Are you noticing changes in your desire for intimacy and wondering if it's just “part of getting older”? These shifts are more common than you might think—and they’re absolutely worth understanding and addressing.

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, a board-certified gynecologist and menopause expert, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, a functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, explore the many facets of female libido and sexual wellness in midlife. Together, they tackle important and often overlooked topics: hormonal shifts, pain with intimacy, the psychological and emotional dimensions of desire, and the real reasons why sex might feel different—or absent—at this stage of life.

You’ll gain evidence-based insights into how libido works, how it naturally evolves over time, and what you can do to reclaim your intimacy and confidence. From therapy to hormone replacement to FDA-approved medications, this episode is a comprehensive guide to taking charge of your sexual health—with no shame, and plenty of support. Tune in now!

If this conversation provided clarity or encouragement, consider sharing it with a friend or loved one. Follow the podcast, leave a review, and stay connected with us—because informed, empowered midlife health is something every woman deserves.

Highlights:

• Understanding libido: spontaneous vs. responsive desire
• The role of estrogen and testosterone in female sexual health
• Why pain with intimacy is common—but not something to endure
• The impact of chronic illness, medications, and mental health on libido
• Navigating hormonal birth control and its effects on desire
• Effective treatments including local estrogen, sex therapy, and prescription options
• The role of body image, relationship dynamics, and open communication
• Why personalized care is key to a satisfying sex life

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.

What do your skin, sleep posture, bone density, and even your pillowcase have in common?

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, quite a bit more than you might think.

As women move through midlife, changes in appearance—like dry skin, hormonal acne, facial volume loss, and hair thinning—can seem sudden and overwhelming. But these shifts are often reflections of deeper changes within the body.

Dr. Ade Kendipe and Dr. Jillian Woodruff explore the science behind these transformations and offer a holistic perspective on how to navigate them with clarity and confidence. From the effects of declining estrogen to the real reason your go-to skincare may no longer deliver results, they break down what’s really happening beneath the surface—and what you can do about it.

Whether you’re exploring aesthetic treatments or simply trying to understand what’s changed when you look in the mirror, this episode provides a thoughtful, evidence-based guide to aging well—inside and out.

If this episode helped you better understand the changes you're seeing in the mirror, share it with a friend navigating the same season. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Together, we’re redefining what it means to thrive in midlife—with knowledge, confidence, and care.

Highlights:

• Understanding the hormonal shifts behind dry skin, collagen loss, and volume changes
• Why your skin might feel different overnight—and what to do about it
• The importance of cell turnover and how exfoliation supports healthy aging
• Common causes of midlife acne and what it reveals about internal health
• The impact of sleep habits and pillow design on facial symmetry and aging
• Bone resorption and facial structure: how changes in bone density show up in your appearance
• Nutritional and lifestyle approaches to supporting healthy skin and hair
• How to evaluate hair loss: the roles of thyroid, iron, DHT, and testosterone
• Building an effective skincare routine with affordable, evidence-based products
• The essential role of sunscreen and consistent skincare in long-term skin 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.

What can we learn about living longer—and living better—from a country where health and aging go hand in hand? In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, doctor of nursing practice and functional medicine expert, reflect on their recent travels to Taiwan—one of the leading countries in life expectancy.

Drawing from personal experiences and medical perspectives, Dr. Jillian and Dr. Ade discuss the habits that support a longer health span, not just lifespan. From nutrient-dense meals and fermented foods to daily movement, community connection, and mindful practices, they explore how Taiwanese culture supports healthy aging in both body and mind.

They also provide practical, culturally inspired strategies to improve your gut health, reduce stress, and make movement a natural part of your routine—all while maintaining the realities of midlife in the modern world.

If you found value in this episode, we encourage you to share it with someone who’s passionate about thriving in midlife. Subscribe to The Modern Midlife Collective, leave us a review, and join us as we continue to explore science-backed, culturally rich approaches to health, hormones, and longevity.

Highlights:

• The connection between nutrient-dense diets and long-term health
• How fermented foods and bone broth contribute to optimal gut and hormone health
• The role of movement, from walking to tai chi, in daily longevity
• How mindfulness and cultural rituals reduce stress and support well-being
• The importance of community engagement and social connection
• What the U.S. can learn from Taiwan’s approach to food regulation and wellness

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.

Is “having it all” really achievable—or is it an unrealistic expectation that’s quietly driving women to exhaustion?

In this insightful episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, doctor of nursing practice and functional medicine expert, explore the modern-day myth of having it all. From managing careers, families, and personal wellness to maintaining relationships and societal expectations, they provide a grounded conversation on what it truly means to thrive in midlife.

Drawing from personal experiences and clinical expertise, Dr. Jillian and Dr. Ade discuss how redefining success, setting boundaries, and learning to delegate can help protect mental and physical health. They also dive into the importance of self-awareness, the power of saying no, and how to reclaim time and energy for what matters most.

This episode offers practical strategies and empowering insights for women navigating the complex demands of midlife—reminding them that it’s not only okay to prioritize their well-being, but essential.

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend or colleague who may benefit from this conversation. Subscribe to The Modern Midlife Collective and leave us a review to help more women discover empowering content designed to support their journey through midlife and beyond.

Highlights:

• Redefining “having it all” in a way that supports health and sustainability
• Recognizing the early signs of burnout—and how to address them proactively
• The importance of boundaries and how to set them without guilt
• Practical ways to delegate both at home and in business
• How comparison undermines confidence and peace of mind
• The role of intentional self-care in preventing overwhelm
• Tools and mindset shifts to support balance in a high-demand life

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.

Have you been eating well, staying active, and still watching the number on the scale steadily climb after 40? It’s a common and frustrating experience—but it’s not your fault.

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause expert, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, take a science-backed look at why weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is not only normal, but biologically driven.

Together, they explore how hormonal changes—including fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—can disrupt metabolism, reduce muscle mass, impact insulin sensitivity, and interfere with sleep. More importantly, they share practical, sustainable strategies to help you adapt, regain energy, and feel empowered in your body again.

If you’ve been feeling frustrated that your usual health habits aren’t working the way they used to, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and real solutions. So, listen now!

If this episode provided insight or relief, pass it along to someone navigating the same midlife changes. Be sure to subscribe to The Modern Midlife Collective for more expert-led guidance, and feel free to reach out with your questions or topic suggestions at connect@modernmidlifecollective.com. We’re here to help you thrive in midlife—and beyond.

Highlights:

• Understanding the metabolic shifts that occur during perimenopause and menopause
• Why traditional approaches like “eat less, move more” can backfire in midlife
• The role of hormone fluctuations in fat storage, insulin resistance, and energy use
• How stress and elevated cortisol impact weight gain and blood sugar levels
• The importance of muscle mass, strength training, and nutrient-dense eating
• Why sleep quality is essential to metabolic health and weight management
• Strategies for identifying food sensitivities and stabilizing blood sugar
• The benefits of continuous glucose monitoring—even if you’re not diabetic

  
  

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.

Is it true that you bleed continuously for a year before menopause? And does that mean you’re unable to have a healthy sex life during that time? These are myths that persist in many conversations about perimenopause—and today, we’re setting the record straight.

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, a board-certified gynecologist and menopause expert, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, a functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, address some of the most common misconceptions surrounding perimenopause, hormone fluctuations, and abnormal bleeding. They provide evidence-based insights into what is actually happening in your body as you approach menopause, explaining the role of estrogen and progesterone in these changes, and offering practical advice on treatment options.

If this episode has helped clarify your understanding of perimenopause, share it with someone who may benefit from this information. Be sure to leave a review and subscribe to stay informed—together, we’re empowering women with the knowledge they need to navigate midlife with confidence.

Highlights:

• Debunking the myth of a full year of bleeding before menopause
• The hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and their impact on bleeding
• The role of fibroids and polyps in abnormal bleeding during perimenopause
• When to seek medical attention for abnormal bleeding
• Understanding the role of estrogen and progesterone in menstrual changes
• Exploring treatment options: Birth control, hysterectomy, and alternatives
• The physical and emotional effects of perimenopause and how to manage them
• Why it’s essential to advocate for your health—don’t simply “deal with it”

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

Aderonke "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 helped hundreds of women reclaim their health, overcome stubborn weight challenges, and unlock vibrant energy through her signature coaching platform, The Elevated Woman™. Blending cutting-edge innovation with a functional, root-cause approach, Dr. Akindipe is deeply committed to transforming midlife health. She is recognized as a trusted authority in women’s wellness and a passionate advocate for health equity. Beyond her clinical work, she serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, championing 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.

In this episode, “Menopause Myths Debunked – Part 2” of the Modern Midlife Collective podcast, Dr. Jillian and Dr. Ade continue unpacking the truths about hormone health that every woman deserves to know.

They tackle the belief that hormone therapy causes weight gain, explain why “normal” lab results don’t always reflect how you’re feeling, and highlight overlooked symptoms of hormonal shifts—like anxiety, joint pain, and brain fog.

They also clarify what bioidentical hormones actually are and reinforce a key message: menopause doesn’t mean you just have to tough it out. There are real solutions—and you deserve them.

Highlights:

• Understanding the true cause of weight gain in midlife—and how to manage it
• Why normal hormone labs might not tell the full story
• How to recognize non-traditional symptoms of perimenopause
• What bioidentical hormones are, how they work, and how they’re prescribed
• The importance of personalized care and why no woman should be dismissed

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.