Honoring the women who advance wellness across every stage of life
Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the women who have challenged systems, and expanded access to care and well-being. Since Congress first designated March as Women’s History Month in 1995, it has served as an opportunity to honor women from diverse backgrounds whose work continues to improve the lives of Americans.
In wellness, women are redefining what it means to care for the whole person — addressing mental health, hormonal changes, chronic stress, aging, equity, and the many transitions women experience throughout life. Today’s leaders are creating space for more honest conversations, better care systems, and support that reflects women’s real experiences. Read on to learn about five women whose work has advanced women’s wellness.
Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, MD — Women’s mental health and burnout
A board-certified psychiatrist and founder of The Real Psychiatry, Dr. Lakshmin focuses on women’s mental health, burnout, boundaries, and self-advocacy. Her work reframes “self-care” as evidence-based mental health support, addressing the emotional weight women carry at work, at home, and in caregiving roles.
Learn more: https://www.poojalakshmin.com/
Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD — Menopause and midlife health
An OB-GYN and certified menopause specialist, Dr. Haver is a leading voice in menopause education and midlife wellness. She is the author of The Galveston Diet and The New Menopause, which explore the connections between hormonal changes, inflammation, metabolic health, and aging in midlife. Through clinical care, research translation, and public education, she helps women better understand hormonal changes, metabolic health, and aging—areas historically overlooked in healthcare.
Learn more: https://thepauselife.com/
Dr. Catherine Birndorf, MD — Reproductive and perinatal mental health
A reproductive psychiatrist and co-founder of The Motherhood Center of New York, Dr. Birndorf has advanced specialized care for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She is the co-author of What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood, a compassionate, evidence-based resource that helps normalize maternal mental health challenges. Her work continues to build accessible, supportive treatment models for women and families.
Learn more: https://themotherhoodcenter.com/staff-member/catherine-birndorf-md/
Dr. Uché Blackstock, MD — Health equity and systemic wellness
Dr. Blackstock is the founder of Advancing Health Equity, an organization that addresses bias, racism, and structural barriers in healthcare that directly impact women’s physical and mental wellness. Her work highlights how equity, trust, and representation are essential components of true well-being.
Learn more: https://ucheblackstock.com/
Dr. Jen Gunter, MD — Menopause and gynecologic health
An OB-GYN, author, and internationally recognized women’s health advocate, Dr. Gunter focuses on menopause, vulvovaginal health, and evidence-based care. She is the author of The Menopause Manifesto, a science-driven guide that empowers women with clear, accurate information about midlife health. Dr. Gunter is also a leading voice in combating health misinformation and helping women make informed decisions about their bodies.
Learn more: https://drjengunter.com/
