Menopause Chicks

The JOY of Menopause

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The Power of Language

  • Why words like "joy" matter when discussing menopause
  • The jar exercise: How language literally changes outcomes
  • Why "menopause" + "symptoms" do not belong in the same sentence OR at the very least, require a deeper understanding
  • Script Tips™️ for preparing for your health appointment and Shirley's proven "G.A.P. + S.P.E.A.K." framework (if you can

    • Becoming Your Best Health Advocate

    • Women continue to be dismissed and that's not ok for us, or the next generation!
    • How to prepare for healthcare conversations effectively
    • The importance of stating your health goals clearly
    • Understanding what you DESERVE from your health--as well as your healthcare team

      • Generational Shifts in Women's Health

      • How information access has changed (and complicated) the conversation
      • What's different for Gen Z versus previous generations
      • The mixed blessing of online health information
      • Breaking inherited narratives about aging and menopause

        • Personal Stories

        • Keira's "Joy" tattoo honoring her grandmother 
        • Shirley's mother Joyce and the undiagnosed/untreated UTI-dementia connection
        • Keira's PCOS diagnosis and journey to advocacy
        • The "Love Letter to My Period" project
        • Why removing stigma starts with honest conversation

          • Practical Takeaways

          • The GAP-and-SPEAK acronym for doctor appointments
          • How to articulate symptoms AND, most importantly, impact to quality of life
          • The importance of preparing for healthcare visits
          • Why we need to stop tolerating things that impact our quality of life + share what we learn with (minimum) 3 other people: someone older, someone younger and a peer/friend/sister/colleague
            • TIMESTAMPS

            (Select key moments)

            • 00:00 - Introduction: Why this conversation?
            • 04:30 - Keira's JOY tattoo story
            • 06:45 - The jar exercise: How language shapes outcomes
            • 15:00 - Why women leave doctor appointments disappointed
            • 28:00 - The confusion of online health information
            • 40:00 - Keira's PCOS journey and period advocacy
            • 47:00 - The jar of 50+ goals for women's health before Shirley dies
            • 50:00 - What gives us hope
              • QUOTES TO REMEMBER

              "I deserve to feel amazing."

              "Quality health information is competing with other health brands online - we're competing with the news and big brands like Four Seasons, Ford, Coca-Cola. We're ALL part of the attention economy, and only confident, informed consumers can decide what is meant for them."

              "Women deserve quality information. They deserve quality explanations."

              "Confidence is a decision that I'm making today."

              RESOURCES MENTIONED
              • The "In Her Words" study (BC Women's Health Foundation)
              • GAP-and-SPEAK framework for doctor appointments (Menopause Chicks
              • MenopauseChicksCommunity.com

                • Join the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:
                👉 MenopauseCommunity.com

                This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.

                SHARE THIS EPISODE

                If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.

                 

                ABOUT THE HOST

                Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

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                Menopause ChicksBy Shirley Weir, Menopause Chicks