Michelle talks with Lisa Quait, host of the Real Women's Stories Podcast. Lisa honestly shares her own menopause experience, including initial misdiagnosis and finding the right medication. She discusses how menopause impacted her work life, leading to memory loss and self-doubt, but then how it ultimately became a catalyst for change and transformed her self-belief.

Michelle and Lisa explore the workplace challenges during menopause, the impact on relationships and share realistic advice, including why clear communication and educating others are essential.

Lisa Reveals

• Her initial menopause symptoms
• Why early menopause shook her self-confidence
• Why it’s important to have your HRT treatment tailored to your specific needs
• How stress can mimic menopause symptoms
• Why menopause allowed her to recalibrate and find a renewed purpose
• The importance of communication with partners, family, and colleagues about menopause
• Why during menopause, women should identify and acknowledge all of their feelings
• How to gain workplace confidence during menopause
• Why marriages can break down during menopause

BEST MOMENTS

"I felt like me again and I suddenly thought maybe throughout my life I've had hormone imbalances that have held me back because of the anxiety that you get with a hormone change."

"It's taken me five years through my journey to get to a really good place. HRT is not one fits all. There are so many different types, we absorb differently."

"I'm sharp, I'm there, I'm that powerhouse woman, and all of a sudden I'm a lesser version of myself. My brain has just gone to mush. My forgetfulness is just off the chart."

"Going through the menopause really gave me my self-belief. I'm not the same because I don't think even when I was younger I had the self-belief and self-worth that I've got now."

"When we are stressed and the body doesn't know the difference between real stress or perceived stress your body will prioritise your stress hormones, cortisol, over your sex hormones."

"I would very often come into the office and go, 'I'm really hormonal today, guys. I'm just letting you know I might be snappy.' Because if people don't know how you are feeling, how do they know how to behave around you?"

"I'm now gonna be doing my coaching full-time and my podcasting full-time... once you go through the menopause and you get a hold of it, you have this inspirational light comes out."

"Sit with yourself, acknowledge yourself. Recognise all the good stuff that you've done, and the reasons why you are feeling the way you are feeling. Are they true or are you creating a narrative in your head that's not true?"

EPISODE RESOURCES

lisa@realwoman.coach

www.realwoman.coach

HOST BIO

Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson

Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal

My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag

Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

Caroline Careys joins Michelle in this episode to share how she positively navigated menopause.  Caroline is a mentor who has supported women through their transformative journeys and explains why understanding that menopause isn't just a medical transition is essential to managing this life change. She advocates a holistic approach and shares her advice and experiences to help others, including why menopause isn’t something for women to endure, but an opportunity for growth and personal development.

Caroline Reveals

• Why she looked forward to her own menopause
• Why menopause isn’t just a medical transition
• How menopause can be a journey of empowerment and can be embraced
• The beauty in growing older
• Why menopause can be an opportunity to find yourself and reclaim your identity
• How to find fulfilment and purpose
• Why expressing our emotions matters

BEST MOMENTS

"I was excited about my menopause. I was really looking forward to it."

“ I'm not trying to suppress it. I'm not trying to make it stop. I want to experience it as a physical sensation in my body that is necessary. My body needs to do this clearly. It's important.”

" I would never judge a woman for having to get help where she needed to."

"I've always looked at elders, women covered in wrinkles and grey hairs and thought, wow."

"We're just not getting a very realistic perspective on growing old naturally."

"I'm looking at what is our purpose because I think menopause is a great teacher of that. What's my purpose here? What is mine to do? And then that leads to that fulfilment."

"Why are they suddenly complaining now? And it's exactly that, It's like, well we didn't complain because we were scared of being put into an asylum."

EPISODE RESOURCES

Website: https://middleearthmedicine.com/

Womens Course: https://middleearthmedicine.com/maiden-matriarch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caroline.carey

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/carolinecarey__

HOST BIO

Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson

Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal

My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag

Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

Michelle is joined by Caryn Clark, a menopause champion and workplace advocate, whose own experience of menopause put her on a mission to support menopausal women in business. After her successful career was impacted due to unrecognised menopause symptoms, Caryn created the MENO Positive method; a groundbreaking approach to workplace menopause support.

Discover how she's challenging the shocking statistic that only 10% of businesses have formal menopause policies and sharing practical solutions to create more supportive, productive and inclusive workplaces for the 75% of women whose work is affected by menopause symptoms.

Caryn Reveals

• Why undiagnosed menopause symptoms forced her to quit her job.
• How her recovery and transformation began
• Her MENO Positive method and what it focuses on
• Why HRT alone isn't a complete solution
• Why workplace menopause support is a financial no brainer for companies
• Why personalised approaches and basic awareness are crucial in workplace menopausal support
• How businesses can create safe points of contact for women experiencing symptoms
• Why embracing midlife and menopause can be transformative rather than a time of limitation

BEST MOMENTS

"Menopause should be mainstream and luckily we're getting there, the quote of one in 10 companies only having menopause policies is improving week by week, month by month."

"It's awareness, the solutions are easy. “

"One in 10 women lose their job due to menopause, yet shockingly, only 10% of businesses have a formal menopause policy.”

"Menopause for you is an obligation, but it's also an opportunity. It's an obligation because you have the obligation to look after the wellbeing of your staff."

"As you hit your late forties and early fifties, you are not worse at your job. You're actually better, you've got so much experience, you've got so much knowledge."

"I think in the next five or 10 years, it'll be more common to have a menopause policy than not to have a menopause policy."

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-clarke-bemeno-positive/

HOST BIO

Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson

Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal

My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag

Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

In this episode, Michelle explores the connection between menopause and foot pain, focusing on conditions like plantar fasciitis and structural changes in the feet. Michelle shares her knowledge on how hormonal shifts during menopause can lead to issues in your feet including pain. Michelle also gives practical tips to manage foot pain and empowers women to take control of their foot health during menopause, encouraging open discussions about all symptoms that can arise during this life transition.

Michelle Reveals

• Why menopause can lead to plantar fasciitis
• How to choose the right shoes for foot pain
• Practical tips to manage foot pain
• Why she is raising awareness about the connection between menopause and foot pain
• How we can all take control of our health during menopause

BEST MOMENTS

"Menopause can also affect your feet. One unexpected and often overlooked issue is plantar fasciitis."

"As connective tissue weakens, the arches may collapse or become less pronounced."

"Understanding how hormonal shifts affect our bodies empowers us to take control of our health."

"Suffering is optional."

"By staying informed about how declining estrogen impacts connective tissue, you can manage these symptoms effectively."

HOST BIO

Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson

Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal

My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag

Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Emma Henry and Judith Lightfoot, two experienced nurses who share their personal journeys through menopause. They reflect on the limited training and knowledge they had about menopause during their nursing careers, highlighting the shocking lack of education even among health professionals. They delve into the emotional and psychological impacts of menopause, including the challenges of managing stress, relationships, and mental health.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Many health professionals, including nurses, reported having limited training and understanding of menopause, often only being aware of basic symptoms like hot flushes and the cessation of periods. This lack of education can lead to inadequate support for patients experiencing menopause.

• Both Emma and Judith emphasise the significance of educating oneself about menopause. They encouraged seeking out books, courses, and support groups to better understand the transition and advocate for one's health.

• They highlight that menopause can exacerbate mental health issues, with women being more predisposed to anxiety and depression during this time. Emma and Judith share personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed and the importance of recognizing hormonal changes as a contributing factor.

• Emma introduced EFT as a therapeutic approach that helps calm the nervous system and address emotional issues without the use of needles. Both Emma and Judith shared positive experiences with EFT, noting its effectiveness in managing anxiety and stress related to menopause.

• The transition through menopause can significantly affect family dynamics. Both Emma and Judith discuss the importance of open communication with family members, including children and partners, about the changes they are experiencing, which can foster understanding and support within the family.

BEST MOMENTS

"I just knew that at some stage you went through menopause, all I thought about it was hot flushes and that was about it."

"You kind of felt like you were going to be on your own. Good luck with that."

"It feels a bit like this: if you have any kind of trauma-based stuff that's happened to you and you kind of push it down, at some point, that will come back to you."

"Menopause can happen at any age, we should be teaching teenagers about menopause."

"Educate yourself as much as you possibly can. Talk to women, go and join groups."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075966822830

HOST BIO

Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson

Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal

My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag

Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

In this episode, Michelle welcomes Dina Shale to the podcast, a pioneer in equine facilitated learning, to discuss the transformative power of horses in managing menopause and perimenopause. Dina shares her personal journey through menopause, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges she faced and how her innovative retreats have helped women reconnect with nature and themselves. Dina also provides insights into grounding techniques, the importance of understanding the nervous system, and how to overcome fears associated with horses.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Horses serve as emotional regulators and can help individuals reconnect with their emotions, instincts, and sense of self, which is particularly beneficial for women navigating menopause.

• Engaging with horses in a round pen setting allows participants to practice grounding techniques, helping them to stay present and manage their nervous system, which is crucial for emotional well-being during menopause.

• Integrating equine therapy with other menopause management strategies, such as lifestyle changes and hormone therapy, can provide a comprehensive approach to managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.

• The approach and retreat method is used to help individuals who may be fearful of horses, allowing them to gradually build confidence and comfort without overwhelming their nervous system.

• Continuous learning and self-education are emphasised as essential tools for overcoming challenges during menopause, enabling individuals to make informed choices and improve their quality of life.

BEST MOMENTS

"Horses are what we call emotional regulators. They listen to their instincts, their emotions, and they are their guiding light of how to survive."

"When you start to connect with your feelings, your emotions, and feel it in the same way that horses do, then you have a tool that will serve you for the rest of your life."

"The body keeps the score. It remembers everything that's happened from the past. If you listen to it, you can heal it and move on."

"I think one thing I've definitely found during this journey is the common denominator is listen to our body, listen to ourselves, learn about ourselves."

"Bringing that into the moment and actually being able to feel that emotion is essential because you can't heal or why you don't know anything about your body."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.thewayofthehorse.co.uk/

HOST BIO

Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson

Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal

My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag

Website www.panaceapause.co.uk