In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, I’m joined by journalist and author Alice Smellie to talk about the confusion, marketing noise, and misinformation that so often surrounds menopause. From spotting red flags in wellness products to navigating the pressure to “go natural,” we explore how women can cut through the noise and get the support they need.

If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence-based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to spot misleading advice and marketing

• The risks of wellness trends that aren’t rooted in evidence

• What to consider when weighing natural vs medical options

• Why so many women still feel dismissed—and what to do about it

• How Alice’s own experience shaped the way she writes about menopause

Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!

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Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerabhogal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meerasmfs

Guest: Alice Smellie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alice_smellie/

Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Menopause-Is-Hot/Mariella-Frostrup/9781668068977

In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we talk openly about vaginal health, painful sex, and how emotional and physical intimacy can shift during menopause. Hormonal changes affect more than your body—they also impact your nervous system, your arousal response, and your connection to your partner.

If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence-based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What causes painful sex in menopause and why it’s so common

• How hormonal shifts impact arousal both physically and neurologically

• What vaginal oestrogen is, how it works, and why it’s safe for most women

• How to start honest conversations about intimacy, without shame or pressure

Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!

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Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerabhogal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meerasmfs

Guest: Angela Wright

@spicedpeardrwright

@the_holisticsexologist

https://spicedpearhealth.co.uk/

In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we explore the role of hormone sensitivity during menopause with Paula Rastrick, women's health practitioner and founder of The Brain Body Method. Together, we break down how your body’s response to hormones—not just your hormone levels—can shape the intensity of your symptoms.

If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence-based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What hormone sensitivity is and why it matters

• How stress, movement, and diet affect your hormonal response

• Why some women feel worse than others, even with similar test results

• How to support your body to feel more balanced and resilient

• How reframing menopause as change—not decline—can help

Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!

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Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerabhogal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meerasmfs

Guest: Paula Rastrick
Website: https://thebrainbodymethod.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrspaularastrick/

In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Zoe Schaedel, GP and menopause specialist at Myla Health.

We talk about what real choice looks like in menopause care. From different types of HRT to non-hormonal options, Dr Zoe explains what’s available and how to decide what works for you.

You’ll learn:

• What “menopause choices” actually means

• Why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work

• What types of HRT exist today

• A simple starting point if you feel unsure or overwhelmed

  
  

This conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to ask questions, explore your options, and take the next step that feels right for you.

Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!

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Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerabhogal/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meerasmfs

Guest links:

• www.mylahealth.co.uk

• Instagram:@mylahealth @drzoeschaedel

• LinkedIn: @drzoeschaedel

In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into the causes of hair thinning and hair loss during perimenopause and menopause, breaking down the hormonal changes at play, how to tell what’s really going on, and what you can actually do about it.

If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence-based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How oestrogen, androgens and other hormones impact hair

• The difference between hormonal and non-hormonal hair loss

• What tests can help get to the root cause

• What treatments actually work (and which ones don’t)

• Thoughts on natural vs medical approaches to regrowth

Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!

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Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerabhogal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meerasmfs

Guest: Nadia Hussain
Website: https://www.hairloving.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairlovingco_

In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into the emotional and mental toll of parenting in midlife - especially when layered with the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause.

I’m joined by parenting expert and author Anita Cleare to explore the often invisible mental load carried by mothers, how it affects our resilience, and what we can do to reclaim our energy, balance, and self-worth.

If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, I share evidence-based guidance and real-life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What the “invisible mental load” looks like for midlife mothers

• How hormonal changes impact emotional regulation in parenting

• Healthy boundaries that protect your mental health (without guilt)

• Practical habits and mindset shifts for emotional balance

• One powerful piece of advice for anyone struggling silently

  
  

Got questions or a topic you'd like me to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!

Guest: Anita Cleare
Website: https://anitacleare.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitacleare_parenting/

Anita’s latest book ‘How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom’ is available from all good booksellers: https://amzn.to/3LDzBp6⁠

Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerabhogal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meerasmfs

In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into the power of Pilates for recovery, hormonal health and nervous system support. Joined by movement and wellness expert Joanna Michaelides, we break down how Pilates differs from high-intensity training, how breath and alignment can support emotional healing, and why this form of exercise is so valuable during perimenopause and menopause.

If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why Pilates is uniquely supportive for recovery and hormonal health

• How breathwork supports your nervous system

• What proper alignment does for your emotional and physical wellbeing

• A simple, sustainable weekly Pilates routine you can start right away

Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!

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Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerabhogal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meerasmfs

Guest: Joanna Michaelides
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannamwellness
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannamwellness
Perimenopause Support Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/perimenopausesupportforwomenover40/

In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into menopause and weight gain, breaking down the changes we go through during menopause, and what we can do to manage weight gain.

If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What physiological or hormonal changes during menopause contribute to weight gain?
• What are some common misconceptions about dieting or weight loss during menopause?
• How important is exercise during this time?

Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!

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Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerabhogal/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meerasmfs

In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into the emotional and physical journey of recovering from cancer with special guest Sarah Newman founder of Get Me Back. We explore how movement not just exercise can play a powerful role in healing after treatment, and why rebuilding trust in your body is so important.

If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. Sarah’s personal story of cervical cancer and recovery

2. Why “movement, not just exercise” matters

3. How to reconnect with your body after treatment

4. What safe, supported recovery really looks like

5. Where to begin if you're feeling disconnected from your body

6. 
   

Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!

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Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerabhogal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meerasmfs

Guest Sarah Newman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmebackuk/

Website: https://www.getmeback.uk

In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into the complex relationship between carbohydrates and metabolic health, especially for women navigating hormonal shifts. Together with special guest Pauline J. Cox, we break down the myths around carbs, uncover the reasons why women’s bodies respond differently to them than men’s, and explore how our needs change throughout the menstrual cycle and into perimenopause and menopause.

If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated and in control of your health.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How carbs impact women’s metabolic health

• Why women need a different approach to carbs than men

• How to support your body with the right carb intake throughout your cycle

• What changes in carb needs to expect during perimenopause and menopause

• One small but powerful change you can make today to feel better and support long term health

  
  

Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!

Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerabhogal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meerasmfs

Guest Pauline J. Cox
Instagram: @paulinejcox
Website: www.sowandarrow.com
Books: Hungry Woman and Primal Living in a Modern World