Ever wonder if the way you’re feeling in midlife is just “how it’s supposed to be now”—or if something deeper is going on? In this episode of Mind Your Midlife, I’m sharing my own hormone replacement therapy (HRT) journey and what ultimately led me to say yes to exploring it.

I’ve interviewed experts on menopause and hormones before, but this time, I’m telling my story. From unexpected physical symptoms to mood changes, low energy, and a surprising high cholesterol wake-up call, this episode is about listening to your body, advocating for yourself, and realizing that feeling “not great” doesn’t have to be your new normal.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

✔ The menopause and perimenopause symptoms I didn’t realize were hormone-related
✔ Why my cholesterol results became a turning point in my decision
✔ How estrogen levels can affect far more than hot flashes
✔ What actually changed for me after starting HRT
✔ Why getting the right medical support in midlife matters so much

🎯 OMG Moment: Just because your symptoms are common doesn’t mean you have to live with them. Feeling “off” is information—and you’re allowed to do something about it.

Take Action

If any part of this episode sounds familiar, start by paying attention. Track your symptoms, notice patterns, and don’t downplay how you’re feeling. Then, talk with a medical professional who is trained in menopause care and willing to listen. You deserve options—and informed ones.

• Listen to episode 50 - how to talk to your doctors
• Listen to episode 18 and episode 41 about sleep issues
• Take the menopause quiz!

Why This Episode Matters

For women over 40 and 50, midlife health conversations are often minimized or oversimplified. This episode is about reclaiming your voice, understanding the role hormones play in your physical and mental health, and recognizing that self-care in midlife includes advocating for your well-being. You’re not broken—and you’re not alone.

Subscribe to bonus episodes at cherylpfischer.com/bonusepisodes.

Support the show

🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence!

🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us.

💡Want menopause support, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transitions?

• Build a mindset for success with the private bonus episodes!
• Book a free Mindset Coaching / Intro Call: cherylpfischer.com/coaching

Let’s talk midlife body positivity, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women.

Connect with Cheryl, Midlife Coach: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Are you a woman over 40 or 50 feeling stressed, behind, or unsure about money, retirement planning, or your financial future? You’re NOT alone — and you’re not stuck. In this episode of Mind Your Midlife, financial advisor Shari Rash joins me to break down money mindset, retirement planning, financial confidence, and the real emotional side of finances for midlife women navigating career changes, aging parents, kids leaving the nest, and the fear of not saving “enough.”

If money makes you anxious — or if you’re ready to feel more empowered, confident, and informed — this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

✔ How money mindset affects financial decisions for midlife women
✔ Why women over 50 often feel behind on retirement planning
✔ Practical steps to build financial confidence in midlife
✔ What women REALLY need to save for retirement (and how to understand it)
✔ How to balance enjoying life now with planning for long-term financial wellness

🎯 OMG Moment:

Your mindset about money matters just as much as your bank balance. When you shift how you feel about money, you transform what becomes possible.

Take Action Today:

• Connect with Shari at gwawealth.com and listen to Everyone's Talkin' Money podcast
• Listen to Shari on OMG Teach Me and learn more about money mindset
• Review your retirement accounts; check whether you're getting your full employer match; start or revisit an emergency fund
• Choose ONE small step to build your financial confidence this week

Why This Episode Matters

Midlife is a powerful turning point. It’s when so many women feel the weight of money stress — from paying for college to caring for aging parents to wondering whether retirement will be possible.

You don’t need perfection — you just need a starting point.

Subscribe to bonus episodes at cherylpfischer.com/bonusepisodes.

Support the show

🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence!

🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us.

💡Want menopause support, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transitions?

• Build a mindset for success with the private bonus episodes!
• Book a free Mindset Coaching / Intro Call: cherylpfischer.com/coaching

Let’s talk midlife body positivity, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women.

Connect with Cheryl, Midlife Coach: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

In this Changemakers episode of Mind Your Midlife, Cheryl sits down with Tori Rittinger, founder of Talk Tiles to Me, the first Mahjong studio in the DMV area. And this conversation isn’t just about a game. It’s about what midlife women are craving most: community, joy, and real brain exercise, all wrapped into one playful, addictive hobby.

Tori shares how a simple lesson with friends turned into a thriving business and a growing movement of women (and plenty of men too!) who are using Mahjong to connect, laugh, and keep their minds sharp. If you’ve been feeling stuck in the same routine or wishing you had something just for you, this might be your next favorite thing.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

✔ Why Mahjong is exploding in popularity with midlife women — and why it’s about so much more than tiles
✔ How Tori turned a fun side interest into a full business and community in midlife
✔ The surprising brain benefits of Mahjong (strategy, memory, and staying mentally sharp)

🎯 OMG Moment: If it brings you joy, try it.
Tori’s gut-check for everything — from hobbies to business to even which jeans to buy — is simple: Does it bring you joy? And in midlife, that question can change everything.

Take Action
If you’ve been craving more connection, more fun, or a hobby that feels like true self care, give Mahjong a try. Take a beginner lesson, invite a few friends, or look for a local group. And if you’re anywhere near Washington DC, go check out Talk Tiles to Me — you might walk in alone and leave with a whole new circle of friends. Find Tori on Instagram at @talktilestome.

Why This Episode Matters
Midlife women don’t just need more “healthy habits.” We need joyful habits. We need places to belong, reasons to laugh, and activities that keep our brains engaged. Mahjong is one of those rare things that hits all three: fun, community, and mental fitness. And Tori’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to create something new — even if it starts at your kitchen table.

Subscribe to bonus episodes at cherylpfischer.com/bonusepisodes.

Support the show

🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence!

🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us.

💡Want menopause support, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transitions?

• Build a mindset for success with the private bonus episodes!
• Book a free Mindset Coaching / Intro Call: cherylpfischer.com/coaching

Let’s talk midlife body positivity, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women.

Connect with Cheryl, Midlife Coach: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website