Episode 9: Women’s Health in Your 40s & 50s — Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause with Paoli OB/GYN

Welcome back to MomsWork!
In this episode, host Kristin Weinrich — mom of two, 4th grade teacher, and proud non-eater of gravy or stuffing — continues the important two-part conversation on women’s health with three returning guests from Paoli OB/GYN: Dr. Jennifer Gilbert, Dr. Nancey Hahn. 

Last week, we explored health in our 20s and 30s. Today, we’re shifting into the next chapter: women’s health in the 40s and 50s, a stage where many women find themselves navigating perimenopause, menopause, big hormonal changes, and a whole lot of confusion about what’s normal.

This conversation is part of Kristin’s gratitude spotlight for the month—highlighting the incredible healthcare professionals in our community who generously share their knowledge to help moms feel informed and confident.

Win and Challenge of the Week 

Topic Talk: Understanding the Midlife Transition

Together, Kristin and the doctors dive into the most common questions and concerns women have as they enter midlife, including:

• Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What’s the actual difference, and how do you know where you are in the process?
• Early signs in your 40s: What women often miss or misinterpret — and why it’s more common than you think.
• “Is something wrong with me?” The symptoms that are completely normal… and the ones worth checking out.
• The most common concerns doctors hear from women in their 40s and 50s — including the issues that tend to get overlooked.
• Birth control in midlife: Why many women benefit from staying on it through their 40s and early 50s.
• Hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog: Effective treatments that are actually backed by evidence (no guesswork here!).
• Lifestyle factors that matter most: How sleep, stress, movement, and nutrition support hormone balance.
• Hormones + mental health: What to know about mood changes, anxiety, and emotional shifts during this transition.
• Warning signs that point to something more than hormonal changes.
• Caring for everyone else: How midlife moms can prioritize their health while raising teens, supporting college-age kids, or caring for aging parents.
• Must-do screenings in your 40s and 50s that are often missed.
• Modeling openness for your daughters: How talking about your body builds body literacy and confidence for the next generation.
• The biggest message these doctors want every woman to hear about this stage of life.

The Hot Seat: Women’s Health Edition

A rapid-fire round where the doctors answer:

• One thing women in their 40s should start doing today
• A common piece of advice they wish women would ignore
• Their favorite part of working with women in midlife
• Something they wish all women would stop apologizing for
• What gives them hope about how conversations around menopause are changing
• Favorite Thanksgiving foods

Thank You & Outro

Kristin wraps up by thanking the doctors — and you — for joining this essential conversation about women’s health beyond the childbearing years.

If this episode brought you insight, comfort, or even a few “aha” moments, please support the show by:

⭐ Following, rating, and reviewing MomsWork wherever you listen to podcasts
📸 Following along on Instagram & Facebook: @MomsWorkPodcast
📧 Sending questions or topic suggestions to: momsworkpodcast@gmail.com

Have a wonderful week — and make time to prioritize your health today, this week, or sometime this month. You deserve it.