7 Domains of Women's Health

Humans are one of only a handful of species in which females routinely live decades beyond their reproductive years. One leading explanation, known as the “grandmother hypothesis,” suggests older women helped humans survive and thrive by supporting children and grandchildren long after their own childbearing years had ended.

In the social domain of perimenopause, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, are joined by Kristen Hawkes, PhD, distinguished professor of anthropology and pioneer of the grandmother hypothesis, to explore the evolutionary and social significance of menopause. At a time when many women are told to fear aging or mourn the end of fertility, they examine why post-reproductive women have long played a vital role in human communities, how older generations contribute to the health and success of families, and what this reveals about our deeply social nature.

About 20 percent of women experience depression during the menopausal transition, and many more report increased anxiety, irritability, mood swings, or changes in sexual desire. Yet these symptoms are rarely caused by hormones alone. Genetics, life experiences, relationships, health conditions, aging, and the demands of midlife all intersect during this period, making the psychological and behavioral effects of perimenopause far more complex than fluctuating estrogen levels.

In the emotional domain of perimenopause, Anna Nash, PhD, joins Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, to examine the mood, mental health, and relationship changes that often accompany the transition to menopause. The conversation explores perimenopause within the broader context of a woman’s life—offering a thoughtful look at how women’s sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being evolve with age, experience, and changing priorities.

About 1.3 million women in the United States enter menopause each year, but the transition often begins long before the final menstrual period. In fact, perimenopause can start in a woman’s 40s—or even her late 30s—and may last several years as hormone levels fluctuate unpredictably. Despite affecting half the population, many women are surprised by the wide range of physical symptoms that can accompany this transition.

In the physical domain of perimenopause, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, launch the 7 Domains of Perimenopause series by exploring what is actually happening in the body during these transitional years. From irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and changing metabolism to the often-misunderstood role of hormone fluctuations, they separate common myths from evidence-based medicine.

Across cultures and throughout history, humans have turned to something beyond themselves in moments of uncertainty—seeking guidance, meaning, or comfort when outcomes are unknown. Whether through prayer, ritual, or quiet reflection, spirituality often emerges most clearly when the stakes are high.

In the spiritual domain of risks, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, explore how belief systems shape the way we understand and respond to risk. Drawing from anthropology, personal experience, and global traditions, the conversation examines why humans are wired to seek meaning in uncertainty—and what happens when faith is challenged, lost, or transformed.

Air pollution is linked to millions of deaths worldwide each year, and exposure to environmental toxins has been associated with long-term impacts on cardiovascular, neurological, and reproductive health. Yet for most people, these risks are largely invisible, difficult to measure, and even harder to avoid.

In the environmental domain of risks, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, are joined by Brian Moench, MD, retired anesthesiologist and founder of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, to examine how environmental risks are identified, communicated, and often underestimated. From the air we breathe to the products we use, the conversation highlights how environmental risks operate at both personal and systemic levels—often quietly, but with lasting consequences.