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Episodes
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
In this MVP episode, we dive into a topic that effects every woman at some point in her life: menopause.
Tune in this week to one of our Most Valuable Podcasts where I speak with Nicola Douglas, a Women's Health Acupuncturist who shares her expertise on natural approaches to managing menopause and supporting women's health.
We explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views menopause, and how acupuncture can be used to support women during this transition.
We chat about the most common symptoms and imbalances that women experience during perimenopause, including the ones that sneak up on you before you are ready!
Nic is an expert in TCM and all things Women's Health, and is one of my go-to people for supporting my own health during menopause and beyond!
Plus, we'll discuss dietary and lifestyle recommendations, Chinese herbs, and how to work with a TCM practitioner to create a personalized treatment plan.
Join us for this empowering conversation!
Links & guest bio:
https://nicdouglasacupuncture.com/
Nicola is not your average acupuncturist. With years of experience, she's not just passionate about women's health and wellness, she is completely obsessed. Nicola has been an established part of the health and wellness community for years, offering individualised treatments and expert advice to women dealing with a wide range of health concerns.
When it comes to fertility, pregnancy, and women's hormonal health, Nicola is an expert. Her mission is simple: to help women achieve their best state of well-being, health, and happiness. She combines the best of both worlds by combining her knowledge in both traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine, creating a personalised treatment plan that addresses all components of health.
As a 48-year-old mother of four, Nicola knows first-hand the physical and emotional demands women face, especially during perimenopause. And she harnesses that knowledge to fuel her practice. Nicola creates a supportive and nurturing environment that makes her clients feel heard, seen, and understood.
Nicola is a registered acupuncturist with the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists and holds an Advanced Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as a Diploma in Nursing. She is constantly expanding her knowledge and skills to offer her patients the very best care, recently completing a Diploma in Fertility Acupuncture
With her compassionate approach and expertise in women's health, Nicola is the ultimate partner on your health journey.
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For You? with Catherine Keenan Pharmacist
When I first went through menopause I didn’t think HRT was for me. Two years ago, after further research, and hearing of another woman’s experience with it, I began body-identical HRT, it changed my quality of life significantly and now I regret waiting so long to get started!
Tune in this week to one of our Most Valuable Podcasts where I speak Catherine Keenan a pharmacist, pharmacy owner, and advocate for women’s health. I sat down with Catherine and asked her all the questions I’ve wanted to know the answers to related to HRT/MHT and menopause.
From the difference between body identical, bio, and just plain generic HRT, the importance of starting hormone replacement therapy early to managing symptoms through exercise and diet, Catherine shares her own experiences and research on the topic.
She highlights the need for more conversations and information around menopause and urges women to find knowledgeable GPs who are up-to-date on perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy.
I’m grateful for Catherine’s expertise on this episode, tune in to learn more about managing menopausal symptoms and advocating for your own health.
About our guest:
Catherine KeenanVivian Pharmacy Ltd
Pharmacist and Owner/Founder of Vivian Pharmacy since 1994. Manage a team of 20 staff in a busy 7 day pharmacy in a medical centre in Vivian Street.
Board member of Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (2016-2021), Vice President (2019-2021)
“I noticed my perimenopause symptoms affecting my quality of life at the beginning of 2019 and with the help of my GP began HRT. This is a special interest of mine now and I read a lot of information to assist as many women as possible navigate this time of their lives. I also feel a holistic approach tailored to the woman themselves is important and this can include many practitioners. Personally, I have found talk therapy, meditation, mindfulness, acupuncture, along with regular exercise and dietary modifications have assisted me with symptoms and creating a positive approach to menopause and ageing.”
www.vivianpharmacy.co.nzFacebook: @vivianpharmacyInstagram: vivianpharmacy
Links shared:
Dr. Louise Newsom https://www.balance-menopause.com/
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B099JC5HQK/
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/56/
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Rethinking Life Purpose: Unmasking Misconceptions In Your Midlife Evolution
Let's jump into the concept of life purpose. I reckon we've been led up the garden path a bit when it comes to Life Purpose.
In this episode I challenge common misconceptions around life purpose, emphasizing that it's not solely about achieving specific outcomes but rather about finding meaning, value, and connection in our daily lives.
I also give examples of outcome and achievement-focused purpose and why it's a problem. The role of your ego when it comes to purpose and how taking a 1,000-foot view can offer a life changing reframe around finding and living our life's purpose!
As we navigate midlife and its hormonal changes, I explain why this is a valuable time for self-reflection and embracing a deeper sense of purpose that aligns with our authentic selves, as well as how nature helps us with this task.
Join me on this inspiring episode as we bust some myths, and explore, recontextualise and reframe the concept of life purpose!
Journalling Prompts:
What activities or moments bring me the deepest sense of fulfilment?
How do my values align or clash with my daily choices and actions?
And what impact do I want to have on myself and others around me?
How do you want to either inspire, support those closest to you?
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/55/
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Ditching Shame & Challenging Stigma in Menopause
In this episode, I dive deep into the whole issue of shame, specifically how it affects women during the menopause phase of life. I talk about the stigma attached to menopause and how it impacts us, both emotionally and psychologically. Through the conversation, I emphasize the need to break down these barriers, embrace the changes and challenges, and reach out for the right support, like from medical professionals and menopause support groups.
I stress the importance of understanding that it's okay to seek help and that we shouldn't blame ourselves for the physical and emotional changes we experience during this transition. Also, I talk about letting go of societal expectations and radical acceptance, and the need to reach out to others and seek professional support during this transformative phase.
Many women find midlife difficult, and I'm not here to deny our challenges. But I also know in the bones of my being that midlife is just the beginning and that you're about to embark on the next and possibly most empowered stage of your life.
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/54/
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Are you experiencing stress, anxiety, or overwhelm during midlife?
In this episode, we explore the physiological and emotional impact of perimenopause and menopause on our mental health. We are going to understand the role of the nervous system in stress response, and how to work with it rather than against it.
I discuss the importance of completing stress cycles, why this is more difficult in midlife, and provide practical techniques for managing stress in a way that serves us.
Midlife can be a time of great change and growth, but it is also accompanied by unique challenges. In this episode, I discuss the concept of stress cycles and how they impact our mental health during perimenopause and menopause.
Additionally, I address the societal stigma surrounding mental health in midlife and advocate for accessible support and treatment options.
If you're a woman navigating this transformative stage of life, join me as we uncover the secrets to reclaiming our authentic confidence and courage.
Resources mentioned:
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. Dr Emily Nagoski
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/53/
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
"Women are conditioned to be quiet, take up less space, and be the support system for others throughout their lives."
In this episode, I dive into the topic of finding your voice. It's important for women to identify why they feel unheard and speak out.
I'll guide you through reflecting on past experiences and societal conditioning that may have influenced this limitation and offer practical tips to make changes in how you interact with your environment - whether that be your workplace, business, or relationships.
Throughout the episode, I share my personal journey of struggling to find my voice and how I overcame it. From singing to public speaking, teaching, and podcasting, I found various ways to express myself and break free from the constraints society puts on us as women in midlife.
I emphasize that finding your voice goes beyond just speaking; it's about expressing yourself authentically in all areas of life.
If you've ever felt overlooked or dismissed, this episode is for you. Together, we'll unravel common responses to being unheard, empower ourselves to show up more powerfully, and navigate the unique challenges that midlife brings.
Let's reclaim our voices, live authentically, and connect with other women who understand our journey.
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/52/
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
When I work with women in midlife, I look for common threads in how we talk about our experience, because ultimately the words point us to our inner experience and how we can break free!
I often hear my group program participants say 'I'm not where I want to be!' during The Midlife Upgrade Course.
Feeling stuck, lost, and unsure of your life's direction are all such common experiences for women in midlife, that just hearing other women express similar frustrations is supportive in and of itself.
And I think we can go a step further and shoot for a psychological reframe which emphasizes the importance of accepting where you are and letting go of self-judgement or comparison to societal expectations.
Easier said than done, I know, but I hope that this episode where I reflect on my own journey and not being where I want to be as I hit my 53rd birthday, will give you an experience of support and inspiration.
Grab your headphones, take a listen and let's walk this imperfect adventure of midlife together!
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/waitlist/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/51/
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Today's guest bridges the gap between natural and mainstream medicine.
Jodie Williams brings her distinctive approach, drawing from her background as a registered nurse, naturopath, hypnotherapist, and training in Hakomi psychotherapy.
I had an amazing conversation with Jodie, and she's such a skilled therapist that she even turned the tables on me, helping me dive deeper into my own experiences!
Jodie is a treasure trove of resources and wisdom for women navigating this life phase. She's even crafted a helpful ebook on perimenopausal symptoms and an ingenious symptom tracker to guide women through their journey.
Her approach is down-to-earth and educational, and she encourages open conversations about perimenopause.
Jodie delves into the power of combining hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with complementary therapies to manage symptoms effectively. It's all about finding that balance and practicality in our approach.
Ready to learn more and take charge of your perimenopausal journey? Grab your headphones and join us as we reclaim our wellbeing!
Connect with Jodie:
Website
managemyperimenopause.com
Resource
A-Z of peri symptoms eBook and perimenopause symptom tracker
myperimenopausetracker.com
Facebook Manage My Perimenopause
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093200667882
Linkedin Jodie Williams RN
www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-williams-rn
Instagram @Managemyperimenopause
https://www.instagram.com/managemyperimenopause/
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/waitlist/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/50/
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
When my doctor told me that I was post menopausal at the age of 42, the first thing I did was wonder what I'd done wrong and blame myself!
In this empowering episode I share my own menopause experiences and delve into the guilt and blame often associated with challenges faced during this stage of life.
I challenge the notion that lifestyle changes alone can alleviate perimenopausal symptoms for all women, and emphasize the need to prioritize ourselves.
We explore coping mechanisms like people-pleasing, perfectionism, and avoidance, and how they hinder self-growth.
I emphasize the need to shift from trying to fix yourself to taking care of yourself - and why this matters, and how this perspective shift builds resilience to navigate the unpredictable hormonal shifts of perimenopause.
Join me on a journey to self-empowerment in midlife.
Follow me on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/waitlist/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/49/
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Have you ever felt misunderstood or unsupported by those around you when it comes to your emotional experiences in midlife?
In this episode, we explore the changes in our emotions during perimenopause, menopause, and midlife.
Fluctuating estrogen levels can lead to irritability, tearfulness, low mood, and anxiety; that was certainly my experience in perimenopause.
And to make things more challenging, often we don't know that perimenopause is the cause of the emotional upheaval!
Though the emotional terrain of perimenopause and midlife is rocky it's important to remember that you are not alone and that open communication and sharing experiences can relieve some of the burden.
It's important to understand the connection between our physical and emotional selves, this allows us to make room for all emotions, question our thoughts, and accept that we don't have to fix our feelings immediately.
Follow me on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/waitlist/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/48/
Meegan Care Midlife Mentor
I am a Certified Counsellor and Midlife Mentor with a holistic approach, dedicated to bringing clarity and life-changing breakthroughs to my clients.
I’m a Kiwi, I’m 53, and I’m now on the other side of menopause and I’ve been where you are now.
During peri-menopause I got to a stage where I was struggling to get through the week in my busy clinical practice.
Sometimes I had to postpone clients because there were mornings I was so exhausted I just couldn’t face a full client load and that broke my heart.
I was irritable, overwhelmed, and just plain over it!
Until I realised that my brain was undergoing a sort of transformation, sometimes referred to as an ‘Upgrade,’ and once I figured out how to collaborate with this Upgrade, life got so much better.
As a midlife mentor I draw on my extensive therapeutic training, over two decades of clinical and group work, and of course my own life experience.
I’ve helped clients for the past 25 years as a qualified Psychosynthesis Counsellor, Craniosacral Therapist (BCST), and experienced teacher of mindfulness and meditation.
Recovery from Crohn’s disease over 25 years ago, lead me to train extensively in various forms of therapy, mindfulness and healing with master teachers and coaches. I am the sole New Plymouth trainer for Mindfulness Works – New Zealand’s largest mindfulness training organisation. I also facilitate mindfulness education for individuals, groups and workplaces.