What if the symptoms you’ve been blaming on stress, aging, or “just life” are actually connected to hormone shifts?
This week, I’m joined by Sarah Norris, a nurse practitioner in urology and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. Sarah also happens to be my urology provider, and I have been so excited to share this conversation because it touches on so many things women experience but often don’t talk about openly enough.
We talk about peri-menopause, post-menopause, hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, urinary symptoms, recurrent UTIs, painful sex, libido, testosterone, sleep, bone health, heart health, and that hard-to-explain feeling of, “I just don’t feel like myself.”
Sarah explains these topics in such a clear and compassionate way, and my hope is that this episode helps you feel less alone, more informed, and more confident starting a conversation with your own healthcare provider.
This conversation is educational and encouraging, but it is not personal medical advice. Please talk with your own healthcare provider about your body, your symptoms, and what may be right for you.
Resources:
Sarah Norris, ARNP, MSCP: https://www.mercycare.org/doctors/doctor-public-profile/sarah-norris/
The Menopause Society: menopause.org
Books:
Avrum Bluming, MD and Carol Tavris, PhD, Estrogen Matters
Mary Claire Haver, MD, The New Menopause…
Mary Claire Haver MD, The New Perimenopause…
Kelly Casperson, MD, The Menopause Moment…
Heather Hirsch, MD, The Perimenopausal Survival Guide…
Dr. Louise Newson, Preparing for Perimenopause and Menopause
Dr. Jessica Shephard, Generation M…
Stephanie Faubion, MD, The New Rules of Menopause…
Podcasts:
You Are Not Broken
The Dr. Louise Newson Podcast
The International Menopause Society Podcast
Menopause and Cancer
Hello Menopause
Menopause: Unmuted
Guest speakers to search for: Kelly Casperson, Corrine Menn, Heather Hirsch, Mary Claire Haver, Stacy London
Documentaries:
Balance: A Perimenopause Journey, Amazon Prime (Jan. 2026)
The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause (2024)
Your Fantastic Mood: Menopause, PBS (2023)
Sex, Myths and the Menopause (2021)
Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection, and the kind of conversations that leave you feeling completely refreshed—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.
We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.
Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://wi
Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call
Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider
Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip
Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com
Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald