A Significant Milestone in Women’s Care: Mount Sinai Cuts the Ribbon for New Rowan Center

Updated on Jul 31, 2026 | Featured, Women's Health

A photo of the ribbon cutting at the Rowan Women's Health Center

Holding the ceremonial scissors are Mount Sinai CEO Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, and Mount Sinai Trustee Carolyn Rowan, whose philanthropic gift made the Center possible. They were joined by Center leaders, from left, Anna Barbieri, MD; Francesco Callipari, MD; Joanne Stone, MD, MS; and Denise Berdebes.

For too many women, health care has meant piecing it together alone: one specialist for hormones, another for heart health, a third for sleep, and no one connecting the dots. From pre-pregnancy planning and early reproductive health through postpartum recovery, midlife perimenopause and menopause, and the decades beyond, specialists in cardiovascular, bone, metabolic, mental, sexual, and pelvic health work together under one roof as a genuinely integrated team to provide coordinated care.

On Wednesday, May 27, Mount Sinai celebrated a different way forward, cutting the ribbon on the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, a new 11,000-square-foot multidisciplinary facility at 1427 Madison Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The celebration brought together Mount Sinai leadership, staff, and community supporters to commemorate this meaningful achievement.

Joanne Stone, MD, MS, left, and Anna Barbieri, MD

Joanne Stone, MD, MS, Howard C. Katz Chair of the Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, welcomed attendees and shared why the day meant so much to her.

“For me, this mission is deeply personal because throughout my career as a physician and maternal-fetal medicine specialist, I’ve seen how disconnected women’s health care can be. Women are often expected to navigate complex health issues on their own—moving between specialists, retelling their stories, and struggling to find truly coordinated care. We wanted to create something different,” she said.

Speakers included Brendan Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer, Mount Sinai Health System; Carolyn Rowan, Founding Donor; Anna Barbieri, MD, Clinical Strategy Leader for the Rowan Women’s Health Center; and Francesco Callipari, MD, the Center’s Medical Director. Each spoke to the same vision: care built around the woman, not the system. After the remarks and the ribbon cutting, guests toured the Center.

What This Means for You

At the Center, specialists practice as one coordinated team, guided by a single, complete picture of your health. This is care that sees the whole you. 

The Center is now welcoming patients. To schedule an appointment, call 212-731-3609 or visit mountsinai.org/locations/rowan-womens-center.

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HERstory: The Missing Chapter in Women’s Health

Updated on Jul 31, 2026 | Featured, Women's Health

A photo of a women at her computer

For generations, much of the foundational knowledge in modern medicine has been built on research conducted primarily on men. However, women’s bodies are profoundly different from men’s at the hormonal, cellular, and organ system levels. Because women have historically been underrepresented in clinical studies, major gaps remain in our understanding of how diseases develop, how symptoms appear, and how treatments affect female patients.

Heart disease is a powerful example of this disparity. Early research focused almost entirely on male patients, leading doctors to be trained to recognize the symptoms typically experienced by men during heart attacks. It took years for the medical community to fully understand that women often have very different warning signs.

In fact, women were largely excluded from early clinical trials in the United States until policy changes in the 1990s required their inclusion, according to Leslee J. Shaw, PhD, an internationally renowned researcher and Director of the Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute.

“These gaps in knowledge are still affecting care today. Even though women in the United States visit doctors more often than men and live longer, they experience higher rates of chronic illness and poorer overall health,” says Dr. Shaw, who is also Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, and Medicine (Cardiology), and Vice Chair for Research in the Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

But a major shift is underway.

At the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, advancing women’s health is grounded in a deep commitment to evidence-based medicine and innovative scientific discovery by supporting groundbreaking research and helping close longstanding gaps in medical knowledge. 

Writing a New Chapter

Researchers at the Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine, led by Dr. Shaw, are creating “HERstory”—an initiative to reframe history and build a deeper understanding of women’s health. They are studying the unique biological differences and life experiences that shape women’s bodies over time. This includes a dedicated focus on conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, and depression. Importantly, it means ensuring women are included in all aspects of clinical research.

A photo of Leslee J. Shaw, PhD

“Even though women in the United States visit doctors more often than men and live longer, they experience higher rates of chronic illness and poorer overall health,” says Leslee J. Shaw, PhD.

A New Way to Evaluate Women’s Health Risks

Doctors are rethinking how to evaluate health risks for female patients. This new approach combines evaluating traditional biomarkers—such as blood pressure and glucose control—with hormonal health transitions unique to women, including pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

By examining patterns across a woman’s reproductive and overall health history—what researchers call “HERstory”—they hope to uncover early warning signs of chronic diseases before symptoms become serious.

What Researchers Want to Understand

Mount Sinai researchers are closely tracking a range of female-specific symptoms, including:

  • Menstrual and pelvic pain
  • Menopausal hot flashes and night sweats
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Atypical chest pain
  • Brain fog and cognitive changes

They will also track lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and stress management. By connecting these pieces, the researchers hope to identify early signals of potential health risks and intervene sooner.

The Ultimate Goal

The ultimate goal is to help women remain healthy throughout every stage of life, according to Dr. Shaw.

“By connecting the dots across a woman’s lifespan at the Rowan Women’s Health Center, this research will improve how chronic diseases are prevented, diagnosed, and treated for generations to come,” she says.

Learn more about the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness

Hot Flashes in the Summer: How to Cool Down and Optimize Your Summer Lifestyle

Updated on Jul 31, 2026 | Women's Health, Your Health

Photo of a woman with her arms outstretched

For women navigating perimenopause and menopause, hot flashes rarely wait for a convenient moment. In the heat of a New York summer, they can feel relentless: the sudden warmth on a subway platform, the flush in the middle of a meeting, the wave that arrives out of nowhere. 

“During this natural stage of life, declining estrogen levels make the body’s temperature-regulating center—the hypothalamus—more sensitive to even small changes in temperature. As outdoor temperatures rise, the hypothalamus can overreact, leading to more frequent and severe hot flashes,” says Rachel Kassenoff, MD, Assistant Professor, Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and a leading expert in perimenopause and menopause at the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness at Mount Sinai.  

The encouraging news: relief is real, and it starts with strategies you can use today. Every woman’s hot flashes have their own pattern, so the first step is learning yours. 

“At the Rowan Women’s Health Center, we understand the frustration of hot flashes especially during the hotter months,” says Rachel Kassenoff, MD. “Take proactive steps to find cool, calm relief, and enjoy your summer.” 

Learn Your Triggers and Take a Proactive Approach 

Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods are among the most common culprits. Alcohol and spicy foods can widen blood vessels and create a quick burst of internal heat, and many women find caffeine sets off hot flashes too. Stress is another powerful trigger, and women who smoke tend to have more frequent and more severe hot flashes.  

Try keeping a simple symptom journal for two weeks. Note what you ate and drank, your stress level, and what you were doing when a hot flash hit. Many women spot a pattern within those two weeks, and once you can see it, you can plan around it. 

Dress for the Season 

Choose lightweight, loose clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or bamboo to allow air to circulate and moisture to evaporate. This prevents overheating and sweating. Dress in layers so you can remove a layer when a hot flash kicks in. 

Hydrate! 

Sipping ice water throughout the day helps you stay cool and can take the edge off a hot flash in progress. But when you sweat heavily, water alone does not replace the sodium and other minerals you lose. On hot days, coconut water, a low-sugar electrolyte drink, or water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and celery help you stay ahead of dehydration. 

Beat the Heat  

Avoid afternoon sun. If you’re outdoors, stay in the shade and use sunscreen. Limit your exposure to the direct sun to prevent overheating and hot flashes. Keep your home cool with air conditioning or fans and close blinds during peak sunlight hours. 

Protect Your Sleep 

Night sweats can turn summer nights into a struggle. Keep your bedroom cool, choose lightweight, breathable bedding, and skip alcohol and caffeine in the hours before bed. A consistent bedtime and a genuine wind-down, even ten quiet minutes with a book or some deep breathing, help your body recover when sleep is interrupted. 

You Don’t Have to “Just Live With It” 

“At the Rowan Women’s Health Center, we understand the frustration of hot flashes especially during the hotter months,” Dr. Kassenoff says. “Take proactive steps to find cool, calm relief, and enjoy your summer.” 

And if hot flashes are disrupting your days or your sleep, lifestyle strategies are only one layer of relief. Menopausal hormone therapy and non-hormonal agents can be very effective in battling these disruptive symptoms. At the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness at Mount Sinai, you will find care that sees the whole you, personalized for every stage of midlife. 

To schedule an appointment, call 212-731-3609 or click here

Nutrition for Women in Midlife: Fuel Your Body for the Future

Updated on Jul 29, 2026 | Women's Health, Your Health

Midlife brings real changes: slower metabolism, shifting hormones, declining muscle mass, and rising risk for conditions like heart disease and diabetes. The upside? Small, strategic nutrition shifts can help you feel better now and protect your future health.

“What worked in your 20s won’t cut it anymore—and that’s okay. This is your opportunity to eat with intention and support your body through the transition,” says Anita Mirchandani, MS, RD, CDN, Director of Nutrition and Wellness at the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness at Mount Sinai.

“Midlife nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated,” she says. “When you listen to your body and make small, consistent changes, you build a strong foundation for long-term health, energy, and vitality. Because how you eat now shapes how you age later.”

A Smarter Approach to Midlife Nutrition

“Nutrition isn’t about restrictions, it’s about fueling your body for energy, strength, and longevity. At this stage, the focus is on sustainable habits that support hormonal balance, metabolic health, and disease prevention,” she says.

Every woman’s needs are different, so personalization matters. The goal: Simple, realistic changes that fit your lifestyle and help you stay consistent.

Your Midlife Nutrition Toolkit 

  1. Eat more whole, plant-forward foods
    Build meals around vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and yogurt. These support hormones, reduce inflammation, and protect bone health.
  1. Prioritize protein
    Include protein at every meal (fish, poultry, beans, dairy). It helps preserve muscle, stabilize blood sugar, and keep you full. 
  1. Boost fiber intake
    Fiber supports gut health, lowers cholesterol, and steadies blood sugar. Aim for foods like lentils, oats, berries, broccoli, and seeds. 
  1. Fill key nutrient gaps
    Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are especially important for bone health and overall balance. Consider supplements if needed—but keep it simple. 
  1. Be mindful with sugar, alcohol, and caffeine
    Too much can disrupt sleep, hormones, and heart health. Moderation makes a big difference. 
  1. Align eating with your body clock
    Try eating dinner earlier and avoid late-night meals to support metabolism and better blood sugar control. Pair this with good sleep, movement, hydration, and stress management.

Action Steps That Make a Difference 

  • Walk after meals: 15–20 minutes can improve blood sugar and digestion.
  • Add about 10 grams of fiber per meal: Helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
  • Hydrate consistently: Supports energy, metabolism, and menopause symptoms.
  • Balance your plate: Make protein and fiber the focus; keep portions of rice, potatoes, and pasta smaller.
  • Keep supplements simple: Choose two to three that address your specific needs.
Learn more about the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness

MyPath: A New Approach to Improve Women’s Health Through Midlife and Beyond

May 28, 2026 | Featured, Women's Health, Your Health

Women’s health is complex—and it doesn’t often fit neatly into one appointment or one specialty. Many women experience distinct symptoms across life stages. They may wonder what’s going on, or where to turn next. Add the demands of work, family, and everyday life, and women may feel stretched thin and unheard.

“At the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, we offer a unique approach to women’s health called MyPath where care is organized around personalized pathways–integrated, coordinated, and holistic care designed to support your whole body and your whole life. Everything you need is here—guided, connected, and focused on you,” says Anna M. Barbieri, MD, Clinical Strategy Lead at the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness.

“Our care pathways address transitions such as emotional health, sleep, energy, gynecologic health, and other layers of health that cannot be addressed in a single visit,” she adds.

“MyPath supports women through life’s transitions with clarity and empathy,” says Joanne L. Stone, MD, physician-scientist and Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“Each pathway brings together the right specialists at the right time, so your care feels intentional—not overwhelming,” she adds.

The first pathway focuses on one of the most important chapters of women’s health: the midlife transition, featuring perimenopause and menopause.

MyPath Balance 40+: Support for the Midlife Years

Midlife can bring hormonal shifts, sleep disruption, weight gain, stress, and new health concerns. MyPath Balance 40+ is a six-month, personalized care experience created to help women age 40 and over feel stronger, healthier, and more in control of their well-being.

Patients will receive coordinated support for:

  • Hormonal and metabolic health, including weight management
  • Heart and bone health
  • Sleep, mood, and stress
  • Pelvic and sexual health
  • Nutrition, movement, and overall vitality

“Your care unfolds step by step—starting with a comprehensive evaluation, followed by personalized treatment and ongoing support. So you always know what’s happening and why,” says Francesco Callipari, MD, Medical Director at the new Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, and Assistant Clinical Professor and Vice Chair of Operations, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“This approach is different because it’s not rushed, not fragmented, and because it’s designed around how women actually live,” he adds.

Looking Ahead

Additional MyPath programs will include MyPath Moms, MyPath Surgical Recovery, MyPath Healthspan, and MyPath Vitality 60+, each supporting women through different life stages.

Learn more about MyPath Balance 40+
Learn more about the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness
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Expert Advice for Navigating Menopause: A Q&A With Candice Fraser, MD

May 14, 2026 | Women's Health, Your Health

A portrait of Candice Fraser, MD, MBA

Candice Fraser, MD, MBA

If you have ever searched a menopause question online and came away more confused than when you started, you are not alone. The good news: Menopause is a natural stage of life, and the way it is understood and treated is evolving quickly. Awareness is growing, care is advancing, and more resources are available to support women through midlife than ever before.

Few clinicians are better positioned to cut through the noise than Candice Fraser, MD, MBA, a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and board certified obstetrician/gynecologist at the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, and Assistant Professor in the Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

In this Q&A, Dr. Fraser shares how menopause care has advanced in recent years, and why expert guidance matters —especially when so much inaccurate information exists online.

What are the biggest gaps in menopause care today?

One ongoing issue is clinician education. Many doctors were once trained to avoid hormone therapy due to safety concerns from older studies, and not all training has caught up with newer evidence. Research is another gap. We still need better data on how treatments address the full range of symptoms. And with so much information online, patient education remains critical to help women sort fact from fiction.

Has menopause care improved in recent years?

Yes, there’s been real momentum. More clinicians are pursuing specialized training, and medical programs are beginning to include menopause-focused education. Health systems are also expanding services. For example, Mount Sinai Health System recently opened the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, reflecting a broader shift toward comprehensive, whole-person care. New treatment options are also emerging, including non-hormonal medications for symptoms like hot flashes.

What do many women not realize about perimenopause?

Perimenopause can affect the entire body, not just cause hot flashes. Symptoms may include brain fog, mood changes, joint pain, and urinary issues. Another common misconception is that hormone therapy is a cure-all; in reality, many symptoms have multiple causes. The good news is that lifestyle habits—like regular exercise, a balanced diet, good sleep, and stress management—can have a powerful impact.

Can you highlight a lesser-known symptom and how to manage it?

Pain during sex is common but often under-discussed, and it’s very treatable. A health care provider can help identify the cause. Simple options like lubricants or vaginal moisturizers may be enough. If not, low-dose vaginal estrogen is a safe and effective choice for many women. Other treatments, such as pelvic floor therapy, can also provide relief when appropriate.

Why is there a gap between perceived and actual symptoms?

Awareness is still catching up. Many women, and some clinicians, don’t yet recognize how wide-ranging menopause symptoms can be. At the same time, the flood of online information can create confusion. Encouragingly, as education improves, more women are getting clearer, more reliable guidance.

What’s the key takeaway for women?

Every menopause journey is unique, but no one has to navigate it alone. With better-informed clinicians, growing research, and more dedicated care centers, women have more support and options than ever before. Partnering with a trusted health care provider can help you find the right approach for your needs. Overall, the outlook for menopause care is brighter than ever. With continued progress in education, research, and specialized services, women can approach this transition feeling informed, supported, and empowered.

If menopause symptoms are getting in the way of your work, your sleep, or your life, expert help is close to home. Dr. Fraser and the team at the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness at Mount Sinai offer personalized menopause and midlife care, designed around the whole you.

To schedule an appointment, call 212-731-3609 or visit mountsinai.org/locations/rowan-womens-center.

Learn more about the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness
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