May 17, 2024 • 28 mins
Navigating the twists and turns of menopause can feel like a solo journey, but it doesn't have to be. Bridget and Marissa join us to shine a light on the hurdles and hopes that accompany this pivotal life stage. With their guidance, we discuss not just the hot flashes and hormonal shifts, but also the heartening truths about seeking medical advice, staying connected, and finding strength within ourselves. Their insights promise to quell fears and foster empowerment, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to understand and embrace the transition with a rejuvenated sense of self.
We laugh, we learn, and yes, we even talk about the taboo. This conversation goes beyond biology, delving into the societal nuances that shape our experience of menopause. We help you break down the barriers of silence and stigma, encouraging open dialogue about everything from heart health to the healing power of community. So grab that occasional glass of wine, join our circle, and let's celebrate the journey through menopause with a blend of wisdom, wit, and a little bit of rebellion against the norms. This episode isn't just an education—it's a rally cry for support, sisterhood, and stepping into a new chapter with confidence.
Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Bridget Melton, MD and licensed therapist Marissa Volinsky, MS, LPC, NCC. The contents of our podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. The contents of our podcast and website are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before starting or discontinuing treatment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
Hello, welcome back to our podcast.
We're super excited to have you.
Thank you for all listening.
In this week's episode, we'regoing to talk about menopause
and how that affects physicaland mental well-being, and I'll
let Bridget take it from hereand define that for others who
may have not gone through thatyet.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Okay, so welcome back guys.
So we're just going to kick offour menopause discussion with
some of the physical healthsides.
Menopause can be an extremelychallenging time for people and
their families, so we just wantto talk about symptoms,
treatment and how it affects ourmood.
Unfortunately it is, you know,like a women's health thing, so
people don't really talk aboutit a lot and that's a bit unfair
(00:44):
.
So no one knows really what isnormal, so we'll just talk about
it.
So menopause describes the timein our lives when we undergo
hormonal changes thatpermanently stop our periods.
So it's a retrograde diagnosis,which means it's a diagnosis
made after the fact.
So once you go 12 months in arow without a period, we say
that's menopause.
The average age is 51, butsymptoms start.
(01:07):
We call perimenopause.
So that's leading up tomenopause and that can last for
years, approximately two toeight years prior to menopause
and the symptoms of menopausecan last for years after
menopause as well, meaning youcan have hot flashes for five
years after you've gone throughmenopause.
So perimenopause is the two toeight year period prior to
(01:30):
menopause when we have irregularand unpredictable menstruation,
hormonal fluctuations and othersymptoms of menopause.
So this time is veryunpredictable for a lot of women
because they are still bleeding.
They're only in their 40s, youknow.
So they still feel like they'reyoung and they have a lot of
vitality, but they alwaysdescribe it the same.
They're always like listen, doc, like I feel like I'm 13 again,
like I don't know how topredict my period, or like I'm
(01:51):
soaking through pads and atampon and maybe like bled
through my outfit and like Ijust feel like a kid who doesn't
know what they're doing, likeI've been managing my period for
years, decades, and now, all ofa sudden it's like act with a
vengeance, like what ishappening.
So that is kind of like thehallmark of perimenopause.
It's horrible, I don't knowwhat else to say about it.
(02:11):
Like it's just it sucks, but itis normal and you're not alone.
And if it's troublesome youshould definitely speak to your
doctor because there are someoptions out there for you.
So let's talk about the symptomsof menopause.
So symptoms include unusuallylight or very heavy periods.
Like I just said, it becomesvery unpredictable.
A change in period frequency soyou might have two periods one
(02:35):
month and then you'll skip aperiod altogether for two or
three months in a row.
Anxiety, low mood, irritability, skin changes like adult acne
or unusually dry skin.
So it feels very much like apuberty again.
Difficulty sleeping, discomfortduring sex, loss of self, hair
(02:55):
loss or thinning, headaches ormigraines, hot flashes, facial
hair, joint stiffness, aches andpains, loss of self-confidence,
night sweats, palpitations,brain fog or memory changes,
recurrent UTIs.
So the recurrent UTIs and theurge and stress incontinence are
due to reduced estrogen,reduced libido, tinnitus.
(03:17):
So tinnitus or tinnitus dependswhere you're from, who says it,
which way is basically thatconstant ringing in your ears?
It's absolutely horrendous.
There's usually no treatmentfor it.
It can come and go, vaginaldryness and pain.
So that is an insane list ofsymptoms and these are all
really common, frequentlyreported symptoms.
(03:37):
So most women experience a fewor all of these throughout the
menopause process which, like Isaid, it's like a decade of
changes.
So menopause also increasesyour likelihood of developing
osteoporosis, especially inCaucasian and Asian women and
very thin women.
It also increases your risk ofcardiac disease.
(03:58):
So, as it turns out, estrogenis a wonder drug.
It's amazing.
And when it decreases with ageand loss of ovarian function, we
become more susceptible tocardiac diseases that tend to
plague men, like hypertension,heart failure, coronary artery
disease.
So when you go throughmenopause, you really need to be
(04:19):
aware that you need to see yourprimary care physician and you
need your annual blood pressurechecks.
You need to see your primarycare physician and you need your
annual blood pressure checks.
You need to have your lipidstaken, you know, because you're
now out of the protection zoneof estrogen and you're very
likely will develop, you know,high blood pressure or cardiac
disease as you age.
So it's really important to seeyour primary care physician and
(04:41):
have these things checked.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
So we know, during menopause there are hormonal
shifts, particularly the declinein estrogen levels.
This can have profound effectson mood and regulation and
cognitive function.
I know Bridget was talkingabout how estrogen is like this
miracle thing, and she's right,because estrogen plays a key
role in neurotransmitteractivity in the brain, including
serotonin, which regulates mood, and acetylcholine, which is
(05:04):
involved in memory and cognition.
So as estrogen levels fluctuateand eventually decline, it can
disrupt the delicate balance ofthese neurotransmitters, which
will then lead to your moodswings and irritability and
difficulties with memory andconcentration.
On top of all of this, thepsychological impact of
transitioning into a new phaseof your life, coupled with
societal expectations andpersonal challenges, further
(05:27):
exacerbates your mental healthstruggles.
Many women during this timewill come to therapy and report
feeling a sense of loss ofidentity right, and they need
help navigating this physicaland emotional changes associated
with menopause during this time.
So it's important that you knowwhen they seek out therapy, you
know they begin addressingthese mental health challenges
during menopause and you knowthey seek the support they need
(05:50):
during this transitional phase.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Yeah, definitely.
I would say the most commoncomplaint from people is that
they just don't feel likethemselves anymore.
It's like you've been an adultwoman for many decades now.
Like you know how to navigateyour emotions.
You know you know how toregulate your period.
You know the symptoms you feelwhen you're about to come on
your period and then all of asudden it's like a complete
(06:13):
topsy turvy and it's just likewhoa, hold on.
Now, all of a sudden, like I'mnot interested in being intimate
with my partner and I'm justlike flying off the handle and
it's really tough.
It does kind of feel like whenyou're a teenager and you're
like I'm upset but I don't knowwhy.
Like you just can't explain itand you feel like no one can
understand it Right.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Right, and on top of all that, you know people who
are married to the oppositegender.
It's hard, right.
It's not the same as if you'remarried to another woman, who
will also be going through itand understand.
When you're married to a man,the male's not going to go
through this, so it's hard forthem to fully understand.
(06:55):
Obviously, they can be there tosupport you in any way possible
, but really it's you goingthrough this and that can feel
isolating.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
Yeah, definitely, and especially because it's
associated with aging.
There's so much stigma attachedLike you.
Just you feel like you don'twant to admit that you're going
through it because you feel likeyou're giving up part of that
youth, maybe that vitality.
You know that when estrogendeclines, obviously your hair
and your skin will change andyou will grow more body hair
because you'll have moretestosterone than estrogen.
(07:24):
The balance will shift and youjust feel like, am I not like a
vivacious adult woman anymore?
And it's like, yes, of courseyou are.
But it's kind of that admittingthat your body is going through
an inevitable change and you'reentering a new phase in your
life and you kind of have tojust accept that role.
Even if you do take treatments,which we'll talk about in a bit
(07:46):
, your body is still not thesame.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Yes, I agree.
I mean, I would say the onlyplus side about it really is
that you won't have to worryabout your period anymore, which
is really nice.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Yeah, that is.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
You just have to go through like years of hell to
get to that, but yeah, Of course, though, that's like the story
of women, right Like you can'tget to the treasure without
having some tumultuous, longjourney.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Exactly, exactly.
It's just like damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Being a woman is like not notgreat sometimes, but it can be
really rewarding.
You know, estrogen keeps ussmart, regulated and safe for
many decades of our lives, so wecan't hate it of causal
(08:45):
symptoms.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
Regular exercise is good, Balanced diet.
If you're seeing a therapist,which I highly recommend, they
will go through stress reductiontechniques.
Make sure you're getting enough, adequate sleep.
I know that there's alsoBridget would probably be more
versed in this but hormonetherapies yes, I will talk about
it, so you know she'll go intoit more.
But basically these lifestylemodifications overall and
support for your psychologicalneeds.
(09:06):
Each individual will bedifferent and your treatment
plan will be different, butseeking out professional support
from your doctor and atherapist is, I think, vital.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Yeah, absolutely.
You definitely want somesupport during this time.
So the medical treatmentoptions are it's a long list so
we'll discuss it.
So there's a variety oftreatment options for menopause
and the one you choose is basedon which symptoms are causing
you the most discomfort,basically.
So unfortunately there is notone like wonder drug that's
(09:36):
going to treat all of yoursymptoms, but the most
troublesome ones that you thinkare worth mentioning to your
doctor.
Those are the ones we cantarget and try to treat.
Yeah, hormonal therapy, hormonereplacement therapy we call it
HRT.
So it's very useful to treathot flashes, prevent bone loss
through osteoporosis.
Estrogen can improve your hairloss, your libido and your mood.
(10:00):
If you still have a uterus, soyou haven't had, like a
hysterectomy for any reason, youhave to take estrogen paired
with progesterone, becauseunopposed estrogen can
predispose us to a thickeneduterus lining that's called your
endometrium, and if you have athickened endometrium it can
eventually lead to endometrialcancer.
(10:20):
So if you have a womb stillintact, you always pair your HRT
estrogen and progesterone.
If you've had a hysterectomy,you just can take the estrogen.
That's fine.
So these hormone replacementscan be given via patches, pills
or creams.
Vaginal estrogen cream helpsrelieve vaginal dryness and
improve urinary symptoms likeincontinence and recurrent UTIs.
(10:44):
Hormone replacement therapyshould be used with caution,
though, because long-term use Ifyou use it continuously for
over 10 years it can lead to anincreased risk of breast cancer.
So if you have a family or apersonal history of breast
cancer, this should be avoided.
Similarly, estrogen can causeblood clots.
You know that's the sameprocess by which women are more
(11:05):
exposed to blood clots when theyare pregnant it's because of
increased estrogen Blood clots,you know, in your limbs, your
lungs or your brain.
So if you have a family historyor a personal history of
clotting disorders, or if you'veever had a blood clot in your
life, you should avoid takingexogenous estrogen, just because
the risk of a blood clot iscompletely not worth it.
Overall, women on HRT do reportreally good effects.
(11:28):
You might have somebreakthrough bleeding,
unfortunately, but usually thiscan be controlled.
So as long as you're not inthose high risk categories for
like blood clots or cancer,usually people are very happy on
HRT.
You just don't want to be usingit for over a decade, so you
could also use someantidepressants.
So SSRIs are given to improvemood symptoms and hot flashes
(11:48):
actually.
So it's really common for yourprimary care physician to
prescribe SSRIs, someantidepressants, just to overall
improve your mood.
We can also give things likegabapentin.
So gabapentin is usually usedfor seizures or nerve pain, but
we can also use it for hotflashes, especially for people
who cannot take estrogen or whohave problems sleeping, because
(12:10):
gabapentin, when you take it atnight, can actually make you a
little bit drowsy, so it canhelp you with the insomnia as
well.
You're going to want to be onvitamin D and calcium
supplementation to treat and toprevent osteoporosis.
It's really really important,especially weight bearing
exercises, and you want to makesure you're getting adequate
healthy fats and you're seeingthe sun.
(12:30):
You know as much as you can,with protection, of course, but
if you're doing that, then youcan help prevent osteoporosis.
There are homeopathic recipes,you know, and different
supplements are also reallybeneficial.
A lot of people lovehomeopathic treatments for
menopause.
There are so many availableonline and in pharmacies, and
(12:54):
they're usually non-damaging ornon-hurtful.
So it's fine if you try thingsthat are not really proven to
help, but if you're thinkingthey're helping you, it's better
than nothing.
Magnesium, for example, thatcan support healthy sleep.
Black cohosh it's from the rootof a plant and it's shown,
improvement in hot flashes.
Black seed and flaxseed oil canhelp with night sweats.
(13:15):
Red clover, though unfounded,is a popular natural treatment
for estrogen deficiency.
Yield yam is a popularalternative to HRT.
Ginseng is a natural moodbooster.
Apparently there's a lot ofresearch around that.
St John's wort is really common.
It's like decades old.
For menopause it can improveyour mood and mood swings.
(13:39):
Dheas so they're a hormonesupplement that can ease the low
libido and the hot flashsymptoms.
They also have a lot ofresearch surrounding them.
So DHEAs are really important.
Soy and other phytoestrogensupplements relieve hot flashes.
So this one's interesting.
So Asian women who eat atypical Asian diet, which
involves a lot of soy because oftofu, they report a lot less
(14:02):
hot flashes compared to women inthe USA with the typical
Western diet.
So if you were like in an Asian, an East Asian country that
eats a lot of soy-based products, their main concern is not hot
flashes when they go throughmenopause, whereas in the US
that's like the top complaint.
So if you have things withphytoestrogens, like soy, that
can actually naturally reduceyour hot flashes.
(14:23):
So those are all just likesupplemental treatments and
therapies you could try.
It's really important, asMarissa said, though, to make
sure you're trying to sleep asbest as you can, you're eating a
well-balanced diet and you aregetting some form of exercise
and seeing the sun.
Overall, these are the mostimportant things, because they
will naturally boost your moodand improve your overall health.
(14:45):
So if you're doing those things, menopause may be a slightly
easier transition for you, butif you're finding that it's just
not enough, you shoulddefinitely seek help from your
primary care physician, becausethere are so many treatment
options out there, including HRT, if that's right for you, and
you shouldn't just, you know,put yourself like pigeonhole
yourself and be like, oh, I'mgoing through menopause, so it's
(15:06):
just going to suck, becausethat's not true.
It doesn't have to completelysuck.
We could try our best to easethe transition for you, right?
Speaker 1 (15:12):
Right it, you know, definitely can help ease it.
But also when you're sayinglike, oh, it's just meant to
suck, to me it just sounded likedecades worth of like men being
like you.
Just get over it.
You know how many times do wejust have to suffer through
things?
Like you know, it's okay tospeak up and get help and if it
sucks yeah, it sucks, let it beknown.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
We don't have to keep it all in and be these brave
soldiers that we've always beenthroughout other trials in our
lives why can't we have somemore support and some more
research to women's health sothat we don't have to go through
(15:53):
these things completely on, youknow, unmedicated and alone?
You know, if it everyone alwayssays this like if it was men
going through it, there would bea full treatment Like menopause
would not even be like a thingIf men were going through it, so
much money would be thrown atit.
It'd be terrible.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
For the, for the years that it would take until
get them all through it.
They'd all go away to thesebachelor treatment centers and
they would just live there withtheir guys.
Who you kidding?
Speaker 2 (16:17):
yeah, exactly.
It's just so crazy that it'slike, well, you know you're in
your 50s now, so you're old andjust suck it up, but it's like,
um, actually, that's actuallyvery like still really young,
like people in their 50s stillhave whole full lives and they
do a lot.
They you know people work untilthey're 70 something.
Now you might have a veryactive sex life, you might still
(16:38):
be raising children, so youcan't just be like, oh well,
time for me to give up now, Iguess yeah, no, I 100 agree also
.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
Um, if you are going the route of seeking support of
a therapist, I not only do Ihighly recommend it, but I'd
encourage you to, like we alsodifferent practices and
organizations and nonprofit onesas well host certain groups
specific to things that peoplemay be going through Right.
So there may be just like thereis, the postpartum group, there
may be menopause for for womengroup Right, so you can reach
(17:10):
out to whoever's in your localarea therapist or an
organization and be like do youhave any groups, support groups
specific to this, what I'm goingthrough menopause, and I feel
like that can be a huge help, agreat help because not only are
you going to bond with thesewomen and get the mental health
support you need, but these arewomen you're also going to maybe
want to hang out with outsideof group Right, and that can be
(17:32):
very vital to your life, to havesomeone in your life going
through the exact same thing,definitely.
Speaker 2 (17:37):
That's so important to connect with people and feel
like you are part of somethingbigger and you're not alone in
experiencing these symptoms.
A hundred percent.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
So I mean I highly encourage you to to seek that
out if that's what you choose.
And also I was listening,obviously, bridget, to your list
of things.
Most I knew, but some I didn't.
I was very impressed.
It seems like we do have a lotof options now, whether you
choose, like the medical or thehomeopathic, like Bridget was
saying, I think both are greatoptions and you should
(18:07):
absolutely explore those.
Speaker 2 (18:09):
Yeah, there is a lot of stuff out there now, and
don't let like, if you have adoctor who's like, oh, don't try
that, it doesn't work, Don'tlet someone tell you that.
You know you should try foryourself, as long as it's
something that is notinteracting with a medication
you're taking so it'spotentially dangerous.
If you have a clean bill ofhealth, you're not on any other
medications, you are free to trywhatever supplements are
(18:29):
recommended to you and figureout for yourself.
You know, do I like this?
Did it help me at all?
Like, for instance, rose hipoil?
I feel like I actually forgotto list that one.
That is a really common.
I think it's for vaginaldryness, if I'm not mistaken, A
lot of women love that and youknow what.
Like, who cares if there's nottechnically analyzed data
suggesting you know peerreviewed articles saying it's
(18:50):
definitely works.
If, if you have a group ofwomen who are saying, hey, it
worked for me, you may as welltry it.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
Yeah, why not?
It's not like you said.
As long as it doesn't interactwith any medications, I mean,
it's no harm in trying.
Right Makes you feel good, Evenif it might have a placebo
effect.
If you're feeling good and it'sboosting your confidence,
that's a win.
In my book, Exactly.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Yeah, even if it is a placebo, definitely try it,
because it's all about makingyou feel better, because you
need to ultimately go throughthis transition with your head
held high and be like you knowwhat, I'm doing, everything I
can, and I feel a lot betterabout myself and I'm not scared,
right, right?
Speaker 1 (19:26):
I mean, it's definitely a huge transition and
you and I obviously have notgone through it.
I think the only people we knoware relatives our mother,
obviously, maybe some aunts.
But we've seen, right, we'veseen firsthand, especially with
our mother, the things thatshe's had to go through and the
changes.
Speaker 2 (19:44):
Yeah, I'm not gonna lie, it doesn't look fun.
Definitely not, yeah.
But you know, what elseactually like totally bothers me
, is like the typical.
You know, like if you're, ifyour parent, if your mother gets
a bit irritable and she ismaybe in her forties, late
forties, and someone just goes,what she going through menopause
(20:06):
?
Like no, maybe I just maybe Ijust fucking hate you.
Maybe you're the problem, likemaybe I just don't like you and
I'm just in a mood today.
Did it ever occur to you thatI'm an adult with a range of
emotions and I might be a bitticked off today because you're
pissing me off?
I really hate that.
Like oh, she must be goingthrough the change Like shut up.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
We do that with periods, though, too.
Are you on your period Like,how about you suck all day,
every day?
Speaker 2 (20:36):
Doesn't matter if I'm on my period or not.
My period is irrelevant.
You're an asshole like.
Speaker 1 (20:40):
Trust me, it only gets set off by assholes.
It's an asshole meter and it'sdetecting you, so get out of my
face I just cannot stand thatlike what.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
Who in their mind thinks they have a right to ever
even make a comment like thatout loud?
What if I am on my period?
Or what if I am going throughmenopause?
It is none of your concern, sohow about you just mind your
manners and leave me alone?
Speaker 1 (21:04):
oh, my god, you know what, though?
It's interesting that, associety, even as progressed as
we are, that that has alwaysbeen very comfortable to blame,
right, men have always felt verycomfortable saying that, and
even some women just saying itLike as if, like no big deal,
it's definitely her period, ordefinitely the big change, like
why did you feel so confident tosay that out loud to my face?
Speaker 2 (21:28):
Yes, I completely agree.
It's like who do you think youare?
That it's an appropriatecomment to make, Like it's
something very personal and ithas to do with your health and
your body and no one has a rightto that except you.
It's so inappropriate.
I really can't stand it.
I actually like cringe when Ihear people say it.
Speaker 1 (21:46):
God really drives me crazy, I know well, because to
me it sounds like they'reputting you down and giving you
like this big excuse, but to meit's like maybe it's a
superpower.
Like I create life.
What do you do?
Speaker 2 (21:56):
bitch.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
Good point, very good point like honestly, like you
can't create life.
So what would have happened toyou guys?
You had nothing, mm-hmm drivesme crazy.
Speaker 2 (22:09):
Um, don't want to like, embarrass anyone, but,
like you know, merce said wehave family members, obviously,
who've gone through menopauseand are, you know, friends,
parents, friends, mothers.
I'm an, our mother, of course.
You know she's 61 now.
Um so, she obviously.
Speaker 1 (22:26):
You know she is 32 and you know she's gonna come
after you for that she's 32everybody, marissa's 33, but our
mother's 32.
I don't know how it happened.
She's very lucky.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
It's pretty crazy.
Yeah, that is weird how thathappened.
Um, so, like I won't, you know,divulge anything too personal,
but I will say that, um, no,it's.
It's not a fun time, obviously,like it was really difficult
for everyone because you'regrappling with this new mood,
almost like this new personalitysometimes it's, you know, you
know how you are like in themiddle of July and you're like
you know, I'm hot and I'mannoyed and maybe I'm hungry,
(23:05):
like imagine that but actuallyyour hormones also being haywire
, like it's just not a goodexperience.
I just want to say, like youknow, if you're going through
these changes, you aredefinitely seen and heard and
everyone is right there with you.
So please, please, seek outsome support from family,
friends, doctors, therapists,anyone like and just know that
(23:27):
you're not alone, because youknow, ultimately, being a woman
is like being part of asisterhood and we do want to be
there for each other.
So there's just no shame inbeing like.
Actually, I'm going throughthis.
It's really hard and I think Ineed some help, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
And I think, like I, like I said before, if you end
up in a support group or evenjust a really great personal
therapist, you may feel entirelydifferent, like, like it may be
really good help for you.
And, just like she said, thesisterhood if you end up in a
group, it's really needed.
You know, and especiallysometimes during this time,
depending on what age it comeson for you, you might be an
(24:00):
empty nester, right.
So if you're making friendswith these people in these
groups, maybe it's a perfecttime to travel with your
newfound sisterhood, like findyou again, and I think it could
be really really good time.
You could turn a bad time intoa really good time.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
Yeah, definitely.
You know what helps with that?
I find alcohol.
Speaker 1 (24:18):
Yes, yes.
As long as you guys are notoperating a motor vehicle, go
for it.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
Yeah, if you want to really flip a bad time to a good
time pretty quickly, I havesomething for you.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
Well, let's just say we're not, we're not condoning
that If anyone is struggling,please seek help.
If you are struggling withalcohol, you know addiction.
But yeah, for others who arenot struggling and love, a
little girl's night thrown witha little bit of fun, sure,
absolutely, yeah, please.
Speaker 2 (24:47):
So just to kind of like recap, you know, obviously
there's no need to beembarrassed.
It's a natural process that weall experience.
We need to speak up and talk toour doctors about what we're
experiencing to lessen thestigma and encourage more
research to help ease oursymptoms, because women's health
is often brushed under the rug.
So the more we make our voicesheard, the more noise we make,
(25:10):
then the more research will bedone and the more treatment
options will be made availablefor us.
For centuries, women's healthhas been largely anecdotal and
shared community knowledge andmenopause can be the same.
We need to share with eachother instead of feeling shame
and pass down our stories fromyou know one generation to the
next and hopefully eventuallyour voices are actually heard
(25:33):
and someone cares enough to doreal medical research and not
just try to like put a bandaidon menopause for us.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
I agree, 100% agree.
So this week obviously has beena shorter episode You'll have
to forgive us With me being amom and her being an expecting
mother, we did take some time tobe with our families.
Enjoy Mother's Day.
Take some time to be with ourfamilies.
Enjoy mother's day.
Uh, bridget also has beenhaving crazy work hours.
Um, for all those who are justtuning in and didn't listen in
the beginning, obviously bridgetuh is now in the uk with her
(26:04):
husband, so the there is a timedifference.
On top of her working inhospital all the time, um, being
a super, super woman that sheis.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
So we kept this week light for you guys yeah, yeah,
we tried to make this just likea more palatable, conversational
type thing.
Let us know if this was usefulto you or anyone you know.
Please, let us know suggestionsif you like our content, if you
don't like our content, whatyou want to hear more of in the
future.
We are so open to q a sessions,um, or just taking your ideas
(26:36):
and running with them.
So please, please, please, letus know what you want to hear.
Yes absolutely.
Speaker 1 (26:41):
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
We appreciate every single oneof our listeners, especially
since we really thought it wasjust going to be like our mom,
so we've really been blown awayby the support.
You know, we see the numbersbehind the screen.
They keep going up and we'rejust thank you so much, honestly
.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
Yeah, your support means everything.
Obviously, we're here to help,you know, kind of educate you
guys.
If you know, if that's what youwant, if you want to learn,
that's what we're here for.
So you know, without you guys,we would have nothing.
So thank you so much for tuningin.
Please subscribe all of oursocials are at psychotic py so
(27:19):
you can find us on all of thesocials and youtube wow, that's
how much bridget is not involvedin social bridget.
Speaker 1 (27:24):
You missed it at psychotic py podcast.
You forgot the podcast oh,that's I.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
You know what I was like.
This is feeling a bit short atpsychotic py podcastY Podcast.
Yes, I was close.
Speaker 1 (27:38):
I'm not going to edit this out because I want
everybody to know that you arenot tech savvy.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
I'm not.
I'm so bad with technology.
This is only like the last fewepisodes.
I've understood how to hook upmy own mic without being like
help.
Speaker 1 (27:52):
We would start a show and she'd be like Ted.
Speaker 2 (27:59):
Yeah, oh, my God, so embarrassing.
But I'm just like I don't know.
I'm apparently like a 90 yearold in a 29 year old's body.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
accurate 100 accurate .
That's okay.
Well, signing off again ismarissa and bridget, and please
subscribe, like follow,especially on youtube.
That even helps us more atPsychotic PY Podcast.
Thank you guys, thank you, takecare, bye, bye.
Hello, welcome back to our podcast.
We're super excited to have you.
Thank you for all listening.
In this week's episode, we'regoing to talk about menopause
and how that affects physicaland mental well-being, and I'll
let Bridget take it from hereand define that for others who
may have not gone through thatyet.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Okay, so welcome back guys.
So we're just going to kick offour menopause discussion with
some of the physical healthsides.
Menopause can be an extremelychallenging time for people and
their families, so we just wantto talk about symptoms,
treatment and how it affects ourmood.
Unfortunately it is, you know,like a women's health thing, so
people don't really talk aboutit a lot and that's a bit unfair
(00:44):
.
So no one knows really what isnormal, so we'll just talk about
it.
So menopause describes the timein our lives when we undergo
hormonal changes thatpermanently stop our periods.
So it's a retrograde diagnosis,which means it's a diagnosis
made after the fact.
So once you go 12 months in arow without a period, we say
that's menopause.
The average age is 51, butsymptoms start.
(01:07):
We call perimenopause.
So that's leading up tomenopause and that can last for
years, approximately two toeight years prior to menopause
and the symptoms of menopausecan last for years after
menopause as well, meaning youcan have hot flashes for five
years after you've gone throughmenopause.
So perimenopause is the two toeight year period prior to
(01:30):
menopause when we have irregularand unpredictable menstruation,
hormonal fluctuations and othersymptoms of menopause.
So this time is veryunpredictable for a lot of women
because they are still bleeding.
They're only in their 40s, youknow.
So they still feel like they'reyoung and they have a lot of
vitality, but they alwaysdescribe it the same.
They're always like listen, doc, like I feel like I'm 13 again,
like I don't know how topredict my period, or like I'm
(01:51):
soaking through pads and atampon and maybe like bled
through my outfit and like Ijust feel like a kid who doesn't
know what they're doing, likeI've been managing my period for
years, decades, and now, all ofa sudden it's like act with a
vengeance, like what ishappening.
So that is kind of like thehallmark of perimenopause.
It's horrible, I don't knowwhat else to say about it.
(02:11):
Like it's just it sucks, but itis normal and you're not alone.
And if it's troublesome youshould definitely speak to your
doctor because there are someoptions out there for you.
So let's talk about the symptomsof menopause.
So symptoms include unusuallylight or very heavy periods.
Like I just said, it becomesvery unpredictable.
A change in period frequency soyou might have two periods one
(02:35):
month and then you'll skip aperiod altogether for two or
three months in a row.
Anxiety, low mood, irritability, skin changes like adult acne
or unusually dry skin.
So it feels very much like apuberty again.
Difficulty sleeping, discomfortduring sex, loss of self, hair
(02:55):
loss or thinning, headaches ormigraines, hot flashes, facial
hair, joint stiffness, aches andpains, loss of self-confidence,
night sweats, palpitations,brain fog or memory changes,
recurrent UTIs.
So the recurrent UTIs and theurge and stress incontinence are
due to reduced estrogen,reduced libido, tinnitus.
(03:17):
So tinnitus or tinnitus dependswhere you're from, who says it,
which way is basically thatconstant ringing in your ears?
It's absolutely horrendous.
There's usually no treatmentfor it.
It can come and go, vaginaldryness and pain.
So that is an insane list ofsymptoms and these are all
really common, frequentlyreported symptoms.
(03:37):
So most women experience a fewor all of these throughout the
menopause process which, like Isaid, it's like a decade of
changes.
So menopause also increasesyour likelihood of developing
osteoporosis, especially inCaucasian and Asian women and
very thin women.
It also increases your risk ofcardiac disease.
(03:58):
So, as it turns out, estrogenis a wonder drug.
It's amazing.
And when it decreases with ageand loss of ovarian function, we
become more susceptible tocardiac diseases that tend to
plague men, like hypertension,heart failure, coronary artery
disease.
So when you go throughmenopause, you really need to be
(04:19):
aware that you need to see yourprimary care physician and you
need your annual blood pressurechecks.
You need to see your primarycare physician and you need your
annual blood pressure checks.
You need to have your lipidstaken, you know, because you're
now out of the protection zoneof estrogen and you're very
likely will develop, you know,high blood pressure or cardiac
disease as you age.
So it's really important to seeyour primary care physician and
(04:41):
have these things checked.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
So we know, during menopause there are hormonal
shifts, particularly the declinein estrogen levels.
This can have profound effectson mood and regulation and
cognitive function.
I know Bridget was talkingabout how estrogen is like this
miracle thing, and she's right,because estrogen plays a key
role in neurotransmitteractivity in the brain, including
serotonin, which regulates mood, and acetylcholine, which is
(05:04):
involved in memory and cognition.
So as estrogen levels fluctuateand eventually decline, it can
disrupt the delicate balance ofthese neurotransmitters, which
will then lead to your moodswings and irritability and
difficulties with memory andconcentration.
On top of all of this, thepsychological impact of
transitioning into a new phaseof your life, coupled with
societal expectations andpersonal challenges, further
(05:27):
exacerbates your mental healthstruggles.
Many women during this timewill come to therapy and report
feeling a sense of loss ofidentity right, and they need
help navigating this physicaland emotional changes associated
with menopause during this time.
So it's important that you knowwhen they seek out therapy, you
know they begin addressingthese mental health challenges
during menopause and you knowthey seek the support they need
(05:50):
during this transitional phase.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Yeah, definitely.
I would say the most commoncomplaint from people is that
they just don't feel likethemselves anymore.
It's like you've been an adultwoman for many decades now.
Like you know how to navigateyour emotions.
You know you know how toregulate your period.
You know the symptoms you feelwhen you're about to come on
your period and then all of asudden it's like a complete
(06:13):
topsy turvy and it's just likewhoa, hold on.
Now, all of a sudden, like I'mnot interested in being intimate
with my partner and I'm justlike flying off the handle and
it's really tough.
It does kind of feel like whenyou're a teenager and you're
like I'm upset but I don't knowwhy.
Like you just can't explain itand you feel like no one can
understand it Right.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Right, and on top of all that, you know people who
are married to the oppositegender.
It's hard, right.
It's not the same as if you'remarried to another woman, who
will also be going through itand understand.
When you're married to a man,the male's not going to go
through this, so it's hard forthem to fully understand.
(06:55):
Obviously, they can be there tosupport you in any way possible
, but really it's you goingthrough this and that can feel
isolating.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
Yeah, definitely, and especially because it's
associated with aging.
There's so much stigma attachedLike you.
Just you feel like you don'twant to admit that you're going
through it because you feel likeyou're giving up part of that
youth, maybe that vitality.
You know that when estrogendeclines, obviously your hair
and your skin will change andyou will grow more body hair
because you'll have moretestosterone than estrogen.
(07:24):
The balance will shift and youjust feel like, am I not like a
vivacious adult woman anymore?
And it's like, yes, of courseyou are.
But it's kind of that admittingthat your body is going through
an inevitable change and you'reentering a new phase in your
life and you kind of have tojust accept that role.
Even if you do take treatments,which we'll talk about in a bit
(07:46):
, your body is still not thesame.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Yes, I agree.
I mean, I would say the onlyplus side about it really is
that you won't have to worryabout your period anymore, which
is really nice.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Yeah, that is.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
You just have to go through like years of hell to
get to that, but yeah, Of course, though, that's like the story
of women, right Like you can'tget to the treasure without
having some tumultuous, longjourney.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Exactly, exactly.
It's just like damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Being a woman is like not notgreat sometimes, but it can be
really rewarding.
You know, estrogen keeps ussmart, regulated and safe for
many decades of our lives, so wecan't hate it of causal
(08:45):
symptoms.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
Regular exercise is good, Balanced diet.
If you're seeing a therapist,which I highly recommend, they
will go through stress reductiontechniques.
Make sure you're getting enough, adequate sleep.
I know that there's alsoBridget would probably be more
versed in this but hormonetherapies yes, I will talk about
it, so you know she'll go intoit more.
But basically these lifestylemodifications overall and
support for your psychologicalneeds.
(09:06):
Each individual will bedifferent and your treatment
plan will be different, butseeking out professional support
from your doctor and atherapist is, I think, vital.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Yeah, absolutely.
You definitely want somesupport during this time.
So the medical treatmentoptions are it's a long list so
we'll discuss it.
So there's a variety oftreatment options for menopause
and the one you choose is basedon which symptoms are causing
you the most discomfort,basically.
So unfortunately there is notone like wonder drug that's
(09:36):
going to treat all of yoursymptoms, but the most
troublesome ones that you thinkare worth mentioning to your
doctor.
Those are the ones we cantarget and try to treat.
Yeah, hormonal therapy, hormonereplacement therapy we call it
HRT.
So it's very useful to treathot flashes, prevent bone loss
through osteoporosis.
Estrogen can improve your hairloss, your libido and your mood.
(10:00):
If you still have a uterus, soyou haven't had, like a
hysterectomy for any reason, youhave to take estrogen paired
with progesterone, becauseunopposed estrogen can
predispose us to a thickeneduterus lining that's called your
endometrium, and if you have athickened endometrium it can
eventually lead to endometrialcancer.
(10:20):
So if you have a womb stillintact, you always pair your HRT
estrogen and progesterone.
If you've had a hysterectomy,you just can take the estrogen.
That's fine.
So these hormone replacementscan be given via patches, pills
or creams.
Vaginal estrogen cream helpsrelieve vaginal dryness and
improve urinary symptoms likeincontinence and recurrent UTIs.
(10:44):
Hormone replacement therapyshould be used with caution,
though, because long-term use Ifyou use it continuously for
over 10 years it can lead to anincreased risk of breast cancer.
So if you have a family or apersonal history of breast
cancer, this should be avoided.
Similarly, estrogen can causeblood clots.
You know that's the sameprocess by which women are more
(11:05):
exposed to blood clots when theyare pregnant it's because of
increased estrogen Blood clots,you know, in your limbs, your
lungs or your brain.
So if you have a family historyor a personal history of
clotting disorders, or if you'veever had a blood clot in your
life, you should avoid takingexogenous estrogen, just because
the risk of a blood clot iscompletely not worth it.
Overall, women on HRT do reportreally good effects.
(11:28):
You might have somebreakthrough bleeding,
unfortunately, but usually thiscan be controlled.
So as long as you're not inthose high risk categories for
like blood clots or cancer,usually people are very happy on
HRT.
You just don't want to be usingit for over a decade, so you
could also use someantidepressants.
So SSRIs are given to improvemood symptoms and hot flashes
(11:48):
actually.
So it's really common for yourprimary care physician to
prescribe SSRIs, someantidepressants, just to overall
improve your mood.
We can also give things likegabapentin.
So gabapentin is usually usedfor seizures or nerve pain, but
we can also use it for hotflashes, especially for people
who cannot take estrogen or whohave problems sleeping, because
(12:10):
gabapentin, when you take it atnight, can actually make you a
little bit drowsy, so it canhelp you with the insomnia as
well.
You're going to want to be onvitamin D and calcium
supplementation to treat and toprevent osteoporosis.
It's really really important,especially weight bearing
exercises, and you want to makesure you're getting adequate
healthy fats and you're seeingthe sun.
(12:30):
You know as much as you can,with protection, of course, but
if you're doing that, then youcan help prevent osteoporosis.
There are homeopathic recipes,you know, and different
supplements are also reallybeneficial.
A lot of people lovehomeopathic treatments for
menopause.
There are so many availableonline and in pharmacies, and
(12:54):
they're usually non-damaging ornon-hurtful.
So it's fine if you try thingsthat are not really proven to
help, but if you're thinkingthey're helping you, it's better
than nothing.
Magnesium, for example, thatcan support healthy sleep.
Black cohosh it's from the rootof a plant and it's shown,
improvement in hot flashes.
Black seed and flaxseed oil canhelp with night sweats.
(13:15):
Red clover, though unfounded,is a popular natural treatment
for estrogen deficiency.
Yield yam is a popularalternative to HRT.
Ginseng is a natural moodbooster.
Apparently there's a lot ofresearch around that.
St John's wort is really common.
It's like decades old.
For menopause it can improveyour mood and mood swings.
(13:39):
Dheas so they're a hormonesupplement that can ease the low
libido and the hot flashsymptoms.
They also have a lot ofresearch surrounding them.
So DHEAs are really important.
Soy and other phytoestrogensupplements relieve hot flashes.
So this one's interesting.
So Asian women who eat atypical Asian diet, which
involves a lot of soy because oftofu, they report a lot less
(14:02):
hot flashes compared to women inthe USA with the typical
Western diet.
So if you were like in an Asian, an East Asian country that
eats a lot of soy-based products, their main concern is not hot
flashes when they go throughmenopause, whereas in the US
that's like the top complaint.
So if you have things withphytoestrogens, like soy, that
can actually naturally reduceyour hot flashes.
(14:23):
So those are all just likesupplemental treatments and
therapies you could try.
It's really important, asMarissa said, though, to make
sure you're trying to sleep asbest as you can, you're eating a
well-balanced diet and you aregetting some form of exercise
and seeing the sun.
Overall, these are the mostimportant things, because they
will naturally boost your moodand improve your overall health.
(14:45):
So if you're doing those things, menopause may be a slightly
easier transition for you, butif you're finding that it's just
not enough, you shoulddefinitely seek help from your
primary care physician, becausethere are so many treatment
options out there, including HRT, if that's right for you, and
you shouldn't just, you know,put yourself like pigeonhole
yourself and be like, oh, I'mgoing through menopause, so it's
(15:06):
just going to suck, becausethat's not true.
It doesn't have to completelysuck.
We could try our best to easethe transition for you, right?
Speaker 1 (15:12):
Right it, you know, definitely can help ease it.
But also when you're sayinglike, oh, it's just meant to
suck, to me it just sounded likedecades worth of like men being
like you.
Just get over it.
You know how many times do wejust have to suffer through
things?
Like you know, it's okay tospeak up and get help and if it
sucks yeah, it sucks, let it beknown.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
We don't have to keep it all in and be these brave
soldiers that we've always beenthroughout other trials in our
lives why can't we have somemore support and some more
research to women's health sothat we don't have to go through
(15:53):
these things completely on, youknow, unmedicated and alone?
You know, if it everyone alwayssays this like if it was men
going through it, there would bea full treatment Like menopause
would not even be like a thingIf men were going through it, so
much money would be thrown atit.
It'd be terrible.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
For the, for the years that it would take until
get them all through it.
They'd all go away to thesebachelor treatment centers and
they would just live there withtheir guys.
Who you kidding?
Speaker 2 (16:17):
yeah, exactly.
It's just so crazy that it'slike, well, you know you're in
your 50s now, so you're old andjust suck it up, but it's like,
um, actually, that's actuallyvery like still really young,
like people in their 50s stillhave whole full lives and they
do a lot.
They you know people work untilthey're 70 something.
Now you might have a veryactive sex life, you might still
(16:38):
be raising children, so youcan't just be like, oh well,
time for me to give up now, Iguess yeah, no, I 100 agree also
.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
Um, if you are going the route of seeking support of
a therapist, I not only do Ihighly recommend it, but I'd
encourage you to, like we alsodifferent practices and
organizations and nonprofit onesas well host certain groups
specific to things that peoplemay be going through Right.
So there may be just like thereis, the postpartum group, there
may be menopause for for womengroup Right, so you can reach
(17:10):
out to whoever's in your localarea therapist or an
organization and be like do youhave any groups, support groups
specific to this, what I'm goingthrough menopause, and I feel
like that can be a huge help, agreat help because not only are
you going to bond with thesewomen and get the mental health
support you need, but these arewomen you're also going to maybe
want to hang out with outsideof group Right, and that can be
(17:32):
very vital to your life, to havesomeone in your life going
through the exact same thing,definitely.
Speaker 2 (17:37):
That's so important to connect with people and feel
like you are part of somethingbigger and you're not alone in
experiencing these symptoms.
A hundred percent.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
So I mean I highly encourage you to to seek that
out if that's what you choose.
And also I was listening,obviously, bridget, to your list
of things.
Most I knew, but some I didn't.
I was very impressed.
It seems like we do have a lotof options now, whether you
choose, like the medical or thehomeopathic, like Bridget was
saying, I think both are greatoptions and you should
(18:07):
absolutely explore those.
Speaker 2 (18:09):
Yeah, there is a lot of stuff out there now, and
don't let like, if you have adoctor who's like, oh, don't try
that, it doesn't work, Don'tlet someone tell you that.
You know you should try foryourself, as long as it's
something that is notinteracting with a medication
you're taking so it'spotentially dangerous.
If you have a clean bill ofhealth, you're not on any other
medications, you are free to trywhatever supplements are
(18:29):
recommended to you and figureout for yourself.
You know, do I like this?
Did it help me at all?
Like, for instance, rose hipoil?
I feel like I actually forgotto list that one.
That is a really common.
I think it's for vaginaldryness, if I'm not mistaken, A
lot of women love that and youknow what.
Like, who cares if there's nottechnically analyzed data
suggesting you know peerreviewed articles saying it's
(18:50):
definitely works.
If, if you have a group ofwomen who are saying, hey, it
worked for me, you may as welltry it.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
Yeah, why not?
It's not like you said.
As long as it doesn't interactwith any medications, I mean,
it's no harm in trying.
Right Makes you feel good, Evenif it might have a placebo
effect.
If you're feeling good and it'sboosting your confidence,
that's a win.
In my book, Exactly.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Yeah, even if it is a placebo, definitely try it,
because it's all about makingyou feel better, because you
need to ultimately go throughthis transition with your head
held high and be like you knowwhat, I'm doing, everything I
can, and I feel a lot betterabout myself and I'm not scared,
right, right?
Speaker 1 (19:26):
I mean, it's definitely a huge transition and
you and I obviously have notgone through it.
I think the only people we knoware relatives our mother,
obviously, maybe some aunts.
But we've seen, right, we'veseen firsthand, especially with
our mother, the things thatshe's had to go through and the
changes.
Speaker 2 (19:44):
Yeah, I'm not gonna lie, it doesn't look fun.
Definitely not, yeah.
But you know, what elseactually like totally bothers me
, is like the typical.
You know, like if you're, ifyour parent, if your mother gets
a bit irritable and she ismaybe in her forties, late
forties, and someone just goes,what she going through menopause
(20:06):
?
Like no, maybe I just maybe Ijust fucking hate you.
Maybe you're the problem, likemaybe I just don't like you and
I'm just in a mood today.
Did it ever occur to you thatI'm an adult with a range of
emotions and I might be a bitticked off today because you're
pissing me off?
I really hate that.
Like oh, she must be goingthrough the change Like shut up.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
We do that with periods, though, too.
Are you on your period Like,how about you suck all day,
every day?
Speaker 2 (20:36):
Doesn't matter if I'm on my period or not.
My period is irrelevant.
You're an asshole like.
Speaker 1 (20:40):
Trust me, it only gets set off by assholes.
It's an asshole meter and it'sdetecting you, so get out of my
face I just cannot stand thatlike what.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
Who in their mind thinks they have a right to ever
even make a comment like thatout loud?
What if I am on my period?
Or what if I am going throughmenopause?
It is none of your concern, sohow about you just mind your
manners and leave me alone?
Speaker 1 (21:04):
oh, my god, you know what, though?
It's interesting that, associety, even as progressed as
we are, that that has alwaysbeen very comfortable to blame,
right, men have always felt verycomfortable saying that, and
even some women just saying itLike as if, like no big deal,
it's definitely her period, ordefinitely the big change, like
why did you feel so confident tosay that out loud to my face?
Speaker 2 (21:28):
Yes, I completely agree.
It's like who do you think youare?
That it's an appropriatecomment to make, Like it's
something very personal and ithas to do with your health and
your body and no one has a rightto that except you.
It's so inappropriate.
I really can't stand it.
I actually like cringe when Ihear people say it.
Speaker 1 (21:46):
God really drives me crazy, I know well, because to
me it sounds like they'reputting you down and giving you
like this big excuse, but to meit's like maybe it's a
superpower.
Like I create life.
What do you do?
Speaker 2 (21:56):
bitch.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
Good point, very good point like honestly, like you
can't create life.
So what would have happened toyou guys?
You had nothing, mm-hmm drivesme crazy.
Speaker 2 (22:09):
Um, don't want to like, embarrass anyone, but,
like you know, merce said wehave family members, obviously,
who've gone through menopauseand are, you know, friends,
parents, friends, mothers.
I'm an, our mother, of course.
You know she's 61 now.
Um so, she obviously.
Speaker 1 (22:26):
You know she is 32 and you know she's gonna come
after you for that she's 32everybody, marissa's 33, but our
mother's 32.
I don't know how it happened.
She's very lucky.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
It's pretty crazy.
Yeah, that is weird how thathappened.
Um, so, like I won't, you know,divulge anything too personal,
but I will say that, um, no,it's.
It's not a fun time, obviously,like it was really difficult
for everyone because you'regrappling with this new mood,
almost like this new personalitysometimes it's, you know, you
know how you are like in themiddle of July and you're like
you know, I'm hot and I'mannoyed and maybe I'm hungry,
(23:05):
like imagine that but actuallyyour hormones also being haywire
, like it's just not a goodexperience.
I just want to say, like youknow, if you're going through
these changes, you aredefinitely seen and heard and
everyone is right there with you.
So please, please, seek outsome support from family,
friends, doctors, therapists,anyone like and just know that
(23:27):
you're not alone, because youknow, ultimately, being a woman
is like being part of asisterhood and we do want to be
there for each other.
So there's just no shame inbeing like.
Actually, I'm going throughthis.
It's really hard and I think Ineed some help, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
And I think, like I, like I said before, if you end
up in a support group or evenjust a really great personal
therapist, you may feel entirelydifferent, like, like it may be
really good help for you.
And, just like she said, thesisterhood if you end up in a
group, it's really needed.
You know, and especiallysometimes during this time,
depending on what age it comeson for you, you might be an
(24:00):
empty nester, right.
So if you're making friendswith these people in these
groups, maybe it's a perfecttime to travel with your
newfound sisterhood, like findyou again, and I think it could
be really really good time.
You could turn a bad time intoa really good time.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
Yeah, definitely.
You know what helps with that?
I find alcohol.
Speaker 1 (24:18):
Yes, yes.
As long as you guys are notoperating a motor vehicle, go
for it.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
Yeah, if you want to really flip a bad time to a good
time pretty quickly, I havesomething for you.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
Well, let's just say we're not, we're not condoning
that If anyone is struggling,please seek help.
If you are struggling withalcohol, you know addiction.
But yeah, for others who arenot struggling and love, a
little girl's night thrown witha little bit of fun, sure,
absolutely, yeah, please.
Speaker 2 (24:47):
So just to kind of like recap, you know, obviously
there's no need to beembarrassed.
It's a natural process that weall experience.
We need to speak up and talk toour doctors about what we're
experiencing to lessen thestigma and encourage more
research to help ease oursymptoms, because women's health
is often brushed under the rug.
So the more we make our voicesheard, the more noise we make,
(25:10):
then the more research will bedone and the more treatment
options will be made availablefor us.
For centuries, women's healthhas been largely anecdotal and
shared community knowledge andmenopause can be the same.
We need to share with eachother instead of feeling shame
and pass down our stories fromyou know one generation to the
next and hopefully eventuallyour voices are actually heard
(25:33):
and someone cares enough to doreal medical research and not
just try to like put a bandaidon menopause for us.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
I agree, 100% agree.
So this week obviously has beena shorter episode You'll have
to forgive us With me being amom and her being an expecting
mother, we did take some time tobe with our families.
Enjoy Mother's Day.
Take some time to be with ourfamilies.
Enjoy mother's day.
Uh, bridget also has beenhaving crazy work hours.
Um, for all those who are justtuning in and didn't listen in
the beginning, obviously bridgetuh is now in the uk with her
(26:04):
husband, so the there is a timedifference.
On top of her working inhospital all the time, um, being
a super, super woman that sheis.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
So we kept this week light for you guys yeah, yeah,
we tried to make this just likea more palatable, conversational
type thing.
Let us know if this was usefulto you or anyone you know.
Please, let us know suggestionsif you like our content, if you
don't like our content, whatyou want to hear more of in the
future.
We are so open to q a sessions,um, or just taking your ideas
(26:36):
and running with them.
So please, please, please, letus know what you want to hear.
Yes absolutely.
Speaker 1 (26:41):
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
We appreciate every single oneof our listeners, especially
since we really thought it wasjust going to be like our mom,
so we've really been blown awayby the support.
You know, we see the numbersbehind the screen.
They keep going up and we'rejust thank you so much, honestly
.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
Yeah, your support means everything.
Obviously, we're here to help,you know, kind of educate you
guys.
If you know, if that's what youwant, if you want to learn,
that's what we're here for.
So you know, without you guys,we would have nothing.
So thank you so much for tuningin.
Please subscribe all of oursocials are at psychotic py so
(27:19):
you can find us on all of thesocials and youtube wow, that's
how much bridget is not involvedin social bridget.
Speaker 1 (27:24):
You missed it at psychotic py podcast.
You forgot the podcast oh,that's I.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
You know what I was like.
This is feeling a bit short atpsychotic py podcastY Podcast.
Yes, I was close.
Speaker 1 (27:38):
I'm not going to edit this out because I want
everybody to know that you arenot tech savvy.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
I'm not.
I'm so bad with technology.
This is only like the last fewepisodes.
I've understood how to hook upmy own mic without being like
help.
Speaker 1 (27:52):
We would start a show and she'd be like Ted.
Speaker 2 (27:59):
Yeah, oh, my God, so embarrassing.
But I'm just like I don't know.
I'm apparently like a 90 yearold in a 29 year old's body.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
accurate 100 accurate .
That's okay.
Well, signing off again ismarissa and bridget, and please
subscribe, like follow,especially on youtube.
That even helps us more atPsychotic PY Podcast.
Thank you guys, thank you, takecare, bye, bye.
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