Dear Menopause Sonya Lovell

Ever climb a mountain in high-heels? Metaphorically, that's what it feels like navigating through menopause.

We've all heard about it, but few are prepared when it hits.  But what's a journey without a travel buddy?

Meet Grace Lam, our guest for this episode, who has transformed her menopause journey into a beacon of hope and advocacy.

An icon in fashion, a Vogue insider, and now, a board member at Revelation Film Festival and the host of 'Me Not Pause', Grace has been there, done that.

Listen in as we explore her world - the glitz, glamour, and not-so-glamorous menopause symptoms. Grace speaks candidly about breaking stereotypes, her Asian heritage, and how she channels her experiences into advocacy.

With a pinch of humour and a load of wisdom, we challenge the stigmas around menopause, ageing, and the misinformation that pervades our society.

Resources:
Grace Lam Style Website
Grace on Instagram

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Have you ever reflected on the trials and triumphs of navigating through menopause?

Well, this episode is a heart-to-heart with Tania Dalton who has journeyed through this phase of life and come out stronger. Tania shares her post-menopausal journey, discussing how it led her to reappraise her lifestyle choices, prioritise sleep, manage stress, and eventually improve her overall health.

Tania's story isn't just about surviving menopause; it's about thriving. She redefines societal expectations by accomplishing physical feats like running a marathon and completing an Ironman triathlon post-menopause. Tania's tales of overcoming challenges and her dedication to achieving her goals are nothing short of inspiring, proving that age is just a number.

We also delve into the thrill of solo travel, as evidenced by Tania's adventurous trip to Santorini, painting a vivid picture of the empowerment and freedom it can offer.

Lastly, we delve into the profound effect menopause has on relationships and career choices while discussing the importance of resilience during this phase of life. Tania’s work in helping women over 50 embrace this stage and make positive changes to their health and lifestyle is truly commendable.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights, whether you're approaching menopause, in the midst of it, or beyond. It's about embracing change, facing challenges head-on, and redefining your personal narrative around menopause.

Resources:
Beautiful Midlife - website
Tania on Instagram
Thriving Over 50 Facebook Group
Sleep Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice
NYAD on Netflix



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Join Kaz Cooke author of 'It's the Menopause', and me as we pull back the curtain on her exhaustive research, Kaz reveals the astonishing findings from her survey of nearly 9,000 women, exposing a shocking lack of awareness about perimenopause and menopause symptoms. So many women were astounded to learn that their symptoms were actually hormone-related.

Kaz also challenges the traditional narrative around menopause, as we venture beyond hot flushes and libido changes.

As the conversation progresses, we delve into the uncharted realms of menopause. Kaz passionately emphasizes the importance of getting accurate information and understanding the unique differences in symptoms between individuals. We also explore the emotional labour dynamics in multi-generational households, a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves.

Diving into the domain of menopause treatments, we discuss the commercialisation and ensuing confusion for women, with Kaz stressing the need for comprehensive discussions with doctors to find the right treatment options.

Our conversation also highlights the importance of protecting women from misleading marketing and false promises of 'wellness products'.

Resources:
Book - It's The Menopause
Kaz's website

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What exactly should your plate look like during perimenopause?

This week, Ange Clark joins me to unravel the complex world of perimenopausal nutrition. A powerhouse in the field we dive into the far-reaching effects of low energy availability on the female body, and how to tackle the inevitable midlife weight gain with the right diet and exercise balance.

We don't shy away from discussing the elephant in the room - the physiological, emotional, and mental effects of estrogen decline during perimenopause. Ange lends her expert insights on how to fight these changes through diet, resistance training, and more.

We also spotlight the critical role of high-quality proteins during this phase and point you toward the best sources of these proteins. Add in a generous sprinkling of Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, and you've got a recipe for a healthy and balanced perimenopausal plate.

But there's more to it than just what we eat.

We discuss how hydration is often the overlooked hero during the perimenopausal period. From why salt is crucial for absorption to the benefits of drinking water with meals and how to remind ourselves to stay hydrated, we cover it all.

As we wrap up, we provide a comprehensive look at women's nutrition during perimenopause - the key nutrients required, how to include them in your diet, and when to opt for supplementation.

Buckle up, it's time for an enlightening journey with Ange and me into the world of perimenopausal nutrition.

Connect with Ange:
Instagram
Facebook
Website

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Alex Isaac is back this week to discuss her surgically induced menopause following a risk-reducing hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy and the benefits of starting immediate hormone therapy.

We also discuss Sarah, Alex's sister and her fight for hormone therapy, due to her breast cancer history, and the life-changing impact when she finally found a GP who supported her.

We debate the urgent need for medical professionals to have a much deeper knowledge of menopause treatments and hormone therapies, particularly for women who have experienced induced menopause at such a young age.

This episode is not just a conversation, but a beacon for every woman navigating an induced menopause journey.

Resources:
Pink Hope - hereditary cancer support

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Would you undergo risk-reducing surgery to potentially save your life?

My guest, Alex Isaac, faced this question head-on when she discovered she was a carrier of the BRCA genetic mutation at the age of 30.

Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster ride as Alex bravely recounts her family's journey into the world of genetic mutations, which started with her sister's breast cancer diagnosis at 33 and led to her own life-altering decisions.

Alex doesn't shy away from the hard truths of her experience. She bares it all, from her decision to undergo risk-reducing surgeries to the rigorous process of IVF. Even after welcoming two beautiful children, her journey wasn't over.

Alex's story is not just about the physical challenges; it's a testament to her resilience. There is much to learn from Alex's journey, whether you're facing genetic mutations, considering preventive surgeries, or dealing with surgical menopause.

Her story inspires us to be brave, confront our fears and navigate through the rough waters of uncertainty.

Tune in to hear Alex's captivating story and the wisdom she gained through her challenging journey.

Resources:
Pink Hope - Support, Education and Advocacy Group 

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