The Beth Goodrham Podcast - Lifestyle & Health for Women

Why Saunas Are a Midlife Woman's Health & Lifestyle Secret


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 Episode Overview

In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favourite topics — saunas — and how they can transform women’s health and wellness in midlife.

If you’ve ever felt the effects of hormonal changes, disrupted sleep, or flagging energy as you’ve moved through perimenopause or menopause, you’ll love this one. I’m sharing how regular sauna use has become such an important part of my own wellness lifestyle — helping me feel calmer, sleep better, and keep that natural glow that sometimes feels like it’s gone missing in midlife.

I’ll also talk about how to make saunas feel enjoyable (even if you think you don’t like them!) and how a few simple tweaks can help you get all the benefits without the overwhelm.

💫 In This Episode, I Talk About:

  • How saunas support women’s health during perimenopause and menopause
  • The fascinating science of heat therapy and “heat shock proteins” — and how they help regulate hormones and inflammation
  • Why saunas can help with midlife metabolism and stabilising blood sugar
  • The skin benefits no one talks about — hydration, collagen, and that gorgeous natural glow
  • How heat therapy can calm your nervous system, improve sleep, and boost your mood
  • Simple, practical ways to make sauna time part of your wellness routine
  • And why I never go into a sauna without my trusty sauna hat!

As someone who’s spent years as a long-distance runner, I’ve always loved being active — but as I moved through midlife, I realised I needed more balance in my lifestyle.

Running and working out gave me energy, but they also raised my cortisol levels. I wanted something that helped me slow down while still supporting my health and fitness. That’s when I discovered the magic of saunas.

Now, I see sauna sessions as a form of mindfulness as much as a form of movement. I’ve done them everywhere — from wild beach saunas in Wales to moonlit sessions under the stars — and every time, I come out feeling grounded, glowy, and more connected to myself.

My Key Takeaways

  • Consistency matters: Try 2–4 sessions per week, 10–20 minutes each.
  • Glow from within: Saunas improve circulation and boost your skin’s ability to hydrate itself.
  • Sleep better and stress less: The heat calms your nervous system and helps you rest more deeply.
  • Wellness is better shared: Sauna sessions with friends are joyful, relaxing, and full of laughter.
  • Protect your hair and comfort: A sauna hat helps you stay cooler, protects your hair, and makes your experience much more enjoyable.

📚 Resources & Links I Mention

  • 💌 Free Download: The Sauna Solution — A Simple Way to Feel Better in Your Body and in Your Life
  • And here's a blog post to accompany the episode: Health Benefits of Sauna for Midlife Women
  • 🧖‍♀️ My Sauna Hats on Amazon: View Here (Amazon.com)

  • 📖 Book Recommendation: The Power of Hot and Cold — a fascinating look at Finnish sauna culture and how it supports women’s wellness across all stages of life.
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The Beth Goodrham Podcast - Lifestyle & Health for WomenBy Beth Goodrham