The Merry Menopause Bookclub

In this episode, I meet Annie Auerbach for the second time since the first publication of Flex in 2019. To mark this year's publication of Flex in paperback Annie has added an extra chapter, Flex in Flux to deal with the assumption that working from home during a pandemic is Flex. It is not. Flex at its best is an ideology for a more inclusive future and better quality of life for everyone. Please join us we discuss, The aspiration of Flex and what it really means as a template for a better life.How the gender roles have played out during lockdown and the effect of Covid on women’s progress it the workplace.Our mutual passion for Menstrual Cycle Syncing and how it opens up a new relationship for women and their bodies, the role it plays in Flex and how it could lead to a new era of workplace management and working.Girls and their periods. The Period Fairy, Period Parties and girls and the long term benefits of young girls and their participation in sport, not being thwarted by their periods. Why self-care is so much more than a bath bomb and a glass of wine.Uncoupling productivity from success.Finding ourselves in a ‘plastic moment’ - a portal between the old world and the new world and how reinventing our attitude to Flex will lead to a happier life.Find out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In this episode, I chat to Tracey Cox, author, psychologist and TV personality about sex and how to adapt to the changes as we age. Fifty-plus looks nothing like it used to. Many of us I hit half a century with little sign of slowing down, but like it or not, something happens to us sexually post 50. Please join us as we discuss:-Tracey’s realisation and surprise that her full and active sex life was suddenly being affected by her menopause - she didn’t think it would happen to her. Busting the myth that women have a lower libido than men, wrong, they just get bored with sex. The majority of women say ‘no’ to sex because they are bored with having the same sex! Spontaneous arousal is down to our hormones, as they deplete we lose that spontaneity so we need to take responsibility for our own arousal and do the job our hormones used to do.Penetration and erection problems. Why an older vagina works well with an older penis.How women deal with their sexual issues as they age but how men struggle so much when they start to lose their erections.Communication, communication, communication.Being 50 and single and the untold benefits of meeting someone later in life. Recognising when a relationship is just not working and when to walk away.The best is yet to come.Find out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In this episode I chat with Dr Annice Mukherjee top hormone consultant with over 30 years of experience helping women achieve hormone balance and renewed vitality before, during and after the menopause. Join as we discuss Dr Annices own personal journey following her breast cancer diagnosis at 41 and an induced chemical menopause.Why menopause is different in today’s worldDr Annice’s groundbreaking Toolkit and ‘The House of Menopause”The importance of educating younger women on the menopause so they can take control and put the lifestyle changes in place to minimise menopause symptoms. Why self care is not selfish, it’s essentialSleep rituals and everyday mindfulness What is Perimenopause? Menopause? Postmenopause?The link between stress management, metabolism and weight management Beware the hidden sugars in foodAnd we almost forgot HRT!Find out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In this episode I talk to one of the pioneers of natural menopause management Maryon Stewart. A font of knowledge and true expert in the field of hormones, PMS and Menopause. Her latest book is six week self coaching programming and I guarantee you after listening to this episode you will be informed, inspired and ready to take control of you wellbeing. Join us this episode we discussthe first science based recognition of natural menopause solutions and the start of Maryon’s career Menopause in the workplace, how it is still such a problem but for many organisations and their employees  still without a solutionMaryon’s collaboration with Virgin Health and Loughborough University to bring out an economic model to show much Menopause is costing businesses when they lose their female talent because they are not supporting them. Maryon’s six week Mid Life Re-Fuel that is helping so many women to turn their lives aroundHow we can trick our brain into thinking we still have naturally occurring, circulating oestrogen and thus getting rid of many of the common symptoms of menopause The effect of being deficient in minerals that so many women are unaware ofHow easy it is to fill up our empty oestrogen receptors with naturally occurring oestrogen and can prevent fibroids, cysts, endometriosis and many Menopause symptoms.Supplementation, the do’s and don’ts Menopause symptoms and mental healthHow important it is to nurture ourselves at this midlife crossroads, make the small adjustments to our lifestyle choices and kick start ourselves for a healthily and happy life during and beyond Menopause Find out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In this episode, I talk to Ruth Devlin, Registered Nurse and founder of Let’s Talk Menopause, which she set up in response to the conflicting advice she received during her Perimenopause. Ruth has gone on to raise awareness and provide accurate and helpful information on Menopause, through her courses, guest speaking at events and appearances on TV and Radio.Ruth has also written a book, Men…Let’s Talk Menopause, and that is why I asked Ruth to be my guest so we can discuss this very important subject and open up the conversation around Men and Menopause. Join us as we discuss:-Why and how Ruth came to writing this essential guide Starting the conversation around Menopause at home and workWhy we shouldn’t be underestimating the men in our lives and how much they want to know and understand Menopause. The impact of workplace awareness around Menopause and how the benefit of this will spill into personal relationships.The right and the wrong way for a man to approach the subject of hormonal health and how not to trigger a reaction!The male midlife change and how the lifestyle changes we need to make to support our Menopause they need to be making as wellThe importance of men doing their pelvic floor - “nuts to guts’!It’s your body, and your quality of life depends on how you look after it. Why are we not educated in a more empowering way so we can learn just how much control we have over our health and wellbeing?HRT and its sensationalisation How to get the most out of an appointment with your GPThe 2010 equality act - how is your organisation supporting women and their Menopause?Ruth's Recommendations:- The Squeeze appBMS Society - The British Menopause Society Managing Hot Flushes and Night Sweats - Myra Hunter and Melanie Smith Living Well Through Menopause - Myra Hunter and Melanie SmithThe Happy Menopause - Jackie LynchFind out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In this episode,  I am in conversation with Dr Philippa Kaye, GP and author. Philippa has a weekly column in Woman magazine and you may recognise her from her regular appearances on ITV’s, This Morning. The M Word is a complete one-stop guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause, covering everything from understanding symptoms and managing relationships to figuring out which treatments really work.We have dedicated this episode to the complex and controversial subject of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy).  Please join us as we discuss:-- Why Philippa felt compelled to write The M Word- Myth-busting the flawed study from 20 years ago that linked HRT to breast cancer- The risks and the benefits of HRT explained - When to start HRT and when to stop- Vaginal Oestrogen- Why HRT might not work be working for you- Side effects of HRT- Libido - it’s not just hormones that could be affecting your sex drive- Looking at Menopause as a ‘long term oestrogen deficiency’- Why HRT is not one size fits all- How to get the most from your GP and your surgery- Complimentary therapies- Sequential and Continuous Combined HRT- Post Menopausal bleeding- Smears - the importance and how to make them a better experience- Don’t think you are a candidate for HRT?  The importance of discussing your eligibility and your options with your GP- How do I know that I’m ready for HRT?- The first signs of Perimenopause- Premature MenopauseListen to the end for an empowering Menopause anecdote.Dr Philippa’s personal book choicesEverything That Makes Us Human by Jay JayamohanThe Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie MackesFind out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In this episode, I am joined by Jackie Lynch author of "The Happy Menopause" and host of The Happy Menopause Podcast. Jackie discovered the power of nutrition 15 years ago when she followed personalised nutritional advice and experienced first-hand the dramatic changes in her energy well being and performance. This led her to give up her senior corporate role and study at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition. As a Registered Nutritional Therapist, she founded the WellWellWell clinic providing expert advice and specialising in women’s health and nutrition."The Happy Menopause" is a stress-busting, hormone balancing approach to Menopause. Join Jackie and me as we discuss:-- Why stress is the enemy of the Menopause- Why adrenal health is so vital- Nutrition 101 - How and why we need to keep our blood sugar balanced- insulin- Managing our  symptoms through diet- How to manage our weight- what we should be eating- refined, hidden sugars- our secret weapon balancing protein and fibre- The impact of alcohol- The way Menopause is experienced in different cultures due to their diet- Menopause friendly family meals-  Don’t feel guilty about using frozen foods! Jackie’s book choice - "The Age Well Plan by Susan Saunders"Find out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking to Kim McCabe, author of ‘From Daughter to Woman’ a guide to parenting girls safely through their teens.Kim is a child development expert and founder-director of the non-profit organisation Rites for Girls.She studied psychology at Cambridge University, before training as a counsellor for distressed teens and has spent thirty years working preventatively to make girls’ journey through adolescence safer, kinder and better supported. A mother of three, Kim believes we can each make a difference; by creating community and circles of support, with adults taking responsibility for guiding tomorrow’s women, a grounded revolution changing the world for everyone.Join Kim and me as we discuss:-The importance of the puberty rite of passage if we went to have happy, healthy young adults join our adult communities and the impact of not recognising this importance of this critical stage of life.Why we should be asking our young girls what they think about becoming women and listening to their answers.Why so many young girls don’t name their mothers as future role models and what we can do about that.Children don’t do what we say, they do what we do. Menarche, Pregnancy, Menopause - the three stages in a woman’s life where she is called into action.Introducing the gift of the menstrual cycle to our girls to educate them and so alleviate any nervousness they may have around starting their periods.Our culture doesn’t honour the cycle, but if we can menstruate well and have healthy and happy cycles we will enter into Menopause in a healthier wayMenopause and raising children.Consent. Why we need to teach our children to trust their feelings and their instinct rather than their thoughts and how this can help to keep them safe.The increase in anxiety amongst young girls and how that shows up in their behaviour.Why as adults we should not be ignoring feelings of unhappiness and what happens when we do.Our cycle Post Menopause.As a mother how you can co-create a Rite of Passage with your daughter Creating a ‘village’ - the importance of adults in a young person’s lifeKim's book choice - The Happy Manifesto - by Henry StewartFind out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In this episode, I am joined by Sophie Fletcher clinical hypnotherapist and author of Mindful Menopause.Sophie specialises in women’s wellbeing at transitional stages of their lives and her focus is the body and mind connection, exploring thoughts and feelings that may arise at times of vulnerability giving practical, everyday tools that make a difference.We are controlled by the challenging cultural narrative that surrounds Menopause and Perimenopause, join Sophie and me as we discuss how changing our perception and our mindset can have such a huge impact on our wellbeing.In this episode you will learn:-How to change your perception of MenopauseHow to take back control How learned behaviours are based on environmentHow to re-write your story and plan your MenopauseHow to re-frame thoughts and experiences so you can approach your symptoms in a more positive wayHow to manage anxietyWhy Menopause is an opportunity to learn about yourself in a deeper wayThe How… tackling those unconscious blocks that stop you doing what you know you should be doing How to be in control of your choices Why broadening your knowledge and understanding of Menopause is the key to a Merry MenopauseWhy mindset work is much simpler than you may thinkWhy our history and culture has re-written the reverence that comes with being an older womanMenopause can be a lonely time, why it’s so important to find and connect with women who are having a similar experienceThe importance of seeking out those that are approaching their Menopause transition in a positive wayWhy you should plan your Menopause like you plan work and personal goalsHow do you want to be when you are in your 60s and 70s? Why we need to lay the foundations nowHair Loss - Sophie talks about her own experience and shares her advice. Sophie’s Book ChoiceSum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David EaglemanYou can download 10 of Sophie’s meditations for FREE here https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2021/may/mindfulmenopause.htmlhttps://sophiefletcher.co.ukFind out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My guest on the penultimate episode of S2 is Emma Bardwell registered nutritionist and member of the British Menopause Society. Her evidence-based approach, coupled with an ongoing interest in Perimenopause and Menopause has made her one of the go-to names in women’s health. Emma is deeply anti-fad and doesn’t care for restriction, believing in positive rather than perfect nutrition and together with Dr Shahzadi Harper she has written today’s book choice, The Perimenopause Solution.Join us as we discuss:Pro ageing and “Tweakments” - being unapologetic and acknowledging that our appearance does change as our collagen starts to deplete. Why saying ‘no’ should be on prescription for Perimenopausal women. Stress - one of the main drivers behind our symptoms and how it can override the positive effects of HRT.The rise of eating disorders in midlife - the importance of knowing what to eat and how to exercise. Auditing our life - removing toxic habits and toxic people.Alcohol - the pros and the cons.Why our metabolism changes - the impact that has on what we eat and drink. The benefits of therapy and coaching - dealing with feelings that may surface and the changes that are happening.The next generation - we are setting the example for them, let’s show today’s young women how utterly brilliant we are.Understanding the gut/brain connection - how crucial this is in PerimenopauseListening to our bodies - being intuitive and picking up on the signals and clues we are being sent. Make change if it is calling but don’t act on impulse! - the importance of talking things through with friends or seeking out a supportive community online. Emma’s book choicesDr Lisa Mosconi - The XX BrainKimberly Wilson - How To Build A Healthy BrainFind out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My last guest of Season 2 is the wonderful Sarah Chadwick author of The Sweetness of Venus -  A History of the Clitoris.Challenging today’s definition of female sexuality, The Sweetness of Venus is a provocative, straight-talking and rigorously researched history exposing the denial, misunderstanding and brutality endured by this taboo body part.Sarah has a teaching background is currently a guest researcher at Chicago’s LOYOLA University, splitting her life between the US and UK. She has been described as “an articulate and compassionate spokeswoman for a new generation of women”In her own words Sarah “Wanted her book to be pleasurable like good sex. For it to be friendly, funny, compassionate, inclusive of men and a bridge between academic research and knowledge. A book that people would pick up and have pleasure reading.” - I think she achieved it all. Join us as we discuss:- The historic shame around women’s sexual pleasure The complicated and conflicting history of the clitorisThe Victorians - the fear and threat around women having sexual agency1844 - A breakthrough in Clitoral recognition!The tip of the Clitoral iceberg - do you really know what it looks like and just how big it is?Think you know the meaning of the world ‘frigid’, think againFreud and his part in defining that there is a difference between a vaginal and Clitoral orgasm.Historically Dr’s putting forward the idea that proper sexual function was through penetrative sex only and any other way was a treatable physiological disorderWhy we need to broaden the definition of what quantifies as sex to become more inclusive and healthier for everybodyToday’s teenagers having more oral and anal sex than ever before in the name of ‘not having sex’ The difference in sex education in the UK and the US and why we are still not teaching it right. The narrative that women are wired for reproduction and men are wired for sexShere Hite’s groundbreaking survey in the 70s about women's sexual pleasure and desire. Sarah’s own frustrating experience with three gynaecologists trying to get her orgasm back post menopauseThe effect that the dominant narrative that women’s sexual function is purely for reproduction has on Menopausal women stepping into their sexual power How the taboo around reproduction vs pleasure has been so incredibly damaging to women in their 50s and beyondViagra - *eye roll * men haven't had to fight for their continued sexual function. Bicycle design, train travel, sewing machines and their connection to the female orgasm and masturbation!Sarah’s book choicesInvisible Women - Caroline Crado PerezThe World’s Wife - Carol Ann Duffy You can find more of Sarah on Instagram @its.PersonalgirlsFind out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

To kick off season three of The Merry Menopause Bookclub podcast I am delighted to be joined by Kimberley Wilson Chartered Psychologist and author of How to Build a Healthy Brain.  Kimberley believes the way we think about mental health – as separate from physical health – is flawed. Her philosophy of Whole Body Mental Health is a comprehensive approach to mental health care; integrating evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle factors with psychological therapy. Kimberley co-hosts the podcast Made of Stronger Stuff on BBC Radio 4 and her own podcast Stronger Minds and is often recognised as a former finalist on the Great British Bake Off! She has been the mental health expert on several Channel 4 documentaries and is a regular contributor to Lorraine on ITV.In this fascinating episode Kimberley reveals the shocking fact that depression is the leading cause of disability across the world and dementia and Alzheimer’s are the leading cause of death in the UK, overtaking heart disease and diabetes. With this in mind, we need to start looking at an holistic and preventative approach to mental health, acknowledging the relationship between the brain and the body rather than thinking of the two as separate. We discuss the long term use of anti-depressants and why we should be reassessing the causes of depression. What is making people feel bad for so long? And the importance of diet, exercise, community, optimism and resilience on our short and long term brain health.This episode is a must-listen if you want to understand how important it is we look at our daily lives and how they impact our mental health. We forgot that our brain is an organ and we need to take care of it as much as we take care of our heart Kimberley's book choice Lisa Feldmen Barrett , Seven and a Half Lessons About the BrainFind out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

I think it is so important that those of us going through Perimenopause draw on the insights and experiences of women Post Menopause.  Hence, I was delighted to have as my guest Charlotte Bauer Journalist and Author of the funny and thought-provoking "How to Get Over Being Young."In this insightful and deeply personal episode, Charlotte shares with me her experience of Menopause and the seismic changes it bought. We discuss the importance, of giving our 'younger' selves a proper send-off, acknowledging that change is happening and welcoming in the next phase of our lives. How do we get rid of the old standard of Menopause? The stereotype of the middle-aged women hot flushing and forgetful. How do we educate the world to see Menopause as so much more in-depth, the urgent need for it to be taken seriously and with respect.  It is "complex and life-changing."We also manage to fit in the important relationships that have shaped Charlotte's life, her incredible role models when it comes to ageing - her mother and aunt. And the complicated but unconditional bond she has with her sisters. And let's not forget the benefits of designer trainers and why we all need a 'F**k It' List because we are way too young for a Bucket List. Charlotte's Book ChoiceRachel Kuchner The Mars Room  and The Hard CrowdFind out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

For this episode, I am joined by Dr Sara Gottfried Harvard-educated Physician-Scientist and New York Times bestselling author. In Her latest book Women, Food and Hormones, Dr Sara explains the science behind the relationship between weight loss and hormones and in doing so provides a revolutionary new plan that helps women balance their hormones so they can lose excess weight and feel better.Join us as we discuss:- The gender bias and the importance of recognising that dietary plans researched and tested on men work differently on women because of their hormones.The Importance of self-education. We need to step into our power and own and understand our hormonal changes, so we can get a sense of what is going on and what our hormones are telling us. Why addressing the 'root cause' rather than the 'symptoms' results in much more effective treatment.Millions of us are being offered anti-depressants when we are not depressed. Why are women are not getting their reality taken seriously or their symptoms validated?Cultural shifts. Saying ‘no' to the prescriptions for antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, sedatives. Not accepting being dismissed, but asking for an alternative when we know that medication is not the right route to take or in line with how we are feeling. Why many women fail on the traditional Keto diet and the benefits of The Gottfried Protocol. It's not about diet culture, women being thinner, more obedient with their food or berating themselves, it’s about metabolic health, which allows us to live disease-free as long as possible. The emerging and fascinating data and research into Psychedelics and how they can be used to treat trauma, a major root cause of hormonal imbalance. Dr Sara's book choiceHow to Change Your Mind by Michael PaulinFind out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My guest from S2 Jackie Lynch author of The Happy Menopause  chose The Age Well Plan as her book choice, and so we have her to thank for this episode where I meet and talk to Susan Saunders Health Coach, Writer, TV producer and author and author of, The Age Well Plan. Susan has spent the last decade researching how to live a longer, healthier life and she's passionate about giving people clarity on what to do to age well and how that fits into a busy life and to stay motivated. The Age Well Plan draws on her extensive research into longevity and shows you simply and clearly how to make the changes, big and small, that support healthy ageing. Join us as Susan shares her story of being an only child, working full time, raising her own family and at the same time, caring for her mother with dementia. The diagnosis of which led Susan to research and learn how she could reduce her risk of developing a chronic disease of ageing. We discuss:Lifestyle choices, Cellular ageing, Genetic testing The hidden plastics and pollutants in our homes that can have a serious impact on our long-term health.And a topic close to my heart at the moment, foot pain and the importance of looking after our feet, the foundation of our mobility as we age. Susan's book choice - Lifespan by David SinclairFind out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In the penultimate episode of Series 3 I am joined by Josie Lloyd author of 15 bestselling novels (as both Josie Lloyd and Joanna Rees), including the number one hit Come Together, which she co-authored with her husband Emlyn Rees, and the bestselling parody We're Going On A Bar Hunt. But this episode is dedicated to her latest book The Cancer Ladies Running Club. A fictional tale, based on Josie’s own experience of surviving Breast Cancer. 1 in 7 women are going to get Breast Cancer and 1 in 2 of us will develop Cancer in our lifetimes, and in Josie’s own words ‘Cancer needs debunking and we need to talk about it more"In this episode, Josie talks openly about Receiving her diagnosis and coming face to face with her mortality.How journalling helped her to feel physically better. The cathartic process of getting all the unpleasant thoughts out of her head and onto paper. Why keeping fit is so important during cancer treatment and how she came to meet the real-life Cancer Ladies Running Club.The two types of breast cancer. Ductal, the most common and easiest to detect, and Lobular which doesn’t show up on mammograms and counts for 15% of all breast cancer cases. How it took her cancer diagnosis to recognise the importance of self-care. Josie's mental commitment to being well. Letting go of fear takes constant work. Finding her tribe. The Cancer Ladies Running Club is also a book about female friendships and women supporting women. Being thrown into early Menopause. Unable to take HRT she grew to accept and make peace with her symptoms and how she managed her hot flushes with the Menopoised magnate and sea swimming - which became her salvation.Josie’s Book ChoiceCaitlin Moran - More Than A Woman - I totally agree with Josie, this is a great read!Find out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

For the final episode of Season 4, I am joined by Dr Ginni Mansberg, a sought-after speaker and regular host and medical expert on Australian TV. A forerunner of the Menopause conversation in Australia, she is the author of today’s book choice, The M Word: How to Thrive in the Menopause which offers sound advice for women going through Menopause, as well as a way to excel in this new stage of life. Ginni has been a GP for over 30 years and she is passionate about the importance of giving women what they need to help take agency of their Menopause, especially when it comes to vagina’s, bladders and their sex lives. Join us for a straight-talking conversation about the importance of recognising and seeking help for any symptoms related to Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) which affects the function of the bladder, vagina, rectum and uterus and the knock-on effects to sexual pleasure and desire. The importance of not delaying treatment If you notice any changes to your vagina and vulva that are you causing you pain, discomfort or distress, it will only get worse, not better. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) and Menopause - If you have just 3 UTI’S in a calendar year, that is classed as re-current and you need to look at preventative treatment. Sex and incontinence - Do you wee when you have an orgasm or at the point of penetration? You are very much not alone, do not let it become a block to having a healthy sex life, it can be easily treated. Constipation - do not ignore it.The need to insist on a Dr who will listen to you and examine you so you can get your health needs met. There is no magic supplement or medication. We know that Lifestyle advice is the best advice, we know it works, why don’t we advocate it more?Hypo Sexual Desire Disorder - do you fulfil the criteria? Inability to orgasm? Lost interest in masturbation and sex? Hormonal Testosterone treatment could be the key. Australia may be behind us in the UK with the Menopause conversation and Menopause awareness, but they are way ahead with their compounded Testosterone therapy. Currently the only country in the world that has a compounded and licensed testosterone formulation specifically for women. The complexity of women's sexuality. Testosterone therapy isn’t a panacea, it won’t fix a broken relationship or make a poor relationship better. BUT for many women, it can be life-changing for their relationships and self-esteem.Why it's important that FIRST we fix any symptoms of Vaginal GSM and then we work on fixing our libido. Ginni’s book choiceFreedom at Midnight by Larry Collins Find out how you can work with me, my coaching and education, and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

I kick off Season 4 with journalist, editor, co-host of "Postcards from Midlife" podcast and mum of four Lorraine Candy. Formerly the editor in chief of the Sunday Times Style magazine, Elle and Cosmopolitan, Lorraine has been writing about parenting in national newspapers and magazines for more than a decade. In this episode, we talk about her family memoir “Mum What’s wrong with you” 101 things only mothers of girls know. In the pages of her book  Lorraine is lighting the way for other mums facing life with teenage girls, just as they going through their own midlife unravelling.Join as we talk about:-The many parallels between the Teenage years and the Menopause and the negative narrative that surrounds both. The Perfect storm of parenting teens in your mid-40s.The reasons why Teenagers behave as they do, and the reasons we behave as we do.The importance of role modelling so our Teenagers can see us caring for ourselves and also dealing and coping with a range of emotions. How our issues and childhood experiences can affect our parentingThe pressure of parenting perfectionismHow to recognise and recover from those dreadful moments in parenting life and the importance of being able to say sorry and move forward. The immense brain changes that occur during the Teenage years.The loneliness and shame that can come with parenting Teens. You are not the only person getting it wrong. How to deal with messy bedrooms!The rise of adolescent mental healthReforming our identity in MidlifeThe importance of eye contact and putting down our phones.Why you mustn’t be your child’s best friend. Teenagers and phones - the power of The Digital SunsetMental health policies, sex education and female financial power in our schools How and why we experiencing “Living loss”“Meanagers” and “Moron Mum” Lorraine’s book Choice Terra Incognita, Travels in Antarctica by Sara Wheeler also mentioned in the epsisode The Orchid and the Dandelion by W. Thomas BoyceShout85258 - free, confidential, 24/7 text-messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Find out more about my Coaching and Education, how you can work with me and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My guest for this episode is Cara Wheatley-McGrain Hay House author, Mindset coach, and Educational Consultant. Cara founded The Mindful Gut project on a mission to inspire 1 million people to become the custodians of their gut microbiome and she joins me to talk about her book “Calm your gut, a mindful and compassionate guide to healing IBD and IBS.In this episode:Cara shares her story of living with Ulcerated Colitis, from her teenage years to almost losing her colon in her early 20s. How the shock of being so seriously ill led her to be curious about her colon and discover the changes she needed to make to prevent it from being cut out. Getting to know her gut, the science and the spirituality. Intuitive and mindful eatingHow our diet impacts our gut healthHow our gut bacteria are critical to our health and wellbeingThe many problems of a long-term Western diet The global impact of the Western diet1 in 5 women will have an issue with IBSThe symptoms of IBS and IBDThe increasing spread of IBS in TeensThe powerful political statements we make every time we go shoppingThe dark side of the food industry How we used to cook and eat vs how we cook and eat todayUnderstanding the importance of how we choose to prepare and cook food on our health and wellbeing The benefits of a kitchen disco.Honouring and becoming the caretakers and custodians of our inner and outer world. Cara’s book choice Woman and Nature by Susan GriffinFind out more about my Coaching and Education, how you can work with me and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In this episode, I am joined by Period preacher and author of “My Greatest Period Ever” Lucy Peach.Lucy has performed at TEDX and toured around the globe with multiple sell-out seasons of her hilarious and heartfelt show ‘My Greatest Period Ever.’ In her own words, Lucy is changing the world “One Period at a time.”Join us as we discuss Why it’s never too late to learn about your cycleDream, Do, Give and Take - the 4 phases of our cycle. Why other women are your alliesHow to support each other by playing to the strengths in our cycleStop banging on about the blood! Let’s get into the real gifts of our cycleEducating young women and boys are in tune with Educating Men about menopause My experience of Perimenopause The Key to a Merry MenopauseHow my work is evolving as my Menopause is evolvingHow managing your cycle will help you understand your stress and stop you from burning out. Cyclical reading!Lucys’ book  choice - Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie Find out more about my Coaching and Education, how you can work with me and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group