Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause

Dr. Sara Poldmae | Healer, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and Functional Medicine Practitioner
  • 4.9 (31)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Menopause Rise and Thrive! I’m Dr. Sara Poldmae, and this podcast is for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—women who are ready to embrace this stage of life with confidence and create a future that feels authentic and fulfilling. Every week, I’ll walk you through the ups and downs of midlife, sharing helpful tips, real-world advice, and a space where you can feel heard and supported. Whether you’re dealing with hot flashes, weight changes, mood swings, sleep disruptions, or brain fog—or simply trying to make sense of the emotional shifts that come with menopause—you’re not alone. Together, we’ll cut through the noise of misinformation and explore real, effective strategies for managing menopause symptoms, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics. Menopause Rise and Thrive is about more than just symptom management—it’s about stepping into your strength, prioritizing your well-being, and finding renewed purpose in this chapter of life. More than anything, this podcast is about community—a place where women like you can connect, share experiences, and support one another. Together, we’ll challenge outdated myths about aging, celebrate our resilience, and approach midlife with clarity, strength, and empowerment. Offering a unique blend of insights from my experience as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist, yogi, functional medicine practitioner, and women’s advocate, I’m here to help you reclaim your health and rediscover your passions. Every episode is designed to provide guidance, reassurance, and practical steps so you can navigate menopause with confidence. 

  1. 4d ago

    143. Why So Many Midlife Women are Misdiagnosed with UTIs

    Are you constantly being told you have a UTI—only to finish another round of antibiotics and still not feel better? If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and suddenly dealing with bladder pain, urinary urgency, painful sex, or recurrent infections, you are not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by women’s health advocate and Desert Harvest CEO Heather Florio to unpack the often-overlooked connection between hormones, pelvic health, bladder symptoms, and sexual wellness in midlife. We’re talking about why so many women are misdiagnosed, how menopause impacts urinary and vaginal tissue health, and what you can do to advocate for yourself and finally get the support you deserve. This conversation is empowering, practical, and full of science-backed insights that every midlife woman should hear. In this episode: [02:00] Why recurrent UTIs in menopause are often more complicated than they seem [03:42] The hidden risks of overusing antibiotics when cultures come back negative [05:00] The difference between interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome [07:30] How vaginal estrogen can support both vaginal and urinary health [08:43] Why painful sex during menopause is incredibly common—and what can help [10:00] Heather explains the science behind Desert Harvest’s aloe vera products and bladder health support [13:08] How to advocate for yourself when you’re not getting answers from traditional healthcare providers [14:00] Why pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to bladder pain, urgency, and recurrent symptoms [18:16] How bladder pain and vaginal tissue changes can impact libido and intimacy [20:27] The role of orgasms, vibration, and pelvic floor health in sexual wellness [22:26] What to know about vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, pH, and osmolality during menopause [24:25] Supportive options for painful intercourse and chronic pelvic pain Connect with Heather Florio: Heather Florio is a sexpert, CEO, and outspoken advocate for women’s health and leadership. As the second-generation owner of Desert Harvest, she leads a company focused on medical-grade pelvic and sexual health products trusted worldwide. She is on a mission to break stigma, reshape conversations around sexual wellness, and position women’s health as a business and leadership priority. Heather also writes “Dear Sexpert” for Bella Magazine, offering candid, science-backed advice that empowers women to take control of their bodies and boundaries. Recognized by Authority Magazine and Forbes, she is a global voice at the intersection of entrepreneurship, healthcare, and advocacy, and has presented at the White House while serving on the board of the Northern Light Health Center for Healthy Brain Aging. Website: https://desertharvest.comInstagram: @desertharvestaloveraConnect with me, Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae/If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review—it helps more women find this space so we can all rise and thrive together Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

    27 min

  2. May 14

    142. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis for Women Running on Empty

    If you’re waking up tired, dragging through the afternoon, and wondering why you still feel depleted despite eating well, exercising, and getting decent sleep—you are not alone. So many midlife women are told their labs are “normal,” yet they still don’t feel like themselves. In this episode, I sit down with naturopathic doctor and functional medicine expert Jennifer Nelson-Hawks to talk about one of the most overlooked pieces of midlife health: minerals and electrolytes. We dive into why sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium play such a critical role in energy, stress resilience, sleep, hormone balance, and overall wellbeing—and why standard blood work often misses the bigger picture. Jennifer shares how her own experience with burnout and grief led her to discover Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), and how this testing has helped women uncover hidden imbalances contributing to fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, joint pain, and stubborn weight struggles. In this episode: 03:04] – Why “normal” lab work doesn’t always mean you’re healthy or thriving 04:22] – The difference between conventional lab ranges and optimal health ranges [07:18] – Why midlife women are especially vulnerable to mineral depletion 09:30] – The connection between burnout, stress, and cellular energy depletion [12:05] – How sodium and potassium impact adrenal function and daily energy [14:57] – What Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) can reveal that blood work may miss [16:12] – The surprising link between mineral imbalances, joint pain, and bone health [18:46] – How custom mineral support can help improve sleep, clarity, and resilience Links and Resources: Jennifer Nelson-Hawks, BCND, is a Board-Certified Doctor of Naturopathy, author of Your Labs Are Lying, and founder of Jennifer Hawks Health. With over 20 years of experience in holistic and functional medicine, she helps high-functioning women who feel dismissed by "normal" labs uncover the real drivers behind their fatigue, stubborn weight, and digestive struggles using advanced testing. Through her signature Unstoppable Method™, she turns complex data into clear, personalized strategies so women can restore energy, confidence, and lasting resilience. Instagram: ND + Mineral Maven + Gut Health Expert (@jenniferhawkshealth)  Facebook: Jennifer Hawks Health | Jackson WY Link to Freebie Electrolyte Opt-in | JH Health Connect with me, Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmaeIf this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review—it helps more women find this space so we can all rise and thrive together Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

    22 min

  3. Apr 23

    141. Have the Audacity to Reclaim Your Power in Midlife

    Are you feeling the tension between wanting to speak up… and wondering if it’s “too much”? Or maybe you’ve noticed your confidence shifting in midlife—at work, at home, or even in your own body? In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Sara is joined by two incredible leaders—Gloria Feldt and Heather Florio—for a conversation that goes far beyond menopause. Together, they explore what it truly means to own your power as a woman today—especially in a world that still challenges, questions, and often undervalues it. From workplace dynamics to menopause advocacy, this episode will leave you thinking differently about your voice, your value, and your next bold move. This conversation is also a behind-the-scenes look at the Take The Lead “Power Up” Conference—where the theme of audacity takes center stage. And trust me… you’ll walk away inspired to take action in your own life. In this episode: [03:04] – What “audacity” really means in leadership—and why speaking up matters more than ever  [04:22] – Why progress for women isn’t linear (and how pushback can actually signal growth) [08:35] – What real workplace support for women looks like (beyond performative DEI policies) [13:49] – Redefining power—and why many women unknowingly give theirs away  [16:10] – The subtle ways women communicate at work (and how language can undermine confidence) [17:52] – Menopause in the workplace: why this conversation is finally gaining momentum [21:02] – How gaps in women’s healthcare directly impact leadership and career longevity [23:34] – The challenge to take one audacious action—and why it matters [25:10] – The most underrated obstacle women face: expectations (and how they hold us back) [26:48] – Why the traditional “ladder” model of success may be the real problem Links and Resources: Power Up Conference: https://www.thepowerupconference.comTake The Lead: https://www.taketheleadwomen.comConnect with Gloria Feldt: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriafeldt/Connect with Heather Florio: Website: https://www.desertharvest.comThe Power Up Conference takes place in Washington, DC on August 25–26, centered around the theme of Audacity: Leadership in Action. Expect a full day of inspiring speakers, including Margaret Atwood, powerful panels on women’s health and wealth, and meaningful conversations that go beyond inspiration—into real action. ✨ Plus… it ends with a dance party (because joy is part of the revolution too). 🎟️ https://lead.taketheleadwomen.com/event/power-up-conference-and-concert-2026/e774818/register/new/select-tickets Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Ready to find out what's actually going on with your hormones? Book a free discovery call here. https://renewher.meadowhillwellness.com/book-a-call Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review—it helps more women find this space so we can all rise and thrive together Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

    36 min

  4. Mar 26

    140. Body Image - Coming Home to your body

    This episode explores what it truly means to feel at home in your body—something many women realize they’ve rarely, if ever, experienced. I reflect on my own journey with body image, including how early influences shaped my perception and how those patterns carried into midlife and perimenopause. We discuss the shift from viewing the body as something to evaluate or “fix” to approaching it with greater awareness, curiosity, and partnership. I also address the often unspoken sense of grief that can arise during this stage of life, and how it can coexist with appreciation for the body you have today. Throughout the episode, I offer simple, practical ways to begin rebuilding a more supportive and connected relationship with your body. In this episode: [00:01] – Opening the conversation and asking: when did you last feel truly at home in your body? [02:00] – Sharing my personal history with body image and early conditioning  [05:30] – Why midlife changes can intensify body criticism—and how to start reframing it [07:15] – Moving from “what’s wrong with me?” to “what does my body need?” [10:01] – Making space for grief around your younger body while still moving forward [12:30] – How joy and play help you step out of body monitoring and back into living [14:45] – Three simple invitations to begin rebuilding your relationship with your body  Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Ready to find out what's actually going on with your hormones? Book a free discovery call here. https://renewher.meadowhillwellness.com/book-a-call Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review—it helps more women find this space so we can all rise and thrive together Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

    21 min

  5. Mar 12

    139. Emotions hit hard in midlife

    Are your emotions feeling a little… unpredictable lately? One moment you’re fine, and the next you’re overwhelmed, irritable, or wondering why everything suddenly feels so heavy. If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you’re not imagining it—and you’re certainly not alone. In this episode, Dr. Sara Poldmae opens up about the emotional toll that midlife hormonal shifts can take. She breaks down what’s happening in the body—from fluctuating estrogen to declining progesterone—and why these changes can create mood swings, anxiety, loneliness, or even guilt around intimacy. More importantly, she shares compassionate, practical ways to support your emotional well-being during this transition so you can move through midlife with more awareness, support, and self-compassion.  In this episode: Why perimenopause and menopause can feel like an emotional roller coaster—and why that experience is completely normalHow fluctuating estrogen, declining progesterone, and shifting testosterone levels influence mood, anxiety, sleep, and libidoThe role of cortisol (the stress hormone) and why stress can feel more intense during midlifeHow Chinese medicine concepts like liver Qi stagnation and declining kidney Qi may help explain emotional imbalance during menopauseThe emotional impact of low libido, including guilt, shame, and relationship tension—and why open communication mattersWhy loneliness can become more common in midlife as friendships shift and we enter a more reflective phase of lifeSimple practices that can support emotional balance, including meditation, movement, therapy, and connecting with other womenLinks and Resources:  If you are in Maryland, my concierge clinic is now offering a hormone assessment for $249. Includes at home hormone test and a 45-minute visit with myself, or Nurse Practitioner Monique: Hormone AssessmentPlease join me in Tuscany this October: Restore Again in Tuscany in 41013 Panzano, Province of Modena, ItalyInsight Timer Meditation App: https://insighttimer.comConnect with me, Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.comEmail: hello@risingwomanproject.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmaeReady to feel more empowered in midlife? Explore Sara’s resources and programs designed to help you navigate perimenopause and menopause with clarity, support, and confidence. And if this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend who may also be navigating the emotional side of this transition. Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

    18 min

  6. Feb 26

    138. Natural Testosterone Support

    Are you doing all the “right” things—maybe even considering testosterone therapy—but still not feeling your best? If you listened to last week’s episode on testosterone, you know how powerful hormone therapy can be. But here’s the truth: hormones don’t act in a vacuum. Your nervous system, your nutrition, your muscle mass, your sleep—they all shape how your hormones work. In this episode, I’m walking you through the foundational, natural strategies that support hormone health in midlife—whether you’re using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or not. Because optimal health isn’t just about being in the “normal” range. It’s about creating the right internal environment so your body can truly thrive. This episode is a natural follow-up to our testosterone conversation —but today, we zoom out and talk about the bigger picture.   In this episode:  Why hormones don’t work in isolation—and what your nervous system and metabolism have to do with itThe real reason 30 grams of protein at breakfast can change your energy, mood, and hormone signalingWhy midlife women need healthy fats (yes, even cholesterol!) for optimal hormone productionThe truth about cholesterol in menopause—and why “just stop eating eggs” is far too simplisticHow fiber supports gut health and hormone metabolism (and why it’s often overlooked)Why resistance training is “hormone medicine” for midlife womenThe surprising midlife benefits of creatine—for muscle, metabolism, and even brain clarityWhy sleep is still the most underrated hormone support tool  Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae   Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

    15 min

  7. Feb 12

    137. Testosterone - Mood, Libido and more

    Have you ever wondered if testosterone therapy is just for men—or if it might actually help you with low libido, energy dips, or stubborn vaginal dryness? You’re not alone. So many midlife women are asking questions about testosterone, but getting few clear answers. In this episode, I sit down with my fabulous nurse practitioner, Monique Willingham, for a down-to-earth conversation about what testosterone therapy really looks like for women. We unpack myths, dive into its surprising benefits, and talk honestly about when it might help—and when it might not. If you’ve been feeling like something’s “off” but haven’t found the missing puzzle piece yet, this episode might hold the answers you’ve been seeking.   In this episode: What testosterone does in a woman’s body (it’s more than just libido!)How to tell if your low sex drive is hormonal—or something else entirelyThe surprising role of testosterone in mood, confidence, and brain fogMyths debunked: Will testosterone make you bulky or aggressive?Why some providers don’t offer testosterone therapy—and what to do insteadLifestyle factors that suppress testosterone production (and how to turn things around)When testosterone might not be the right fit—and what to consider instead  Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

    19 min

  8. Jan 22

    136. The permission to pause. Time away was needed.

    Have you ever longed for a pause button—a moment where no one needs you, nothing is urgent, and you can simply breathe? In this episode, I’m sharing my deeply personal experience from a recent retreat in Costa Rica—where for the first time in a long time, I stepped out of all the roles I usually play and rediscovered what it feels like to simply be me. No titles, no to-do lists, no emotional labor. Just space. If you’re a midlife woman feeling buried under invisible responsibilities, this episode offers you permission: to slow down, to feel, and to let go of what no longer fits. I’ll also introduce a powerful concept from yoga philosophy that I’m bringing home with me—and that might just change how you approach clarity and self-care in your own life.   In this episode: ·         Why stepping away from your roles can be deeply healing in midlife ·         The overlooked emotional labor women carry—and how it quietly adds up ·         A heartfelt letter from a retreat participant that perfectly captures the power of solitude ·         The yoga principle of Saucha—and how it can support mental and physical clarity ·         Why clarity often comes not from doing more, but from removing the noise ·         Simple ways to create emotional and physical space at home—even if you can’t retreat ·         A gentle reminder that you are allowed to rest without guilt Resources Mentioned: Retreat leader: Heather Solomon Yoga Teacher (@yoga.ethos) • Instagram profileRetreat Center: Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort (@bodhitreeyogaresort) • Instagram profileCasa Om Retreat in West Virginia this April with yours truly :) April 2026 Retreat Breathwork and Wellness in West Virginia - Rising Woman ProjectConnect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae: Ready to find out what's actually going on with your hormones? Book a free discovery call here. https://renewher.meadowhillwellness.com/book-a-call Website: https://risingwomanproject.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae  Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

    18 min
See All (143)

4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Welcome to Menopause Rise and Thrive! I’m Dr. Sara Poldmae, and this podcast is for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—women who are ready to embrace this stage of life with confidence and create a future that feels authentic and fulfilling. Every week, I’ll walk you through the ups and downs of midlife, sharing helpful tips, real-world advice, and a space where you can feel heard and supported. Whether you’re dealing with hot flashes, weight changes, mood swings, sleep disruptions, or brain fog—or simply trying to make sense of the emotional shifts that come with menopause—you’re not alone. Together, we’ll cut through the noise of misinformation and explore real, effective strategies for managing menopause symptoms, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics. Menopause Rise and Thrive is about more than just symptom management—it’s about stepping into your strength, prioritizing your well-being, and finding renewed purpose in this chapter of life. More than anything, this podcast is about community—a place where women like you can connect, share experiences, and support one another. Together, we’ll challenge outdated myths about aging, celebrate our resilience, and approach midlife with clarity, strength, and empowerment. Offering a unique blend of insights from my experience as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist, yogi, functional medicine practitioner, and women’s advocate, I’m here to help you reclaim your health and rediscover your passions. Every episode is designed to provide guidance, reassurance, and practical steps so you can navigate menopause with confidence. 

Information

You Might Also Like