Issue #52: aging {44} in {60} bursts.

things we noticed around 44, discussions on aging, lilac season, a powerful new film series, and if the month of May was your friend.

May 02, 2025

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A recent National Geographic article highlights fascinating new research showing that we don’t age in one slow, steady march, but rather in bursts—particularly around the ages of 44 and 60. Scientists at Stanford discovered that during these windows, our bodies experience rapid molecular shifts that accelerate the biological signs of aging, like changes in muscle strength, immune response, and even skin texture. Instead of a gradual slope, aging looks more like a staircase, with periods of relative stability followed by sudden drops. This finding challenges long-held ideas and emphasizes the importance of understanding aging as a dynamic, non-linear process.

At the cellular level, these bursts of aging involve profound changes in the activity of proteins and gene expression, leading to shifts we can feel and often see. These changes can affect everything from how our bodies repair themselves to how resilient we feel day to day. Understanding that these biological transitions happen in distinct waves helps explain why certain ages can feel like true turning points in our energy, health, and even outlook.

Caring for the body during these transitions becomes even more important with this knowledge in hand. Lifestyle choices like regular exercise and strength training, a nutrient-dense diet rich in antioxidants, stress management, good sleep hygiene, and supplement or hormone support can all encourage healthier aging and support bone density and cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that mindfulness practices and maintaining strong social connections help promote resilience during these pivotal periods. By being intentional during these natural shifts, it’s possible to buffer some of the sharper declines and move through them with greater vitality.

In reflecting and talking about this study, we realized it really mirrors our own experience—especially noticing a shift around age 44. It’s made us wonder: have any of you felt these changes too, either at 44 or approaching 60? We’d love to hear your experiences and reflections as we all navigate these transitions together.

things we noticed around 44…

For us, 44 felt like the moment postpartum and perimenopause collided.

Even though our babies were no longer babies, our bodies were still carrying the imprint of early motherhood. According to The Postnatal Depletion Cure by Dr. Oscar Serrallach, the height of postnatal depletion often surfaces years after giving birth—not just months. This means symptoms like low energy, mood fluctuations, brain fog, and weight changes don’t just “go away” once your child starts school. They can linger, intensify, and even blur into the hormonal shifts of perimenopause.

It wasn’t just one thing—it was the accumulation of many little things.

Changes in Menstrual Cycle
Periods may become irregular—heavier, lighter, closer together, or skipped altogether—as hormone levels fluctuate.
Sleep Disruptions
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early—often tied to decreasing progesterone and estrogen.
Increased Anxiety or Mood Swings
Emotional reactivity, irritability, or unexpected mood swings can intensify due to hormonal shifts and stress sensitivity.
Hot Flashes or Night Sweats
Sudden sensations of heat, flushing, or sweating can begin or become more frequent. We found it started with a smaller threshold for temperature differences and that we had less tolerance for heat…not necessarily the full-blown hot flash that you hear about.
Changes in Skin and Hair
Skin may become drier, thinner, or more prone to fine lines; AND ITCHY! Hair may thin, especially around the crown or temples.
Weight Redistribution
Fat may accumulate more easily around the midsection, even without changes in diet or exercise, due to hormonal and metabolic changes. It is harder to lose weight and clothes fit differently than they did in our 30’s.
Brain Fog or Memory Lapses
Trouble concentrating, word-finding difficulties, or short-term memory blips became more noticeable.
Libido, Vaginal, or Pelvic Floor Function Changes
A change in sexual drive, as well as dryness or discomfort during sex, or bladder changes may emerge due to lower estrogen and testosterone.
Changes in Breast Tissue
Breasts may feel more tender, lumpy, dense, or even change in size as hormone levels shift.
Increased Sensitivity to Alcohol or Caffeine
Tolerance may shift, with women noticing stronger effects or longer recovery after drinking even modest amounts.
A New Urgency Around Time and Identity
Many women describe a psychological “stirring”—feeling a strong pull to reevaluate priorities, career, relationships, or sense of purpose as aging becomes more visible or felt.

This convergence of life stages can feel incredibly confusing—especially when we’re being told by doctors that we’re “too young” for perimenopause, which simply isn’t true. The reality is that perimenopause can begin as early as our late 30s (often when one might even be trying to get pregnant) and often unfolds subtly over many years. When layered on top of lingering postnatal depletion, it’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, dismissed, or like we’re losing our grip on ourselves. Recognizing that these symptoms are valid—and that they may stem from both motherhood’s aftermath and the hormonal shifts of midlife—is a powerful first step. We deserve care that acknowledges our full story, not just isolated parts of it.

In today’s episode IW board member, Dr. Emily Lombard, DO, OB-GYN, talks with Dr. Lauryn Beecher, PT, DPT, PRPC, a pelvic health therapist and co-founder of North Shore Wellness Collective. They share the benefits of pelvic therapy in women’s health and the partnership that can form between a primary doctor and a pelvic specialist. Lauryn gives insight …

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TASTE: Homemade Nut Milks. We’ve been thinking about trying our hand at making nut milks at home. While we do love us some oat milk, we’re looking for something lower in carbs—and honestly, so many store-bought options (oat or nut) are full of weird fillers, oils, and gums that don’t feel great. Making our own means we get to skip all that and have some fun experimenting with different nuts—almond, cashew, hazelnut, maybe even macadamia.

PS…If you are looking for store-bought milk (almond, coconut, oat, cashew) without all the fillers, we would suggest trying Malk.

SEE: Björk: Cornucopia. Björk’s groundbreaking concert film Cornucopia is set for a limited global theatrical release on May 7, 2025, bringing her most elaborate live production to the big screen. Filmed at Lisbon’s Altice Arena in 2023 and directed by Ísold Uggadóttir, the film captures the lush, theatrical world of Cornucopia—a multisensory experience blending Björk’s ethereal music with surreal visuals, a choir, bespoke instruments, and a flute ensemble set within a dreamlike forest stage. Rooted in the themes of her Utopia and Fossora albums, the performance explores ecological consciousness and human connection, further enhanced by three new Björk-curated music videos included in the theatrical release. Distributed by Trafalgar Releasing, Cornucopia will screen in over 25 countries, inviting audiences worldwide to immerse themselves in the artistry of one of music’s most visionary performers.

SMELL: Lilac. There’s something about the smell of lilacs that just stops you in your tracks—it’s sweet, soft, and a little nostalgic, like a memory you didn’t know you missed. It fills the air in the most effortless way, like nature’s perfume, and it never sticks around long enough, which makes it feel even more special. That first whiff in the spring always feels like a deep exhale, like the world is waking up again. Lighting a Fern & Nettle lilac candle gives us that same feeling—like we’re bringing a little piece of spring indoors, even before the real thing shows up outside.

HEAR: Perspectives. A short film series produced by Mom’s Mental Health Initiative with Seadog Creative. “Each person has a different experience with perinatal mental health conditions. These experiences are influenced by age, race, sexual orientation and so much more. The following moms and birthing people generously offered their experiences to help all of us approach perinatal mental health with more understanding, empathy and cultural reverence.”

TOUCH: Nontoxic Self-Tanners That Deliver Glowier Results. As spring unfolds and we embrace more sunshine, it’s officially self-tanner season. While a golden glow can boost our spirits, I often remind patients aiming to reduce their toxic load to take a closer look at what they're putting on their skin—especially self-tanners and spray tans. Our skin is our largest organ, and even the cleanest diet and supplement routine can be undermined by regular use of products that contain hormone-disrupting chemicals. Before applying, take a moment to research ingredients and explore safer alternatives. This Who What Wear article offers a helpful roundup of 12 non-toxic self-tanners made with organic, plant-based ingredients. And for a deeper dive into product safety, the EWG Skin Deep Database is a great resource for checking the toxicity levels of skincare and cosmetic products. Your glow should feel good—inside and out.

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Come celebrate Rebecca’s birthday with us!

In Whatever Way You MOTHER – A Mother’s Day Weekend Dance Party

Saturday, May 10th
Denizen, 4227 W Vliet St, Milwaukee
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Grab your girlfriends for a night of no pressure, no perfection—just pure fun in a space where you are seen, celebrated, and understood. Dress in whatever makes you feel your best and get ready to dance your heart out.

Tickets are limited and will not be available for purchase at the door.

Get Tickets HERE!

And if you join us, don’t forget to…

Raspberry Image reposted from @nicehairmke_salon

Our friends Nicole and Jamie from @milwaukeeperiodparties reached out and asked if we could host a period product drive in support of Milwaukee Diaper Mission’s Period Program and we thought what better place than our dance party!

Did you know that 1 in 3 menstruators struggle to afford period products? Want to help? Anyone who brings period products for donation on May 10th will be entered to win a one night stay in a Classic Room at the beautiful Dubbel Dutch Hotel!

Can’t make the Dance Party? The giveaway is only for donations made in person on the 10th, but you can drop off products at Nice Hair Salon (920 South 2nd St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204) or stop by the 4th Annual Period Party that Nicole and Jamie are hosting on May 18th!