HerMoney with Jean Chatzky: Detailed Episode Summary

Episode: Mailbag: Talking about menopause at work, plus how to cover the cost of HRT treatments, and more
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Host: Jean Chatzky
Guest: Jill Herzig, Chief Brand Officer and Co-Founder of MIDI Health

Introduction

Jean Chatzky welcomes listeners to a special mailbag episode featuring Jill Herzig from MIDI Health. Building on their previous discussion about managing the financial aspects of menopause, Jean introduces the episode's focus: addressing listener questions related to menopause, workplace challenges, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Listener Questions and Expert Responses

1. Navigating Career Challenges During Perimenopause

Question from Trudy (01:54):
Trudy, a single mother experiencing perimenopause, faces job stagnation, isolation at work, and fears about applying for new positions amidst menopause symptoms like brain fog. She seeks advice on career advancement and whether to pursue additional certifications.

Responses:
Jill Herzig emphasizes the commonality of menopause-related challenges and encourages embracing this life stage with grace. She highlights the importance of optimizing sleep and considering HRT to combat brain fog.
Jean Chatzky advises Trudy to focus on her transferable skills rather than job titles, suggesting a market research approach to identify suitable opportunities. She supports the idea of obtaining a certificate like Project Management from Google to boost confidence, while also noting that leveraging existing skills can be equally effective. Jean underscores the value of HRT in enhancing overall well-being, which can, in turn, positively impact career progression.

Notable Quote:
Jill Herzig (03:18):
"This is not a you thing. It is an every woman alive thing. Every one of us will go through this."

2. Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Costs and Coverage

Question from Jen (07:14):
Jen is considering HRT and seeks information on its costs and the type of health plans that cover HRT treatments.

Responses:
Jill Herzig explains that HRT typically costs around $40 a month, though her personal cost is slightly lower at $32 thanks to MIDI Health's assistance in finding optimal coverage. She notes that non-hormonal alternatives, such as the newly approved Vioza, may vary in coverage based on insurance formularies. Jill emphasizes the importance of working with knowledgeable clinicians to navigate treatment options effectively.

Jean Chatzky adds practical advice on pricing HRT, recommending listeners to compare prices from different pharmacies and consider purchasing generics in bulk to reduce costs. She shares her own experience of switching generics to manage side effects and costs better.

Notable Quote:
Jean Chatzky (10:13):
"Just shopping around can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for HRT."

3. Managing Menopause Symptoms in a Demanding Senior Role

Question from Sheila (12:21):
Sheila holds a demanding senior-level position and is experiencing menopause symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, and brain fog. She seeks advice on requesting remote work flexibility without facing ageism.

Responses:
Jill Herzig references a Harvard Business School study indicating that women who openly discuss their menopause symptoms are perceived as more confident and stable. She encourages honesty and transparency when communicating with employers, suggesting that vulnerability can project strength. Jill advises requesting specific accommodations, such as remote work days, to manage symptoms effectively.

Jean Chatzky complements this by advising Sheila to prepare for the conversation by listing her contributions and successes within the company. She suggests demonstrating how remote work can enhance productivity and retention, thereby making a strong case for her request.

Notable Quote:
Jill Herzig (12:21):
"Showing vulnerability projects confidence and authenticity, which can strengthen your leadership presence."

4. Indicators of Perimenopause While on Birth Control Pills

Question from Heather (14:35):
Heather is currently on birth control pills and is curious about the signs of perimenopause. Her gynecologist advised tapering off the pills to better assess her menopausal symptoms, such as whether it's appropriate to transition off the contraceptives.

Responses:
Jill Herzig clarifies that birth control pills are a form of hormone therapy with higher hormone levels intended to suppress ovulation. Tapering off the pills allows Heather to accurately determine her menopausal stage by observing her natural hormonal fluctuations and the presence of symptoms. Jill explains that symptoms like irregular periods and menopause-related changes can coexist, and it's normal to experience both during perimenopause.

Notable Quote:
Jill Herzig (15:21):
"Perimenopause is a confusing time with a lot of misinformation, but tapering off the pill is the right step to understand your body's transitions."

Insights and Recommendations

• Embracing Menopause: Both Jean and Jill emphasize the universality of menopause, encouraging women to embrace this phase with self-compassion and to seek support when needed.

• Financial Planning: The discussion underscores the importance of integrating health considerations like HRT costs into broader financial planning, especially for women navigating career changes during midlife.

• Workplace Strategies: Transparent communication about menopause symptoms can enhance workplace relationships and lead to necessary accommodations without compromising professional standing.

• Healthcare Navigation: Selecting the right HRT or non-hormonal treatments involves careful consideration of costs, insurance coverage, and working with knowledgeable healthcare providers to tailor treatments to individual needs.

Notable Quote:
Jean Chatzky (05:19):
"It's taking these skills that we have and trying to apply them in other places to level up our careers alongside managing our health."

MIDI Health's Future Initiatives

Jill Herzig discusses MIDI Health's expansion across all 50 states, aiming to provide comprehensive virtual care tailored to women's midlife health needs. The company is broadening its services to include weight management solutions and is evolving into a holistic healthcare provider addressing various aspects of women's midlife health.

Notable Quote:
Jill Herzig (16:45):
"We are becoming a holistic healthcare company that cares for everything you need in midlife in a virtual way."

Conclusion

Jean Chatzky wraps up the episode by highlighting the valuable insights shared by Jill Herzig and encouraging listeners to engage with MIDI Health for their midlife health needs. She also promotes HerMoney's programs, such as Finance Fix and Investing Fix, aimed at enhancing women's financial confidence and power.

Final Thoughts:
This episode of HerMoney provides a compassionate and informative exploration of menopause-related challenges, blending financial advice with health considerations. Through listener questions and expert guidance, Jean Chatzky and Jill Herzig offer actionable strategies for women to navigate midlife transitions both professionally and personally.