The Livelong Podcast
"Quite frankly, the body is just the vehicle for what the mind does. And so if the mind is going through this kind of tumultuous shift with hormone change, then that's what the body is only able to represent from that."
The Livelong Women’s Health Summit is next week, and we’re introducing you to some of our amazing experts who will be speaking at the event. This week, we’re welcoming OBGYN and menopause expert Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Chief Medical Officer at Hers, and author of Generation M, to unpack the layered reality of midlife.
For women, midlife isn’t just about hormones dropping. There’s career pressure, aging parents, growing kids, sleep disruption, and decades of pushing through discomfort all while your body changes. That combination can make symptoms feel unpredictable and hard to explain, but no less real.
They explore:
Why midlife feels harder than expected—even when lab tests look “normal”
How estrogen and progesterone shifts affect brain chemistry, mood, and motivation
Why anxiety and depression diagnoses spike between ages 45–55
Why some women experience menopause earlier, longer, or more intensely than others
How decades of stress and emotional load show up physically in midlife
What it actually looks like to advocate for yourself when you feel dismissed
Why strong friendships and community show up again and again in longevity research
This conversation digs into the layered reality of midlife health—biology, stress, relationships, and healthcare systems collide during these formative years. From the rise in midlife antidepressant use to the overlooked role of community in healthy aging, this conversation offers a wide-angle look at a phase of life that shapes the decades that follow.
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!!! Circle members get exclusive access to these Q&As, plus all conference replays, community events, chats, exclusive longevity science guides, and more. If you’re a woman looking for community and curated content, join the group.
See Dr. Jessica Shepherd at the Livelong Women’s Health Summit THIS WEEK
Dr. Shepherd will be in San Francisco alongside 70+ women’s health experts for two days of activities, conversations, and science that is shaping the future of women’s health. This is where you go deeper.
→ Seeking ambassadors: Be part of our community
→ Become a sponsor: See the media kit
Upcoming Events
April 14 — 3:00 pm ET
Beyond the weight: GLP-1s and women’s long-term health. The science, the reality, and answering the hard questions.
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The information provided about wellness and health is for general informational and educational purposes only. We are not licensed medical professionals, and the content here should not be considered medical advice. Talk to a doctor before trying any of these suggestions.
