Menopause - The Real Deal

Michelle Rowlinson
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"Menopause - The Real Deal" is your go-to podcast for honest, expert-driven conversations about perimenopause and menopause. Hosted by Michelle, a senior Physiotherapist, Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner, and best selling author, this podcast dives deep into the real experiences of women navigating this transformative stage of life. Each episode features insightful interviews with health professionals, business leaders, corporate women, and past clients who share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. We debunk common myths, explore the impact of menopause on health and work life, and provide practical advice to help you manage symptoms and thrive. Whether you’re approaching perimenopause, in the midst of it, or supporting someone who is, "Menopause - The Real Deal" offers the education and support you need to embrace this phase with confidence. 

  1. Understanding Pelvic Health through Menopause with Francoise De Smet

    4D AGO

    Understanding Pelvic Health through Menopause with Francoise De Smet

    I sit down with women's health practitioner Francoise De Smet to pull back the curtain on a topic far too many of us have been taught to suffer through in silence: pelvic floor dysfunction.  For years, women have been told that leaks and heaviness are just part of aging, but Francoise is here to flip that narrative on its head. We dive deep into the crucial distinction between a weak and a hypertonic pelvic floor, explaining why traditional kegels might actually be making your symptoms worse. By learning to manage internal pressure through lateral breathing and posture, you’ll learn to reconnect with your core and reclaim a sense of strength and function that you might have thought was gone for good. Francoise Reveals Why many pelvic issues, like leaking when sneezing or coughing, are actually caused by a hypertonic or overactive pelvic floor  How hypopressives use lateral breathing and specific postures to manage internal pressure, lifting and restoring the entire core Why internal pressure management is key. When the diaphragm and abdominal walls are tight or dysfunctional, every cough or jump sends pressure downward, forcing the pelvic floor to compensate or fail. Who symptoms like lower back pain, a persistent urge to find a bathroom, or even post-void leaking are often dismissed but can be early indicators of pelvic floor dysfunction or prolapse. BEST MOMENTS "Go and get stronger! It’s a total pressure on women that we've got to be able to handle it all." "Your pelvic floor is sending you signals that your entirety and your nervous system isn't coping. And that is a good opportunity for you to give yourself a little break." “That softness, that pause, and that gentleness is going to be so incredibly impactful." “Collectively there is something wrong, and that is the misinformation that we have. By raising awareness, we can fix it for all of us." EPISODE LINKS Demonstration from episode video https://youtu.be/B_wzsYUB_HM  https://www.hypocore.co.uk  https://www.instagram.com/speakingfrank  HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

    50 min

  2. MAR 4

    Menopause Hair Loss and Scalp Changes: Rebuilding Confidence with Trichologist Kate Holohan

    I talk with award-winning trichologist Kate Holohan to discuss a topic that catches so many of us off guard: the dramatic ways menopause can transform our hair and scalp.  As a hair and scalp specialist with over two decades of experience, Kate is an expert in navigating the confusing world of shedding, thinning, and texture changes that often accompany hormonal shifts.  From spotting early warning signs like Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia to understanding why go-to products might suddenly be failing, this conversation will shift your perspective from frustration to proactive care, and leave you equipped with the clinical knowledge you need to advocate for your hair health, whether that’s at the pharmacy, the salon, or the doctor's office Kate Reveals How trichologists bridge the gap between cosmetic care and medical diagnosis. Why menopause triggers hair changes, and removes a protective element, allowing testosterone to convert more easily into DHT, which can lead to genetic thinning. Why permanent scarring conditions like Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) early diagnosis is vital Why significant shedding is often a low-level marker or a physical warning from your body that something is out of balance BEST MOMENTS "Your hair is a barometer of your overall health." "It’s not vanity to want to nurture and look after your hair... if it’s bothering you, then it is a problem." "We need to get rid of this 'oh it’s just getting old, it’s just this, it’s just that'. Don't accept it." "The earlier you get help, the better your prognosis will be." EPISODE LINKS Website http://hairtherapyuk.com/ Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/hairtherapyuk/  Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1640149 HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

    59 min

  3. FEB 25

    Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Menopause with Sarah Turner

    I sit down with psychotherapist and emotion regulation specialist Sarah Turner to discuss the profound and often overlooked psychological shifts that occur during midlife. I share my own experiences with the emotional load of aging parents, career pressure, and changing family dynamics, while Sarah offers a hopeful perspective: that menopause is not a crisis to be feared, but a powerful catalyst for self-discovery.  We explore why women often feel a dip in confidence or a rise in unjustified guilt, and I learn about the practical, empowering tools of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy that can help us move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling grounded and self-full. Sarah Reveals Why midlife women frequently experience a combination of overwhelm, identity shifts, loss of confidence, difficulty with self-prioritisation, struggles with assertion, and a desire for deeper connection. Why rather than viewing this stage as a falling apart, it can be embraced as a transitional invitation to review one's life and finally prioritise personal ambitions and dreams. How Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is particularly effective for menopause because it balances self-acceptance with the motivation to change, helping women regulate intense emotions. Why when emotions run high, acting opposite to the behavioural urge such as engaging in intense physical exercise to burn off cortisol can be more effective than trying to jump straight into calm meditation. BEST MOMENTS "Midlife is not a crisis. It is a catalyst. A chance to rediscover who you are and build a life that finally includes you." "I love the word 'self-full' better. It’s not selfish to look after ourselves... you can’t give from an empty cup." "We expect ourselves to be superwomen and we're not. We’re just human beings." "The emotional rollercoaster of midlife is not a sign that you’re falling apart, but a sign that you are evolving." EPISODE LINKS contact@flourishcourses.co.uk www.flourishcourses.co.uk HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

    44 min

  4. FEB 18

    Navigating Midlife Menopause Transitions Together - The Male Perspective with Satwinder Sagoo

    In this episode, I talk to my guest, Satwinder Sagoo about the often-overlooked intersection of menopause and the male experience. After witnessing the collapse of a loving relationship due to the misunderstood symptoms of perimenopause, he realised that we cannot navigate these hormonal shifts in isolation.  Satwinder dedicated himself to becoming a certified menopause champion and an advocate for understanding andropause, or "male menopause," to help couples find their way back to one another, and in this very special episode, he’s here to talk about his experiences from the male perspective. Satwinder Reveals How a lack of knowledge regarding perimenopause can lead to sudden relationship breakdowns and feelings of isolation for both partners. Why men experience their own hormonal shifts, including night sweats, mood swings, and low testosterone, that mirror the perimenopausal journey. Why breaking the macho stigma and speaking openly about physical and emotional changes is the key to maintaining a thriving relationship. How viewing midlife as a human transition rather than a gendered battle allows couples to support each other through shared symptoms and experiences. BEST MOMENTS "What if menopause is not just something women go through, but something couples go through together?" "Don’t see vulnerability as a weakness, but a strength... you’re taking more accountability for yourself, but also your relationship." "Men and women are human beings, so try to see it from a perspective of it’s a human midlife common transition." EPISODE LINKS linkedin.com/in/sat-the-menopauseman-sagoo  https://youtu.be/eAS4WGXkMo8?si=mqu1AjB7fFhDqDJz  HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

    44 min

  5. FEB 11

    Reclaiming Your Vitality Through Perimenopause and Beyond - with Dori Martin

    I sit down with Dori Martin, a functional health practitioner who has turned her own experience with severe burnout and caregiving into a mission to help women navigate the complexities of midlife.  If you've been feeling depleted, overwhelmed, or stuck, Dori’s approach will offer you a profound sense of hope, as we dive deep into the real drivers behind the symptoms of perimenopause. We explore everything from stress chemistry and mineral status to metabolism and nervous system health, moving beyond generic advice, and empowering you to rebuild your energy, resilience, and confidence from the inside out Dori Reveals Why true healing begins when we prioritise the health of our nervous system, and why being in a constant state of "fight or flight" prevents the body from effectively absorbing nutrients and managing hormones. How our mineral balance acts as the "spark plugs" for our cellular energy, and how replenishing these can drastically shift how we feel daily. The benefits of functional lab testing, such as Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, and how it can provide a blueprint of what is actually happening in the body rather than relying on trial and error. Why we should reframe self-care not as a luxury but as a biological necessity. BEST MOMENTS "What if perimenopause is not the start of decline, but the moment your body finally demands a deeper way of living?" "We are so nutritionally and minerally depleted that we can’t create the energy to do what we need to do." "You are not what you eat, but what you can absorb." "It's not just about putting the stuff in; it's about how we receive it." EPISODE LINKS Dori Martin - www.dorimartin.com https://bit.ly/SparkReboot HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

    49 min

  6. FEB 4

    One Year of Menopause: The Real Deal. The Biggest Myths, Facts, and Breakthroughs From the First Year

    In this special anniversary episode, I’m taking a moment to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the past twelve months. From my first conversation to now, my mission has remained the same: to provide clear, honest information about perimenopause and menopause so that no woman feels she is imagining her symptoms or walking this path alone.  In this very special edition I’ve revisited some of the most powerful lightbulb moments from my guests this year, and the insights that connect the dots between our hormones, immune systems, and emotional well-being.  Whether you are just starting your journey or are well through it, I hope this retrospective reminds you that knowledge is your greatest power and that a supportive community is always right here waiting for you. You’ll Hear How fluctuations in oestrogen during perimenopause can up-regulate the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation, brain fog, and a fight or flight state. A clinical breakdown of how sex hormones, thyroid, stress hormones, and insulin are all interlinked Personal accounts of how menopause can impact career and family life, even when a woman appears fine on the outside while struggling with exhaustion and cognitive confusion. An exploration of how the body stores tension and trauma in the pelvic space and how reconnecting with our bodies through self-compassion can alleviate midlife anxiety. BEST MOMENTS "My immune system was very much on the brink of being over-reactive... it just took one little drop in the ocean, which was COVID... and it was like fireworks went off."  "Inside, it was not me at all... I’m a worker, I've always been a worker, and although I looked okay from the outside, inside, it was not me at all."  "75% of women feel symptoms of menopause. 25%—that's one in four—have really severe symptoms. And there's no amount of acrobatic learning that is going to improve that... the root cause is that your hormones have been whipped away."  "I think midlife and menopause is a key stage... because our bodies are going through such significant changes... this is just a further invitation to reinforce that positive language." EPISODE LINKS Sarah Law  Lucinda Weston Lindsey Lester Julie White HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

    32 min
  7. Turning the Tipping Point: Brenda Winkle On Redefining Your Path Through Menopause

    JAN 28

    Turning the Tipping Point: Brenda Winkle On Redefining Your Path Through Menopause

    I sit down with leadership guide, Brenda Winkle to discuss the moment when she reached a tipping point that could no longer be ignored, a medical crisis that finally forced her to listen to her body after years of being dismissed by the medical community.  We explore how perimenopause and menopause can feel like the moment the mask finally slips, revealing a deep urge for high-functioning, empathic women to stop shrinking and instead start building meaningful impact and community.  Brenda shares how this stage of life doesn't have to be something you simply push through. It can be a powerful turning point where you learn to trust your intuition, manage nervous system overload, and reclaim your energy. Whether you are navigating a late ADHD diagnosis or feeling exhausted by the weight of lifelong caretaking, this conversation offers a roadmap to honouring your own needs and celebrating the fierce, unapologetic woman inside. Brenda Reveals How perimenopause often acts as a "loudspeaker" for ADHD or ADHD-type traits Why this stage of life frequently triggers a deep urge for high-functioning, empathic women to stop people-pleasing or "shrinking" and instead focus on creating meaningful impact. Why women often experience a "tipping point" where symptoms can no longer be ignored How these symptoms are frequently mislabeled by medical professionals as mere "stress" or "anxiety". How the body carries a "somatic load" of accumulated stress and suppressed emotions that must be discharged BEST MOMENTS "Perimenopause can feel like the moment the mask finally slips." "Your intuition will never lead you astray. A lot of us just have been taught we can't trust it." "If we are pouring from empty cups, we are pouring from resentment, overwhelm, depletion, and fatigue." "Healing is not linear, it is not a box that we can check off... it’s like I have integrated my experience and I know that as I continue to evolve, this may come back up again." GUEST LINKS brenda@brendawinkle.com WEBSITE: https://www.brendawinkle.com/  INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/brendawinkle/ FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/brenda.winkle.empowerment LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendawinkle/  HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

    52 min
  8. The Middle-Life Chrysalis: Finding Freedom Beyond Menopause

    JAN 21

    The Middle-Life Chrysalis: Finding Freedom Beyond Menopause

    We’ve been taught to view the arrival of menopause as a slow fade into the background, but what if it’s actually the moment you finally take centre stage?  In this powerful conversation, Mel Dickinson sits down with Michelle to dismantle the myths that have left millions of women feeling invisible and powerless. This isn’t just a medical breakdown of hormones; it’s a roadmap for anyone who has ever felt like their body was becoming a stranger and wondered, "Is this just how it’s going to be?". Focusing on hope and radical relatability, they reveal that while hormone decline is inevitable, suffering is not. From the surprising science of "belly fat" to the psychological liberation that comes when reproductive expectations are off the table, you’ll discover that you aren't "losing it" you’re evolving.  Mel Reveals Why you are likely to spend a full third of your life in a post-menopausal state How menopause isn't just hot flashes; it can manifest as "frozen shoulder," ear ringing, body odour, and joint pain Why female ovaries age at twice the rate of the rest of the body, meaning our endocrine systems are often in decline while our careers and personal lives are still in high gear. Why there is a profound lack of funding and training which is why you must be your own best health advocate. How “Belly fat" in menopause is often a biological response to oestrogen loss, and standard "diet and exercise" advice often fails because the body's internal chemistry has fundamentally changed. BEST MOMENTS "Menopause and oestrogen decline is inevitable... but suffering through it and having to just put up with it or dismissing it as a sign of aging is not."  "After reproductive options are taken off the table, it's almost like medicine leaves us behind."  "I want to be an 80-year-old climbing that mountain, kicking ass, having a career, healthy. If I don’t implement changes today, I’m not going to be able to reach that goal."  "One of the reasons why so many of you feel so powerless about your hormones is because your doctor is probably not informed about this topic either."  GUEST LINKS Email melissa.dickinson@menopausevitamincompany.co.uk Name Mel Dickinson Business Name The Menopause Vitamin Company & Menopause Support Suffolk Websites www.menopausevitamincompany.co.uk www.menopausesupportsuffolk.co.uk Socials Instagram: @menopausevitamincoFacebook: @menopausevitamincoPinterest: @menopausevitamincoLinkedIn: Melissa Neisler Dickinson  Menopause Vitamin Company HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

    58 min
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About

"Menopause - The Real Deal" is your go-to podcast for honest, expert-driven conversations about perimenopause and menopause. Hosted by Michelle, a senior Physiotherapist, Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner, and best selling author, this podcast dives deep into the real experiences of women navigating this transformative stage of life. Each episode features insightful interviews with health professionals, business leaders, corporate women, and past clients who share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. We debunk common myths, explore the impact of menopause on health and work life, and provide practical advice to help you manage symptoms and thrive. Whether you’re approaching perimenopause, in the midst of it, or supporting someone who is, "Menopause - The Real Deal" offers the education and support you need to embrace this phase with confidence. 

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