What if the real problem in women’s healthcare isn’t a lack of information but decades of outdated rules that were never designed for women in the first place? In this powerful and deeply validating episode of Women Mastering Midlife, Victoria sits down with award-winning journalist and author Meghan Rabbitt to discuss her new book, The New Rules of Women’s Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Any Age, and why midlife is a critical turning point for women to stop outsourcing their care and start advocating for themselves. With more than 20 years of experience translating complex medical science into accessible guidance, Meghan brings both evidence and lived experience to a conversation that spans the full female lifespan from anatomy and hormones to brain health, heart health, lifestyle, and the unseen gaps that still exist in modern medicine. In this episode, we discuss: Why women’s health research has historically treated men as the “default patient” and how that legacy still affects diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes today Why perimenopause is not a niche issue, but a major blind spot in healthcare during a crucial window for prevention and longevity How to stop normalizing symptoms like brain fog, heavy periods, fatigue, and mood changes that deserve real clinical attention What women need to know about menopause hormone therapy, including where evidence ends, where clinical judgment begins, and why shared decision-making matters The role of lifestyle factors: nutrition, strength training, sleep, alcohol use, and stress regulation in shaping long-term health during midlife How misinformation, clickbait headlines, and influencer culture are fueling confusion around women’s health, and how to evaluate claims using evidence-based thinking Why pharmacists are an underutilized and highly accessible resource for women navigating medications, supplements, and hormone therapy Meghan’s personal health journey, including years of dismissed symptoms, the eventual diagnosis of uterine fibroids, and the importance of tracking and naming what your body is telling you How to prepare for medical appointments with confidence, ask better questions, and recognize when it is time to seek a second opinion or a new providerThe empowering truth about midlife: this is not a decline, but a transition into clarity, agency, and informed self-leadership How to find Meghan: Her Book: The New Rules of Women’s Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Any Age Her Website Instagram Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence. Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together. Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/free-guides Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @WomenMasteringMidlife and @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together! Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses Disclaimer This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice. Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.
