Ep 14: The Pause that Rages - Real Talk on Menopause

The Pause That Rages: Real Talk About Menopause

📋 Episode Summary:

Menopause is more than just hot flashes and night sweats—it’s a mind, body, and life shift. In this candid, funny, and unfiltered episode, Cindy and Anne-Marie unpack menopause in all its glory: the symptoms, the mental load, the sex life slump, and the changes no one prepared us for. Whether you’re in perimenopause, postmenopause, or still figuring it out, this episode is your reminder that you’re not crazy, not broken, and definitely not alone.

⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights

00:16 – Welcome & Episode Overview Why menopause is more than just a women’s health topic—it’s life-changing and universal.

01:04 – What is Menopause, Perimenopause, and Postmenopause? Understanding the phases, symptoms, and when the transitions typically begin.

03:11 – Our Personal Menopause Stories Cindy and Anne-Marie share when their symptoms started and what they noticed first.

05:29 – The Birth Control Mask: Unknowingly Delaying Symptoms How birth control can delay noticing perimenopause signs.

06:22 – Hormone Therapy Experiences The pros, cons, and complications with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and pellets.

08:54 – Mental Health and Menopause The link between hormones, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

09:46 – Our Hormone Therapy Routines What therapies worked, including progesterone, testosterone shots, and more.

10:32 – Natural Alternatives & Supplements What’s working for those who can’t take HRT and why “fake it till you make it” is real.

11:55 – Sleep Struggles, Fatigue & Brain Fog How menopause hijacks your sleep and memory—and why we keep walking into rooms forgetting why.

13:46 – Anxiety & Mood Changes Everyday anxiety, overthinking, and catching yourself before spiraling.

18:53 – Mood Swings & Relationships How menopause affects our interactions, friendships, and romantic relationships—including intimacy and libido.

21:56 – Coping Strategies That Actually Help How exercise, nutrition, magnesium, and lifting heavy help manage symptoms.

24:30 – Nutrition, Healthy Eating, and Supplements The Mediterranean diet, macros, and debunking intermittent fasting for menopausal women.

26:53 – Menopause Myths & Misconceptions Busting the most common myths about menopause symptoms, pregnancy, and treatment.

28:18 – Is Menopause Still Taboo? Why our generation is more open about it—and where our moms fell short.

29:48 – Lack of Medical Support & Insurance Coverage Why most doctors aren’t trained in menopause care and the frustration of paying out-of-pocket.

31:38 – Self-Prioritization & Reflection The emotional impact of body changes, self-worth, and accepting the new “normal.”

33:48 – Body Image & Physical Changes How our bodies change—fat in new places, joint pain, and accepting midlife changes.

38:29 – Medical Dismissal & Gaps in Healthcare Why women don’t get the support they need—and what should change.

39:23 – What We Wish We Knew Before Menopause Genetic testing, recognizing symptoms early, and how we felt unprepared.

41:20 – Advice for Women Entering Perimenopause Tips to track symptoms, advocate for yourself, and get the right doctor.

42:59 – Menopause Myths vs. Facts Quiz A rapid-fire fact check of everything we thought we knew about menopause.

52:52 – What Kind of Menopause Queen Are You? A fun quiz to wrap things up—find out your menopause style!

53:11 – Why Does Every Problem Start with “Men”? A little humor to close out the episode!

54:17 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways You’re not broken. You’re just evolving. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

55:00 – Disclaimer A friendly reminder that we’re not doctors—just two women sharing experiences.

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