Love your newsletter and look forward to it. I’m 55 and post menopausal. I’m a pilates instructor and nutritional therapy practitioner. My recommendation is to really dial in your nutrition by eating plenty of protein, healthy fats, complex carbs. Limit the processed carbs: crackers, bread, chips, cookies, bagels, etc. You may want to ease up on the alcohol as it’s harder to metabolize. Walk every day, get sunlight, reduce stress, lift weights. Muscle is the fountain of youth. Invest in friendships. Question your thoughts and beliefs around menopause and aging. It’s a powerful transition, not an ending. Curate carefully who you follow in the menopause space. Too many alarmists in my opinion. You can test hormones as a baseline but you really want to optimize the foundations: sleep, stress, digestion, blood sugar regulation, and eat a nutrient dense diet.
Thank you for this! Totally hear you on all of this regarding muscle, nutrition etc. and have been (mostly) eating with the goal of steady glucose levels for the last five or six years, thanks to Kelly LeVeque. I don't really drink, so that part's easy! As for the testing, I do like data, and figured it's good to have baselines, just to know?
Also, @Elaine Morrison! Do you read Halle Berry’s online magazine re-spin? She shifted it a year ago to focus on menopause given her experience and involvement in getting more bipartisan legislation in menopause research. I wrote a piece for her about blood sugar balancing, which you mentioned above — and I so agree with!
I don’t follow her but appreciate the recommendation. Yes, blood sugar balance is so important in menopause (really any stage of life). A stress response is also a blood sugar response. With my all of my nutrition clients it is a foundation that always needs support.
Lovely to connect with another Morrison! I’ll come check out your page too.
I am a huge fan of wearing a CGM on occasion to see how I am doing with blood sugar balancing. And, I just purchased the Glucose Goddess’ Anti-Spike to see if they have any impact.
Couldn’t agree more about alarmists — and in the same vein, influencers who wear an estrogen patch and feel that makes them an expert. Aging is phenomenal (not to mention a privilege) and I’m thrilled to help change the narrative.
I 100% agree - aging is a privilege. I love getting older and a little wiser. This time of life is empowering if you allow it to be. There’s a lot of freedom in aging. You can write your second chapter the way you choose to.
Hi! I have been using Alloy’s M4 cream for a few months- in the morning all over my face and back of my hands. People have said my skin looks great! It’s subtle. I also started using Tretinoin cream (0.025) about 4 weeks ago. I have used prescription retinal in the past and it’s amazing. Good luck. Can’t wait to hear your experience with both.
WHY weren’t more of us educated on this 20 years ago? I’m trying to learn and make the changes for myself, so I can help my daughter understand her own body as well.
Loved this, Hillary! Tempted by the Doen dress but might wait til it goes on sale…
Why does August just fly by in the blink of an eye?
Random but - have you used the wardrobe app Indyx? I keep seeing it pop up and wondered if you’d used it or had thoughts? I had Whering, which I enjoyed because you could create outfits Cher from Clueless style - with your own wardrobe! But I keep hearing Indyx is better?
In a similar vein, have you had any of the styling services done? (Like the one Alison Bernstein offers?) Would you recommend if so? I dont know why but I’m hesitant? I think because I know my own style well now at 35? Thank you! X
Also: I think it's always a good idea to examine our personal style on a semi-regular basis, just like going to the doctor? I like any tools for self-discovery and if that leads to being a smarter shopper or gives me new ideas for how to work with my closet? Hell yes.
Oh such interesting questions; I love this! Okay, so there are a bunch of wardrobe apps, some using AI, some not, and I'm actually evaluating right now. I love the idea, but also...I'm not sure o need it? Is that arrogant? I don't mean it that way, more than I feel like I know what I have, so not sure what the outcome would be. As for styling, I've been lazy about it because I've had the great fortune to work with a lot of amazing people over the years for work, and I feel like I'm still coasting on what I learned. W
At 55, and a reporter for all things fashion, beauty and wellness through the lens of aging, I am loving that our dialogue about menopause and hormones is breaking through! I’m post menopausal now, and can promise you I wish I had started to baseline test much earlier to get a grip on the 34+!symptoms that can wreck havoc with you, sometimes overnight. My own personal functional doctor @drtazmd is a fantastic resource as is the brilliant @drmaryclaire — they are just a few of the menoposse that can teach everything! Education from experts is everything.
Thank you for this!!! I love that there's convo about it too, though I keep bringing it up with friends and no one ever wants to discuss? I feel so unaware of what's to come, which feels odd as I knew a ton about puberty and pregnancy, but we just like skip the last big change? So yes, I'm trying to learn as much as possible now so I'm not taken by surprise by symptoms whenever they show up. And trying to designate this convo, esp because I now know it can happen as early as 35?!?
Exactly — isn’t it crazy that perimenopause can last up to ten years and you can begin in your 30s? Proud of you for pushing to have the dialogue. You’ll be thrilled you did. You’re likely in great hands with Parsley Health but if you feel you don’t have answers or can’t advocate for yourself there, you can always find doctors locally through NAMS (North American Menopause Society).
I don’t know how old you are but I guarantee that everyone around you will be discussing perimenopause and menopause once you are in your late 40s/early 50s. And I have now started to discuss with my older sisters as a reference to what their experiences were. So much is changing in this space and it’s about time! You are smart to start having it in the back of your mind when you are younger. And one word of advice is start strength training NOW (and not with 3 lbs weights). I am 55 and just got my first bone density test and while the results were “fine” I do wish I had really focused on muscle mass before I was behind the curve.
Mixed feelings on Parsley - maybe now that insurance covers some of it that will help but otherwise felt very expensive and still limited. Just signed up for Function Health and got first lab results back and I am impressed! So much testing for $500. Totally worth it and easy to do.
Hillary! This is random but I recall that a long time ago you posted on your Instagram stories asking for non-botox TMJ solutions. Did you find anything that works? I wear a guard to protect my teeth but the clenching is out of control… botox works but wears off pretty quickly. Wondering if you ever got another option. Thank you!!
I wish! Never got any other recs, but also I stopped looking because I now have Invisalign retainers that I wear at night and haven't noticed as much clenching. I also keep seeing that night clenching is sometimes related to sleep apnea? Which is kind of wild.
ah bummer ok! That’s interesting - I was a lifelong sufferer of sleep apnea but had my tonsils removed as an adult in 2019 (horrible but worth it). I no longer have sleep apnea but maybe my jaw can’t let go… literally
I've been using the Alloy cream for about a month now, and I do think I notice a difference in the 'plumpness' of my skin. I've also been trying the Oliveda products, which I've been impressed with. And the One Skin moisturizers. The science behind their peptides is pretty impressive. I've noticed a huge difference in the texture of the skin on my body. In any case, Yes! to testing hormones and going into perimenopause educated about changes and options. HRT has literally been life-changing for me. There are so many great resources out there. As others said, Dr. Mary Claire and the You are Not Broken Podcast with Kelly Casperson. Excellent. Thanks for writing. I always look forward to your newsletter. xx
I am so curious to hear about your experience with Parsley! I joined Allara for the same reason as I go into looking toward having children and just wanting to figure out my baseline for hormones and all the things. I am curious about Dr.Hyman’s function health company as well…it’s great that we are starting to get so many options!
I started with Parsley two years ago and just decided not to renew for a third year. My doctor was wonderful (shout to Dr. J!). When I joined, I wanted to get really clear about how my body was working, not just read another article about how all bodies work after 40, and I feel really good about meeting that need. Tip - be really clear on your goals going in and ask for what you need/want. Also, read bios of doctors and coaches before you select and if your coach leaves (my experience was high turnover), be sure to pick a new one yourself before they just assign one. Hope it helps you find some of the answers you're looking for and wishing you the best!
Well yeah like Roz product but not their containers. My oil leaked completely out and into a baggie it was stashed in (thankfully). Was met with an empty bottle after a short trip. So be warned when traveling with it. The top was on tight too.
Love your newsletter and look forward to it. I’m 55 and post menopausal. I’m a pilates instructor and nutritional therapy practitioner. My recommendation is to really dial in your nutrition by eating plenty of protein, healthy fats, complex carbs. Limit the processed carbs: crackers, bread, chips, cookies, bagels, etc. You may want to ease up on the alcohol as it’s harder to metabolize. Walk every day, get sunlight, reduce stress, lift weights. Muscle is the fountain of youth. Invest in friendships. Question your thoughts and beliefs around menopause and aging. It’s a powerful transition, not an ending. Curate carefully who you follow in the menopause space. Too many alarmists in my opinion. You can test hormones as a baseline but you really want to optimize the foundations: sleep, stress, digestion, blood sugar regulation, and eat a nutrient dense diet.
Thank you for this! Totally hear you on all of this regarding muscle, nutrition etc. and have been (mostly) eating with the goal of steady glucose levels for the last five or six years, thanks to Kelly LeVeque. I don't really drink, so that part's easy! As for the testing, I do like data, and figured it's good to have baselines, just to know?
Also, @Elaine Morrison! Do you read Halle Berry’s online magazine re-spin? She shifted it a year ago to focus on menopause given her experience and involvement in getting more bipartisan legislation in menopause research. I wrote a piece for her about blood sugar balancing, which you mentioned above — and I so agree with!
I don’t follow her but appreciate the recommendation. Yes, blood sugar balance is so important in menopause (really any stage of life). A stress response is also a blood sugar response. With my all of my nutrition clients it is a foundation that always needs support.
Lovely to connect with another Morrison! I’ll come check out your page too.
I am a huge fan of wearing a CGM on occasion to see how I am doing with blood sugar balancing. And, I just purchased the Glucose Goddess’ Anti-Spike to see if they have any impact.
Lovely to meet you as well! xx
Couldn’t agree more about alarmists — and in the same vein, influencers who wear an estrogen patch and feel that makes them an expert. Aging is phenomenal (not to mention a privilege) and I’m thrilled to help change the narrative.
Haha! Everyone is suddenly an HRT and menopause expert. Follow the money.
Yes! A doctor I interviewed for a piece called it “moneypause”…
I 100% agree - aging is a privilege. I love getting older and a little wiser. This time of life is empowering if you allow it to be. There’s a lot of freedom in aging. You can write your second chapter the way you choose to.
Hi! I have been using Alloy’s M4 cream for a few months- in the morning all over my face and back of my hands. People have said my skin looks great! It’s subtle. I also started using Tretinoin cream (0.025) about 4 weeks ago. I have used prescription retinal in the past and it’s amazing. Good luck. Can’t wait to hear your experience with both.
Oh amazing!! I've been using OTC retinol for ages, so I'm wondering how this is going to go! And thank you for letting me know!
Yes on the hormone testing baseline! The changes post 40 are super interesting, and really eye opening.
I just listened to the Cycle Syncing podcast on MWH’s Move With Heart podcast, with Alissa Vitti - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/move-with-heart/id1621097400?i=1000664570741
WHY weren’t more of us educated on this 20 years ago? I’m trying to learn and make the changes for myself, so I can help my daughter understand her own body as well.
Yes this!!!!
Loved this, Hillary! Tempted by the Doen dress but might wait til it goes on sale…
Why does August just fly by in the blink of an eye?
Random but - have you used the wardrobe app Indyx? I keep seeing it pop up and wondered if you’d used it or had thoughts? I had Whering, which I enjoyed because you could create outfits Cher from Clueless style - with your own wardrobe! But I keep hearing Indyx is better?
In a similar vein, have you had any of the styling services done? (Like the one Alison Bernstein offers?) Would you recommend if so? I dont know why but I’m hesitant? I think because I know my own style well now at 35? Thank you! X
Also: I think it's always a good idea to examine our personal style on a semi-regular basis, just like going to the doctor? I like any tools for self-discovery and if that leads to being a smarter shopper or gives me new ideas for how to work with my closet? Hell yes.
Completely agree!
Oh such interesting questions; I love this! Okay, so there are a bunch of wardrobe apps, some using AI, some not, and I'm actually evaluating right now. I love the idea, but also...I'm not sure o need it? Is that arrogant? I don't mean it that way, more than I feel like I know what I have, so not sure what the outcome would be. As for styling, I've been lazy about it because I've had the great fortune to work with a lot of amazing people over the years for work, and I feel like I'm still coasting on what I learned. W
Not arrogant at all! Makes sense!
Following because I’m super interested in the topics and what Hillary or others might share ☺️
August really is spicy! I love your newsletter and read every single one. An inbox treat!
At 55, and a reporter for all things fashion, beauty and wellness through the lens of aging, I am loving that our dialogue about menopause and hormones is breaking through! I’m post menopausal now, and can promise you I wish I had started to baseline test much earlier to get a grip on the 34+!symptoms that can wreck havoc with you, sometimes overnight. My own personal functional doctor @drtazmd is a fantastic resource as is the brilliant @drmaryclaire — they are just a few of the menoposse that can teach everything! Education from experts is everything.
Thank you for this!!! I love that there's convo about it too, though I keep bringing it up with friends and no one ever wants to discuss? I feel so unaware of what's to come, which feels odd as I knew a ton about puberty and pregnancy, but we just like skip the last big change? So yes, I'm trying to learn as much as possible now so I'm not taken by surprise by symptoms whenever they show up. And trying to designate this convo, esp because I now know it can happen as early as 35?!?
De-stigmatize, that is!
Exactly — isn’t it crazy that perimenopause can last up to ten years and you can begin in your 30s? Proud of you for pushing to have the dialogue. You’ll be thrilled you did. You’re likely in great hands with Parsley Health but if you feel you don’t have answers or can’t advocate for yourself there, you can always find doctors locally through NAMS (North American Menopause Society).
I don’t know how old you are but I guarantee that everyone around you will be discussing perimenopause and menopause once you are in your late 40s/early 50s. And I have now started to discuss with my older sisters as a reference to what their experiences were. So much is changing in this space and it’s about time! You are smart to start having it in the back of your mind when you are younger. And one word of advice is start strength training NOW (and not with 3 lbs weights). I am 55 and just got my first bone density test and while the results were “fine” I do wish I had really focused on muscle mass before I was behind the curve.
Mixed feelings on Parsley - maybe now that insurance covers some of it that will help but otherwise felt very expensive and still limited. Just signed up for Function Health and got first lab results back and I am impressed! So much testing for $500. Totally worth it and easy to do.
Just popping in because you’ve made some great J Crew recs in the past, Hillary - I just tried (and purchased x2) this tee in store and it is very very good. Has that heavy weight mens or unisex feel fabric, cropped length and slightly longer sleeves that feel right at the moment. In case anyone else is looking! https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens/categories/clothing/t-shirts-and-tank-tops/short-sleeve/relaxed-premium-weight-cropped-t-shirt/CA839?color_name=pale-surplus
Oh amazing!!!! Running to that link!!
Hillary! This is random but I recall that a long time ago you posted on your Instagram stories asking for non-botox TMJ solutions. Did you find anything that works? I wear a guard to protect my teeth but the clenching is out of control… botox works but wears off pretty quickly. Wondering if you ever got another option. Thank you!!
I wish! Never got any other recs, but also I stopped looking because I now have Invisalign retainers that I wear at night and haven't noticed as much clenching. I also keep seeing that night clenching is sometimes related to sleep apnea? Which is kind of wild.
ah bummer ok! That’s interesting - I was a lifelong sufferer of sleep apnea but had my tonsils removed as an adult in 2019 (horrible but worth it). I no longer have sleep apnea but maybe my jaw can’t let go… literally
I've been using the Alloy cream for about a month now, and I do think I notice a difference in the 'plumpness' of my skin. I've also been trying the Oliveda products, which I've been impressed with. And the One Skin moisturizers. The science behind their peptides is pretty impressive. I've noticed a huge difference in the texture of the skin on my body. In any case, Yes! to testing hormones and going into perimenopause educated about changes and options. HRT has literally been life-changing for me. There are so many great resources out there. As others said, Dr. Mary Claire and the You are Not Broken Podcast with Kelly Casperson. Excellent. Thanks for writing. I always look forward to your newsletter. xx
I LOVE the smell of the Roz shampoo but it striped my color, anyone else experience this?
I am so curious to hear about your experience with Parsley! I joined Allara for the same reason as I go into looking toward having children and just wanting to figure out my baseline for hormones and all the things. I am curious about Dr.Hyman’s function health company as well…it’s great that we are starting to get so many options!
I started with Parsley two years ago and just decided not to renew for a third year. My doctor was wonderful (shout to Dr. J!). When I joined, I wanted to get really clear about how my body was working, not just read another article about how all bodies work after 40, and I feel really good about meeting that need. Tip - be really clear on your goals going in and ask for what you need/want. Also, read bios of doctors and coaches before you select and if your coach leaves (my experience was high turnover), be sure to pick a new one yourself before they just assign one. Hope it helps you find some of the answers you're looking for and wishing you the best!
Well yeah like Roz product but not their containers. My oil leaked completely out and into a baggie it was stashed in (thankfully). Was met with an empty bottle after a short trip. So be warned when traveling with it. The top was on tight too.
Argh that would make me sad. I do think they're making travel-specific minis now that are probably less likely to leak?