Menopause & Intimacy Challenges - Lyn Smith & Dr. Alexia Harrigan

Lyn welcomes Dr. Alexia Harrigan, a powerhouse physical therapist and founder of Pelvis Power PT. Together, they delve into the crucial topic of women's health, specifically focusing on menopause and the intimacy challenges that can arise during this phase. Dr. Lexie shares her personal journey into pelvic health physical therapy, highlighting the importance of addressing pelvic pain and bladder issues that many women suffer with in silence. With over 20 years of experience, she emphasizes the significance of open communication with healthcare providers and partners, as well as the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy KEY TAKEAWAYS Many women suffer from pelvic pain and intimacy challenges after childbirth, often feeling guilt and shame. It's important to recognise that these issues can be treated and are not just a normal part of being a woman. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing can help improve pelvic floor function and reduce tension. This technique involves deep breathing that engages the diaphragm, promoting relaxation and coordination of pelvic floor muscles. Open communication with partners about intimacy challenges is crucial. Sharing preferences and concerns can lead to better experiences and help partners understand how to provide support. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can lead to intimacy challenges, such as decreased lubrication and pain during intercourse. Women may need to use more lubrication and engage in more foreplay to enhance comfort. BEST MOMENTS "We don't have to live life with leakage. We don't have to live life with pelvic pain... just because we're women, that doesn't mean we can't get treatment and live our best lives." "When those hormones decrease... the quality of the tissues... gets more fragile. They're not as plump, they're not as strong, they're not as springy." "Diaphragmatic breathing can help re-coordinate that pelvic floor function and also exercise those muscles." "I think a lot of women are suffering in silence over this... we don't really know how to address it in terms of knowing that it can actually be relieved." ABOUT THE GUEST - Dr. Alexia “Lexi” HarriganDr. Alexia “Lexi” Harrigan, PT, DPT is the founder of Pelvis Power PT, a concierge physical therapy practice based in the DFW metroplex. With 20 years of experience, she specializes in women’s pelvic health, chronic pain management, and oncology rehab. Dr. Lexi is passionate about educating and empowering women to take radical ownership of their health. She is also the author of Sunny with a Chance of Showers: A Story of Love, Loss, and Hope, a heartfelt memoir blending personal grief with resilience and healing. Website: https://www.pelvispower.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DrLexiHarrigan ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. HEARTS Entwined is a world-class service based on care and understanding, which is committed to providing step-by-step high-value love, dating and relationship solutions. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale.CONTACT [e-mail] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/