Making Sense Of Menopause

Roberta Bass
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Making SENSE of Menopause, the podcast for women in perimenopause and beyond who feel stuck, dismissed, or just not like themselves anymore.  I’m Roberta Bass, a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Menopause Mentor and CONTROL Practitioner. Inspired by my own sister’s experience of feeling lost in the healthcare maze, I created this show to give you the real talk, practical tips, and mindset shifts you need. Here, we chat about everything from subconscious change and lifestyle tweaks to the SENSE method and the full spectrum of menopause support—from HRT to Hypnosis. It’s all about giving you a strong foundation and then exploring what truly works for you. No cookie-cutter advice here—just real conversations, personal stories, and small, doable steps to help you start feeling better. Let’s make sense of menopause together, one conversation at a time. 🎥 Start with our free masterclass: www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk/masterclass Or if you’d prefer one-to-one support, book a personal consultation at www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk.

  1. Jul 6

    Why Your Old Approach to Weight Loss May Not Work in Menopause

    Have you ever continued doing something simply because you've always done it that way? In this episode, Roberta shares a surprising analogy inspired by the difference between imperial and metric measurements and explores how it relates to our health during perimenopause and menopause. Many of the habits and strategies that worked in our twenties and thirties may no longer be giving us the results we want. Whether it's exercise, weight management, sleep or stress management, menopause often requires a different approach. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why old health habits may stop working during menopause  The role of hormones in weight gain and weight management  Why sleep affects hunger, cravings and body weight  The importance of strength training during midlife  How stress and cortisol influence fat storage  Why sustainable habits work better than quick fixes  Small changes you can make to support your health Sometimes the best results come from being willing to do things differently. If you'd like to learn more about managing menopause symptoms, check out the free masterclass linked below. Send us Fan Mail www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

  2. Jun 22

    Bladder Leaks After Menopause? Understanding Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Health

    Do you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, exercise or rush to the toilet? Many women assume bladder leakage is a normal part of ageing, having children or going through menopause. While it is common, it is not something you simply have to put up with. In this episode, Women's Health Physiotherapist Roberta Bass explains:  Why incontinence becomes more common during perimenopause and menopause  The difference between stress incontinence and urge incontinence  How hormones affect bladder and pelvic floor function  Common bladder irritants that may be making symptoms worse  Why pelvic floor exercises alone aren't always the answer  The importance of getting an individual assessment  Treatment options that may help If bladder leakage is affecting your confidence, exercise, social life or quality of life, support is available. Send us Fan Mail www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

  3. Jun 8

    Beyond Hot Flushes: The Menopause Symptoms We Keep Quiet About

    We talk more about menopause than we used to, but there are still symptoms that many women feel uncomfortable discussing. In this episode, Roberta explores some of the less talked about aspects of perimenopause and menopause, including:  Incontinence and pelvic health issues  Vaginal dryness and discomfort  Loss of confidence and self-esteem  Changes in libido  Hair thinning and hair changes  The impact of menopause on relationships  Why talking openly can help women access support sooner Many women assume these symptoms are simply part of ageing and that nothing can be done. The reality is that support is available, and understanding what's happening is often the first step. If you've been wondering whether some of the changes you're experiencing could be related to menopause, this episode is for you. Send us Fan Mail www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

  4. May 25

    Why Am I Suddenly So Anxious During Perimenopause?

    Have you suddenly become more anxious during perimenopause — even about things that never used to bother you? In this episode of Making Sense of Menopause, Roberta explores why anxiety and fear can feel heightened during perimenopause and menopause, from driving anxiety and morning dread to feeling constantly “on edge.” She explains:  How hormonal changes affect the nervous system  Why cortisol and poor sleep worsen anxiety  The connection between subconscious patterns and fear  Why women often become anxious about the sensation of anxiety itself  Practical ways to calm the nervous system naturally  How subconscious work and CONTROL sessions can help retrain fear responses This episode also explores the link between stress, sleep, breathing, exercise, and emotional resilience during menopause. Topics Covered:  Perimenopause anxiety  Cortisol and stress hormones  Morning anxiety  Driving anxiety during menopause  Nervous system dysregulation  Sleep and anxiety  Breathwork and calming techniques  Subconscious patterns  CONTROL remedial hypnosis  Menopause mindset support Resources & Links: Thrive and Shine Women’s WellnessMini Course: Subconscious & Mindset Support Online and in-person support available in WinscombeSend us Fan Mail www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

  5. May 11

    Menopause and Work Pressure: How to Cope When Symptoms Follow You to Work

    Work is stressful enough without adding perimenopause and menopause symptoms into the mix. But for millions of women, that's exactly the reality — navigating brain fog, hot flushes, anxiety and exhaustion while trying to perform at work, often without any support or understanding from the people around them. In this episode, Roberta Bass explores the link between workplace stress and menopause symptoms, the new UK guidelines beginning to change how menopause is recognised at work, and — most importantly — practical things you can do right now to make your working day more manageable. What You'll Learn •       Why stress and menopause symptoms create a difficult vicious cycle at work •       Why so many women leave their jobs during the menopause transition — and why they shouldn't have to •       What the new UK workplace menopause guidelines mean in practice •       What reasonable adjustments you can ask for at work •       Why taking breaks actually makes you more productive — not less •       Simple, practical techniques to manage stress and symptoms during the working day •       How to have the conversation with your manager if you're struggling Key Takeaways •       Stress makes menopause symptoms worse — and menopause symptoms make work more stressful. Breaking that cycle matters. •       A huge number of women leave their careers due to unmanaged menopause symptoms. This is unnecessary and increasingly, preventable. •       The UK now has guidelines encouraging workplaces to recognise menopause and make reasonable adjustments — similar to disability and inclusion frameworks. •       Practical adjustments include flexible working, working from home, regular breaks, temperature control and open conversations with HR or managers. •       Taking your lunch break is not a sign of weakness — it improves focus, reduces stress hormones and makes you more productive. •       Habit stacking (linking a new healthy habit to something you already do, like finishing a Teams call) is a simple and effective way to build stress-reducing practices into your day. •       Even one small change to your working day can make a significant difference to how you feel. Send us Fan Mail www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

  6. May 4

    Why Perimenopause and Menopause Cause Joint Pain — And What to Do About It

    Episode Overview Are you waking up stiff and achy every morning? Struggling with hip pain, shoulder pain, or back pain that doesn't seem to respond to treatment? If you're in perimenopause or postmenopause, your hormones could be at the root of it. Joint pain and stiffness is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — symptoms of menopause. In this episode, Roberta Bass explains exactly why it happens, which areas of the body are most commonly affected, and what you can do to feel better: from sleep and exercise to hydration, diet, and knowing when to get an assessment. What You'll Learn Why declining oestrogen is the key driver of joint pain and stiffness in perimenopause and menopauseHow oestrogen acts as a natural anti-inflammatory — and what happens when it dropsHow changes to collagen, tendons, ligaments and synovial fluid affect your jointsWhich joints and tendons are most commonly affected during menopauseWhy poor sleep makes joint pain significantly worse — and how to break the cycleThe role of muscle strength in protecting your jointsPractical steps: exercise, hydration, diet and load managementHow to find the right professional support for menopausal joint pain Key Takeaways Joint pain and stiffness in perimenopause and menopause is hormonal, not just a sign of ageingOestrogen is a natural anti-inflammatory — as it declines, inflammation increasesTendons are particularly vulnerable: rotator cuff, hip (GTPS), Achilles, plantar fascia and tennis elbow are all commonMorning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes — especially in multiple joints — is worth investigating with a blood test to rule out inflammatory arthritisResistance exercise helps both joint pain and hot flushes — a double benefitHydration directly affects joint lubrication — not just headaches and thirstAn anti-inflammatory diet (reducing sugar, alcohol and simple carbohydrates) can make a meaningful differenceSee a physio or specialist who understands menopause, not just the individual joint Who This Episode Is For This episode is for women in perimenopause or postmenopause who: Wake up stiff or achy and aren't sure whyHave been treated for joint pain without lasting resultsWant to understand the hormonal root cause of their symptomsAre looking for practical lifestyle changes to reduce pain and stiffnessWant to know when to seek professional support — and what kind of support to look for Resources Mentioned Roberta's online and in-person appointments — link belowSleep episodes — search back through the podcast for Roberta's episodes on improving sleep qualitySend us Fan Mail www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

  7. Apr 27

    Is Alcohol Making Your Menopause Symptoms Worse?

    Episode Overview If you've been reaching for a glass of wine or a G&T at the end of a long day, you're not alone — and you're not being judged. But if you're navigating perimenopause or menopause, it's worth asking: is alcohol actually helping, or is it quietly making your symptoms worse? In this episode, Roberta Bass explores the connection between alcohol and menopause symptoms, why so many women use it as a coping strategy, and — most importantly — what to try instead. What You'll Learn How alcohol affects key menopause symptoms including hot flushes, anxiety, sleep and brain fogWhy alcohol feels relaxing short-term — and what it's actually doing long-termThe difference between social drinking and using alcohol as a coping strategyPractical, realistic ways to reduce your intake without feeling deprivedHealthier alternatives that give you the same relaxation and me-time benefitsSigns that alcohol use may need professional supportSleep strategies to replace the nightcap habit Key Takeaways Alcohol worsens hot flushes — there is evidence to show thisEven if alcohol helps you fall asleep, it reduces sleep quality and increases night wakingPoor sleep makes brain fog, anxiety and emotional wellbeing significantly worseDrinking every evening to relax is a pattern worth examining — not a personal failingSmall reductions (choosing one drink instead of two, making a G&T weaker) can make a real difference0% alternatives, mocktails and longer mixer drinks can preserve the social ritual without the hormonal impact Who This Episode Is For This episode is for women in perimenopause or menopause who: Find themselves drinking most evenings to wind downWake up after drinking feeling unrefreshed or more anxiousUse alcohol to manage stress or help get to sleepWant to reduce their intake but aren't sure how to replace the habitAre wondering whether alcohol could be making their symptoms worse Resources Mentioned Free Menopause Masterclass — understand your symptoms and start making lifestyle changes (link below)Previous sleep episodes — Setting the stage for sleep- A Menopause night time routineThe Science of Sleep: How Hormones, Menopause & Lifestyle Affect Your Rest Send us Fan Mail www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

  8. Apr 20

    Menopause and Low Self-Esteem: How to Rebuild Your Confidence from the Inside Out

    If menopause has knocked your confidence, you're not alone. In this episode we look at why self-esteem takes such a hit during menopause — and what you can do about it at a deeper, subconscious level. Because you can wear all the right colours and still walk into a room feeling invisible. Why menopause affects confidence Weight gain, poor sleep, hot flushes, slowing metabolism — these symptoms don't just affect us physically. They quietly erode how we feel about ourselves too. What you'll learn Using my ESSE Framework (Explore, Evaluate, Shift, Embed), we work through how to identify the patterns holding you back and start changing them — with practical tools including journaling, visualisation, positive affirmations, posture and movement. The key takeaway Confidence comes from how you see yourself, not just what you wear. And that can be changed. Want more support? My Subconscious & Mindset Mini Course walks you through the ESSE Framework with a full workbook. I also offer one-to-one hypnosis sessions online. All details in the links below. 💛 Send us Fan Mail www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

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About

Welcome to Making SENSE of Menopause, the podcast for women in perimenopause and beyond who feel stuck, dismissed, or just not like themselves anymore.  I’m Roberta Bass, a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Menopause Mentor and CONTROL Practitioner. Inspired by my own sister’s experience of feeling lost in the healthcare maze, I created this show to give you the real talk, practical tips, and mindset shifts you need. Here, we chat about everything from subconscious change and lifestyle tweaks to the SENSE method and the full spectrum of menopause support—from HRT to Hypnosis. It’s all about giving you a strong foundation and then exploring what truly works for you. No cookie-cutter advice here—just real conversations, personal stories, and small, doable steps to help you start feeling better. Let’s make sense of menopause together, one conversation at a time. 🎥 Start with our free masterclass: www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk/masterclass Or if you’d prefer one-to-one support, book a personal consultation at www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk.

Information

  • Creator
    Roberta Bass
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Making Sense Of Menopause
  • Show Website
    Making Sense Of Menopause