Melissa Ashley, founder of Women in Work US and the Menopause Mandate, joins us for a compelling conversation about workplace support through every stage of women's lives, especially menopause.

She shares her journey of recognizing that while companies focus on reproductive health, they often neglect supporting women through menopause, despite this demographic making up approximately 20% of the US workforce. "There's not a lot that's really targeted to C-suite executives in the HR and benefits area that talks about the how," Melissa explains, highlighting the gap her organization fills through impactful events and resources.

We explore the fascinating reality that women in midlife are typically at the peak of their careers—more confident, experienced, and free from many earlier life constraints. As Melissa puts it, "We're less constrained, we're more comfortable with ourselves, we've really come into our own and can be much stronger contributors as well as consumers." This perspective reframes the conversation from viewing menopause as a liability to recognizing it as a period of tremendous potential.

The conversation takes a turn when Melissa reveals her groundbreaking initiative: the first national free Menopause Mandate advice line. This resource connects women with qualified menopause guides for 15-minute consultations, addressing the critical gap in healthcare support. With roughly 56,000 OBGYNs nationwide and approximately 70-80% lacking menopause education, countless women find themselves dismissed by medical professionals during this critical life transition.

Whether you're an HR professional seeking actionable strategies to support your workforce, a woman navigating perimenopause or menopause, or simply interested in creating more inclusive workplaces, this episode delivers invaluable insights. Join us to discover how supporting women through all life stages creates stronger organizations and more fulfilling careers.

Ready to make a difference in your organization? Connect with Melissa through LinkedIn or visit menopausemandate.org to learn about access to the free advice line.

For WiW Events, visit www.wiwsummitus.com.

MiDOViA LINKS:

Website: https://www.midovia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia
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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.

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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MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the

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

LINKS:

Website: https://www.midovia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymidovia
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/midovia
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.