What the heck is the Dorothy Syndrome and what does it have to do with mid-life crisis? Well, it has everything to do with MLC! The Dorothy Syndrome is a phrase that I coined and is the premise for my upcoming book titled "The Dorothy Syndrome: Mid-life on the Yellow Brick Road". While coaching at another web site forum, I started using the metaphors used in one of my favorite stories and movies..."The Wizard of OZ". I was astonished at how easily I could use the dialog from the movie or premise of the story to describe the transitions, emotions, the typical experiences that occur during an MLC, whether it be for the woman or the man. »more»

I heard it over 30 years ago so I might be getting some of the finer points wrong but I think it goes something like this.

A husband comes home after a long day at work and finds his dinner on the table. He takes a bite or two then pushes his plate away, complaining to his wife that it's not to his liking. »more»

A book just out in paperback says forget all those '70's notions that women are identical to men. Female hormones affect women's brain's in evolutionarily advantageous ways, but they may also spur older women to start new lives -- even if that means leaving their husbands behind. »more»

Is "male menopause" real? »more»

The Cleveland Clinic has released a new book covering the health issues women face at midlife.

"Women's Health: Your Body, Your Hormones, Your Choices" is said to provide "a wealth of information on how women can improve their vitality, longevity, and quality of life." »more»

If you are not yet signed up for the monthly LifeTwo newsletter then do so now. All you have to do is type the email address in the green box on the upper right-hand column of this web site. You can unsubscribe at anytime. »more»

Following up on today's "Can taking a nap save your life?," new research links low female libido during menopause with poor quality sleep. The researchers believe "this marks the first time that sleep disturbance has been independently associated with diminished sexual desire during or after menopause." »more»

Empty nests. Menopause. Midlife crisis. Those are some of the reasons midlife is supposed to cause depression in women.

But as with so much information about midlife, that is at best only part of the story. »more»

There's bad news and ... not-so-bad news about midlife sexuality, according to a new report from Harvard Medical School: »more»

Eating red meat significantly increases a post-menopausal woman's chance of breast cancer, University of Leeds research suggests.

A seven year study of 35,000 women by a team from University of Leeds team have concluded that older women who ate one 2oz portion a day (57 grams) had a 56% increased risk compared with those who did not eat red met. Those that ate the most processed meat, such as bacon, sausages, or ham, had a 64% greater risk of breast cancer than those who did not. »more»

A new study finds that about 50% of women who regularly walk or practice yoga have "a better quality of life and reduced negative effects of menopause." »more»

The February 26th issue of Newsweek has a cover story on men and depression. In it, Julie Scelfo writes:

"Six million American men will be diagnosed with depression this year. But millions more suffer silently, unaware that their problem has a name or unwilling to seek treatment. »more»

Another day, another article with confusing information about hormone therapy for menopausal women. We've heard doctors and researchers comment on the effects of hormones on breasts, bones, hearts and even hearing. Now a new (to us at least) aging issue has entered the picture...diabetes. »more»

Pat Wingert and Barbara Kantrowitz, two Newsweek writers, explain how the years after 40 are a time for critical changes. »more»

30 years ago Sara Davison wrote "Loose Change," the bestseller about three boomer women coming of age in the Sixties. This time around her subject matter is midlife and the choices faced navigating middle age. »more»