In her late 40s, Joanna Strober experienced anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, and memory lapses. After a frustrating search for answers, a doctor identified her symptoms as stemming from the hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause.

The Healthcare Gap for Midlife Women

Strober, a former venture capitalist, was shocked to learn that even six years ago, awareness of perimenopause was low. Doctors often lacked training to recognize and address the hormonal changes impacting women’s health. This realization fueled her determination to improve care for women experiencing this transition.

Widespread Symptoms and Lack of Support

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, approximately 85% of women experience perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. However, a Boston Consulting Group article reveals that at least 75% of those seeking help don’t receive adequate care. This often leads to unnecessary suffering from symptoms like sleeplessness, brain fog, and fatigue.

A 2023 survey by Korn Ferry and Vira Health found that 28% of women had quit or considered quitting their jobs due to menopausal symptoms, with up to 40% reporting missed workdays each month.

The Founding of Midi Health

Recognizing a significant gap in the healthcare system, Strober and Sharon Meers launched Midi Health in 2021. The telehealth company provides specialized care for women in all 50 states. Today, Midi Health serves over 230,000 patients and aims to reach 1 million.

A New Approach to Midlife Care

Midi Health offers online consultations with healthcare professionals who develop personalized treatment plans, including hormone replacement therapy, medications, lifestyle recommendations, and referrals. Approximately 80% of PPOs cover Midi Health’s services.

Midi Health differentiates itself by recognizing that many midlife symptoms are linked to hormonal shifts, unlike conventional medicine which often treats each symptom individually. This holistic approach aims to address the root cause of issues and avoid unnecessary testing and treatments.

Addressing Historical Disregard for Women’s Health

Strober highlights the historical disregard for women’s health, citing the late inclusion of women in NIH-funded studies until 1993 and the frequent dismissal of women’s health complaints. Medical school training on menopause remains limited, often consisting of only one or two hours.

“When I started talking about menopause and perimenopause a few years ago, people looked at me with a blank face,” Strober said.

From Pilot Program to Unicorn Status

A successful three-month pilot program with 150 Bay Area women in 2020, receiving 148 requests to continue care, validated the need for Midi Health’s services and spurred fundraising efforts. In February, Midi Health achieved unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $1 billion – the first menopause startup to do so.

With the support of experts like Dr. Mindy Goldman, UCSF physician and chief clinical officer, Midi Health has attracted $250 million in investment and continues to expand its mission to redefine healthcare for midlife women.