What the menopause

The Sex Series: Part 03 with Karen Bester

In this episode, Mandy wraps up her conversation with Karen Bester, diving into how to get the help and support you need during perimenopause and menopause. From advocating for yourself in the doctor’s office to embracing the confidence and clarity of “menopausal zest,” this is an empowering finale to our three-part series. Expect: * How to choose the right medical professionals for menopause and sexual health concerns * The questions to ask before starting medication or HRT and why time, adjustments, and follow-ups matter * Using a menopause diary and tracking apps to understand your symptoms * Getting your doctors to work together for whole-patient care * Why “menopausal zest” is the next chapter of life you should be aiming for A practical, upbeat episode to help you take charge of your health and look forward to what’s next.  Subscribe for more: whatthemenopause.substack.com Get in touch: whathemenopause@gmail.com

The Sex Series: Part 02 with Karen Bester

In this episode, Mandy continues her conversation with Medical Training Manager at Lamelle Research Laboratories, Karen Bester but this time looking at what we can do to keep intimacy alive in menopause and perimenopause. From lifestyle shifts to medical interventions, it’s about taking charge of your sexual health now to protect your future self. Karen also shares insight into Lamelle’s soon-to-launch new formulation of Lady Prelox, a clinically proven non-hormonal supplement that supports women through menopause symptoms and boosts sexual function. Expect: * Why loss of libido can happen earlier than you think * The lifestyle basics that boost sexual health: protein, strength training, sleep, and cutting back on sugar, alcohol, and smoking * How pelvic floor exercises, vaginal oestrogen, and probiotics can help with dryness, UTIs, and comfort * The surprising connection between bladder health and sexual wellbeing * Why soap choice matters more than you realise * How to communicate openly with your partner and adapt intimacy to your changing needs Practical advice, medical know-how, and the confidence to say “this matters” when it comes to your sexual health. Subscribe for more: whatthemenopause.substack.com Get in touch: whathemenopause@gmail.com

The Sex Series: Part 01 with Karen Bester

In this episode, Mandy chats to Medical Training Manager at Lamelle Research Laboratories, Karen Bester, about sex, sexuality, and the menopause years and why our Gen X upbringing shaped how we think about intimacy, and what’s really going on with our bodies and brains. Expect: * Why Gen X women grew up with a conservative view of sex (Scope was “for the stories”!!) * The generational whiplash of parenting in the hook-up era * The physical changes that affect desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction during menopause * Understanding the Female Sexual Dysfunction Index and its six domains * How hormonal shifts impact libido, pleasure, and relationship dynamics * Why talking openly about sex in menopause matters for both health and happiness Frank talk, a healthy dose of humour, and the conversation your teenage self never got but your menopausal self really needs. Subscribe for more: whatthemenopause.substack.com Get in touch: whathemenopause@gmail.com

Sleep Series: Part 03 with Dr Alison Bentley

In this episode, Mandy and Tamsin wrap up the Sleep Series with Dr Alison Bentley, one of South Africa’s top sleep specialists and the woman who just might save you from another 2am internal TED Talk. Expect: * The truth about the eight hours of sleep myth and why your brain might only want five * How to prep for your doctor’s visit like a sleep detective (clipboard optional, clarity essential) * The surprisingly long list of things that sabotage your sleep, including dinner time, bedtime, and being too ambitious about both * Why insomnia isn’t solved by pills, but sleeping tablets can sometimes save your sanity Practical tips. Medical wisdom. And full permission to stop trying to win gold at the Sleep Olympics. Subscribe for more: whatthemenopause.substack.com [https://whatthemenopause.substack.com] Get in touch: whathemenopause@gmail.com

The Sleep Series: Part 02 with Dr Alison Bentley

In this episode, Mandy and Tamsin are back with Dr Alison Bentley for part two of the Sleep Series and this one is a total eye-opener. They’re talking sleep apnea, restless legs, and why bad sleep isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous. Expect: * Why untreated sleep apnea can speed up diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and more * The weird-but-true ways to manage sleep apnea including jaw gadgets, mouth taping, and even cannabis * Restless legs syndrome decoded: what it really is, why it runs in families, and how to spot it (hint: it’s not a magnesium deficiency) * Simple, smart ways to figure out what’s really ruining your sleep before spending a cent on fancy gadgets or meds This is the stuff every woman needs to know because sleep isn’t optional, and neither is your health. Subscribe for more: whatthemenopause.substack.com [https://whatthemenopause.substack.com] Get in touch: whathemenopause@gmail.com