🔥 HOT Dr. Jennifer Ashton partnered with Astellas Pharma to launch Cooler Moments, an effort to educate and empower women to speak up about their hot flashes and night sweats. “I want women to feel informed and empowered to ask questions,” Ashton says. “This is a great opportunity to bring hot flashes due to menopause out in the open and discuss how we as women can continue to live a full and exciting life during this stage.”

👎 NOT More than 24% of Americans have chronic pain, according to new CDC survey data. And the rate is higher among women. There are several potential reasons for this, and while hormonal decline is a big one, it’s not always addressed (or even discussed). Midlife hormonal changes can cause increased pain sensitivity, inflammation, sleep trouble, weight gain, and anxiety and depression—all of which can contribute to chronic pain. 

Feeling tempted to skip your workout? Here’s a good reason to stick with it: better Zzz’s. A recent study discovered low- and moderate-intensity aerobic activities, like walking, or using a stationary bike or treadmill, improved sleep quality in menopausal women with sleep disorders. 

But it’s not just about working out—consistency and duration matter. Women who exercised three times a week for 70 to 90 minutes saw the most notable improvements in their sleep patterns. Tip: If it’s too cold to get outdoors for a walk or jog, use this 30-minute indoors walking workout to move toward your workout goal.

Struggling to get enough shut-eye? Midi clinicians are deeply trained in midlife sleep issues and can personalize your Care Plan with evidence-based solutions ranging from hormone therapy to supplements.  

After talking about my menopause symptoms (night sweats and hot flashes) with my primary care physician, I decided to "sweat it out." But then a few months later, I started experiencing horrible lower back pain and severe joint pain in my hands and feet. 

I was sent from doctor to doctor: physiatrists, rheumatologists, and chiropractors. There were numerous blood draws and imaging tests, and many different possibilities discussed, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and depression (it's probably in your head!). I finally found my way to Midi via a group at my workplace where others shared their symptoms.

My Midi clinician not only believed me when I explained the symptoms I was experiencing, but she was able to help me find relief. Now I’m on the estrogen patch and progesterone pills, and I shout about my experience from the rooftops so other middle-aged women don't have to suffer!

Remember: It's not all in your head and you are not crazy! You know your body and mind better than anyone else, so don't let anyone discount your symptoms!

Share your menopause experience—the good, the bad, the sweaty, all of it. If your story is featured in an upcoming Midi Weekly, we’ll send you a “Menopause Is Hot” t-shirt.

What are the benefits of adding testosterone if you are taking estrogen and progesterone?

The main menopause symptom testosterone may help with is a lowered libido, but Midi’s clinical team says it’s not for everyone. Some women aren’t too bothered by a dive in sex drive, and in that case, testosterone isn’t needed. But if a low libido is distressing or interfering with a patient’s quality of life (and we’ve ruled out other causes such as medication or relationship troubles), then testosterone may be recommended. 

Too much testosterone can have serious side effects, including permanent deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris, acne, and hair loss. That’s why Midi clinicians prescribe a low dose of topical testosterone (we never prescribe pellets, which are implanted under the skin). This way, if a patient notices any side effects, they can stop applying the treatment for a few days. We also schedule follow-up appointments, where we test testosterone levels to make sure they’re not too elevated and evaluate whether the treatment is helping libido. If not, it’s time to stop testosterone use.