Women of a Certain Stage

In this crucial episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Fiona Clark, Australian journalist, medical publisher, and founder of the Menopause Research & Education Fund (MREF). Fiona pulls back the curtain on the menopause landscape, revealing why doctors are openly arguing on social media, how a £15 trillion market is driving commercialization, and why the UK's National Institute for Health Research has allocated just 0.3% of funding to menopause—despite it affecting 100% of women.With a degree in anatomy and physiology and 20 years in medical publishing, Fiona experienced firsthand how fragmented and under-researched women's health truly is. After spending COVID evenings interviewing menopause experts and repeatedly hearing "the studies haven't been done," she founded MREF with Dr Vikram Talaulikar and Diane Danzebrink to fund the research that no one else will.This conversation tackles uncomfortable truths: discrimination in emergency rooms, the 2,004 women who must take HRT to prevent one case of dementia, why toothpaste doesn't belong in the "menopause aisle," and how peak brain function occurs at 55-60—precisely when we're losing women from the workforce.Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Fiona's background: anatomy, physiology, mainstream publishing, then medical journalism [00:02:00] COVID interviews with experts: "The studies haven't been done" [00:02:30] Founding MREF with Vikram and Diane 18 months ago [00:03:00] Meno Wars: Why doctors are arguing publicly on social media [00:04:00] Women live 25% longer in chronic illness than men [00:05:00] Misinformation, disinformation, and conflicting "truths" from medical professionals [00:06:00] Everyone has an opinion about women's bodies—from birth to death [00:07:00] Two polarized views: "snowflake" vs "you'll be demented in a wheelchair" [00:08:00] Going to the GP prepared: symptom trackers and knowing your options [00:09:00] When your GP says "I don't believe in HRT" [00:10:00] Fiona's A&E experience: 185/120 blood pressure dismissed as alcoholism [00:11:00] Rosacea mistaken for drinking—prescribed thiamine, no BP advice [00:12:00] Two years arguing with GP to increase blood pressure medication [00:13:00] Medication reviews: contradictions from the same prescribing doctor [00:14:00] Two women in their 80s/90s: one on HRT, one not—both living well [00:15:00] Pauline Mackey on dementia: realistically, HRT is neutral [00:15:30] 100% go through menopause, 20% get dementia (19% of men too) [00:16:00] What makes that 20% vulnerable: vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruption, BP, cholesterol [00:16:30] 2,004 women must take HRT to prevent one case of dementia [00:17:00] Mike McClung on osteoporosis: identifying women at risk pre-menopause [00:18:00] Lauren's background: psychology, personal training, sports therapy, nutrition [00:19:00] The intersectionality between lifestyle and genetics/DNA [00:20:00] International Menopause Society 2025 theme: lifestyle [00:21:00] Bone mineral density peaks in late teens/early twenties [00:22:00] The commercialization of menopause: only just beginning [00:23:00] US 50+ market: $15 trillion; menopause market: $600 billion [00:24:00] Menopause toothpaste: no different from the one next to it [00:25:00] America as research powerhouse—and current...

In this insightful episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Chiren reconnects with Dr Kelly Dixon, Associate Professor in Global Health and Wellbeing at UCL and integrative psychotherapist in private practice. Kelly shares her personal journey of discovering the profound impact of cycle awareness—beginning with a pivotal moment at age 24 when a friend noticed her monthly pattern of overwhelm.With 20 years at UCL conducting systematic reviews and teaching intersectionality, Kelly brings both academic rigor and lived experience to understanding how menstrual cycles shape our emotional landscapes. She reveals how tracking her cycle transformed her understanding of herself, her work as a therapist, and her approach to perimenopause—where many symptoms mirror an extended luteal phase.This conversation offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective on working with your body rather than against it, from the monthly cycles of reproductive years through the transition to menopause.Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Recording the UCL Disrupted Voices podcast on menopause [00:02:00] Grand challenges at UCL: seed funding for menopause research [00:03:00] Bio-psychosocial approach: three essential strands of menopause care [00:04:00] The power of storytelling and lived experiences in research [00:05:00] Balancing university work and private practice: the weekly split [00:06:00] 20 years at UCL: from education to reproductive health research [00:07:00] The moment cycle awareness clicked into focus [00:08:00] Age 24: "I felt really small and the world was really big" [00:09:00] The friend who noticed: "Is your period due soon?" [00:10:00] Discovering it's not just the week before—it's the whole month [00:11:00] Building compassion-focused responses to cycle changes [00:12:00] From paper diaries to iPeriod: 23-33 day cycle variation [00:13:00] Why she switched apps after US abortion law changes [00:14:00] B vitamins, alcohol, and managing PMS symptoms [00:15:00] The pattern: going full blast, then hitting the crash [00:16:00] How cycle awareness changed her work as a therapist [00:17:00] Recognizing when both therapist and client are in luteal phase [00:18:00] Person-centered approach: only working with client cycles when they bring it in [00:19:00] "It's not just PMS—maybe you're feeling it more" [00:20:00] The clarity and boundary-setting that comes with luteal energy [00:21:00] Perimenopause as an extended luteal phase [00:22:00] Brain fog, irritation, and existential questions in perimenopause [00:23:00] Why alcohol becomes less our friend during menopause [00:24:00] What lights Kelly up: Betsy and Winnie the Cockapoos [00:25:00] Borrow My Doggy: "doggy Tinder" [00:26:00] Future research: PMDD and premenstrual syndrome systematic reviews [00:27:00] Contraception decision-making research: currently under wraps [00:28:00] Taking a life course approach to hormonal decisions [00:29:00] Three top tips for GP appointments [00:30:00] Having someone to talk to before and after appointments [00:31:00] Being open to other possibilities: thyroid, vitamin D [00:32:00] Using NICE guidelines language with your doctor...

n this inspiring episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren connects with Shannan Hanson, who transformed her 25-year corporate career in customer success into a thriving menopause coaching practice. Just months after completing her certification, Shannan organized a groundbreaking community summit that brought together 75+ women, 15 exhibitors, and 7 speakers—proving that passion, determination, and community can create powerful change.Shannan shares her deeply personal story of navigating perimenopause while climbing the corporate ladder, the moment she realized her symptoms weren't COVID or stress, and how HRT combined with lifestyle changes became truly transformative. Her journey from corporate executive to menopause coach, mountain biker, and marathon runner demonstrates that midlife isn't about slowing down—it's about redirecting your energy toward what matters most.Key Timestamps [00:03:00] The moment of doubt: "Are you sure you want to do this?" [00:06:00] From monthly meetups to annual events: building sustainable community [00:07:00] Sharing personal stories unlocks connection for others [00:10:00] The 2020 turning point: discovering "Hit Play Not Pause" podcast [00:11:00] "I'm never working for a man again" and choosing passion over paychecks [00:14:00] Small 1% changes create massive transformation over time [00:15:00] Translating customer success skills into client-first coaching [00:18:00] How ideas evolve through the coaching program [00:19:00] Education builds the confidence that perimenopause stole [00:20:00] When you can't drive on the motorway: confidence lost in unexpected ways [00:23:00] The doctor who prescribed Prozac instead of listening about menopause [00:23:30] May 2024: Starting HRT after a marathon and everything changes [00:25:30] The power of decluttering: "The Stress of the Mess" [00:29:00] A quarter mile from the woods: nature as sanctuary and sanity [00:30:00] Advice for aspiring menopause coaches: follow your heartKey TakeawaysCommunity is irreplaceable: Online connection can't replace the power of in-person hugs and shared storiesTimeline from certification to summit: 3 months from graduation to organizing a 75+ person community eventThe three-time rule: When something comes up three times, act on itAccountability matters: Self-paced programs lack the structure high achievers needHRT isn't magic alone: May 2024 HRT start combined with lifestyle changes created transformationPerimenopause mimics everything: COVID stress, depression, burnout—symptoms hide in plain sightDoctors don't always listen: Prescribed Prozac when she asked about menopauseExecutive functioning disappears: High-level decision-making becomes impossibleCamera-off meetings: Hot flashes force professional compromisesStrength training changes everything: Critical for marathon training in midlifeCorporate skills translate: Customer success, empathy, team building become coaching superpowersDecluttering gives back control: One of the most powerful exercises in the menopause plan1% changes compound: Small consistent shifts create massive transformationNature is non-negotiable: Daily time outdoors maintains mental healthPartnership opportunities emerge:...

In this powerful episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Julie about her journey from running a successful recruitment business for 13 years to retraining as a menopause coach. Julie shares the raw reality of perimenopause hitting at 49, the burnout that followed, and the moment everything changed when she finally started HRT at 51.With 23 years in recruitment—a fast-paced, service-driven industry requiring constant multitasking—Julie found herself losing the drive, confidence, and decision-making abilities that had defined her career. Her story illuminates how menopause can derail even the most capable professionals, and why supporting women through this transition isn't just compassionate—it's smart business.Key Timestamps[00:01:00] 23 years in recruitment: the fast-paced reality of running your own business[00:02:00] Age 49: when fatigue and hot sweats started impacting energy[00:03:00] The overnight crash: burnout, stress, and loss of confidence[00:04:00] Core skills of recruitment: multitasking, tenacity, and service excellence[00:06:00] AI's impact on recruitment and the value of human consultancy[00:08:00] Why Women of a Certain Stage: authenticity, credibility, and community[00:09:00] "Why should I choose you?" The answer that sealed the decision[00:11:00] Meeting up at Pauselive: the power of cohort connections[00:12:00] Expert speakers that stood out: coaching vs mentoring, diversity, and sexuality[00:14:00] The transformation opportunity: reimagining life at menopause[00:15:00] Running menopause support groups at local leisure centers[00:16:00] Jane's story: from antidepressants to HRT advocacy[00:17:00] Bringing a BMS GP specialist to the community[00:19:00] Passion for supporting female entrepreneurs and business leaders[00:20:00] The real cost of replacement: 18-20% minimum of salary[00:22:00] Women leaving STEM: the knowledge drain we can't afford[00:23:00] Game-changing modules: hydration, nutrition, and asking for help[00:24:00] The hunger scale revelation and always being prepared[00:25:00] "I thought I was good at asking for help—but I'm actually not"Key TakeawaysPerimenopause can hit overnight, stripping away drive, confidence, and decision-making abilityHRT isn't a silver bullet—lifestyle changes like hydration create foundational wellbeingThe sandwich generation struggles: managing elderly parents, children, and career simultaneouslyAI in recruitment threatens human consultancy but can't replace relationship-buildingRecruitment costs: minimum 18-20% of salary, but knowledge loss is incalculableWomen leaving the workforce during menopause represents massive financial and talent drainCommunity support groups empower women to advocate with their GPsThe receiving help module: most impactful for high-achieving women who "do it all"Tracking hydration transforms energy, concentration, weight management, and sleepUnderstanding hunger/fullness scales prevents blood sugar crashes and poor food choicesBusiness owners need menopause awareness: retention is cheaper than replacementThe coaching model vs mentoring: listening more, telling lessJulie's Powerful Insights"I thought I was really good at asking for help and receiving help. But I'm actually not.""HRT is great. It's not a silver bullet, it's just one small thing. The lifestyle...

In this inspiring episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Liz Lay about her journey from over three decades in payroll management to becoming a menopause coach. Liz shares her experience of managing payroll for 47,000 employees while navigating undiagnosed perimenopause, the imposter syndrome that crept in, and the pivotal moment she decided to take a sabbatical that changed everything.From discovering the Menopause Coach Diploma during her time off to setting up a community menopause café in her village, Liz's story demonstrates how personal experience combined with professional expertise can create meaningful change—both for yourself and your community.Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Three decades in payroll: education, team management, and organizational development[00:02:00] Early menopause signs and the hysterectomy conversation[00:03:00] "Powering through" during COVID—and the crash that followed[00:04:00] Imposter syndrome, memory issues, and requesting flexible working[00:05:00] The myriad of life changes: grief, new grandmotherhood, and burnout[00:06:00] Manager offers sabbatical instead of accepting resignation[00:07:00] Finding the Menopause Coach Diploma and the conversation that changed everything[00:08:00] Starting the program for personal learning, not career change[00:09:00] The 18-week journey: expert speakers, global cohort, and discovering perimenopause[00:10:00] Being both student and observer during coaching practice[00:11:00] Finding practice clients through friends of friends[00:12:00] The common thread: creating safe space to talk openly[00:13:00] Setting up a menopause café in the village[00:14:00] Five GP visits—and finally meeting the practice menopause specialist[00:15:00] The advanced nurse's encouragement: "Do it!"[00:16:00] Launching in November with library support and community engagement[00:17:00] Decision not to return from sabbatical[00:18:00] Plans for wellness retreats and yoga collaborations[00:20:00] The gift of reduced pressure while maintaining structure[00:22:00] A cohort of 36 from 14 countries—and the power of WhatsApp[00:23:00] Meeting face-to-face at Pauselive[00:25:00] Raising awareness: men need menopause education too[00:26:00] The man who didn't divorce—twice—because of menopause awareness[00:27:00] "Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be."Key TakeawaysPerimenopause symptoms often dismissed as stress, especially in high-pressure rolesManagers can make enormous difference by offering flexibility and sabbaticalsSafe spaces for conversation are invaluable—many lack someone who truly listensStarting menopause education "for yourself" often evolves into helping othersCommunity support through cohorts creates lasting connections and mutual aidMenopause cafés provide accessible, stigma-free environments for learning and supportGP practices need better menopause pathways—persistence pays offMen benefit enormously from menopause education for workplace and home lifeCareer transitions during menopause can lead to more aligned, purposeful workRemoving pressure while maintaining structure supports learning and wellbeingLiz's Powerful Reminders"Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be."Take Action!Connect...