The MiDOViA Menopause Podcast: Real Talk on Hormones, Work, and Wellness for Midlife

April Haberman and Kim Hart

Welcome to The MiDOViA Menopause Podcast — your go-to source for science-backed, expert-led insights on menopause, perimenopause, and midlife wellness. We cover everything from hormone therapy to hot flashes, brain fog to bone health, workplace policies to personal empowerment. Whether you're navigating menopause yourself or supporting others, this podcast offers practical tools, real talk, and trusted guidance. Brought to you by MiDOViA, the first and only U.S. organization offering menopause-friendly workplace accreditation, we’re on a mission to change the narrative—at home, at work, and in society. 🔗 Explore free resources at midovia.com ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 069: Menopause Policy Playbook

    Menopause is getting louder in the culture, but the law is still whispering. We sit down with attorney, author, and policy leader Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, widely known for helping lead the campaign to end the tampon tax, to ask a bigger question: what does real menopause support look like when you move past awareness and into rights, coverage, and protections? We trace the through line from menstrual equity to menopause advocacy and why the policy path is so much more complicated. Jennifer explains how menopause touches everything at once: medical education, clinical guidelines, health insurance coverage, workplace culture, and the chronic underfunding of women’s health research. She also shares why the “stigma and silence” story is incomplete and how a century of messy debate has shaped today’s gaps in care. Then we get practical about menopause workplace accommodations and the legal guardrails that are missing in the United States. We talk ADA limitations, how the Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act and EEOC guidance hint at possible pathways, and why anti-discrimination protections may matter as much as employer benefits. We also zoom out to the state-level surge: dozens of bills across many states focused on provider training, public education, insurance and Medicaid coverage, and emerging attempts to define menopause discrimination. Jennifer’s new book, “When in Menopause,” lands as a user’s manual and citizen guide, showing how advocacy can start at the doctor’s office and scale up to community action and legislative change. Listen, share this with a friend who needs it, and please subscribe and leave a review so more people can find the show. Website: https://jenniferweisswolf.com/ Pre-order book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1399829041?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback 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.

    Episode 069: Menopause Policy Playbook
  2. Jun 18

    Episode 068: What If Bone Health Were A Lifestyle Brand

    Bone density doesn’t wait until your 60s, and neither should we. We’re joined by Marie Berry, a serial entrepreneur and global marketing executive, to talk about the moment a DEXA scan revealed osteopenia even though she felt strong, fit, and “healthy.” That shock sent her down a practical path of strength training, nutrition changes, and a new kind of daily movement that could actually stick, and it sparked a bigger question: why does women’s bone health still feel so clinical, so masculine, and so late?  Marie shares how that question became Evo Warrior, starting with a female-specific weighted vest designed around women’s ergonomics, comfort, and heat management (because perimenopause and menopause are already warm enough). We dig into what a DEXA scan measures (bone density plus body composition like muscle mass), why earlier testing matters, and how pairing a wellness product with diagnostics can turn vague “I should do something” energy into a plan you can discuss with a doctor or PT.  We also get specific about habit building, including a realistic approach to load and consistency, plus why impact matters for bones. Marie explains how their community incorporates simple moves like jumps alongside weighted walks, and why the real magic is the Evo Warrior Tribe: in-person connection, accountability, and honest conversations about midlife, longevity, and feeling confident in your body. We cover how to join local groups, how lead warriors help new cities launch, and what to know about HSA/FSA eligibility through TrueMed.  If you want a clearer, more empowering roadmap for osteoporosis prevention and bone health in menopause, hit play and walk with us. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge to measure, lift, and stay consistent. Marie Berry is a serial entrepreneur and global marketing executive building YVO, a wellness brand with the ambition to become the leading bone health platform for women. Born in Bolivia with Indigenous roots, raised in Europe, and having lived in Asia before settling in the US, she brings a global perspective to everything she builds. Marie blends her personal health journey with a background in marketing, creativity, and commerce - on a mission to make bone health sexy. Previously, she served as CMO and Operating Partner at an early-stage venture fund and IP firm, founded and exited two companies, and led WPP agencies for global brands including adidas, Chanel, and Ford. Marie holds a Triple Master’s in International Business from ESCP Business School and lives in Miami with her husband and two daughters. YVO (pronounced “ee-voh”) is a women’s wellness brand focused on bone health. The company combines their first product (a female-specific weighted vest), diagnostics (DEXA scans via BodySpec), cultural partnerships, and a fast-growing community (the YVO Warrior Tribe). Founded by seasoned entrepreneurs Marie Berry and Chiara Moore, YVO is building a category-defining brand at the intersection of women’s health, fitness, and community. Website: www.yvowarrior.com 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.

    Episode 068: What If Bone Health Were A Lifestyle Brand
  3. Jun 3

    Episode 067: Menopause, Meet Your New Natural Health App

    You can Google a menopause symptom in five seconds and still feel more confused than when you started. That’s the tension we’re living in: unlimited information, limited clarity, and almost no time to sort what’s credible, what’s safe, and what actually fits our bodies. So when we heard about Natura AI, a natural health AI built to remember you, we wanted to know what it really is and what it isn’t. We’re joined by co-founders Nate and Callie for a candid, practical conversation about how their personalized AI health app works, why they built it, and how it’s different from a generic chatbot. We dig into the intake process that creates a long-term health profile, how the model uses that context to tailor answers, and why that matters for midlife women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Think hormone shifts, sleep disruption, night sweats, anxiety, supplement questions, and potential interactions, all changing over time. We also pressure-test the hard parts: validating sources, safety guardrails, and the boundaries between education and medical care. Then we run a live example for waking up at 3 a.m. with a racing heart and stress, and talk through how features like voice input, photo ingredient scanning, and Apple Health integration make this feel usable in real life. Finally, we get direct about data privacy, encryption, and why they refuse sponsors and won’t sell user data. If you’re trying to make confident decisions about natural health, hormone support, and midlife wellness without spending hours in a research rabbit hole, this one is for you. Subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find the show. Websites:  NaturaAI: www.mynatura.ai 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.

    Episode 067: Menopause, Meet Your New Natural Health App
  4. May 28

    Episode 066: Menstrual Health Across the Lifespan

    If you’ve ever been told to “push through” your period pain, heavy bleeding, or sudden mood swings, we want to give you a better baseline and better language for getting help. We’re sharing a Menstrual Hygiene Day webinar replay with Dr. Dombo, a board-certified OB-GYN and menopause-certified practitioner with a cross-cultural lens on how women experience periods, stigma, and care gaps. We break down the menstrual cycle in plain terms (follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase) and connect estrogen and progesterone changes to real symptoms that show up at home and at work. We also get specific about what isn’t normal: soaking through pads or tampons hourly, bleeding longer than seven days, or cramps that regularly derail school, work, or life. Dr. Dombo explains how conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, thyroid issues, and clotting disorders can hide behind “it’s just my period,” and why racial and ethnic disparities lead to delayed diagnosis for too many women. From there, we zoom out to perimenopause and the menopause transition, including why symptoms can ramp up even when your periods still look “regular.” Sleep disruption, brain fog, anxiety, shifts in libido, vaginal dryness, bladder changes, and even dry eyes can be part of the picture, and hormones can deeply affect mental health through neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. We end with practical self-advocacy: track your cycle and symptoms for three months, name details with clarity, and consider telehealth options like Alloy Health to expand access while still partnering with your local clinician. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people stop normalizing suffering and start getting answers. Websites:  www.myalloy.com NaturaAI: www.mynatura.ai 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.

    Episode 066: Menstrual Health Across the Lifespan
  5. May 22

    Episode 065: Three Small Changes Can Make A Workplace Period Positive

    Half the workforce menstruates, but most workplaces still operate as if periods never happen. That silence shows up in the worst moments: a surprise bleed, no supplies, no private place to manage it, and the scramble to get through a meeting or a full shift while hoping nobody notices. We talk candidly about why this gap persists and what it costs employees and employers, especially during perimenopause when cycles can turn unpredictable and heavy. I’m joined by Diana Nelson, Advocacy Director at Days for Girls International and a leader behind the Period Positive Workplace initiative. She explains how the menstrual health conversation has evolved from a narrow focus on products and girls in school to a more holistic approach that includes wash facilities, accurate education, pain management, and the full life cycle from menstruation to menopause. We also dig into the practical reality of humanitarian and disaster relief and why “product choice” matters for dignity and real-world needs. Then we get concrete. Period Positive Workplace asks organizations to do three things: provide free menstrual products, ensure a space where people can manage their period with privacy and basic amenities, and communicate clearly that this support exists. Diana shares impact data showing how quickly these small changes open new conversations and reduce stress, plus why the ROI can be significant when you account for hidden costs like absenteeism, reduced productivity, and leaving work to buy supplies. If you want a simple, measurable way to support menstrual health at work, this conversation gives you a starting point and the language to lead. Subscribe, share this with a manager or HR partner, and leave a review so more workplaces stop treating menstrual health like a taboo and start treating it like a normal human need. Websites: https://www.https://www.periodpositiveworkplace.org/ https://www.daysforgirls.org Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com 20% OFF Discount Code: MIDOVIA MiDOViA 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.

    Episode 065: Three Small Changes Can Make A Workplace Period Positive
  6. May 12

    Episode 064: How To Rebuild Your Health In Menopause

    Most women hit midlife doing the “right” things and still feel worse: the same meals, the same workouts, the same hustle, and suddenly the results disappear. That’s not failure, it’s math. Your health equation changes in perimenopause and menopause, and trying to force your old inputs to produce old outputs is where frustration and burnout take over.  We sit down with Jill Foos, founder of Jill Foos Wellness and host of the Health Trip Podcast, to talk about what’s really happening beneath the surface and what actually helps in real life. We get into why so many women arrive after seeing multiple doctors, exhausted but still curious, and how Jill helps them start again without the overwhelm. We talk protein and strength training, the intimidation factor that keeps women from lifting, and how to lower the barrier to entry so progress feels doable instead of impossible.  Then we go deeper into the biology and the mindset shift. Jill breaks down how changing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can influence sleep, mood, motivation, and libido, plus why muscle loss is often about aging, not just hormones. We also talk about grieving your old body and identity, using a clear vision for your 70s and 80s as motivation, and becoming the CEO of your healthcare by building a real team you can trust and, when needed, replacing providers who dismiss you.  If you want a smarter, more sustainable menopause plan built around your life, not a one-size-fits-all protocol, press play. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s struggling, and leave a review so more women can find this conversation. Jill Foos is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach based in Chicago who is skilled in evidence-based strategies for behavior change and is a member of MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers). She holds certifications from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy and has specialized training in menopause, mindfulness, supplements, and gut health. She uses science-backed strategies for behavior change, including Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, and the Stages of Change Model to support and inspire her clients to find their motivation for change. Her specialty is helping midlife women find their longevity and disease prevention equation, considering lifestyle interventions to support sleep optimization, nutrition, stress management, exercise, and community. She founded Jill Foos Wellness, a virtual health coaching business, and hosts the Health Trip Podcast. Website: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/ Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com 20% OFF Discount Code: MIDOVIA MiDOViA 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.

    Episode 064: How To Rebuild Your Health In Menopause
  7. Apr 28

    Episode 063: Menopause And The Gut

    Everything can feel like it changes at once in midlife, and “it’s just aging” doesn’t explain the full story. We sit down with Cynthia Thurlow, NP and author of The Menopause Gut, to unpack a missing link many women never hear about: as estrogen and progesterone decline in perimenopause and menopause, the gut microbiome can become a powerful driver of how we feel day to day. If you’re dealing with bloating, stubborn weight changes, brain fog, new food sensitivities, reflux, or a body that suddenly feels unpredictable, this conversation gives you a clearer map. We break down what the gut microbiome actually is, why diversity matters, and how shifts in inflammation and the intestinal barrier can ripple into immune health and autoimmunity risk. Cynthia explains short-chain fatty acids, the gut brain axis, and why mood and sleep can worsen when the gut gets inflamed. We also talk about hormone therapy research, including what it may mean for restoring a more “youthful” microbiome, while keeping expectations grounded in what science can and can’t confirm yet. Then we get practical. We share a food-first approach to probiotics, easy ways to support digestion without buying a cabinet of supplements, why fiber is a midlife superpower (and how to increase it slowly), and how meal timing and stress management shape circadian rhythm. One of the biggest takeaways is surprisingly simple and surprisingly hard: boundaries. Learning to say no can be one of the most effective microbiome-friendly changes you make in menopause. If this helped you connect dots in your own body, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a smarter menopause gut health playbook. Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, host of the Everyday Wellness podcast, author and international speaker, with over 15 million views for her second TEDx talk (Intermittent Fasting: Transformational Technique). With over 25 years of experience in health and wellness, Cynthia is a globally recognized expert in perimenopause/menopause and intermittent fasting, and has been featured on ABC, FOX5, KTLA, CW, Medium, Entrepreneur, and The Megyn Kelly Show. Website: www.cynthiathurlow.com Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com 20% OFF Discount Code: MIDOVIA MiDOViA 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.

    Episode 063: Menopause And The Gut
  8. Apr 15

    Episode 062: How Menopause Changes Inflammation And Why Your Joints Hurt

    Pain that shows up in midlife has a special way of messing with your confidence. One day you’re fine, the next day your knee, hip, back, or shoulder is changing how you sleep, move, work, and show up for the people you love. We wanted a smarter answer than “that’s just aging,” so we sat down with Stacey Roberts, a longtime physical therapist and chronic pain expert, to talk about what’s actually happening and what you can do next. Stacey shares the moment that changed her own thinking: a sudden knee “pop,” a swollen joint, and an appointment that rushed straight to total knee replacement and a cortisone injection. From there, we unpack a key takeaway for anyone dealing with arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain, or chronic pain: imaging does not equal destiny. You can have significant arthritis and still be pain-free, and you can often reduce pain by finding the real drivers instead of chasing a quick fix. We also connect the dots to perimenopause and menopause. As estrogen and other hormones decline, you lose natural anti-inflammatory support, which can turn up pain even when your habits haven’t changed. We talk HRT as one possible tool, plus practical lifestyle strategies that matter just as much: reducing ultra-processed foods, checking biomechanics and movement patterns, considering gut health and food sensitivities, and taking stress hormones like cortisol and thyroid function seriously. If you’ve been told to just push through, this conversation offers a different path: curiosity, personalization, and a plan. If this helped, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review. What’s one pain trigger you’re ready to investigate first? Stacey Roberts PT, RN, MSN has over 30 years of experience helping patients live pain-free while achieving their health goals. She is a Holistic Master’s Prepared Registered Nurse, a Musculoskeletal Specialist, a Pelvic and Sexual Health Physiotherapist, and a Functional Medicine Specialist. Stacey owns the New You Health and Wellness Practice in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, combining cutting-edge technology, advanced manual therapy, and functional medicine to help patients attain optimal health.  Many of her patients, including herself have avoided surgery, drugs, and injections. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, ​​ The Pain Free Formula: Solving The Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs, or Injections and the host of the #1 podcast on chronic pain, The Pain Free Formula  Websites: https://newyouhealthandwellness.com New You Health and Wellness Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com 20% OFF Discount Code: MIDOVIA MiDOViA 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.

    Episode 062: How Menopause Changes Inflammation And Why Your Joints Hurt

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The MiDOViA Menopause Podcast — your go-to source for science-backed, expert-led insights on menopause, perimenopause, and midlife wellness. We cover everything from hormone therapy to hot flashes, brain fog to bone health, workplace policies to personal empowerment. Whether you're navigating menopause yourself or supporting others, this podcast offers practical tools, real talk, and trusted guidance. Brought to you by MiDOViA, the first and only U.S. organization offering menopause-friendly workplace accreditation, we’re on a mission to change the narrative—at home, at work, and in society. 🔗 Explore free resources at midovia.com ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have.