomfortable for you? Practicing self-care is learning to say a guilt-free no to others and a long-overdue yes to yourself.

Shop these black-owned brands making a huge impact in the health and wellness space.

Learn which foods to eat and avoid in perimenopause to lessen your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Although perimenopause is a perfectly normal transition in every woman’s life, many of us are still in the dark about it and at an even greater loss when it comes to treating its many symptoms. Fortunately, our medical expert is here to help you understand what perimenopause is, what symptoms you’ll likely experience, and what options are available to treat them.