Shows
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkMigraines, menopause and HRT… what a combination!Migraines are an incredibly debilitating symptom. What’s it all about, is there a link with the menopause transition and if so, what can we do about it?To help us make sense of everything we were delighted to be joined by Professor Anne MacGregor who specialises in headaches & migraines, alongside women’s health. During this episode Anne dispels myths and misinformation, breaks everything down into factual, relatable nuggets of information providing anyone listening with practical and logical ways to manage this symptom.A perimenopausal headache is debilitating enough but a migraine is quite a diff...
2025-11-1834 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkMen… Let’s Talk MenopauseRaising awareness… generating interest…providing education…we have seen a huge change in recent years amongst men with many genuinely seeking more information on how best to support partners at home and colleagues within the workplace. There is, however, always room for improvement!To help us discuss this important topic we’re delighted to have on as a guest Nic Elliot who wears two hats at Actons Solicitors as the HR director and as head of the employment law team. He interestingly had an overwhelming response to a post he put up on LinkedIn about the Meno...
2025-11-1123 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkMeasuring hormone levels, there’s more to it than you think.During this episode Heather and our guest Dr Clare Spencer do an amazing job of simplifying this incredibly complex topic. You might be thinking…mmm…not the sexiest topic to listen to but, please do because by the end not only will you have a greater understanding about blood tests but you’ll also be reminded about a few basics - understanding how other unmeasurable factors influence your symptoms as those hormones merrily fluctuate away and why it’s so important to disentangle how you really feel during this hormonal storminess. Heather and Clare drill down into the nitt...
2025-11-0433 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkSleep… the elixir of life.Getting a good night’s sleep…something we all need to prioritise for our health & wellbeing, but especially if we’re going through, (what can be), a turbulent hormonal transition – the Menopause.When we hit those zzzs there’s a lot going on - a multitude of restorative processes…tissue growth & repair, brain recovery & rest, memory consolidation…an endless list. Your job is to give your body chance to get that good night’s sleep.Whether you’re struggling to maintain consistent sleep patterns or not this is a must listen. It’s incredibly interesti...
2025-10-2840 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkLifestyle medicine… yes, it does work!Lifestyle medicine, how simple tweaks and nudges to lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on helping to manage symptoms associated with the menopause.We invited Dr Barbara Phipps on to help us unpick what lifestyle medicine is all about. What are the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine which help support health & wellbeing…we discuss how they are all interconnected. It’s not a case of choosing one and discounting the others.We discuss how making small steps with each of the pillars can be hugely important when going through the menopause, ones like nutrition and phys...
2025-10-2132 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkThe challenges ethnic minority women can face experiencing the menopause.This episode we start the conversation about this incredibly challenging and often misunderstood topic. Much more work needs to be done in this area within communities and within healthcare. To help us navigate our way through the many issues women can face we are delighted to welcome onto the podcast Dr Shasi Prasad a GP, BMS accredited Advanced Menopause Specialist and Women’s Integrative & Functional Medicine Doctor.Useful links & resources:· Women’s Health concern : www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets· British Menopause society: https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20-BMS-TfC-Menopause-in-ethnic-minority-women-JULY2023-B.pdf· Menopause M...
2025-08-2624 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkHRT after cancer… risk-reducing surgery… we continue the conversation about Gynae Cancer.Continuing the conversation we started in Series 3 episode 5 about the 5 gynaecological cancers, this episode we delve into the complex topics of taking HRT after having cancer, why some women might consider having risk reducing surgery, when is it appropriate to get tested for altered genes and how would you know. To chat through these topics with us and much more we are delighted to welcome back onto the podcast Tracie Miles from the Eve Appeal.Useful links and resources:· The Eve Appeal : www.eveappeal.org.uk· The Protector trial: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/fmd/researc...
2025-08-1931 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkMicro-nutrients – continuing the conversation about nutritionIn Series 3, episode 1, we tackled the macronutrients and glucose spikes as well as a reminder about a few basics we should all be remembering. This time we take a dive into the topic of micronutrients. Why some women might need a wee boost in certain areas going through this transitional stage of life and which nutrients are we actually talking about… the ones that can have an impact on symptoms associated with the menopause. We’re delighted to welcome back onto the podcast nutritionist Jackie Lynch to continue this conversation, and we also touch on a few topics like supp...
2025-08-1235 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkTestosterone… what you really need to know!Testosterone…a word which conjures up certain expectations for some women alongside causing additional confusion for others. In this episode we set a few things straight for you and to help us do that we were delighted to chat with Professor Susan Davis, the renowned leading specialist and researcher on this topic. This episode once again reinforces the need for evidence based, trusted information and the importance of listening to the right people. Useful links & resources:· Women’s Health concern : www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets· British Menopause society: https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/08-BM...
2025-08-0426 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkReflexology… are your feet the key to relaxation?In this episode we continue the conversation about complementary therapies and delve into the well known restorative effects of reflexology, a renowned source of relaxation for many, although there are a few sceptics out there who wonder how a bit of ‘fiddling with your feet’ can really help! To help us understand everything we’re delighted to welcome onto the podcast experienced reflexologist Sally Earlam. We chat through the theory behind how it can help with symptoms associated with the menopause, what it can help with, is it genuinely relaxing and much more. Useful links & resources:· ...
2025-07-2823 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkComplementary Therapies… Let’s Talk Acupuncture & HypnotherapyThere’s a whole range of complementary therapies out there to choose from, is it all a load of hocus pocus…are they worth looking into to help give you that truly holistic approach when coping with symptoms associated with the menopause or looking to enhance your overall quality of life and wellbeing…To help us start to navigate our way through this topic we’re delighted to welcome back onto the podcast Dr Becky McCormick who talks about the benefits of acupuncture and hypnotherapy…can they really help…what if you have a phobia about needles…how l...
2025-07-2222 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkMenopause within the workplaceAnother hot topic to cover and one which has improved enormously in recent years. There still remains a disparity of experiences for employees between organisations, with each organisation having to look at what works for them and their staff.There are however some basics which everyone should be putting in place and to help guide us through this interesting topic we are delighted to welcome onto the podcast Neil Hudson-Basing.We chat through the need for a comprehensive menopause policy, why co-production and collaborative is important, gaining that valuable feedback from your employees....
2025-06-0232 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkThe five gynae cancersIn this episode we discuss the 5 gynaecological cancers; vaginal, vulva, womb, ovarian and cervical.We are delighted to welcome onto the podcast clinical nurse specialist Tracie Miles. We cover the key red flag symptoms to look out for, the need to regularly self check certain areas and the importance of getting to know your own normal.We discuss the importance of cervical screening, more commonly known as cervical smears and why we need to increase the uptake of attending appointments, nationally. Likewise, we highlight the importance of getting the HPV vaccine whilst still at school – al...
2025-05-2631 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkBone health and menopauseAnother important topic to cover and one which many of us ignore, to a certain extent, until something untoward happens…often out of the blue.We chat through the importance of looking into and taking preventative measures from as early an age as possible, very much taking a holistic approach.What are your bone cells actually up to as you move around day in, day out – there’s a lot going on! We explain the different terminology and why something like osteoporosis is classed as a silent disease.What are the risk factors…ones tha...
2025-05-1923 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkNeurodiversity and menopauseWith the overlap of symptoms between neurodiverse conditions and the menopause it can all become a very complex topic…having a better understanding of how everything interacts is essential, especially where medication is concerned.To help to explain everything we’re delighted to welcome onto the podcast Trudi Roscouet who explains brilliantly what it can feel like being neurodiverse whilst going through the menopause and how challenging it can be having that double whammy.We chat about whether people really need to get a diagnosis, the fine line between establishing the cause of symptoms, how ADHD...
2025-05-1235 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkHeart health and the MenopauseLooking after you heart health is a must for everyone, regardless of gender, but there remains a low level of awareness of the importance of heart health in women and then you get those fluctuating hormones into the mix aswell.We chat through the preventative measures everyone can look into…general awareness of risk factors, the importance of lifestyle factors, movement & exercise as well as keeping a regular eye on your blood pressure. This is the time when a home kit is a good idea to regularly check your blood pressure.We discuss the ‘hot potat...
2025-05-0526 min
Menopause Matters, Let’s TalkNutrition and the MenopauseIn this episode we focus on the importance of looking at what you’re eating & drinking and why it’s important not to exclude any of the major food groups, starting with the macro-nutrients.We’re delighted to welcome nutritionist, Jackie Lynch onto the podcast to talk us through everything in more details. We tackle the topic of those sugar spikes, not forgetting the importance of preventative healthcare when it comes to your heart and bone health.A great topic to start series 3 with giving everyone practical options which can help individuals gain that sense of con...
2025-04-2834 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkChristmas Special2024 Christmas, end of year round up.We thought it would be nice to end the year with a one off episode to help you keep on track over the festive period and to provide a brief summary of some relevant key messages, now the NICE guidelines have been updated. Don’t forget there are 2 series (6 episodes in each) already released, packed with an abundance of information for you to dip in and out of. Available on your usual podcast platform.We would like to thank you all for listening and we...
2024-12-1724 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkRelationships and the impact of the menopause.Do menopausal symptoms have an impact on relationships, and do our relationships affect our views on and use of HRT …well, we’re all different, but for some people if can really have a significant impact. For those it does affect, whether at home or within the workplace, we’re delighted to say Dr Claire Macaulay has joined us again, this time with her other hat on as a sex and relationship therapist.Even if you don’t think you’ve got anything to worry about this is definitely worth a listen!Useful link...
2024-11-1142 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkPremature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and early menopause.No one is too young to be menopausal. Sadly this statement is true with a significant percentage of people falling into the POI bracket which means they will be under 40 years old and then a further group of people falling into the early menopause bracket which is between the ages of 40 and 45 years.We talk about the relevance of blood tests and how to provide adequate support and treatment.We chat about the importance of replacing estrogen, if possible, if you go into an earlier menopause and we tentatively start to chat about testosterone…to be...
2024-11-0420 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkSide effects of HRT, menstruation and general bleeding problems.Periods… wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a period free life, just saying…Currently HRT is the first line treatment for menopausal symptoms but, there is no way of predicting how you as an individual might react to HRT before trying it and remember, we’re all different.Why it’s important to have a check up 3 months after starting HRT - what side effects are normal to experience and what should you be concerned about.We discuss the importance of not mucking around with well researched regimes and what do we actually m...
2024-10-2828 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkCognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) an excellent alternative option.CBT is a fabulous option to consider if HRT isn’t a viable option; either you can’t take it, don’t want to take it or it just doesn’t suit you. CBT also works really well in combination with HRT.Dr Becky Smithson joins us to give us an insight into how it all works alongside explaining the human stress response…You will also learn that CBT isn’t just useful when going through the menopausal transition, it’s useful throughout life, for all genders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...
2024-10-2121 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkHRT and the risk of hormone dependent cancers like breast cancer.HRT and the risk of hormone dependent cancers like breast cancer.HRT is such a complex topic which, combined with people’s perception of risk, can all become very confusing and for some far too daunting to even consider…we run through further pros & cons.Remember there’s a potential risk with any medication you chose to take…we continue to discuss the well researched benefits and risks of HRT…There are many alternative options to manage menopausal symptoms if you do develop breast cancer, we chat through what can become a bit of a balan...
2024-10-1534 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkThe basics about HRT and much more.We’ve decided to take the bull by the horns and tackle the huge topic of HRT. In this episode we discuss which hormones we’re actually talking about that tend to flip about and go all wonky.We talk about tweaking the type, dose and route… taking an individualised approach and what is the ‘window of opportunity’.We run through the benefits and risks, touching on why you might not want to take HRT, for varying reasons.Then there’s the ever-confusing medical terminology - what do we mean by bio-identical hormones and body ide...
2024-10-0737 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkCarrying on with the Urogenital symptoms - the urinary & bladder symptoms.What a huge impact these symptoms can have on your quality of life yet, remarkably, they remain some of the most under reported & under treated ones.We completely understand that it can be very embarrassing going and talking about these symptoms but there is so much help you can get alongside things you can do yourself so please don’t hesitate to seek out professional help & get referred to a pelvic health specialist/ physiotherapist if needed.We talk through all the symptoms you could experience, why you’re experiencing them in the first place and what...
2024-07-0121 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkVulvas, vaginas - those Urogenital symptoms.These are some of the most under reported, under treated symptoms and fall into the category of your longterm symptoms, although we realise that for some of you the others you might be experiencing can often feel like long term ones as well! We go through a quick recap about your basic anatomy…this can often be a tad hazy for a few folk and then straight into the nitty gritty of all the potential symptoms you could experience. As always lots of options to look into to help manage and cope with these symptoms. We t...
2024-06-2422 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkThe psychological & emotional symptoms.Thankfully there has been increased awareness about these symptoms in relation to the Menopause in recent years. They are incredibly common and can be some of the most debilitating symptoms that people will experience…but don’t forget, not everyone will experience these symptoms.It can be challenging for some people to identify the cause of these symptoms, as it’s not always related to hormones - there can be many contributory factors.We discuss the range of options which can help to manage these symptoms. Is it right to take antidepressants, should you tak...
2024-06-1718 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkJoint pains and bone health.We continue to take a holistic approach as we discuss the symptoms which are often surprising ones for many people when it comes to the menopause… those joints aches & pains, as well as thinking about your long term bone health.We chat about the importance of preventative measures to take alongside the options available to cope with these symptoms.Do we all need to take Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)… we start the conversation on this important topic and it’s only episode 3… to be continued!What exercise is best and what’s all the fuss a...
2024-06-1018 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkVasomotor symptoms - Hot Flushes & Night sweats.We’re talking hot flushes & night sweats, also known as those vasomotor symptoms - but maybe you’re one of the lucky individuals who never experiences any of these, or you might have cold chills instead. We discuss why you can experience them in the first place, what options are available for you to help manage these symptoms, including what you can do yourselves to gain a better quality of life. Alas, there is no magic cure for any of these symptoms but there are definitely ways you can help to reduce the intensity & freque...
2024-06-0319 minMenopause Matters, Let’s TalkMenopause Matters - Let's Talk Flipping Estrogen.In this introductory episode we chat through some of the basics about the menopause. Why there is such a range of symptoms & why we all have such differing experiences. We discuss diagnosis & blood tests and we touch on the variety of different symptoms associated with the menopause - which will be discussed in further episodes, alongside the many options available to cope with symptoms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-05-2422 min