What if you stopped comparing yourself to everyone else and simply allowed yourself to be? In this episode, Roberta explores a clip featuring Stephen Fry and Robin Williams, where Fry makes a striking observation: animals don’t try to be other animals — but humans try to be someone else every single day. During perimenopause and postmenopause, when identity shifts are already happening — physically, emotionally, and socially — comparison becomes even more damaging. Hormonal changes lower resi...
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? In this episode, Roberta explores why laughter isn’t just something that “feels nice” — it has measurable effects on your stress hormones, nervous system, and emotional wellbeing. And during perimenopause, when life often feels heavier and your resilience drops, laughter becomes even more powerful. Drawing on real moments from her Pilates classes (including giggle fits, seal noises, and the one client who can’t stop laughing during relaxat...
In this episode, Roberta explores how the small, unnecessary pressures we carry every day—matching socks, tidy houses, perfect routines—quietly overload our stress bucket, especially during perimenopause when hormonal changes reduce resilience. Through a personal story involving her now-famous odd socks, Roberta illustrates how letting go of perfectionism and unnecessary decisions can create vital space for energy, health, joy, and the things that truly matter. You’ll learn: Why your “stress ...
Most of us would never ignore a flashing light on the dashboard — yet many women ignore the early signs of perimenopause for months or even years. In this episode, Women’s Health Physiotherapist and Menopause Mentor Roberta Bass uses a simple but powerful analogy: if your body were a car, would it pass its MOT? Roberta explains why women often push through symptoms, how hormone changes can affect everything from sleep to mood to joint health, and why taking action early can make the transitio...
Perimenopause can place enormous pressure on relationships, even those that have always felt strong. In this episode, Women’s Health Physiotherapist and Menopause Mentor Roberta Bass explores how fluctuating hormones influence mood, patience, libido, confidence, communication, and emotional regulation — and why so many midlife couples find this stage unexpectedly challenging. Roberta explains how hormonal shifts can change the way women react to everyday situations, why irritability can seem ...
Most women reach perimenopause without ever having been taught what menopause actually is, what symptoms to expect, or how to recognise the early signs. In this episode, Women’s Health Physiotherapist and Menopause Mentor Roberta Bass explores why menopause education has been missing for so long — in schools, in healthcare training, and in society — and how this gap leaves many women feeling unprepared and worried when symptoms begin. Roberta reflects on her own experience through school, uni...
In this heartfelt and empowering episode of Making Sense of Menopause, women’s health physiotherapist and wellness mentor Roberta Bass reflects on the importance of mindset and community in creating lasting change. Roberta shares honestly about her own journey — from leaving the NHS and starting her clinic to rebuilding her confidence and finding support through community. She explains why mindset underpins every part of the SENSSE® Method and how surrounding yourself with supportive people c...
In this honest and inspiring episode of Making Sense of Menopause, women’s health physiotherapist and wellness mentor Roberta Bass shares her personal experience of living with chronic fatigue and hypermobility — and how committing to gentle, consistent morning movement transformed her energy, pain, and mindset. Roberta reveals what finally made the difference after years of discomfort, frustration, and trial and error, and how simple movement — not perfection — became the key to managing her...
In this relatable and practical episode of Making Sense of Menopause, women’s health physiotherapist and menopause mentor Roberta Bass shares how to “set the stage” for a good night’s sleep — quite literally. Drawing on her love of theatre, Roberta compares the bedtime wind-down to striking a show: packing away the set, turning off the lights, and preparing the stage for the next performance. She explains how the same principle applies to your body and mind — both need time and structure to s...
In this empowering episode of Making Sense of Menopause, women’s health physiotherapist and menopause mentor Roberta Bass helps you make sense of the menopause journey — a unique and often unpredictable path that looks different for every woman. Roberta uses the metaphor of walking along a bright, sun-filled path where you can only see a few steps ahead, reflecting how perimenopause and menopause can sometimes feel uncertain. Through the Empowerment step of her SENSSE® Method, she shares how ...
Bone health and balance often get overlooked until it’s too late. But with falling oestrogen levels in menopause, the risk of osteoporosis and fractures rises sharply. In this episode, I explain why bone health matters, the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis, and how balance training can protect you against falls. You’ll also hear practical tips for building strength and confidence through exercise. You’ll learn: How menopause affects bone densityThe risks of osteoporosis and frac...
Do you ever find yourself running on autopilot — driving a route without thinking, or reaching for coffee when you’re tired? Habits that once worked for us can actually make menopause symptoms worse. In this episode, I explore how subconscious patterns affect our health in perimenopause, why some old habits no longer serve us, and how to create new, conscious choices that support your wellbeing. You’ll learn: Why autopilot habits formExamples of habits that worsen menopause symptomsThe role o...
Forgetting words mid-sentence? Walking into a room and not remembering why? Brain fog is one of the most frustrating menopause symptoms — but there are reasons it happens and ways to improve it. In this episode, I explain the role of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone in cognition, and how sleep, stress and lifestyle choices make a difference. I also share simple strategies to sharpen your mind and reduce forgetfulness. You’ll learn: Why hormones affect memory and clarityHow sleep, stre...
What do burst water mains have to do with perimenopause? More than you’d think! In this episode, I share why ignoring small signs — like poor sleep, brain fog, or hot flushes — can lead to bigger problems down the line. Acting early makes symptoms easier to manage and prevents them from becoming chronic. You’ll learn: The link between small problems and bigger health issuesWhy perimenopause symptoms get harder to treat if ignoredSimple steps you can take right now to feel betterHow a “stitch ...
Welcome to the Making SENSE of Menopause Podcast. In this first episode, I explain why I’ve chosen to focus entirely on menopause, my personal journey that led me here, and how the SENSSE® Method will guide the show. If you’re feeling dismissed or overwhelmed by menopause symptoms, this podcast will help you find clarity, support and practical steps to feel better. You’ll learn: Why I rebranded to focus on menopauseMy personal motivation and connection to this workWhat makes the SENSSE® frame...
Still unsure about HRT? You’re not alone. This episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health cuts through the confusion with an up-to-date, evidence-based look at Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Whether you’re considering HRT, already on it, or looking for alternatives — this is your essential guide. We’ll cover: What HRT really is and how it worksBody-identical vs bioidentical vs synthetic hormonesThe safest forms of estrogen and progesterone — and why delivery method mattersWhat went wrong ...
Sitting all day? It could be why you're stiff, tired, or sore. In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health, I dive into realistic, evidence-backed strategies to help you stay active, reduce discomfort, and protect your long-term health — even if you spend most of your day at a desk. You’ll learn: Why posture isn’t everything — and what matters moreEasy stretches and movements to do at your deskHow to reduce neck, back, and hip pain from sittingThe truth about standing desks and ergonomi...
In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health, I break down everything you need to know about plantar fasciitis — a common and frustrating cause of heel pain that affects many women, especially during hormonal transitions like perimenopause or postnatal recovery. We’ll cover: What plantar fasciitis is and how it presentsWhy women are often more vulnerable (hint: hormones play a role)Common triggers: footwear, overuse, and biomechanicsHome strategies to ease pain: footwear, stretching, str...
Hot flushes and night sweats are two of the most common — and often most frustrating — symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, affecting around 80% of women. But even though they’re common, there’s still a lot of confusion about what causes them, when to seek help, and what actually works. In this episode, Roberta explains: What hot flushes and night sweats feel like — and why they happenHow hormone changes affect the brain and body temperature regulationWhen flushes might not be caused ...
Low back pain affects millions of women — from postnatal recovery to menopause and beyond. In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health, Roberta Bass breaks down the many causes of back pain, including disc issues, joint dysfunction, pelvic floor problems, prolapse, endometriosis, and more. You’ll learn how to identify what might be causing your pain, when to seek medical help, and what practical steps can help you move better and feel better — without guessing or putting up with it. 💡 W...