Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

10/08/2026

10/07/2026

Can GLP-1 medications cause vision loss? And if you’re taking semaglutide or another GLP-1 agonist, is NAION something you should actually be worried about?

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - LINK IN BIO

In this video, I take a closer look at the emerging research around GLP-1 agonists and NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), a rare but serious condition that can cause sudden vision loss.

We’ll put the headlines into perspective by looking at relative risk versus absolute risk, how rare NAION actually is, and what the current evidence does—and does not—tell us about a possible connection with GLP-1 medications.

And that context matters.

GLP-1 medications have demonstrated important benefits that extend well beyond weight loss, including cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, with growing evidence across kidney disease, fatty liver disease/MASH, peripheral artery disease, and other areas of health.

So should concerns about NAION change the way we think about these medications?

As always, it comes down to understanding the actual risk, considering the potential benefits, and making an individualized decision with your healthcare provider.

I’ll also discuss the latest expert guidance and why getting regular eye exams and paying attention to changes in your vision should be part of the conversation.

Learn more 🔗 Watch on YouTube

Book an appointment with us
📍In-person care in Houston and Cypress
💻 Virtual care across Texas, California, Colorado, and New Mexico

10/07/2026

Can GLP-1 medications cause vision loss? And if you’re taking semaglutide or another GLP-1 agonist, is NAION something you should actually be worried about?

In this video, I take a closer look at the emerging research around GLP-1 agonists and NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), a rare but serious condition that can cause sudden vision loss.

We’ll put the headlines into perspective by looking at relative risk versus absolute risk, how rare NAION actually is, and what the current evidence does—and does not—tell us about a possible connection with GLP-1 medications.

And that context matters.

GLP-1 medications have demonstrated important benefits that extend well beyond weight loss, including cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, with growing evidence across kidney disease, fatty liver disease/MASH, peripheral artery disease, and other areas of health.

So should concerns about NAION change the way we think about these medications?

As always, it comes down to understanding the actual risk, considering the potential benefits, and making an individualized decision with your healthcare provider.

I’ll also discuss the latest expert guidance and why getting regular eye exams and paying attention to changes in your vision should be part of the conversation.

Studies and resources discussed in this video are linked below:

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and the Risk of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Consensus Statement by the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology

https://www.aao.org/education/clinical-statement/glucagon-like-peptide-1-receptor-agonists-risk-of-

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Cardioprotection Beyond Weight Loss and Longevity in Mice:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lpo9-h8Ta52nVXHuvcWpz9ZMcKXrLeZ-/view?usp=sharing

Complete Midlife Wellness Center
Learn More About Our Holistic Medical Optimization Program
https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/holistic-medical-weight-optimization-program/info/

Interested in booking an appointment?
Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

📍 In-person care in Houston and Cypress
💻 Virtual medical care across Texas, California, Colorado and New Mexico



https://youtu.be/xYZVfqexbkg

Can GLP-1 medications cause vision loss? And if you’re taking semag...

10/06/2026

We’re expanding to Colorado! 🏔️

We are incredibly proud to announce that Brandi Wachel, WHNP, is now licensed to care for women in Colorado through secure virtual visits.

A certified Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Brandi brings nearly three decades of experience in women’s healthcare—including obstetrics and gynecology, gynecologic oncology, menopause care, and hormone therapy.

But what truly distinguishes Brandi is the way she cares for women. She listens closely, looks at the complete picture, and builds the kind of trusted relationships that often last for decades. She is an essential part of who we are at Complete Midlife Wellness Center, and we are thrilled that more women can now benefit from her expertise.

Women throughout Colorado can connect virtually with Brandi for personalized perimenopause, menopause, and hormone care—without traveling to Houston.

Colorado women, we’re ready to meet you. Visit the link in our bio to learn more or schedule a virtual consultation.

10/06/2026

Colorado, we’re here! 🏔️

Complete Midlife Wellness Center is expanding virtual medical care to women in Colorado with Brandi Wachel, WHNP, who is now licensed in the state.

This is more than coaching or a quick prescription. Brandi provides comprehensive virtual care for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, hormone concerns, and midlife weight changes—including clinical evaluation, laboratory review, personalized treatment, prescriptions when appropriate, and ongoing monitoring.

Expert midlife care, now available from the privacy and convenience of your home.

Learn more or request a virtual consultation:
https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/services/expert-virtual-care-for-perimenopause-and-menopause/

SERVICE Virtual Medical Care for Perimenopause and Menopause We evaluate, diagnose, and treat perimenopause and menopause through structured, physician-guided virtual care—designed to be more accessible and easier to begin. Full medical care, delivered remotely Virtual care at CMWC isn’t a light...

10/05/2026

Some commonly prescribed medications—including oral contraceptives and spironolactone—can lower testosterone availability or block its effects.

But this conversation is never one-size-fits-all. The details of each woman’s symptoms, medications, health history, laboratory results, and goals are critical.

With careful testing, individualized treatment, close monitoring, and standardized questionnaires before and after treatment, we can measure meaningful changes in energy, mood, sexual function, and overall well-being.

Watch my full conversation on The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show through the link in bio.

10/02/2026

My dear friend and teacher Yaniv Shanti is planning a very special retreat for midlife women in Costa Rica, January 28–February 1, 2027, and I’ll be attending as his guest.

This is a beautiful opportunity to step away, reconnect with yourself, and spend time with other women in a supportive, meaningful space.

Shanti and I have each written a letter sharing more about the retreat and what you can expect. You can read both letters through the link in my bio.

If this experience is calling you, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send a brief note expressing your interest to [email protected] by October 4.

I’m simply helping Shanti and his team gather preliminary interest before registration officially opens in November, and I’ll pass your response along to them.

Hope to see some of you in Costa Rica! ❤️

10/01/2026

Morpheus8 Transformation ✨

Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen beneath the skin—helping improve firmness, texture, fine lines, and overall contour on the face or body.

Our complete transformation package includes:

Three 60-minute Morpheus8 sessions + VittiPure to support cellular recovery and hydration from within.

Regularly $3,000 | Now $2,500
Save $500

Watch the video for an introduction to the Morpheus8 procedure and a closer look at how it works. Contact us to find out whether it may be right for your skin and goals.

We are so excited to announce that we now have Morpheus8 radio freq...

09/30/2026

My dear friend and teacher Yaniv Shanti is planning a very special retreat for midlife women in Costa Rica, January 28–February 1, 2027, and I’ll be attending as his guest.

This is a beautiful opportunity to step away, reconnect with yourself, and spend time with other women in a supportive, meaningful space.

Shanti and I have each written a letter sharing more about the retreat and what you can expect. You can read both letters through the link in my bio.

If this experience is calling you, we’d love to hear from you. Please send a brief note expressing your interest to [email protected] by October 4.

I’m simply helping Shanti and his team gather preliminary interest before registration officially opens in November, and I’ll pass your response along to them.

Hope to see some of you in Costa Rica! ❤️

09/30/2026

A strong core supports so much of what we want to preserve as we age—balance, stability, mobility, posture, and confidence in the way we move.

In this workout, Master Personal Trainer Kelley Workman Kelley Workman | Still Climbing guides you through four movements using a box or elevated surface to strengthen your core while also working on coordination, stability, and full-body conditioning.

The elevated surface makes these movements easy to adapt to different fitness levels, so you can adjust the pace, range of motion, repetitions, and rest time to meet you where you are.

Featuring Kelley Workman
Master Personal Trainer
🌐 www.kelleymoves.com

Workout
Box Frog Jumps
Elevated Mountain Climbers
Forearm Knee-to-Elbow Drives
Elevated Forearm Plank Hold

Workout Format
4 core and conditioning exercises
4 rounds × 20 reps
30–60 seconds rest between rounds

As always, listen to your body and modify each movement to meet you where you are. The goal is not perfection—it’s continuing to move, build strength, and challenge your body in a way that works for you.

For more ways to build strength through midlife and beyond, explore our Resistance Training for Midlife playlist on YouTube.

And if you’d like to learn more about peptide therapy with sermorelin, check out the link below and my video where I take a deeper look at this topic.
https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/services/peptide-therapy-for-midlife-wellness/