Jackie's Take: What's on My Mind in Women's Wellness ✍️ 🤔 📰 

🧬 So... Should Everyone Be Microdosing GLP-1s Now?

After last week’s deep dive into the "what," the big question hanging in the air is... why?

With all the buzz, it’s easy to wonder if this is something everyone should be considering. The short answer is no, simply stated.

But the long answer, especially for women in midlife, is far more nuanced and exciting than you might think. It’s a conversation that goes far beyond the number on the scale and into the realm of long-term health, inflammation, and taking back control of our bodies.

Let’s start with the obvious reasons someone might choose to "microdose" or start with a lower dose of a GLP-1 medication. These are the practical, real-world entry points.

(and, if you missed last week’s newsletter on the WHAT of microdosing, you can go back and read that here) 📰

💊 You’re nervous.
Let’s be real, starting any new medication can be intimidating, especially one surrounded by so much hype and controversy. A smaller dose can feel like a more manageable first step, allowing you to dip your toe in the water and see how your body responds without committing to the full therapeutic dose right away. It’s a way to build confidence and trust in the process.

💊 You want to minimize side effects.
The most common reason people stop these medications is the side effects—nausea, fatigue, constipation. Starting low and titrating up slowly is the single best clinical strategy to mitigate these issues. It allows your body’s GI system and brain to adapt gently, making the journey smoother and more sustainable.

💊 You "only" want to lose 10-15 pounds.
You may not need or want the dramatic weight loss seen at the highest doses. A lower dose can be the perfect tool to address the stubborn, hormonally-driven weight that often accumulates during perimenopause and menopause, without overshooting your goal.

But this is where the conversation gets truly fascinating.
The benefits of these medications go far beyond the scale.

For midlife women, GLP-1s are emerging as a powerful tool for managing a host of conditions rooted in inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

Here are the "whys" you probably haven't thought about, backed by science 👇

1️⃣ You have PCOS or are struggling with fertility.

Both of these are tightly linked to insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. By improving insulin sensitivity, GLP-1s can help restore regular ovulation and improve the overall hormonal environment, which is critical for conception. We are now seeing fertility specialists use these drugs as a tool to help women achieve pregnancy, particularly those with PCOS.

2️⃣ You suffer from an Autoimmune Disease.

So many autoimmune conditions, which disproportionately affect women, are thought to stem from what we call "leaky gut." The science is still evolving, but the theory is that due to inflammation or changes in our gut microbiome, the lining of our intestines becomes compromised. This allows particles to pass through into the bloodstream that shouldn't, triggering an inappropriate immune response.

GLP-1s have been shown to directly improve the integrity of this gut lining and positively influence the gut microbiome's ecosystem.

A 2024 review in Frontiers in Immunology highlighted that by modulating the immune system and gut health, GLP-1s have therapeutic potential across a range of autoimmune disorders.

3️⃣ You have a family history of Alzheimer's Disease.

Scientists now refer to Alzheimer's as "Type 3 Diabetes" because of the strong link between brain insulin resistance and cognitive decline. This is one of the most promising areas of research.

A 2025 target trial emulation study published in JAMA Neurology looked at people with Type 2 Diabetes and found that GLP-1s were associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias compared to other glucose-lowering drugs.

The findings support the neuroprotective effects of these medications and suggest a powerful role in dementia prevention strategies.

4️⃣ You have a high Lp(a) or a strong family history of heart disease.

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a genetic and stubborn risk factor for heart disease.

Let me be clear: we do not have data yet showing that GLP-1s directly lower Lp(a). However, we currently have no approved drugs that do.

The universal recommendation for managing high Lp(a) is to get every other cardiovascular risk factor as low as possible—namely by lowering inflammation and your LDL or ApoB cholesterol.

This is where GLP-1s come in. The landmark SELECT trial proved they reduce cardiovascular events by tackling inflammation. Furthermore, GLP-1s often lead to significant improvements in lipid profiles, including triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

For some, this might be an effective strategy to use alongside a statin to get numbers to their goal, or in some cases, for those who are statin-intolerant, it could be a powerful alternative strategy.

5️⃣ You want to curb addictive behaviors.

GLP-1s work on the dopamine pathways in the brain—the same reward centers that drive cravings for food. Anecdotally, many users report a decreased desire for other compulsive behaviors, and the science is catching up.

A 2025 study in JAMA Psychiatry documented patients on semaglutide who experienced a remission of their alcohol use disorder, pointing to the profound way these drugs can quiet the "noise" of cravings.

6️⃣ You want to reduce your cancer risk.

This is early, but exciting, evidence. We’ve known for years that obesity is a major risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast cancer.

The mechanism isn't just the fat itself, but the chronic inflammation and insulin resistance that come with it. It makes sense, then, that a medication that powerfully combats both could lower cancer risk.

A 2025 mouse study found that the dual GLP-1/GIP drug already hailed for impressive weight loss, does more than trim fat: it slashes the growth of obesity-linked breast tumors.

While this is not yet human data, it’s a powerful proof of concept for how improving metabolic health can have profound, life-saving benefits across the entire body.

The "why" for considering a GLP-1 is rarely just about weight.

It’s about taking control of your metabolic health, reducing inflammation, and proactively investing in a longer, healthier life.

It’s about playing the long game. 🧠💪

So, I'd love to know, which of these "whys" surprised you the most?
Hit reply and tell me—I read every single one. Your questions and insights help shape this community. 💌

Next Week → Part 3: The How 🩺

Next week, we’ll cover how to talk to your doctor so you’re taken seriously, how to navigate the system safely, and how to Biohack Like a Girl™—because as I see it, the future of midlife medicine is yours for the taking. 🪄 

The Tea: What's Trending in Women's Wellness & Culture 🍵 📰 

🥦 What a Gut Microbiome Scientist Wants You to Eat Every Day
Is the secret to a healthy gut (and better metabolic health) to start feeding your microbes fiber? This scientist says yes, and especially if it’s resistant starch. Found in beans, lentils, oats, green bananas, and whole grains, these fibers lower inflammation, regulate blood sugar, and even boost GLP-1, the same hormone mimicked by Ozempic. (Washington Post)

🔥 Inside the Anatomy of a Hot Flash
This article breaks down what happens in the body during a menopause hot flash, from brain signaling shifts to rapid changes in blood flow and temperature. As you may already know, hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for most women under 60, while lifestyle tools like cooling strategies and paced breathing can also help. (HealthCentral)

💼 The Hidden Cost of Menopause at Work
A new Stanford University study found that women who seek care for menopause symptoms experience an average 10% drop in pay within four years. Experts say workplace menopause support is not a perk but a retention strategy that helps companies keep top female talent through comprehensive benefits and flexible schedules. (Inc.)

The Group Chat Edit 📲 👯‍♂️ 

😷 To Try: October is like the Superbowl in the menopause crowd and I have been running from event to event. It’s also the same month one of my kids inevitably shares their upper respiratory infection with me. I’ve been tossing these Liposomal Gluthathione packets in my bag and it’s been super helpful for recovery and detox.💊

👂️To Listen/Watch: For more on how GLP-1s can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s dementia and other diseases, check out this episode of the Neuro Experience podcast 📺️ 

📖 To Buy: Your home is your wellness sanctuary. While yes, neutral bright palettes and biodesign are all the rage, don’t forget to add a pop of color and whimsy with a little themed wallpaper like this one - perfect for a ski house, bathroom or den.🎿