Are you dealing with endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain or painful sex? Then tune into this candid, inspiring conversation with Rachel Bartholomew. Diagnosed with cervical cancer at just 28, Rachel's world was turned upside down. But she turned her experience into a company that is revolutionizing pelvic health care.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The shock of a cervical cancer diagnosis at 28 and the importance of regular check-ups
• Navigating the complexities of surgical menopause and its far-reaching effects
• How a glass Pyrex tube became the catalyst for innovation in pelvic health
• The birth of Hyivy and its game-changing device for pelvic health therapy
• Why quality of life should be at the forefront of healthcare decisions
• The power of self-advocacy in getting the care you deserve

Plus, Rachel offers hope and practical advice for women struggling with these conditions.

Links for this episode

Hyivy Health
Femtech Canada
Hyivy Health on Instagram
Femtech Canada on Instagram

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Today’s question for Dr. Woganee Filate is:

I want my hormones checked. Will this be helpful?

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why testing for menopause is not recommended
• When bloodwork might be indicated
• When measuring follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is helpful

Lume Women + Health will be opening soon! They understand the unique challenges women face during perimenopause and beyond. Be sure to check out their dedicated menopause program that provides personalized support, medical guidance, and lifestyle optimization education to help you manage symptoms, improve your well-being, and thrive during this life stage.

Every other week, the team at Lume Women + Health will be dropping into our podcast to answer one of your questions. Be sure to follow our podcast so that you never miss these Lume Minutes. Find ‘This Is Perimenopause, the podcast’ wherever you listen to your favorites.

Have a question? Send us a message at [email protected] and we’ll get you an answer.

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Menopause is having a moment right now, but Shirley Weir has been leading the charge since 2012 when she founded Menopause Chicks. Shirley has spent over a decade providing women with evidence-based information and a supportive community during this transformative life stage.

Today, Shirley shares her personal journey from an overwhelmed perimenopausal woman to a passionate health advocate. She offers practical advice for navigating the often confusing world of menopause, from dealing with symptoms to communicating effectively with healthcare providers.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why Google isn't your friend when it comes to menopause information - and where to find reliable resources instead
• The power of small, consistent actions in managing menopause symptoms
• How to advocate for yourself in healthcare appointments
• Why "perimenopause" doesn’t need to be a synonym for suffering
• Practical tips for partners supporting women through menopause

Whether you're just starting your menopause journey or supporting someone who is, Shirley's insights will empower you to take charge of your health and well-being. 

Connect with Shirley
Menopause Chicks
The Nest
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Today’s question for Dr. Sarah Shaw is:

How do I start the conversation with my doctor about symptoms that I’m not even sure are real symptoms?

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The variety of symptoms
• Tracking and rating symptoms
• MQ6 Tool
• Menopause Foundation of Canada symptom tracker
• Have a goal for your appointment with your medical provider

Lume Women + Health will be opening soon! They understand the unique challenges women face during perimenopause and beyond. Be sure to check out their dedicated menopause program that provides personalized support, medical guidance, and lifestyle optimization education to help you manage symptoms, improve your well-being, and thrive during this life stage.

Every other week, the team at Lume Women + Health will be dropping into our podcast to answer one of your questions. Be sure to follow our podcast so that you never miss these Lume Minutes. Find ‘This Is Perimenopause, the podcast’ wherever you listen to your favorites.

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Today’s question for Dr. Sarah Shaw is:

How do I start the conversation with my doctor about symptoms that I’m not even sure are real symptoms?

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The variety of symptoms
• Tracking and rating symptoms
• MQ6 Tool
• Menopause Foundation of Canada symptom tracker
• Have a goal for your appointment with your medical provider

Lume Women + Health will be opening soon! They understand the unique challenges women face during perimenopause and beyond. Be sure to check out their dedicated menopause program that provides personalized support, medical guidance, and lifestyle optimization education to help you manage symptoms, improve your well-being, and thrive during this life stage.

Every other week, the team at Lume Women + Health will be dropping into our podcast to answer one of your questions. Be sure to follow our podcast so that you never miss these Lume Minutes. Find ‘This Is Perimenopause, the podcast’ wherever you listen to your favorites.

Mikelle recently sat down with Stefanie Peachey, owner of Peachey Counselling to talk about the unique life challenges women face and why seeking professional help is not only okay, it’s really important. In some age groups, the proportion of women with a diagnosed mood disorder is almost twice that of men. 

Women often experience significant stress balancing their multiple roles and when you add in hormonal changes, things can get overwhelming. And the all-too-common tactic of ‘just getting through it’ can be dangerous. Having a therapist help you understand and navigate this life phase can be life changing.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

• Why a therapist can be a very important tool in your perimenopausal toolkit
• How anxiety can distort reality and requires cognitive reframing to manage effectively
• Why building a support system is crucial for navigating life's challenges
• Why therapy is a valuable resource for anyone, not just those in crisis

Regardless of your struggle, recognizing that you’re not alone and how and when to seek help, are universal first steps that every woman needs, and deserves, to understand.

Links for this episode:

• Peachey Counselling
• Peachey Counselling on Instagram
• 
  

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Mikelle recently sat down with Stefanie Peachey, owner of Peachey Counselling to talk about the unique life challenges women face and why seeking professional help is not only okay, it’s really important. In some age groups, the proportion of women with a diagnosed mood disorder is almost twice that of men. 

Women often experience significant stress balancing their multiple roles and when you add in hormonal changes, things can get overwhelming. And the all-too-common tactic of ‘just getting through it’ can be dangerous. Having a therapist help you understand and navigate this life phase can be life changing.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

• Why a therapist can be a very important tool in your perimenopausal toolkit
• How anxiety can distort reality and requires cognitive reframing to manage effectively
• Why building a support system is crucial for navigating life's challenges
• Why therapy is a valuable resource for anyone, not just those in crisis

Regardless of your struggle, recognizing that you’re not alone and how and when to seek help, are universal first steps that every woman needs, and deserves, to understand.

Links for this episode:

• Peachey Counselling
• Peachey Counselling on Instagram

Curious about weight loss and drugs like Ozempic? 

Interested in learning some facts about these drugs? 

As with all of the information we provide, this is not medical advice. It is a really great conversation between 3 friends, one of whom has in-depth knowledge of drugs like Ozempic because of her job as a biopharma public equity investor. We know you’re really going to enjoy this catch up with our dear friend, Paulina Niewiadomska. Note: this also is not investment advice.

Episode Highlights:

• How Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists, originally approved for type 2 diabetes, are now being used to address obesity.
• Paulina shares her personal experience with Ozempic to lose and maintain her weight.
• The risks and benefits of these medications, including the risk of muscle loss.
• How drugs like Ozempic can address emotional eating.

The intent of this podcast is to provide you with evidence-based information that will support more efficient and effective communication with your medical providers. It is not intended as medical advice.

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Feeling lost in the fog of perimenopause? Not sure where to turn for help? 

Dr. Sarah Shaw, a family physician with a passion for women's health, is here to guide you through this transformative life stage.

In this episode, Dr. Shaw shares practical advice that every woman needs to navigate perimenopause.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Understanding the obstacles women face in obtaining appropriate perimenopause care
• Recognizing the value of early action and preventive measures in midlife health
• Steps to develop a personalized perimenopause management strategy
• Techniques for becoming a strong advocate for your health needs
• Effective lifestyle adjustments to thrive during the menopausal journey
• Identifying when it's time to consult a menopause specialist
• Promising advancements in women's healthcare, including a spotlight on Dr. Shaw's innovative women's health clinic, Lume

Links for this episode:

• Lume Women + Health Clinic
• Lume on Instagram 
• Sign up for The Lume newsletters
• It’s Our Time on Instagram 
• National Menopause Show
• National Menopause Show on Instagram
• 
  

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Looking for answers to all your perimenopause questions?

Angela Macgregor felt the same way, which inspired her to organize Canada's inaugural National Menopause Show.

Episode Highlights:

• Discover Angela's personal journey through perimenopause and how she finally found relief after years of confusion
• Uncover the surprising lack of menopause training in medical schools and its impact on patient care.
• Learn to navigate the sea of menopause information and identify trustworthy, science-backed resources.
• Get an exclusive preview of the cutting-edge topics to be discussed at the National Menopause Show.
• Learn how to build your personal perimenopause toolkit

This episode offers valuable insights for women of all ages, from those just entering perimenopause to those well into their postmenopausal years. Join a growing movement of women who are taking control of their midlife health and thriving.

Links for this episode:
Tickets - National Menopause Show
Instagram - National Menopause Show

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!