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

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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. Men and Perimenopause with John McCalla: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    DEC 10

    Men and Perimenopause with John McCalla: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    When was the last time a man asked you about your perimenopause journey? If you're like most women, the answer is probably never. But what if that could change? Meet John McCalla, CTO and co-founder of Coral – and yes, he's the first man to appear on the This Is Perimenopause podcast. As one of the only males on a team revolutionizing women's midlife health, John brings a refreshingly honest perspective on how little men know about perimenopause and what needs to change. When John learned about the perimenopause crisis – women suffering in silence without access to simple, effective solutions – he knew he had to act. Now he’s part of the Coral team creating personalized care that integrates hormone therapy with lifestyle medicine and coaching. This conversation proves that when men educate themselves and show up as true allies, everything changes. Whether you're struggling to talk to your partner about what you're experiencing, or you're a man who wants to help but has no idea how, this episode is for you. This podcast is brought to you by Coral, a virtual clinic designed for women in midlife. They provide personalized, evidence-based care that supports every woman’s unique journey—whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or the years beyond. Use code TIP5 for 5% off at coral.ca. 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 John McCalla, Co-Founder and CTO, Coral John McCalla is a seasoned technology leader with over 25 years of experience building and leading software development teams. Throughout his career, he's worn many hats – entrepreneur, software developer, technical team leader, consultant, product manager, CTO, and VP of R&D – but what drives him isn't the title, it's making an impact. John is passionate about building things (both software and the occasional weekend hardware project) and believes that real success comes from surrounding yourself with talented, focused, hard-working people. He's led teams across myriad environments and has learned that getting there "in style" matters just as much as the commercial and technical wins. Perfectly bilingual, John has frequently led francophone teams and brings a unique perspective to technology leadership in Quebec. Links for this episode coral.ca https://www.instagram.com/coraltothrive/

    36 min
  2. Sexual Health and Intimacy in Perimenopause with Jeanne Lefebvre: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    NOV 26

    Sexual Health and Intimacy in Perimenopause with Jeanne Lefebvre: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    From declining libido to painful sex, many women struggle silently with menopause-related sexual issues. They may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or simply unsure where to turn for help. In this episode, Nurse Clinician Jeanne Lefebvre, a specialist in women's sexual health at Coral, sheds light on the myriad factors - both physical and psychological - that can affect midlife sexual health. More importantly, she offers hope and practical guidance for women who want to reclaim their sexuality and intimacy during this transformative time. With warmth, wisdom and a generous dose of humor, Jeanne reminds us that we all deserve a satisfying and pleasurable sex life - at any age. By advocating for our needs, exploring new forms of intimacy, and enlisting the right support, we can emerge with a deeper connection to ourselves and our sexuality. In This Episode  The ways menopause can impact sexual functionThe role of estrogen, testosterone & sexual healthHow vaginal estrogen & DHEA can be game-changers for genital symptomsWhy vaginal atrophy shouldn't be ignored and how to treat itFinding the right products & routines for optimal vulvar vaginal healthWhen and how to seek help from healthcare professionalsThe importance of prioritizing sexual pleasure as a form of self-care This podcast is brought to you by Coral, a virtual clinic designed for women in midlife. They provide personalized, evidence-based care that supports every woman’s unique journey—whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or the years beyond. Use code TIP5 for 5% off at coral.ca. 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 Jeanne Lefebvre (RN), Nurse Clinician, Coral Jeanne is a registered nurse with a deep passion for women’s health and sexual wellbeing. She holds a bachelor degree in Nursing with a certification in Sexual Health. Before joining the Coral team, she has built a diverse career spanning from obstetrics and pharmacy-based primary care to teaching, and private practice, always focusing on women's health. At Coral, Jeanne is dedicated to providing care that recognizes each woman’s unique story. Her holistic approach weaves together the physical, emotional, and relational aspects of health, creating a supportive space where women feel seen, understood, and empowered. Beyond her clinical work, Jeanne shares her expertise through workshops and conferences, raising awareness and education around women’s health and sexual wellbeing. Links for this episode coral.ca https://www.instagram.com/coraltothrive/

    35 min
  3. Simple, Sustainable Nutrition for Perimenopause with Christie Chapman | Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

    NOV 12

    Simple, Sustainable Nutrition for Perimenopause with Christie Chapman | Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

    Social media is flooded with nutrition advice that changes faster than your perimenopause symptoms. Every influencer has a different magic bullet - from eliminating entire food groups to expensive supplements that promise to "balance your hormones." The noise is overwhelming, especially when you're already struggling with brain fog, weight gain, and exhaustion, only to be told the answer is just eating more protein and moving your body more. Meet Christie Chapman, a menopause wellness coach who experienced early menopause at 38 and turned her crisis into her calling. Christie believes in keeping nutrition simple with her "30-30-30" approach and has helped hundreds of women feel strong and vital again without restrictive diets or expensive supplements. In this refreshingly practical conversation, Christie shares some simple tips you need to learn how to fuel this new perimenopausal version of yourself. In This Episode  Why menopause is an inflammatory state - and what that means for your approach to food Christie’s "30-30-30" framework that takes the guesswork out of nutritionWhy carbs aren't the enemy (and which ones actually help you sleep better) Practical meal prep strategies that don't require hours in the kitchen How to build sustainable habits to support yourself in perimenopause Christie reminds us that while perimenopause can feel overwhelming, it's actually your body's wake-up call to make some important changes. And here's the revolutionary part: it's simple, but not necessarily easy - and that's exactly why it works. You're going to live a long time, and you deserve to feel strong and vital for all of it. This podcast is brought to you by Coral, a virtual clinic designed for women in midlife. They provide personalized, evidence-based care that supports every woman’s unique journey—whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or the years beyond. Use code TIP5 for 5% off at coral.ca. 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 Christie Chapman BioChristie Chapman is a Certified Women's Wellness Coach, Certified Yoga Instructor, food blogger, and menopause enthusiast who has guided hundreds of women through the transformative journey of perimenopause and menopause. With her unique blend of nutritional expertise, movement wisdom, and deep understanding of midlife transitions, Christie helps women reclaim their bodies, navigate their emotions, and rediscover their vision for this powerful life stage.  Amazing Recipes and Links for this episode Crunchy Granola ClustersSheet Pan Sausage Gnocchi with Crispy KaleAutumn Harvest Chicken and Veggie BowlChristie Chapman on Instagram

    39 min
  4. Testosterone in Perimenopause with Dr. Ariane Ouellet-Decoste and Fiona Lake Waslander: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    OCT 28

    Testosterone in Perimenopause with Dr. Ariane Ouellet-Decoste and Fiona Lake Waslander: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    When it comes to topics fueling debates in the menopause world right now, testosterone is the ultimate lightning rod. In this episode, we dive deep into the often misunderstood world of testosterone for women with Coral's Medical Director, Dr. Ariane Ouellet-Decoste and Coral Co-Founder and CEO, Fiona Lake Waslander. With so much conflicting advice out there, it's hard to know who to trust. How do you weigh the potential risks and benefits of treatments, lifestyle changes, or even the option to do nothing at all? This conversation with Dr. Ariane and Fiona is a brilliant example of what it looks like to understand the facts and embrace the nuance when it comes to navigating the menopausal transition. They provide a much-needed masterclass on the science behind testosterone therapy, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health. In This Episode: The role of testosterone throughout a woman's lifespanPotential benefits & risks of testosterone therapyImportance of individualized dosing & monitoringWhat the research really says about testosterone for libido & beyondWhy expert guidance is non-negotiable for women using testosterone.Testosterone 101: From gels to creams & everything in betweenAcne, hair growth & other side effects to watch forOptimizing your hormonal health through lifestyle shiftsCoral's integrative approach to perimenopausal careWhy ongoing follow-up is non-negotiable If you're curious about whether testosterone could be right for you, this episode is a must-listen.  This podcast is brought to you by Coral, a virtual clinic designed for women in midlife. They provide personalized, evidence-based care that supports every woman’s unique journey—whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or the years beyond. Use code TIP5 for 5% off at coral.ca. 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 Fiona Lake Waslander, CEO + Cofounder, Coral Fiona Lake Waslander is a three-time founder and seasoned tech leader with over 20 years of experience building and scaling customer-centric products across North America. She co-founded Coral to address a major gap in women’s healthcare—accessible, evidence-based menopause care for women in Canada. As CEO, Fiona leads Coral’s mission to ensure it delivers the best health outcomes and evidence-based support for women in midlife. Under her leadership, Coral empowers women to take control of their health, and feel their best through the menopause transition and beyond. Fiona is a passionate advocate for women, recognizing that supporting hormonal health is essential to living with confidence at every stage of life. Dr. Ariane Ouellete-Decoste (MD), Medical Director, Coral Dr. Ariane Ouellet-Decoste is a Canadian-trained physician with nearly two decades of clinical experience spanning emergency care, preventative medicine, and women’s health. Her expertise bridges traditional medical practice and evidence-based innovative approaches, with a strong focus on menopause, cardiometabolic health, and lifestyle-driven care. After nearly 15 years practicing emergency medicine in Quebec and the UK, Dr. Ouellet-Decoste transitioned her focus to preventative and lifestyle medicine. She has since trained extensively in women’s health—including advanced courses from The Menopause Society, The British Menopause Society and The Canadian Menopause Society—and holds a postgraduate certificate in Nutrition Science from Stanford School of Medicine. Her approach is rooted in applying the latest medical and nutritional science to support women through midlife transitions, including perimenopause and menopause. Currently, Dr. Ouellet-Decoste serves as Medical Director at Coral, a virtual women’s health clinic specializing in menopause care. She is responsible for the medical quality and regulatory compliance of all clinical protocols, guiding Coral’s care team and clinical programs across Canada.  Links for this episode coral.cacoral on Instagram

    37 min
  5. Heart Health, Cholesterol, & Prevention in Perimenopause with Dr. Daiana Castleman | Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

    OCT 15

    Heart Health, Cholesterol, & Prevention in Perimenopause with Dr. Daiana Castleman | Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

    In this mind-blowing conversation, Dr. Daiana Castleman discusses the critical aspects of heart health for women navigating menopause. The discussion covers the importance of understanding cholesterol levels, the role of statins in managing heart health, and the unique cardiovascular risks women face. Dr. Castleman emphasizes the significance of prevention, regular testing, and lifestyle changes while also addressing the complexities surrounding hormone therapy and its impact on heart health. The conversation aims to empower women with knowledge and actionable insights to take charge of their cardiovascular health. In This Episode: Prevention is key for heart health in women.Understanding cholesterol levels is crucial for cardiovascular risk assessment.Statins can be a necessary tool for managing cholesterol.Menopause significantly impacts heart health and cholesterol levels.Regular testing for cholesterol and other markers is essential.Lifestyle changes can improve cholesterol but may not be enough for everyone.Women often face unique cardiovascular risks that need to be addressed.Hormone therapy has mixed evidence regarding its effectiveness for heart health.Shared decision-making with healthcare providers is vital for treatment plans.Ethnicity and pregnancy history can influence cardiovascular risk. This podcast is brought to you by Coral, a virtual clinic designed for women in midlife. They provide personalized, evidence-based care that supports every woman’s unique journey—whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or the years beyond. Use code TIP5 for 5% off at coral.ca. 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 Dr. Daiana Castleman BioDr. Castleman’s passion for menopause care was ignited by witnessing her mother and aunt navigate their own transitions. Their experiences became the driving force behind her commitment to improving care for women in this life stage. Dr. Castleman’s goal is to empower women with evidence-based knowledge to help them thrive for as long as possible, in the best health possible. By offering holistic, comprehensive care, she ensures that no aspect of your health is overlooked. In addition to her naturopathic medicine degree, Dr. Castleman obtained her MSCP designation from The Menopause Society (formerly known as The North American Menopause Society) in 2022. Dr. Castleman is passionate about pioneering a new movement – one where women aren’t bound by the health outcomes of their mothers or grandmothers. We can start now, and we can achieve better outcomes. Links for this episode daianacastleman.com Lume Women + Health Dr. Daiana Castleman on Instagram Framingham Risk Score

    53 min
  6. Making Space for Yourself in Perimenopause with Dr. Kristine Laderoute | Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

    OCT 1

    Making Space for Yourself in Perimenopause with Dr. Kristine Laderoute | Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

    Running on autopilot? Constantly giving to everyone else while neglecting your own needs? Feeling disconnected from yourself? Welcome to our world! And unfortunately, the place where so many of us live.  Until now. Meet Dr. Kristine Laderoute, a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience who's made it her mission to help women create space for themselves in their lives. Her approach goes beyond traditional therapy - she's a proponent of depth therapy and self-connection who believes that true healing happens when we learn to show up for ourselves. In this transformative conversation, Dr. Laderoute reveals why the self-care industry has it backwards and shares the simple but profound practices that can help you reconnect with yourself, even in the chaos of midlife. Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just vaguely discontent without knowing why, this episode offers practical tools and a fresh perspective on what it really means to show up and take care of yourself. In this episode, you'll discover: Why making space for yourself isn't selfish, rather it's essentialThe difference between being "selfish" and "appropriately self-focused" How to break free from autopilot self-sacrificing behavior The power of self-compassionate language (and why you should start sentences with "of course")How to set boundaries that respect both yourself and others Why disconnection from yourself leads to that mysterious midlife discontent The connection between stockpiled emotions and physical health symptoms How to show up for yourself like you would for your best friend Dr. Laderoute reminds us that you don't need a spa day or expensive retreat to make space for yourself - you need just 30 seconds, a few conscious breaths, and the revolutionary act of turning your attention inward. Now is the time to show up for yourself. This podcast is brought to you by Coral, a virtual clinic designed for women in midlife. They provide personalized, evidence-based care that supports every woman’s unique journey—whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or the years beyond. Use code TIP5 for 5% off at coral.ca. 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 Dr. Kristine Laderoute BioDr. Kristine Laderoute is a dedicated clinical psychologist and lifelong proponent of mental wellness. She has over 15 years of experience helping people with a broad range of mental health concerns using her diverse skill set. She completed her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at York University and underwent training spanning various therapeutic approaches and clinical settings, including The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto General Hospital, North York General Hospital, the York University Counseling Centre, and private practices. In both her own private practice and her role at Lume Women + Health, she is driven by a desire to help people improve their lives through self-connection. She is especially passionate about creating space for women to feel seen, heard, and freed-up from emotional burden, as well as helping them to create space for themselves in their lives.  Links for this episode drkristineladeroute.com Dr. Kristine on Instagramlume women+health

    44 min
  7. Mental Health and Perimenopause with Dr. Ariel Dalfen | Menopause Journey and Midlife Where Suffering is Optional

    SEP 17

    Mental Health and Perimenopause with Dr. Ariel Dalfen | Menopause Journey and Midlife Where Suffering is Optional

    Dealing with crippling uncontrollable rage, anxiety, and crushing depression? Feeling like you're completely falling apart and your doctor's solution is to just ‘manage your stress’? Not sure if what you're experiencing is depression, perimenopause, or something else entirely? You're not losing your mind, you're not broken, and you're definitely not alone. Consider this startling statistic from the SWAN study: a woman’s risk of experiencing depression in the menopause transition is 59% if she has a previous history of depression, and 28% for those without a history of depression. Those are some big numbers. And most women, and their doctors, are unaware of this risk. Meet Dr. Ariel Dalfen, a psychiatrist who spent 12 years running the largest women's mental health program in Ontario – where she became frustrated watching women suffer unnecessarily. As CEO and Co-founder of BRIA, a revolutionary virtual clinic, Dr. Dalfen and her Co-founder Dr. Bev Young have created the one-stop shop women desperately need: comprehensive, individualized mental health and hormone care that actually works. In This Episode  Why some women's brains are "hormonally sensitive" and how to identify if you're one of them The critical questions about your reproductive history that can predict your perimenopause experience How to distinguish between perimenopause symptoms, depression, and PMDD Why tracking your cycles gives healthcare providers game-changing data The non-negotiables for mental health survival in midlife How BRIA's team-based approach stops women from falling through the cracks The stigma that’s keeping women silent about their strugglesDr. Dalfen’s new "Menopause Mental Health Certification" program If you've been suffering alone or thinking this is just how midlife feels, this conversation will change everything. Dr. Dalfen will show you there's so much more than just surviving – and how to start thriving. 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 Dr. Ariel Dalfen BioDr. Ariel Dalfen is a psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience treating women across reproductive life stages: from those trying to conceive, those who are pregnant and postpartum through to the perimenopause/menopause population.  She ran the largest women's mental health program in Ontario at Mount Sinai Hospital for 12 years and started the first of its kind province-wide women’s mental health telemedicine program in 2014. In 2022, Dr. Dalfen co-founded and became the CEO of BRIA (www.betterbria.com) - a virtual care platform for women with mental health issues across reproductive life stages. After completing her undergraduate degree at Princeton University, she attended McMaster University medical school, and then completed her specialty training in psychiatry at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Dalfen's research area explored technology innovations in women's mental health and she has published in academic medical journals. She lectures for medical and public audiences on various topics related to women’s health and has been a medical contributor for many media outlets, from television to podcasts. In 2008, she published a book, When Baby Brings the Blues: Solutions for Postpartum Depression. This book is highly regarded and utilized by both healthcare providers and the general public. Links for this episode www.betterbria.com BRIA on Instagram

    44 min
  8. Eating Disorders in Perimenopause with Kyla Fox (pt 2) Menopause Journey and Midlife Where Suffering is Optional

    SEP 11

    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

    38 min
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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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