Menopause Matters - Let’s Talk

We’ve decided to take the bull by the horns and tackle the huge topic of HRT. In this episode we discuss which hormones we’re actually talking about that tend to flip about and go all wonky.We talk about tweaking the type, dose and route… taking an individualised approach and what is the ‘window of opportunity’.We run through the benefits and risks, touching on why you might not want to take HRT, for varying reasons.Then there’s the ever-confusing medical terminology - what do we mean by bio-identical hormones and body identical hormones.We’re delighted to be joined by our guest for this episode, Dr Becky Smithson, who gives us an insight into a GPs perspective.

What a huge impact these symptoms can have on your quality of life yet, remarkably, they remain some of the most under reported & under treated ones.We completely understand that it can be very embarrassing going and talking about these symptoms but there is so much help you can get alongside things you can do yourself so please don’t hesitate to seek out professional help & get referred to a pelvic health specialist/ physiotherapist if needed.We talk through all the symptoms you could experience, why you’re experiencing them in the first place and what are the options available to manage & cope with these symptoms.We’re delighted to be joined by Myra Robson, a pelvic health specialist/ physiotherapist and founder of the Squeezy App, who gives us an insight into her vast experience in this area bringing up the even more challenging topic to talk about…faecal/anal incontinence. We hope you understand after listening to this episode that you are very much not alone in experiencing these symptoms. There is, as always, a huge difference in everyone’s experience, they are extremely common and are some of those long term symptoms so unless you tackle them they’re not going to go away.

These are some of the most under reported, under treated symptoms and fall into the category of your longterm symptoms, although we realise that for some of you the others you might be experiencing can often feel like long term ones as well! We go through a quick recap about your basic anatomy…this can often be a tad hazy for a few folk and then straight into the nitty gritty of all the potential symptoms you could experience. As always lots of options to look into to help manage and cope with these symptoms. We talk about moisturisers, lubricants, and of course vaginal estrogen, as well as giving some top tips around basic hygiene. How do you start to have that conversation about these symptoms and what about prolapses & lichen sclerosus.Fear not, we haven’t forgotten something, the next episode follows on with the urinary side of matters.

Thankfully there has been increased awareness about these symptoms in relation to the Menopause in recent years. They are incredibly common and can be some of the most debilitating symptoms that people will experience…but don’t forget, not everyone will experience these symptoms.It can be challenging for some people to identify the cause of these symptoms, as it’s not always related to hormones - there can be many contributory factors.We discuss the range of options which can help to manage these symptoms. Is it right to take antidepressants, should you take HRT, is a combination acceptable? We go through alternative options for you to consider, either on their own or in combination with the above, but remember taking an individualised approach is always important. We also continue the conversation about HRT.

We continue to take a holistic approach as we discuss the symptoms which are often surprising ones for many people when it comes to the menopause… those joints aches & pains, as well as thinking about your long term bone health.We chat about the importance of preventative measures to take alongside the options available to cope with these symptoms.Do we all need to take Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)… we start the conversation on this important topic and it’s only episode 3… to be continued!What exercise is best and what’s all the fuss about magnesium?There are a couple of bugbears along the way… there will definitely be more… and as always we ask that you share this information with your family, friends and colleagues of all ages. 

We’re talking hot flushes & night sweats, also known as those vasomotor symptoms - but maybe you’re one of the lucky individuals who never experiences any of these, or you might have cold chills instead. We discuss why you can experience them in the first place, what options are available for you to help manage these symptoms, including what you can do yourselves to gain a better quality of life. Alas, there is no magic cure for any of these symptoms but there are definitely ways you can help to reduce the intensity & frequency of them.There is our regular ‘Myth busting moment’ and…who would you call an expert?!