219 episodes

Join menopause health coach and mindfulness practitioner Clarissa Kristjansson as she takes you on a journey to learn how to holistically take control of your menopause symptoms.

Every week Clarissa covers topics from sleeping better to dealing with anxiety to improving your relationships. She introduces you to a wide range of guests who bring their expertise, insights and practical tips to help you better manage your menopause and its challenges. So you can thrive rather than survive this life stage.

Find out more about the podcast by visiting thrivethrumenopause.com and follow Clarissa Kristjansson on LinkedIn and Instagram @thrivingthrumenopause

clarissakristjansson.substack.com

Thriving Thru Menopause Clarissa Kristjansson

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 45 Ratings

Join menopause health coach and mindfulness practitioner Clarissa Kristjansson as she takes you on a journey to learn how to holistically take control of your menopause symptoms.

Every week Clarissa covers topics from sleeping better to dealing with anxiety to improving your relationships. She introduces you to a wide range of guests who bring their expertise, insights and practical tips to help you better manage your menopause and its challenges. So you can thrive rather than survive this life stage.

Find out more about the podcast by visiting thrivethrumenopause.com and follow Clarissa Kristjansson on LinkedIn and Instagram @thrivingthrumenopause

clarissakristjansson.substack.com

    'Bones for Life' Feldenkrais-based techniques to improve bone health during menopause.

    'Bones for Life' Feldenkrais-based techniques to improve bone health during menopause.

    This episode of the Thriving Thru Menopause podcast unpacks the connection between menopause, bone density, and holistic health approaches. From understanding the impact of perimenopause on osteoporosis to learning simple yet effective exercises for bone strength, Clarissa and her guest, Helen Davis, offer holistic insights into managing health transitions.
    In this episode, Clarissa and Helen discuss osteoporosis and the importance of supporting bone health during menopause.
    Helen shares her personal experience with perimenopause and how it led to her diagnosis of osteoporosis. They also explore the limitations of traditional medical advice and the need for individual research and decision-making.
    Helen introduces the Bones for Life method based on the Feldenkrais Method and focuses on dynamic movement and postural alignment to improve bone density and strength.
    They highlight the benefits of weight-bearing activity and proper alignment for bone health. Improving posture alignment is crucial for overall health, including bone density, breathing, and pelvic floor function. It can also enhance confidence and a sense of possibility.
    Poor posture can lead to injuries and negate the benefits of strength training. Simple exercises like aligning the neck and bouncing on heels can make a significant difference. Walking every day and incorporating bouncing exercises into daily routines are key habits for supporting bone health.
    Helen Davis offers an Introduction to Bones for Life course, providing an opportunity to explore this practice at one's own pace.
    Takeaways
    * Perimenopause symptoms can be overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and potential health issues.
    * Individual research and decision-making are important when considering treatment options for osteoporosis.
    * The Bones for Life method, based on the Feldenkrais Method, focuses on dynamic movement and postural alignment to improve bone density and strength.
    * Weight-bearing activity and proper alignment are key factors in maintaining bone health.
    * Cultural practices like those found in Africa and Asia that involve carrying weight on the head and jumping may contribute to stronger bones. Posture alignment is essential for overall health and can impact bone density, breathing, and pelvic floor function.
    * Poor posture can lead to injuries and negate the benefits of strength training.
    * Simple exercises like aligning the neck and bouncing on heels can improve posture and support bone health.
    * Walking every day and incorporating bouncing exercises into daily routines are effective habits for maintaining bone health.
    * Helen Davis offers an Introduction to Bones for Life course on her website, providing a self-study option for learning and practicing this approach.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Perimenopause Story
    03:42 Diagnosis of Osteoporosis and Emotional Response
    11:34 Introduction to Bones for Life Method
    15:31 Learning from Cultural Practices
    27:19 How Poor Posture Can Negate Strength Training Benefits
    28:39 Simple Exercises for Better Posture
    36:32 Walking and Bouncing for Bone Health
    43:48 Introduction to Bones for Life Course
    Helen Davis offers an Introduction to Bones for Life course on her website, allowing one to explore this practice at one's own pace. https://onestepforward.today/ https://www.instagram.com/onestepforward.today/ https://www.facebook.com/onestepforward.hypnotherapy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-davis-onestepforward/
    Clarissa Kristjansson https://clarissakristjansson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thrivingthrumenopause
    Get your copy of my new book Beyond Hormones: 7 Holistic Ways to Thrive Thru Menopause https://bit.ly/49XBI1a



    Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe

    • 45 min
    SE7: EP2 Dating in Menopause: Top Tips on How to Make it Awesome Instead of Awful

    SE7: EP2 Dating in Menopause: Top Tips on How to Make it Awesome Instead of Awful

    In this episode, Clarissa and Laurie Gerber discuss the challenges and changes in dating for menopausal women.
    They explore the importance of being ready for dating after divorce and the need to detox from past relationships. Laurie emphasizes the need to set personal rules and boundaries in the new dating world. They also discuss the impact of online dating and the role of pictures in attracting potential partners.
    The conversation highlights the importance of managing rejection and navigating the psychological gaming that can occur in the dating process.
    Dating coach Laurie Gerber shares her insights on dating for menopausal and post-menopausal women. She emphasizes the importance of the three Hs: head, heart, and hoo-ha, which represent practical compatibility, emotional connection, and physical attraction.
    Why Laurie advises setting a limit of three dates to determine if a potential partner meets all three criteria. She also emphasizes the importance of self-care, self-love, and being in a good mental and emotional state before entering the dating scene. Laurie encourages women to take control of their dating lives and approach dating with confidence and self-assuredness.


    Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe

    • 45 min
    SE7: EP1 Navigating Menopause with Mindfulness

    SE7: EP1 Navigating Menopause with Mindfulness

    Today's episode is a MUST listen. If you are navigating #menopause and experiencing stress, sleep disruption, brain fog and beating yourself up for all of it, then this is for you.
    Cara Bradley joins Clarissa on the podcast today. She is a mind-body expert dedicated to advancing mind-body education through movement, mindfulness, and the science of human performance. Cara is the author of "On The Verge: Wake Up, Show Up, and Shine," and Mindful.org voted her one of the most powerful women in the mindfulness movement.
    Clarissa and Cara Bradley discuss the power of mindfulness in navigating menopause. They explore the impact of menopause on the brain and the importance of self-compassion during this transformative phase of life.
    Cara shares a three-step menopause and mindfulness practice that involves naming symptoms, examining them with loving kindness, and taking small actions to address them. They also discuss the role of mindfulness in managing brain fog and choosing one's state of being. The episode concludes with key takeaways and action steps for listeners to implement mindfulness in their own lives.
    Takeaways
    Menopause is a prime time for women to awaken to their changing bodies, brains, and minds, and mindfulness can play a crucial role in this process.
    Mindfulness is the ability to know what's happening in the present moment without judgment, and it can be practised through formal meditation and moment-to-moment awareness.
    Self-compassion is essential during menopause, and simple practices like placing a hand on the heart can cultivate self-love and kindness.
    Addressing brain fog in menopause can be supported by mindfulness practices that help regulate the nervous system and prioritize sleep.
    Choosing one's state of being through mindfulness empowers women to navigate the challenges of menopause and embrace their wisdom and power.
    In this episode
    08:48 The Impact of Menopause on the Brain
    12:48 Understanding Mindfulness
    18:43 The Importance of Self-Compassion
    22:08 Practicing Mindfulness in Menopause
    33:00 Addressing Brain Fog with Mindfulness
    38:08 Choosing Your Mindset
    45:21Action Steps to Start Being Mindful


    Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe

    • 46 min
    The Power of Shadow Work During Menopause

    The Power of Shadow Work During Menopause

    In this episode of  Thriving Thru Menopause , Clarissa interviews Junie Moon about shadow work and its importance in personal growth.
    They discuss the concept of the shadow, which refers to the parts of ourselves that we hide or disown. Junie explains how shadow work helps us reclaim and healthily express these hidden aspects.
    They also explore the impact of shadow work during menopause and how it can help women break painful patterns and heal generational shadows.
    Junie shares various tools and modalities for doing shadow work, including plant medicine and journeying.
    Takeaways
    Shadow work involves exploring and reclaiming the hidden aspects of ourselves that we have disowned or consider to be bad or wrong.
    Shadow work helps us break painful patterns, heal generational shadows, and express ourselves authentically. Menopause is a powerful time for shadow work, as it brings unresolved emotions and offers an opportunity for healing and transformation.
    Tools for shadow work include therapy, journaling, meditation, dream work, and working with plant medicine.
    Expressing and honoring our emotions is an important part of shadow work, as it allows us to heal and create a more fulfilling life.
    Shadow work can lead to a whole new way of being, where we embrace our true selves and live a more empowered and joyful life.
    Sound Bites
    01:13 Introducing Juni Moon: A Deep Dive into Shadow Work
    02:26 Understanding Shadow Work: Unveiling the Hidden Parts of Ourselves
    04:50 The Impact of Shadow Work on Personal Growth and Relationships
    08:57 Navigating Midlife Challenges and Opportunities with Shadow Work
    21:30 Exploring the Depths of Shadow Work: Techniques and Emotional Journey
    32:45 Healing and Transformation: The Power of Shadow Work in Menopause
    Connect with Junie Moon https://midlifeloveoutloud.com/
    Connect with Clarissa Kristjansson https://clarissakristjansson.com/
    Grab Your Copy of the New Book Beyond Hormones 7 Holistic Ways to Thrive Through Menopause https://bit.ly/49XBI1a


    Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe

    • 40 min
    Healthcare for Women in Menopause

    Healthcare for Women in Menopause

    In this episode of Thriving Through Menopause, OBGYN Dr. Cat Brown discusses the importance of women receiving proper treatment during perimenopause and menopause.
    She explains that the founders of Winona, a women's health clinic, started the clinic to address the access to care issue for menopause care. Dr. Brown emphasizes the gap in healthcare and the ongoing stigma surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to negative information from the Women's Health Initiative study. She also highlights the need for healthcare providers to be more comfortable and knowledgeable about treating menopause symptoms.
    In this conversation, Dr Cat Brown and Clarissa discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a treatment for menopause symptoms. They highlight the benefits of HRT in managing physical symptoms such as hot flashes, low mood, and vaginal dryness. They also address the misconceptions and fears surrounding hormone therapy, including the use of bioidentical hormones and testosterone.
    Dr. Cat emphasizes the importance of finding a provider who listens to your concerns and offers evidence-based treatment options. They also discuss the need for reliable sources of information on menopause and HRT.
    Takeaways
    Access to care for menopause treatment is a significant issue, and telemedicine platforms like Winona are helping to make care more readily available.
    There is a gap in healthcare when it comes to women's health, and many providers dismiss women's symptoms due to a lack of comfort and experience with treating menopause.
    The negative information from the Women's Health Initiative study has created a stigma around hormone replacement therapy, leading to a reluctance among providers to prescribe it.
    Women should take an inventory of their symptoms and keep a symptom diary to share with their healthcare provider, as this information is invaluable in determining the appropriate treatment.
    Women experiencing brain fog and mental changes should recognize that these symptoms can be related to perimenopause and menopause.
    Women should focus on lifestyle changes, including exercise, nutrition, and sleep hygiene, to optimize their health during this transition.
    Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves using hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the body, while traditional HRT often uses synthetic hormones.
    Birth control pills are not an appropriate treatment for menopause symptoms, as they are designed to suppress ovulation and prevent pregnancy.
    Bioidentical forms of hormones are generally preferred, as the body better assimilates them and can be used at lower doses.
    SSRIs and antidepressants are often prescribed for menopause symptoms, but they are not frontline medications and may not address the underlying hormonal changes.
    Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, low mood, and vaginal dryness. HRT can also have preventive benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and dementia.
    Finding a healthcare provider who listens to your concerns and takes your symptoms seriously is important. Be cautious of providers who dismiss your symptoms or immediately prescribe birth control pills for menopause symptoms.
    Seek reliable sources of information on menopause and HRT, such as reputable medical websites and organizations.
    The Sound Bites
    02:10 The Role of Winona in Women's Health
    04:32 The Lack of Education on Menopause in Medical Training
    05:13 The Intersection of Menopause and Women in the Workplace
    06:41The Journey of Women at Winona
    07:10 Taking Inventory of Symptoms
    08:12 Tracking Mental Changes During Menopause
    09:15 The Importance of Recognizing Perimenopause Symptoms
    10:17 The Need for a Multi-Faceted Approach to Managing Perimenopause
    11:30 Lifestyle Changes for Managing Perimenopause
    13:42 Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
    15:57 The Difference Between Bioiden

    • 44 min
    SE 6: EP 23 Can Homeopathy Help With Menopause Symptoms?

    SE 6: EP 23 Can Homeopathy Help With Menopause Symptoms?

    Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine that aims to promote general health by reinforcing the body’s natural healing capacity. It does not treat physical, emotional, mental, or even spiritual illnesses separately but regards them all as interconnected.
    In this episode, Clarissa Kristjansson interviews Tehilla Aloni, a homoeopath and founder of BioOrgonomy.
    They discuss the principles of homoeopathy, including treating the person as a whole and using minimum doses. Tehilla also explains how homoeopathy can be used to address menopausal symptoms and bring balance to the body.
    Additionally, Tehilla shares her work in bio-orgonomy, an extra-sensory technique that aligns energy fields in businesses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of aligning with one's purpose and the role of spirituality in achieving abundance and well-being.
    Takeaways
    * Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that treats the person as a whole and uses minimum doses of remedies.
    * A key principle of homoeopathy is treating the root cause of symptoms rather than just the symptoms themselves.
    * Bio-orgonomy is an extra sensory technique that aligns energy fields in businesses to promote success and well-being.
    * Aligning with one's purpose and holding the highest intentions can lead to abundance and fulfilment in life and business.
    Timeline
    01:30 Introduction to Homeopathy and Guest's Background
    09:06 Treating the Person as a Whole
    14:24 The Energetic Imprint and Minimum Dose
    16:18 Aligning with Purpose and Abundance
    21:26 Introduction to Bio-Orgonomy
    24:16 Aligning Interests in Business
    26:11 Overcoming Guilt and Focusing on the Positive
    31:54 Approach to Menopausal Issues
    35:45 Infusing Spirituality into Business

    Connect with Tehilla
    Connect with Clarissa
    Grab your copy of Beyond Hormones: 7 Holistic Ways to Thrive Through Menopause


    Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe

    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
45 Ratings

45 Ratings

JBK44 ,

Great place to find answers for your perimenopause and menopause journey!

If you’re looking for answers to your peri- and menopause questions and a community to tap into, this is it! Clarissa does such a great job with her guests and asking them insightful questions. You can’t go wrong listening to this podcast on a regular basis and using it as a resource for menopause journey!

Best of!! ,

Must for all women!

Clarissa’s insight has helped me get my energy, brain, and joy back vs the state of menopause tired and fog. Not only is she delightful but her insight is relevant, actionable, and healing. While I am one of her private clients, I am finding her podcasts to be just what I need to hear and again full of advice that is helping to thrive in a way I had not even pre-menopause. Every woman should listen in as I am certain there is something here to help each woman thrive! She share resources to experts and expert advice that can lead to a life of vive and joy and energy and so much more. Thank you Clarissa for putting these podcasts out into the world!

Heal Thrive Dream ,

So Validating!

I love this podcast! It is educational, real, and inspirational. Clarissa is a fantastic interviewer!

Top Podcasts In Health & Fitness

Huberman Lab
Scicomm Media
The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
iHeartPodcasts
ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
John R. Miles

You Might Also Like

The Happy Menopause
Jackie Lynch - Nutritionist & Author
The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show
Liz Earle
The Dr Louise Newson Podcast
Dr Louise Newson
Good Life Project
Jonathan Fields / Acast
You Are Not Broken
Kelly Casperson, MD
Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author