| | | | As we wrap up Women’s Health Month, I'm still reflecting on the profound sense of connection and clarity that came out of our first-ever Flow Space Women’s Health Summit in Los Angeles.
It was more than an event—it was a spark. A room alive with recognition and urgency. Women leaning in, exchanging knowing looks as long-silenced truths came to the surface. The air was charged—not just with emotion, but with intention.
And that momentum didn’t stop in L.A.—it carried straight to Washington, D.C.
On May 21, Women’s Health Advocates—a lobbying coalition founded by Liz Powell of G2G Consulting—held the inaugural Women’s Health Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., spotlighting the urgent need for federal investment in sex-based medical research, inclusive clinical trials and better care for midlife women. Among the experts who descended on the Capitol to advocate for systemic change were two familiar voices: Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, who joined us in L.A., and Flow Space Advisory Council member Dr. Piraye Beim.
Their message? The gaps in women’s health are not just unacceptable—they’re solvable.
From medical gaslighting to research that still treats male bodies as the default (“Women are not little men; we have unique needs throughout the lifespan,” Nada Hanafi, co-founder of MedTech Strategy Advisors, told congressional leaders.), the conversations sparked at both events reflect a growing sense of urgency that women can no longer be overlooked.
We’re rejecting the silence that has long defined this phase of life and using our lived experiences to help shape a future that looks radically different—for ourselves and for the generations to come.
The work is far from over, but it’s in motion. And that, in itself, is something to celebrate. |
| Meet the Sex Therapist Helping Midlife Women Take Their Pleasure Seriously If you’ve ever found yourself asking, "Is it just me?" when it comes to shifting libido, confusing desire or wondering how to even talk about sex anymore—Dr. Emily Morse wants you to know you’re not alone. A doctor of human sexuality, podcast host, bestselling author, MasterClass instructor and speaker at Flow Space’s recent Women’s Health Summit , Morse has spent the past two decades helping people—especially women—rewrite the script on pleasure, communication and sexual self-awareness.
As the creator of ‘Sex With Emily,’ the longest-running sex and relationship podcast, Morse has built a platform grounded in openness, humor and expertise. Whether she’s fielding questions on orgasms, redefining intimacy for midlife women or reminding us that “communication is lubrication,” her goal is clear: to normalize pleasure and to bring it back into the wellness conversation—where it belongs.
Flow Space recently sat down with Morse to talk about responsive desire, reclaiming pleasure in midlife and one of the myths about sex she wishes we’d all let go of for good. |
We know that so many women want to have a healthy sex life. What does that mean? I always say: sex is wellness. So, the things in your life that make you feel healthy already—taking care of your body, the food you eat, your mental health, your physical health—are all going to help you have a healthy sex life. Also, we have to avoid the “pleasure thieves ." It’s stress, trauma and shame. Those are the three things that are keeping us from having the best sex of our lives… Learn how to communicate as much as we can about what makes us feel good. This is the time of life to really prioritize our pleasure, and when we feel good in our bodies, our partners are going to feel good too.
What’s the most common question you hear from midlife women? The most common question I hear from midlife women is: “How do I get my desire back? I’m not really feeling as turned on as I used to be, I’m not as lubricated, I don’t have the desire.”
I think that a lot of women struggle with desire… We expect it to be more spontaneous—like it was when we first started dating someone—but the most important thing for women to realize in midlife is we have more of a responsive desire. We respond to things happening in the environment. Maybe it’s a great talk with our partner, maybe it’s… the house is clean and maybe we worked out that day, or we got a massage, or we spent time with friends. We did things that made us feel good. It’s really about reverse-engineering and thinking about what it is in my life that makes me feel more embodied and more present, and do more of that. Then, you’re going to find that your sexual desire is coming back, and you’ll be able to tap into it more readily.
Based on your years of experience, what is one key insight or piece of advice about sex that you wish everyone understood? The first thing is: communication is lubrication. And the more that we talk about sex…feel comfortable talking about sex without shame, without blame…the more that we’re able to have a growth mindset around sex with a healthy partner who’s willing to collaborate on these conversations, the better sex we’re going to have.
How do you find flow in your life—that moment, or ability, to be fully immersed and present in the moment? For me, it’s all about calming my nervous system. I have a morning routine that is really important to me: I wake up, I meditate every single day, I do a little bit of breathwork, I am kind to myself. If it’s only for a minute, and it’s not 10 minutes, I don’t have a lot of restrictions around those things.
And I create space for creation. So, I try not to pack too many things into a day that aren’t contributing to me being in my flow. I surround myself with people who make me feel good; we get rid of the energy that makes us feel bad. And I continue to work on things that I enjoy and go towards my passions and my skillset, and I delegate out everything else that’s not in my wheelhouse. That really allows me to be in flow. |
Shining a Spotlight on Summer Self-Care Let’s be honest: summer brings its share of beauty challenges. Hot flashes, sun exposure and humidity can leave midlife skin and hair parched or unruly—right when you’re trying to feel your most radiant. That’s why we’re embracing a skin-smart, sun-safe and frizz-proof approach to seasonal beauty, grounded in expert advice and age-appropriate care.
Cooling face mists have quickly become a must-have, offering not just a moment of refreshing relief but also real skin benefits, especially for those navigating menopause-related dryness. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, they help support the skin barrier while avoiding irritating alcohols..
Speaking of SPF, your lips deserve just as much attention. As we age, the skin on our lips becomes thinner and more vulnerable to sun damage and dehydration. That’s why dermatologists emphasize high-SPF lip balms with moisturizing ingredients like zinc oxide, vitamin E and shea butter. Whether you opt for a water-resistant balm, a tinted gloss or a minimalist mineral stick, these lip saviors deliver hydration and protection in one.
And then there’s hair. Summer humidity can wreak havoc on midlife strands, particularly as natural oils decline and texture changes. Anti-humidity products enriched with keratin, jojoba oil and aloe vera offer a science-backed way to tame frizz and preserve your style. From featherlight sprays to reparative serums and oils, today’s pro-approved formulas smooth the cuticle, protect against heat and keep your hair looking polished—even when the forecast says otherwise.
Summer beauty isn’t about covering up—i’s about working with your body’s changes, choosing smarter products and ultimately embracing a version of beauty that feels cooler, lighter and unapologetically you. |
| PRIORITIZING emotional well-being through BetterHelp’s simple therapy-matching survey. The online platform is offering Flow Space readers 20% off their first month—making it easier than ever to find the right support.
CELEBRATING Pamela Anderson’s first-ever hair campaign, as the beauty icon becomes the new face of high-performance haircare brand Biolage. The partnership—Biolage’s largest in decades—marks a bold new chapter for both Anderson and the brand, uniting around a shared ethos of intentional, sustainable self-care.
READING Going Menopostal: What You (and Your Doctor) Need to Know About the Real Science of Menopause and Perimenopause by Amy Alkon, a sharply written, science-backed guide that busts menopause myths and exposes the systemic gaps in women’s care. With clarity and dark humor, Alkon equips readers to advocate for evidence-based treatment and challenge the status quo. APPLAUDING Myne Beauty’s foray into makeup with the launch of its Haute Flash Creamy Cheek + Lip compact. Designed specifically for women 50 and up, the new multiuse formula pairs skin-loving ingredients with thoughtful design details—like a 5x magnified mirror that makes touch-ups easy, even without readers. |
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