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This Is Perimenopause: Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

This Is Perimenopause: Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

By: This Is Perimenopause: Menopause Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife by Michelle Stainton and Mikelle Ethier
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 Each episode will share life stories and expert insight into women's perimenopause and menopause journey in midlife, where suffering is optional Menopause isn't the end, it's just the beginning. Hosts Michelle and Mikelle are on a mission to help others be better informed than they were when they started their perimenopause journeys. The podcast is a blend of health, education, mindset, and personal growth. Michelle and Mikelle, along with their guests, are sharing real-life stories and expert advice to help you navigate perimenopause, menopause and beyond.© 2025 This Is Perimenopause Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • How Menopausal Care Should Be with Dr. Michelle Jacobson: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    How Menopausal Care Should Be with Dr. Michelle Jacobson: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
    Apr 1 2026
    Ever felt dismissed, confused, or just plain abandoned by the healthcare system when it comes to perimenopause? Then this episode is for you.Meet Dr. Michelle Jacobson, gynecologist, menopause oncology specialist, and co-founder of the virtual clinic Coven Women's Health. She's the doctor other doctors call on complex women’s health issues — and today, she's here for you.In this episode:Why perimenopausal women are the hardest and most underserved group in women's healthcare; and why even great doctors struggle to help themThe truth about the WHI study. What the headlines got wrong, and what the data actually saysWhy women with a history of cancer don't have to miss out on quality of life and new non-hormonal options available to themThe story behind Coven Women's Health and why every patient gets Dr. Jacobson's eyes on their careHow you can thrive through perimenopause Why Dr. Jacobson thinks the most important thing you can do right now has nothing to do with hormonesPlus — the meaning behind the names Coven and Hysterical Women (her podcast), and why we all want to be witches now.This one is packed with the kind of honest, evidence-based, no-BS information that every woman in midlife deserves. We left feeling smarter, more empowered, and honestly a little fired up.Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseSubscribe to our SubstackEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Sign up for our weekly newsletterFollow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on FacebookDr. Michelle Jacobson Dr. Michelle Jacobson is working to redefine the standard of care for women in Canada by scaling access to her expertise in Menopause, Menopause Oncology, and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome.She's been referred to as "the doctor that other doctors call" when they need to consult on complex women's gynaecological health issues. They call her because of her curiosity, education, research, and clinical experience with conditions and symptoms that impact women, from first period to last. They become her respected colleagues and friends because of her reputation as a physician who is incredibly collaborative, caring, and loyal.Dr. Jacobson is especially passionate about perimenopause and the menopause transition — through her research and clinical practice, she sees how many women unnecessarily experience a decline in quality of life during midlife. She funnels that passion and advocacy into educating other physicians, policymakers, and the general public on the urgency for changes to medical protocols and for greater support for menopausal women.As a BRCA gene carrier herself, she is equally passionate about assessing and managing hereditary cancer risk. Committed to advancing early detection, treatment, and patient support, her research in this area has led to the development of a national community of practice in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer that she created and chairs.At the intersection of both of her passions, she has used her research and clinical experience in menopause — particularly premature menopause due to oncologic therapies, hereditary cancer syndromes, and Turner's Syndrome — to provide a niche contribution to the global literature.Bottom line: she cares deeply for women and their wellbeing, and she is committed to making patient-centric changes to our standard of care.Links for this episodeFollow Coven Women’s Health on InstagramFollow the Hysterical Women PodcastCoven Women’s Health
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    47 mins
  • Sleep to Improve Your Healthspan with Dr. Woganee Filate: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Sleep to Improve Your Healthspan with Dr. Woganee Filate: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
    Mar 18 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Woganee Filate, sleep specialist and co-founder of Lume Women + Health, is back on the show to break down the science of sleep and why it may be the single most powerful thing you can do for your long-term health. From protecting your brain to keeping your heart healthy, Dr. Woganee explains what's actually happening while you sleep — and what's at stake when you don't.


    In this episode:

    • Why both sleep quality and quantity matter for our health and healthspan
    • What’s happening in our brains as we sleep
    • The different stages of sleep explained
    • Why deep sleep is your best defense against dementia
    • The link between inconsistent sleep and heart disease risk
    • How poor sleep affects your metabolism, blood pressure, and inflammation
    • How poor sleep may be accelerating your biological aging at a cellular level
    • How to recognize and address sleep disruption during perimenopause
    • Plus, a sneak peek at Dr. Woganee's upcoming book, a science-backed guide to sleeping through perimenopause and beyond


    You don't have to accept poor sleep. There's so much within your control, and this episode with Dr. Woganee will show you where to start.


    This episode is part of our Endy Reclaim Your Rest Sleep Series - helping you wake up rested, focused, and ready to take on whatever the day brings.


    Endy is Canada’s leading online mattress brand, trusted by over 1 million sleepers. Endy’s mattresses are designed to keep you cool and supported all night long, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day. With three comfort options—plush, medium-firm, and firm—you can find the perfect fit for your body and sleep style. And the best part? Endy delivers straight to your door, so upgrading your sleep is simpler than ever. Check them out at endy.com.


    Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause

    • Subscribe to our Substack
    • Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
    • Sign up for our weekly newsletter
    • Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram
    • Follow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook


    Dr. Woganee Filate Bio

    Dr. Woganee Filate is a passionate and dedicated adult respirologist and sleep medicine physician committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based and patient-centered care. She has a wealth of experience in diagnosing and managing respiratory and sleep disorders. Her interests include educating patients on the changes in sleep during the menopause transition and what can be done to optimize sleep during this key life stage. In addition to her medical degree, Dr. Filate holds a Master of Health Science, with a focus on Community Health & Epidemiology, from the University of Toronto.


    Links for this episode

    • Lume Women + Health
    • Follow Dr. Woganee on Instagram
    • Follow Lume Women + Health on Instagram
    • Subscribe to Lume Women + Health Substack
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    32 mins
  • Better Sex in Perimenopause with Dr. Lori Brotto and Elayne Wandler: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

    Better Sex in Perimenopause with Dr. Lori Brotto and Elayne Wandler: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey
    Mar 4 2026
    More pleasurable and satisfying sex is all in your mind. If you’ve been struggling with low libido or sexual anxiety then this episode’s for you. Dr. Lori Brotto, renowned psychologist, sex researcher, and author of "Better Sex Through Mindfulness," and Elayne Wandler, CEO of eSense Health are on a mission to transform our sexual health. They’re sharing insights on how mindfulness can help women tune into their bodies to have more fulfilling intimate experiences.In this episode:The science behind mindfulness and its impact on sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction How to overcome common roadblocks like distraction, self-judgment, and sexual pain The difference between responsive and spontaneous desire, and why it matters for your sex life Why "neutral to arousal to desire" is common and perfectly normalPractical tips and mindfulness exercises to enhance your sex life and relationshipsA sneak peak into eSense, a digital platform that’s going to revolutionize our sexual health landscape Whether you're single, partnered, or anywhere in between, this episode will arm you with the insights and strategies you need to develop a more present, connected, and pleasurable approach to sex and intimacy.Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is PerimenopauseSubscribe to our SubstackEmail us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.Sign up for our weekly newsletterFollow This Is Perimenopause on InstagramFollow This Is Perimenopause on FacebookDr Lori Brotto Dr. Lori Brotto is a renowned figure in women's sexual health. A Professor in the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, she holds a Canada Research Chair focused on developing safe, accessible treatments for sexual concerns in women. Committed to equity, she champions digital health technologies to broaden access to care.Dr. Brotto also serves as Executive Director for the Women's Health Research Institute, supporting nearly 700 members across BC in advancing all aspects of women's health research.She has appeared in the media, including Netflix's "The Principles of Pleasure," CBC Gem's "The Big Sex Talk," and a Masterclass on the Magic of Menopause. She has authored two mindfulness-focused books: "Better Sex Through Mindfulness" (2018) and "The Better Sex Through Mindfulness Workbook" (2022), and the 2018 book appears in the New York Times top 8 sexual health books (2024). She has received a UBC Public Education Through Media award (2023).As a Registered Psychologist in BC, Dr. Brotto works with individuals seeking to enhance their sexual well-being and believes in the power of lived experiences to shape science. An advocate for women's leadership, she encourages young women to pursue careers in STEM and engages with the public via social media (@DrLoriBrotto and @ubcshr).Elayne WandlerElayne is a seasoned life sciences executive with over two decades of experience bringing medical innovations to market. As CEO of eSense Health, she leads the company's mission to close the gap in women's sexual health through evidence-based, accessible digital care.Her career began at Abbott Laboratories (now AbbVie), followed by commercial and communications roles at QLT Inc., where she helped launch Visudyne—the first treatment for age-related macular degeneration. She later served as Director of Corporate Development and Marketing at Sonic Incytes, and in a leadership role at Accel-Rx, supporting early-stage Canadian ventures.Combining strategic insight with a strong track record across life sciences, Elayne is passionate about challenging stigma, unlocking access, and driving impact through science and storytelling. Under her leadership, eSense is now entering commercialization following successful clinical validation and growing recognition. Links for this episodeFollow Dr. Brotto on Instagram Follow eSense on InstagramLearn more about eSenseBuy the book - Better Sex Through Mindfulness
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    40 mins
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