In this episode of The Vegan Gym Podcast, Janine sits down with physician and women’s health expert Dr. Daphne Bascom for an in-depth conversation about menopause, aging, and how women can protect their long-term health with confidence.

Together, they unpack the hormonal changes that occur during menopause and why this transition can feel so challenging. From body composition and bone density to cardiovascular health, brain health, sleep, energy, and strength, Dr. Daphne explains what is actually happening inside the body and how women can take a proactive approach instead of feeling blindsided by the changes that often come with midlife.

They also tackle some of the most common questions and misconceptions surrounding hormone therapy, osteoporosis, weight gain, gut health, libido, muscle loss, GLP-1 medications, and healthy aging. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Daphne emphasizes the importance of evidence-based information, personalized care, and building a strong foundation through nutrition, exercise, recovery, and education.

In this episode, we cover:

▸ What actually changes during menopause and why it impacts your entire body

▸ The biggest misconceptions women have about hormones and aging

▸ How menopause affects brain health, heart health, bone density, and body composition

▸ The truth about hormone replacement therapy and the lasting impact of the Women's Health Initiative study

▸ Why muscle loss and osteoporosis are not inevitable parts of aging

▸ The LEAP framework for building stronger muscles and bones after 50

▸ How protein, resistance training, and movement support healthy aging

▸ The connection between menopause, gut health, and the microbiome

▸ What women should know about GLP-1 medications and preserving muscle mass

▸ How to think about libido, relationships, and sexual health during menopause

▸ The importance of becoming an informed advocate for your own health

▸ Trusted resources women can use to find evidence-based menopause information

If you're a woman approaching menopause, currently navigating menopause, or simply want to age with more strength, vitality, and confidence, this episode will give you practical tools and evidence-based insights to help you take control of your health for decades to come.

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✅ Take Dr. Daphne's MenoScore Assessment 

👉 Apply for a free month of 1-on-1 health and fitness coaching 

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If you're new to my channel, my name is Leif Arnesen. I’m an engineer-turned-nutrition-nerd and the founder of The Vegan Gym.

In 2014, a rare cancer diagnosis forced me to completely rethink my life. I adopted a whole-food, plant-based diet, and a few months later, after watching Earthlings, I went vegan overnight — not just for my health, but for the animals.

At first, I struggled to lose fat and get fit as a vegan. But after diving deep into the science, I built a system that transformed my body and my life. That journey led me to start a blog in 2017, which eventually became The Vegan Gym.

Music Credit:

MB01VBQWSONPOBJ

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