What if everything you thought you knew about menopause was outdated—or just plain wrong?

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, deliver a clear, evidence-based conversation about what really happens during perimenopause and menopause. They discuss why symptoms often begin earlier than most expect—sometimes in your 30s or 40s—and why many women are misdiagnosed or dismissed when seeking help. From fluctuating hormones and brain fog to anxiety, weight gain, and disrupted sleep, they explain the wide range of symptoms that can appear long before your last period, and why they shouldn’t be ignored or minimized.

They also dive deeper into lesser-discussed symptoms, like breast tenderness, facial hair, and vaginal or urinary changes—and explains why estrogen receptors across your body (yes, even in your eyes, skin, heart, and gut!) mean menopause affects much more than just your periods. Plus, they also explore the misunderstood role of testosterone in women's health, touching on its effects on libido, motivation, and mood.

Listen now and share this episode with someone who could benefit from real, relatable menopause education. Subscribe to The Modern Midlife Collective and join us next time as we debunk the most common menopause myths!

Highlights:

• What perimenopause actually is—and why it can start earlier than commonly believed
• How fluctuating hormones impact brain function, mood, sleep, and overall health
• Why common symptoms should not be dismissed as inevitable signs of aging
• A deeper look at the range of perimenopausal symptoms beyond hot flashes
• How to approach menopause as a transition rather than a decline
• Practical steps for advocating for better care and improving quality of life during midlife
• The surprising impact of low progesterone and testosterone on mood, libido, and motivation
• Estrogen’s role in vaginal health, urinary symptoms, bone density, and cardiovascular protection
• Why gut health and metabolism are affected by hormonal shifts—and what to do about it

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.