There’s a very human tendency to want the quick fix.

It’s often more exciting to focus on the next “thing” than to do the deeper work of optimizing how your body actually functions — supporting digestion so nutrients can be absorbed more effectively, regulating the nervous system so you can sleep better and feel less anxious, or rebalancing cortisol and other hormones that affect energy, mood, and metabolism.

But here’s the truth about those short-term approaches.

The end of a year and the start of a new one naturally invites reflection. It always makes me think about the passage of time - where I am relative to where I’d like to be, and how I want my life and health to feel moving forward.

As we head into 2026, there are a few things I’m ready to say goodbye to, especially in the world of women’s health.

Here are three of them…

I know this is an incredibly busy time of year. It can feel like a whirlwind, but I hope it also holds some peaceful moments when you’re able to pause, take in the lights, and remember what truly matters.

I am so grateful for this community. Thank you for taking the time to read these messages and for allowing me to share my thoughts and a bit of my life with you.

As we head into the holidays, I want to offer a gentle reminder that doing what brings us joy is an important part of our health. Most weeks I write about nutrition, movement, hormones, and the habits that help us feel our best. But something I’ve learned over the past few years is how powerful it is to pay attention to what genuinely brings us joy, and then make sure we spend some time doing it.

This might be a little controversial…

but walking does not count as exercise in the way most women over 40 need it to.

And neither does yoga.

They’re both fantastic forms of movement — they support stress, mobility, mental health, and overall wellbeing. But when it comes to hormonal balance, metabolism, and aging well, they simply can’t do the job on their own.

This simple truth could change the way you approach your health.

What I actually do, how FASTer Way fits in, and why both matter for your midlife health.

Some days it feels like I’ve got it all together. Other days… not so much.

And the truth? There’s no such thing as perfect balance.

Here’s what I mean:

The other day, I was feeling pretty good. I’d gotten up early for a strength workout, did some patient consults and finished up charts, posted on social media and answered messages, even squeezed in a trip to the Farmer’s Market with the kids. By dinnertime, I thought: I’m on top of it today.

This might surprise you.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve done a lot of things that wouldn’t land on a “Top 10 Natural Health Solutions” list.

Things like…

Every summer for the past few years, I’ve taken group tennis lessons at our local club in Southampton. And every year, within the first week or two, I’d end up with shin splints… or shoulder pain… or aching forearms.

But this year? Nothing. Not a single complaint.

(Well, maybe a little twitch in my thumb — but that’s it.)

And I know it’s not just luck.

Cortisol is your stress hormone — but it’s not your enemy.

It’s meant to peak in the morning to help you wake up energized, then gradually fall throughout the day so you can wind down and sleep deeply at night.

But for many women, that rhythm is off.

"Everything looks fine” doesn't mean your results are optimal. If you're still feeling off, let's take a closer look at your labs together.

I think we all deserve to feel confident and energetic and beautiful at whatever stage of life we are in.  I love helping people achieve that by naturally improving their sleep, getting rid of hot flashes (they are NOT a given you have to deal with), showing them how to exercise and eat so they can get stronger and leaner, enhancing the appearance of their skin, or adding a little sparkle to their wardrobe.