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Menopause - The Real Deal

Menopause - The Real Deal

By: Michelle Rowlinson
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"Menopause - The Real Deal" is your go-to podcast for honest, expert-driven conversations about perimenopause and menopause. Hosted by Michelle, a senior Physiotherapist, Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner, and best selling author, this podcast dives deep into the real experiences of women navigating this transformative stage of life. Each episode features insightful interviews with health professionals, business leaders, corporate women, and past clients who share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. We debunk common myths, explore the impact of menopause on health and work life, and provide practical advice to help you manage symptoms and thrive. Whether you’re approaching perimenopause, in the midst of it, or supporting someone who is, "Menopause - The Real Deal" offers the education and support you need to embrace this phase with confidence. Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Reclaiming Confidence Through, Menopause: Suzi Ford On Transformation
    Sep 17 2025
    Have you ever felt like you’ve lost your spark, and weren't quite yourself anymore? That's exactly what Suzi Ford, this week’s guest has faced. When menopause arrived during the isolation of COVID lockdown, it shook her world in ways she never expected. Fast forward three years, and Suzi has not only found the right support and begun her HRT journey, but she’s also transformed her health, losing six stone and rediscovering her confidence, energy and joy. Today, she tells you how she achieved it, and talks candidly about the real issues we face in order to help other women feel seen, heard, and supported Suzi Discusses The experience of menopause and how it can include a wide range of symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety, weight gain, and changes in libido How consulting with a knowledgeable healthcare provider can lead to effective treatments like HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) How these treatments can alleviate many menopause symptoms and improve quality of life. How adopting a healthier diet and incorporating physical activity can help manage menopause symptoms and improve overall well-being Why setting achievable goals, such as step counts, can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment. Why open dialogue with partners about the changes experienced during menopause is essential. How dialogue should include discussing emotional and physical intimacy, which can be affected by menopause. BEST MOMENTS "I went from being always freezing to having these insane, uncontrollable hot flushes... literally burned from my toes, ripped through my body." "I literally thought I was losing my head." "You won't get a medal at the end of this because there's not actually an end." "I always say I'm not a doctor. I can only tell you what's happened to me." Suzi’s Links TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sephton2016 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
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    48 mins
  • From Struggle to Strength: How Menopause Jen Transformed Negative Workplace Experience into Empowerment
    Sep 10 2025
    If you’ve ever felt like your workplace was unsupportive when it comes to the menopause, then this episode is for you. This week’s guest is Jen Francis, known on TikTok as Menopause Jen Official, who walked away from her role as a digital marketing manager when a lack of menopause support and outdated attitudes from her employer made it impossible to stay. Since then, Jen has created a growing community where women share hacks, tips and real-life experiences to support each other through midlife and menopause, proving that there's strength in numbers. We talk about why she left her job, the menopause-related challenges she faced at work, and how she's using her platform to empower others. Jen Discusses The lack of understanding and support in the workplace The feelings of isolation and frustration that can result from this. How symptoms such as migraines, palpitations, and fatigue can severely affect a woman's ability to perform at work. The lack of acknowledgment and support from employers and how they can exacerbate health issues, leading to a decline in mental health and job satisfaction How flexible working options can be crucial for women dealing with menopause symptoms. The pressing need for menopause policies and education within organisations How managers may dismiss symptoms or fail to provide necessary support, which can lead to negative workplace experiences for affected employees. How building communities can empower women to share their experiences and support one another BEST MOMENTS "I thought, oh, God, they're not going to be good about it. But they actually were." "I was surprised, you know, someone in her 40s, I thought she must be in perimenopause.” "I had to keep pestering doctors to get fit notes." "I think it's given me a chance to focus on me and decide what I want to do at 52." "If you support your staff, you're gonna be more productive." Jen’s Links TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@menopausejenofficial 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
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    54 mins
  • Debunking Menopause Myths: Dr. Sooj's Evidence-Based Approach to Women's Health
    Sep 3 2025
    In a world where health myths about menopause can spread faster than the truth, how do you know who to trust? This week on the show, Michelle is joined by the amazing Dr Sooj, the renowned health content creator whose educational videos have helped to tackle medical misinformation, and make guidance relatable and accessible to everyone through such channels as the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care, the World Health Organisation and the BBC. Dr Sooj talks all things menopause care, from understanding the difference between perimenopause and menopause, how it's diagnosed, treatment options including HRT and non-hormonal alternatives, and how to get the most from your GP appointment Dr Sooj Reveals The crucial differences between perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause The vital role GPs play in menopause management, but also how their knowledge can vary. Why it's essential for patients to have open conversations with their doctors about menopause and to seek referrals if their GP lacks expertise in this area. How lifestyle choices significantly impact menopause symptoms. How addressing these factors can help alleviate issues like hot flushes, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Why Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be beneficial for managing menopause symptoms Why there is still a stigma associated with discussing menopause-related issues, particularly genitourinary symptoms like vaginal dryness and painful sex BEST MOMENTS "Misinformation spreads so quickly on social media. I just started making content... to simplify complicated concepts into a series of short videos." "Menopause just refers to an absence of periods. Perimenopause usually refers to when the symptoms start, but your periods are still happening." "There should be more training for GPs regarding women's health or menopause in particular, especially as we're half the population?" "It's about having that conversation with your doctor and being open to them also not being experts in everything." Dr Sooj's Links https://www.tiktok.com/@doctorsooj https://www.youtube.com/@doctorsooj https://www.instagram.com/doctorsooj 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
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    55 mins
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