Menopause Chicks

The Power of Language Why words like "joy" matter when discussing menopause The jar exercise: How language literally changes outcomes Why "menopause" + "symptoms" do not belong in the same sentence OR at the very least, require a deeper understanding Script Tips™️ for preparing for your health appointment and Shirley's proven "G.A.P. + S.P.E.A.K." framework (if you can Becoming Your Best Health Advocate Women continue to be dismissed and that's not ok for us, or the next generation! How to prepare for healthcare conversations effectively The importance of stating your health goals clearly Understanding what you DESERVE from your health--as well as your healthcare team Generational Shifts in Women's Health How information access has changed (and complicated) the conversation What's different for Gen Z versus previous generations The mixed blessing of online health information Breaking inherited narratives about aging and menopause Personal Stories Keira's "Joy" tattoo honoring her grandmother Shirley's mother Joyce and the undiagnosed/untreated UTI-dementia connection Keira's PCOS diagnosis and journey to advocacy The "Love Letter to My Period" project Why removing stigma starts with honest conversation Practical Takeaways The GAP-and-SPEAK acronym for doctor appointments How to articulate symptoms AND, most importantly, impact to quality of life The importance of preparing for healthcare visits Why we need to stop tolerating things that impact our quality of life + share what we learn with (minimum) 3 other people: someone older, someone younger and a peer/friend/sister/colleague TIMESTAMPS (Select key moments) 00:00 - Introduction: Why this conversation? 04:30 - Keira's JOY tattoo story 06:45 - The jar exercise: How language shapes outcomes 15:00 - Why women leave doctor appointments disappointed 28:00 - The confusion of online health information 40:00 - Keira's PCOS journey and period advocacy 47:00 - The jar of 50+ goals for women's health before Shirley dies 50:00 - What gives us hope QUOTES TO REMEMBER "I deserve to feel amazing." "Quality health information is competing with other health brands online - we're competing with the news and big brands like Four Seasons, Ford, Coca-Cola. We're ALL part of the attention economy, and only confident, informed consumers can decide what is meant for them." "Women deserve quality information. They deserve quality explanations." "Confidence is a decision that I'm making today." RESOURCES MENTIONED The "In Her Words" study (BC Women's Health Foundation) GAP-and-SPEAK framework for doctor appointments (Menopause Chicks MenopauseChicksCommunity.com Join the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook: 👉 MenopauseCommunity.com This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions. SHARE THIS EPISODE If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOST Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

Happy Holidays to YOU & THANK YOU for an AMAZING year. I couldn’t do this important work without you & I can’t wait to share what’s coming up next in 2024! What we discussed: The origin of Robin’s Chocolate Meditation Why this is such an important practice for the busy holiday season (or anytime!) Robin teaches her Chocolate Meditation I share what I experienced during the practice Links from this week’s episode: Check out Robin’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/soulgardenyoga Robin’s Yoga Website with Online Classes Weekly: https://soulgardenyoga.ca BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

What we discussed: An endocrinologist’s explanation of both estrogen and progesterone Hormone health, mental health–and considerations for the role of stress in our overall health, but especially in perimenopause If you are going to track anything–track your menstrual cycle + both physical changes (such as breast tenderness, cramping, vasomotor symptoms) and emotional/mental health changes, such as mood. Dr. Prior explains the reasons why! How hormone therapy traditionally focused on estrogen without acknowledging the critical role of progesterone too Script tips for how to talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy! Dr. Prior’s extensive progesterone research and her life-long commitment (she celebrated her 80th birthday this year!) to her work, and her legacy related to progesterone research will continue. Links from this week’s episode: CEMCOR - https://www.cemcor.ubc.ca/ BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

What we discussed: Sarah Kate’s mission and why she started her online publication, Some Good Clean Fun” Sarah’s transition from thinking she needed wine to cope with stress to enjoying the benefits of a “clearer head” Sarah shares her best shopping tips for non-alcoholic beverages online and at the store How to feel more confident (and less awkward) about ordering a non-alcoholic beverage when you’re out at a restaurant or bar with friends Notable differences about Gen-Z when it comes to alcohol consumption The latest guidelines from Health Canada and how they raising awareness for key health messages while also challenging social norms What you can expect when you visit Sarah’s website, Some Good Clean Fun Links from this week’s episode: Sarah Kate’s Website: https://www.somegoodcleanfun.com/ Some Good Clean Fun on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somegoodcleanfun/ Some Good Clean Fun Magazine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somegoodcleanfun_dotcom/ BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions

What we discussed: Colleen’s change-making work in the area of volunteerism, the non-for-profit sector How we traditionally interpret words like “volunteer” and “menopause” and why that must change Choosing to compromise vs what we will never compromise on when it comes to our life’s work How important paradigm-shifting language is for rethinking how we see the world The power of language and the words we use Continuing to do our work even when we know we won’t necessarily live to see the impact Being forward-thinking enough to ensure there is a way for others to continue the work we’ve started We explore the language of being a changemaker and how it makes us feel to use words like paradigm shift, social construct, and rhetoric Why using phrases like “forest person” and “tree person” is a preferable way of describing big and small picture thinking How things may be difficult or hard, but they don’t have to be impossible. BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

What we discussed: The story behind Intimate Wellbeing & why Cass and Leah are so dedicated to changing the conversation about sexual pleasure for midlife women. How the Intimate Wellbeing brand has evolved from its initial concept of being an accessible online store to becoming a recognized sexual health education community What happened when Cass & Leah started talking more openly about sexuality with their friends and how important they feel it is for women to have places to talk openly! How Intimate Wellbeing is working with the Taboo Sex Show to create a space for midlife women to learn about sexual health without feeling overwhelmed or out of place at a sex show. How they’ve made shopping for sex toys easier and more comfortable by curating a collection of safe, high-quality toys from brands they trust. The origin of their brand of lubricant, Okanogan Joy, and how they’re changing the conversation about the benefits of using lubricant. Plus! I share my review about the Dame Pom vibrator with Cass & Leah Links from this week’s episode: Intimate Wellbeing Website: https://intimatewellbeing.com Shirley’s Picks: https://intimatewellbeing.com/pages/menopause-chicks Intimate Wellbeing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intimate.wellbeing/ BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

What we discussed The biggest questions Dr. Klein gets asked at her clinic like, “Am I normal?” The questions women have about wanting to be sexual with their partner and also being a professional woman The pleasure gap, the masturbation gap, faking orgasms, shame, stigma & more! Why there’s a overfocus on intercourse in heterosexual couples The importance of educating women at a young age about their anatomy before they begin exploring it with a partner The physical and mental health benefits of masturbation and how women can talk about it more with their friend groups Online DISinformation about sexual health and how to find trusted, reputable experts Dr. Klein shares her red flags to look out for when consuming sexual content online What well-meaning parents should know about the research in favour of educating children about their anatomy early and how it benefits all of us Links from this week’s episode: Follow Dr. Klein on Instagram Learn more about the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy here Books Dr. Klein recommends: Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski - Find it on Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca or Amazon.com Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Dr. Lori Brotto - Find it on Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca or Amazon.com Becoming Cliterate by Dr. Laurie Mintz - Find it on Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca or Amazon.com BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

What we discussed: How Dr. Pawa’s car accident was a catalyst in shifting her career focus to women’s health and hormones Why the Canadian healthcare model is lacking when it comes to holistic, integrative, and preventative health and how led to a system where doctors are reimbursed for treating a symptom, rather than looking at the whole person The ongoing struggle medical doctors face because time and resources are limited Dr. Pawa shares her latest project: Creating a new preceptorship program for practitioners focused on women’s health with a subset for menopause specialists where the information is credible, consistent, standardized, and evidence-based Why heart disease symptoms in women often go ignored, even though women’s risk for heart attacks are actually higher than men How hot flashes, which are vascular events, should be viewed as a “check engine light” and an invitation to get to your doctor so you have the opportunity to be preventative around your heart health The importance of treating (and not enduring) hot flashes Dr. Pawa shares why the biggest question she gets asked is about hormone therapy and she explains both the short-term and long-term benefits of finding out if hormone therapy is right for you Links from this week’s episode: Dr. Pawa on Facebook Find more information about Dr. Pawa’s clinic here BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

What we discussed: Dr. Pawa dissects stress and explains what the allostatic burden load is and how it impacts the ovaries How you can use Dr. Pawa’s “BMW Method” to engage the vagus nerve in order to reduce stress Why Dr. Pawa wants all of us to create a “to be” list instead of a “to-do” list Dr. Pawa shares how she incorporates mindfulness and stress reduction practices in her own life How stress and hormones affect sleep How sleep helps to boost our immune systems How our relationship with stress impacts sexual desire (you will love Dr. Pawa’s airplane cockpit analogy!) Links from this week’s episode: Dr. Pawa’s book on Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca or Amazon.com https://www.sexandu.ca/ Find more information about Dr. Pawa’s clinic here BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

Do you know your numbers? What we discussed: Why women shouldn’t assume that everything they’re experiencing as they are getting older is related to aging or hormone changes Why Dr. Alex recommends having conversations about your family history and personal health history early–even before perimenopause and definitely before postmenopause The importance of understanding the definition of heart disease risk factors vs. heart disease Why women who reach menopause prematurely should discuss proactive changes regarding heart health with their doctor Why we need to change the conversation and teach women’s heart health proactively with more emphasis on prevention The two main health markers to monitor in order to understand our heart health Dr. Alex’s advice on when you should get a blood pressure monitor to use at home and how often you should use it What steps women can take if their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers are a concern,, and why Dr. Alex says that the best treatment is a good diagnosis Why eating well and exercising regularly doesn’t give you a “get-out-of-jail-free card” when it comes to your cardiovascular health, and what the American Heart Association’s “Essential Eight” can teach us about that This year cardiovascular health is the theme for World Menopause Day (October 18, 2023) Dr. Alex shares what she'd like us to know and what she would like to see happen in the media to draw attention to women’s heart health Links from this week’s episode: Follow Dr. Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexvergend/ BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

Are you ready to be your own best breast advocate? Listen in and learn… What dense breasts are, how common they are, what you need to know and what the implications of having dense breasts can be. Why having dense breasts can make it harder to spot cancer on a mammogram The advocacy work Dense Breasts Canada is doing to get provinces to inform women of their breast density status Province-to-province disparities for minimum recommended age to begin breast cancer screening. What supplemental screening is and the differences between an ultrasound and an MRI. Province-to-province disparities for supplemental screening and why we need to advocate to make supplemental screening mandatory for all women with dense breasts. How to find out your breast density if your province isn’t automatically reporting that information, and where to find this information if you don’t have a family doctor. How this important information impacts women of colour Jennie’s wish for breast health in Canada. Links from this week’s episode: Dense Breasts Canada Website Dense Breasts Canada Advocacy Tookit Dense Breasts Canada on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/densebreastscanada/ BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

We ALL have a role to play in un-doing biases standing in the way of women’s health. Are you ready to reframe the conversation about inclusivity? Listen in and learn… How the culture and vibe in gym settings have felt exclusionary and off-putting for many people, making access to fitness inequitable for people who live in larger bodies How Big Fit Girl aims to change fitness culture through educating kinesiology students, wellness professionals, and personal trainers. How weight & anti-fat bias is a social justice issue that creates inequities in health, and what Louise is doing to change this through education and inclusive programming. How to tell when brands are genuine in their size inclusivity or if they’re doing it on a surface level to tick boxes in their marketing strategy, and how we can use our spending power to promote brands that have inclusivity as part of their DNA Why the fitness industry is resistant to size inclusivity and what it means to shift away from diet culture and weight loss as the primary conversation we’re having when we talk about fitness Why Louise feels hopeful when engaging with younger generations–whether it’s within the fitness industry, or in every other conversation that matters to women’s health and quality of life Links from this week’s episode: Louise’s website: https://bigfitgirl.com Louise’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisegreen_bigfitgirl/ Louise’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LouiseGreenBFG Louise’s Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Fitness-Everyone-Exercises-Every-Type/dp/1615648992/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=FITNESS+FOR+EVERYONE&qid=1611448360&sr=8-1 BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

Are you ready to change the conversation around menopause? Listen in and find out… How my first experience with AI (artificial intelligence) was when my name was printed beside words I didn’t write How throwing every adverse health concern into a bucket and labeling it “menopause symptoms” is not only setting women’s health back; it is dangerous to women’s future heart health, brain health, bone health, vulva & vaginal health and urinary/bladder health. How vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) are like the “check engine light” in our car, and why they are dangerous to ignore How misinformation about vulva & vaginal health, and the cause of vaginal dryness may lead women misinterpreting their experiences as their fault Why continuing to share quality, verified, evidence-based information from reputable sources serves everyone… because, when we know better we do better. Links from this week’s episode: Learn more about my work and Menopause Chicks here: https://www.MenopauseChicks.com/ Join the Menopause Chicks private community here: https://MenopauseCommunity.com BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

Ready to Feel Amazing? Listen in & learn… Why the Women’s Health Initiative Study set women’s health care back in 2002, and why we don’t need to be afraid of hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for the most common symptoms of hormone decline. Why your family doctor might not have the answers you’re looking for, and may feel as frustrated about that too, and what you can do about it. How women can take well-being into their own hands with a “self-contract” to live fully and stay healthy through midlife and beyond. Why we need to be advocating to have provincial governments cover the cost of hormone replacement therapy given the preventative aspect of this kind of treatment. Why generalizations don’t work when discussing treatment options for women’s health and why it’s important to consider each individual separately. Why living with the discomforts caused by hormone decline is not something women need to accept - it is absolutely possible to feel vibrant & energetic as we age. How ventures capitalized on the desperation of women seeking relief in the wake of the deeply flawed propaganda that followed the Women’s Health Initiative study, making it difficult for factual information to compete. Why we need to become our own “fact checkers” when we read any information about menopause due to the proliferation of misinformation. Links from this week’s episode: Learn more about my work and Menopause Chicks here: https://www.MenopauseChicks.com/ Join the Menopause Chicks private community here: https://MenopauseCommunity.com BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health:: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

Welcome to the very first episode of This Show is Not About Menopause! I’m your host, Shirley Weir. I'm 56 years old. I reached menopause when I was 49, and I am the founder of MenopauseChicks.com, an online educational platform, trusted for quality health information and designed to remind everyone: WE DESERVE to FEEL AMAZING! In this welcome episode, I talk about the meaning behind the name of my show and all the aspects of women’s health I’m excited to dive into with you and my guests in future episodes. Sexual health, hormone health, heart, brain, bone and vaginal health…regardless of your age and stage, I promise there is something here you haven't heard before! We live in the health information age. That sometimes means misinformation from media, marketers–and even the medical community. How are we to know what is trustworthy and what is perpetuating old and outdated myths? Rest assured, my mission is to share only evidence-based information so that you can make the health decisions that are right for YOU! It is possible to navigate perimenopause-to-menopause-to-postmenopause with confidence and ease, and this webcast/podcast will help you do exactly that! Links from this week’s episode: Learn more about my work and Menopause Chicks here: https://www.MenopauseChicks.com Join the Menopause Chicks private community here: https://MenopauseCommunity.com Follow me on Instagram at @MenopauseChicks & @MoisturizeYourVagina Thank you to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health:: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks

Ready to put your pelvic health at the top of your to-do list? Listen in and learn… What it means to prioritize our vulva, vagina, bladder and overall pelvic health What incontinence means, what incontinence can cost, and your options for preventing AND treating How to tell if you might be one of the 50% of women who have pelvic organ prolapse and what you can do! Why your lower back pain might be a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction What you can expect when you visit a pelvic floor therapist for the first time What to do BEFORE you (and after) you opt for surgery Why vulva and vaginal dryness occurs and why it’s important to prioritize Are kegel exercises right for you? And if so, how to incorporate them correctly, consistently and with movement in order to get the full benefit Links from this week’s episode: Kim’s website: www.vaginacoach.com Find Kim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaginacoach/ Follow Kim on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VagCoach Learn more about Kim’s Buff Muff app: https://www.vaginacoach.com/buffmuffapp BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health: VICHY Ferapro Iron Feel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer Intimate Wellbeing Oh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks