SmartHERNews You've Been Lied To About Aging: The New Science With Dr. Mindy Pelz
Jan 10, 2026
Dr. Mindy Pelz, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on women's health, discusses transformative insights in aging and health. She delves into the concept of menopause as a leadership shift, emphasizing its role in rewiring female brains for independence. Mindy tackles hormone replacement therapy nuances while urging lifestyle changes for better health outcomes. With a focus on neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin, she highlights the importance of new experiences and connections for emotional well-being during this transition.
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Menopause Rewires The Brain For Leadership
- Menopause rewires the female brain away from people-pleasing toward leadership and independence.
- Mindy Pelz argues this rewiring is an opportunity for a billion women to step into leadership roles.
Post-Reproductive Longevity Has Purpose
- Human longevity after reproductive years mirrors orca behavior where post-reproductive females become leaders.
- Pelz uses the grandmother hypothesis to argue menopause evolved to create elders who teach and protect the group.
Improve A1c Before Relying On HRT
- Start with lifestyle changes before assuming hormone replacement therapy is the fix.
- Aim to get hemoglobin A1c near 5.0–5.2 because better glucose control eases menopause turbulence.
