Menopause Buddies

Podcast by Annie

Menopause Buddies

Menopause Buddies is a podcast where women share their experience of their menopause journey to help other women with their journey. If you feel you are entering perimenopause, you will hear stories from other women and learn what helped them with their symptoms. You'll also find out what they wish they'd known as they started the process. We're doing what women do best and sharing our knowledge to help each other. I'll also speak to a range of practitioners who help women in peri/menopause deal with their symptoms. Join me every Sunday evening to learn more.

Latest episodes

19 May 2024

In this episode of Menopause Buddies I speak to Naijeria, from Kenya, who is helping to open the dialogue around menopause in Kenya

In this episode of Menopause Buddies, I speak to Naijeria Toweett, a performing artist turned IT professional, based in Kenya.

Naijeria shares her journey through menopause and her plans to raise awareness and create a support network for menopausal women in Kenya, where menopause is still largely a taboo subject.

Naijeria only realised her symptoms were actually menopause, like a lot of women, retrospectively! She experienced hot flashes, mood swings, and heightened emotions, as well as high blood pressure.

Inspired by her own experience, Naijeria aims to raise awareness and create a supportive community for menopausal women in Kenya. She is keen on breaking the current silence and addressing taboos around menopause in Kenya.

Naijeria also explores the challenges faced by women in the workplace, questioning how employers can better support and accommodate menopausal women.

Nigeria envisions creating an online platform for Kenyan women, possibly through social media, where women can connect, share stories, and provide practical advice for managing menopause.

Through her writing and engagement, she hopes to challenge societal norms and improve women's health discussions in Kenya.

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27:13

12 May 2024

In this episode of Menopause Buddies, I speak to Sharon a 'Straight Talking Geordie Lass who shares her menopause journey.

In this episode, Sharon, a self-described straight talking Geordie lass, shares her personal experiences with menopause and her mission to make it a normal topic of conversation.

She reflects on the lack of information available when she first experienced menopause symptoms and how it motivated her to set up her company, Miss Menopause, which aims to educate and support women as they go through menopause.

Sharon discusses the impact of menopause on both physical and mental health, highlighting the need for better understanding and awareness. She calls for a shift in the way menopause is treated in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and integrating menopause support into existing policies and processes.

Sharon also emphasizes the need to include men in the conversation and address the effects of menopause on relationships. Ultimately, she believes that menopause should be normalized and not seen as a barrier or taboo topic.

If you would like to find out more about Sharon visit her website: www.missmenopause.co.uk

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32:21

28 April 2024

In this episode I speak to Kath from Ibiza, who is empowering women using Chinese Medicine during Menopause

In this episode of Menopause Buddies, I speak to Kath, an Australian, who now lives in Ibiza. She tells us about the world of Chinese medicine and how it can help women during the menopause years.

Kath emphasizes the importance of addressing not only physical symptoms but also psychological aspects such as loss of confidence and identity. Based on her experience treating women in Ibiza, she shares her insights on the impacts of alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and technology use on menopausal women.

Kath discusses various methods she uses to restore balance, including acupuncture, deep tissue massage, and lifestyle modifications. She highlights the value of regular exercise, maintaining social connectivity, and exploring our sexuality during menopause.

We explore the need for a cultural shift in aging to revere and value older women, drawing inspiration from the grandmother hypothesis.

Overall, Kath encourages women to take ownership of their well-being and offers practical approaches to navigate the peri/menopausal journey.

Kath has recently published a book that explores the gaps in understanding and treatment options for menopausal women.

You can find out more about Kath here:

www.treatingwomen.com

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33:34

17 March 2024

Mandy from the UK shares her menopause journey and now, post menopause, shares how transformative this can be!

In this episode of Menopause Buddies, I speak to Mandy from the UK. Mandy shares her journey through perimenopause and the challenges she faced, including brain fog, anxiety, and the pressures of balancing work and family life. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and meditation in managing symptoms and finding peace during this time.

Now post-menopausal, Mandy highlights the liberating effects of menopause and how she has embraced aging. She shares her creative pursuits, including writing a novel, and offers hope to listeners that life can become more fulfilling after menopause.

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23:26

10 March 2024

Jo from the UK, shares her menopause experience, which inspired her to help other women by creating a Menopause Support Network at work

In this episode of Menopause Buddies I speak to Jo Newell, from Premium Credit Ltd, who shares her menopause journey. Jo was initially misdiagnosed with depression, but she knew she wasn't depressed. She perservered with her research and after joining online support groups to research menopause symptoms, she experienced a lightbulb moment when she identified over 15 symptoms she had been experiencing.

Inspired by her own experience, Jo established a menopause support network at her workplace, ensuring men and women shared in the understanding and support. By creating opportunities for discussion, inviting expert speakers, and providing resources, Jo encourages a culture of openness and compassion around menopause. Her efforts have gained traction, raising the profile of menopause and breaking down barriers in the workplace, ultimately fostering a more inclusive environment for all employees.

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28:27

03 March 2024

Claire, from the UK, shares her journey to post menopause, highlighting the impact of a hysterectomy.

In this episode of Menopause Buddies, I speak to Claire from the UK. Claire discusses her menopause journey after undergoing a hysterectomy. She shares her experience with hot flushes and the challenges they presented in both personal and professional settings.

Claire shares her frustration with the lack of support from some doctors and the difficulty in obtaining HRT.

Claire also highlights the positive impact of creating a supportive workplace environment where women can openly discuss their experiences.

Overall, Claire's story serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy when it comes to menopause.

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23:06