Migraines are an incredibly debilitating symptom. What’s it all about, is there a link with the menopause transition and if so, what can we do about it?To help us make sense of everything we were delighted to be joined by Professor Anne MacGregor who specialises in headaches & migraines, alongside women’s health. During this episode Anne dispels myths and misinformation, breaks everything down into factual, relatable nuggets of information providing anyone listening with practical and logical ways to manage this symptom.A perimenopausal headache is debilitating enough but a migraine is quite a different matter, leaving you feeling like you’ve been ‘run through a mangle’…has to be the quote of the series! If you’re postmenopausal don’t worry that’s covered too.Did you know there’s more than one type? We cover migraines with aura, migraines without aura and then a migraine aura without a headache…I know, there’s a bit of a range. Being completely unpredictable, they can result in people not being able to function properly, can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and then there’s raised sensitivity to your bodies senses usually followed by feeling absolutely wiped out.Anne and Heather clarify what’s happening to your hormone levels during the perimenopause – back to the hormonal storm going on, with wonky hormones, and spiking hormones creating havoc. Unsurprisingly migraines are roughly three times more common in women than men!So, how do you cope with them…if you’re struggling with these symptoms this is really worth a listen.Anne covers lifestyle factors, highlighting how the brain reacts to these whilst knocking a few myths on the head. Interestingly, did you know migraines are linked to gut dysfunction? Heather and Anne also clarify the facts about the pros and cons of using HRT or the combined contraception pill to help manage symptoms.We touch on alternative, over the counter options and end with one of the most effective ways to manage this symptom…yes you’ll have to listen to find out!As always please share the link of our podcast to friends, family and colleagues who you know might find the topics we cover not only relevant but interesting. Thank you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Men… Let’s Talk Menopause
Raising awareness… generating interest…providing education…we have seen a huge change in recent years amongst men with many genuinely seeking more information on how best to support partners at home and colleagues within the workplace. There is, however, always room for improvement!To help us discuss this important topic we’re delighted to have on as a guest Nic Elliot who wears two hats at Actons Solicitors as the HR director and as head of the employment law team. He interestingly had an overwhelming response to a post he put up on LinkedIn about the Menopause, opening up a place where numerous people felt comfortable to share their personal experiences, whether supporting partners & colleagues or experiencing the Menopause themselves.This was a refreshingly open & honest conversation about the impact menopause can have on relationships, the strain it can cause, and how best to navigate what can often be a turbulent time for everyone.Then there’s the additional challenges within the workplace, especially as a male manager. Suggestions as to what can help and should training on the menopause become mandatory? We also touch on the new Menopause Action Plans coming into play in 2026...all very interesting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Measuring hormone levels, there’s more to it than you think.
During this episode Heather and our guest Dr Clare Spencer do an amazing job of simplifying this incredibly complex topic. You might be thinking…mmm…not the sexiest topic to listen to but, please do because by the end not only will you have a greater understanding about blood tests but you’ll also be reminded about a few basics - understanding how other unmeasurable factors influence your symptoms as those hormones merrily fluctuate away and why it’s so important to disentangle how you really feel during this hormonal storminess. Heather and Clare drill down into the nitty gritty. dispelling myths and misinformation along the way and give invaluable insight into a very misunderstood topic.So, would you ever measure hormone levels? If so, is there a right time, what about age factors, what are they actually testing for, how accurate is it, what about absorption levels, are there target levels to aim for, how do you interpret a result, where do environmental factors & genetics come in, how best to avoid tachyphylaxis and what about prescribing HRT for bone health? I know, they cover a lot…we told you it was worth a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sleep… the elixir of life.
Getting a good night’s sleep…something we all need to prioritise for our health & wellbeing, but especially if we’re going through, (what can be), a turbulent hormonal transition – the Menopause.When we hit those zzzs there’s a lot going on - a multitude of restorative processes…tissue growth & repair, brain recovery & rest, memory consolidation…an endless list. Your job is to give your body chance to get that good night’s sleep.Whether you’re struggling to maintain consistent sleep patterns or not this is a must listen. It’s incredibly interesting and informative with lots of practical tips & sleep hacks throughout. The key as always - you have to put a bit of effort in yourself!Understanding the different stages of an average sleep cycle, the do’s & don’ts of catnapping, the myths around sleep and what the term social jetlag means will encourage so many of you to start prioritising what some refer to as, the elixir of life! To help us discuss this important topic we were delighted to be joined by experienced GP & registered Menopause specialist Dr. Zoe Schaedel who specialises in sleep medicine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Lifestyle medicine… yes, it does work!
Lifestyle medicine, how simple tweaks and nudges to lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on helping to manage symptoms associated with the menopause.We invited Dr Barbara Phipps on to help us unpick what lifestyle medicine is all about. What are the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine which help support health & wellbeing…we discuss how they are all interconnected. It’s not a case of choosing one and discounting the others.We discuss how making small steps with each of the pillars can be hugely important when going through the menopause, ones like nutrition and physical activity.Tiny is mighty…incremental steps become sustainable and tend not to be overwhelming. Listen to hear about Barbara’s ‘54321’ for helping to live in the moment and Heather’s advice of just giving your brain a rest.Then there’s how socio-economic factors play a role, how CBT can be really helpful, what actually is the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and how to integrate lifestyle medicine into general practice…well worth a listen.We’ve decided to switch it up a bit this series so, our Myth busting moments have now been replaced with Nuggets of Knowledge!Dr Barbara Phipps is a GP who specialises in the care of people living with persistent pain. In 2019, Barbara developed an innovative programme for patients in Edinburgh experiencing chronic pain, which is now funded by NHS Lothian. Her approach integrates neuroscience, lifestyle medicine, and patient empowerment to help individuals better understand and manage their symptoms.Alongside her clinical work, Barbara serves as Deputy Director of Year 5 at Edinburgh Medical School and teaches on the MSc in Clinical Management of Pain at the University of Edinburgh. she is a Fellow of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. https://painplusscotland.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The podcast which we hope will become your go to for anything to do with the menopause & related topics.Each episode will be packed with useful information & resources to help you make those more informed decisions.We will provide information you can trust with no ‘flim flam’ or doom & gloom.===================================If you have listened to our podcasts already, please complete our short survey, only 9 questions, athttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S5RGV8P===================================Useful links & resources:Women’s Health concern: www.womens-health-concern.orgMenopause Matters : www.menopausematters.co.ukLet’s Talk Menopause : www.letstalkmenopause.co.ukNHS inform: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-healthThe Menopause Matters;Let’s Talk Podcast is hosted by Dr Heather Currie MBE, founder of Menopause Matters & Ruth Devlin founder of Let’s Talk Menopause.Heather is a gynaecologist with special interests in menopause, Premenstrual syndrome and cervical screening. She is a trustee and past chair of the British Menopause Society (BMS), Co-editor of post Reproductive Health, the journal of the BMS, Clinical advisor to Scottish government for the Women’s Health Plan for Scotland, and founder and MD of Menopause Matters, set up in 2001.Ruth is a registered nurse, an educator, a reflexologist & has training in cognitive behaviour therapy. She is the founder & MD of Let’s Talk Menopause, set up in 2012 working & collaborating across all sectors. She published the book, Men…Let’s Talk Menopause.Producer & audio engineer: Gregor ReidEpisodes of the Menopause Matters : Let’s Talk Podcast will land every week during Series 1 beginning 28 May 2024.Additional resources:·BMS : www.thebms.org.uk·NICE guidelines : www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23·Jackie Lynch/Nutritionist : www.well-well-well.co.uk·Squeezy app : www.squeezyapp.com ·Daisy Network : www.daisynetwork.org·The Eve Appeal : www.eveappeal.org.uk·Endometriosis UK : www.endometriosis-uk.org·The Royal Osteoporosis Society : theros.org.uk·PCOS : www.womens-health-concern.org/shop-items/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/·PMS: www.pms.org.uk/·CBT self help guide : ‘Living Well Through The Menopause' & ‘Managing Hot flushes and Night sweats; A cognitive behavioural self-help guide to the Menopause’ by Myra Hunter and Melanie Smith: https://tinyurl.com/bde7f86kDr. Heather Currie of Menopause Matters and Ruth Devlin of Let’s Talk Menopause-----------------All the information given by Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk is protected by copyright and is not to be reproduced without our express permission. All information is as accurate as possible at time of recording and is for information purposes only. The information and support that the podcast Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk provides is for your own personal use. It is not intended to replace or substitute the conclusion and advice from any medical professional you may come in contact with. You should always seek advice from your healthcare professional regarding a medical condition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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