Many women notice that headaches and migraine shift during their 40s and 50s. Some experience headaches more often, others feel them more intensely, and some develop migraine for the first time. These changes are common. Midlife brings a mix of hormonal variability, vascular sensitivity, sleep disruption, and blood pressure shifts that influence how the brain processes pain.

I’m hearing from more and more women in their 30s and early 40s who, after reading about menopause on social media or hearing about it from their friends, wonder if their own mood swings, irregular periods, sleep problems, or emotional ups and downs mean they’re in perimenopause. Many also ask whether they should start menopause hormone therapy (MHT) to treat their symptoms or prevent long-term issues like diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis.

As women move into perimenopause and beyond, hormonal shifts can create a perfect storm for changes in blood sugar and metabolism. Even women who have never had concerns about insulin resistance may start to notice patterns that feel out of the ordinary. Declining estrogen affects how the body uses glucose, how much muscle we maintain, and where we store fat. All of this raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes during menopause. Many women are surprised by this because i

The holidays are coming—Thanksgiving around the corner, Christmas and Hanukkah not far behind—and for many women, that can mean more than festive lights and celebrations. It’s also a season of juggling family expectations, work deadlines, travel, and tables full of tempting treats. For women in midlife, all of this can feel extra stressful, especially with the changes that come with menopause. You might notice it in familiar ways: you’re exhausted, your patience is thin, your