Navigating Menopause: A Guide to Physical, Emotional, and Social Wellness

BMVSW The Podcast Season 2, Episode 1 | GSM Journey: Hormones, Plant Medicine & Estradiol

Welcome to Season 2 of But My Vagina Still Works: Mental Wellbeing & Lifestyle Changes with host Sheryce Watson. In this deeply personal and educational episode, Sheryce opens up about her ongoing journey with GSM (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause), including symptoms many women experience in silence — vaginal dryness, burning, discomfort, intimacy changes, and the emotional impact menopause can have on identity and wellbeing. This episode explores: • GSM symptoms and postmenopausal body changes • Estradiol and hormone treatment experiences • Plant medicine and holistic menopause support • Mental wellbeing during peri- and postmenopause • Aging, sexuality, healing, and self-advocacy • Why women deserve honest conversations about menopause without shame Season 2 will continue diving deeper into menopause transformation, emotional healing, sexuality after 50, the endocannabinoid system, lifestyle changes, and reclaiming power during midlife and beyond. 📖 But My Vagina Still Works: Menopause Wellness Journal by Sheryce Watson is available now. 🌿 Learn more about A Sacred Pause and upcoming projects, coaching, and wellness resources. 🎙 Subscribe to the podcast and follow for new Season 2 episodes.

Navigating Menopause: A Guide to Physical, Emotional, and Social Wellness

In this episode of "But My Vagina Still Works: Mental Wellbeing and Lifestyle Changes," host Sheryce Watson discusses her journey of creating a menopause wellness journal, initially published in 2024. She shares her experiences navigating menopause, from "menopause fog" in 2005 to her transition to post-menopause in 2012. Sheryce highlights the three main sections of her journal—physical, emotional, and social wellness—and emphasizes holistic solutions for managing menopause symptoms. New additions to her journal include sections on the endocannabinoid system, brain health, and chakra balancing. Sheryce also talks about the importance of hormone replacement therapy and its evolving understanding by the FDA. Listeners are encouraged to connect with others and explore resources at asacredpause.com [http://asacredpause.com/]. Additionally, she introduces her upcoming cookbook, "Kitchen Alchemy," featuring recipes featuring phytoestrogen-rich foods to support the menopause journey. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:49 The Origin of the Menopause Wellness Journal 03:18 Publishing Challenges and Triumphs 04:26 Introducing the Second Edition 04:56 Sections of the Journal: Physical, Emotional, and Social Wellness 05:24 Holistic Help and HRT Insights 06:08 Understanding Perimenopause and Post Menopause 09:53 Emotional Wellness and Personal Stories 11:33 Social Wellness and Community Support 16:02 New Sections: Endocannabinoid System and Brain Health 20:23 Chakra Balancing and Energy Centers 22:24 Conclusion and Additional Resources 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more empowering episodes! Let's Connect! Follow our host, Sheryce Watson; Linktree: linktr.ee/bmvsw [https://linktr.ee/bmvsw]

Rediscovering the Endocannabinoid System: Cannabis and Menopause

In this episode of But My Vagina Still Works, host Sheryce Watson delves into the benefits of cannabis for women undergoing post- and perimenopause. She discusses the history and science behind the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its crucial role in managing symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings. Sheryce explains how phyto-cannabinoids from cannabis can support the ECS, the political and racial factors that led to the demonization of cannabis, and holistic ways to nourish the ECS through lifestyle changes. The episode ends with a teaser for the next discussion on how food can also support this vital system. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:45 Purpose of the Podcast 01:22 Today's Controversial Topic: Cannabis and Menopause 02:57 Historical Use of Cannabis for Women's Health 06:08 The Endocannabinoid System Explained 08:43 How Cannabis Supports the ECS 11:14 Nourishing Your ECS Naturally 13:26 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more empowering episodes! Let's Connect! Follow our host, Sheryce Watson; Linktree: linktr.ee/bmvsw [https://linktr.ee/bmvsw]

The Return of Intimacy: Wendy’s Midlife Libido Story

In this episode of 'But My Vagina Still Works,' we welcome Wendy Smittick to share her positive experience with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Wendy recounts her journey through perimenopause, the symptoms she faced, and how HRT transformed her life, particularly in rekindling intimacy with her husband. We also explore the different ways menopause affects women, especially women of color, and discuss holistic approaches alongside medical treatments. Wendy's story highlights the significance of sisterhood, recognizing one's unique journey, and valuing self-worth beyond societal and relational expectations. Join us for an enlightening and candid discussion on mental well-being, lifestyle changes, and finding balance during and after menopause. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:42 Wendy's First Signs of Perimenopause 03:23 The Impact of Early Motherhood on Menopause 06:31 Challenges of Menopause on Intimacy 11:23 Discovering Hormone Replacement Therapy 15:17 Benefits and Misconceptions of HRT 18:01 Managing High Testosterone Levels 20:28 Drawbacks of Hormone Replacement Therapy 21:21 Exploring Holistic Solutions 23:02 The Role of Cannabis in Menopause 24:57 The Importance of Sisterhood 25:45 Personal Transformation Through Menopause 27:09 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Worth 31:59 Final Thoughts and Wisdom 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more empowering episodes! Let's Connect! Follow our host, Sheryce Watson; Linktree: linktr.ee/bmvsw [https://linktr.ee/bmvsw]

Surviving and Thriving in Menopause: A Conversation with the Menopause Warrior

In this insightful episode, Sheryce travels to New York to interview Carla Alexander, also known as the Menopause Warrior, to share her courageous journey through the ups and downs of menopause. They discuss the significant challenges Carla faced, including severe symptoms and the impact on her daily life and work. Despite adverse reactions to hormone replacement therapy, Carla turned to holistic solutions, such as exercise, meditation, and cannabinoids, to manage her symptoms. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of camaraderie, mental health, and exploring alternative remedies. Together, they aim to provide support and knowledge to women navigating the complex transition of menopause, encouraging them to embrace this new phase of life. 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 00:28 Meet Carla Alexander: The Menopause Warrior 02:31 Understanding Menopause and Its Symptoms 03:35 Carla's Personal Journey with Menopause 04:12 The Impact of Menopause on Daily Life 05:17 Hospitalization and Severe Symptoms 06:03 Finding Camaraderie and Support 09:46 Hormone Replacement Therapy Experiences 11:49 Holistic Solutions and Self-Care 13:24 Mental Health and Professional Help 18:42 Cannabis and Homemade Remedies 21:20 Empowering Women Through Community 21:42 Conclusion: Embracing the Menopause Journey Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more empowering episodes! Let's Connect! Follow our guest, Carla Alexander; Linkree: https://linktr.ee/carlaalexanderugcc [https://linktr.ee/carlaalexanderugcc] Follow our host, Sheryce Watson; Linktree: linktr.ee/bmvsw [http://linktr.ee/bmvsw] Purchase But My Vagina Still Works Journal: https://book.spines.com/books/but-my-vagina-still-works [https://book.spines.com/books/but-my-vagina-still-works]