Modern Menopause by Parlor Games

Parlor Games
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Modern Menopause is where midlife gets real—sticks to the science and has a few laughs along the way. This is the podcast for women who are done whispering about hot flashes and pretending brain fog is “just stress.” We talk about perimenopause, menopause, and everything that comes after with honesty, intelligence, and a whole lot of laughter.  No “that’s just aging.” We break down the science so it makes sense—and so you feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. Joining you each week is Dr. Robyn Kutka, an expert in naturopathic medicine and hormone health, alongside your host Morven,  a licensed professional counselor, who asks the questions you’re already thinking. Together, they bring warmth, candor, and plenty of laughter to topics that deserve to be talked about out loud. Midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s a recalibration. Let’s do it well—and have some fun while we’re at it. Learn more about Parlor Games. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Bloating, Constipation & Gut Issues in Menopause. Could Hormones be the Culprit?

    Has your stomach suddenly gone completely sideways — even though you haven't changed a thing? You're not imagining it. In this episode of Modern Menopause, co-hosts Morven and Dr. Robyn Kutka dig into one of the most overlooked (and most embarrassing) symptoms of perimenopause and menopause: digestive issues. They break down why hormonal shifts can cause bloating, constipation, acid reflux, changes in how quickly you feel full, and more — and why so many women (and their doctors) chalk it up to IBS, SIBO, or a bad meal instead of looking at the hormonal root cause. In this episode: Why declining estrogen and progesterone can disrupt your gut motility, inflammation, and permeabilityThe surprising connection between estrogen, serotonin, and your digestive systemWhy over 90% of your neurotransmitters are made in your gut — and what that means for menopause symptomsHow the gut microbiome and hormones influence each otherThe role of thyroid hormones and cortisol in digestive healthMenopause belly vs. bloating — what's the real difference?What questions to ask your doctor, and when to look at hormones instead of just treating symptomsWhat tests are available beyond the standard workup Learn more about Parlor Games. Submit your question for a future podcast. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

    26 min

  2. MAY 12

    DHEA Explained: Energy, Brain Fog, Libido & Menopause Support

    What exactly is DHEA—and why are so many women suddenly hearing about it during perimenopause and menopause? In this episode of Modern Menopause by Parlor Games, hosts Dr. Robyn Kutka and Morven break down what DHEA actually does in the body, how it relates to estrogen and testosterone, and why it’s become a growing topic in women’s hormone conversations. They dive into: The difference between DHEA and testosteroneWhether women should test hormone levels before using DHEAListener questions about hair loss, Saw Palmetto, cancer concerns, and dosing Learn more about Parlor Games. Submit your question for a future podcast. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

    23 min

  3. MAY 5

    The “Black Hole” in Women’s Health—Why So Many Feel Overlooked?

    Why do so many women feel like something is off—only to be told everything looks “normal”? In this episode of Modern Menopause, Dr Robyn Kutka and Morven explore why women in perimenopause and menopause often feel dismissed when they seek answers about their health. From limitations in standard testing to gaps in medical education, we unpack the factors that can leave women without clear direction—even when they don’t feel like themselves. We also discuss how symptoms can overlap across hormones, nutrition, stress, and lifestyle factors—and why a broader, more individualized approach may help provide better clarity. If you’ve ever felt like your concerns weren’t fully addressed, this episode offers context, perspective, and practical ways to think about your next steps. Learn more about Parlor Games. Submit your question for a future podcast here. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

    30 min

  4. APR 28

    Blood vs Saliva Hormone Testing: What’s the Difference?

    If you’ve ever been told your lab results are “normal” but still don’t feel like yourself, you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr Robyn Kutka and Morven explore the differences between blood testing and saliva testing for hormones—and why the results may not always reflect how you’re actually feeling. They discuss how common testing methods work, what they measure, and some of the limitations to be aware of—especially during perimenopause and menopause, when hormone levels can fluctuate. Learn more about Parlor Games Submit your question for a future podcast. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

    23 min

  5. APR 21

    Vaginal Changes After 40? What Women Should Know About Dryness, Discomfort & More

    Vaginal dryness, discomfort, changes in tissue, increased UTIs—these are topics many women experience but rarely talk about. In this episode of Modern Menopause, we explore the physical changes that can happen to vaginal and vulvar tissues over time, especially during perimenopause and menopause. From shifts in moisture and elasticity to pelvic floor changes and discomfort during intimacy, your co-hosts Morven and Dr Robyn Kutka break down what may be happening in the body—and why. Learn more about Parlor Games. Submit your question for a future podcast here. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

    33 min

  6. APR 14

    The Role of Progesterone in Perimenopause and Menopause

    A lot of women are told that estrogen is the only hormone that matters in perimenopause and menopause — but that’s not the full story. In this episode of the Modern Menopause Podcast, Morven and Dr. Robyn Kutka break down one of the most common misconceptions women hear: that all menopause symptoms come from low estrogen. But what if that’s not the full story. From hot flashes and brain fog to poor sleep, mood swings, and weight gain, many women assume estrogen is the root cause. But Dr. Robyn explains why progesterone—often overlooked—may actually be the missing piece. Learn more about Parlor Games The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

    28 min

  7. APR 7

    Thyroid vs. Cortisol: What to Know About How You’re Feeling

    Feeling exhausted, gaining weight, and wondering “Is it my thyroid?” You’re not alone—and you might be looking in the wrong place. In this episode of the Modern Menopause Podcast, Morven and Dr. Robyn Kutka break down one of the most common myths women face during perimenopause and menopause: blaming the thyroid for symptoms that may actually be related to cortisol and stress system dysregulation. Stay tuned to the end for Dr. Robyn’s simple tip to help you feel calmer instantly. Learn more about Parlor Games. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

    31 min

  8. MAR 31

    Perimenopause: The Hormone Shift No One Prepares You For.

    What is perimenopause, really? In this episode of Modern Menopause, your host Morven and hormone expert Dr. Robyn Kutka break down the hormonal changes behind perimenopause, the symptoms women often miss, and why so many are told they’re “too young” when they’re not. We also discuss testing, treatment approaches, and how to recognize when something is off. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you’re feeling could be perimenopause, this episode is for you. Find more about Parlor Games. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

    27 min

  9. MAR 31

    Is Testosterone the Best Way to Boost Libido During Menopause?

    Is testosterone really the answer to low libido during perimenopause and menopause—or is that just another overhyped myth? In this episode of Modern Menopause, your host Morven and hormone expert Dr. Robyn Kutka break down the truth about testosterone and women’s libido. While it’s often promoted as a quick fix, libido is far more complex—especially during midlife. We explore the real drivers behind low sex drive, including estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, cortisol (stress), medications, relationship dynamics, and even nutrient deficiencies. You’ll learn why some women may notice changes with testosterone—and why it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’ve been told “just take testosterone,” this conversation will give you a much more complete—and realistic—picture. 💬 Plus: listener questions on orgasm, sensitivity, and what else actually supports libido during menopause. Learn more about Parlor Games. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

    30 min

  10. TRAILER

    Trailer

    Welcome to Modern Menopause by Parlor Games. Join Dr. Robyn Kutka and Morven for smart, honest, and often funny conversations about perimenopause, menopause, and everything that comes after. We break down the science, answer real questions, and make sense of the symptoms and changes that come with midlife. Follow the show now so you don't miss an episode. Learn more about Parlor Games. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Modern Menopause is where midlife gets real—sticks to the science and has a few laughs along the way. This is the podcast for women who are done whispering about hot flashes and pretending brain fog is “just stress.” We talk about perimenopause, menopause, and everything that comes after with honesty, intelligence, and a whole lot of laughter.  No “that’s just aging.” We break down the science so it makes sense—and so you feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. Joining you each week is Dr. Robyn Kutka, an expert in naturopathic medicine and hormone health, alongside your host Morven,  a licensed professional counselor, who asks the questions you’re already thinking. Together, they bring warmth, candor, and plenty of laughter to topics that deserve to be talked about out loud. Midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s a recalibration. Let’s do it well—and have some fun while we’re at it. Learn more about Parlor Games. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

Information

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