You’re not alone on your women’s health journey

A holistic approach to health for every stage of women's lives

Women's health needs evolve over time, requiring personalized holistic care, otherwise known as comprehensive care, at every life stage. Get expert advice about steps you can take to maintain your well-being for life.

Laying the groundwork

Preventive care should take a holistic approach for all women, advises Dr. Janet Pregler, MD, Director of the UCLA Women’s Health Center. For younger women, "screenings and lifestyle planning lay the groundwork for long-term wellness. Regular monitoring for high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol is vital, as these conditions often go unnoticed until later in life."

Dr. Vijaya Surampudi, MD, MS, a clinical nutritionist and endocrinologist at UCLA Health, emphasizes the importance of healthspan — not just living longer, but living well. "We don’t want to just live long. We want to live life to the fullest." She underscores three critical pillars of well-being: nutrition, exercise and sleep.

Your UC Blue & Gold HMO offers no-cost preventive care and screenings tailored for your age and risk for certain conditions.

Midlife and menopause

Dr. Elizabeth Ko, MD, Medical Director of the UCLA Health Integrative Medicine Collaborative, notes that healthy habits remain critical during midlife and menopause. What matters most in midlife is "consistency over intensity. Infuse these habits into your life with the same regard as brushing your teeth or washing your face.

Menopause affects more than 57 million women ages 40–64.1 Symptoms such as forgetfulness, insomnia, mood changes and shifts in libido are often signs of perimenopause and menopause. However, many women — and even their health care providers — don't always recognize the connection.

Midlife introduces hormonal changes that affect metabolism, heart health and bone strength. "Even women who don't have bothersome [menopause] symptoms need to know that menopause affects their health in profound ways," says Dr. Pregler. Cancer screenings, also covered by your medical plan, become crucial at this stage, with rising cases of breast and colon cancer in women in their 40s. Dr. Pregler further recommends that "any woman between the ages of 40 and 60 who develops a new symptom should talk to her physician or other health care provider about it."

Aging with strength and purpose

For older women, the focus shifts to cognitive health, mobility and independence. Dr. Pregler introduces the Five M’s as a framework for aging well:

  • What Matters Most: Personal goals should guide health care decisions.
  • Mind: Cognitive interventions to promote long-term memory health.
  • Mobility: Maintaining physical function for long-term independence.
  • Medications: Avoiding potential medication interactions.
  • Multi-complexity: A holistic approach to addressing multiple health concerns that often come with aging.

Dr. Ko highlights the importance of social connection. "The Harvard Study for Adult Development shows that the quality of your relationships is directly tied to happiness, health, and longevity." She recommends asking yourself: How can I feel connected? How can I feel healthy? How can I feel purposeful?

Take the next step

Advocating for yourself is crucial at every stage of life. "If a woman experiences a situation where it seems like her questions are just not being answered... it may be important to change providers," says Dr. Pregler. Dr. Ko echoes this sentiment: "Be picky about your doctor. You shop around for a partner, for a dress, for a gym—why not for your doctor? The strength of that relationship is critical." Take charge of your health. Schedule a health care visit to discuss your symptoms and concerns, or just to start building a personalized wellness plan to guide your health journey through all life stages. "You are the author of your story," says Dr. Ko. "You are the captain of your team. [Your doctor is] your coach, standing by your side—play by play."

Support for every stage

Your UC Blue & Gold HMO2 offers comprehensive women's health resources.


Holistic preventive care

Holistic care looks at body, mind and spirit to treat root causes, not just symptoms. Find in-network providers through the Health Net member portal to help you build a wellness plan and get lifestyle guidance.

Form healthy eating habits you can feel good about with the help of Eat Right Now (PDF).

See how fast (or slow!) you're aging with the RealAge test — a clinically-validated health risk assessment.

Find tools and guidance to help you manage ongoing health concerns like asthma, heart disease, chronic pain, high blood pressure, and diabetes.


Family planning and building

Your UC Blue & Gold HMO offers comprehensive reproductive health care, including:

For more information, log on to the Health Net member portal or call the Health Benefit Navigator team at (800) 539-4072, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Pacific time).


Midlife and menopause expertise

UC Health offers expertise in midlife and menopause care and treatment. All UC Health providers are in-network for the UC Blue & Gold HMO. (Your PCP can refer you to a UC Health specialist if needed.)

Findhelp, the largest network of free or reduced cost social assistance programs and resources in the U.S., is available to all members of the UC community. For resources in your area, go to findhelp.com, enter your ZIP code and search for "women's health."

UC well-being resources

Discover a range of no-cost UC systemwide and campus resources — from mental health to diabetes prevention programs — to support your well-being.

1 Source: The National Library of Medicine
2 The UC Blue & Gold HMO plan is offered by Health Net of California, Inc.

2024 Articles