Meet Lindsay: The Runner, Baker & Nurse Practitioner Helping Women Navigate Midlife

Meet the newest addition to Elektra’s clinical team: Lindsay Athans.

As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who is also certified by The Menopause Society, Lindsay has experience in women’s health, primary care, and oncology — and has also worked as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. 

Below, Lindsay talks more about how her diverse background informs her approach to treating the whole person, and why she’s passionate about developing long-term, trusting relationships with patients. 

You have experience working in women’s health, primary care, and oncology…tell me more about what that journey looked like for you. 

Well to start, I didn’t always know I wanted to be in healthcare. I went to college for human services with a focus in counseling and psychology. After college, I worked in an administrative role at Children’s Hospital Boston. After earning my second degree in nursing I worked as a Registered Nurse in oncology in inpatient, outpatient, and research settings mostly focusing on breast cancer. Then I went back to school again for an NP masters where I focused on family medicine. 

How has your range of experiences impacted your approach to care today? 

It impacts it a lot. I really come from more of a generalist background and take into account all the different aspects of health that could be contributing to patient concerns — much of it is directly related to hormones, but not everything. There’s a lot happening in midlife. That’s why my approach is two-fold: I want to manage the hormonal concerns, but also the “big picture stuff” through lifestyle strategies. 

During my visits, I focus on empowerment. Because while hormonal changes play a role in your symptoms, it doesn’t have to control your whole life. You also have power! So while I’d never minimize the need for medications, I also focus on helping patients exercise agency over what they can — whether it’s diet, exercise, or setting a routine. Because that can play a big role in feeling better, too. 

As a former personal trainer and group fitness instructor, how does fitness fit into your life? 

Fitness has always been a big part of my life, ever since I was young and would play sports or dance. It has so many benefits — helping with sleep, weight management, mood…you name it. I always tell my patients — you don’t have to run a marathon. Just get outdoors and go for a walk!

If you could tell a woman who’s suffering from menopause symptoms one thing, what would you say?

You can feel better! It’s not an easy overnight fix no matter what route you take. But there are multiple avenues to not just relieving your symptoms but bettering your overall health — and there are a lot of providers out there (especially at Elektra!) who are really willing to work with someone over the long term.

A few rapid fire questions…

What do you eat for breakfast?

Usually fruit, toast with peanut butter, and coffee.

What’s your favorite type of exercise? 

Running has always been my favorite, but I’ve had some injuries so recently I’ve been doing lots of cycling, strength training, and yoga. 

You also love baking, so I have to ask…what’s your favorite treat to make?

We make a lot of cookies at home, especially “breakfast cookies” with oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup. I also love making my own granola and muffins, too!