In today’s ICU episode, we’re exploring an important and often overlooked topic: how menopause can impact people living with a vestibular disorder. Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the inner ear and brain function, often intensifying symptoms like dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, and migraines. For those already managing a vestibular condition, this transition can bring new challenges — but also new opportunities for understanding and support. In this episode, we’ll dive into the connections between hormonal shifts and vestibular health and offer insights on how to navigate this complex time with greater resilience and hope.

Speakers:

Lara Bishop: Lara is a mother of twins who was diagnosed with vestibular migraines in 2012, vestibular neuritis in 2013, and PPPD in 2018 — all of which have been profoundly life-changing. Coping with invisible illnesses has been a challenging journey, often difficult for her family and friends to understand fully. In addition to her vestibular disorders, Lara also lives with Anxiety, panic Disorder, depression, as well as some other chronic conditions. Over the years, she has made significant lifestyle changes to help manage her conditions, including participating in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), adopting a regular routine of daily exercise such as biking and weight training, and making critical dietary adjustments.

Lara is passionate about raising awareness of debilitating vestibular conditions, supporting fellow sufferers, and educating both the general public and medical professionals. Despite the many challenges she faces, she maintains a positive outlook on life and is determined to share her optimism and motivation with others.

See Lara’s presentation to the British Association of Audiovestibular Physicians on Vestibular Migraine in women - The Hormone Connection here: https://youtu.be/cVsVhtISFB8?si=VSUm2AB4NnIrOATg.

Heather Bartos: Dr. Heather Bartos is an OB/GYN, menopause specialist, author, and speaker, recognized as one of the nation’s top five experts in menopause by Oprah Winfrey and Maria Shriver. Her mission is to dismantle the taboos surrounding menopause and sexuality, empowering women through transformative midlife transitions.  Her latest book, Quickies: 100 Little Lessons to Living Sexily Ever After in Midlife, is out to rave reviews. Her diverse background, spanning PR, medicine, and Reiki practitioner, as well as her service in the Navy, underscores her holistic and personalized approach to healthcare. Featured in Shape, Glamour, Refinery29, ABC News, and more, her insights are pivotal in changing the narrative around midlife and menopause. Cosmo magazine celebrates her as a ‘supremely badass gyno,’ highlighting her significant impact on women’s health advocacy.

Learn more about Heather Bartos at https://heatherbartosmd.com.