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.

Can estrogen increase your risk of breast cancer? Is testosterone really just for men? And is pregnancy off the table during perimenopause?

In this episode, “Menopause Myths Debunked – Part 1” of the Modern Midlife Collective podcast, Dr. Jillian Woodruff and Dr. Ade Akindipe tackle some of the most common—and harmful—myths surrounding midlife health and hormone therapy.

They explore the long-standing confusion stemming from the Women’s Health Initiative study, the reality behind perimenopausal fertility, and the essential role testosterone plays in women’s well-being. With a clear-eyed look at misunderstood studies and decades of misinformation, this episode brings clarity, clinical context, and practical guidance to questions too many women have had to navigate alone.

You'll also learn how outdated beliefs have shaped care options—and why it’s time to reclaim evidence-based decision-making in midlife.

Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part episode. Be sure to listen to Part 2 for more insights on hormone therapy, weight gain, lab testing, and personalized care.

Highlights:

• Why estrogen does not cause breast cancer—and where that myth came from
• How and why pregnancy can still occur during perimenopause
• The powerful role of testosterone in women’s health and well-being
• How misinformation has kept many women from accessing life-changing care

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.

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.

Welcome to the first episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, a podcast dedicated to reshaping the conversation around women’s health in midlife and beyond.

In this episode, board-certified gynecologist Dr. Jillian Woodruff, MD, and family nurse practitioner and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Ade Akindipe, DNP, introduce the mission behind the Collective: to provide women with evidence-based guidance, expert insight, and compassionate support across the most pivotal health chapters of their lives.

They share the personal and professional journey that brought them together—from practicing medicine in Anchorage, Alaska, to founding their own clinics—and why they felt called to create a platform that speaks directly to the needs of midlife women. From hormones and aesthetics to longevity, lifestyle medicine, and patient advocacy, Dr. Jill and Dr. Ade are committed to helping women feel heard, understood, and empowered.

If you've ever felt dismissed, confused, or underserved in the healthcare system, this conversation offers clarity, community, and a refreshing perspective on what midlife can truly look like.

Highlights:

• Meet your hosts: Dr. Jillian and Dr. Ade on their clinical backgrounds and shared vision
• The inspiration behind The Modern Midlife Collective
• Building medical practices that actually listen to and serve women
• What traditional medical training left out—and how they filled the gaps
• The role of functional and lifestyle medicine in addressing root causes
• Hormone health, misinformation, and why education matters
• The importance of community, connection, and cultural diversity in healthcare
• What listeners can expect in future episodes: from weight and intimacy to aesthetics and and more

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.