“My biggest takeaway from this year’s Menopause Society conference is how crucial getting quality sleep is for your heart, brain, mood, and even weight.” – Dr. Margaret Nachtigall  

Key Links & Resources 

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Read Barbara’s Fix Your Body column in AARP The Magazine 

Email questions: [email protected] 

Summary 

In this episode of AGE BETTER with Barbara Hannah Grufferman, Dr. Margaret Nachtigall returns to share highlights from the 2025 Menopause Society Conference. From perimenopause to postmenopause, the latest research is shedding new light on how women can protect their heart, brain, bones, and overall health. 

Barbara and Dr. Nachtigall cover a wide range of topics—why sleep is emerging as one of the most powerful tools for healthy aging, how hormonal changes affect weight and metabolism, what’s new in brain and cognitive health, and the latest insights into bone strength and fracture prevention. Together, they unpack what every woman needs to know now to make smarter, science-based choices in midlife and beyond. 

Takeaways 

Sleep is foundational for heart health, brain function, mood, and weight management. 

Perimenopause symptoms often begin earlier than many women expect—awareness matters. 

New data show how hormonal changes affect metabolism and fat distribution. 

Hot flashes are much more than a temporary symptom of menopause.  

Cognitive health and dementia prevention remain top research priorities. 

Bone health is critical: early interventions can help prevent fractures later in life. 

Hormone therapy and non-hormonal options continue to evolve, offering more personalized choices. 

Understanding the interplay of aging and menopause empowers women to take charge of their health. 

Why Listen 

This episode brings you the newest, most practical science from the 2025 Menopause Society Conference—direct from one of the top experts in the field. If you want clear answers on sleep, heart health, brain fog, weight gain, hot flashes, or bone strength, you’ll find them here. 

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And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to [email protected] -- I love hearing from you!     

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