Well + Good

pulse check

Trust the Process?

Every so often, an interview makes me abandon journalistic composure and say, “WHAT?” It happened last week when OB-GYN Jen Ashton, MD, referenced research that suggests some hormonal changes tied to menopause can begin up to 15 years before your final period.

Now for some meno math. In the US, women typically have their last period around age 51. That can put those early shifts at around 36, when birth rates are on the rise and brain fog or exhaustion could easily get blamed on work stress or a lack of sleep.

That doesn't mean hormonal imbalances in your mid-30s necessarily signal clinical perimenopause or years of symptoms. But the research raises questions about what else we’ve overlooked.

The effects go beyond fertility. The same analysis examined more than 300 million lab tests and discovered changes in markers related to bone and heart health in perimenopausal women, which could offer clues about the risks of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease later in life.
Hot flashes aren't the whole story. A Mayo Clinic–led survey found that participants actually reported fatigue and exhaustion more often than feeling overheated.
ADHD symptoms may intensify. Emerging research suggests that some women with ADHD experience greater difficulty with focus, memory, and emotional regulation during the lead up to their last period as fluctuations in estrogen can affect attention and executive function.

— Anna “Fifteen. Years.” Davies, Writer

PS: If you think that's a lot to unpack, Naomi Watts has more to say on the subject. Catch our exclusive interview below.

Well, well, well

Doulas use the acronym “BRAIN” to help parents-to-be make medical decisions. Turns out, it's a useful cheat sheet for your next doctor's appointment, too.

A new federal policy could make it easier to get peptides without a prescription. Before you place an order, consider these potential risks.

Want more fiber in your diet? Don’t toss those fruit and veggie peels. They're packed with the stuff and can be delicious with the right prep.

Your workout might need a pep talk more than a new routine. Experts say a shift in your “exercise mindset” could change how you feel before your first rep.

Some wellness influencers now question the benefits of soap and tap water. In case there was any doubt, yes, doctors say it’s good to wash your hands.

Hunting Wives star Brittany Snow shared what her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis taught her about staying close to a parent as your relationship changes. We took notes.

in our rotation

The new year is around the corner. Here's a nonintimidating daily planner to kick things off.

How about a set of the smoothest gel pens to go with that planner?

Keep scrolling...more recs below

well aware

Bless Our Hearts

Your therapist is familiar with your anxiety. Your OB-GYN knows about your complicated pregnancy. Is the doctor who checks your blood pressure aware of either? Four major medical groups, including the American Heart Association, want to connect those dots. Their new guidance calls for a more complete picture of women's heart health, from your first period through menopause and beyond.

Why does this matter? Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, yet some of its warning signs may be hidden in medical histories that rarely make it to a cardiologist. Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can signal higher cardiovascular risk later in life. So can conditions like polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). “There's a whole list of what we call non-traditional risk factors or unique female-specific risk factors that doctors aren't asking women about,” says Amy Ahnert, MD, a cardiologist with Atlantic Medical Group. In other words, your reproductive history is part of your heart history.

And it's not all physical. Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress deserve a place in that conversation, too. Adrenaline can temporarily raise your heart rate and blood pressure, while prolonged exposure to psychological strain may contribute to inflammation and hypertension. Mental health conditions are also associated with greater cardiovascular risk. A tough week won’t cause heart disease, but your doctor does need the full picture to conduct a proper assessment.

For Your Sanity:

Know your numbers. Ask about your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, along with how often you should check them. Your results can help identify risks before symptoms appear.
Don't leave your OB-GYN history at the door. Mention irregular periods, pregnancy complications, and conditions like PMOS, even if they happened years ago. Those details influence how your doctor evaluates your cardiovascular health.
Connect the mind and body. Share relevant diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. If the advice you get in return amounts to “exercise more and eat better,” take a cue from Ahnert and ask, “What does that even mean?”

Together with Johnson & Johnson

Fresh Start

While everyone’s talking about fresh starts in the new year, that may feel out of reach for some — especially when depression symptoms take over. But what if this year could be different?

If you’ve tried multiple traditional antidepressants and you’re still experiencing lingering depressive symptoms, you may have treatment-resistant depression (TRD).¹ The new year is the perfect time to advocate for a treatment plan that is best for you. Reach out to a doctor or specialist to explore different treatment options for TRD. New year, fresh start.

Learn More

¹Gaynes BN, Asher G, Gartlehner G, et al. Definition of treatment-resistant depression in the Medicare population. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Accessed June 18, 2026. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coverage/DeterminationProcess/downloads/id105TA.pdf

the more you know

Which fruit packs the most vitamin C per gram?

Well Reviewed

Cough, Cough

Welcome, sick season. Before you go down for the count, here are the best sore throat treatments to have on hand to feel (a little) more human.

Beekeeper's Naturals

Beekeeper’s Naturals Kids Propolis Throat Spray is the best treatment for kids.

Traditional Medicinals

Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Tea is the best tea option.

Levoit

Levoit Top Fill Humidifier is the best humidifier for dry air relief.

Mucinex

Mucinex Fast-Max Liquid Gels, Cold, Flu, & Sore Throat is the best option for all-in-one relief.

Here’s the full list of the best at-home sore throat treatments, according to experts.

In Our Rotation

An $18 body wash to fight backne and buttne.

Our yogi editor's favorite leggings cost $45, but they're usually on sale. She owns five (yes, five) pairs.

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

well said

Naomi Watts Will Take Your Questions

People slide into the celebrity's DMs all the time for menopause advice. Including how to handle the weird symptoms. Here’s what she tells them to do.

A fiber hack we hadn’t heard before