Afterpause

Nobody built a skincare brand for the woman you are right now. Sally Mueller, co-founder and CEO of Womaness, decided to fix that. Part of Sally's path to building Womaness included a breast cancer diagnosis, a doctor's appointment that finally connected the dots on symptoms she had been ignoring for years, and a shopping cart full of products she refused to buy because of how they looked, smelled, and were formulated. That frustration became Womaness, which launched with 13 products spanning skincare, body care, wellness, sexual health, and incontinence, and designed specifically for the skin, body, and life of a postmenopausal woman. And in this episode, Sally pulls back the curtain on everything, from the science, the formulation decisions, the ingredients that actually work, and the ones that are just marketing. In this episode, we discuss: What is actually wrong with most menopause and intimate health products that were available before Womaness, including the packaging problem, the tone problem, and why tone determines whether women actually use the product The real science of what happens to skin during and after menopause, including the collagen loss of up to 30% in the first five years after the final period, the role of estrogen receptors throughout the skin, and what that means for barrier function, hydration, elasticity, and wound healing How Womaness chooses ingredients, from identifying the specific skin change to researching clinical evidence to selecting peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide and what each actually does for postmenopausal skin. The honest clean beauty conversation: what is evidence-based and what is marketing, including whether organic skincare actually works Formulating for sexual health, pH balance, vaginal microbiome, why most existing lubricants and moisturizers are formulated incorrectly for menopausal vaginal tissue, and how Womaness approaches intimate care differently. The supplement line, including Pycnogenol and Bacognize, two ingredients most women have never heard of and what makes them relevant to postmenopausal health. This is the episode for every woman who has stood in a skincare aisle not knowing what to trust, and every woman who deserves a brand built specifically for the postmenopausal skin she is actually in right now. Find Sally Mueller and Womaness: Website: www.womaness.com Instagram: @womaness Stay connected with JFW: Book your 60-minute Menopause Care Consultation: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/menopause-care-consult-page Follow on Instagram: @jillfooswellness Follow on Facebook: @jillfooswellness Follow on YouTube: @jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite menopause wellness products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness/store-start Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/15-minute-zoom-consultations I f you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org

In this episode of Afterpause, we're cutting through the noise around plastic surgery, noninvasive aesthetics, and skincare for women over 50. Renowned NYC-based plastic surgeon Dr. Lara Devgan joins us to explain what actually works and how to create a thoughtful, long-term approach to looking refreshed without looking overdone. In this episode, we cover: What women over 50 are really looking for: Why the goal is often not to look younger, but to look rested, healthy, vibrant, and like yourself, and how menopause changes the skin, hair, face, and overall appearance. Understanding the different types of facelifts: A clear explanation of full facelifts, deep-plane facelifts, vertical restore techniques, mid-facelifts, mini-facelifts, and neck lifts, and how a surgeon determines which approach may be appropriate for different stages of facial aging. Suture suspension and thread lifting: What suture suspension actually is, how it differs from traditional threads, who may be a candidate, and why there is so much disagreement among surgeons about these procedures. The aging neck: Why the neck can be one of the most frustrating areas for women in midlife and beyond, what happens to the platysma muscle as we age, and when Botox, a Nefertiti-style approach, or surgery may make sense. Tired-looking eyes: Why the eyes can make you look older or more exhausted than you feel—and how to think about upper and lower blepharoplasty, under-eye puffiness, dark circles, hollowness, and the role (and limitations) of eye creams. Hollowing, volume loss, and facial balance: How menopause-related changes in fat, bone, skin, and soft tissue affect the face, and why simply adding more filler isn't always the answer. What noninvasive treatments can, and cannot, do: A realistic look at skincare, lasers, injectables, biostimulators, regenerative treatments, and other nonsurgical options for women who aren't ready for surgery or don't want it. How to combine surgery, noninvasive treatments, and skincare: Why the best aesthetic plan isn't necessarily one procedure. Learn how women can think about their face and skin as a long-term investment, combining the right surgical procedures with nonsurgical treatments and a strong skincare routine over time. Red flags when choosing a plastic surgeon: What women should look for when evaluating a doctor, how to think about credentials and experience, why seeing before-and-after photos matters, and warning signs that a surgeon may be selling a procedure rather than creating an individualized plan. Skincare for mature and postmenopausal skin: The importance of protecting the skin barrier, using targeted active ingredients, and protecting against environmental damage—and how to approach vitamin C, retinoids, hyaluronic acid, sunscreen, and other popular anti-aging ingredients. Whether you're considering a facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, injectables, lasers, regenerative treatments, or simply want a better skincare routine, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for navigating plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine after 50—to look like the best, most rested version of yourself. Dr. Devgan trained as a classical artist before medicine — Yale, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Columbia and New York Presbyterian for residency and fellowship. She operates on the principle that beauty is in the details. Millimeter-level changes. Not transformation — enhancement. Her most fulfilled patients aren't the ones who look younger. They're the ones who look like themselves — well-rested, radiant, and congruent with how they feel inside. Find Dr. Devgan: https://laradevganmd.com/ Stay connected with JFW: Book your 60-minute Menopause Care Consultation: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/menopause-care-consult-page Follow on Instagram: @jillfooswellness Follow on Facebook: @jillfooswellness Follow on YouTube: @jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite menopause wellness products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness/store-start Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/15-minute-zoom-consultations If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org _:empty]:hidden">

You are being marketed to. Aggressively. And the people doing it know exactly when to come for you: when your skin starts changing, when the products that worked for years suddenly stop working, when you catch yourself in a mirror and think, what is happening to my face. That moment of vulnerability is worth billions of dollars to the aesthetics industry. And most of what they're selling you is not backed by clinical evidence. Here's what's actually happening. When estrogen drops during menopause, your skin loses collagen at a rate of about 2.1% per year, and in the first five years after menopause alone, you can lose up to 30% of your skin's collagen. No serum fixes that. No $300 peptide cream fixes that. In this episode, I'm getting you straight answers. I brought in the person I would send my own clients to, and he's going to walk you through every major in-office skin treatment being marketed to midlife women right now. Lasers, peels, injectables, microneedling, red light, and exosomes, all of it. What actually works, what's overhyped, what's a waste of money, and what to ask before you hand over your credit card to anyone. My guest is Dr. Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist. His fellowship in cosmetic, laser, and dermatologic surgery was completed with clinical faculty from Harvard, Yale, and Brown. He did his residency at Cleveland Clinic, where he served as Chief Resident. He's a published researcher, adjunct faculty at Cleveland Clinic, and a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. He specializes in every major laser procedure and the full range of injectables, and he has no financial stake in selling you any particular device or product. There is no room for bias here. You deserve an action plan that actually works. Find Dr. Ibrahim here: Instagram: @chicagoskindoc and @Salmalita_Cosmetics Stay Connected with JFW: Book your 60-minute Menopause Care Consultation: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/menopause-care-consult-page Follow on Instagram: @jillfooswellness Follow on Facebook: @jillfooswellness Follow on YouTube: @jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite menopause wellness products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness/store-start Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/15-minute-zoom-consultations If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org

Welcome to Afterpause with Jill Foos — the menopause podcast built for women who are done waiting for answers and ready to take action. In this first episode, I'm sharing why I changed the name of my podcast, what Afterpause means and why it matters, and exactly what this show is going to do for you every single week. This isn't another menopause awareness podcast. It's a roadmap — built specifically for women navigating postmenopause who want to know what to do next, not just what's happening to them. After menopause, most women are handed information and sent home without direction. Their body is changing, their energy is shifting, their relationships are evolving, and no one is speaking to this phase directly or practically. Afterpause exists to change that. Every episode features evidence-based conversations with leading physicians and experts in women's health and lifestyle, giving you the clarity, confidence, and action steps to take ownership of the next 20 to 30 years of your life. Introducing the Menopause Care Consult. If you're ready to stop guessing and start getting real answers about your menopause health, I now offer a private one-on-one Menopause Care Consult. This is a personalized session designed to help you understand exactly where you are in your menopause journey, what your symptoms are telling you, what questions to ask your provider, and how to build a healthcare team that actually supports this stage of your life. Whether you're in perimenopause, recently postmenopausal, or years into this chapter and still looking for clarity — this consult gives you a roadmap that is specific to you. Learn more and book your Menopause Care Consult at: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/menopause-care-consult-page In this episode: — Why I changed my podcast name from Health Trip to Afterpause — What Afterpause means and who it's for — Why postmenopause is not a closing chapter — it's the longest one — What you can expect from this podcast every week — How to work with me directly through the Menopause Care Consult This podcast is for you if: — You are in postmenopause and want real answers — You feel dismissed or undertreated by your current healthcare team — You want evidence-based guidance on hormones, sleep, sexual health, heart health, metabolism, skincare, and strength — You refuse to accept that the best years are behind you Subscribe now so you never miss an episode — and if this resonates, share it with every midlife woman in your life who deserves a roadmap. Find Jill Foos: Website: www.jillfooswellness.com Instagram: @jillfooswellness FB: @jillfooswellness Podcast: Afterpause with Jill Foos on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

NAD+ is one of the most critical molecules in your body — essential for energy production, DNA repair, brain function, metabolism, and healthy aging. And after menopause, your levels drop significantly. The result is fatigue that sleep doesn't fix, brain fog that won't lift, and a body that stopped responding the way it used to. But here is what most women — and most doctors — don't know: supplementing without testing is guesswork. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jin-Xiong She, founder of Jinfiniti Precision Medicine and one of the world's leading NAD+ researchers, to talk about why intracellular NAD+ testing is the only way to know where your levels actually are — and what to do about it. About Dr. Jin-Xiong She: Dr. Jin-Xiong She is the founder and CEO of Jinfiniti Precision Medicine and a Distinguished Research Professor at Augusta University. He has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific publications, secured over $100 million in research funding, and holds multiple patents in precision medicine and metabolic health. His work on intracellular NAD+ testing has made him one of the most important voices in longevity and cellular health science today. In this episode: Why NAD+ declines so dramatically after menopause What low NAD+ actually feels like in your body The difference between intracellular testing and guessing NR versus NMN — what the science actually says How to dose correctly based on your results Why most women are supplementing wrong This is not another supplement conversation. This is precision medicine for midlife women. Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast. Learn more about Jinfiniti: Save 15% on all products and NAD test kits: https://www.jinfiniti.com/shop/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=4&affid=128 Stay connected with JFW: Book your 60-minute Menopause Care Consultation: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/menopause-care-consult Follow on Instagram: @jillfooswellness Follow on Facebook: @jillfooswellness Follow on YouTube: @jillfooswellness Grab discounts on wellness products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness/store-start Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations Join the Group Health Coaching cohort here: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/group-coaching If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org

Most women enter menopause expecting hot flashes and sleep disruption. What nobody tells you is that menopause is also a window of increased vulnerability to some of the most significant disease states of your lifetime — cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune conditions, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, and cancer. Menopause doesn't cause all of these. But it creates the biological conditions that accelerate them in women who already have underlying vulnerabilities, most of which have been building for decades, completely undetected. Here's what I've come to believe after years in this space, and from navigating menopause myself: the women who fare best aren't just asking what I'm feeling, they're asking why. That question is the entire foundation of today's guest's practice. Dr. Derek Guillory is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, one of the first certified functional medicine practitioners in Texas, and founder of Root Causes Medicine in San Antonio, a practice built around the one question most conventional doctors never answer: Why am I sick? We cover: Why menopause accelerates disease in women with underlying vulnerabilities What inflammation has to do with your hormonal transition How to shift from symptom management to true prevention What functional medicine looks for that conventional medicine misses How to advocate for yourself in a healthcare system not built for midlife women If you've ever felt dismissed, confused, or like something deeper is going on — this episode is for you. Learn more about Dr. Guillory: Website: https://rootcauses.com IG: ‪@RootCauses-medicine‬‍ ‍ FB: ‪@rootcausesmedicine‬‍ ‍ Stay connected with JFW: Book your 60-minute Menopause Care Consultation: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness...‍ ‍ Follow on Instagram: / jillfooswellness ‍ ‍ Follow on Facebook: / jillfooswellness ‍ ‍ Grab discounts on wellness products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/heal... Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jil...‍ ‍ Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness...‍ ‍ Join the Group Health Coaching cohort here: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/grou...‍ ‍ If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org

Something women don't talk about enough in the menopause conversation is desire. Not just the loss of it, but the possibility of reclaiming it, rebuilding it, and discovering that your second act might actually be where you finally stop apologizing for what turns you on. Sexual health and pleasure are core pillars of midlife wellness, sitting alongside sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management. And the evidence backs it up. Sexual pleasure, alone or partnered, improves cardiovascular health, boosts immune function by 30%, supports mental health, relieves pain, improves sleep, and maintains pelvic floor health. But for most women, the issue isn't physical. It's permission. Permission to want it. Permission to pursue it. Permission to use tools that feel a little unfamiliar — maybe even a little taboo. For decades, pornography was made by men, for men. It reflected the male gaze and left most women cold. The stigma many of us carry makes complete sense. Women were never the audience. But that has changed. There is a growing world of erotic content made by women, directed by women, for women, aesthetically beautiful, emotionally resonant, and designed to turn you on in a way that feels safe, exciting, and entirely yours. For midlife women navigating menopause, lower estrogen, lower testosterone, and reduced spontaneous desire, erotic content can be a powerful tool for re-engaging the brain's role in arousal. Because desire in midlife is often responsive. You need a reason to want it. The right erotic content can be that reason. Holly Randall, erotic photographer, director, producer, AVN Hall of Fame inductee, and host of the Holly Randall Unfiltered podcast, joins the Health Trip Podcast. Holly's mother, Suze Randall, was the first female photographer to shoot for Playboy, Hustler, and Penthouse. Holly grew up in that world and went on to build her own empire championing erotic content that centers women's pleasure. The AVN, by the way, stands for Adult Video News; think of it as the Oscars of the adult entertainment industry. This episode is about giving yourself permission to explore a side of yourself that has always been there, part curiosity, part hunger, but never quite felt safe enough to come forward. Stay connected to JFW: Watch on the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on wellness products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations Join April's Group Health Coaching cohort here: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/group-coaching If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org

If you've spent any time on Instagram or TikTok lately, you've seen it. Peptide therapy. Everywhere. Promising weight loss, energy, anti-aging, and yes — menopause symptom relief. The before-and-after photos are compelling. The promises are bold. The packaging is pretty. And the price tags are steep. But here's what's missing from most of those posts: the science, the safety, and the truth about what's actually regulated, what's actually studied, and what's actually being sold to you in a vial from a compounding pharmacy you've never heard of. And in some cases, from your own licensed practitioner. Menopausal women are navigating in the dark. Being dismissed by their doctors. Feeling unheard. And turning to anything that promises relief. On this episode with Dr. Catherine Johnson, we cut through the noise and give you the straight answers you deserve. Dr. Johnson is Board-Certified in both Obesity Medicine and Emergency Medicine, and the Founder and Medical Director of Precision Medical Care, a private concierge practice she launched in 2018. She trained at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, completed her residency at the University of Chicago, and spent nearly two decades there as an Associate Professor. She holds advanced certifications from the Menopause Society and the Institute for Functional Medicine, with fellowship training in Precision Medicine. This episode is for real women. In midlife and beyond. Those who are done being misled and ready for real answers. Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my podcast guests. Stay Connected with JFW: Watch on the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on wellness products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations Join April's Group Health Coaching cohort here: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/group-coaching If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org

At some point in midlife, many women quietly ask, "Who am I now?" I remember facing that question myself at 48, newly separated and adjusting to a home that was suddenly much quieter. It can feel disorienting when your body is changing, your roles are shifting, and the old rules no longer seem to apply, yet the world still expects you to carry on as usual. In this episode, we explore authenticity in midlife and what it really means to become more yourself, not less, through perimenopause and beyond. I'm joined by Dr. Gail Saltz, MD, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, to unpack the cultural narratives women have absorbed about aging, beauty, relevance, and identity. We discuss why this stage can feel unsettling and how to move through it with clarity, self-respect, and even joy. Dr. Gail Saltz is best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional well-being, and mental health contributor in the media, where she is a go-to expert for commentary on the mental health aspects of current/breaking issues and news. She is a bestselling author of numerous books, including "The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius," and serves as a Medical Expert for the Physicians for Human Rights. Dr. Saltz is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine, a psychoanalyst with the New York Psychoanalytic Institute, has a private practice in Manhattan, and hosts the "How Can I Help?" podcast. Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast. Find Dr. Saltz: Website: https://drgailsaltz.com/ IG: @drgailsaltz FB: @GailSaltzMD Podcast: https://drgailsaltz.com/how-can-i-help-podcast/ Stay connected with JFW: Watch on the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on wellness products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations Join April's Group Health Coaching cohort here: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/group-coaching If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org

So many women in perimenopause find themselves asking the same confusing question: Should I stay on birth control, switch to menopause hormone therapy, try both, or do nothing at all? And why does it feel like everyone has a different answer? In this episode, we unpack why perimenopause can feel like a medical gray zone. Symptoms can be intense and unpredictable, hormone testing isn't always clear, and many women are told they're "too young" or "just stressed." Add in social media opinions, antidepressants being prescribed first, and inconsistent medical guidance, and no wonder women feel lost. We break down the real science behind: • Birth control vs. Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) • How doctors decide what to recommend • Whether you can transition directly from the pill to MHT • What realistic symptom relief looks like • How long adjustments actually take • What to do if spotting or symptoms continue We also address the biggest myths, like: • "You can't be in perimenopause if you're on the pill." • "You have to wait until your period stops to use hormones." Plus, we shine a light on women who are often left out of the conversation: • Those with severe PMS or PMDD • Women in early menopause • Women after hysterectomy • Women wondering about testosterone, libido, brain fog & mood This episode is about clarity, options, and informed choice. Perimenopause is not a failure of your body, and confusion around hormones is NOT your fault. You deserve education, thoughtful support, and individualized care, not guesswork or fear-based advice. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. This conversation will help you understand what's really happening in your body and how to approach hormone decisions with confidence. Find Dr. Sarah here: Website: https://www.lumaniwellness.com/ IG: drsarah_menopausemd Stay connected to JFW: Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts. Our inaugural event is February 3rd, 2026, in Winnetka. Tickets are on sale now. Learn more: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org

Many women notice real shifts in desire, arousal, and physical comfort during the menopause transition. Yet most of us were never taught how to talk about these changes, or how to support our sexual health as part of overall midlife wellness. Sexual pleasure is a key marker of health. It's linked to hormones, cardiovascular function, sleep quality, mental health, and even long-term longevity. Because of stigma and a lack of open conversation, too many women quietly accept pain, low desire, or the belief that sexuality fades after midlife. It doesn't. Menopause changes sex, but it doesn't end it. In this episode, we break down what really happens to the body during midlife, how pleasure evolves, and practical ways to rebuild a healthy, satisfying sex life on your own terms. As I often say, every woman has her own unique health equation, and that includes sexual pleasure. There is no single path that works for everyone. My guest today is Dr. Rachel Zar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, and advanced certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Zar is the Clinical Director at Avid Intimacy, a sex and relationship therapy practice specializing in evidence-based support for individuals and couples. Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Always consult your own physician for any medical concerns. This disclaimer also applies to any guests featured on the podcast. Find Dr. Zar: Website: https://www.rachelzartherapy.com/ IG: @rachelzartherapy FB: @rachelzartherapy Stay connected to JFW: Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

In this empowering episode of the Health Trip Podcast, I dive into the essential blueprint for assembling your ultimate healthcare dream team during midlife, emphasizing that navigating menopause isn't a solo journey but a collaborative effort with specialized experts. I break down the core players: Start with a Primary Care Physician (PCP) as your quarterback, overseeing general health and coordinating referrals; an OBGYN for reproductive and hormonal insights; and a menopause care expert, like a certified menopause practitioner, to tailor treatments for hot flashes, mood swings, and libido changes. For heart health, which becomes crucial post-menopause, a preventive cardiologist or lipid expert monitors cholesterol and cardiovascular risks, while a dermatologist addresses skin changes like dryness or acne from hormonal shifts. Don't overlook a bone health expert, such as an endocrinologist or rheumatologist, to safeguard against osteoporosis through DEXA scans and nutrition advice. I review them all and add additional bonus players to round out a robust team for this second act of your life. Don't miss this episode - it's all about prevention. Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast. Stay connected to JFW: Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations