It Has To Be Me Episode

Navigate Menopause with HotPause Health

Melissa Oliveira & Stacey Ulacia

Episode #42: February 20th, 2025

THE GOLD FROM THIS EPISODE

“HotPause Health is a platform for women to get the education and information they need to empower their healthcare journeys during perimenopause and menopause.”

Melissa Oliveira & Stacey Ulacia

Founders of HotPause Health

“We have a medical advisory board with over 15 female doctors and experts from OBGYNs to dermatologists to acupuncturists and mental health experts that guide all of the content that lives on our website”

Melissa Oliveira & Stacey Ulacia

Founders of HotPause Health

“With HotPause Health, you can read about your menopause symptom, learn about the treatments that are available, and we will help connect you with a doctor, OBGYN, acupuncturist, naturopath, or other practitioner. We can help put all the pieces together to get the help that you need.”

Melissa Oliveira & Stacey Ulacia

Founders of HotPause Health

“Our recommended practitioners on HotPause Health come from the North American Menopause Society list. We also review recommendations from our community. Type in your zip code to get a list of doctors across multiple specialties. We can also connect you with a telemedicine provider.”

Melissa Oliveira & Stacey Ulacia

Founders of HotPause Health

“Health is not just about longevity. It’s about your quality of life. Women live in chronic bad health a decade longer than men. That's a problem, and it needs to change.”

Melissa Oliveira & Stacey Ulacia

Founders of HotPause Health

“Only 30% of OBGYN’s in the United States have training on menopause in their residency programs. They just don't have the information. The OBGYN who helped you give birth might not be the same practitioner who can help you navigate perimenopause and menopause because she might not have that training.”

Melissa Oliveira & Stacey Ulacia

Founders of HotPause Health

“With menopause, you're not crazy. Your symptoms are real. Women are often dismissed by their providers or told they’re too young. ‘You're only 40. You're too soon to the game.’ That's just not true.”

Melissa Oliveira & Stacey Ulacia

Founders of HotPause Health

“You're the CEO of your own menopause healthcare journey.”

Melissa Oliveira & Stacey Ulacia

Founders of HotPause Health

in THIS EPISODE

  • Struggling to find credible information and a doctor who will support you through menopause? 

  • Melissa Oliveira and Stacey Ulacia—co-founders of HotPause Health share how they are supporting midlife women with cutting-edge resources and access to healthcare practitioners trained in menopause.

  • When perimenopause hit in their mid 40’s, Melissa and Stacey were disappointed by the lack of reliable medical information and support for midlife women, and the prolific gaslighting by uninformed doctors.

  • Determined to close the healthcare gap for women over 40, they gave up the security of their corporate jobs in health communications, and went all in with their mission to empower women with a higher level of menopause care.

  • Drawing from their professional experience, Melissa and Stacey assembled an expert medical advisory board of doctors to carefully curate evidence-based articles and a directory of trusted practitioners.

  • The result is a free online haven where women can access reliable research about menopause symptoms, learn about proven treatments, and connect with qualified providers.

  • Stacey and Melissa stress the importance of education, medical advocacy, and community in breaking down stigmas and ensuring women have the most relevant resources as they age. 

  • Tune in and get valuable information about menopause to take control of your health.

TESS'S TAKEAWAYS

  • You're the CEO of your menopause healthcare journey.

  • Women live in chronic poor health a decade longer than men.

  • Over 40, it is critical to find practitioners who have menopause training.

  • Less than 40% of OBGYNs have training in menopause health.

  • To close the healthcare gap, HotPause Health connects women with menopause practitioners.

  • When researching menopause, get science-based information vetted by doctors.

  • There are surprising yet common menopause symptoms that go beyond hot flashes.

  • You are not crazy. Menopause symptoms are real. Find your supportive community.

ABOUT HOTPAUSE HEALTH

HotPause Health is a free online community dedicated to empowering women in perimenopause and menopause with science-backed resources vetted by medical practitioners. By educating women about their symptoms and treatment options, HotPause Health aims to shift the midlife experience from one of solitary silent suffering to a journey filled with guidance, support, and joy.

ABOUT STACEY

HotPause Health co-founder and co-president Stacey Ulacia is a communications, social media and public relations executive who has built and elevated consumer brands and healthcare organizations including Seattle Children’s Hospital, Amazon and Susan G. Komen. She thrives at the intersection of digital health and proactive prevention by providing equitable access to information and resources. A long-time Pacific Northwesterner, Stacey lives on Mercer Island, and is a graduate of the University of Washington.

ABOUT MELISSA

HotPause Health co-founder and co-president Melissa Oliveira, is a brand marketing and operations executive who has worked on both the client and agency-side in the tech, CPG and health & wellness sectors, for Nestle Health Science, Abbott Nutrition, MARS and Google. She thrives at fostering communities and building brands that help people live better, healthier lives. Melissa is a seventh generation Hawaiian and is a graduate of Duke University’s Sanford Institute of Public Policy.

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