Everything They Didn’t Tell You About Perimenopause (But Your Body Is Trying to Show)

Perimenopause isn’t menopause—it’s the messy middle. The years when your body starts whispering (sometimes shouting) that change is coming, even though you’re still having periods. In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jill Woodruff and Dr. Ade Akindipe pull back the curtain on the transition no one warned you about: perimenopause.

From mood swings, heavy periods, anxiety, and brain fog to night sweats and stubborn weight gain, your body is sending signals long before your final menstrual period. But because these symptoms mimic stress, thyroid disease, or even depression, many women are misdiagnosed or dismissed.

✨ This conversation will help you recognize what’s normal, what’s not, and how to partner with your provider to navigate this season with confidence and support.

Episode Highlights

• Why perimenopause can start as early as your late 30s (and why so many women miss it)
• The role of hormone fluctuations: falling progesterone and unpredictable estrogen
• Common symptoms: irregular cycles, anxiety, brain fog, night sweats, and midsection weight gain
• Red flags that need medical attention—heavy bleeding, persistent pelvic pain, or severe depression
• How lifestyle hormones (cortisol, insulin, thyroid, vitamin D) interact with sex hormones
• When to consider hormone therapy and why starting earlier can be both safe and effective
• Why perimenopause is more than symptoms—it’s an invitation to reclaim your power in midlife

Memorable Quotes

• “Perimenopause doesn’t send a calendar invite—it just arrives.” – Dr. Ade
• “Don’t normalize misery. There are solutions.” – Dr. Ade
• “Perimenopause is your body saying: It’s time to pay attention.” – Dr. Jill

Chapters

00:00 – What Perimenopause Really Is
02:00 – The Confusion Stage: “Too Young for Menopause?”
08:00 – The Body Keeps the Score: Symptoms You Can’t Ignore
15:00 – When to Call Your Provider & Red Flags
20:00 – Hormone Therapy Demystified
22:00 – The Empowerment Shift: Midlife as Your Power Era
27:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Advocate for Yourself

Meet Your Hosts

Dr. Aderonke "Ade" Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C
A board-certified nurse practitioner and founder and medical director at Rejuvenate Health & Wellness. Dr. Ade Akindipe created The Elevated Woman Method to help women move beyond quick fixes and rediscover what it means to thrive in their bodies. With years of experience in functional medicine and lifestyle coaching, she brings a compassionate, evidence-led approach to women’s health. Dr. Ade believes women aren’t broken—they just need the right map back to themselves.

Dr. Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP
A board-certified gynecologist and nationally certified menopause practitioner, Dr. Woodruff is the Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin. She is also host of NPR-affiliated Line One on Alaska Public Media and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation. Her expertise spans hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and aesthetic medicine, empowering women to lead vibrant, informed lives.

📩 Have a question or comment? Email us at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com—we’d love to feature your thoughts in a future episode!
Follow us on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

#Perimenopause #MidlifeHealth #WomensHealth #HormoneTherapy #HormoneBalance #SleepHealth #ModernMidlifeCollective

Is Progesterone Only for Women with a Uterus? The Truth About Hormone Therapy

When you hear “progesterone,” do you immediately think it’s only necessary for women who still have a uterus? Think again.

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, unpack one of the most persistent myths in women’s health: that progesterone is optional after hysterectomy.

Together, they explore why progesterone plays a vital role in hormone therapy far beyond uterine protection. From supporting sleep and reducing anxiety, to protecting the brain, bones, and cardiovascular system, progesterone proves itself to be essential for midlife health. The conversation also breaks down confusing terminology around progesterone vs. progestins, dives into different forms and dosing options, and emphasizes why individualized care is key to safe and effective treatment.

You’ll also hear candid insights on side effects, how hormones work in symphony, and why finding a knowledgeable provider matters when navigating hormone therapy.

✨ You’ll walk away knowing that progesterone’s story is much bigger than just the uterus.

Episode Highlights:

• Why you still need progesterone even without a uterus
• The neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits of progesterone
• Continuous vs. cyclic dosing—what works best and why
• Differences between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins
• How progesterone supports sleep, mood, and hormone balance
• Side effects to be aware of and how to adjust care
• The importance of individualized approaches to hormone therapy

Memorable Quotes:

• “Progesterone’s role does not end with the uterus.”
• “The key is—it’s not a blanket rule.”
• “We have to share the not so good parts too.”

Chapters:
00:00 Debunking the Uterus Myth
02:42 The Role of Progesterone in Hormone Therapy
05:45 Understanding Dosing: Continuous vs. Cyclic Progesterone
08:34 Progesterone’s Neuroprotective Benefits
11:39 The Importance of Progesterone for Bone and Cardiovascular Health
14:34 Clarifying Terminology: Progesterone vs. Progestins
17:30 Forms of Progesterone: Oral, Vaginal, and Topical
20:04 Dosing Guidelines for Hormone Replacement Therapy
23:01 Potential Side Effects and Considerations
25:42 Individualized Care in Hormone Therapy

Meet Your Hosts:

Dr. Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C
A board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Rejuvenate Health & Wellness, Dr. Akindipe specializes in hormone and obesity medicine with a focus on root-cause, functional approaches. He is an advocate for health equity and serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, working to expand access to preventive care for underserved communities.

Dr. Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP
A board-certified gynecologist and nationally certified menopause practitioner, Dr. Woodruff is the Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin. She is also host of NPR-affiliated Line One on Alaska Public Media and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation. Her expertise spans hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and aesthetic medicine, empowering women to lead vibrant, informed lives.

📩 Have a question or comment? Email us at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com—we’d love to feature your thoughts in a future episode!
Follow us on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

#MenopauseHealth #Progesterone #HormoneTherapy #MidlifeHealth #WomensHealth #HormoneBalance #SleepHealth #Inflammation

Is Progesterone Only for Women with a Uterus? The Truth About Hormone Therapy

When you hear “progesterone,” do you immediately think it’s only necessary for women who still have a uterus? Think again.

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, unpack one of the most persistent myths in women’s health: that progesterone is optional after hysterectomy.

Together, they explore why progesterone plays a vital role in hormone therapy far beyond uterine protection. From supporting sleep and reducing anxiety, to protecting the brain, bones, and cardiovascular system, progesterone proves itself to be essential for midlife health. The conversation also breaks down confusing terminology around progesterone vs. progestins, dives into different forms and dosing options, and emphasizes why individualized care is key to safe and effective treatment.

You’ll also hear candid insights on side effects, how hormones work in symphony, and why finding a knowledgeable provider matters when navigating hormone therapy.

✨ You’ll walk away knowing that progesterone’s story is much bigger than just the uterus.

Episode Highlights:

• Why you still need progesterone even without a uterus
• The neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits of progesterone
• Continuous vs. cyclic dosing—what works best and why
• Differences between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins
• How progesterone supports sleep, mood, and hormone balance
• Side effects to be aware of and how to adjust care
• The importance of individualized approaches to hormone therapy

Memorable Quotes:

• “Progesterone’s role does not end with the uterus.”
• “The key is—it’s not a blanket rule.”
• “We have to share the not so good parts too.”

Chapters:
00:00 Debunking the Uterus Myth
02:42 The Role of Progesterone in Hormone Therapy
05:45 Understanding Dosing: Continuous vs. Cyclic Progesterone
08:34 Progesterone’s Neuroprotective Benefits
11:39 The Importance of Progesterone for Bone and Cardiovascular Health
14:34 Clarifying Terminology: Progesterone vs. Progestins
17:30 Forms of Progesterone: Oral, Vaginal, and Topical
20:04 Dosing Guidelines for Hormone Replacement Therapy
23:01 Potential Side Effects and Considerations
25:42 Individualized Care in Hormone Therapy

Meet Your Hosts:

Dr. Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C

A board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Rejuvenate Health & Wellness, Dr. Akindipe specializes in hormone and obesity medicine with a focus on root-cause, functional approaches. He is an advocate for health equity and serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, working to expand access to preventive care for underserved communities.

Dr. Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP
A board-certified gynecologist and nationally certified menopause practitioner, Dr. Woodruff is the Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin. She is also host of NPR-affiliated Line One on Alaska Public Media and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation. Her expertise spans hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and aesthetic medicine, empowering women to lead vibrant, informed lives.

📩 Have a question or comment? Email us at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com—we’d love to feature your thoughts in a future episode!
Follow us on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

#MenopauseHealth #Progesterone #HormoneTherapy #MidlifeHealth #WomensHealth #HormoneBalance #SleepHealth #Inflammation #ModernMidlifeCollective

Are you feeling constantly tired, struggling with brain fog, or wondering if it's just 'part of getting older'? What if there's more to the story, especially when it comes to chronic fatigue in midlife?

In this enlightening episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, explore the multifaceted causes of fatigue that often go overlooked. They debunk the myth that fatigue is simply a byproduct of aging and delve into how hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle factors play a crucial role in your energy levels.

Together, they discuss how hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol influence your mood, motivation, and overall vitality. You'll hear both evidence-based insights and personal stories to help you understand the real impact of these factors—and what options are available to restore your energy. From individualized testing and therapy to lifestyle-based solutions, this episode is your guide to navigating midlife fatigue with confidence and clarity.

You deserve answers, and you're not alone. Tune in now and discover how addressing the root causes of fatigue can help you thrive in midlife and beyond.

Episode Highlights:

Chronic fatigue is not just a part of aging; it's a signal from your body. The role of hormones in managing energy levels and mood. Personal stories and scientific insights into overcoming fatigue. The importance of personalized health care and monitoring.

Meet Your Hosts:

Dr. Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C

A board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Rejuvenate Health & Wellness, Dr. Akindipe specializes in hormone and obesity medicine with a focus on root-cause, functional approaches. She is an advocate for health equity and serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, working to expand access to preventive care for underserved communities.

Dr. Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP

A board-certified gynecologist and nationally certified menopause practitioner, Dr. Woodruff is the Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin. She is also host of NPR-affiliated Line One on Alaska Public Media and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation. Her expertise spans hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and aesthetic medicine, empowering women to lead vibrant, informed lives.

📩 Have a question or comment? Email us at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com—we’d love to feature your thoughts in a future episode!

Follow us on Instagram for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.

#ModernMidlifeCollective #MidlifeHealth #ChronicFatigue #ModernMedicine #WomenDeserveBetter

In an age of endless diet trends and wellness noise, how do midlife women truly nourish themselves—not just for weight management, but for hormone balance, gut health, and longevity?

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff and Dr. Ade Akindipe, take a clear-eyed look at popular dietary trends through the lens of midlife wellness. From plant-forward and Mediterranean styles to the paleo and anti-inflammatory approaches, they examine the science, benefits, and limitations of each—along with practical strategies for applying them in everyday life.

Beyond nutrition labels and food fads, Dr. Jillian and Dr. Ade emphasizes individualized, sustainable choices that support hormonal health, metabolic balance, and overall well-being. They also highlight the importance of cultural context, individualized nutrition, and mindset when building a sustainable and nourishing way of eating.

Whether you're navigating hormone changes, managing chronic inflammation, or simply trying to eat well in a busy life, this episode is for you!

If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend, colleague, or family member who’s navigating similar changes. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and connect with us at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com to let us know what topics you’d like to hear next.

Together, we’re redefining what it means to thrive in midlife—one nourishing conversation at a time.

Highlights:

• A breakdown of the Mediterranean, plant-forward, paleo, and anti-inflammatory diets
• How gut health influences hormone balance—and why midlife women should care
• Pros and cons of protein powders, frozen produce, and common food eliminations
• The cultural lens of food: navigating traditions, expectations, and nutrition
• Practical approaches to personalizing your diet for hormone and metabolic health
• Why mindset is foundational to sustainable wellness
• The link between inflammation, aging, and hormone fluctuations
• Nutritional strategies to support energy, brain health, and longevity

Meet your hosts

Dr. Aderonke "Ade" Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C
A board-certified nurse practitioner and founder and medical director at Rejuvenate Health & Wellness. Dr. Ade Akindipe created The Elevated Woman Method to help women move beyond quick fixes and rediscover what it means to thrive in their bodies. With years of experience in functional medicine and lifestyle coaching, she brings a compassionate, evidence-led approach to women’s health. Dr. Ade believes women aren’t broken—they just need the right map back to themselves.
Resources and links from Dr. Ade

• 🧾 Blood Sugar Balancing Blueprint: https://theelevatedwomanproject.com/episode-5-102825
• 💬 Book your Free 60 Metabolic Clarity Session: https://l.bttr.to/sXiAW

Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP, is a board-certified gynecologist, surgeon, and nationally certified menopause provider specializing in general and cosmetic gynecologic surgery. As Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin, she specializes in hormone therapy, sexual medicine, and aesthetic treatments to help women thrive.

She is the host of “Line One” on Alaska Public Media, an NPR-affiliated medical affairs radio show, and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation, dedicated to women’s health education and access.

As the co-host of The Modern Midlife Collective, she brings expertise in hormones, sexual health, aesthetics, and holistic practices, teaching women to advocate for their health and well-being in midlife with confidence.

Passionate about global health, lifestyle medicine, and education, she enjoys traveling, humanitarian work, studying languages, and family life while empowering women to take charge of their health.

What happens when once-reliable eating habits suddenly stop working in midlife? Why do popular diets like keto, intermittent fasting, or HCG bring short-term results but leave many women feeling exhausted, frustrated, or worse?

In this episode of the Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff and Dr. Ade Akindipe take a comprehensive look at the intersection of nutrition and hormonal health during midlife. They examine how common diet trends align—or clash—with the realities of a woman’s shifting biology in her 40s and 50s.

With practical insights and clinical context, they unpack why midlife is a unique metabolic chapter, what the research says about trending nutrition plans, and how to navigate dietary choices with a personalized, evidence-based approach. From the impact of cortisol and thyroid changes to food sensitivities and gut health, this episode helps women understand how to nourish their bodies effectively and sustainably. Listen now!

If this episode resonated with you, we encourage you to share it with a friend, sister, or colleague who’s navigating the same midlife journey. Subscribe to the Modern Midlife Collective for more expert-led discussions, and leave us a review to help others discover the show. Have a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com —we’d love to hear from you.

Highlights:

• How hormonal shifts impact metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and nutritional needs
• A breakdown of today’s top diet trends: keto, intermittent fasting, HCG, and more (what works, what doesn’t, and what to avoid)
• The connection between stress, cortisol, and weight gain in midlife
• Why personalized nutrition is essential—and how to begin tailoring your plan
• Tools and testing that can uncover food sensitivities and optimize gut health

Get to know the doctors behind the insights of The Modern Midlife Collective Podcast:

Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, hormone and obesity specialist, and expert in metabolic and longevity medicine. She is the founder and Medical Director of Rejuvenate Health and Wellness, where she has empowered hundreds of women to reclaim their health, overcome stubborn weight challenges, and unlock vibrant energy through science-based, personalized care.

With a deep commitment to transforming the landscape of midlife health, she blends cutting-edge medical innovation with a functional, root-cause approach to wellness. She is recognized as a trusted authority in women's health and passionate about service and health equity. Dr. Akindipe also serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, advocating for greater access to preventive care and wellness initiatives in underrepresented communities.

Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP, is a board-certified gynecologist, surgeon, and nationally certified menopause provider specializing in general and cosmetic gynecologic surgery. As Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin, she specializes in hormone therapy, sexual medicine, and aesthetic treatments to help women thrive.

She is the host of “Line One” on Alaska Public Media, an NPR-affiliated medical affairs radio show, and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation, dedicated to women’s health education and access.

As the co-host of The Modern Midlife Collective, she brings expertise in hormones, sexual health, aesthetics, and holistic practices, teaching women to advocate for their health and well-being in midlife with confidence.

Passionate about global health, lifestyle medicine, and education, she enjoys traveling, humanitarian work, studying languages, and family life while empowering women to take charge of their health.