Women's Health: menopause: unmuted

In this episode, Darlene and Ben share their unconventional love story, which was challenged and strengthened by Darlene’s menopause experience. Although Ben is 20 years younger than Darlene, he has proven to be an exemplary partner and source of support for Darlene as she struggled with menopause symptoms. In addition to the broader impact of menopause symptoms on her daily life, Darlene also shares how her symptoms affected her work and how she felt unsupported in her workplace. This experience eventually led her to take time off work, however, it also inspired her to become an advocate to help educate, bring awareness, and support others going through menopause in the workplace. Ben has extended his committed support for Darlene by joining her in these advocacy efforts. The couple also talks about their shared passion for fitness and powerlifting, which has brought joy and confidence to Darlene in her midlife years. Content warning: this episode mentions the topic of suicidal ideation.  Useful Links: If you are in need of immediate support, you can call, text, or chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (available free of charge in the United States 24/7)Learn more about strength training and menopause in one of our previous episodes A Strong Menopause with Susan Niebergall.Are you interested in sharing your menopause story on the podcast? You can pass your contact details to the production team for further consideration by filling out this form. 

This episode shares the stories of Stephanie and Karen, two friends based in the north of England. In addition to both experiencing menopause, Stephanie and Karen both battled with breast cancer. The two have supported each other through “the really big stuff” and underscore the importance of strong friendships in midlife. This episode demonstrates that it is never too late to form deep friendships and how valuable it can be to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.Useful Links: Listen to more episodes featuring the experience of fibroids (Kathie’s Story and Sateria’s Story), hysterectomy (Deborah’s Story), and cancer (Rebecca’s Story), during midlife.Are you interested in sharing your menopause story on the podcast? You can pass your contact details to the production team for further consideration by filling out this form.Disclaimer: menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.

This episode features sisters Suzanne and Becky, as they reflect on their menopause journeys. Although they have similar outlooks on this stage of life, Suzanne entered perimenopause after undergoing surgery to manage symptoms due to uterine fibroids. In the episode, Becky and Suzanne recount their mother’s avoidant approach to menopause and more broadly, on differing attitudes to menopause across generations. Both sisters shared experiences of challenge and change in their working lives through midlife, and how they persevered through these times of turbulence. Their stories give an optimistic and grounded perspective on the menopause experience, with both women expressing a newfound sense of freedom they have both discovered in this life stage. Useful Links: You can hear more about the experience of uterine fibroids and menopause by listening to Sateria’s Story from last season.Learn more about strength training and menopause in one of our previous bonus episodes  A Strong Menopause with Susan Niebergall.Are you interested in sharing your menopause story on the podcast? You can pass your contact details to the production team for further consideration by filling out this form.Disclaimer: menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.

The debut episode of this season features couple Karen and Mark, who got married in the midst of Karen’s menopause journey. Tender, uplifting, and honest: their story captures how good communication through the menopause experience can help strengthen a relationship. Karen has used her own experiences to help other women, and Mark adds an invaluable perspective, as the first male voice of the podcast. Their story is about getting second chances in midlife and exemplifies how important patience and good communication are for supporting a partner through menopause. Useful Links: You can learn more about brain fog and how to help have a calm menopause in our previous bonus episode A Calm Menopause with Dr. Pauline MakiAre you interested in sharing your menopause story on the podcast? You can pass your contact details to the production team for further consideration by filling out this form.Disclaimer: menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option. 

Do you have a menopause experience that you’d like to share? Go to https://bit.ly/menopauseunmuted to share your contact details with our production team, who may be in touch. Seeking guests for our next season of menopause: unmuted! And this season, we’re giving guests the opportunity to invite a loved one, to help share their menopause story. This could be a husband or partner, a friend, sister, mother or daughter – anyone in your life who played a key role in your menopause experience.menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.

Dr. Kathryn Clancy—feminist scientist and author of Period, The Real Story of Menstruation—and Dr. Barbara Riegel—professor of nursing and co-director for the International Center for Self-Care Research—join host Dr. Charis Chambers to explore why women deprioritize their own health while being the primary caregivers for their families, and the importance of implementing health-focused self care into daily life.​

Tanika Gray Valburn, founder of the White Dress Project, and board-certified OB-GYN ​Dr. Veronica Gillespie-Bell join host Dr. Charis Chambers for a forthright and honest conversation about uterine fibroids in Black women and the disparities in medical care that they face.​

Social worker and endometriosis patient advocate Casey Berna joins host Dr. Charis Chambers to discuss how women with period health issues often cope with their symptoms rather than seeking help, and how you can break the coping cycle.​

Anita Diamant—journalist and author of 12 books including The Red Tent and Period. End Of Sentence—and Rebecca Dimyan—author of Chronic, a novel about her experience with endometriosis—join host Dr. Charis Chambers for a candid and emotional conversation about period stigma, its negative effects, and what you can do to challenge and/or overcome it.​

Tales from the Uterus is a podcast series exploring the stigma associated with women’s health issues. Forthright, emotional, and sometimes gritty, this series explores issues of stigmatized conversations, normalized pain and heavy bleeding, and the stories of women standing up and seeking help. This podcast is a must for all women, menstruators, and those who care for them. Moderated by leading women’s health expert Dr. Charis Chambers, this series provides real stories and offers a fresh perspective on the reasons we still can’t talk about uterine health openly. This podcast is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.

It’s time to talk about menopause in the workplace. In this final episode of the season, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin welcomes guests Barbara Brooks (founder of SecondActWomen) and Dr. Nikki Shaffer (Head of Colleague Wellness at Pfizer) for an in-depth discussion on the topic of menopause in the workplace. The ladies bring their expertise and life experience to reflect on common challenges and opportunities that women may face in their careers. The conversation touches on: navigating age stigma and burnout, managing menopause symptoms during the workday, shifting priorities, changing careers, and more.Disclaimer: menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Useful Links:Listen now! All episodes of this season available:Deanna on going through a divorce, becoming a health coach, and reclaiming her sex life after menopauseSateria on living with uterine fibroids, managing anxiety during menopause, navigating the healthcare system as a Black woman, and her role as a notable patient advocateGina on receiving a cancer diagnosis, managing menopause in the workplace, and adopting a “say yes” attitude in midlifeDeborah on determined hope, despite her struggles with endometriosis, surgically induced menopause, infertility, and migraines

Deborah’s story is one of determined hope and her commitment to carving her own path through life is inspiring. Deborah discusses her complex medical history, and her battles with endometriosis, surgically induced menopause, and migraine. She captures the emotional pain of struggling to conceive and accepting life without having kids. Despite these challenges, Deborah chose to listen to her body, find self-acceptance, and overcome adversity. With unexpected optimism and a charming Scottish accent, Deborah brings a unique voice to the podcast in this episode. Content warning: this episode touches on issues around fertility and suicidal ideation.  Disclaimer: menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Useful Links:If you are in need of immediate support, you can call, text, or chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (available free of charge in the United States 24/7)Listen to menopause: unmuted episode on sex & intimacy: An Intimate Menopause w/ Dr. Laurie MintzAdditional information on topics discussed during this episode:Understanding and Evaluating Infertility and Mental Health and Infertility (Source: Society of Women’s Health Research)Endometriosis (Source: Mayo Clinic)Menopause and Mental Health (Source: Let’s Talk Menopause)Mental Health America

In this episode, Gina shares the challenges and opportunities that she faced in midlife. While going through her menopause transition, Gina was met with a cancer diagnosis, and a move across the country. Gina also goes into detail about working in a competitive environment, and how she navigated menopause symptoms and feeling “not cool” in her workplace amongst younger colleagues. She describes her new perspective on life: “And my husband and I adopted this ‘say yes’ attitude to things, we say yes to as many things as we possibly can. If we have the time, we'll find the money, if we have the money, we find the time.” menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.

In this episode, Sateria paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to live with uterine fibroids. She brings a unique perspective to the conversation around menopause, getting real and vulnerable about her decades-long struggle with fibroids, navigating the healthcare system as a Black woman, and becoming an advocate for women across the globe. Sateria shares aspects of her journey that many women may relate to including managing anxiety, experiencing weight gain, and moving back home to care for an elderly loved one. As the founder of the Fibroid Foundation, a global community of fibroid patients, Sateria discusses the power of patient advocates, in addition to how she maintains a healthy work-life balance. Sateria’s story helps empower women to be their own advocate in their health journeys, “there is a lot that a patient can contribute to understanding of a health concern because they've lived it.”  About Sateria and the Fibroid FoundationSateria is a patient advocate who was diagnosed with fibroids at the age of 26. After receiving the recommendation of a hysterectomy in her 20s, she was prompted to explore other options to manage her fibroid diagnosis. She began a quest for information, which led her to found The Fibroid Foundation. As The Fibroid Foundation, Founder and CEO, Sateria has supported over 26M women globally across 71 countries, providing better care and education around women’s health. The organization’s mission is to amplify the voice of women living with fibroids, through innovative programs, strategic initiatives, and powerful partnerships. Disclaimer: menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.  Useful Links:Listen to our bonus episode on brain health and stress: A Calm Menopause w/Dr. Pauline MakiMore information on uterine fibroids at the Fibroid Foundation

In this episode, Deanna talks candidly about relationships, sex and becoming a health coach in midlife. She discusses the realities of going through a divorce while experiencing menopause symptoms, with sleep issues particularly adding stress to this transitional period of her life. Deanna also describes the impact that lowered libido can have on marriage, and shares ways that she has helped to improve intimacy with her partner over the years. Health and fitness also play a key role in Deanna’s menopause journey, eventually leading to a career in health coaching and blogging. This episode touches on several topics that many women may relate to, and Deanna’s honesty and energetic attitude is contagious. About Deanna PizitzDeanna is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and life coach, and creator of the Well and Worthy Life blog, which focuses on helping readers build self-inspiration, self-care, and self-love. She is particularly passionate about supporting women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond to regain their energy, improve their fitness, and find purpose. Deanna is a firm believer that “everyone can live a well and worthy life based on the notion that what someone does today and the choices they make today affect their tomorrows.” Disclaimer: menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Useful Links:Listen to our bonus episode on sex & intimacy: An Intimate Menopause w/ Dr. Laurie MintzCheck out Deanna’s InstagramVisit Deanna’s blog Well & Worthy Life

Another season of menopause: unmuted is coming to you soon. And it’s no coincidence we’re sharing this announcement today, which is World Menopause Day.Get caught up now on past seasons of the podcast, and make sure to subscribe or follow the show to keep updated when new episodes drop.Thank you to our menopause: unmuted community for tuning in to the last three seasons of the podcast. Until next time, keep talking.

Bonus Episode: A Calm Menopause with Dr. Pauline MakiDr. Pauline Maki, Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, joins this season’s final bonus episode with host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin to talk about managing the emotional symptoms related to menopause, how to reduce stress and help have a “calm” menopause. The experts unpack how estrogen can affect brain function and mood. The conversation covers how common menopausal symptoms and experiences, including brain fog, stress, hot flashes and disturbed sleep, are related to overall mental health. Dr. Maki and Dr. Minkin also discuss disparities in women’s health and how socioeconomic status and race can affect women’s brain health in midlife. Methods to help reduce stress are detailed to give listeners actionable ways to improve their mental health.About Dr. Pauline Maki:Dr. Pauline Maki is Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Obstetrics & Gynecology and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Dr. Maki received her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and postdoctoral training at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the National Institute on Aging. For the past 25 years, she has led a program of NIH-funded research on women, cognition, mood and dementia, with a particular focus on the menopause. Dr. Maki is Past President of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), Current Trustee of the International Menopause Society, Chair of the Society for Women's Health Research Interdisciplinary Network on Alzheimer's Disease, and Immediate Past Head of the Neurocognitive Working Group of the Women's Interagency HIV Study. She won the 2018 Woman in Science Award from the American Medical Women's Association and the Thomas B. Clarkson Outstanding Clinical and Basic Science Research Award from the NAMS (Healthywomen.org).menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.

Sex psychologist Dr. Laurie Mintz joins the series host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin to discuss the joys and challenges of maintaining a healthy sex life during menopause. Dr. Mintz helps address some common questions and misconceptions around sex and menopause, talking about desire, comfort, and communication. This episode explores how women can work to reframe what sex and intimacy mean to them in midlife. Dr. Mintz believes sexual health and wellness are integral components of self-care and overall health and she provides practical information  that may help women enjoy sex during midlife. About Dr. Laurie Mintz:Dr. Laurie Mintz is an author, therapist, professor, and speaker whose life’s work has been committed to helping people live more authentic, meaningful, joyful—and sexually satisfying—lives through the art and science of psychology. Dr. Mintz has published over 50 research articles in academic journals and six chapters in academic books. She has received numerous professional and teaching awards. She is the author of two popular press books—both written with the aim of empowering women sexually: Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters and How to Get It (HarperOne, 2017) and A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex: Reclaim Your Desire and Reignite Your Relationship (Adams Media, 2009). For over 30 years, Dr. Mintz has also maintained a small private practice, working with both individuals and couples on general and sexual issues.menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Useful Links:Dr. Mintz’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauriemintz/Dr. Mintz’s Website: https://www.drlauriemintz.com/

In this bonus episode, host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin sits down with online strength coach Susan Niebergall to talk about fitness, particularly strength training, and how it helps support women in midlife. Susan explains ways in which strength and resistance training can help improve muscle mass and bone density and why this is particularly important for women during perimenopause and menopause. She highlights her holistic approach to fitness, “our priority should be leading a functional life for as long as we can” and shares practical guidance for women to begin implementing strength training into their fitness routine, including while at-home. Dr. Minkin and Susan also chat about their own personal fitness journeys and finding confidence in the gym in midlife.About Susan Niebergall:Susan is a personal trainer and online strength coach with a background of over three decades in education. She shares practical guidance, tips, and demonstrations on fitness and weight training to her sizable online audience (@susanniebergallfitness) and also offers personalized coaching plans. She is also the author of Fit At Any Age: It’s Never Too Late and hosts her own podcast, Strong and Lean at Any Age. At 62 years of age, Susan is passionate about inspiring other women in midlife to get fit, often promoting her motto: “it’s never too late.”menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Useful Links:Susan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanniebergallfitness/Susan’s Website: https://susanniebergallfitness.com/

In the first of our new bonus episodes, host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin is joined by Registered Dietitian and Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Jenn Salib Huber to discuss diet and nutrition during the menopausal transition. Jenn shares her extensive knowledge of how diet interacts with body weight and shape, and bone and cardiovascular health. The conversation also explores the deeply complex relationship between food and women’s bodies, and how women can help heal this relationship during midlife. Jenn tells us, “We need to shift our frame of reference and move away from the idea that we should only have one body shape and size for the rest of our life.” Jenn also shares her love for food and packing her recipes with healthful ingredients that feed the soul, such as her favorite autumn go-to dinner, Tortilla Soup: Jenn’s Tortilla Soup Recipe: Ingredients:1 Tbsp of olive oil1 medium onion, diced2 cloves of garlic, diced1 red pepper, diced1 can of black beans1 can of kidney beans1 cup of corn kernels (canned or frozen)2-3 chicken breasts4 cups of chicken broth1 can of diced tomatoes 1.5 Tbsp of taco seasoning (1 sachet)½ tsp of smoked paprika (optional) Toppings: tortilla chips, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, jalapenos, green onion, etc. Directions:Add olive oil to pan and sauté onions, garlic and red pepper until soft. Add chicken breasts, broth, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans and corn to pan. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is cooked. Shred chicken breasts with 2 forks, remove from heat and serve with toppings! Notes: This is a perfect soup to throw in a slow cooker on a busy day! It also freezes well, so make more and save for a busy week! If using a slow cooker, cook for 4 hours on high. About Dr. Jenn Salib Huber:Jenn is a Canadian Registered Dietitian and Naturopathic Doctor with a mission to help women thrive in midlife. With over 20 years of experience in the field of health and nutrition, she educates and inspires women to be informed about food choices, harness the practice of intuitive eating, and regain confidence throughout the menopausal transition. Jenn arms her audience with information through her platform on Instagram (@menopause.nutritionist) and her podcast (The Midlife Feast). Disclaimer:menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Useful Links:Jenn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopause.nutritionist/Jenn’s Website: https://www.jennsalibhuber.ca/