Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk

Another hot topic to cover and one which has improved enormously in recent years. There still remains a disparity of experiences for employees between organisations, with each organisation having to look at what works for them and their staff.There are however some basics which everyone should be putting in place and to help guide us through this interesting topic we are delighted to welcome onto the podcast Neil Hudson-Basing.We chat through the need for a comprehensive menopause policy, why co-production and collaborative is important, gaining that valuable feedback from your employees.Having a structural approach to raising awareness and education, getting that kick start event in place which then starts to open up & normalise conversations. The need for putting in place follow up events using a range of formats to accommodate individual learning styles. What practical, reasonable adjustments can you facilitate for your staff which can make such a difference and provide genuine support.Then there’s the topic of allyship – what does that really mean and so much more! Definitely worth a listen, some really useful insights and practical tips, especially if you’re a manager struggling to know where to start or wanting to gain a fresh look at your yearly plan moving forward. 

In this episode we discuss the 5 gynaecological cancers; vaginal, vulva, womb, ovarian and cervical.We are delighted to welcome onto the podcast clinical nurse specialist Tracie Miles. We cover the key red flag symptoms to look out for, the need to regularly self check certain areas and the importance of getting to know your own normal.We discuss the importance of cervical screening, more commonly known as cervical smears and why we need to increase the uptake of attending appointments, nationally. Likewise, we highlight the importance of getting the HPV vaccine whilst still at school – all genders.We chat through what the barriers are for some people accessing these free preventative healthcare measures and what we can all do to raise awareness about the importance of getting a diagnosis as early as possible, which can massively improve survival rates.We touch on risk reducing surgery, getting into the area of genomics and why some people can be more likely to develop cancer due to their genetics. A topic to discuss further in another episode, alongside the role of HRT following a diagnosis of cancer. 

Another important topic to cover and one which many of us ignore, to a certain extent, until something untoward happens…often out of the blue.We chat through the importance of looking into and taking preventative measures from as early an age as possible, very much taking a holistic approach.What are your bone cells actually up to as you move around day in, day out – there’s a lot going on! We explain the different terminology and why something like osteoporosis is classed as a silent disease.What are the risk factors…ones that you can’t avoid and ones which you can do something about.Then there’s the role estrogen plays and the role HRT can play. Lots of food for thought but essentially be aware of what we can all do for ourselves, take action and get that healthy lifestyle sorted.

Looking after you heart health is a must for everyone, regardless of gender, but there remains a low level of awareness of the importance of heart health in women and then you get those fluctuating hormones into the mix aswell.We chat through the preventative measures everyone can look into…general awareness of risk factors, the importance of lifestyle factors, movement & exercise as well as keeping a regular eye on your blood pressure. This is the time when a home kit is a good idea to regularly check your blood pressure.We discuss the ‘hot potato topic’ of the link between menopause, HRT and heart disease - the role estrogen plays when it comes to heart health, alongside the benefits and risks of HRT if required.A really interesting episode to listen to and relevant for everyone, regardless of age or gender.

In this episode we focus on the importance of looking at what you’re eating & drinking and why it’s important not to exclude any of the major food groups, starting with the macro-nutrients.We’re delighted to welcome nutritionist, Jackie Lynch onto the podcast to talk us through everything in more details. We tackle the topic of those sugar spikes, not forgetting the importance of preventative healthcare when it comes to your heart and bone health.A great topic to start series 3 with giving everyone practical options which can help individuals gain that sense of control back, alongside working towards getting a good quality of life long term. We also have our regular myth busting moment to keep you all on the straight and narrow…in other words combating any misinformation out there!Jackie LynchAward-winning nutritionist, Jackie Lynch is the founder of the WellWellWell nutrition clinic, where she specialises in women’s health and the menopause.She is the host of the popular diet & lifestyle podcast The Happy Menopause and is the author of several books including her latest book, The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish (Watkins, 2020) Jackie’s nutrition clinic was recognised as Menopause Nutrition Clinic of the Year in the 2021 and 2022 London & South-East Prestige Awards.Her advice features in a range of national media and she has appeared as a guest expert on radio and TV, including Channel 4’s Superfoods.Jackie is past Chair of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition. She is a Fellow of the British Association for Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine and a Member of the British Menopause Society.Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/WellWellWellUKFacebook: https://www.instagram.com/wellwellwelluk/The Happy Menopause podcast: https://www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcastThe Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish: https://amzn.to/397BhlA 

2024 Christmas, end of year round up.We thought it would be nice to end the year with a one off episode to help you keep on track over the festive period and to provide a brief summary of some relevant key messages, now the NICE guidelines have been updated. Don’t forget there are 2 series (6 episodes in each) already released, packed with an abundance of information for you to dip in and out of. Available on your usual podcast platform.We would like to thank you all for listening and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Useful links & resources:Women’s Health concern : www.womens-health-concern.orgMenopause Matters : www.menopausematters.co.ukBMS : www.thebms.org.ukNICE guidelines : www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23Let’s Talk Menopause : www.letstalkmenopause.co.ukMenopause Matters;Let’s Talk podcast : https://shows.acast.com/menopause-matters-lets-talkJackie Lynch/Nutritionist : www.well-well-well.co.uk Squeezy app : www.squeezyapp.com : pelvic floorDaisy Network : www.daisynetwork.org : Premature menopause/POI The Eve Appeal : www.eveappeal.org.uk : 5 gynae cancersEndometriosis UK : www.endometriosis-uk.orgThe Royal Osteoporosis Society : theros.org.ukPCOS : www.womens-health-concern.org/shop-items/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/PMS: www.pms.org.uk/CBT self help guide : ‘Living Well Through The Menopause' & ‘Managing Hot flushes and Night sweats; A cognitive behavioural self-help guide to the Menopause’ by Myra Hunter and Melanie Smith: https://tinyurl.com/bde7f86k

Do menopausal symptoms have an impact on relationships, and do our relationships affect our views on and use of HRT …well, we’re all different, but for some people if can really have a significant impact. For those it does affect, whether at home or within the workplace, we’re delighted to say Dr Claire Macaulay has joined us again, this time with her other hat on as a sex and relationship therapist.Even if you don’t think you’ve got anything to worry about this is definitely worth a listen!Useful links & resources:The Eve Appeal: https://eveappeal.org.ukThe Squeezy app: https://squeezyapp.comWomen’s Health concern : www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheetsBritish Menopause society: thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-cliniciansMenopause Matters : www.menopausematters.co.ukLet’s Talk Menopause : www.letstalkmenopause.co.ukPleasure Possibility : https://www.pleasurepossibility.comLoveLab: https://bit.ly/RADICALCOUPLESTHERAPYClaire is offering a 50% discount on a LoveLab Relationship Diagnostics Call The 50% discount code for our audience is - LOVELABGIFTNHS inform: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health

No one is too young to be menopausal. Sadly this statement is true with a significant percentage of people falling into the POI bracket which means they will be under 40 years old and then a further group of people falling into the early menopause bracket which is between the ages of 40 and 45 years.We talk about the relevance of blood tests and how to provide adequate support and treatment.We chat about the importance of replacing estrogen, if possible, if you go into an earlier menopause and we tentatively start to chat about testosterone…to be continued!