Real Menopause Talk

Tanith Carey is an award-winning writer, journalist and trained Gestalt Phsycotherapist.   You may have heard of Anhedonia but be a little hazy on what it really means - who better to talk to about it than someone who has written an entire book explaining the intricacies of this prevalent condition.   In this conversation, we delve into the concept of anhedonia, particularly in the context of women experiencing menopause. She shares her personal journey of feeling joyless despite having a fulfilling life and explains the physiological and psychological factors contributing to this state. Our discussion explores the impact of hormonal changes, the role of cortisol, and the importance of recognizing anhedonia as a legitimate experience. Tanith offers strategies for reclaiming joy, emphasizing the need for awareness, intentionality, and building a personal toolkit for happiness.   Key Points Anhedonia is increasingly recognized as a significant issue, especially for women in menopause. Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to feelings of joylessness and anxiety. Cortisol levels can rise due to modern stressors, impacting overall well-being. Dopamine plays a crucial role in anticipation and seeking joy. Recognizing anhedonia is essential for addressing emotional numbness. Neurodiverse individuals may experience heightened feelings of anhedonia due to cognitive exhaustion. Building a toolkit for joy involves intentional actions and awareness of small moments of happiness. Somatic therapy can help address emotional disconnection and promote healing. Diet and gut health are linked to emotional well-being and serotonin production. Communication with loved ones about feelings of blah can foster understanding and support.   Chapters 00:00Introduction and Overview of Anhedonia 01:26Tanith Carey's Background and Journey 04:09Understanding Anhedonia and Its Impact 06:58The Role of Hormones and Stress 09:43Cortisol and Modern Life 12:45Recognizing Anhedonia vs. Depression 15:19Anhedonia in Neurodiverse Individuals 15:50Understanding Anhedonia and ADHD 17:19The Importance of Naming Emotions 18:48Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection 20:14The Impact of Illness on Mental Health 21:30Research Insights on Joy and Reward 23:08The Role of Nature in Well-Being 24:54Practical Tips for Cultivating Joy 26:23Behavioral Activation and Intentional Happiness 28:40Communicating Feelings in Relationships   You can find Tanith on Instagram @tanithcarey or @tanithcareytherapy and her book Feeling Blah is out now wherever you choose to get your books - I highly recommend!    Who do you know who wants to rediscover their zest in midlife and beyond? Drop me a line hatty@realmenopausetalk.com to find out about my Real Menopause Method and how you, or your friend, can look great and feel great , build strength and love you life. Only a few spaces available so get in touch!

Many of you will know The Real Slim Sherri from Instagram and TikTok - she is well known for her no- holds barred, unfiltered truths around growing up in the 70's and 80's, midlife, life as a Gen X woman and menopause.  I have loved her page ever since I discovered it and so was thrilled, (I mean so thrilled!) when she was booked to be a guest on the podcast.  And what a way to open Season 7! In this engaging conversation, Sherri Dindal - her real name - shares her journey through midlife, discussing the challenges and triumphs of menopause, the importance of humor in healing, and her mission to empower women. She reflects on her upbringing, career changes, and the creation of her wellness brand, Wholesome Hippie, which focuses on natural health products. Sherri emphasizes the significance of community and support for women navigating this phase of life, and she shares insights on parenting in midlife, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of raising children while experiencing personal growth. All, of course, with a good dash of humour thrown in.    00:00Introduction and Connection 01:10Growing Up Gen X: A Journey Through Childhood 03:07Career Path: From Law Enforcement to Content Creation 05:18Navigating Midlife: The Impact of Menopause 07:10The Power of Humor in Addressing Serious Topics 09:32Empowering Women: Embracing Authenticity in Midlife 11:46Raising the Next Generation: Lessons Learned 13:58Reflections on Motherhood and Personal Growth 17:46Navigating Parenting in a Digital Age 20:45The Challenges of Parenting Teens 22:45The Unexpected Journey into Comedy 29:40Embracing Life After 50 30:18Health and Wellness: The Wholesome Hippie Journey 33:36Building a Wellness Brand from Personal Experience 36:24Innovative Solutions for Anxiety and Sleep 38:49Natural Alternatives for Hormonal Balance 41:53Aging Gracefully and Mindfully 43:37Final Thoughts and Recommendations   Here are all the links to Sherri    https://www.instagram.com/wholesomehippynaturals/   https://www.facebook.com/wholesomehippynaturals   https://www.tiktok.com/@WHOLESOMEHIPPYNATURALS   https://www.tiktok.com/@therealslimsherri   https://www.instagram.com/therealslimsherri   https://www.facebook.com/sherri.dindal   And you can find me here:   https://realmenopausetalk.com https://www.instagram.com/realmenopausetalk/ or drop me a line hatty@realmenopausetalk.com

Jenni Smith and Kay Walsh are a bright, colourful breath of fresh air. In today's conversation, Jenni and Kay share how they got into sewing, what they have done with this connection, their experiences with perimenopause and menopause (of course!) and... wait for it... how their passion takes them to Hawaii. Yes, they are in fact globe trotting quilt makers and dress makers.    We discuss how sewing is something of a therapeutic outlet, how we need to rekindle our creativity in midlife and how they actively empower other women through craft. The conversation highlights the importance of community, open dialogue about women's health issues, and the need to role model self care.   There is a real joy that comes from creating something unique and they have given me real food for thought about alternative ways to combat stress. "Don't be scared, just get stuck in."   Takeaways: Sewing can be a therapeutic outlet for mental health. Motherhood often leads to a loss of personal identity. Perimenopause symptoms can be subtle and varied. Community support is crucial during life transitions. Open conversations about menopause can reduce stigma. Sewing fosters creativity and provides a sense of accomplishment. Exercise and routine can help manage menopause symptoms. HRT can alleviate anxiety and other symptoms of menopause. Empowerment comes from sharing experiences with others. Creating a supportive environment encourages women to learn new skills. Creativity can be a powerful form of self-care. Sewing fosters community and connection among diverse individuals. Inspiring younger generations to embrace crafting is essential. Upcycling allows for personal expression and environmental awareness. Overcoming the fear of failure is key to unlocking creativity. Sharing projects can build joy and community spirit. The experience of menopause can be enriched by creative pursuits. Everyone has the potential to be creative, regardless of past experiences. Building confidence in sewing starts with small, manageable projects. Connecting with others through shared interests can lead to lasting friendships.   00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds 06:04 Navigating Motherhood and Identity 12:02 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause 17:54 Sewing as a Therapeutic Outlet 19:54 The Power of Creativity and Community 21:59 Inspiring the Next Generation 25:02 Embracing Upcycling and Personal Expression 28:05 Overcoming Creative Fears 29:59 Building Joy Through Connection 32:09 Future Projects and Aspirations 35:01 Wisdom from the Journey of Menopause You can find Jenni and Kay on IG @jenniandkaycreate or on their website and their inspiringly creative book, Menopause Makes is out on March 14th 2025.  You can always reach me by email hatty@realmenopausetalk.com or here https://realmenopausetalk.com    

In this engaging conversation, Carol King shares her ride through perimenopause, the need for open conversations about women's health and her rise to TikTok fame as THE Menopause Auntie. She started experiencing extreme fainting episodes which understandably concerned her and her family. Moving to Barbados, from the UK, she found limited knowledge or understanding of what could be happening. She emphasizes the significance of lifestyle changes, finding joy, and reclaiming one's identity during this transformative phase of life. Carol also highlights her efforts to create community resources and her upcoming book that aims to educate and empower women navigating menopause through humour. Carol King moved to Barbados and embraced a new life. Perimenopause symptoms can start much earlier than expected. Women often face challenges in getting their symptoms taken seriously. Humor can be a powerful tool in coping with menopause. Creating a supportive community is essential for women. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can significantly improve health. Finding joy in daily life is crucial for mental well-being. Reclaiming one's identity is important during midlife transitions. Education and open conversations about menopause are vital. Carol's book aims to provide accessible information on menopause with humour. "Women want to have the conversation." "Laughter is medicine." "I intentionally look for joy." Chapters 02:00 Introduction to Carol King 04:00 Understanding Perimenopause 06:59 The Journey of Discovery 09:59 The Importance of Conversation 13:03 Using Humor to Cope 15:53 Finding Solutions and Support 19:03 Lifestyle Changes for Better Health 21:55 The Role of Joy in Life 24:56 Reclaiming Identity and Purpose 28:11 Creating Community and Resources 30:53 The Launch of a Book 33:54 Final Thoughts and Advice   'Are You There God, It's Me In Menopause' is out on February 18th, 2025 at all good bookstores and online. You can enjoy Carol's content @menopause101 on IG & TikTok and YouTube!   If you would like to speak to me about joining The Real Menopause Method, drop me an email hatty@realmenopausetalk.com to book a call. There is more information on the website https://realmenopausetalk.com Spaces are limited and tend to book up fast, so please get in touch and I look forward to talking to you.

In our conversation today, Nicki shares her personal journey with hormonal health, detailing her struggles with perimenopause and the lack of information available at the time. She emphasises the importance of understanding hormonal changes, especially during menopause and post-menopause, and discusses the new challenges women face in their 50s. She highlights the significance of community, connection, and mental health in aging, as well as the need for proper nutrition and rest. Nicki encourages women to embrace this stage of life as an opportunity for growth and self-care, rather than viewing it as an end and gives us details on how to do just this.   Takeaways Nicki's journey into hormonal health began in her early 40s. She experienced exhaustion and brain fog, leading her to seek help. Her father, a hormone doctor, educated her about perimenopause. Nicki emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes for hormonal balance. Post-menopause brings new challenges, including health risks and emotional well-being. Community and connection are vital for mental health as we age. Rest is crucial for managing stress and overall health. Nutrition plays a key role in aging well and managing symptoms. Women should focus on self-care and personal fulfillment post-retirement. Nicki's new book addresses life after menopause and offers guidance. "This can't be it, you know, I've got to do this." 06:21 Nicki's Journey and the Importance of Hormone Balance 13:19 Changing the Perception of Aging 18:05 Building Connections and Community 26:01 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care 31:23 Finding Your Nutrition Plan 35:15 Embracing the Opportunities of Post-Menopause   You can find Nicki at https://happyhormonesforlife.com and on IG @happyhormonesforlife and her books are available in all good book retail outlets NOW :-)   Feel free to get in touch about anything nutrition, training and Menopause related at hatty@realmenopausetalk.com and I will get back to you as soon as I can.    Thank-you for listening and I look forward to seeing you in the next episode.

Nikkiey Stott, founder of Warrior Babe, shares her journey from growing up in a divorced family to becoming a successful bodybuilder and fitness coach. She discusses the challenges women face during menopause and how her company helps them through nutrition, strength training, and mindset shifts. Nikkiey emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body with the right food and debunking the myth of getting bulky from lifting weights. She encourages women to focus on self-discipline rather than relying on motivation and to keep the promises they make to themselves. Nikkiey's ultimate goal is to empower women to achieve their fitness goals and live a healthy, balanced life. Takeaways: Nourishing the body with the right food is key to overall health and achieving fitness goals. Strength training is essential for building lean muscle, boosting metabolism, and improving bone density. Developing self-discipline is more important than relying on motivation to stay consistent with fitness and nutrition. Women should focus on increasing their protein intake to support muscle growth and hormonal balance. Overcoming the fear of getting bulky from lifting weights and embracing the benefits of strength training is crucial for women's health and longevity.   00:00Introduction and Background 03:58Dealing with a Cease and Desist and Rebranding 06:18Preparing for Perimenopause and Menopause 08:54The Importance of Rest and Overcoming Guilt 09:31Challenges Faced by Women in Menopause and How to Overcome Them 14:47Creating a Supportive All-Female Community 19:05Changing the Narrative Around Food and Body Image 25:45Addressing the Fear of Getting Bulky from Lifting Weights 29:45Starting from Scratch: Nutrition, Strength Training, and Mindset 35:04The Power of Self-Discipline in Achieving Goals   You can find Nikkiey at  https://warriorbabe.com/    If you have any questions about nutrition, training, or of course Menopause, please reach out as it is always a pleasure to hear from you. hatty@realmenopausetalk.com   Thanks for listening and I look forward to seeing you in the next episode. xoxo

Leslie Kenny reversed her autoimmune diseases and rejuvenated her biological age, literally saving herself from a 5 year prognosis in her thirties. Here, she discusses her process and the 12 hallmarks of ageing, she shares her experience with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, her decision to take control of her health, and the treatments that led to her remission. Leslie also talks about her experience with perimenopause and menopause and the importance of managing cortisol and progesterone levels. She introduces the 12 hallmarks of ageing, including stem cell dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, impaired autophagy, and more. She highlights the role of spermidine in rejuvenating senescent immune cells. Spermidine, a compound found in plants and semen, has the ability to inhibit nine out of 12 hallmarks of ageing. It is crucial for the survival and growth of the next generation, present in breast milk and semen. As we age, our ability to produce spermidine decreases, making it important to obtain it from our diet. Lifestyle choices, such as a diet rich in prebiotic fibre from plants, can increase the production of spermidine in our bodies. Spermidine supplementation has been shown to promote hair growth, improve sleep, enhance heart health, and activate autophagy, a process that removes dysfunctional cells and mitochondria. You can find Leslie at https://oxfordhealthspan.com/ and use code HATTY15 for a 15% discount on Primeadine. Feel free to reach out and drop me a line with any questions, comments or feedback as I always love to hear from you:  hatty@realmenopausetalk.com  00:00Introduction and Background 02:18Diagnosis and Taking Control of Health 06:24Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause 08:07Understanding the 12 Hallmarks of Aging 21:26The Importance of Spermidine in Reproduction and Gut Health 23:12The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Spermidine Production 35:57Activating Autophagy with Spermidine

With less than 2,000 signatures needed to make the total 200,000, I felt it was a great opportunity to re-release Diane's Episode for any of you who may have missed it and to get those signature numbers up! I will leave the link right here to sign the petition - please do if you haven't already . #MakeMenopauseMatter   Diane is the OG Menopause Warrior. After her own incapacitating experience of Menopause, she decided that nobody should ever have to go through what she and her loved ones had to endure. From this, MenopauseSupport and the MakeMenopauseMatter campaign were born. In this episode, she tells her story and all I shall say at this point is, thank goodness for her dogs and her husband Martin. Diane and her team at Menopause Support work tirelessly to make the changes she wants to see and, to date, the MakeMenopauseMatter campaign has close on 200,000 signatures. As well as educating and changing the world for the better, she reminds us to look at ourselves, “Have you spent your whole life prioritising other people? Maybe you should move yourself up the list a little more. This can be a wonderful time of transition and transformation and is full of Opportunity.” You can find Diane, and please take a moment to SIGN & SHARE the petition at https://menopausesupport.co.uk and  here: https://www.change.org/p/make-menopause-matter-in-healthcare-the-workplace-and-education-makemenopausematter on IG @dianedanzebrink

The word ‘menopause’ was not used in Donna’s household growing up, even when her mother underwent a hysterectomy. But Donna knew. Donna Klassen, co-founder of Let's Talk Menopause, dedicates herself to providing a platform that educates, destigmatizes, and offers vital community support surrounding menopause.   She and I may have different experiences of Menopause but we both come at it with the same heart and a desire to ensure nobody feels isolated or alone during this deeply nuanced life transition.  Diagnosed with estrogen-positive breast cancer at 52, Donna's journey into postmenopause was accelerated following a double mastectomy and an oophorectomy. As she grappled with symptoms like hot flashes and brain fog, she was met with a notable absence of guidance from her medical community. Drawing from her tenure as a clinician and director at The Motherhood Center of New York, where she witnessed the transformative power of community in areas like infertility and postpartum depression, Donna is passionate about championing menopause and ensuring it's understood and supported by all. In this episode we discuss attitudes, progress and legislation in the US compared to the UK just as the bill for the Menopause Research and Equity Act 2023 was going to Congress. Donna is all about the very simple but powerful, ‘and’. Nothing need be one or the other, it can be many things and this is especially true when it comes to menopause symptoms and, in fact, this whole life phase which is a time of vulnerability and opportunity. She encourages us all to put ourselves out there and ‘Go Big!’ You can find Donna on the website and on social media as @letstalkmenopause and I believe even at the time of release, you can still fill out a form HERE that allows you to write directly to your member of Congress and leads to the website letstalkmenopause.org  You can handpick your Menopause Therapist right HERE

When I started this podcast, I was thinking of women of a similar age to me who were going through the Menopause Transition. I soon learned there are many types of Menopause, all equally significant and rarely spoken about. The list includes surgical menopause, early menopause, premature menopause and trans menopause. Today, I have the privilege of being able to share a trans male menopause story.  Tate Smith is an award-winning trans activist, consultant, and speaker, passionate about trans male visibility, educating others and debunking common myths surrounding trans people. Tate's accolades include being named one of Attitude Magazine's 10 LGBTQ+ Trailblazers To Watch Out For In The Future, and in 2022 he was selected as a LinkedIn Top Voice, and nominated for PinkNews' Community Role Model. I was so delighted to meet Tate to hear his deeply personal, often challenging experience which he tells with candour, charm and humour, no mean feat given the level of vulnerability he opens himself up to. There are so many avenues we could have ventured down as there is so much to talk about - isn't there always?! We had to discuss testosterone and its effects - bear in mind here Tate's end game but also listen out for the potential benefits - we also touch on male privilege and insights he has gained having presented female for 19 years and now living as his true, male self.  His menopause symptoms will be familiar to many of you and, as he says, "we're all in this together".  You can find Tate as @tatemichaelsmith on IG, and Linked In and at https://tatesmith.uk Go to Real Menopause Therapy HERE I hope you have a peaceful and joyful holiday period and I look forward to seeing you in 2024.