Making Sense Of Menopause

Beyond Hot Flushes: The Menopause Symptoms We Keep Quiet About

We talk more about menopause than we used to, but there are still symptoms that many women feel uncomfortable discussing. In this episode, Roberta explores some of the less talked about aspects of perimenopause and menopause, including: *  Incontinence and pelvic health issues  *  Vaginal dryness and discomfort  *  Loss of confidence and self-esteem  *  Changes in libido  *  Hair thinning and hair changes  *  The impact of menopause on relationships  *  Why talking openly can help women access support sooner  Many women assume these symptoms are simply part of ageing and that nothing can be done. The reality is that support is available, and understanding what's happening is often the first step. If you've been wondering whether some of the changes you're experiencing could be related to menopause, this episode is for you. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365813/fan_mail/new] www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk [http://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk] Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch [https://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk/masterclass] Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

Why Am I Suddenly So Anxious During Perimenopause?

Have you suddenly become more anxious during perimenopause — even about things that never used to bother you? In this episode of Making Sense of Menopause, Roberta explores why anxiety and fear can feel heightened during perimenopause and menopause, from driving anxiety and morning dread to feeling constantly “on edge.” She explains: *  How hormonal changes affect the nervous system  *  Why cortisol and poor sleep worsen anxiety  *  The connection between subconscious patterns and fear  *  Why women often become anxious about the sensation of anxiety itself  *  Practical ways to calm the nervous system naturally  *  How subconscious work and CONTROL sessions can help retrain fear responses  This episode also explores the link between stress, sleep, breathing, exercise, and emotional resilience during menopause. Topics Covered: *  Perimenopause anxiety  *  Cortisol and stress hormones  *  Morning anxiety  *  Driving anxiety during menopause  *  Nervous system dysregulation  *  Sleep and anxiety  *  Breathwork and calming techniques  *  Subconscious patterns  *  CONTROL remedial hypnosis  *  Menopause mindset support  Resources & Links: * Thrive and Shine Women’s Wellness [https://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk] * Mini Course: Subconscious & Mindset Support [https://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk/sc-minicourse] *  Online and in-person support available in Winscombe Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365813/fan_mail/new] www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk [http://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk] Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch [https://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk/masterclass] Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

Menopause and Work Pressure: How to Cope When Symptoms Follow You to Work

Work is stressful enough without adding perimenopause and menopause symptoms into the mix. But for millions of women, that's exactly the reality — navigating brain fog, hot flushes, anxiety and exhaustion while trying to perform at work, often without any support or understanding from the people around them. In this episode, Roberta Bass explores the link between workplace stress and menopause symptoms, the new UK guidelines beginning to change how menopause is recognised at work, and — most importantly — practical things you can do right now to make your working day more manageable. What You'll Learn •       Why stress and menopause symptoms create a difficult vicious cycle at work •       Why so many women leave their jobs during the menopause transition — and why they shouldn't have to •       What the new UK workplace menopause guidelines mean in practice •       What reasonable adjustments you can ask for at work •       Why taking breaks actually makes you more productive — not less •       Simple, practical techniques to manage stress and symptoms during the working day •       How to have the conversation with your manager if you're struggling Key Takeaways •       Stress makes menopause symptoms worse — and menopause symptoms make work more stressful. Breaking that cycle matters. •       A huge number of women leave their careers due to unmanaged menopause symptoms. This is unnecessary and increasingly, preventable. •       The UK now has guidelines encouraging workplaces to recognise menopause and make reasonable adjustments — similar to disability and inclusion frameworks. •       Practical adjustments include flexible working, working from home, regular breaks, temperature control and open conversations with HR or managers. •       Taking your lunch break is not a sign of weakness — it improves focus, reduces stress hormones and makes you more productive. •       Habit stacking (linking a new healthy habit to something you already do, like finishing a Teams call) is a simple and effective way to build stress-reducing practices into your day. •       Even one small change to your working day can make a significant difference to how you feel. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365813/fan_mail/new] www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk [http://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk] Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch [https://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk/masterclass] Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

Why Perimenopause and Menopause Cause Joint Pain — And What to Do About It

Episode Overview Are you waking up stiff and achy every morning? Struggling with hip pain, shoulder pain, or back pain that doesn't seem to respond to treatment? If you're in perimenopause or postmenopause, your hormones could be at the root of it. Joint pain and stiffness is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — symptoms of menopause. In this episode, Roberta Bass explains exactly why it happens, which areas of the body are most commonly affected, and what you can do to feel better: from sleep and exercise to hydration, diet, and knowing when to get an assessment. What You'll Learn * Why declining oestrogen is the key driver of joint pain and stiffness in perimenopause and menopause * How oestrogen acts as a natural anti-inflammatory — and what happens when it drops * How changes to collagen, tendons, ligaments and synovial fluid affect your joints * Which joints and tendons are most commonly affected during menopause * Why poor sleep makes joint pain significantly worse — and how to break the cycle * The role of muscle strength in protecting your joints * Practical steps: exercise, hydration, diet and load management * How to find the right professional support for menopausal joint pain Key Takeaways * Joint pain and stiffness in perimenopause and menopause is hormonal, not just a sign of ageing * Oestrogen is a natural anti-inflammatory — as it declines, inflammation increases * Tendons are particularly vulnerable: rotator cuff, hip (GTPS), Achilles, plantar fascia and tennis elbow are all common * Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes — especially in multiple joints — is worth investigating with a blood test to rule out inflammatory arthritis * Resistance exercise helps both joint pain and hot flushes — a double benefit * Hydration directly affects joint lubrication — not just headaches and thirst * An anti-inflammatory diet (reducing sugar, alcohol and simple carbohydrates) can make a meaningful difference * See a physio or specialist who understands menopause, not just the individual joint Who This Episode Is For This episode is for women in perimenopause or postmenopause who: * Wake up stiff or achy and aren't sure why * Have been treated for joint pain without lasting results * Want to understand the hormonal root cause of their symptoms * Are looking for practical lifestyle changes to reduce pain and stiffness * Want to know when to seek professional support — and what kind of support to look for Resources Mentioned * Roberta's online and in-person appointments — link below * Sleep episodes — search back through the podcast for Roberta's episodes on improving sleep quality Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365813/fan_mail/new] www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk [http://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk] Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch [https://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk/masterclass] Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.

Is Alcohol Making Your Menopause Symptoms Worse?

Episode Overview If you've been reaching for a glass of wine or a G&T at the end of a long day, you're not alone — and you're not being judged. But if you're navigating perimenopause or menopause, it's worth asking: is alcohol actually helping, or is it quietly making your symptoms worse? In this episode, Roberta Bass explores the connection between alcohol and menopause symptoms, why so many women use it as a coping strategy, and — most importantly — what to try instead. What You'll Learn * How alcohol affects key menopause symptoms including hot flushes, anxiety, sleep and brain fog * Why alcohol feels relaxing short-term — and what it's actually doing long-term * The difference between social drinking and using alcohol as a coping strategy * Practical, realistic ways to reduce your intake without feeling deprived * Healthier alternatives that give you the same relaxation and me-time benefits * Signs that alcohol use may need professional support * Sleep strategies to replace the nightcap habit Key Takeaways * Alcohol worsens hot flushes — there is evidence to show this * Even if alcohol helps you fall asleep, it reduces sleep quality and increases night waking * Poor sleep makes brain fog, anxiety and emotional wellbeing significantly worse * Drinking every evening to relax is a pattern worth examining — not a personal failing * Small reductions (choosing one drink instead of two, making a G&T weaker) can make a real difference * 0% alternatives, mocktails and longer mixer drinks can preserve the social ritual without the hormonal impact Who This Episode Is For This episode is for women in perimenopause or menopause who: * Find themselves drinking most evenings to wind down * Wake up after drinking feeling unrefreshed or more anxious * Use alcohol to manage stress or help get to sleep * Want to reduce their intake but aren't sure how to replace the habit * Are wondering whether alcohol could be making their symptoms worse Resources Mentioned * Free Menopause Masterclass — understand your symptoms and start making lifestyle changes (link below) * Previous sleep episodes — * Setting the stage for sleep- A Menopause night time routine [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365813/episodes/18036059] * The Science of Sleep: How Hormones, Menopause & Lifestyle Affect Your Rest [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365813/episodes/16717610] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365813/fan_mail/new] www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk [http://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk] Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch [https://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk/masterclass] Supporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools. Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.