The Menopause Disruptor Podcast

Mary Lee

The Menopause Disruptor Podcast exists to dismantle taboo, validate women's lived experiences, and deliver cutting-edge medical and performance insights directly from world-class experts. We are rewriting the story of perimenopause, menopause, and midlife — one conversation at a time. I’m Mary Lee, Menopause Doula, Women’s Coaching Specialist, and science communicator, on a mission to challenge outdated narratives, bust menopause myths, and bring credible information and real women’s lived experiences to the forefront. Each episode, I explore the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of midlife, tackling the conversations that are too often dismissed, misunderstood, or left unsaid. From hormones, brain health, sleep, strength training, nutrition, sexuality, and mental health to trauma, identity, purpose, relationships, workplace menopause, and spiritual awakening — we go beyond the hot flashes. You’ll hear real, raw, and relatable conversations with credible experts, researchers, practitioners, and women sharing their lived experiences — alongside solo episodes where I unpack the science, challenge the status quo, and ask the questions many women are afraid to ask. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, this podcast is here to help you make sense of what’s happening in your body and brain, advocate for yourself with confidence, and embrace the possibilities of midlife. Because menopause is not a decline. It’s not a failure. And it certainly isn’t the end of your story. In many ways, it's just the beginning. Get ready for a powerful biological, psychological, spiritual, and emotional transformation — one that can become an invitation to understand your body, your brain, your health, and your soul in an entirely new way.

  1. 9h ago

    Spirit Guides, Skepticism & the Midlife Awakening with Cindy Anderson

    Menopause has a remarkable way of revealing the identities, expectations and coping strategies we've carried for decades. Then suddenly we're asking: Who am I now? In this episode, host Mary welcomes Cindy Anderson, a self-described Mad Spiritual Scientist and spirit guide communication Sherpa who helps women explore intuition, spiritual guidance and the art of trusting themselves. Cindy shares how she built a successful life, checked all the boxes and discovered that the happiness trophy she'd been working toward never arrived. That realization sparked a journey into spirituality and what she describes as direct, two-way communication with spirit guides. Together, Mary and Cindy explore the fascinating intersection of midlife identity, intuition, spiritual curiosity and personal empowerment, and how to recognize the difference between fear, ego, and inner guidance. Key takeaways: Why menopause can feel less like a midlife crisis and more like an awakening.Cindy's belief that the body acts as an antenna for intuitive information.Her method for evaluating perceived spiritual messages.How Cindy teaches two-way spirit guide communication without acting as a medium.Why healthy skepticism and personal discernment matter.How to build trust gradually through small, everyday decisions.How to make a spiritual practice useful in ordinary life.Why reclaiming self-trust may be one of the most powerful transformations of midlife.Whether you're spiritually curious, skeptical or somewhere in between, this conversation invites you to explore what happens when you stop looking outside yourself for every answer. Connect: Take the Spiritual Personality Quiz or enrol in a complimentary five-day Call Your Guide Challenge through Cindy's website, SoulpiphanyReferences:  The Clan of the Cave Bear, by Jean M. Auel (available on Amazon)Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect with Mary:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    Spirit Guides, Skepticism & the Midlife Awakening with Cindy Anderson
  2. 6d ago

    GLP-1 Medications and the Online Peptide Market

    TAKE AGENCY OF YOUR HEALTH, BECOME MENOPAUSE LITERATE WITH A SELF-PACE, ONLINE LEARNING JOURNEY: MENOPAUSE INTELLIGENCE Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound are transforming conversations about obesity, metabolic health and weight management. But for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, there's a bigger question: What happens to our muscles, bones and brains when we lose significant amounts of weight? In this solo episode of Mary explores the science behind GLP-1 medications, their legitimate health benefits and the importance of protecting lean muscle mass during weight loss. Muscle isn't just about strength or appearance. It's essential for metabolic health, mobility and independence. Exercise also supports brain health through pathways involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), often called "brain fertilizer," which plays a role in learning, memory and neuroplasticity. And there's another conversation we need to have. After being approached by two peptide companies offering affiliate partnerships and paid podcast advertising, Mary Lee began questioning the rapidly growing online peptide marketplace. Who's regulating these products? Can consumers order injectable peptides without prescriptions? What do third-party laboratory certificates actually prove? And why are health influencers promoting substances labelled for research use only? This episode isn't anti-GLP-1. It's pro-science, pro-informed consent and pro-women taking agency over their health. Key topics: How GLP-1 medications work and why they can be beneficial for certain patients.The difference between fat loss and skeletal muscle loss.Why sarcopenia and bone mineral density matter during menopause.The muscle-brain connection.What we know—and don't yet know—about GLP-1 medications and bone health.The risks of unregulated online peptides and misleading marketing claims.Why independent laboratory testing isn't equivalent to regulatory approval.How protein, resistance training, sleep and recovery support healthy aging.Why a multidisciplinary healthcare team is so important during medically supported weight loss.Research & resources: Episode 48: How to Up Your Protein and WhyEpisode 97: Optimize Exercise with Heavy Lifting and High Intensity WorkoutsHealth Canada — Risks of unauthorized injectable peptides FDA — Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 medicationsArticle: Doctors are using a regulatory gap to prescribe an unauthorized peptideStrong From the Start is Mary's signature 1:1 coaching program for menopausal women to feel comfortable confidence with progressive resistance training. Whether you're navigating menopause, returning to exercise or using prescribed weight-management medication, preserving lean muscle mass through strength training deserves a place in your long-term health strategy. Explore coaching and Strong From the Start https://emmeellecoaching.com/offerings Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect with Mary:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

  3. Oct 29

    Menopause Weight Gain, Muscle Preservation, and Long-Term Health with Sharon Lemoine

    TAKE AGENCY OF YOUR HEALTH, BECOME MENOPAUSE LITERATE WITH A SELF-PACE, ONLINE LEARNING JOURNEY: MENOPAUSE INTELLIGENCE What if midlife weight changes are an opportunity to look beyond the number on the scale—and start asking bigger questions about our muscle, bone, brain, and metabolic health? In this episode of Mary is joined by Sharon Lemoine, a nurse practitioner and founder of Gig Harbor Medical Spa & Concierge Medicine. With more than 25 years of experience in emergency medicine, Sharon expanded her work to focus on primary care, women’s health, hormone therapy, medical weight management, and wellness. Her approach brings together medical care, health education, prevention, and faith. After years of seeing patients arrive in crisis, Sharon became passionate about prevention, education, and helping people take a more active role in their health. Her own experience living with Type 1 diabetes has also shaped her perspective on healthcare and the importance of understanding our options. Together, we explore the confusing world of menopause information, hormone health, GLP-1 medications, and the lifestyle foundations that support long-term well-being. We also discuss the importance of patient advocacy, shared decision-making, and finding a healthcare provider who listens. In this episode, we discuss: Why changes in your body deserve a thoughtful investigation rather than dismissal or assumptions.Questions to consider around GLP-1 medications, nutrition, and preserving muscle.Why strength and physical function matter for longevity, mobility, and quality of life.Discussing lab work and individual health concerns with patients.Why it is worth asking your healthcare provider about your individual bone-health risks and whether a DEXA scan is appropriate.How to ask questions, find reliable information, and work collaboratively with a provider.Faith, purpose, and how it fits into better whole-person healthcare.Connect with Sharon: Gig Harbor Medical Spa & Concierge MedicineInstagram: @theconciergenpYouTube: Health, Hormones and FaithLet us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect with Mary:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    Menopause Weight Gain, Muscle Preservation, and Long-Term Health with Sharon Lemoine
  4. Oct 23

    Peptides and Metabolic Health: Beyond The Weight Loss Hype with Aleksandra Gajer

    TAKE AGENCY OF YOUR HEALTH, BECOME MENOPAUSE LITERATE WITH A SELF-PACE, ONLINE LEARNING JOURNEY: MENOPAUSE INTELLIGENCE Why does maintaining a healthy weight become more challenging in midlife? What role do hormones play in metabolism, energy, and body composition? And how can we shift from treating illness to proactively supporting our health as we age? In this episode, host Mary Lee welcomes Dr. Aleksandra Gajer, MD., founder of The Gajer Practice, for a conversation about personalized medicine, sustainable weight management, GLP1 prescriptions, and hormone health, With a background in emergency medicine, Dr. Gajer brings a unique perspective to preventive healthcare. After years of treating patients experiencing serious health challenges, she recognized the importance of intervening earlier and helping people make meaningful, sustainable changes before chronic illness takes hold. Together, Mary and Dr. Gajer explore the intersection of hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle, challenging the notion that midlife weight gain is simply a matter of eating less and exercising more. Key takeaways: The shift from emergency medicine to proactive, personalized healthcare.Why metabolism and weight management can change during perimenopause and menopause.Safety and efficacy around prescribing Glucagon-like peptide-1. The relationship between hormonal health, metabolic function, and healthy aging.Why sustainable weight management requires more than calorie restriction, a peptide, or willpower.The importance of individualized healthcare.How lifestyle habits can support long-term vitality and resilience.Rethinking longevity as healthspan, not simply lifespan.Connect:  The Gajer Practice Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect with Mary:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    Peptides and Metabolic Health: Beyond The Weight Loss Hype with Aleksandra Gajer
  5. Oct 18

    Migraine Pain and The Power of Self Advocacy with Alice W. Meadows

    Today's episode gives recognition to a chronic pain many women suffer through which is the theme this year for World Menopause Day (October 18). Mary is joined by migraine advocate and author Alice W. Meadows in  deeply personal conversaton about living with migraine from childhood, the damage of not being believed, and how finding language for invisible pain can change self-esteem, diagnosis, and care.  Alice shares how early dismissal led her to hide symptoms, dissociate from her body, and later dismiss thyroid cancer treatment emotionally, until perimenopause and menopause helped her reconnect with her body and shift toward self-advocacy.  Her experience led to the creation of her first book, an illustrated children’s book, "Mabel and Her Bright, Noisy, Prickly, Dizzy Migraine," which uses characters to represent migraine symptoms so children can communicate and families can build empathy and seek accommodations.  This conversation also covers writing as healing, overcoming fear of publishing, community advocacy, and listening as a first act of support.  Key points: Migraine affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, 40 million in the U.S. (American Migraine Foundation), and 5 million in Canada (Migraine Canada). That is 25% of women in Canada (8% of men).Healing starts wiht compassionate listening and starting a conversations using tools such as Mabel that gives langiage to the invisible illness. Encourage families to communicate better, advocate for themselves, and support their migraine warrior.Replace isolation and doubt with empathy and belief.Connect: Alice's webiste and book preorders: https://www.alicewmeadows.com/References: Christiane Northrop, The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health During the ChangeBrené Brown, The Man in the Arena Speech Scrivener AppChapters: 00:00 A Body Not Believed 00:56 Welcome and Guest Intro 03:53 Early Migraine Memories 05:08 Meet Mabel and Symptoms 07:55 Stigma and Hiding Pain 11:03 Menopause Reconnection 14:35 The Great Reveal 17:22 Advocacy and Accommodations 20:43 Writing Through Fear 26:43 Healing Power of Writing 29:19 Mabel’s Mission and Next Books 35:56 Rapid Fire and Final Listen 40:09 World Menopause Day Wrap Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect with Mary:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    Migraine Pain and The Power of Self Advocacy with Alice W. Meadows
  6. Oct 8

    The Mouth - Hormone Connection Doctors Are Missing with Christine Horton

    Today, Mary is joined by Christine Horton, a certified health coach, registered dental hygienist, PMOS | PCOS advocate, known as the PMOS | PCOS Glow Hygienist.  Christine shares her personal journey with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), now referred to as PMOS, and explains why the name change reflects a broader understanding of the condition beyond the ovaries and fertility. The conversation explores the relationship between hormones, metabolism, systemic inflammation, and oral health, including why hormonal shifts during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can affect the gums and oral tissues. Christine also discusses PMOS symptoms and diagnostic criteria, insulin resistance, sustainable lifestyle changes, sleep, advocacy, and why women deserve healthcare providers who listen and understand the complexity of their health. Key Points: • The truth that PMOS | PCOS affects 1 in 8 women and yet many live with symptoms for years before getting answers.  • Common PMOS symptoms and red flags women should discuss with their healthcare provider. • The Rotterdam criteria used in the diagnosis of PMOS. • The relationship between PMOS, insulin resistance, metabolism, and systemic inflammation. • How hormonal changes can affect gum and periodontal health. • Why pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can create noticeable changes in oral health. • Why regular dental and periodontal assessments are an important part of whole-body health. • How sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management work together as pillars of health. • Why sustainable lifestyle changes are more useful than quick-fix approaches. Connect: Christine Horton, Fusion Health Coach, or on LinkedInGlow check-in quizPCOS Awareness AssociationLet us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect with Mary:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    The Mouth - Hormone Connection Doctors Are Missing with Christine Horton
  7. Sep 30

    The Role of Peptides in Aging Skincare with Stacey Berger

    Today Mary is joined by Stacey Berger, a beauty industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience developing and manufacturing skincare and haircare across clinical and mass-market beauty. Stacey shares what she discovered about the dramatic changes women's skin can experience during perimenopause and post-menopause, and why traditional skincare approaches may not address the hormonal shifts happening beneath the surface. The conversation explores the seven interconnected shifts that can affect midlife skin, including dryness and hydration, barrier fragility, slower skin recovery, dullness and uneven tone, texture and fine lines, slower cellular turnover, and loss of firmness, elasticity, and density. Stacey explains how these changes influenced the development of Sum of All, a skincare system designed specifically for peri- to post-menopausal skin. Mary and Stacey also unpack the science behind peptides, phytoestrogens, adaptogens, retinol, collagen, antioxidants, and botanical ingredients, while challenging the traditional anti-aging narrative and exploring what it could look like to focus instead on healthier, stronger, more resilient skin. Key Points: • The seven major shifts that can occur in women's skin during hormonal change and why midlife skincare needs to account for these interconnected changes. • Moving Beyond Anti-Aging: The idea that women need to erase wrinkles or look younger is being pushed aside to focus instead on skin longevity, health, resilience, and looking like the best version of yourself. • Why an ingredient's presence on an INCI list doesn't necessarily tell the whole story, and why ingredient percentages, formulation, clinical data, and how ingredients work together matter. • Peptides, Phytoestrogens & Adaptogens: How these components are intended to support collagen signaling, address oxidative stress and inflammation, and support hormone-affected skin. • The AP² Longevity Platform: A proprietary platform used throughout the Sum of All line, combining phytoestrogens, peptides, and adaptogenic chaga mushroom. • Simpler Skincare: Streamlining your morning and evening routine and the unnecessary layering of numerous products can complicate midlife skincare. • Retinol & Sensitive Skin: Encapsulated retinol is a delivery systems that may make retinol more tolerable for women who have struggled with sensitivity. • Why traditional collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin and  the role of collagen-boosting peptides and topical ingredients • Skin Beyond the Face:  Caring for the neck, chest, hands, and arms, where sun damage and other visible changes can appear is equally as important. Connect: • Sum of All: https://sumofall.com/ • Instagram: @Sum_of_All_Beauty Let us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect with Mary:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    The Role of Peptides in Aging Skincare with Stacey Berger
  8. Sep 24

    Menopause Is A Beauty, Body, and Spiritual Transformation with Christine Ruf

    In this episode, host Mary welcomes Christine Ruf, a holistic beauty practitioner with nearly three decades of experience, to explore a different way of looking at menopause—not simply as a collection of symptoms to manage, but as an opportunity for transformation, self-discovery, and rebirth. Christine shares her journey from working in beauty and skincare to exploring Ayurveda, Huna Healing, Spagyric remedies, energy work, emotional balance, facial analysis, and RESET jawline work. Her approach brings together the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of a woman's experience through menopause. Together, Mary and Christine explore what happens when women spend years putting everyone else first, how stress and emotional experiences can influence the way we experience our bodies, and why menopause can become an invitation to pause, reassess, and reconnect with ourselves. Christine also introduces her 12-week online program, Phoenix Rising, which brings together many of the modalities she has developed and studied throughout her work with women. Key Points Covered: • Menopause as Rebirth • Beauty Beyond the Mirror • The Stories Women Carry • Self-Care for the Nervous System • The Jawline and Emotional Tension • TappingTechnique • Ayurveda & Rest • Numerology & Life Purpose Connect With Christine Ruf • Website: https://christineruf.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energy.beauty.cosmetics/ Resources Christine Ruf, Phoenix Rising — A 12-week online program: https://christineruf.com/Second Bloom coloring book by Christine Ruf — available on AmazonLet us know if you're liking the show! Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula, GGS Coaching Specialist, and corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace. Visit https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect with Mary:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcastLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

    Menopause Is A Beauty, Body, and Spiritual Transformation with Christine Ruf

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The Menopause Disruptor Podcast exists to dismantle taboo, validate women's lived experiences, and deliver cutting-edge medical and performance insights directly from world-class experts. We are rewriting the story of perimenopause, menopause, and midlife — one conversation at a time. I’m Mary Lee, Menopause Doula, Women’s Coaching Specialist, and science communicator, on a mission to challenge outdated narratives, bust menopause myths, and bring credible information and real women’s lived experiences to the forefront. Each episode, I explore the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of midlife, tackling the conversations that are too often dismissed, misunderstood, or left unsaid. From hormones, brain health, sleep, strength training, nutrition, sexuality, and mental health to trauma, identity, purpose, relationships, workplace menopause, and spiritual awakening — we go beyond the hot flashes. You’ll hear real, raw, and relatable conversations with credible experts, researchers, practitioners, and women sharing their lived experiences — alongside solo episodes where I unpack the science, challenge the status quo, and ask the questions many women are afraid to ask. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, this podcast is here to help you make sense of what’s happening in your body and brain, advocate for yourself with confidence, and embrace the possibilities of midlife. Because menopause is not a decline. It’s not a failure. And it certainly isn’t the end of your story. In many ways, it's just the beginning. Get ready for a powerful biological, psychological, spiritual, and emotional transformation — one that can become an invitation to understand your body, your brain, your health, and your soul in an entirely new way.

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