Mila Mambo · At Her Own Pace ES
An IKI Health series · Science, humor, and real-life support

Meet Mila Mambo.

Mila is 48, proud of her gray hair, and navigating perimenopause one surprise at a time.

I created her to start the conversations midlife women deserve—and to make the science feel useful, human, and a little less heavy.

A movement for midlife

Not just pills. Real-life skills.

Let’s bring menopause into the open and put midlife women’s health where it belongs: at home, at work, in healthcare, and in everyday conversation.

Mila brings together science, humor, expert guidance, and community—so no woman has to figure this stage out alone.

Perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause—what’s the difference?
First, let’s get the timeline straight.

Perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause?

Perimenopause · The transition

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. Ovarian function changes, hormone levels fluctuate, and periods may become irregular. Hot flashes, sleep problems, brain fog, mood changes, lower desire, and joint discomfort can all show up. This stage can last several years and ends once you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period.

In Mila’s words: “My hormones changed the schedule. Apparently, no one told the rest of my body.”

Menopause · The milestone

Menopause is your final menstrual period. You can only confirm it in hindsight—after 12 consecutive months without a period, when no other cause explains the change. That milestone marks the beginning of postmenopause.

In Mila’s words: “Menopause is one day. The mambo usually starts years earlier.”

Postmenopause · What comes next

Postmenopause begins after menopause is confirmed. Periods do not return, but symptoms may continue or change. Bone, heart, muscle, metabolic, sexual, and emotional health still matter.

In Mila’s words: “The periods may be over. My right to understand my body isn’t.”

If you use hormonal contraception, have had gynecologic surgery, or your periods stop before age 45, the timeline may look different. Talk to a healthcare professional for an individual assessment.

Sources: WHO · The Menopause Society · NHS

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

Mila’s toolkit

Six foundations of lifestyle medicine

Every episode connects Mila’s real life with one or two evidence-based lifestyle tools. Together, the six pillars help support sleep, energy, strength, emotional wellbeing, and long-term health.

This framework is based on the six pillars of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Z
Restorative sleepEpisodes 1 and 8
M
Physical activityEpisodes 3, 4, and 5
A
Whole-food nutritionWhole foods and real food · Episode 9
C
Stress managementEpisodes 1, 2, and 6
S
Positive social connectionEpisodes 4 and 7
6
Avoiding risky substancesSeason 2 · alcohol, tobacco and other exposures
Season 1 · One day. Eleven midlife moments.

Meet Mila in every mode

Episode 1 cover, Sauna Mode
03:17 · 1Sauna ModeWatch
Episode 2 cover, Where-Did-I-Put-It? Mode
Morning · 2Where-Did-I-Put-It? ModeWatch
Episode 3 cover, Battery-at-3% Mode
11:00 · 3Battery-at-3% ModeWatch
Episode 4 cover, My-Jeans-Have-Opinions Mode
14:00 · 4My-Jeans-Have-Opinions ModeWatch
Episode 5 cover, Snap, Crackle, Creak Mode
19:00 · 5Snap, Crackle, Creak ModeWatch
Episode 6 cover, Volcano Mode
20:00 · 6Volcano ModeWatch
Episode 7 cover, Can-We-Just-Cuddle? Mode
23:00 · 7Can-We-Just-Cuddle? ModeWatch
Episode 8 cover, Wide-Awake Mode
02:00 · 8Wide-Awake ModeWatch
Episode 9 cover, What’s-for-Breakfast? Mode
07:30 · 9What’s-for-Breakfast? ModeWatch
Episode 10 cover, I-Came-With-Questions Mode
Doctor’s visit · 10I-Came-With-Questions ModeWatch
Epilogue cover, Back-to-Me Mode
Epilogue · 11Back-to-Me ModeWatch
Chapter 1 · full video · opening and closing cover
Chapter 1 · 3:17 a.m.

Sauna Mode

Night-time hot flashesPillar: sleepPillar: stress management

Mila’s moment

Mila wakes up drenched, her face on fire. Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most common symptoms of the menopause transition—and they can last much longer than most women expect.

The science, in plain English Up to 8 in 10 women

may experience hot flashes or night sweats during the menopause transition. In the SWAN study, frequent hot flashes lasted a median of 7.4 years, although the experience varies greatly from one woman to another.

The Menopause Society · Hot Flashes and Night Sweats · SWAN · JAMA Internal Medicine

Why it happens

During the menopause transition, hormone levels change and the system that regulates body temperature becomes more sensitive. That’s why a small change in temperature can suddenly trigger heat, sweating, palpitations, or chills.

What helps Mila

Mila opens the window, takes off a layer, breathes and laughs at the situation:

“Menopause—or my own private sauna? Hard to tell.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • For relief

    Keep the room cool. A fan, light bedding, and removable layers can help in the moment. They do not prevent hot flashes, but they can make it easier to fall back asleep.

  • For relief

    Slow breathing. It helps ease the overwhelm of the moment. Studies haven’t shown that it reduces how many hot flashes you have, so use it to calm down, not as a treatment.

  • Evidence-based option

    Cognitive behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis have been studied as tools that can reduce how bothersome hot flashes are and improve sleep.

  • Evidence-based option

    If you carry excess weight, losing weight may be associated with an improvement in hot flashes. Every body and every story is different.

  • Try this

    Note down your triggers for two weeks: alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks, stress. They don’t affect everyone the same way, but knowing yours gives you room to act.

Sources: The Menopause Society · Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement · Avis et al. · SWAN, JAMA Internal Medicine.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

If hot flashes keep you awake or affect your daily life, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional you trust. Seek advice sooner if night sweats come with fever, unexplained weight loss or feeling generally unwell.

Chapter 2 · 15 s · no voice
Chapter 2 · In the morning

Where-Did-I-Put-It? Mode

Brain fogPillar: stress management

Mila’s moment

Mila searches the house for her keys, empties her bag, checks the couch—and finally finds her glasses on top of her head. Brain fog is real. It does not automatically mean dementia.

The science, in plain English Brain fog is common

Concentration and memory problems are common during the menopause transition. They don’t automatically mean dementia: they are usually subtle changes, and sleep, tiredness and mood can also play a part.

The Menopause Society · Mental Health · NHS · Menopause symptoms

Why it happens

During the menopause transition, attention, memory, and other cognitive functions can change. On top of that, sleeping badly, having hot flashes, feeling more stressed, or being low in mood can make concentrating even harder.

What helps Mila

She switches on her little peach tracker, finds the keys and puts on the glasses that were on her head.

“I didn’t lose my memory. It just went into search mode.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • Try this

    Cut down on multitasking. Always leave your keys, glasses and phone in the same place: fewer searches, less frustration.

  • Try this

    Lean on reminders. A short list or an alarm isn’t cheating: it frees up mental space.

  • Wellbeing

    Look after your sleep, keep moving and nurture your relationships. Physical activity, social life and a healthy diet are all part of caring for brain health.

  • Evidence-based option

    There’s no need to “train your memory” with a miracle app. Prioritize habits that protect heart and brain health: movement, a balanced diet, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation.

Sources: The Menopause Society · Perimenopause · The Menopause Society · Mental Health.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

If the change is sudden, progressive, clearly affects your life or comes with other neurological symptoms, don’t simply put it down to menopause: see a healthcare professional.

Chapter 3 · 15 s · no voice
Chapter 3 · 11:00 a.m.

Battery-at-3% Mode

Tiredness and low energyPillar: physical activityPillar: stress management

Mila’s moment

Halfway through a meeting, Mila’s human battery hits 3%. Her coffee is gone, her eyelids are heavy, and the chart on screen may as well be written in code.

Fatigue can show up during perimenopause, but hormones are not the only possible cause.

The science, in plain EnglishFatigue has more than one explanation

Tiredness can appear during the menopause transition, but it can also be related to poor rest, hot flashes, stress, low mood, anemia, thyroid problems, medications, or other health issues.

NHS · Tiredness and fatigue · NHS · Menopause symptoms

Why it happens

Fragmented sleep, hormonal changes, hot flashes, and mental load can leave Mila drained. But “I’m in perimenopause” shouldn’t become a catch-all diagnosis: if fatigue persists, other causes need to be looked into too.

What helps Mila

She steps out onto the terrace, walks in the sun, stretches her arms and goes back to the meeting with her battery in the green.

“I’m not offline. I’m in low-power mode.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • It’s not laziness

    Fatigue is usually multifactorial. In perimenopause, fragmented sleep, hot flashes, stress, low mood, and poorer recovery can all add up. The useful question isn’t “why am I so sluggish?” but “which system is draining my energy?”.

  • Muscle

    Strength is energy too. Progressive resistance training improves function, insulin sensitivity and physical capacity. You don’t need to wear yourself out: you need to repeat, progress and recover.

  • Rhythm

    Morning light, movement and enough food. They help set your internal clock and keep you from running on coffee alone. Protein and fiber early in the day can improve satiety and steadiness throughout the day.

  • Assessment

    If it lasts for weeks, don’t put it all down to hormones. It’s worth checking for anemia, thyroid function, glucose, vitamin B12/ferritin where appropriate, medication, sleep, and mood, depending on your medical history.

Sources: NHS · Tiredness and fatigue · NHS · Menopause symptoms · ACSM · Resistance training and health.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

Talk to a healthcare professional if you’ve been tired for several weeks, if it affects your daily life, or if it comes with weight loss, significant mood changes, shortness of breath, palpitations, or other symptoms.

Chapter 4 · 15 s · no voice
Chapter 4 · 2:00 p.m.

My-Jeans-Have-Opinions Mode

Body changes and comfortPillar: social connection

Mila’s moment

Mila sits down at a café and her jeans immediately file a complaint. Luckily, her friends have a sense of humor—and someone packed comfortable pants.

Midlife body changes are not only about weight. Fat distribution and muscle mass can change even when the scale barely moves.

The science, in plain EnglishIt’s not just how much you weigh: it’s also where fat is redistributed

During the menopause transition, abdominal fat often increases and muscle mass gradually decreases. There is no “normal percentage” of weight gain: every body and every age starts from a different place. In population studies, the average is roughly 0.25–0.5 kg per year, but body composition can change even if the scale barely moves.

The Menopause Society · Midlife Weight Gain · SWAN · Body composition and weight

Why it happens

As estrogen falls, fat distribution shifts toward a more central or “android” pattern, while aging, poorer sleep and less activity can encourage muscle loss. That’s why Mila may feel her clothes are tighter even if she hasn’t gained many kilos. Skipping meals or following very restrictive diets doesn’t protect muscle: it can leave her with less energy and less metabolically active tissue.

What helps Mila

She stops punishing the scale, goes back to the gym with a progressive plan and starts looking at the bigger picture: strength, waist, energy, sleep, and how her clothes fit. She eats enough, prioritizes protein and doesn’t try to undo a body change of several years in a single week.

“I don’t need to live on air. I need muscle, patience, and jeans that mind their business.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • Strength

    Do progressive resistance training. Two or more sessions a week, adapted to your level, help preserve or regain strength and muscle mass.

  • Protein

    Eat enough protein, not less and less. As a general reference, The Menopause Society suggests around 1.2 g/kg/day; this should be individualized if there is kidney disease or other conditions.

  • Plate

    Reduce body fat without going to war with food. Prioritize minimally processed foods, fiber, vegetables, legumes, and protein; if weight loss is needed, a moderate, sustainable deficit is better than a crash diet.

  • Perspective

    Measure more than kilos. Waist size, strength, function, energy, and metabolic blood tests can tell a more useful story than the scale alone. Hormone therapy should not be used for weight loss, although it may have a favorable effect on fat distribution.

Sources: The Menopause Society · Midlife Weight Gain · European Society of Endocrinology · Menopause guideline · NHS · Lifestyle changes.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

Talk to a healthcare professional if weight gain is rapid or unexplained, if your waist grows markedly, if you lose weight without trying, if there are significant changes in glucose or lipids, unexpected periods or bleeding, or if your relationship with food starts to fill with fear and guilt.

Chapter 5 · 15 s · no voice
Chapter 5 · 7:00 p.m.

Snap, Crackle, Creak Mode

Joint noises and discomfortPillar: physical activityFocus: strength and recovery

Mila’s moment

Mila stands up and her body provides the soundtrack: snap, crackle, creak. Joint noise alone does not mean damage. Pain, swelling, locking, and loss of function matter more.

The science, in plain EnglishA crack doesn’t always mean damage

Joint noises can come from tendons and ligaments moving, pressure changes inside the joint, or wear. The sound alone doesn’t tell you whether there’s an injury; what matters most is whether it comes with pain, swelling, locking, or loss of function.

NHS · Joint pain · Mayo Clinic · Osteoarthritis

Why it happens

During the menopause transition, hormonal changes, poorer sleep, less activity, or loss of strength and muscle mass may coincide. This can make some aches more noticeable, but it’s not wise to blame every pain on menopause: context and how it evolves are what count.

What helps Mila

She warms up a little, walks, moves her joints without forcing them and gradually rebuilds strength. If something really hurts or stops working as it should, she doesn’t cover it up with humor: she gets it checked.

“I’m not falling apart. I come with sound effects now.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • Sound ≠ injury

    A single crack doesn’t diagnose anything. Many joints make noise because of gas inside the joint, sliding tendons or mechanical changes. What matters is whether there’s pain, swelling, locking, or loss of function.

  • Estrogen

    Falling estrogen can affect musculoskeletal tissues. It doesn’t explain everything, but it may coincide with more stiffness, slower recovery and greater pain perception, especially if sleep isn’t going well either.

  • Load

    Your body needs a dose, not punishment. Mobility, strength and progressive loading help tendons, bone and muscle. If an exercise clearly increases pain, adjust it; don’t “push through” out of pride.

  • Key

    Inactivity hurts too. Stopping completely usually worsens function and confidence. It’s better to adapt range, weight, frequency, and recovery than to give up movement.

Sources: NHS · Joint pain · Mayo Clinic · Osteoarthritis · ACSM · Resistance training and health.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

Talk to a healthcare professional if there is severe or new pain, a hot or very swollen joint, fever, locking, instability, weakness, or if the discomfort doesn’t improve and limits you.

Chapter 6 · 15 s · no voice
Chapter 6 · 8:00 p.m.

Volcano Mode

Hot flashes and irritabilityPillar: stress managementFocus: rest

Mila’s moment

One minute, Mila is making dinner. The next, her face is on fire and her patience is gone. Hot flashes, poor sleep, stress, and mental load can be a combustible mix.

The science, in plain EnglishHot flashes and mood changes aren’t in your head

Hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and sleep problems are common symptoms of the menopause transition. They can vary a lot between women and can also be influenced by stress, alcohol, ambient heat, and lack of rest.

The Menopause Society · Hot flashes · NHS · Menopause symptoms

Why it happens

During the menopause transition, hormonal changes can make the system that regulates body temperature more sensitive. Fragmented sleep and mental load add fuel to the volcano, but any new, intense or persistent symptom deserves an individual assessment.

What helps Mila

She opens the window, takes off a layer, breathes before answering and notices what was happening just before the hot flash. Then she protects her sleep, moves at her own pace and asks for help if the symptoms start running her life.

“I’m not dramatic. My thermostat is.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • Thermostat

    It’s not that you “feel hot”: the threshold of your brain’s thermostat changes. With less estrogen stability, the hypothalamus can overreact to small changes in temperature.

  • Neurochemistry

    Hot flashes are a neurovascular phenomenon. They are linked to noradrenaline and serotonin circuits and KNDy neurons; that’s why some non-hormonal treatments act on those pathways.

  • Triggers

    Alcohol, spicy food, heat, and stress aren’t “the cause”, but they can light the fuse. Identifying your own patterns avoids generic bans and helps you decide what’s worth changing.

  • Options

    If it’s affecting your life, there are effective options. Hormone therapy, non-hormonal alternatives, CBT, or clinical hypnosis can be considered according to risks, preferences and goals.

Sources: The Menopause Society · Hot flashes · The Menopause Society · Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement · NHS · Menopause symptoms.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

Talk to a healthcare professional if hot flashes are very intense, frequently interrupt your sleep, affect your work or wellbeing, come with worrying symptoms, or if you’re not sure they’re due to the menopause transition.

Chapter 7 · 15 s · no voice
Chapter 7 · 11:00 p.m.

Can-We-Just-Cuddle? Mode

Libido and intimacyFocus: sexualityFocus: relationships and self-care

Mila’s moment

Mila wants closeness, but desire seems to have taken an unannounced vacation. Fatigue, stress, body changes, dryness, pain, mood, medication, and relationship dynamics can all play a role.

The science, in plain EnglishLibido doesn’t disappear for just one reason

In perimenopause, studies find a very variable frequency of sexual problems —roughly between 37% and 78%, depending on how they are defined and measured. They can affect desire, arousal, orgasm, lubrication, or pain. There is no “normal” level of desire: what matters is whether it worries or limits you.

Systematic review and meta-analysis · Sexual dysfunction in menopause · The Menopause Society · Sexual Health

Why it happens

Falling estrogen can lead to dryness, less lubrication, changes in sensitivity, and pain with penetration; poor sleep, hot flashes, stress, mood, body image, relationship problems, and some medications —for example, certain antidepressants— can also play a part. If sex hurts, the body learns to anticipate pain and desire usually drops even further: it’s not a lack of willpower, it’s protection.

What helps Mila

She stops demanding that she “be in the mood” as if it were just another task on her list. She talks to her partner, rediscovers touch without pressure, uses lubricant if she needs it and gets the dryness or pain checked. The goal isn’t to go back to an earlier version of herself: it’s to find an intimacy she feels like having now.

“I’m not broken. My operating system has new settings.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • First, no pain

    Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers. They can reduce friction; if dryness persists, vaginal estrogen or other options are assessed individually with a professional.

  • Desire

    Take the pressure off performance. More time, touch, communication, and other forms of intimacy can help so that arousal doesn’t have to appear on command.

  • Body and mind

    Look after sleep, stress, movement, and self-esteem. They’re not a magic libido button, but they are part of the context that supports sexual wellbeing.

  • Medical options

    If low desire is causing you distress, seek advice. Genitourinary symptoms, mental health, medication, and the relationship should all be reviewed. In selected cases, a specialist may consider hormone therapy; testosterone is not for everyone and should not be used without supervision.

Sources: The Menopause Society · Sexual Health · NHS · Menopause treatment · NHS · Vaginal dryness.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

Talk to a healthcare professional if lack of desire worries you, if there’s dryness or pain lasting weeks, bleeding after sex, sores, abnormal discharge, significant mood changes, or if you suspect a medication is playing a role. You don’t have to resign yourself or self-medicate.

Chapter 8 · 15 s · no voice
Chapter 8 · 2:00 a.m.

Wide-Awake Mode

Insomnia and night wakingPillar: sleepFocus: recovery

Mila’s moment

It is 2:00 a.m., and Mila now knows every shadow on the ceiling. Her body has decided sleep is optional. Tomorrow’s schedule disagrees.

The science, in plain EnglishWaking up at night is common, but you don’t have to resign yourself to it

Sleep changes are common during the menopause transition. Hot flashes, stress, mood, schedules, and other health problems can contribute to poorer sleep; that’s why it’s worth looking at the whole picture and not automatically blaming hormones.

The Menopause Society · Sleep problems · NHS · Menopause symptoms

Why it happens

Night-time hot flashes, hormonal changes, worry, and mental load can fragment sleep. There may also be insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, pain, medication, or other causes that deserve their own assessment.

What helps Mila

She stops looking at the clock, breathes slowly, keeps the bedroom cool and avoids beating herself up the next day. She watches for patterns and asks for help if her night-owl nights start becoming her official schedule.

“I’m not a night owl. My brain just scheduled a 2 a.m. staff meeting.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • Architecture

    Not all menopausal insomnia is “in your head”. Night-time hot flashes can cause micro-awakenings you don’t always remember, but they leave your sleep less restorative.

  • Useful rule

    If you’ve been lying awake for a while, get out of bed. Your bed should go back to being associated with sleeping, not with negotiating with the ceiling. Dim light, something boring, and go back when you feel sleepy.

  • Circadian rhythm

    Natural light in the morning and less bright light at night. This helps synchronize melatonin and body temperature; training very late can wake you up just when you need to wind down.

  • Screening

    Snoring, breathing pauses or daytime sleepiness deserve a check-up. Sleep apnea also becomes more common at this stage and won’t be fixed with chamomile tea and good intentions.

Sources: The Menopause Society · Sleep problems · NHS · Menopause symptoms · NIH/NHLBI · Sleep apnea.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

Talk to a healthcare professional if you’ve been sleeping badly for weeks, if sleepiness affects your safety or functioning, if you snore loudly or have breathing pauses, or if insomnia comes with anxiety or very low mood.

Chapter 9 · 15 s · no voice
Chapter 9 · 7:30 a.m.

What’s-for-Breakfast? Mode

Food, energy and satietyPillar: nutritionFocus: habits

Mila’s moment

Mila starts the day as if a nutrition panel were judging her kitchen. Coffee? Protein? Fasting? Fiber? Breakfast should not feel like an exam.

The science, in plain EnglishBreakfast isn’t an exam, but the overall quality does matter

There is no mandatory breakfast or magic time to eat. If Mila is hungry, a breakfast with protein, fiber and minimally processed foods can help her get through the morning with more energy and satiety. If she isn’t hungry, she can have her first meal later: what matters is the pattern of the day, not passing the perfect-breakfast test.

NHS · Healthy eating · The Menopause Society · Nutrition at menopause

Why it happens

After a night without eating, the body needs fuel, but morning tiredness doesn’t always mean a “sugar crash”: fragmented sleep, hot flashes, stress, anemia, thyroid issues, or some medications can also play a part. Black coffee and rushing can keep Mila awake, but not necessarily well nourished.

What helps Mila

She makes something simple she can repeat: plain yogurt with fruit and nuts, wholegrain toast with egg, or oats with milk and seeds. She sits down to eat when she can, drinks water and stops chasing the perfect breakfast.

“Breakfast doesn’t need a PhD.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • Flexibility

    You don’t have to eat breakfast out of obligation. What matters is the quality of your daily pattern. If you have breakfast, make it work for you; if you don’t, make sure your first meal doesn’t arrive in emergency mode.

  • Protein

    At this stage, it’s worth thinking more about muscle than about isolated calories. A first meal with protein can improve satiety and support strength training, especially if you’re trying to look after your body composition.

  • Glucose

    Order and combination matter. Fiber, protein and healthy fat alongside whole-grain carbs tend to give a steadier response than black coffee and a quick pastry. Less roller coaster, more human morning.

  • Energy

    Coffee doesn’t fix a sleep debt or anemia. If fatigue persists, review sleep, hot flashes, periods/bleeding, iron, thyroid, and mood according to your medical history.

Sources: NHS · Healthy eating · NHS · Fibre · The Menopause Society · Midlife Weight Gain.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

Talk to a healthcare professional if fatigue is intense or lasts several weeks, if you lose weight without trying, have palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, heavy bleeding, significant digestive changes, or if you need to restrict food more and more to feel safe.

Chapter 10 · 15 s · no voice
Chapter 10 · Doctor’s visit

I-Came-With-Questions Mode

Asking and decidingFocus: preventionFocus: autonomy

Mila’s moment

Mila walks into her appointment with ten open tabs in her head: sleep, hot flashes, libido, weight, memory, blood tests—and one question she still cannot quite put into words.

A good appointment is not a test. It is a conversation that leads to a plan.

The science, in plain EnglishNot every new symptom is “just menopause”

The transition can include hot flashes, sleep changes, low mood, genitourinary symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and lower sexual desire. But these symptoms can also have other causes. That’s why a useful assessment listens to the whole story, reviews medication and risks, and decides what needs further investigation.

NICE · Menopause: identification and management · The Menopause Society · Patient education

Why it happens

Symptoms can appear together and amplify each other: poor sleep worsens energy and mood; pain can reduce movement; hot flashes affect rest; some medications influence libido or fatigue. Understanding the context avoids blaming everything on one hormone and also keeps Mila from going home with “it’s normal” as her only plan.

What helps Mila

She brings a short list of her symptoms, when they started, what makes them worse, her medications and her goals. She asks what options exist, what benefits and risks they have and when they’ll check whether they’re working. She leaves with a plan, not with more guilt.

“I’m not here to pass a test. I’m here to leave with a plan.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • Preparation

    Bring your top three priorities. What bothers you most, since when, and what you’d like to improve first.

  • Questions

    Ask them to explain the alternatives. Benefits, risks, side effects, treatment duration, and when to review it.

  • Context

    Share what can’t be seen. Sleep, mood, desire, pain, bleeding, medical history, medication, and supplements are also part of the story.

  • Follow-up

    A decision doesn’t have to be forever. With many options, it’s worth reviewing effectiveness and tolerability at 3 months and periodically after that, depending on the treatment.

Sources: NICE · Recommendations, updated 2024–2026 · The Menopause Society · Patient education.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

Talk to a healthcare professional if a symptom is new, intense, worsening quickly, or interfering with your life. Seek urgent care for chest pain, significant shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, sudden confusion or very heavy bleeding. Mila’s content informs, but it does not replace a medical assessment.

Epilogue · 15 s · no voice
Ch. 11 · Epilogue

Back-to-Me Mode

Community and wellbeingFocus: mental healthPillar: positive social connection

Mila’s closing

After a full day of menopause modes, Mila realizes that self-care is not about doing everything alone—or doing it perfectly. It is about listening, asking for help, and finding people who understand.

An important reminderConnection is also part of health

Loneliness doesn’t simply mean being alone: it’s the feeling that the connection you need isn’t there. The menopause transition can coincide with changes in identity, relationships, work, caregiving, and family. Having a support network doesn’t eliminate symptoms, but it can protect wellbeing and make it easier to ask for help.

WHO · Commission on Social Connection, 2025 · The Menopause Society · Mental Health

Why it happens

Hormonal changes can affect mood, but they don’t tell the whole story. Poor sleep, stress, caregiving load, job changes, body image, and feeling misunderstood also weigh in. In a recent study of more than 900 perimenopausal women, loneliness and isolation were independently associated with more cognitive complaints: connecting isn’t a decorative luxury.

What helps Mila

She stops waiting until she’s at her limit to text a friend. She chooses someone she can talk to without having to justify every symptom, allows herself to ask for company and seeks professional help if her mood sinks. Taking care of yourself also means letting others be there for you.

“You’re not alone. Neither am I.”
PP
What the evidence says
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs
  • Network

    Nurture small, repeated connections. A message, a walk, a meal, or a group can be more sustainable than waiting to organize “the big social life”.

  • Mental health

    Don’t confuse asking for support with weakness. If there is persistent sadness, anxiety, intense irritability, or loss of interest, it deserves its own assessment.

  • Brain

    Connection is part of brain health. Maintaining a social network, physical and mental activity, and heart-healthy habits can support cognitive wellbeing.

  • Community

    A community doesn’t replace a professional. It can support, normalize and share tools; diagnosis and treatment require an individual assessment.

Sources: WHO · Social connection, 2025 · The Menopause Society · Mental Health · The Menopause Society · Study in perimenopausal women, 2026.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Puiggròs · IKI Health

When to talk to a healthcare professional

Talk to a healthcare professional if low mood, anxiety, irritability, or a sense of isolation lasts for weeks, affects your functioning or makes you lose interest in everything. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek urgent help from those around you and from emergency services.

Dr. Patricia Puiggròs, creator of Mila Mambo

Patricia Puiggròs · physician and creator of Mila Mambo

Physician · mother of two · founder and CEO of IKI Health · lifelong believer in movement · @drapuiggros

The physician behind Mila

Hi, I’m Patricia.

For more than 15 years, I have supported women through health changes that are often minimized, misunderstood, or simply not discussed. Their stories—more than 15,000 of them—have shaped the way I practice, communicate, and build.

I work at the intersection of women’s health, healthy longevity, lifestyle medicine, and technology. My goal is simple: make complex science clear, useful, and human. Humor helps.

I created Mila Mambo because women deserve to understand what is happening during the menopause transition—without shame, miracle claims, or the idea that every problem can be solved with one pill or supplement.

Here you will find science you can understand, practical ways to care for yourself, and a community that reminds you that you are not doing this alone. And when something concerns you, talk to a healthcare professional who listens.

Humor starts the conversation. Science makes it useful.

Mila helps bring women’s health education into everyday life: sleep, movement, nutrition, stress, relationships, and the conversations we have at work and at home.

She does not diagnose or treat. She offers clear information, practical self-care ideas, and a community for navigating midlife with more confidence.

B-Healthy programs · Powered by IKI Health

Expert guidance. A real community. A plan that fits your life.

B-Healthy programs are expert-led, community-based experiences for women’s health and wellbeing. Choose the area you want to work on. We bring the evidence, the structure, and a group of women who understand the stage you are in.

These are practical digital programs designed to help you move from “Something feels off” to “I understand what is happening—and I know what to do next.”

What would you like support with?

Choose one or more goals. We will help you find the B-Healthy program—or combination of programs—that best fits your needs.

Choose a goal to get started.

Not sure where to start?

Let Dr. Puiggròs and the IKI Health team help you find the right program.

Choose one or more areas you would like to work on. Your selections will help us recommend the B-Healthy program—or combination of programs—that best fits your goals.

What would you like support with? You can tick several topics.

Please share only your interests—not diagnoses, symptoms, or other medical information. This program guidance is not a medical consultation.

Your email app will open with a draft addressed to the Mila team. Review it and press send so our team can reply. This does not add you to a newsletter or merchandise list.

B-Healthy™Longevidad con Vitalidadby Dr. Francisco Mera
Longevidad con VitalidadDr. Francisco Mera · preventive medicine and longevity
Preventive medicine and healthy longevity8 weeks · from €180
See program details

A pilot edition to improve health and longevity with specialist support, group sessions, masterclasses, practical content, follow-up, and a digital community.

ExpertDr. Francisco Mera Cordero · Longevital methodology
Duration8 weeks
Expected startOctober 6, 2026
Price€180 early-bird price · €240 standard price
FormatGroup sessions, 3 masterclasses, practical content, and a digital community
Included in the IKI Health experienceRegistration, onboarding, platform, follow-up, complementary content, and community moderation

Minimum group: 10 participants. Expected end: around November 30, 2026.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™RESET 40+by Gema Sánchez
RESET 40+Gema Sánchez · habits and wellbeing
Oct 20 · €227
See program details

A practical program for women 40+ who want to better understand pain, sleep better and regain wellbeing during the hormonal transition.

ExpertGema María Sánchez Navarro
Duration6 weeks
StartOctober 20, 2026
Price€227 standard price
TopicsPain, sleep, fatigue, movement, microbiota, inflammation, nutrition, and self-care
Included in the IKI Health experienceContent, FeelTrack, habits, and a daily check-in so Gemma can support you better

Workshops: Oct 20 · Nov 3 · Nov 17, at 6:00 p.m. Mila code: BHEALTHY10 · 10% off.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™H.E.R. Wealth Method™by Nikiya Watts
H.E.R. Wealth Method™Nikiya Watts · financial wellbeing
6 weeks · $1,497
See program details

Healthy. Wealthy. H.E.R. A six-week online program to work on financial wellbeing with practical education, six live group sessions and digital support from IKI Health.

ExpertNikiya Watts · H.E.R. Wealth Method™
Duration6 weeks
StartNew date coming soon
Price$1,497 standard price · Registration details coming soon
Live sessionsNew dates coming soon
Included in the IKI Health experienceHealthy habits, movement, meal inspiration, sleep education, healing sounds, micro-actions, check-ins, and shared accountability

Cohort: maximum 10 participants · minimum activation of 6 participants with paid registration.

Educational and support program. It does not constitute individualized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice, nor medical care or psychotherapy.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™El poder del agua en la perimenopausiaby Jordina Casademunt
El poder del agua en la perimenopausiaJordina Casademunt · hydration and PNI
Hydration and what we drink in perimenopause6 weeks · €190
See program details

A practical journey to better understand what we drink, what our body needs and how to build hydration habits during perimenopause.

ExpertJordina Casademunt · nutritionist and PNI
Duration6 weeks
StartNew date coming soon
Price€190 standard price · Registration details coming soon
Includes6 weekly online workshops of about 20 minutes, with questions and interaction
Included in the IKI Health experienceApp, onboarding, initial and final questionnaires, habit tracking, lifestyle content, and a WhatsApp community

Topics: water needs, hydration, tap and bottled water, minerals, microplastics, filters, digestion, microbiota, skin, hair, energy, and wellbeing.

Important: the program compares different water and filtration options transparently. It is not a Kangen campaign and does not promise unproven clinical effects.

Registration deadline: to be confirmed.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™Mon poids, mes hormones & moiby Laurence Muller
Mon poids, mes hormones & moiLaurence Muller · women’s health and perimenopause
Weight, hormones, and sustainable habits in midlife6 weeks · from €197
See program details

An educational experience for women in perimenopause: understanding body changes, improving nutrition and movement, and building sustainable habits without miracle diets or obsession.

ExpertLaurence Muller · PhD in Pharmacy and women’s health specialist
Duration6 weeks
StartOctober 19, 2026
Price€197 early-bird price · €247 standard price
Includes3 interactive online workshops, practical content, questions, and group conversation
Included in the IKI Health experienceIKI Health app, onboarding, initial and final questionnaires, habit tracking, community, and support between sessions

Topics: body changes, nutrition, protein and satiety, muscle mass, movement, sleep, stress, and realistic habits for everyday life.

Educational and wellbeing program. It is not a weight-loss diet or a medical treatment.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™Menopausia Positivaby Dr. Puiggròs and Lucía Gómez
Menopausia PositivaDr. Patricia Puiggròs and Lucía Gómez · menopause, habits and future health
Understand the transition. Build habits for the years ahead.Oct 19 · €119 · 8 weeks
See program details

Eight weeks to understand what happens at this stage, become aware of its impact on your health and equip yourself with habits and tools to take care of yourself and make informed decisions.

TeamDr. Patricia Puiggròs · physician and founder of IKI Health
Lucía Gómez · pelvic floor physiotherapist and director of B-Healthy
Duration8 weeks
StartOctober 19, 2026
Price€119
Live workshops3 sessions of 60 minutes on Google Meet: Oct 19, Nov 16 and Dec 14
How it worksOne topic per week with a short video, a challenge and a daily checklist. Stages: Understand, Become aware and Get equipped, with a closing bonus video

Who it’s for: women in perimenopause or menopause who want to understand this stage and look after their health with evidence-based information.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™Tu salud antes del embarazoby Dr. Cristina García
Tu salud antes del embarazoDr. Cristina García · gynecology and preconception health
Preparing your health before pregnancyOct 26 · €227 · 6 weeks
See program details

Six weeks to sort out your questions before trying to conceive and take care of what we can work on: cycle, nutrition, general supplementation, movement, rest, stress, and wellbeing.

ExpertDr. Cristina García · gynecologist
Duration6 weeks
StartOctober 26, 2026
Price€227 standard price
Online workshops3 interactive 60-minute sessions: Oct 26, Nov 16 and Nov 30 at 6:00 p.m.
Included in the IKI Health experienceApp, onboarding, initial and final questionnaires, movement, nutrition, and relaxation resources, follow-up and community

Who it’s for: women who are thinking about trying to conceive in the coming months and want to prepare their health from a gynecological, practical and holistic perspective.

It is not a fertility program or an individual medical consultation. It does not diagnose, does not treat infertility and does not guarantee a pregnancy.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™From Boardroom to Balanceby Michele El Sayah
From Boardroom to BalanceMichele El Sayah · wellbeing for women under high professional pressure
8 weeks · $150 · $135 early-bird price
See program details

A program to move from sustained stress and burnout to a healthier pace of life, with education, habits, and support for women living with a lot of professional pressure.

ExpertMichele El Sayah
Duration8 weeks
StartTo be confirmed after the registration window
Price$135 early-bird price · $150 standard price
IncludesWeekly videos, PDFs, challenges, checklists, and 3 live webinars
Included in the IKI Health experienceApp, FeelTrack™, LAI™ Score, onboarding, support, and community

The registration form is ready; to receive the registration link and final details, write to the Mila team.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™Respirar, Relajar, Atender, Autoliderarby Laura Liláh
Respirar, Relajar, Atender, AutoliderarLaura Liláh · conscious breathing and mindfulness
Breathing, relaxation, and mindfulness practices8 weeks · €149 early-bird price · €199
See program details

A practical experience to turn information into autonomy: breathe, relax, pay attention, and lead your own wellbeing, with community and sustainable micro-practices.

ExpertLaura Liláh
Duration8 weeks
StartOctober 26, 2026 · provisional dates
Price€149 early-bird price · €199 standard price
Includes5 workshops, breathing, relaxation, mindfulness, and self-leadership practices
Included in the IKI Health experienceDaily practice log, app, FeelTrack™, LAI™ Score, and community

An experience and autonomy program. It does not replace individual therapy.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™Plenipausia: tu energía, tu cuerpo, tu ritmoby Mara Raffaele
Plenipausia: tu energía, tu cuerpo, tu ritmoMara Raffaele · sexuality, body and reconnection
“Plenipause: your energy, your body, your rhythm”12 weeks · €135 early-bird price · €150
See program details

Comprehensive support to reconnect with your body, energy, emotional management, and desire during peri/menopause, without generic recipes or automatic medicalization.

ExpertMara Raffaele
Duration12 weeks
StartNovember 2, 2026
Price€135 early-bird price · €150 standard price
IncludesWeekly video, step-by-step PDF, challenge, daily checklist, and 3 webinars
Included in the IKI Health experienceApp, FeelTrack™, LAI™ Score, community, and program support

An educational reconnection program. It does not replace medical consultation, diagnosis or individual treatment.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™The Perimenopause Resetby Ree Jackson
The Perimenopause ResetRee Jackson · midlife health education and community
6 weeks · $479
See program details

A guided reset that connects changes in your cycle, sleep, fatigue, stress, mood, cognition, metabolic health, strength, bone, and heart, so you can arrive at medical conversations with better questions.

ExpertRebecca “Ree” Jackson, RN, BSN
Duration6 weeks
StartNovember 5, 2026 · final date to be confirmed
Price$479 per participant
Includes3 interactive educational sessions, community, recipes, and a personal roadmap
Included in the IKI Health experienceApp, lifestyle content, habit tracking, and digital support

Education and habits; it does not replace individual medical diagnosis or treatment.

Join the programAsk a question
B-Healthy™Hormonas sin miedoby Dr. María Platero
Hormonas sin miedoDr. María Platero · hormone therapy and the menopause transition
“Hormones without fear”6 weeks · €197 introductory price, pending confirmation
See program details

An educational space to understand what changes during the menopause transition and what we know today about hormone therapy: benefits, risks, routes of administration, sexuality, and quality of life.

ExpertDr. María Platero
Duration6 weeks
StartNovember 2, 2026 · final date to be confirmed
Price€197 introductory price, pending confirmation
IncludesEducational content, workshops, questions, and guided conversation
Included in the IKI Health experienceApp, lifestyle content, follow-up, onboarding, payments, and community

It is not a consultation or a group medical prescription. Information about hormone therapy must be individualized with a healthcare professional.

Join the programAsk a question

A living selection of B-Healthy programs underway. The listings will be expanded with each professional’s profile and with the dates, prices and public links as they are confirmed. If a form is still being prepared, you can ask for the link at .

Mila Mambo waving

I started out alone with a fan. With a group and an expert, so much better!

Mila, beyond the screen

A small object. A bigger conversation.

We are imagining a small collection that brings Mila’s humor into everyday life. A mug, a notebook, or a bottle—which one would you choose?

Join the waitlist and we will let you know if the collection launches. It is free, and there is no obligation to buy. These designs are early concepts and are not for sale yet.

Mila Mambo notebook, cover view Turn 180°
Swipe or let the views roll by Mila’s notebookFor writing down what your hormones forgot.I’d choose the notebook
Mila Mambo mug, front view Turn 180°
Swipe or let the views roll by Mila’s mugBecause mornings deserve a sense of humor.I’d choose the mug
Mila Mambo bottle, front view Turn 180°
Swipe or let the views roll by Mila’s bottleFor hydration, movement, and wherever the day takes you.I’d choose the bottle
The waitlist form is currently available in Spanish.

Want Mila in your everyday life?

An object with humor—and a doorway back to the science. The final collection may include QR codes linking to Mila’s episodes and trusted resources.