The only Substack driven by journalism and devoted to deeply researching and reporting on peri: menopause and midlife

I’m Ann Marie McQueen, a journalist with a curious, open mind and 30 years of experience covering a range of topics including science, health, wellness and the human condition.

And I’ve decided to make menopause my beat.

This newsletter is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about and take responsibility for themselves in midlife, and it’s for the people who love them. It’s also a great resource for entrepreneurs, executives and practitioners of all kinds – anyone who works with people who are going through this transition, and this time of life.

When you sign up for the free version of this newsletter, you get:

• and a steady stream of helpful tips and tricks that will help you feel better fast

• responsible journalism work that searches for the true truth about this transition

• a holistic view of the midlife transition, with coverage of all feel-better options whether they are hormone therapy or breathwork or (gasp!) yoni steaming

• breakdowns of the latest research and developments, context and coverage of the larger conversation

• direct access to the Hotflash inc podcast, either in audio or video form

When you sign up for the paid version of this newsletter, you get:

• Weekly deep dives

• Personal essays

• Q+As with experts

• exclusive audio and video content

• voice notes

• automatic access to special online events

• the knowledge that you are supporting the only independent journalist in the world doing this work

When you become a founding member you get:

• all of the benefits of the paid newsletter

• a free, signed copy of my first book

• an ask-me-anything video call

• so. much. gratitude

Here’s are what some of my subscribers have to say:

“Ann Marie takes the time and effort to bring you all the latest and greatest news on all things menopause. Her newsletter is invaluable to our community.”

Stacy London, co-founder and CEO of State of Menopause, former co-host of What Not to Wear

“Of all the newsletters that I receive each month, Ann Marie's is the only one that I open EVERY SINGLE TIME.  I open it with excitement and curiosity and feel more informed and inspired by the end of each issue.  Ann Marie does the research, presents the evidence, links to important sites and does this all with wit and compassion.  She is vulnerable in sharing her own struggles but also weaves in hope and a sense of calm.”

Kim Vopni, the Vagina Coach and author of Your Pelvic Floor  

“Ann Marie is my go-to global authority on all things menopause from the latest research, the must-read literature, and public policy changes.  She is truly a gift to our industry, and I'm so glad that she is using her journalistic talents to keep us informed and inspired.”

Sally Mueller, co-founder and CEO of Womaness   

"Ann Marie has her finger on the pulse of everything perimenopause and menopause."

Lara Briden, naturopathic doctor and author of the Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual

“I’ve been a loyal reader of your newsletter for over a year. I really appreciate the authentic voice you bring to the topic of menopause. It’s also been encouraging to see your platform evolve – congratulations on the growth.” 

Jill Angelo, founder and CEO of Gennev 

“Ann Marie's thought leadership and writing around perimenopause and menopause is as necessary as it is inspiring. I've been a Hotflash Inc reader and subscriber for years now, and am always impressed with the coverage and perspective."

Alicia Jackson, founder and CEO of Evernow 

Still here?

A little more about me (if you were wondering!)

I’m Canada-born, Middle East-residing.

I also had an epic, no-good, very-bad perimenopause. And I’ve been through menopause.

When I realized that I was in perimenopause at 47, the prior years made more sense, and everything got easier. I also became obsessed with how little we know, and finding out more, and that led to this platform.

There is no one way to go through this transition, because no menopause experience is the same. But we do need to take responsibility for it.

⁠I'll always trust that you can use your own open, inquiring mind, education, background, experience and perspective to decide what's right for you. ⁠

And I’ll never stop reminding you that while nothing about this peri/menopause-midlife thing is easy, it is temporary, and it is going somewhere good. ⁠

AMx