Have you ever felt like you're on the cusp of something extraordinary, but you're held back by the invisible chains of expectations?

Esther Zeledon, the visionary behind Be Act Change, joins me to unravel the threads of these limitations and together, we tackle the nuances of going after your dreams, especially for those stepping beyond midlife.

Transitioning from a career or even relationship that's comfortable to one that's driven by passion is akin to crossing a tightrope with your heart as your guide.

Esther explains that it's in the small, deliberate actions and gaining awareness of our inherent problem-solving prowess that we find the courage to align our lives with our true purpose. A journey that unfolds not in leaps, but in a series of intentional, transformative steps.

Our conversation culminates in a celebration of resilience and self-awareness, as we explore the significance of knowing your unique 'how'—the way you approach life's myriad tasks and undertakings.

Achieving your dreams is about understanding the value you bring to the table, constructing a community of support, and cultivating the resilience to weather any storm.

Resources:
Esther's website
Creating Your Limitless Life - book by Dr Esther Zeledon
Esther on Instagram

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When Sheree Hargreaves was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency at just 15, it reshaped her teenage years in unexpected ways.

Sheree, now 22, shares her courageous story, navigating early menopause symptoms and the complexities of hormone replacement therapy—a narrative that will both inspire and educate.

Her candid insights put a spotlight on the urgent need to bridge the education gaps in women's health, especially for conditions like POI that are often shrouded in silence.

In the realm of healthcare, it's not just about the treatments—it's about understanding the human experience behind the medical charts.

Sheree opens up about the mental health rollercoaster that accompanies hormone imbalances, and how she's turned her fight into fuel for advocacy and outreach. She underscores the trial-and-error journey of finding the right medication and the severe complications that can arise, driving home the importance of informed medical guidance and support for individuals with POI.

Through her Instagram platform, @lifeofpoi, Sheree creates a space for connection and support, providing a source of hope and representation for others walking a similar path.

Her determination to educate, advocate, and pursue a PhD is nothing short of awe-inspiring—a clear call to action for all of us to lend our voices and join the conversation on women's health.

Resources
Sheree on Instagram
What is POI? - article
Daisy Network -  A Charity for Women with POI
All The Young Men - book
Slow Horses - Apple TV

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Who knew discussing periods could be so enlightening?

You'll never see menstrual health the same way again after tuning in to this powerful conversation with Dr Talat Uppal, an obstetrician-gynecologist specialising in heavy menstrual bleeding.

Dr Uppal helps us break down the wall of silence surrounding menstrual health, sharing her extensive knowledge on what constitutes heavy bleeding and how it impacts a woman's life. Opening up about periods is not just liberating—it's necessary.

Talat also guides us through a range of solutions, from medications to surgical options, and even lifestyle adjustments. We touch on the importance of maintaining a good diet, especially during perimenopause, and the role of iron infusions.

Finally, we wrap things up with a much-needed discussion on support for women suffering from heavy periods. Talat shares some rather shocking statistics and emphasises the importance of prioritizing women's health.

We also explore how perimenopause can affect heavy bleeding and Talat is championing the idea of a recognised Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Day because she believes in breaking taboos and supporting women.

Resources
Women's Health Road Clinic - website
Women's Health Road - Instagram
Women's Health Road - Linkedin

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Enjoy a heartfelt conversation with Dani Binnington, the inspiring founder of the Menopause and Cancer organisation, and a breast cancer survivor.

Dani gives a raw and brutally honest account of her journey through cancer and menopause, offering invaluable insights and experiences.

We touch on the societal and personal pressures that women often grapple with and the liberation that comes with breaking free from stereotypes. Self-care and mental health take centre stage as we discuss these significant life transitions, encouraging women to take control of their health and well-being.

Taking a deep dive into navigating menopause after a cancer diagnosis, discussing the lack of education and support, the misconceptions surrounding estrogen and cancer, and the harsh reality of surgeries.

We underline the importance of empowering women to have choices in managing menopause and healing, with informed decisions and a multifaceted approach to recovery.

Finally, we look at the cathartic power of shared experiences and the resilience of women and the cancer community.

Resources
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast with Dani
The Menopause and Cancer CIC
Dani's website
Dani on Instagram 

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The need for better management of symptoms for women in surgically or medically induced menopause is undeniable.

In this episode, we navigate through the complexities of menopause and breast cancer, with Dr Corinne Menn, a board-certified OBGYN and a breast cancer survivor, shedding light on this often overlooked and too often dismissed topic.

Not only does Dr Menn share her journey with us, but she also highlights the urgent need for education in this area.

Dr. Menn's unfiltered discourse on her journey through menopause and breast cancer treatment is insightful and empowering. We dive deep into the ethical responsibility of doctors who induce forced menopause states, and the challenges in distinguishing between menopause and chemotherapy symptoms.

We also discuss the controversial issue of hormone therapy for breast cancer survivors and explore the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on breast cancer risk and the potential benefits of HRT.   We also include the importance of non-hormonal methods for managing menopausal symptoms.

I'm proud that this episode is a powerful narrative that combines personal experiences with evidence-based discussions.

Resources:
Dr Corinne Menn - website
Dr Corinne Menn - Instagram
View studies, papers and articles referred to during this episode

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Ever wondered why insomnia seems to be a constant companion when you hit perimenopause?

Today, we unravel the mysteries of sleep, especially as it relates to women during the menopausal transition. I am joined by the incredibly knowledgeable Tracey Martin, a seasoned sleep coach who shares her insights on achieving optimal rest.

Our enlightening conversation with Tracey takes us through the intricacies of sleep stages and the pivotal role they play in achieving deep, restorative sleep. We discuss the pivotal part played by temperature regulation and the sensory gating mechanism in maintaining sleep.

If you're dealing with night sweats and hot flushes, know that you're not alone. These are just some of the challenges of menopause, brought on by hormonal changes like dropping levels of estrogen and progesterone.

We didn't stop at just discussing the problems, though. Tracey offers invaluable tips to optimise your sleep environment and manage the effects of alcohol on sleep, and we deep dive into cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi).

We emphasise maintaining regular sleep schedules and avoiding sleep-disrupting foods. Our chat ends with a deep dive into how menopause impacts women's lives and the importance of these conversations.

If you're transitioning through menopause or simply interested in achieving better sleep, this episode is loaded with practical advice and insights just for you.

Resources:
Tracey's website
Email Tracey: [email protected]
Tracey on Instagram
Brandon Sanderson - Author

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Ever climb a mountain in high-heels? Metaphorically, that's what it feels like navigating through menopause.

We've all heard about it, but few are prepared when it hits.  But what's a journey without a travel buddy?

Meet Grace Lam, our guest for this episode, who has transformed her menopause journey into a beacon of hope and advocacy.

An icon in fashion, a Vogue insider, and now, a board member at Revelation Film Festival and the host of 'Me Not Pause', Grace has been there, done that.

Listen in as we explore her world - the glitz, glamour, and not-so-glamorous menopause symptoms. Grace speaks candidly about breaking stereotypes, her Asian heritage, and how she channels her experiences into advocacy.

With a pinch of humour and a load of wisdom, we challenge the stigmas around menopause, ageing, and the misinformation that pervades our society.

Resources:
Grace Lam Style Website
Grace on Instagram

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Have you ever reflected on the trials and triumphs of navigating through menopause?

Well, this episode is a heart-to-heart with Tania Dalton who has journeyed through this phase of life and come out stronger. Tania shares her post-menopausal journey, discussing how it led her to reappraise her lifestyle choices, prioritise sleep, manage stress, and eventually improve her overall health.

Tania's story isn't just about surviving menopause; it's about thriving. She redefines societal expectations by accomplishing physical feats like running a marathon and completing an Ironman triathlon post-menopause. Tania's tales of overcoming challenges and her dedication to achieving her goals are nothing short of inspiring, proving that age is just a number.

We also delve into the thrill of solo travel, as evidenced by Tania's adventurous trip to Santorini, painting a vivid picture of the empowerment and freedom it can offer.

Lastly, we delve into the profound effect menopause has on relationships and career choices while discussing the importance of resilience during this phase of life. Tania’s work in helping women over 50 embrace this stage and make positive changes to their health and lifestyle is truly commendable.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights, whether you're approaching menopause, in the midst of it, or beyond. It's about embracing change, facing challenges head-on, and redefining your personal narrative around menopause.

Resources:
Beautiful Midlife - website
Tania on Instagram
Thriving Over 50 Facebook Group
Sleep Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice
NYAD on Netflix

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Join Kaz Cooke author of 'It's the Menopause', and me as we pull back the curtain on her exhaustive research, Kaz reveals the astonishing findings from her survey of nearly 9,000 women, exposing a shocking lack of awareness about perimenopause and menopause symptoms. So many women were astounded to learn that their symptoms were actually hormone-related.

Kaz also challenges the traditional narrative around menopause, as we venture beyond hot flushes and libido changes.

As the conversation progresses, we delve into the uncharted realms of menopause. Kaz passionately emphasizes the importance of getting accurate information and understanding the unique differences in symptoms between individuals. We also explore the emotional labour dynamics in multi-generational households, a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves.

Diving into the domain of menopause treatments, we discuss the commercialisation and ensuing confusion for women, with Kaz stressing the need for comprehensive discussions with doctors to find the right treatment options.

Our conversation also highlights the importance of protecting women from misleading marketing and false promises of 'wellness products'.

Resources:
Book - It's The Menopause
Kaz's website

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What exactly should your plate look like during perimenopause?

This week, Ange Clark joins me to unravel the complex world of perimenopausal nutrition. A powerhouse in the field we dive into the far-reaching effects of low energy availability on the female body, and how to tackle the inevitable midlife weight gain with the right diet and exercise balance.

We don't shy away from discussing the elephant in the room - the physiological, emotional, and mental effects of estrogen decline during perimenopause. Ange lends her expert insights on how to fight these changes through diet, resistance training, and more.

We also spotlight the critical role of high-quality proteins during this phase and point you toward the best sources of these proteins. Add in a generous sprinkling of Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, and you've got a recipe for a healthy and balanced perimenopausal plate.

But there's more to it than just what we eat.

We discuss how hydration is often the overlooked hero during the perimenopausal period. From why salt is crucial for absorption to the benefits of drinking water with meals and how to remind ourselves to stay hydrated, we cover it all.

As we wrap up, we provide a comprehensive look at women's nutrition during perimenopause - the key nutrients required, how to include them in your diet, and when to opt for supplementation.

Buckle up, it's time for an enlightening journey with Ange and me into the world of perimenopausal nutrition.

Connect with Ange:
Instagram
Facebook
Website

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