e13: cutting through the bullsh*t
In our final episode of our 4-part series featuring the best physicians and clinicians in menopause care, we get into it with the Gold Standard gals of Menopause Care—OB/GYNs and hosts of the incredible podcast, Ovary Active - Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch. This is a real Master Class in nuance of perimenopause care. The Doctors share their collective wisdom regarding birth control vs Menopausal Hormone Therapy, and we also discuss why the magical claims around Hormone Therapy and Longevity may be misleading (or just untrue). Learn what hormones really CAN do for you and what they really CAN'T. There's a lot of noise out there in the "MENOsphere", and these ladies are here to decode what's real information and what's just wishful thinking.
e11 /e12: nobody ever told us
In this two-part episode as part of our four part series on Coming of Rage, we are joined by Dr. Brie Woodruff, DNP, ARNP. In Part A, we discuss the challenges women face in understanding their bodies and cycles, the symptoms of perimenopause, and using hormone therapy (and alternatives) to treat some of the peskier perimenopausal symptoms, while also addressing integrative care for women in midlife. In Part B, we dive into the hot topic of testosterone (for both women and men) and also what the WHI - Women's Health Initiative - revealed about using synthetic hormones in menopausal women. Dr. Woodruff is both a Seattle University faculty member teaching in the Doctoral Family Nurse Practitioner program and a practicing clinician in West Seattle at Neighborhood Naturopathic.
e10: reconnecting the head to the body
For the first episode in this series, we welcome the International Celebrity Menopause Whisperer herself, Dr. Lakeischa McMillan. Dr. Dr. Lakeischa walks us through the mind-body connection via her own personal journey to discuss why hormone fluctuations may contribute to burnout, AND VICE VERSA. Coming from a whole-body approach, she educates us on why the "Art of Medicine" is just that. External stressors, body chemistry, and perimenopause affect every system in your body. Speaking candidly through the lens of her own lived experience, she's here to help us understand that balance. does a beautiful job helping us understand this balance. This special episode kicks off our 4-PART SERIES where we speak with top menopause physicians and clinicians. We will take a deeper dive into the nuts and bolts of all things perimenopause, aiming to separate internet noise from data-backed science and everything in between.
e9: first comes love, then comes perimenopause
Relationships & Sex, but make it perimenopause! This juicy episode dives into sex, love, relationships, and the changes in your own capacity for giving and receiving these things. We're so honored to have shared a mic with Natassja Barnes, LMHC and Certified Sex Therapist, to discuss how changes in estrogen might affect your feelings around those topics. We're covering all the juicy stuff: how relationships change over time, how they change when hormones start to fluctuate, how the things that worked for you once upon a time are no longer doing it for you.
e8: all the baddies are saddies
TW: discussions of suicide and depression
No guests, no filter! On this episode, Kate and Megan discuss their personal journey updates. No experts, no doctors, no anecdotes from other women - just these ladies catching up on what's been going on. Megan discusses her PMDD diagnosis and chosen course of treatment. Kate discusses her suspicions that she has undiagnosed ADHD. The gals discuss cycle tracking, mental health, depression, and the fact that perimenopause should not be accused of being "pathologized" just because many of us today are seeking symptom relief. They'll be back with your regularly scheduled programming of quality information from real experts next week.
e7: one vulva at a time
Your vulva has a lot to say, and we found some experts to translate for us! In this episode, Dr. Ashley Fuller and Dr. Meredith McClure, vuvlo-vaginal specialists and hosts of the podcast, Labia Logic, discuss vulvar health, hormonal changes during menopause, and practical tips for maintaining vulvar wellness. They share insights on hormone-related changes vs conditions like lichen sclerosus, the importance of self-examination, and their approach to vulvar care. Join us as we explore vulvar health, menopause management, and sexual wellness with expert OB-GYNs. Learn practical tips, treatment options, and the importance of advocating for your health.
e6: zen after the storm
In this engaging “real women” interview, Amy Starner shares her journey through menopause, the challenges of self-advocacy in healthcare, and how hormone therapy transformed her life. Discover practical insights on managing menopause, the importance of community support, and the empowering shift in leadership style that comes with midlife confidence. In this candid conversation, Amy shares her journey through menopause, redefining womanhood, embracing aging, and finding joy and authenticity in her life. The discussion covers societal stereotypes, body image, self-care rituals, and the importance of self-awareness and kindness.
e5: she’s once, twice, three times a lady (in menopause)
Having gone through menopause THREE times by age 33, our friend Lucy shares her personal experience with both chemically induced menopause as well as full surgical menopause. It's a wild ride examining the rolls of hormones as they are suppressed and reintroduced through the use of modern medicine, pregnancy, and surgical removal of her uterus, cervix, and ovaries. We're honored she shared her experiences with such candor and realness.
e4: shooting the shit with stats…
In this podcast episode we're tossing around some noteworthy statistics. While it goes without saying that we're not medical professionals, we're saying it again: we are not medical professionals! However, we are excited to share information gathered from some of our favorite medical professionals and the American Menopause Society. It's also worth noting that while we use "women" more often than not while discussing this topic, we are including all people we a uterus, and we are working on breaking the habit of using a word that does not include everyone that goes through menopause. So, enjoy some food for thought accompanying slappin' statistics that may help you understand how medical misogyny might be preventing you from receiving the care you deserve.
e3: how do you make a hormone?
Estrogen? What about it? Let's set the record straight on the physiological changes during perimenopause. This week on Coming of Rage, we sat down with Lavonne Searle, ARNP, Menopause Care Specialist of Empowered Menopause Care. As a women's healthcare provider, Lavonne witnessed firsthand, over and over, the frustration of patients not receiving the specialized practical care and guidance during this phase of life. She's got ALL the answers to all our symptomatic questions! Here’s e3 on Spotify
Join us while we discuss: What the hell is happening with my hormones? Why are those hormones so important?
e2: maybe she’s losing it…maybe it’s menopause!
We're honored to host global menopause champion badass, Lauren Chiren, of Women of a Certain Stage! Everyone talks about night sweats and hot flashes, but what about the anxiety or the sometimes crippling brain fog? In this episode, we'll talk about the tragedy of mistaking hormonal shifts for mental decline and why menopause is actually a "power upgrade" once you get through the transition.
Lauren is the founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage- the global authority on menopause certification, training, and enterprise workplace strategy. She’s educated over 350,000 people through free workshops, trained and certified 1,750+ professionals to become Menopause Coaches and Champions in 36 countries, and advised 400+ of the world’s top employers.
e1: prologue
Welcome aboard! Join us while we introduce ourselves, fumble through a first run podcast episode, and talk about how we've both found ourselves on this journey....Or just skip ahead to the meatier content with awesome experts and relatable anecdotes!