🔥 HOT That snip-pinch-ow feeling you get during a Pap smear? Not fun, but a kinder, gentler test is gaining traction. New guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have officially endorsed a self-collection test (you use a swab to gather a sample from your vaginal wall) to screen for HPV, the virus responsible for nearly all cervical cancers. Even after menopause, you need to get screened at least every five years whether via a traditional Pap smear, an HPV test, or this new self-collection option. And yes, Midi clinicians remind patients when they’re due for this and other preventative tests.

👎 NOT 2 Broke Girls actress Beth Behrs says she struggled to get her doctors to diagnose her perimenopause, despite having tell-tale symptoms of hot flashes, weight gain, and insomnia. “I would go see doctors, get ultrasounds, and was always told, ‘You’re fine.’ Or, specifically from male doctors, ‘You’re too young for perimenopause. But I knew something wasn’t right,” Behrs told Glamour.

Your symptoms should be taken seriously (never dismissed!) and treated with evidence-based care. At Midi, our clinicians are deeply trained in women’s health and can guide you to the solutions that are right for you, whether that’s HRT, non-hormonal meds, lifestyle guidance, supplements—or a combination of a few. Book a visit to get your personalized Care Plan.

You may have heard the FDA recently issued a black box warning for Veozah (fezolinetant), a medication commonly prescribed for menopausal hot flashes. The warning highlights the potential for a very rare but serious liver injury associated with the drug. As a result, the FDA recommends more frequent liver function blood testing before using Veozah and throughout treatment. Additionally, patients are advised to discontinue Veozah if they notice signs of liver issues (for example, unusual fatigue, abdominal swelling, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, and yellowing of the skin or eyes).

If you’re taking Veozah, don’t worry: A Black Box warning doesn’t necessarily mean the drug is unsafe. Veozah is a powerful solution for hot flashes and night sweats, and a great option for many women. Midi clinicians are fully informed of the FDA's recommendations and will discuss the benefits and risks of the medication before prescribing it. If you do decide to include it in your Care Plan, we’ll also help you stay on top of any needed blood work.