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.