TODAY'S AJENDA #62

The last time your doctor asked, “How are you feeling?” you probably mentioned just physical symptoms—soreness, digestion troubles, energy levels. 

But did you mention the anxiety gnawing at you? The unexpected sadness? The grief as life feels so different from what it once was? 

Most of us don’t, because there’s an implied understanding that “How are you feeling?” means “How’s your body?” when it should be “How are you doing both physically and mentally?” 

That’s why Mental Health Awareness Month is so important. True wellness is caring for all of you, not just the parts that can be measured, tested, or scanned. While everyone deserves mental health support, women's challenges carry a unique weight. 

Our Mental Health Journey Starts Young

Women experience depression and anxiety disorders at twice the lifetime rates of men, and these struggles begin early. 75% of these issues start before age 24, making young women the highest-risk group! 

When you consider the self-suppression messages we absorb from a young age (manage your emotions quietly, don’t take up too much space, the “perfect body” is a must), this disparity begins to make sense. 

And while these symptoms might shift as we age, they don’t always disappear. They actually deepen as we get older and navigate huge life transitions such as motherhood, menopause, or loss of loved ones. 

Mental Health For Women 50+ 

1. Menopause

One of the biggest shifts we experience is menopause. Even if you’ve enjoyed years of relatively stable mental health, this transition can hit you. Hard. 

As estrogen levels drop, it can cause worse sleep, brain fog, and mood changes that make you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression (Alblooshi et al., 2023). Scientists believe this happens because estrogen helps regulate serotonin and GABA, the brain chemicals that control your mood and emotional stability. 

2. Loneliness 

As we get older, loss and loneliness become unwelcome companions. Maybe you lose your life partner, see your children less and less, or say goodbye to friends one by one. 

But the mental health consequences of social isolation are severe. It’s been linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, and even rivals smoking and obesity as a risk factor for premature death. Seriously!

3. Retirement and Economic Stress  

Women aged 50-64 are more likely than men to report feeling financial stress, and for good reason. We’re more likely to have taken career breaks to raise children and earn less due to the gender pay gap. 

Then there’s the longevity factor: women typically outlive men, meaning our retirement funds have to stretch further. Mix all that together and you get a perfect storm for finance-related depression and anxiety. 

What Now? 

Here’s what’s encouraging: A study analyzing US medical claims found health diagnoses in adults over 60 increased 57% from 2019 to 2023. Women saw a larger increase at 44.6% compared to men’s 32.7%. 

“Jen, how is that good news?” Because it could mean that more people, especially women, are asking for help, getting treatment, and finally addressing what’s been there all along. 

And it all begins in your doctor’s office. So the next time they ask, “How are you feeling?” tell them how you’re really doing, mentally and physically. 

As I always say, if we want to heal, we have to feel. And that starts with sharing our honest feelings with the people who are best equipped to help you. 🤍

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When I first stumbled across emerging research suggesting dark chocolate could boost metabolism in postmenopausal women, I’ll admit: I was skeptical. But as I thumbed through the research, it seemed as though chocolate really could be more than just a guilty pleasure. 

Here’s how:  

The Chocolate Study, Explained 

The study, published in the International Journal of Exercise Science,  gave postmenopausal women either 20 grams of 72% dark chocolate or white chocolate for 30 days to see what happened to their metabolism. The researchers discovered that: 

• Women who ate dark chocolate increased their resting metabolic rate by 3.2% (burning about 39 more calories per day at rest). 

• Women who ate white chocolate saw no change in their metabolism. 

But…why the difference? Unlike white chocolate, dark chocolate contains a compound called epicatechin. Lab studies have found that epicatechin supports mitochondrial function, which is crucial for energy production and muscle performance, particularly in cardiac and skeletal muscle!

The Catch 

Spoiler alert—this doesn’t mean we should be eating dark chocolate with abandon! There are a few factors to consider: 

For starters, that 3.2% metabolic boost translates to just 39 extra calories burned per day—roughly the same as a five-minute stroll. It’s measurable (and not nothing!) but unlikely to move the needle on weight loss. 

There’s also the age actor. In earlier similar studies, younger women saw a 9.6% increase in metabolic rate. The fact that postmenopausal women saw less than half that benefit suggests our bodies may become less responsive to these compounds as we age. 

Lastly? This research is brand new (it was published just this past March!) so we’re still learning how exactly all this works in the body.

The Science is Sweet 

That said, a square (or two) of high-cocoa dark chocolate? Not a bad idea. Beyond the modest metabolic bump, it can have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and blood pressure-lowering effects. 

Some studies even suggest dark chocolate can improve cholesterol profiles, better blood sugar control, and boost aerobic capacity. If it replaces a more processed sweet treat in your day, that’s even better! 

But what if your dark chocolate could also clear your brain fog? That’s exactly what Alice Chocolates* does. My long-time Ajenda subscribers know I’m obsessed with Alice Chocolates and have them almost every day!

(To be clear, Alice Chocolates are not psychedelic mushrooms! They don’t contain psilocybin or other hallucinogenic compounds.)

In the afternoons—or before a workout—I’ll have a square of Brainstorm for a natural energy and focus boost. Then, I have one square of Nightcap as a pre-bedtime ritual.

While I love them both, Brainstorm is one of those supplements that you actually feel working. It’s packed with lion’s mane, cordyceps, and guarana to give you a smooth lift and get through the 3 PM slump or power through a workout.

Plus Brainstorm is 82% dark chocolate so you get all the metabolic and cardiovascular perks we just talked about—just with a little cognitive edge baked in.

While dark chocolate isn’t a metabolism miracle—and moderation is key—it’s a safe, evidence-based strategy you can try (that also happens to taste pretty good). 🍫

 Ready for an instant boost of energy and focus–all in one mouthwatering supplement? Use the code AJENDA20 for 20% off your order!

Short answer: No, you don’t need to get your breast implants automatically replaced after a set number of years. The FDA and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons confirm that implants don’t have an expiration date. 

That said, breast implants aren’t a “set it and forget it” procedure. Like any medical device, they require ongoing monitoring and can develop issues over time. Up to 20% of women with cosmetic implants need revision surgery within 10 years, according to a 2011 FDA report. 

That sounds scary, but it also means that 80% of patients are doing fine at 10 years. The key is to have regular checkups to see if it’s best to replace (or remove) them. 

Speaking of: When should you consider replacing breast implants? 

When To Replace Breast Implants  

There are a few reasons: 

• Implant rupture: Silicone implants can develop tears where gel filler leaks out. These ruptures can be "silent" and cause no noticeable symptoms, which is why the FDA recommends MRI or high-resolution ultrasound screening 5-6 years after surgery and every 2–3 years after that. 

• Capsular contracture: When scar tissue hardens around the implant, it can cause pain or distortion.

• Implant movement, rippling, or cosmetic dissatisfaction: Sometimes implants shift position, develop visible rippling, or you’re simply no longer happy with how they look or feel. These are all perfectly valid reasons to consider revision surgery. 

What About Textured Implants?

If you have textured implants (the so-called “gummy bear” implant), talk with your surgeon, as your implants might have come from a manufacturer that’s linked to a rare cancer called BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). 

Don’t panic—only about 5% of all implants in the US are in this category! But it’s important you know and stay informed, as it’s been everywhere in the news headlines for the past 5-8 years. 

Bottom line? If you’re healthy and symptom-free, you don’t need to replace your implants just because a decade has passed. 

But you do need regular follow-ups with a board-certified plastic surgeon and imaging (usually an MRI). Your health and comfort should always lead the decision-making.

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ABOUT DR. JEN

In her former roles as chief medical correspondent for ABC News and on-air cohost of “GMA3: What You Need to Know,” Dr. Jennifer Ashton—”Dr. Jen”—has shared the latest health news and information with millions of viewers nationwide. As an OB-GYN, nutritionist, and board-certified obesity medicine specialist, she is passionate about promoting optimal health for “the whole woman.” She has authored several books, including the national best-seller, The Self-Care Solution: A Year of Becoming Happier, Healthier & Fitter—One Month at a Time. And she has gone through menopause…

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