November 06, 2025

Menopause: From Multitasking Queen to Second Girlhood, with Dr Priya Duggal and Rosio Fuentes

53 minutes

Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J'aime Rothbard

Join us for this wide ranging conversation between a Menopausal Naturopathic doctor and a Therapist who lives with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome while mothering a neurodivergent family and experiencing Menopause. Together, Rosie and Priya address the many physiological, emotional and practical implications of Menopause "tipping points" for women's health.

They highlight that: - Living an inauthentic life (always "doing" for others) can create physical symptoms, likewise addiction patterns may emerge or intensify if unmet needs are not addressed through self-care - While working, parenting, caring for aging parents, etc., can make women resist slowing down and prioritizing self-care, this resistance can also come from their "multitasking queen" identities - The decline in estrogen's cardiovascular protection increases women's risk of heart issues - In traditional Chinese medicine, Hot Flashes are both "rising yang fire," (the body's wisdom for detoxing through sweat) and represent untapped potential. So balancing yin is key.

Priya concluded by stressing that the human mind, body, and thoughts are interconnected (like musicians in an orchestra). Each woman's menopause journey is unique, so compassionate, individualized care is essential, as is exercise, good nutrition and sleep, sun exposure, and fresh air. "Menopause is a second girlhood—a time to rediscover your own authentic self. So be kind to yourself, don't compare yourself to others, and listen to your body rather than resisting change."

About Rosio Fuentes, Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner & Excited Curiosity Coach

I'm Rosie. Curiosity moves me. It always has. I am both sentimental and direct, soft and clear. I care deeply, and that's where everything begins for me.

I'm a Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Private Mentor, and Excited Curiosity Coach. I'm also first generation, the daughter of migrant parents, and that shaped the way I see everything! Two worlds, two languages, two ways of belonging. When I sit with clients, I'm not there to fix them. I'm there to normalize the things we're often told to hide like addictions, suicidal thoughts, sex, shame, guilt, grief, all of it. I'm there to make what's real safe for them to name and to reflect back the essence of self, that part of them that is untouched and whole.

I live in a neurodivergent household with my husband and our three girls, whom we are guardians for. Life here is hard, extremely hard and lively, honest, constant healing, wonder, and continuous awe. I also live with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and constant physical pain, along with thyroid and gastric issues, allergies, sensitivities, and autoimmune patterns that sometimes show up as Lyme or lupus. The pain is never not with me, yet gratitude, awe, and love are always there too. I love mother earth, the universe and all living beings. Knowing we are connected keeps me whole and allows me to be with what's present in myself and others.

About Priya Duggal, ND

Priya is both a firm believer in Mind-Body Medicine and a registered Naturopathic Doctor. She focuses on women's health, breast cancer, autoimmune conditions, addictions, and mental health. She is also a Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Facilitator, Educator, Mentor and Circle Leader. In her work with clients, in addition to incorporating the Compassionate Inquiry (CI) approach, she draws on the teachings of Stephen Porges, Gordon Neufeld, and Bessel van Der Kolk. Priya is passionate about helping others live authentic lives as she continues pursuing her own connection with her true self.

Born and raised in India, Priya first trained as a medical doctor, but her search for deeper answers led her to naturopathic medicine, mind-body medicine and CI. After earning her ND, she took the Healthy Breast Program with Sat Dharam Kaur, ND, and continued her quest for personal and professional growth by training in Kundalini Yoga, Beyond Addiction and CI.

Priya is the Vice President of MammAlive foundation, a non-profit organization run by volunteers who are passionate about women's health and breast health education.

She spends her time between both Canada and India, and enjoys travelling the world, exploring different cultures, painting, nature walks, spending quality time with her husband, two adult children and adorable pet-Kaju.

True healing is in you, as Hippocartes said -" Natural forces from within us are the true healers of disease". What we feel and what we believe has a profound effect on our health.

Promotional Message: If you've been listening to our podcast and are curious about the transformative power of Compassionate Inquiry®, join us for a 6-hour online experiential introduction to the Compassionate Inquiry approach and community. This link takes you to a web page where you can get information and, if you choose, register for the next CI Experience event coming up on November 8.

Resources:

Websites:

Roisio Fuentes

Dr Priya Duggal

Priya's Compassionate Inquiry Profile