Why Pause? Lets Play - A Podcast by Gayu Lewis

If your brain feels slower, foggier, or completely different in your 40s… you’re not imagining it.

And if you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD — or suspect you might have it — perimenopause could be amplifying everything.

In this episode of The Gayu Lewis Podcast, we unpack the powerful connection between menopause, ADHD, and brain health.

Gayu Lewis is joined by Dr. Balu Pitchiah, Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in neurodivergence and adult ADHD, to explain what’s really happening in the female brain during midlife.

Why do focus, memory, and emotional regulation suddenly feel harder?
 Is it hormones, ADHD, or both?
 And why are so many women only being diagnosed in their 40s?

This conversation breaks down the role of oestrogen, dopamine, and executive function in a way that actually makes sense — while also exploring how sleep, stress, and lifestyle can either support or sabotage your brain.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, scattered, or not like yourself, this episode will help you understand why — and what you can start doing about it.

About the Podcast:
The Gayu Lewis Podcast is a women’s health podcast focused on menopause, perimenopause, and midlife wellness. Hosted by Gayu Lewis, a certified menopause coach and integrative health practitioner, each episode explores the science and real-life experiences behind women’s health — from hormones and brain health to nutrition and lifestyle.

Connect with Gayu lewis:

• Instagram: gayulewisofficial
• LinkedIn: gayulewis
• Website: www.gayulewis.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with your friends.
MENOPAUSE ...WHY PAUSE? LET'S PLAY!!!

Can peptides actually slow aging in women over 40, or is this just hype?

In this episode of The Gayu Lewis Podcast | Menopause, Midlife & Women’s Health, Gayu Lewis sits down with Dr. Adeel Khan, a leading expert in regenerative medicine, to break down peptides, longevity, and how cellular health impacts perimenopause and menopause.

Peptides are one of the fastest growing topics in women’s health, especially for those navigating midlife. But what do they actually do? And can they support energy, metabolism, recovery, and hormonal balance?

This episode explains peptides in simple terms, explores stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine, and looks at how these approaches may change the way women age.

If you are experiencing fatigue, weight gain, slow recovery, or hormonal shifts in your 40s and 50s, this conversation will help you understand what is happening at a cellular level and what options are emerging in modern medicine.

Topics include:

•  What peptides are and how they work 
•  Anti-aging peptides and women’s health 
•  Stem cells and regenerative medicine explained 
•  Longevity vs healthspan 
•  Biohacking for women in midlife 
•  Hormones, aging, and cellular health 

Follow the podcast for more 

Connect with Gayu lewis:

• Instagram: gayulewisofficial
• LinkedIn: gayulewis
• Website: www.gayulewis.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with your friends.
MENOPAUSE ...WHY PAUSE? LET'S PLAY!!!

Breathwork changed my nervous system and it might change yours too.

In this episode of The Gayu Lewis Podcast | Menopause, Midlife & Women’s Health, I sit down with Ash and Melissa from Immersive Dubai to explore the real power of breathwork and how it can transform the way your body responds to stress.

Most of us think breathwork simply means taking a few deep breaths. But structured breathwork is far more powerful. Different breathing patterns create different responses in the nervous system, helping the body shift out of chronic fight-or-flight and into a state of regulation and recovery.

For women navigating perimenopause and menopause, this is especially important. Hormonal changes, poor sleep, stress, and brain fog are all closely linked to nervous system regulation.

In this conversation we explore how breathwork works, why most people are breathing incorrectly, and how learning to breathe intentionally can improve stress resilience, sleep, emotional balance, and overall wellbeing.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why deep breathing alone does not regulate stress
 • How different breathing patterns influence the nervous system
 • Slow nasal breathing vs patterned breathing vs breath holds
 • Why nervous system regulation matters in midlife
 • The difference between simple breathing exercises and immersive breathwork experiences

If you are experiencing stress, burnout, sleep issues, or hormonal shifts in midlife, this episode will change how you think about breathing.

Follow the guests:
 Ash – @consciously_ash
Melissa – @melissa__mcallister
Immersive Dubai – @immersiv.ae

Follow Gayu Lewis:
 Instagram: @gayulewisofficial

Connect with Gayu lewis:

• Instagram: gayulewisofficial
• LinkedIn: gayulewis
• Website: www.gayulewis.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with your friends.
MENOPAUSE ...WHY PAUSE? LET'S PLAY!!!

Brain fog and broken sleep in menopause? Reishi and lion’s mane may support midlife wellness naturally.

In this episode of The Gayu Lewis Podcast | Menopause, Midlife & Women’s Health, we explore whether medicinal mushrooms can genuinely support women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

I’m joined by Romina Melwani, registered nutritional therapist, trained mycotherapist practitioner, and founder of The Nutrition Collective. Her expertise lies in immune health, gut health and the therapeutic use of medicinal mushrooms.

We discuss:

• Reishi for stress and sleep
 • Lion’s Mane for brain fog and focus
 • Cordyceps for energy
 • Beta-glucans and immune resilience
 • How mushrooms interact with the gut–brain axis
 • Fruiting body vs mycelium
 • How to choose high-quality supplements
 • Safety and contraindications

If you are interested in natural menopause support, integrative women’s health and smarter midlife wellness strategies, this episode breaks down what’s science, what’s hype, and what women actually need to know.

Subscribe for weekly conversations on menopause, perimenopause and women’s health.

Why pause? Let’s play.

Connect with Gayu lewis:

• Instagram: gayulewisofficial
• LinkedIn: gayulewis
• Website: www.gayulewis.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with your friends.
MENOPAUSE ...WHY PAUSE? LET'S PLAY!!!

GLP-1 medications are changing the conversation around weight loss, especially for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. But what actually happens to your hormones, metabolism, and muscle mass in midlife?

In this episode of The Gayu Lewis Podcast | Menopause, Midlife & Women’s Health, Gayu Lewis sits down with endocrinologist Dr. Hecham Harb to unpack the science behind GLP-1 and how it impacts women in their 40s and 50s.

This is not a hype conversation. It is a clarity conversation.

We explore how GLP-1 works in the body, how it affects insulin resistance and appetite regulation, the risk of muscle loss in midlife, and what women need to understand before considering weight loss medications during perimenopause or menopause.

If you are struggling with midlife weight gain, hormonal changes, or confusion around metabolic health, this episode offers evidence-based insight rooted in integrative women’s health and long-term midlife wellness.

Topics discussed include:

• GLP-1 and hormonal balance in perimenopause
 • Menopause, metabolism, and insulin resistance
 • Muscle loss vs fat loss in midlife
 • The emotional relationship with hunger
 • What happens when you stop GLP-1
 • Sustainable weight loss strategies for women’s health

Whether you are considering GLP-1, currently using it, or simply trying to understand your changing body, this episode will help you make informed decisions about your health during menopause and midlife.

Subscribe for more conversations on menopause, women’s health, perimenopause, integrative women’s health, and midlife wellness.

Connect with Gayu lewis:

• Instagram: gayulewisofficial
• LinkedIn: gayulewis
• Website: www.gayulewis.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with your friends.
MENOPAUSE ...WHY PAUSE? LET'S PLAY!!!

Fertility and IVF are topics many women only start to understand when they are already in the middle of the journey. In this episode of The Gayu Lewis Podcast, we open up an honest, informative, and empowering conversation about IVF, fertility, and reproductive health.

Joined by Dr. Parth Das, Fertility Specialist at Orchid Fertility Clinic, and Cassie Destino, Founder of IVF Support UAE, we explore what is really happening in modern fertility. From understanding how age, hormones, lifestyle, and male fertility impact conception, to what IVF actually involves, this episode breaks down the science in a way that is clear, calm, and easy to understand.

We talk about the questions women and couples are actively searching for online:

• When should you see a fertility specialist?
• How does age affect fertility and IVF success?
• What do AMH, FSH, and egg reserve really mean?
• What happens during an IVF cycle step by step?
• Which IVF add-ons are evidence-based and which are unnecessary?
• What lifestyle changes can genuinely improve fertility outcomes?
• How do you cope emotionally with waiting, uncertainty, and failed cycles?
• What are the current IVF and egg-freezing rules in the UAE?
• What does pregnancy look like after IVF in your late 30s or 40s?

Cassie shares lived experience from her own IVF journey and the realities women face emotionally, while Dr. Parth brings medical clarity and perspective grounded in clinical practice. Together, this conversation bridges science, emotional wellbeing, and real-world support.

This episode is for you if you are:

• Trying to conceive
• Considering IVF
• Going through IVF
• Supporting a partner or loved one
• Or simply wanting to understand women’s reproductive health better

Connect with Gayu lewis:

• Instagram: gayulewisofficial
• LinkedIn: gayulewis
• Website: www.gayulewis.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with your friends.
MENOPAUSE ...WHY PAUSE? LET'S PLAY!!!

Financial stress is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for women, yet it is rarely discussed openly. As we step into 2026, many women are looking for clarity, confidence, and a smarter way to manage their money without feeling overwhelmed.

In this episode of The Gayu Lewis Podcast, we explore how to reduce financial stress and feel more in control of your money in 2026. This is not about strict budgeting or financial pressure. It is about understanding your numbers, building financial confidence, and creating a plan that supports your wellbeing.

I am joined by Beth Clay, a finance coach who helps women move from fear and avoidance around money to clarity and calm. Together, we discuss why women experience money stress differently, how financial anxiety impacts mental and physical health, and the practical steps you can take to feel financially lighter in the year ahead.

In this conversation, we cover:
 • How to reduce financial stress and anxiety
 • Financial planning for women in 2026
 • The key money numbers every woman should know
 • Building financial confidence and healthy money habits
 • How to feel more in control of your finances

This episode is part of The F Coach philosophy, where wellness includes food, fitness, faith, fun and finance. Because financial clarity is not just about money. It is about peace of mind.

Connect with Gayu lewis:

• Instagram: gayulewisofficial
• LinkedIn: gayulewis
• Website: www.gayulewis.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with your friends.
MENOPAUSE ...WHY PAUSE? LET'S PLAY!!!

Have you ever wanted a body like JLo’s — but wondered what actually works for your body, hormones, and stage of life?

At the start of every year, women commit to new workout plans. But many women over 40 quickly realise their workouts aren’t working the way they used to. Weight gain, low energy, stubborn belly fat, and burnout become common — especially during perimenopause and menopause.

In this episode, I’m joined by celebrity fitness trainer Jay Cardiello and breathwork and meditation coach Raj Trivedi to break down the celeb body myth and talk about the best workout for women in midlife.

Jay has trained global icons like Jennifer Lopez, 50 Cent, and Sofia Vergara. Raj works with athletes and high performers using breathwork and mindset to improve focus, recovery, and resilience. Together, they share what actually matters for strength training for women, stress management, and sustainable fitness after 40.

This conversation isn’t about copying celebrity workouts.
 It’s about understanding how women should really train in midlife.

In this episode, we cover:
• Best workouts for women over 40
• Strength training vs cardio in midlife
• Workout mistakes women make in perimenopause and menopause
• Why workouts stop working as hormones change
• How stress and mindset affect weight loss and energy
• How breathwork supports recovery, sleep, and consistency

If you’re searching for answers around midlife workouts, women’s strength training, exercise during perimenopause or menopause, or why weight gain happens despite working out, this episode is for you.

🎧 Follow The Gayu Lewis Podcast for conversations on women’s health, midlife wellness, mindset, and sustainable fitness that actually works.

Connect with Gayu lewis:

• Instagram: gayulewisofficial
• LinkedIn: gayulewis
• Website: www.gayulewis.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with your friends.
MENOPAUSE ...WHY PAUSE? LET'S PLAY!!!

Are you suddenly dealing with mood swings, irregular periods, night sweats, anxiety spikes, or that “off” feeling you can’t explain?
 This episode breaks down the early signs of perimenopause — the symptoms women often miss, the ones doctors sometimes dismiss, and the confusion around what’s hormonal versus what’s just life.

I’m joined by Dr. Priyanka Mehta (@drpriyankamehta), gynecologist and women’s health specialist, to unpack:
• How perimenopause really begins
• Why it often gets mistaken for stress, burnout, thyroid issues, or anxiety
• The first symptoms women should never ignore
• What’s normal vs when to seek medical advice
• The truth about hormone testing (FSH, estradiol, thyroid and more)
• HRT confusion explained simply and clearly
• How to support your hormones through lifestyle and nutrition

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, confused, or unsure about what your body is doing — this conversation will finally bring clarity.

Hosted by Gayu Lewis (@gayulewis) — Integrative Women’s Health Coach, chef, and menopause educator.

New episodes every month covering women’s health, midlife, lifestyle, and conversations that help you understand your body better.

Connect with Gayu lewis:

• Instagram: gayulewisofficial
• LinkedIn: gayulewis
• Website: www.gayulewis.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with your friends.
MENOPAUSE ...WHY PAUSE? LET'S PLAY!!!

Why are so many women confused about menopause — even in 2025?
 In this powerful conversation, we break down the real reasons behind the confusion, the myths, and the mixed messages women receive about perimenopause, menopause, hormones, HRT, and midlife health.

Joining me is Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash Inc, one of the most trusted platforms for evidence-based menopause conversations. Ann Marie has spent years investigating women’s health, interviewing global experts, and amplifying the midlife experience in the UAE and beyond.

Together, we unpack:
 • The real reason women feel lost during perimenopause
 • What Ann Marie discovered investigating menopause as a journalist
 • Why symptoms are so misunderstood
 • How the media, wellness industry, and misinformation fuel confusion
 • What women actually need to know about HRT
 • The biggest takeaways from the Hotflash Inc Summit
 • How women can advocate for themselves and find real support in midlife

If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause — or supporting someone who is — this episode will give you clarity, context, and confidence.

Follow for more conversations on women’s health, midlife wellness, hormones, nutrition, and living well through the transition.

Connect with Gayu lewis:

• Instagram: gayulewisofficial
• LinkedIn: gayulewis
• Website: www.gayulewis.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with your friends.
MENOPAUSE ...WHY PAUSE? LET'S PLAY!!!