Hello and welcome to another episode of the Perception Podcast with me your host Caroline Partridge. In today's episode, I'm joined by Physiotherapist, Menopause Expert and best selling author Michelle Rowlinson. Michelle outlines how a slew of frightening and life changing symptoms prompted her deep dive into understanding her menopause journey, and how she decided to dedicate herself to creating awareness for others. We discuss the impact on both women going through the change as well as their partners, the far-reaching ramifications of the effect of transition symptoms, and how women are failed in the workplace, as 1 in 4 leave or lose their jobs during this period. Michelle also busts some myths about the 3 stages of menopause, the efficacy of treatment options that are currently available, and we look at the positives of this life phase. So please join me as we look at life through a different lens.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Through her own often confusing journey with perimenopause, Michelle discovered her symptoms of hair loss, brain fog, and panic attacks were just a few of over 100 possible symptoms. Her experience taught her that perimenopause can start in the mid-30s, something she had never been warned about.
Michelle left her successful physiotherapy career due to perimenopausal symptoms, prompting her investigation into workplace impacts. Her research revealed the shocking statistic that one in four women leave their jobs during this transition, leading her to develop corporate workshops.
Her deep dive into modern lifestyle factors revealed how today's environment amplifies menopausal symptoms. Michelle discovered that chemicals in everyday products from food preservatives to skincare ingredients, are disrupting hormones in ways previous generations never experienced.
Michelle's struggle with weight gain despite intense daily workouts led to her breakthrough understanding of exercise. She now teaches that high-intensity workouts can worsen symptoms, advocating instead for gentler activities like yoga and swimming.
Drawing from her extensive client work, Michelle challenges the common misconception about menopause duration. She explains that technical menopause lasts just one day - the pivot point between perimenopause and post-menopause, a fact that transforms how women view their journey.
Through her wellbeing stalls and workshops, Michelle encounters countless women struggling with ongoing symptoms well into their 80s. This experience drives her mission to educate about the lifelong nature of hormonal changes.
Michelle's work training GPs stems from her own misdiagnosis with depression. She's found that a third of women enter perimenopause without ever having heard the term, leading to years of unnecessary suffering and incorrect treatment.
Her extensive research into modern HRT options, particularly transdermal treatments, has revealed their safety and long-term health benefits. This knowledge drives her passion for helping women make informed decisions about their treatment options.
BEST MOMENTS
"I started getting all these symptoms that I just didn't really understand... I thought I had dementia. I thought something was serious going on."
"We were talking before that you can't get pregnant in perimenopause. And although fertility might be more difficult, you might be more predisposed to miscarriage; you're also more predisposed to twins."
"Many women call in sick and lie about why they're calling in sick because they're worried about the stigma, will they lose their job?"
"It's shocking that the British Menopause Society did a survey and found that a third of women still haven't heard of the word perimenopause before they start having symptoms."
"I don't know why we're not taught it in school. It's crazy. We're taught lots of things that we never use ever again, but we're not taught about ourselves."
ABOUT THE GUEST
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Michelle Rowlinson is a Senior MSK Physiotherapist and Menopause Well