This Is Perimenopause: Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

Each episode will share life stories and expert insight into women's perimenopause and menopause journey in midlife, where suffering is optional Menopause isn't the end, it's just the beginning. Hosts Michelle and Mikelle are on a mission to help others be better informed than they were when they started their perimenopause journeys. The podcast is a blend of health, education, mindset, and personal growth. Michelle and Mikelle, along with their guests, are sharing real-life stories and expert advice to help you navigate perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

  1. 4d ago

    Lichen Sclerosus with Dr. Amanda Selk: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    This episode will change how you think about that itch you've been ignoring down there. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Amanda Selk, gynecologist and one of the leading voices in vulvar skin conditions, as she breaks down lichen sclerosus. It’s a common but wildly under-recognized chronic skin condition that can permanently change your anatomy if it goes untreated. In this episode: What is lichen sclerosus?Symptoms to watch forWhy your doctor probably isn't checking for this, even during a Pap smearThe permanent anatomical changes that can happen if it's left untreated How lichen sclerosus is diagnosed and treatedThe genetic and hormonal factors at play, including why perimenopause and postpartum estrogen drops can trigger symptomsHow to become "a looker" with Dr. Selk's simple monthly self-exam habit to catch problems earlyConnect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseSubscribe to our SubstackBecome a TIP InsiderEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Follow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook Dr. Amanda SelkDr. Amanda Selk is one of Canada’s leading experts in vulvar skin disorders and HPV-related disease. As a gynecologist, educator, and advocate, she is dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of conditions that can have a profound impact on women’s health and quality of life. Through her clinical practice, research, and teaching, Dr. Selk cares for women with complex vulvar conditions, including lichen sclerosus, and works to advance awareness of HPV prevention, screening, and management. She is passionate about closing knowledge gaps for both patients and healthcare providers, ensuring women receive timely diagnoses, evidence-based care, and the support they need to navigate often misunderstood conditions. A sought-after speaker and educator, Dr. Selk is committed to breaking down stigma and creating more open conversations about women’s health. Through her social media platform, @drselkdownthere, she shares evidence-based information on vulvar health, HPV, menopause, sexual health, and gynecologic care, helping women access trustworthy health information where they are already seeking it. Bottom line: Dr. Selk is passionate about helping women feel informed, supported, and confident in their healthcare while driving meaningful change in vulvar health and HPV care. Links for this episode Dr. Amanda Selk on InstagramDr. Amanda Selk Podcast - The Vulva Diaries Lichen Sclerosus Guide (patient information) Lichen Sclerosus: ISSVD Practical Guide to Diagnosis and Management

    Lichen Sclerosus with Dr. Amanda Selk: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
  2. Sep 2

    Liv Lighter with Gina Livy: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    We know Gina Livy as the weight loss expert. So when she told her community she was writing a book, we assumed we knew exactly what it would be about. We were wrong. Liv Lighter: The Art of Living Well in Your Body, Home, and Mind is out September 8, co-written with home designer Lynne Knowlton and travel planner Norma Thiessen. It's a book about the weight women actually carry. The guilt. The permission we're still waiting for. The house we keep clean for people who aren't even coming over. In this episode: Why weight loss is so much more than the numbers on the scaleHow your home is a wellness partnerWhy travel is about perspective, not sightseeingWhy sleep and stress are the actual midlife leversWhy Gina's back at the National Menopause Show in Toronto this October, and what she's moderating on the main stage This conversation went places we didn't plan for, and we're keeping all of it. Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseSubscribe to our SubstackEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Follow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook Gina Livy BioGina Livy is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, podcast host, and founder of The Livy Method, one of North America’s largest weight loss and wellness communities. A two-time recipient of WXN’s Canada’s Most Powerful Women award, Gina has spent more than 30 years helping hundreds of thousands of women create lasting change through a practical, lifestyle-first approach to health and wellness. Her newest book, Liv Lighter , expands that conversation beyond weight loss, exploring what it means to live well in your body, your home, your relationships, and your everyday life. Links for this episode Liv Lighter: The Art of Living Well in Your Body, Home, and Mind Get 30% off at Indigo when you pre-order before September 7.The Livy Method - $10 Off Program Code To access your $10 off discount, head to the website, click Get Started and choose either the Fall Program or Monthly Membership. Enter code PERPODF26 at checkout and click Apply.Follow Gina on InstagramFollow Gina on FacebookFollow Gina on YouTube

    Liv Lighter with Gina Livy: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
  3. Aug 19

    (BEST OF) Eating Disorders in Perimenopause with Kyla Fox (pt 2) - Menopause Journey and Midlife Where Suffering is Optional

    In the second part of this incredible episode with Master’s level clinician and eating disorder specialist, we dive even deeper into how disordered eating shows up in ways we never expected – especially during the hormonal chaos of midlife. In this episode, you'll discover: Why "clean eating" (clinically called orthorexia) is becoming increasingly problematicThe deeper psychological roots beneath our food and body strugglesHow to model healthy eating behaviors for your children without passing on your own issuesThat freedom from these patterns is absolutely possible, no matter how long you've been stuck We live in a culture that normalizes disordered eating. Luckily Kyla is here to show us what true food freedom actually looks like. Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Sign up for our weekly newsletterFollow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook Kyla Fox BioKyla Fox has established herself as a visionary and innovator, when it comes to re-framing the way Canadians think about and treat eating disorders. As someone who struggled herself with an eating disorder, Fox identified care gaps and fundamental flaws in the treatment and recovery approach. Kyla is a Master’s level clinician with degrees from both the University of Toronto in the Master’s of Social Work program as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women’s Studies. Kyla is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is also a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders and the National Eating Disorders Association. With such deep and varied experience in the field, Kyla is regularly called on by Canada’s top media outlets as a special commentator on a broad list of topics, including eating disorders, self-esteem, women’s health, body image, pregnancy and body confidence and more. For more information please visit www.kylafoxcentre.com. Links for this episode Instagram: @KylaFoxRecovery Facebook: @KylaFoxCentre Twitter: @KylaFoxCentre The Centre

    (BEST OF) Eating Disorders in Perimenopause with Kyla Fox (pt 2) - Menopause Journey and Midlife Where Suffering is Optional
  4. Aug 12

    Stefan Underwood on The Value Proposition of Sleep Part 2: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Okay, so you're convinced. Sleep matters. Now what? In Part 2 of our conversation with Stefan Underwood, SVP of Methodology at Exos, we get into the practical stuff — the things you can actually do to protect and improve your sleep, even when perimenopause is working against you. No overwhelm, no 17-step overhaul. Just a clear framework and a few things worth trying. Because as Stefan puts it: perfect is the enemy of better. And better is absolutely worth fighting for. In this episode: The three-chapter framework for improving your sleep: foundational biology, environment, and disruptorsWhy morning and evening light exposure is one of the most powerful (and free) things you can do for your sleepThe truth about temperature and why cool isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.How to think about your sleep environment beyond cool, dark, and quiet The real cost of that one glass of wine Why heavy resistance training and sleep have a bi-directional relationship and what adenosine has to do with itThe emerging research on heat acclimation - hot tubs, dry saunas, and why training your body to handle heat might help reduce hot flashes and improve sleep Plus: the one thing Stefan wants every woman to know about sleep. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, start there. It'll change the way you think about why sleep matters in the first place. This is part of our Endy Reclaim Your Rest Sleep Series - helping you wake up rested, focused, and ready to take on whatever the day brings.  Endy is Canada’s leading online mattress brand, trusted by over 1 million sleepers. Endy’s mattresses are designed to keep you cool and supported all night long, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day. With three comfort options—plush, medium-firm, and firm—you can find the perfect fit for your body and sleep style. And the best part? Endy delivers straight to your door, so upgrading your sleep is simpler than ever. Use Code THISISPERIMENOPAUSE100 at endy.com for $100 off your new mattress.Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseSubscribe to our SubstackBecome a TIP InsiderEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Follow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook Stefan Underwood BioOver the past two decades, Stefan has supported the performance goals of pro athletes, elite military operators, and leaders within many Fortune 100 organizations. His passion lies in unlocking potential within individuals, teams, and organizations to help them not only perform at their best but to do so sustainably. Stefan is currently the Senior Vice President of methodology at Exos, an evidence-based coaching company that supports the pursuit of peak performance in the moments that matter most in sport, work, and life. He leads a diverse transdisciplinary team of subject matter experts spanning the fields of neuroscience, psychology, sports science, nutrition, coaching, and data analytics. Together, they seek to develop whole-human solutions for the puzzles found within human performance. Building on his roots in exercise science, Stefan has also completed a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.  Links for this episode Exos on Instagram teamexos.comBreath: The New Science of a Lost Art Babelio White Noise Sound Machine Blackout Sleep Mask

    Stefan Underwood on The Value Proposition of Sleep Part 2: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
  5. Aug 5

    Stefan Underwood on The Value Proposition of Sleep Part 1: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Tired of being told sleep is good for you? Yeah, us too. We already know. The real question is: why aren't we protecting it? In this episode, we sit down with Stefan Underwood, Senior Vice President of Methodology at Exos, a human performance company that has worked with elite athletes, Special Operations Forces, and Fortune 500 leaders.  Today Stefan is going to completely reframe the way you think about sleep. Not with guilt. Not with generic advice. But with a compelling, personal reason to finally fight for it. Because sleep isn't just rest. It impacts every single cell and system in your body. And in perimenopause, when your hormones are already working against you, what's happening (or not happening) while you sleep matters more than ever.  In this episode: How to find your personal "value proposition" for sleepWhat REM sleep does for your emotional regulation Why the woman who's showing up to the gym three days a week and not seeing results may be missing this one critical pieceWhy perimenopause is the exact wrong time to sacrifice sleep and what's really at stake when you doThe "mom tax" and why the invisible mental load women carry makes sleep deprivation even more costlyThis is Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Stefan. Consider this your wake-up call. This is part of our Endy Reclaim Your Rest Sleep Series - helping you wake up rested, focused, and ready to take on whatever the day brings.  Endy is Canada’s leading online mattress brand, trusted by over 1 million sleepers. Endy’s mattresses are designed to keep you cool and supported all night long, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day. With three comfort options—plush, medium-firm, and firm—you can find the perfect fit for your body and sleep style. And the best part? Endy delivers straight to your door, so upgrading your sleep is simpler than ever. Use Code THISISPERIMENOPAUSE100 at endy.com for $100 off your new mattress.Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseSubscribe to our SubstackBecome a TIP InsiderEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Follow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook Stefan Underwood BioOver the past two decades, Stefan has supported the performance goals of pro athletes, elite military operators, and leaders within many Fortune 100 organizations. His passion lies in unlocking potential within individuals, teams, and organizations to help them not only perform at their best but to do so sustainably. Stefan is currently the Senior Vice President of methodology at Exos, an evidence-based coaching company that supports the pursuit of peak performance in the moments that matter most in sport, work, and life. He leads a diverse transdisciplinary team of subject matter experts spanning the fields of neuroscience, psychology, sports science, nutrition, coaching, and data analytics. Together, they seek to develop whole-human solutions for the puzzles found within human performance. Building on his roots in exercise science, Stefan has also completed a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.  Links for this episode Exos on Instagram teamexos.comBreath: The New Science of a Lost Art Babelio White Noise Sound Machine Blackout Sleep Mask

    Stefan Underwood on The Value Proposition of Sleep Part 1: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
  6. Jul 22

    (BEST OF) Eating Disorders in Perimenopause with Kyla Fox (pt 1) Women’s Menopause Journey in Midlife Where Suffering is Optional

    Think eating disorders only affect teenagers? Think again. What if we told you that the food rules, exercise obsessions, and body struggles you're experiencing during perimenopause might actually be disordered eating in disguise? Meet Kyla Fox, a Master's level clinician and eating disorder specialist who's spent 20 years revolutionizing treatment approaches. After her own struggle with an eating disorder, Kyla identified critical gaps in traditional recovery methods and founded an innovative treatment center that's helping thousands of women break free from patterns they didn't even realize they had. From the woman who exercises for hours after eating to the one sneaking food when her partner's away (Michelle, I see you!), Kyla reveals how disordered eating shows up in ways we never expected – especially during the hormonal chaos of midlife. In this episode, you'll discover: The difference between eating disorders and disordered eating Why perimenopause often triggers or amplifies disordered eating patternsThe three core symptoms of disordered eating: binge, purge, and restrictWhy exercise is actually the most common form of purging behavior We live in a culture that normalizes disordered eating. Luckily, Kyla is here to show us what true food freedom actually looks like. Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Sign up for our weekly newsletterFollow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook Kyla Fox BioKyla Fox has established herself as a visionary and innovator, when it comes to re-framing the way Canadians think about and treat eating disorders. As someone who struggled herself with an eating disorder, Fox identified care gaps and fundamental flaws in the treatment and recovery approach. Kyla is a Master’s level clinician with degrees from both the University of Toronto in the Master’s of Social Work program as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women’s Studies. Kyla is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is also a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders and the National Eating Disorders Association. With such deep and varied experience in the field, Kyla is regularly called on by Canada’s top media outlets as a special commentator on a broad list of topics, including eating disorders, self-esteem, women’s health, body image, pregnancy and body confidence and more. For more information please visit www.kylafoxcentre.com. Links for this episode Instagram: @KylaFoxRecovery Facebook: @KylaFoxCentre Twitter: @KylaFoxCentre The Centre

    (BEST OF) Eating Disorders in Perimenopause with Kyla Fox (pt 1) Women’s Menopause Journey in Midlife Where Suffering is Optional
  7. Jul 8

    Sleep Divorce in Perimenopause with Dr. Kimberly Moffit: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Snoring, scrolling at 2am, hogging the blankets. These feel like small annoyances, but they might be quietly shaping your relationship in unexpected ways. In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Moffit, founder of KMA Therapy and relationship expert, and she breaks down why sleep is one of the most underrated factors in relationship health.  In This Episode  Why a sleep-deprived you isn't really you — and isn't a fair partnerThe real reason sleep divorce carries so much stigmaWhy the problem isn't sleeping apart, it's never having the conversationKimberly's red flag for when a couple stops collaboratingWhy grace, not guilt, is the right response to a partner who isn't sleeping This is part of our Endy Reclaim Your Rest Sleep Series - helping you wake up rested, focused, and ready to take on whatever the day brings.  Endy is Canada’s leading online mattress brand, trusted by over 1 million sleepers. Endy’s mattresses are designed to keep you cool and supported all night long, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day. With three comfort options—plush, medium-firm, and firm—you can find the perfect fit for your body and sleep style. And the best part? Endy delivers straight to your door, so upgrading your sleep is simpler than ever. Use Code THISISPERIMENOPAUSE100 at endy.com for $100 off your new mattress. Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseSubscribe to our SubstackEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Follow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook Kimberly Moffit BioDr. Kimberly Moffit is a viral relationship expert who has studied the ins and outs of romance and has the answers to love’s toughest questions. With over 3M followers in total on social media and over 300,000,000 views on Youtube and Tiktok, her relationship advice is garnered from the latest research, which she brings to life in the form of fun and relatable tips. Kimberly achieved her Doctoral degree in Psychology from Middlesex University in 2015 and has appeared as a relationship expert on Fox & Friends, Good Day Chicago, and has been regularly featured in the New York Times. Links for this episode Follow Kimberly Moffit on InstagramLearn more about KMA Therapy

    Sleep Divorce in Perimenopause with Dr. Kimberly Moffit: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
  8. Jun 24

    Vulvar and Vaginal Health 101 with Dr. Dolores Fernandez, ND: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Burning, itching, or something's just not right down there, but your doctor keeps telling you everything looks normal? Today, Dr. Dolores Fernandez, ND is back on the podcast, and she is not leaving any stone unturned. She’s a naturopathic doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and founder of IRIS, a clean science-backed vulva care brand. Dr. Dolores, ND specializes in vulvar and vaginal conditions, including the tricky ones most doctors aren't even looking for. If it's happening down there and no one can figure out why, chances are she’s seen it. And treated it. In this episode: GSM (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause)Vulvodynia and chronic vulvar painLichen sclerosisVulvar psoriasis and eczemaRecurring yeast infectionsBacterial vaginosis (BV)Recurring UTIsPlus: How your diet and gut health are connected to your vaginal health How to advocate for yourself when the healthcare system keeps sending you home without answers If something feels off, trust that. This episode will give you the language, the knowledge, and the confidence to push for the care you deserve. Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseSubscribe to our SubstackEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Follow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook Dr. Dolores Fernandez is a Naturopathic Doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and the founder of IRIS, a science-backed self-care brand dedicated to creating clean products that support vulvovaginal health and ending the stigma around vulvovaginal care. She's here to remind us that vulvar skin deserves just as much attention as any other part of our body because, honestly, 'skin is skin.' Dolores brings warmth, scientific research, and a lot of passion to her work both in the clinic with her patients and when working with IRIS, always striving to make these important conversations more open and accessible. IRIS is a Canadian, science-led skincare brand focused on vulvovaginal health. Founded by Dr. Dolores Fernandez, ND, IRIS was created to offer clean, effective, and pH-aligned support for peri/menopausal skin, while helping to end the stigma around conversations on dryness, discomfort, and intimacy. Their two core products, a Vaginal Moisturizer for ongoing hydration and a Personal Lubricant to reduce friction. Both are thoughtfully formulated with sensitive tissue in mind. Rooted in education and inclusivity, IRIS believes that skin is skin (no matter where it is on your body!) and everyone deserves access to safe, well-formulated care. Links for this episode lovemyiris.com ISSWSH Find a Provider

    Vulvar and Vaginal Health 101 with Dr. Dolores Fernandez, ND: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
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About

Each episode will share life stories and expert insight into women's perimenopause and menopause journey in midlife, where suffering is optional Menopause isn't the end, it's just the beginning. Hosts Michelle and Mikelle are on a mission to help others be better informed than they were when they started their perimenopause journeys. The podcast is a blend of health, education, mindset, and personal growth. Michelle and Mikelle, along with their guests, are sharing real-life stories and expert advice to help you navigate perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

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