Podcast Summary: "Growing Older Is Not Something to Fear" with Dr. Sharon Malone

Episode: Growing Older Is Not Something to Fear with Dr. Sharon Malone
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Podcast: My So-Called Midlife with Reshma Saujani
Host: Reshma Saujani
Guest: Dr. Sharon Malone, Chief Medical Advisor at Alloy Women's Health and New York Times bestselling author of Grown Woman Talk

Introduction: Embracing the Midlife Transition

In this insightful episode of My So-Called Midlife, host Reshma Saujani engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Sharon Malone, a renowned expert in women's health and menopause advocacy. The discussion centers around redefining the narrative of aging, particularly focusing on the unique freedoms and opportunities that midlife brings to women.

The Midlife Mindset: Redefining Identity and Empowerment

Dr. Malone begins by addressing the common struggles associated with midlife, such as shedding the "hot girl" image and embracing a new sense of self. She highlights the transition from seeking external validation to focusing on personal fulfillment and intelligence.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [04:23]: "When you get to be really happy is when you realize you don't have to be the hot girl in the bar. You can be the smart girl at the bar."

Celebrating Role Models: Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris

The conversation shifts to influential figures like Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris, whom Dr. Malone credits with reshaping perceptions of aging women. Their public presence and confidence serve as powerful examples for women navigating midlife.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [05:49]: "It has to do really with the mindset... keeping physically active and healthy."

The Importance of Physical Health and Functionality

Dr. Malone emphasizes the significance of maintaining physical health not for aesthetic purposes but for functionality and longevity. She advocates for simple, everyday activities that promote an active lifestyle.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [07:28]: "It's just a matter of being able to do functional things... focusing on what do you want to be able to do?"

Overcoming Societal Pressures: From Appearance to Authenticity

Reshma and Dr. Malone delve into societal pressures that push women to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Dr. Malone encourages women to dress for themselves, fostering confidence and authenticity.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [13:05]: "We're not trying to compare ourselves to a 30-year-old. We're trying to be the best 60-something year old woman we can be."

Navigating the Healthcare System: Challenges for Women

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the complexities women face within the healthcare system. Dr. Malone discusses the historical neglect of women's health needs and the modern challenges posed by the corporatization of medicine.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [24:50]: "Our healthcare system was never designed really for women... most of women's things that we complain about and we know to be real, we get told, 'It's all in your head.'"

Mental Health Crisis Among Mothers

Reshma brings attention to a recent study highlighting a mental health crisis among American mothers, with 64% experiencing a substantial decline in mental health. Dr. Malone attributes this to societal expectations, lack of support systems, and the relentless pressure to achieve perfection.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [40:16]: "The number one cause for maternal deaths was mental health, either addiction or depression or something related to mental health."

Empowerment and Self-Advocacy: Tools for Women

The discussion transitions to actionable advice for women to advocate for their health and well-being. Dr. Malone shares strategies for effective communication with healthcare providers and the importance of proactive health management.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [51:03]: "Don't exercise because you're trying to lose weight. Exercise because you're trying to be intentional and functional."

Overcoming Internalized Doubts: Building Confidence

Reshma and Dr. Malone explore the internal barriers women face, such as self-doubt and the imposter syndrome, especially in professional settings. Dr. Malone encourages women to trust their abilities and dismiss societal narratives that undermine their self-worth.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [30:03]: "Where do we derive our self-worth from? For women, we are constantly having to justify our worth because just being a woman is not enough."

The Role of Modern Advocacy: Reigniting the Menopause Conversation

Dr. Malone recounts her collaboration with Michelle Obama, which significantly advanced the public discourse on menopause. By leveraging influential platforms, they have successfully normalized conversations around menopause, breaking longstanding stigmas.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [45:49]: "Michelle decided to have the conversation on her podcast because so many women... own where you are and open up about it."

Addressing Myths and Misconceptions: Hormone Therapy

The episode addresses common misconceptions about hormone therapy, particularly the fears stemming from the 2002 study linking it to breast cancer. Dr. Malone underscores the importance of evidence-based information and continued advocacy to restore trust in effective treatments.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [47:23]: "Hormone therapy has been around since 1942... But there was a study in 2002 that started linking it to breast cancer, which shut down the conversation for 20 years."

Preventive Health: A Proactive Approach to Aging

Looking forward, Dr. Malone advocates for a preventive approach to health in midlife. She stresses the importance of early intervention and lifestyle modifications to ensure a healthier and more fulfilling later life.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [49:13]: "Don't wait until something's broken before you try to fix it. Be proactive about things."

Personal Advocacy: Handling Health Scenarios

Reshma shares a personal experience with a breast cancer scare, prompting a discussion on how women can better navigate such situations. Dr. Malone offers practical advice on how to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and manage anxiety during uncertain times.

• Dr. Sharon Malone [52:44]: "When you get an abnormal mammogram... You're going to go on and live the rest of your natural life."

Conclusion: Embracing the Future with Confidence

The episode culminates with a message of empowerment, encouraging women to embrace their midlife with confidence and proactive self-care. Dr. Malone's insights serve as a guide for women to navigate the complexities of aging, health, and societal expectations with resilience and self-assurance.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Sharon Malone [04:23]: "When you get to be really happy is when you realize you don't have to be the hot girl in the bar. You can be the smart girl at the bar."

• Dr. Sharon Malone [07:28]: "It's just a matter of being able to do functional things... focusing on what do you want to be able to do?"

• Dr. Sharon Malone [24:50]: "Our healthcare system was never designed really for women... we get told, 'It's all in your head.'"

• Dr. Sharon Malone [30:03]: "Where do we derive our self-worth from? For women, we are constantly having to justify our worth because just being a woman is not enough."

• Dr. Sharon Malone [45:49]: "Michelle decided to have the conversation on her podcast because so many women... own where you are and open up about it."

• Dr. Sharon Malone [51:03]: "Don't exercise because you're trying to lose weight. Exercise because you're trying to be intentional and functional."

Final Thoughts

This episode of My So-Called Midlife provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and triumphs associated with midlife for women. Dr. Sharon Malone's expertise and candid insights offer valuable guidance for women seeking to redefine their identities, prioritize their health, and embrace the opportunities that come with aging. Reshma Saujani's empathetic hosting further enriches the conversation, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of midlife.