The Founder’s Series with Dr. Rebbecca Hertel
Midlife. Menopause. Medicine. Motherhood.
Join Dr. Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP — a board-certified family physician, certified menopause practitioner, and founder of Osteopathic Midlife Health — as she goes beyond the white coat to share the stories, science, and soul behind modern midlife care.
In The Founder’s Series, Dr. Hertel opens up about the real journey of building a mission-driven practice, leading with purpose, and redefining what thriving in midlife looks like. Through honest reflections, medical insight, and lessons learned as a physician, speaker, and mom, she explores everything from burnout and balance to hormones, leadership, healing, and advancing precision women's health.
Dr. Hertel shares candid lessons from the front lines of medicine, entrepreneurship, and midlife.
If you’re a woman in midlife, a clinician, a dreamer building something new, or simply someone who wants to better understand this powerful stage of life — The Founder’s Series is for you.
🎙️ Topics include:
✨Subscribe for weekly episodes blending storytelling, medical insight, and midlife empowerment.
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✨Visit my website Osteopathic Midlife Health- https://osteopathicmidlifehealth.com/
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
The Founder’s Series with Dr. Rebbecca Hertel
Midlife. Menopause. Medicine. Motherhood.
Join Dr. Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP — a board-certified family physician, certified menopause practitioner, and founder of Osteopathic Midlife Health — as she goes beyond the white coat to share the stories, science, and soul behind modern midlife care.
In The Founder’s Series, Dr. Hertel opens up about the real journey of building a mission-driven practice, leading with purpose, and redefining what thriving in midlife looks like. Through honest reflections, medical insight, and lessons learned as a physician, speaker, and mom, she explores everything from burnout and balance to hormones, leadership, healing, and advancing precision women's health.
Dr. Hertel shares candid lessons from the front lines of medicine, entrepreneurship, and midlife.
If you’re a woman in midlife, a clinician, a dreamer building something new, or simply someone who wants to better understand this powerful stage of life — The Founder’s Series is for you.
🎙️ Topics include:
✨Subscribe for weekly episodes blending storytelling, medical insight, and midlife empowerment.
✨Subscribe to my newsletter for more tips!
✨Visit my website Osteopathic Midlife Health- https://osteopathicmidlifehealth.com/
Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
This episode is for you.
In this episode, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel discusses the significant removal of the black box warning from systemic hormone therapy, a change that marks a pivotal moment in women's health. The conversation delves into the implications of this decision, the historical context surrounding the Women's Health Initiative, and the need for updated education for both clinicians and patients. Dr. Hertel emphasizes the importance of informed discussions about hormone therapy, the ongoing need for clinician training, and the empowerment of women to make educated choices regarding their health.
Takeaways
Work With Dr. Rebbecca
If you want personalized support for perimenopause, menopause, metabolism, hormones, sleep, and midlife care:
🌐 OsteopathicMidlifeHealth.com 📩 Book a consultation
📰 Join the Midlife Minute Newsletter
📱 Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 🎧
Clinicians: Listen on Pinnacle for CME
Support the Show
👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe ⭐ Rate & Review 📤 Share this episode with a friend who needs midlife science & sanity
Your reviews help women find evidence-based support in a world that still underestimates midlife.
Here's to 2025, the year women take the mic.
In this conversation, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel discusses the significant advancements in women's health, particularly focusing on menopause management and the empowerment of women in healthcare. She highlights the evolution of clinical guidelines, the importance of personalized care, and the role of technology in enhancing women's health outcomes. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift from fear-based approaches to evidence-based empowerment, showcasing the growing influence of women in shaping the future of healthcare.
Takeaways
Work With Dr. Rebbecca
If you want personalized support for perimenopause, menopause, metabolism, hormones, sleep, and midlife care:
🌐 OsteopathicMidlifeHealth.com 📩 Book a consultation
📰 Join the Midlife Minute Newsletter
📱 Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 🎧
Clinicians: Listen on Pinnacle for CME
Support the Show
👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe ⭐ Rate & Review 📤 Share this episode with a friend who needs midlife science & sanity
Your reviews help women find evidence-based support in a world that still underestimates midlife.
The holidays look magical on the outside — but for midlife women? They’re often metabolic chaos wrapped in twinkle lights.
In this episode of The Founder Series, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel breaks down what actually happens inside your body during the busiest, most stressful season of the year — and why stress, sugar, alcohol, travel, and sleep disruption hit differently in perimenopause and menopause.
If you’ve ever wondered why December feels like you’re unraveling (even when you’re “doing all the right things”), this episode gives you the biology behind the burnout — and a science-backed plan to protect your hormones, your mood, your sleep, and your sanity without giving up joy.
We’ll go deep into:
This is your biology-based blueprint for December — because longevity isn’t built in January… it’s protected in December.
Work With Dr. Rebbecca
If you want personalized support for perimenopause, menopause, metabolism, hormones, sleep, and midlife care:
🌐 OsteopathicMidlifeHealth.com 📩 Book a consultation 📰 Join the Midlife Minute Newsletter 📱 Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 🎧 Clinicians: Listen on Pinnacle for CME
Support the Show
👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe ⭐ Rate & Review 📤 Share this episode with a friend who needs midlife science & sanity
Your reviews help women find evidence-based support in a world that still underestimates midlife.
Big news! I’m now a Pinnacle Podcast Partner! You can listen to my episodes of The Founder's Series on the Learn at Pinnacle app and even earn free CE/CME credit while you do.
Longevity isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a blueprint. And for women in midlife, it’s a conversation we deserve to be leading, not left out of.
In this week’s episode of the Founder Series, we unpack what longevity really means: not living longer at any cost, but expanding the years where we feel strong, sharp, mobile, fulfilled, and deeply well.
Here’s the reality most people never hear:
🔸 Women live five years longer than men …but carry more preventable disease in those extra years. 🔸 We face a 2.4-year wider healthspan gap …meaning we are living longer but not necessarily living better.
This episode breaks down the three systems that shape your healthspan:
1️⃣ Cardiovascular health — the #1 cause of death in women
2️⃣ Bone health — with half of women 50+ experiencing osteoporotic fractures
3️⃣ Metabolic health — insulin resistance, lipid changes, blood pressure shifts
None of this is about fear. It’s about power. Because all three of these can be measured, tracked, improved, and treated with evidence-based, modern midlife medicine.
Longevity isn’t a trend. It’s prevention. It’s clarity. It’s the freedom to experience the second half of life with strength, purpose, and vitality.
And midlife is the window where these changes matter most.
If you’ve been feeling off, exhausted, inflamed, foggy, or unsure where to start… this episode is your roadmap.
🎙️ NEW EPISODE: “Longevity Isn’t Living Longer — It’s Living Better”
Watch + listen on YouTube: Search “Dr. Rebbecca Hertel Founder Series Longevity” on YouTube or check the link in bio.
✨ Work With Dr. Rebbecca Hertel
If you’re ready to understand your hormones, your risks, and the steps to extend your healthspan, you can book directly through Osteopathic Midlife Health.
Precision midlife care. Evidence-based protocols. A better roadmap for your next decade.
Big news! I’m now a Pinnacle Podcast Partner! You can listen to my episodes of The Founder's Series on the Learn at Pinnacle app and even earn free CE/CME credit while you do.
You know IV hydration as a “Vegas hangover fix” — but what if it could keep your patients out of the ER, support longevity and healthspan, and be delivered safely at home by experienced nurses? In this episode of The Founder Series, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel sits down with Dan Continenza, founder and CEO of IV Active, to talk about how he walked away from a “safe” healthcare + banking career to build a people-first, mobile IV hydration company serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and beyond. They dive into: The exact moment Dan had to choose between comfort and calling How home health + banking experience shaped a sustainable, patient-centered business model Why IV hydration is so much more than hangovers — from flu, norovirus, pregnancy nausea, and dehydration in older adults to recovery for athletes and high-performers The role of NAD, hydration, and longevity medicine alongside hormone therapy and midlife care What it really feels like to start as a side hustle, hit the “I can’t do both anymore” wall, and finally go all-in Practical founder advice: failing fast, finding mentors, and not outspending your growth If you’re a clinician-founder, midlife entrepreneur, IV hydration provider, or home health leader, this conversation will give you both tactical ideas and emotional validation for the roller coaster you’re on.
Big news! I’m now a Pinnacle Podcast Partner! You can listen to my episodes of The Founder's Series on the Learn at Pinnacle app and even earn free CE/CME credit while you do.
In this conversation, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel shares insights from the 2025 Annual Menopause Society Meeting, emphasizing the importance of understanding women's health, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. She discusses key takeaways from each day of the conference, focusing on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of women's health, and advocates for individualized care and education to empower women during midlife transitions.
In this episode of The Founder Series, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP—osteopathic physician, entrepreneur, and certified menopause specialist—breaks down what happens when your business goals collide with your biology.
From stress and sugar crashes to sleepless nights and brain fog, Dr. Hertel explains how perimenopause and menopause change the way you lead, think, and perform—and why every founder needs a “hormone-informed” business plan. Learn the science behind cortisol, glucose, and sleep cycles; how to optimize your workday around your natural rhythms; and six evidence-based habits that protect both profit and physiology.
If your ambition still burns bright but your body feels like it’s buffering, this episode will help you restore energy, focus, and longevity—without sacrificing success.
Big news! I’m now a Pinnacle Podcast Partner! You can listen to my episodes of The Founder's Series on the Learn at Pinnacle app and even earn free CE/CME credit while you do.
Women in Medicine: Hidden Career ChIn this episode, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel, DO, MSCP, exposes the hidden curriculum of medicine—the business side no one teaches. She unpacks the structural inequities that keep women physicians underpaid and undervalued, despite their expertise and dedication. Drawing on new data from the 2025 Doximity Physician Compensation Report, Dr. Hertel reveals that women doctors earn over $120,000 less per year than their male peers and are promoted less often, even when equally qualified. She explains how financial literacy, salary negotiation, and entrepreneurial thinking are vital tools for equity and retention. Through her lens as a physician, mom, and founder, Dr. Hertel argues that understanding the business of medicine isn’t selling out—it’s showing up. By mastering money, contracts, and leadership, women physicians can build sustainable, flexible careers that improve not only their own wellbeing but also patient outcomes across healthcare. She Explains:
What the current medical system values and how that impacts pay for women
Certified Menopause Specialist; seeing patients via Private Telemed https://visit.osteopathicmidlifehealth.com/linktree Free Newsletter! https://visit.osteopathicmidlifehealth.com/menopause-newsletter
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Linktree: https://visit.osteopathicmidlifehealth.com/linktree
Website: https://osteopathicmidlifehealth.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrebbeccaherteldo?igsh=MXZpNWJhd3FmZDE4&utm_source=qr
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Disclaimer: This is not direct medical advice. These opinions are my own and don't represent those of my institution. These videos are for educational purposes only. None of the items are sponsored and all recommendations and opinions of products are my personal recommendations.
Big news! I’m now a Pinnacle Podcast Partner! You can listen to my episodes of The Founder's Series on the Learn at Pinnacle app and even earn free CE/CME credit while you do.
In this episode, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel discusses the often-overlooked challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause, particularly in the workplace. She emphasizes the need for organizations to support women through flexible policies and awareness of hormonal health. The conversation also touches on the intersection of domestic violence and menopause, highlighting how trauma can exacerbate symptoms. Dr. Hertel advocates for trauma-informed care and the importance of self-advocacy for women in midlife, encouraging open discussions about these critical issues.
Big news! I’m now a Pinnacle Podcast Partner! Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!
In this episode of the Founder Series, Dr. Rebecca Hertel discusses the challenges of balancing ambition and overwhelm, particularly for women in midlife. She shares her personal experiences with growth, burnout, and the importance of self-care and boundaries. The conversation also highlights the physiological aspects of burnout, the significance of World Menopause Awareness Day, and the latest research on hormone therapy for women, especially those with a history of breast cancer. Dr. Hertel emphasizes the need for advocacy, education, and compassionate care in women's health.
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel discusses Menopause Awareness Month, reflecting on her experiences as a physician and founder of a midlife-focused practice. She emphasizes the importance of understanding menopause symptoms, busts common myths, and encourages women to seek help and advocate for their health during this significant life transition.
In this episode of the Founder Series, Dr. Rebecca Hertel delves into the complexities of life and work, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by women in medicine. She shares personal stories and insights on navigating business partnerships, the strain of residency on relationships, and the transformative experiences of midlife. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and scientific data, Dr. Hertel emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to pivot out of unproductive partnerships, the emotional toll of medical training, and the need for community support during challenging times. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding hormonal changes in midlife and how they impact relationships, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their evolving identities and seek support
In this milestone first guest episode of the Founder Series, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel sits down with three incredible women leading the midlife conversation: Julie Fedeli – Certified health and longevity coach, co-founder of The Midlife Upgrade, and newly published author. Pam DeRose – Business leader, co-founder of The Midlife Upgrade, and passionate community builder. Dr. Sameena Rahman – Physician, educator, and advocate for women’s health, known for her expertise in sexual medicine and her mission to empower women with the knowledge and care they deserve. Together, we dive into: Why Perimenopause Awareness Month matters—and why younger women need to be included in the conversation The systemic challenges women face in getting real care beyond insurance barriers How entrepreneurship, advocacy, and storytelling are transforming women’s health Why community is a lifeline in midlife and how events like Menopalooza are changing the game This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action for women to feel seen, supported, and guided through midlife. Connect with the Guests Dr. Sameena Rahman → https://www.instagram.com/gynogirl/ Julie Fedeli → https://www.instagram.com/jules_fedeli/ Pam DeRose → https://www.instagram.com/pam.derose/ The Midlife Upgrade → https://www.instagram.com/wearemidlifeupgrade/
In this episode, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel discusses the complexities of navigating midlife, focusing on the balance between work, family, and friendships. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of perimenopause and the necessity of seeking medical help when needed. Additionally, she highlights the critical role of sleep in maintaining health during midlife, advocating for prioritizing self-care and well-being.
In this episode, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel shares personal updates about her busy family life, including the challenges of managing a household with multiple children and the transitions of back-to-school season. She discusses the importance of capacity during busy times and highlights the significance of Perimenopause Awareness Month. The conversation delves into the mental health impacts of perimenopause, including anxiety and depression, and emphasizes the need for open discussions about these issues. Dr. Hertel encourages women to seek support and understand their options regarding hormonal changes and their effects on overall well-being.
In this episode, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel discusses the challenges faced by women in midlife regarding healthcare, particularly focusing on insurance infringement and medical gaslighting. She highlights the potential of concierge medicine as a solution to these issues, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care and the need for a reimagined healthcare system that prioritizes access and affordability. The conversation also touches on the alarming statistics surrounding healthcare costs in the U.S. and their impact on vulnerable populations.
In this episode of the Founder Series, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel discusses the challenges and opportunities of navigating midlife, particularly in the context of menopause and women's health. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy, reframing the conversation around hormones, and the critical role of estradiol in overall health. The discussion also highlights the significance of bone health in menopause and the need for ongoing education and support for women during this transition. Dr. Hertel encourages listeners to embrace slow seasons as opportunities for meaningful work and to consider the future of midlife care, including the potential expansion into men's health.
In this episode of the Founder Series, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel discusses her journey in midlife health, the evolution of her podcast, and the challenges of building a telemedicine practice. She emphasizes the importance of personal storytelling, authenticity in social media, and the need for consistency in business. The episode introduces new segments, including 'The Midlife Minute,' which focuses on creating meaningful change without overwhelm, and 'In the Lab,' which explores the science behind habit formation and health. Dr. Hertel encourages listeners to take small, achievable steps towards their health and wellness goals.
In this episode, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel shares her experiences navigating the complexities of midlife and motherhood, particularly as her adult children return home. She discusses the challenges of balancing family dynamics, responsibilities, and her professional growth as a founder. Dr. Hertel emphasizes the importance of communication within the family, setting boundaries, and the lessons learned through both parenting and leadership roles. She reflects on the non-linear nature of growth and the significance of personal fulfillment amidst the chaos of family life.
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hertel opens up about her journey through medical school and the realities of being a physician. She shares her personal experience with trauma, burnout, and the mental health toll of medical training, including hazing culture and emotional suppression.
Now an entrepreneur and Certified Menopause Specialist, Dr. Hertel discusses the strategies she developed to cope and heal—and why creating systemic support for mental health in the medical field is more urgent than ever.
This conversation offers insight into the resilience required to navigate both the healthcare system and life as a physician, while advocating for transparency, prevention, and cultural change.
Trigger Warnings: This episode contains discussion of suicide, trauma, and hazing in medical training.
Referenced Data on Physician Suicide:
Recent national data estimates the annual number of physician suicides in the U.S. between 119 and 400, with variance due to underreporting and differences in methodology. A CDC NVDRS analysis (2010–2015) found ~119 suicides per year, likely a conservative number. Other sources, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, cite 300–400 per year.
Key findings:
These numbers emphasize the continued need for targeted mental health support and cultural change within the medical field.
References:
Dr. Hertel is now seeing patients via private telemedicine as a Certified Menopause Specialist. Learn more: https://visit.osteopathicmidlifehealt...