Real Menopause Talk

Fiona Clark is a massively well-respected voice in the Menopause world. She is a journalist and health writer, now with more than 20 years' experience in writing for publications that go to medical practitioners as well as consumers. She is also the founder of Harley Street Emporium, a practice that focuses on evidence-based information for women in menopause and health in general. Her new book, 'Menowars' grabbed me by the title because I discovered it at the exact time where I had had enough of the division in the Menospace. When I started the podcast in October 2021, it was a welcoming, 'come on board and join us all to help one another' kind of a vibe. Over the past 5 years it has split, sometimes quite viciously, into exclusive camps. Just opening Menowars, the subheading of 'Why menopause's moment has gone wrong & how you can navigate your way through it' had me hooked. Today, Fiona and I discuss ( and laugh about) the complexities surrounding menopause, including the need for better education and awareness among healthcare professionals and the public. We explore the emotional and physical challenges women face during this transition, the importance of understanding heart health specific to women, and the necessity of open conversations about women's health issues. Fiona shares her personal experiences (also with some hilarity!) with healthcare and emphasises the need for advocacy and better resources for women navigating menopause. 00:00Introduction to Menopause and Its Challenges 05:22The Need for Education and Awareness 10:51Understanding Menopause Guidelines and Research 16:38Heart Health and Women: A Critical Discussion 22:03Personal Experiences with Healthcare 27:45Mental Health and the Emotional Journey of Menopause 33:12The Importance of Open Conversations 38:58Conclusion and Resources for Women You can find Fiona on IG @fiona_clark_writes and https://mref.uk and you can find Menowars here: MENOWARS Drop me a line to discover more about my coaching - there are only 2 spots available for 2025 in my Strength, Nutrition & Menopause Coaching so get in touch fast. hatty@realmenopausetalk.com Thank-you for listening, I look forward to seeing you in the next episode.

Lara Briden has a refreshingly honest approach to menopause and all that that encompasses. For me, she has always been a person to offer solid, genuine advice based on knowledge and experience so I was delighted when she agreed to join me on the podcast. You are not broken, you are not deficient and it is not your fault. This is a very important and powerful message that I wish all women could hear from even before Perimenopause all the way through to Post Menopause... and probably for life in general. We cover a vast range of highly relevant and current topics in our conversation including insulin resistance, what metabolism really means, the role of cortisol (the real role!), testosterone for women, HRT and what menopause even is now! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Women's Health and Menstrual Cycle 02:48 Understanding Female Physiology and Hormonal Differences 05:24 The Role of Cortisol in Women's Health 08:10 Navigating Insulin Resistance and Its Implications 11:11 The Impact of Hormones on Weight Gain 13:51 Addressing Insulin Resistance: Symptoms and Solutions 16:41 Metabolism Myths and Realities 19:21 The Importance of Blood Markers in Health Assessment 22:16 Reversing Insulin Resistance and Improving Health 32:11 Understanding Health Markers 32:43 The Progesterone-Cortisol Connection 35:16 Testosterone's Role in Women's Health 36:33 Navigating Hormonal Replacement Therapy 39:14 Clarifying Menopause Terminology 42:36 Experiences with Hormonal Treatments 49:36 Evolutionary Perspectives on Menopause 52:44 Living Well Through Menopause 56:28 Final Thoughts and Advice You can find Lara at https://larabriden.com and on all platforms as Lara Briden. If you have been feeling flat, low and perhaps a bit lost then drop me a line to rediscover your zest and power. My Life and Performance Coaching appoinments are now open. The Real Menopause Method (strength and nutrition coaching for women) remains alive and well and has 2 slots left for this current season. You can reach me here: https://realmenopausetalk.com and at hatty@realmenopausetalk.com I look forward to hearing from you xoxo.

Sam Fitzgibbons and I met over Instagram through the weird and wonderful web of algorithms. For some intangible reason, I was instantly drawn to her and once we started actually talking, it was clear why. Sam is a Spiritual Shadow Coach. I'll let her explain what that means in this episode. What I will tell you is that she is so comfortable to be with, she imparts knowledge in a very down-to-earth manner and what she says simply makes sense. Perimenopause has a way of shining a light on all the aspects of ourselves that we really need to address - past trauma, shame, the stories we have created for ourselves, our sense of self - and some of these can often bring up more questions than we began with. Who am I? What do I do next? How do I find my purpose? All of which are questions very close to my own heart and ones I struggled with for a while too. I am happy to say, there are answers to all of these and when you get clear on them, you feel like a brand new person - actually, that's not quite accurate: you feel like yourself, just gleaming bright and brilliant as you were meant to be. Sam and I discuss HRT, how issues can show up, where to begin, what used to work and what works now and so much more. Look Sam up, @theshadowandtheself Unfu*k Menopause And get in touch with me about Performance & Life Coaching to get unstuck and live life in true technicolour. I look forward to seeing you in the next episode. xoxo

Today's episode is something I have been thinking about for quite a while. I never had a plan to do a solo episode but now feels like the right time. Stay tuned until the end for a limited-time-only freebie offer! I decided it was time to share a bit of my own self and life through my experience of parenting, divorce, career transitions, competing as a bodybuilder, resilience and health challenges, particularly focusing on recent changes and strategies that have had a profoundly positive impact. I share a little of all of the 'squiggles' I have gone through, the impact of societal expectations coupled with the importance of self-acceptance and how I have finally achieved this and feel genuinely healthy. I share my coaching philosophy, emphasising nutrition, personal growth, and the need for being physically, emotionally and energetically nourished in midlife. The episode concludes with my latest update - tune in for details - as a Life and Performance Coach, and an invitation to engage with my new direction. "I knew I had to make a choice." "I am now at peace with all my messes." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Real Menopause Talk & today's solo episode 02:56 Navigating Life's Challenges: Divorce and Motherhood 06:07 Career Changes 07:48 Bodybuilding: Identity, Health & Purpose 10:31 Understanding Perimenopause: Personal Insights 13:25 The Role of Nutrition and HRT in Wellbeing 16:04 Finding Purpose and Authenticity in Midlife 18:44 Embracing Non-Linear Life Paths 21:00 The Importance of Connection and Community 23:37 Energies, alignment, integrity, authenticity and nourishment 26:09 Conclusion: Values and Future Directions 27:00 Being a Life and Performance Coach For all feedback and questions and application for today's giveaway, please drop me a line: hatty@realmenopausetalk.com I can't wait to hear from you.

Gabriel Weston is an award-winning writer, tv broadcaster, surgeon, mother of four and, I am fortunate to add, great friend. ⁠ ⁠ Her trailblazing medical memoir, 'Direct Red' was released to critical acclaim 15 years ago; she returns now with a profound and provocative journey through the human body: Alive, An Alternative Anatomy.⁠ ⁠ In today's conversation, Gabriel shares her insights life as a whole. We meander through so many topics that apply to our lives as women in our fifties with teenage kids. She shares how she is currently navigating midlife, of course we talk about her experiences of menopause and paint a very honest picture of modern motherhood. The importance of self-care is not something that is lost on Gabriel and hearing her talk about it as a woman and as a surgeon is fascinating. She discusses her journey as a surgeon and author, emphasizing the need for women to embrace their bodies and the changes that come with ageing whilst reflecting on her personal experiences with vulnerability and the lessons learned through her family's challenges. Key Moments Menopause can profoundly affect emotional stability. Adventures in midlife are still possible and fulfilling. Yoga has been a significant tool for self-care. Motherhood brings both challenges and a sense of independence. Understanding the body requires a connection to its humanity. Personal experiences shape our views on vulnerability. Ageing can be embraced as a beautiful phase of life. Connection to oneself is crucial for well-being. Women are encouraged to redefine their narratives around ageing. Future endeavours can be exciting and full of potential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:55 Adventures in Midlife 05:44 Navigating Menopause 08:42 The Role of Yoga and Self-Care 11:38 Motherhood and Independence 14:36 The Journey of Understanding the Body 17:27 The Intersection of Anatomy and Humanity 20:30 Personal Experiences with Vulnerability 23:03 The Importance of Connection 26:10 Reflections on Aging and Self-Acceptance 29:09 Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors You can find Gabriel on IG https://www.instagram.com/gabrielwestonalive/ and get her brilliant book, 'Alive - An Alternative Anatomy' at all good book stores both in person and online. I love hearing your feedback, stories and comments - and yes, rants are welcome! Do drop me a line. And of course, contact me via DM or good old fashioned email hatty@realmenopausetalk.com to talk about my personal 1:1 coaching so that you can excel at work and in life. I am excited to see what you can do.

Tanith Carey is an award-winning writer, journalist and trained Gestalt Phsycotherapist. You may have heard of Anhedonia but be a little hazy on what it really means - who better to talk to about it than someone who has written an entire book explaining the intricacies of this prevalent condition. In this conversation, we delve into the concept of anhedonia, particularly in the context of women experiencing menopause. She shares her personal journey of feeling joyless despite having a fulfilling life and explains the physiological and psychological factors contributing to this state. Our discussion explores the impact of hormonal changes, the role of cortisol, and the importance of recognizing anhedonia as a legitimate experience. Tanith offers strategies for reclaiming joy, emphasizing the need for awareness, intentionality, and building a personal toolkit for happiness. Key Points Anhedonia is increasingly recognized as a significant issue, especially for women in menopause. Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to feelings of joylessness and anxiety. Cortisol levels can rise due to modern stressors, impacting overall well-being. Dopamine plays a crucial role in anticipation and seeking joy. Recognizing anhedonia is essential for addressing emotional numbness. Neurodiverse individuals may experience heightened feelings of anhedonia due to cognitive exhaustion. Building a toolkit for joy involves intentional actions and awareness of small moments of happiness. Somatic therapy can help address emotional disconnection and promote healing. Diet and gut health are linked to emotional well-being and serotonin production. Communication with loved ones about feelings of blah can foster understanding and support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Anhedonia 01:26 Tanith Carey's Background and Journey 04:09 Understanding Anhedonia and Its Impact 06:58 The Role of Hormones and Stress 09:43 Cortisol and Modern Life 12:45 Recognizing Anhedonia vs. Depression 15:19 Anhedonia in Neurodiverse Individuals 15:50 Understanding Anhedonia and ADHD 17:19 The Importance of Naming Emotions 18:48 Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection 20:14 The Impact of Illness on Mental Health 21:30 Research Insights on Joy and Reward 23:08 The Role of Nature in Well-Being 24:54 Practical Tips for Cultivating Joy 26:23 Behavioral Activation and Intentional Happiness 28:40 Communicating Feelings in Relationships You can find Tanith on Instagram @tanithcarey or @tanithcareytherapy and her book Feeling Blah is out now wherever you choose to get your books - I highly recommend! Who do you know who wants to rediscover their zest in midlife and beyond? Drop me a line hatty@realmenopausetalk.com to find out about my Real Menopause Method and how you, or your friend, can look great and feel great, build strength and love you life. Only a few spaces available so get in touch!

Many of you will know The Real Slim Sherri from Instagram and TikTok - she is well known for her no- holds barred, unfiltered truths around growing up in the 70's and 80's, midlife, life as a Gen X woman and menopause. I have loved her page ever since I discovered it and so was thrilled, (I mean so thrilled!) when she was booked to be a guest on the podcast. And what a way to open Season 7! In this engaging conversation, Sherri Dindal - her real name - shares her journey through midlife, discussing the challenges and triumphs of menopause, the importance of humor in healing, and her mission to empower women. She reflects on her upbringing, career changes, and the creation of her wellness brand, Wholesome Hippie, which focuses on natural health products. Sherri emphasizes the significance of community and support for women navigating this phase of life, and she shares insights on parenting in midlife, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of raising children while experiencing personal growth. All, of course, with a good dash of humour thrown in. 00:00 Introduction and Connection 01:10 Growing Up Gen X: A Journey Through Childhood 03:07 Career Path: From Law Enforcement to Content Creation 05:18 Navigating Midlife: The Impact of Menopause 07:10 The Power of Humor in Addressing Serious Topics 09:32 Empowering Women: Embracing Authenticity in Midlife 11:46 Raising the Next Generation: Lessons Learned 13:58 Reflections on Motherhood and Personal Growth 17:46 Navigating Parenting in a Digital Age 20:45 The Challenges of Parenting Teens 22:45 The Unexpected Journey into Comedy 29:40 Embracing Life After 50 30:18 Health and Wellness: The Wholesome Hippie Journey 33:36 Building a Wellness Brand from Personal Experience 36:24 Innovative Solutions for Anxiety and Sleep 38:49 Natural Alternatives for Hormonal Balance 41:53 Aging Gracefully and Mindfully 43:37 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Here are all the links to Sherri https://www.instagram.com/wholesomehippynaturals/ https://www.facebook.com/wholesomehippynaturals https://www.tiktok.com/@WHOLESOMEHIPPYNATURALS https://www.tiktok.com/@therealslimsherri https://www.instagram.com/therealslimsherri https://www.facebook.com/sherri.dindal And you can find me here: https://realmenopausetalk.com https://www.instagram.com/realmenopausetalk/ or drop me a line hatty@realmenopausetalk.com

Jenni Smith and Kay Walsh are a bright, colourful breath of fresh air. In today's conversation, Jenni and Kay share how they got into sewing, what they have done with this connection, their experiences with perimenopause and menopause (of course!) and... wait for it... how their passion takes them to Hawaii. Yes, they are in fact globe trotting quilt makers and dress makers. We discuss how sewing is something of a therapeutic outlet, how we need to rekindle our creativity in midlife and how they actively empower other women through craft. The conversation highlights the importance of community, open dialogue about women's health issues, and the need to role model self care. There is a real joy that comes from creating something unique and they have given me real food for thought about alternative ways to combat stress. "Don't be scared, just get stuck in." Takeaways: Sewing can be a therapeutic outlet for mental health. Motherhood often leads to a loss of personal identity. Perimenopause symptoms can be subtle and varied. Community support is crucial during life transitions. Open conversations about menopause can reduce stigma. Sewing fosters creativity and provides a sense of accomplishment. Exercise and routine can help manage menopause symptoms. HRT can alleviate anxiety and other symptoms of menopause. Empowerment comes from sharing experiences with others. Creating a supportive environment encourages women to learn new skills. Creativity can be a powerful form of self-care. Sewing fosters community and connection among diverse individuals. Inspiring younger generations to embrace crafting is essential. Upcycling allows for personal expression and environmental awareness. Overcoming the fear of failure is key to unlocking creativity. Sharing projects can build joy and community spirit. The experience of menopause can be enriched by creative pursuits. Everyone has the potential to be creative, regardless of past experiences. Building confidence in sewing starts with small, manageable projects. Connecting with others through shared interests can lead to lasting friendships. 00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds 06:04 Navigating Motherhood and Identity 12:02 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause 17:54 Sewing as a Therapeutic Outlet 19:54 The Power of Creativity and Community 21:59 Inspiring the Next Generation 25:02 Embracing Upcycling and Personal Expression 28:05 Overcoming Creative Fears 29:59 Building Joy Through Connection 32:09 Future Projects and Aspirations 35:01 Wisdom from the Journey of Menopause You can find Jenni and Kay on IG @jenniandkaycreate or on their website and their inspiringly creative book, Menopause Makes is out on March 14th 2025. You can always reach me by email hatty@realmenopausetalk.com or here https://realmenopausetalk.com

In this engaging conversation, Carol King shares her ride through perimenopause, the need for open conversations about women's health and her rise to TikTok fame as THE Menopause Auntie. She started experiencing extreme fainting episodes which understandably concerned her and her family. Moving to Barbados, from the UK, she found limited knowledge or understanding of what could be happening. She emphasizes the significance of lifestyle changes, finding joy, and reclaiming one's identity during this transformative phase of life. Carol also highlights her efforts to create community resources and her upcoming book that aims to educate and empower women navigating menopause through humour. Carol King moved to Barbados and embraced a new life. Perimenopause symptoms can start much earlier than expected. Women often face challenges in getting their symptoms taken seriously. Humor can be a powerful tool in coping with menopause. Creating a supportive community is essential for women. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can significantly improve health. Finding joy in daily life is crucial for mental well-being. Reclaiming one's identity is important during midlife transitions. Education and open conversations about menopause are vital. Carol's book aims to provide accessible information on menopause with humour. "Women want to have the conversation." "Laughter is medicine." "I intentionally look for joy." Chapters 02:00 Introduction to Carol King 04:00 Understanding Perimenopause 06:59 The Journey of Discovery 09:59 The Importance of Conversation 13:03 Using Humor to Cope 15:53 Finding Solutions and Support 19:03 Lifestyle Changes for Better Health 21:55 The Role of Joy in Life 24:56 Reclaiming Identity and Purpose 28:11 Creating Community and Resources 30:53 The Launch of a Book 33:54 Final Thoughts and Advice 'Are You There God, It's Me In Menopause' is out on February 18th, 2025 at all good bookstores and online. You can enjoy Carol's content @menopause101 on IG & TikTok and YouTube! If you would like to speak to me about joining The Real Menopause Method, drop me an email hatty@realmenopausetalk.com to book a call. There is more information on the website https://realmenopausetalk.com Spaces are limited and tend to book up fast, so please get in touch and I look forward to talking to you.

In our conversation today, Nicki shares her personal journey with hormonal health, detailing her struggles with perimenopause and the lack of information available at the time. She emphasises the importance of understanding hormonal changes, especially during menopause and post-menopause, and discusses the new challenges women face in their 50s. She highlights the significance of community, connection, and mental health in aging, as well as the need for proper nutrition and rest. Nicki encourages women to embrace this stage of life as an opportunity for growth and self-care, rather than viewing it as an end and gives us details on how to do just this. Takeaways Nicki's journey into hormonal health began in her early 40s. She experienced exhaustion and brain fog, leading her to seek help. Her father, a hormone doctor, educated her about perimenopause. Nicki emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes for hormonal balance. Post-menopause brings new challenges, including health risks and emotional well-being. Community and connection are vital for mental health as we age. Rest is crucial for managing stress and overall health. Nutrition plays a key role in aging well and managing symptoms. Women should focus on self-care and personal fulfillment post-retirement. Nicki's new book addresses life after menopause and offers guidance. "This can't be it, you know, I've got to do this." 06:21 Nicki's Journey and the Importance of Hormone Balance 13:19 Changing the Perception of Aging 18:05 Building Connections and Community 26:01 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care 31:23 Finding Your Nutrition Plan 35:15 Embracing the Opportunities of Post-Menopause You can find Nicki at https://happyhormonesforlife.com and on IG @happyhormonesforlife and her books are available in all good book retail outlets NOW:-) Feel free to get in touch about anything nutrition, training and Menopause related at hatty@realmenopausetalk.com and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thank-you for listening and I look forward to seeing you in the next episode.

Nikkiey Stott, founder of Warrior Babe, shares her journey from growing up in a divorced family to becoming a successful bodybuilder and fitness coach. She discusses the challenges women face during menopause and how her company helps them through nutrition, strength training, and mindset shifts. Nikkiey emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body with the right food and debunking the myth of getting bulky from lifting weights. She encourages women to focus on self-discipline rather than relying on motivation and to keep the promises they make to themselves. Nikkiey's ultimate goal is to empower women to achieve their fitness goals and live a healthy, balanced life. Takeaways: Nourishing the body with the right food is key to overall health and achieving fitness goals. Strength training is essential for building lean muscle, boosting metabolism, and improving bone density. Developing self-discipline is more important than relying on motivation to stay consistent with fitness and nutrition. Women should focus on increasing their protein intake to support muscle growth and hormonal balance. Overcoming the fear of getting bulky from lifting weights and embracing the benefits of strength training is crucial for women's health and longevity. 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:58 Dealing with a Cease and Desist and Rebranding 06:18 Preparing for Perimenopause and Menopause 08:54 The Importance of Rest and Overcoming Guilt 09:31 Challenges Faced by Women in Menopause and How to Overcome Them 14:47 Creating a Supportive All-Female Community 19:05 Changing the Narrative Around Food and Body Image 25:45 Addressing the Fear of Getting Bulky from Lifting Weights 29:45 Starting from Scratch: Nutrition, Strength Training, and Mindset 35:04 The Power of Self-Discipline in Achieving Goals You can find Nikkiey at https://warriorbabe.com/ If you have any questions about nutrition, training, or of course Menopause, please reach out as it is always a pleasure to hear from you. hatty@realmenopausetalk.com Thanks for listening and I look forward to seeing you in the next episode. xoxo

Leslie Kenny reversed her autoimmune diseases and rejuvenated her biological age, literally saving herself from a 5 year prognosis in her thirties. Here, she discusses her process and the 12 hallmarks of ageing, she shares her experience with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, her decision to take control of her health, and the treatments that led to her remission. Leslie also talks about her experience with perimenopause and menopause and the importance of managing cortisol and progesterone levels. She introduces the 12 hallmarks of ageing, including stem cell dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, impaired autophagy, and more. She highlights the role of spermidine in rejuvenating senescent immune cells. Spermidine, a compound found in plants and semen, has the ability to inhibit nine out of 12 hallmarks of ageing. It is crucial for the survival and growth of the next generation, present in breast milk and semen. As we age, our ability to produce spermidine decreases, making it important to obtain it from our diet. Lifestyle choices, such as a diet rich in prebiotic fibre from plants, can increase the production of spermidine in our bodies. Spermidine supplementation has been shown to promote hair growth, improve sleep, enhance heart health, and activate autophagy, a process that removes dysfunctional cells and mitochondria. You can find Leslie at https://oxfordhealthspan.com/ and use code HATTY15 for a 15% discount on Primeadine. Feel free to reach out and drop me a line with any questions, comments or feedback as I always love to hear from you: hatty@realmenopausetalk.com 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:18 Diagnosis and Taking Control of Health 06:24 Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause 08:07 Understanding the 12 Hallmarks of Aging 21:26 The Importance of Spermidine in Reproduction and Gut Health 23:12 The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Spermidine Production 35:57 Activating Autophagy with Spermidine

With less than 2,000 signatures needed to make the total 200,000, I felt it was a great opportunity to re-release Diane's Episode for any of you who may have missed it and to get those signature numbers up! I will leave the link right here to sign the petition - please do if you haven't already. #MakeMenopauseMatter Diane is the OG Menopause Warrior. After her own incapacitating experience of Menopause, she decided that nobody should ever have to go through what she and her loved ones had to endure. From this, MenopauseSupport and the MakeMenopauseMatter campaign were born. In this episode, she tells her story and all I shall say at this point is, thank goodness for her dogs and her husband Martin. Diane and her team at Menopause Support work tirelessly to make the changes she wants to see and, to date, the MakeMenopauseMatter campaign has close on 200,000 signatures. As well as educating and changing the world for the better, she reminds us to look at ourselves, "Have you spent your whole life prioritising other people? Maybe you should move yourself up the list a little more. This can be a wonderful time of transition and transformation and is full of Opportunity." You can find Diane, and please take a moment to SIGN & SHARE the petition at https://menopausesupport.co.uk and here: https://www.change.org/p/make-menopause-matter-in-healthcare-the-workplace-and-education-makemenopausematter on IG @dianedanzebrink

The word 'menopause' was not used in Donna's household growing up, even when her mother underwent a hysterectomy. But Donna knew. Donna Klassen, co-founder of Let's Talk Menopause, dedicates herself to providing a platform that educates, destigmatizes, and offers vital community support surrounding menopause. She and I may have different experiences of Menopause but we both come at it with the same heart and a desire to ensure nobody feels isolated or alone during this deeply nuanced life transition. Diagnosed with estrogen-positive breast cancer at 52, Donna's journey into postmenopause was accelerated following a double mastectomy and an oophorectomy. As she grappled with symptoms like hot flashes and brain fog, she was met with a notable absence of guidance from her medical community. Drawing from her tenure as a clinician and director at The Motherhood Center of New York, where she witnessed the transformative power of community in areas like infertility and postpartum depression, Donna is passionate about championing menopause and ensuring it's understood and supported by all. In this episode we discuss attitudes, progress and legislation in the US compared to the UK just as the bill for the Menopause Research and Equity Act 2023 was going to Congress. Donna is all about the very simple but powerful, 'and'. Nothing need be one or the other, it can be many things and this is especially true when it comes to menopause symptoms and, in fact, this whole life phase which is a time of vulnerability and opportunity. She encourages us all to put ourselves out there and 'Go Big!' You can find Donna on the website and on social media as @letstalkmenopause and I believe even at the time of release, you can still fill out a form HERE that allows you to write directly to your member of Congress and leads to the website letstalkmenopause.org You can handpick your Menopause Therapist right HERE

When I started this podcast, I was thinking of women of a similar age to me who were going through the Menopause Transition. I soon learned there are many types of Menopause, all equally significant and rarely spoken about. The list includes surgical menopause, early menopause, premature menopause and trans menopause. Today, I have the privilege of being able to share a trans male menopause story. Tate Smith is an award-winning trans activist, consultant, and speaker, passionate about trans male visibility, educating others and debunking common myths surrounding trans people. Tate's accolades include being named one of Attitude Magazine's 10 LGBTQ+ Trailblazers To Watch Out For In The Future, and in 2022 he was selected as a LinkedIn Top Voice, and nominated for PinkNews' Community Role Model. I was so delighted to meet Tate to hear his deeply personal, often challenging experience which he tells with candour, charm and humour, no mean feat given the level of vulnerability he opens himself up to. There are so many avenues we could have ventured down as there is so much to talk about - isn't there always?! We had to discuss testosterone and its effects - bear in mind here Tate's end game but also listen out for the potential benefits - we also touch on male privilege and insights he has gained having presented female for 19 years and now living as his true, male self. His menopause symptoms will be familiar to many of you and, as he says, "we're all in this together". You can find Tate as @tatemichaelsmith on IG, and Linked In and at https://tatesmith.uk Go to Real Menopause Therapy HERE I hope you have a peaceful and joyful holiday period and I look forward to seeing you in 2024.

Julian wants to bring Menopause out of the darkness and he's well placed to do so as founder of Propaganda Agency and chair of Gen M. We start our conversation with some of Julian's working background because, whilst interesting in its own right, it gives some context to how and why he does what he does today in the 'Menosphere'. We get a little bit of the history of make-up as we know it today, his former company Illamasqua and I tell you, he is a visionary. It's easy for those of us who are in this space to simply demand the highest quality solutions to Menopause symptoms but Julian offers an alternative perspective and one that really got me thinking. We still need to reach so many millions of women who remain unaware of what is happening to them in Perimenopause and some of them are scared. Awareness must come first. Of course none of us want to be taken for a ride as a consumer but his view is good food for thought. Julian shares with us how he became such a champion of the underdog that is Menopause and the real emotional trigger that encouraged him along this path. It is a story which many of you may find deeply upsetting and is one that you will know if you have heard of David Salmon. It is truly heartbreaking and still needs to be told so nobody else may suffer the same. Julian talks about how men can help, how brands are innately powerful in our society and how women don't need to be told what to do: "A Choice. That's what women need, a choice." You can find Julian @Julian Kynaston on Linked In Click here for Real Menopause Therapy Sign Up Here For Free

This is possibly one of the most important episodes yet because of the information, passion, honesty and balance that Catherine offers. Catherine initially built her career in finance, working for an investment bank. When she 'met' Perimenopause, she soon realised that brain fog had no place in her life as she needed to be switched on at all times and function at a high level. She began to puzzle out what was going on. Once she realised what was happening and that it was normal, it was a huge relief and opened up the headspace to investigate how to support herself on a practical level, through this transitional time. This ultimately fuelled her passion to bring awareness to Menopause today and in essence, this is why and how this podcast began in the first place: to help women with their personal puzzle and to bring relief, knowing their experience is normal and shared by many others. Catherine talks sense, real sense about symptom management as well as the broader picture of respecting one another's freedom of choice. And yes, we even discuss the recent NICE guidelines on CBT and HRT - we dare to go there!:-) "There's no magic bullet to Menopause because of the individual nature of the experience." Catherine O'Keeffe is a Menopause Workplace Consultant, founder of Wellness Warrior, and creator of the Menopause Success Summit. Catherine is the author of the best seller All you need to know about menopause. She helps organisations implement a comprehensive menopause strategy that leads to meaningful change. She's helped hundreds of companies choose support over silence including Workday International, StateStreet, Department of Health, Sainsburys, and Microsoft. Catherine is on a mission to shatter the menopause taboo, for good. You can find @Catherine O'Keeffe on LI and @wellnesswarrior.ie on IG Access Real Menopause Therapy HERE

Jodie Patterson sees herself as a Starfish - she has the ability to stretch far and wide and reach people as she does so. At 53, she has perfected the art through many careers, self-grown businesses, 5 children (currently spanning 30 - 14 years of age), volunteer work, art and a vibrant life of travel and friendships. Jodie is a Native New Yorker who grew up on the Upper West Side in a creative neighbourhood and an actively Black family. She comes from a long line of activists and entrepreneurs and continues this lineage with many successes along the way, clearly drawn towards women with strong voices who inspire, she embodies these qualities too. 'The Bold World' is one of the most striking and memorable books I have ever read. I cried, I laughed, I resonated and learned. It is Jodie's story of her life so far and the transformation of her family both immediate and extended. When her son, Penelope, came to her aged 2 and said, "Mama, I'm not a girl. I am a boy." it blew her world wide open. In this book, she shares just how. I am not letting go of my own copy but I am giving it out to everyone I know and you should too. This episode is not all about Menopause. It is about identity, creativity, community, freedom, curiosity, transition and transformation and how all of it is an inside job, "We can be who we are from the inside out." You can find Jodie on IG @jodiepatterson and https://jodiepatterson.com and you can find "The Bold World" wherever you choose to get your books. If you are in the UK, you may have to be a little more patient for it to arrive but it is well worth the wait:-)

Selene Yeager is an elite athlete who started professionally competing at 40. She's also a Health & fitness writer who lives what she writes as a NASM certified trainer, USA Cycling coach, Pn1 certified nutrition coach, pro licensed off-road racer, and All-American Ironman triathlete and content creator for Feisty Media. Selene is grounded and into her own zone and power, Post Menopause. But it didn't start off like that. Perimenopause was a deeply confusing time to her because, like so many of us, it caught her unaware, She lost muscle seemingly overnight, her joints started aching like never before and her sleep became unusually erratic. She is keen to share as much information about this time of life as possible and to make sure that we all do the same in order to take the shock, confusion and fear out of it. We must share all the information from night sweats to vaginal dryness and everything in between. In this episode we discuss the changing landscape of elite endurance sports - spoiler alert: more mature women are competing and they're winning! We talk about new studies emerging on women that are relevant to hormonal health, muscle health and brain health and one that has just dropped on low carb availability: could you be sensitive to carbohydrate deprivation? Is intermittent fasting or low-carb dieting not feeling good to you? And why should we exercise after all? You can find Selene on IG @FitChick3, on https://seleneyeager.contently.com and if you haven't found it yet - listen to Hit Play Not Pause, you're in for a treat.

Dr Colette Haydon oozes French charm and is wonderfully frank and easy to talk to. She gives real, raw insights into how menopause was for her and feels it is crucial to be honest with those who ask - especially when it comes to the question, "How long does it last?" At 64, she still has symptoms from time to time so what does she do about it? Colette gives a great explanation of how night sweats and disturbed sleep create anxieties and additional symptoms, she talks about the crucial role of therapy for her in dealing with these anxieties when she felt she couldn't do so in her usual way and she shares The Secret of Beauty. Having worked as a pharmacist and consultant for major brands in the cosmetics industry, she set up her own range of skincare in her late 50's. Colette explains why your favourite moisturiser has stopped working for you and how to bring joy to your daily skincare routine, "It's a moment with yourself. It's just lovely." You can find Dr Colette Haydon on IG @lixirskin and on her website lixirskin.co.uk and her products are available at Sephora, John Lewis, Selfridges, Liberty, Harrods and many more.