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

Women’s health needs evolve over time, requiring personalized 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, notes 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 health span — 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 PPO plan offers no-cost preventive care and screenings tailored for your age and risk for certain conditions.

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.”

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?

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 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 life stage

Your UC PPO plans offer 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 Accolade digital member portal to help you build a wellness plan and get lifestyle guidance.

 

Family planning and building

Find comprehensive and inclusive family-building support through WINFertility (WIN).

Your UC PPO plan coverage includes holistic services throughout all stages of pregnancy, including prenatal, delivery, postpartum and newborn care. Get started by visiting the Accolade digital member portal and search for your specific care needs within "Benefits" or begin a new message for personal assistance.

 

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 PPO plans.

• UC Berkeley Menopause Supportive Workplace
• UC Davis Health Menopause Resources
• UCI Health Women’s Health Services
• UCLA Health Comprehensive Menopause Care
• UC San Diego Health Menopause Health
• UCSF Health Menopause Resources

Find a certified menopause practitioner through The Menopause Society. After locating a provider near you, check the Accolade digital member portal or the provider’s office to confirm they are in your plan’s network. 

Midi Health experts specialize in treating the dozens of symptoms that can stem from the hormonal changes of midlife. Midi is a virtual in-network provider and is covered by your UC plan just like other types of doctors and specialists.

Findhelp, the largest network of free or reduced-cost social assistance programs and resources in the United States, is available to all members of the UC community. For resources in your area, go to findhelp.org, 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.