Meegan Cares About Midlife

Ending the Stigma Around Menopause Across Generations

Ending the Stigma Around Menopause Across Generations
My mum never talked to me about her difficult experience of menopause, she struggled in silence.  
So I never knew what to expect, and I never got to be there for her when she was struggling with menopause symptoms either.
I didn't know how old she was when she went through it - I've often wondered if we were around the same age, but I'll never know, since she passed away 8 years ago.
In this episode I explore (and rant a bit) why it's so important to open up the menopause conversation!
We're dismantling generational stigma and shame as we acknowledge 📣 World Menopause Day on October 18!
 
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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/47/
 

Tracy Cowley helps women who’ve had a gutful of gut ache

I'm talking with Tracy Cowley, Herbalist, Nutritionist and Naturopath.
 
Tracy helps bloated women who've had a gutful of gut ache take control of their digestion.
 
In this episode, Tracy looks at perimenopause, menopause, ageing, and longevity through the lens of inflammation, insulin resistance and gut health.
 
She emphasizes the importance of healing the gut lining and nourishing the mucus layer of the gut, using the metaphor of closing and nourishing gates to illustrate their significance, which helped me understand the leaky gut phenomena.
 
Tracy shares her experience working primarily with women who struggle with chronic gut pain, bloating, and other gut-related issues including SIBO - which commonly presents with bloating and is often accompanied by significant inflammation, joint pain, and weight gain in women.
 
She challenges the popular health trends that promote extreme measures and restrictive diets, encouraging us to make better choices without the concept of blame.
 
Join us today as we delve into the world of gut health, women's hormones, and inflammation with the incredible Tracy Cowley. It's an episode you won't want to miss!
 
Guest details:
Tracy Cowley Naturopath | Nutritionist | Medical Herbalistwww.newleafhealthclinic.co.nzFollow her on Instagram @guthealthnaturopath for regular gut health support
 
Tracy is a Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist, and Naturopath, Tracy graduated 15 years ago and has learned something from every single client she’s treated since, as well as the endless conferences, master classes, seminars and webinars her industry makes available, Tracy is drawn to all things digestion.
 
Tracy’s passion is working with the gut and women who’ve had a gutful of gut aches! She’s a passionate geek when it comes to the exploding body of research about the microbiome and its effects on mental health and wellbeing.
 
This year Tracy launched Misery Guts Anonymous, her 12-week signature programme for women suffering from SIBO, bloating, pain and an unhealthy relationship with the bathroom.
 
Tracy also has 3 hungry boys at home, which has led to a long repertoire of secretly healthy recipes but also a love of working with Mama's who juggle all the balls and often put their own health last.
 
 
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/46/

Menopause and Anxiety: Understanding the Connection & Finding Solutions

This week on the podcast we delve into the topic of menopause-related anxiety.
 
During perimenopause, anxiety can sneak up on us, building slowly, or sometimes hitting like a bolt of lightning!
 
Studies show 50% of women in midlife experience symptoms of anxiety. Often this isn't talked about, either because women are too embarrassed, or because they believe that there is no help and they need to suffer through it.
 
Understanding hormonal connections, and destigmatizing menopause-related anxiety is crucial if we are to navigate this period of life feeling empowered.
 
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause cause significant shifts in the brain (much like puberty) and the lowering of estrogen can give rise to symptoms of anxiety for many women.
 
Anxiety can be experienced as physical symptoms including:
Fast heart rate
Heart palpitations
The feeling of sickness or nausea
Shaking or tremors
Sweating
Dry mouth
Chest pain
Headaches
Fast breathing
Panic attacks
 
There is support available - whether through lifestyle changes, natural remedies, or professional guidance. Always talk to your health professional if in doubt.
 
Understanding the context of anxiety when we are in midlife is important, as this impacts how best to manage the symptoms. 
 
I hope you find this episode on menopause-related anxiety useful!
 
 
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/45/
 

The Three Stages To Authentic Confidence For Women In Midlife

Cultivating Authentic Confidence: Empowering Midlife Women to Embrace Their Unique Journey
 
We've all experienced it somewhere along the way in midlife our confidence starts to take a nosedive.
 
Combine this with all the other physical symptoms, and you have a recipe for not wanting to get out of bed in the morning. So how do we overcome this waning confidence?
 
We need to approach confidence differently in midlife; not for us the bravado and posturing that has been modelled to us as confidence.
 
We must generate a new level of AUTHENTIC CONFIDENCE. Authentic confidence has its foundations in COURAGE & SELF COMPASSION.
 
There are 3 distinct stages of Authentic Confidence and I help you get clear about these stages on today's podcast.
 
Take a listen and get ready to find your own unique Authentic Confidence!
 
Join 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/44/
 

Ditching The Diet Culture: Redefining Wellness In Midlife with Michelle Yandle

Ditching The Diet Culture: Redefining Wellness In Midlife
 
What if, I wondered, as a woman in midlife, I ditched the diets and body shaming culture? Would it affect my motivation to take care of myself? And would I turn into a 24/7 TV-watching puddle of blah?
 
I had an enlightening podcast chat with Michelle Yandle Nutrition Coach about her no-BS and no diet approach to eating and health.
 
After years of yo-yo dieting Michelle ditched the diet train and improved her health and wellbeing by doing so.
 
Michelle emphasizes that it is natural for women's bodies to change as they age and that we should not strive to look like our younger selves. This took me a few years to get my head around, and Michelle was the catalyst that helped me change my thinking around weight and health when I was in peri-menopause.
 
Michelle shares her personal journey of overcoming restrictive diets and embracing a non-diet, intuitive eating approach that promotes health without shame or guilt.
 
Michelle sheds light on the prevalence of disordered eating and the impact of diet culture during this stage of life. They stress that weight gain can be natural and healthy for midlife women, contrary to societal beliefs.
 
We talk about the deeply ingrained influence of diet culture on women's perception of our bodies and how it affects navigating changes such as perimenopause - and how we are both approaching this as women in midlife.
 
Listen in as we explore the terrain of unshaming our bodies, what we eat, and who are in midlife!
 
 
Timestamp:
00:02:58 Restrictive dieting and weight obsession harmed her, but now she focuses on holistic health.00:09:24 Disordered eating, diet culture, and midlife changes.00:13:33 Healthy weight is beneficial.00:19:11 Body size messaging impacts health and behaviors. Being aware of harmful messages and seeking diverse representation helps. Focus on healthy habits and feeling good. Health is about more than just weight.00:27:02 Fear, guilt, and shame around food are red flags.00:30:59 Detox diets are potentially harmful, no benefits.00:34:25 Breaking cycles, supporting younger generation, body image.00:38:19 Focus on caring for your body, not appearance.
Michelle Yandle:
Michelle is a health and nutrition educator and coach as well as the author of 6 books. She currently trains health coaches through the Holistic Performance Institute.
Through her online courses, 1:1 coaching, books and seminars Michelle offers a no-BS approach to clear nutrition confusion and get the ‘dieters off diets’ so they can feel their healthiest selves without restriction. 
https://michelleyandle.com/
 
Join 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/43/

Navigating Sexual Health in Midlife w. Emma Perks Physiotherapist

On the podcast this week, I speak with Emma Perks, a pelvic health physiotherapist, about sexual and pelvic health during midlife.
 
Navigating sexual health during menopause and midlife can be challenging, particularly since it coincides with other major changes in life and there remains so much that isn't openly discussed.
 
In this episode we talk about everything from decreased sexual desire and what to do about it, vaginal dryness, and urinary incontinence, to the benefits of vaginal moisturiser - just like facial moisturiser but not, of course, for your face! 
 
Emma debunks myths about sex and explores societal pressures that hinder sexual experiences.
 
We also touch on the significance of challenging societal and gender constructs and important ways to communicate when dealing with decreased sexual desire.
 
Join us as we tackle these important and often taboo topics and provide valuable advice and insights to enhance your sexual health and well-being.
 
This is the conversation I wish someone had with me 10 years ago!
 
Timestamp:
00:00:55 Public health physiotherapist specializing in pelvic health. 00:04:10 Summarized: Natural changes during a woman's menstrual cycle can affect sexual interest and physical changes. Perimenopause is similar to puberty in terms of hormonal fluctuations and physical symptoms. Symptoms during perimenopause include vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence. These symptoms may vary but can be managed.00:13:47 Simple solutions for addressing sexual health.00:19:37 Using lubricants can prevent dryness during sex and reduce the need for more lube. 00:24:51 Juggling multiple responsibilities creates stress and expectations. Women's arousal differs from men's.00:32:29 Understand sexual equality and explore other methods.00:36:13 Communication, variety, and sexual aids are normal.00:40:11 Invest in exchange for fruitful intimacy and satisfaction.00:43:30 The Less you have, the less you want.
Links & Products mentioned:
Emma Perks Full Circle Physiotherapy https://fcphysio.co.nz/
Dipsea app - Short & Sexy Audio Stories
Yes VM Vaginal Moisturiser
Olive & Bee Intimate Cream
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/42/

Embracing & Empowering Your Body In Midlife: A Journey of Radical Acceptance

This week on the podcast, we discuss radical body acceptance during midlife and menopause.
We are bombarded with societal pressures and cultural conditioning related to aging and body image.
When we critically evaluate the messages we receive from media and online sources, we can embrace our changing bodies and challenge the outrageously incorrect notion that women's value diminishes with age.
By practicing radical acceptance and empowerment, and rejecting the idea of trying to reclaim a past version of ourselves, we are more able to nourish our body, stay active, and receive our self-worth from a place of genuine self-acceptance and empowerment.
I believe this journey towards radical acceptance is an ongoing and courageous rebellion against ingrained stereotypes and societal expectations.
By dismantling cultural conditioning and embracing our authentic selves, we reclaim confidence, courage, and vitality.
Listen in as we engage Radical Acceptance and Radical Empowerment on our midlife journey!
 
Jump on the waitlist for the next cohort of The Midlife Upgrade Course here
 
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/41/

Harnessing the Power of Breakthroughs in Midlife Transformation

Raising Your Energy: Harnessing the Power of Breakthroughs in Midlife Transformation
 
In this episode, we discuss the energy of a breakthrough and how it manifests in our lives, particularly during midlife.
We explore the uncomfortable feelings and experiences that show up right before a breakthrough, such as a rise in frustration and a sense of "having had enough", or things just seeming to go wrong all at once. And why their presence is actually something to get excited about!
I also share my own experiences of navigating through chaos and difficulty as I made bold decisions and stepped out of my comfort zone, even though fear and resistance were present.
Personal development is not about denying or avoiding uncomfortable feelings, but rather navigating them with greater ease and skill.
So grab your headphones and join me on a journey to connect to purpose, claim authentic confidence, and harness the energy of change to work for you!
 
Jump on the waitlist for the next cohort of The Midlife Upgrade Course here
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/40/
 

Calm Within Chaos: Taming Midlife Stress with Nervous System Wisdom

How to Tame Midlife Stress with Nervous System Wisdom
Let's dive into the topic of midlife stress and how to find a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
As women in midlife, we often face self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and overwhelm.
In this episode, I explore why anxiety, stress, and overwhelm tend to increase during midlife, specifically during perimenopause, and menopause.
Did you know that approximately 86% of women experience mental health issues in midlife?
If you've been noticing an increase in anxiety and stress, remember that you are not alone. Many other women are going through similar experiences. We look at the physiological changes of menopause, hormonal fluctuations, and their relationship to anxiety.
One interesting insight is that anxiety tends to be worse in the morning due to the stress hormone cortisol. Levels of cortisol are typically highest in the first few hours after waking, and these levels can be even higher for women experiencing perimenopause. 
The societal and cultural pressures surrounding midlife can amplify feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. By challenging external expectations and societal beliefs, we can create a shift and empower ourselves during this important stage of life.
Understanding our brain and central nervous system allows us to take a closer look at our stress response and find ways to support ourselves during this time.
If you're ready to discover practical tools and strategies to navigate midlife stress, grab your headphones and listen in!
 
Jump on the waitlist for the next cohort of The Midlife Upgrade Course here
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/39/
 

3 Strategies to Ignite Midlife Momentum

In this episode, we dive into three powerful strategies that help women in midlife regain their momentum.
These momentum strategies are simple and can be implemented quickly, and they'll help you to start taking action that moves you in a different direction.
We uncover why "should-ing on ourselves shuts down possibilities and how to replace SHOULD with more helpful generative words that inspire action.
Living a creative life that brings joy and connection is possible through reframing failure and removing the limiting mindset of 'should'.
I share how through my dying mother's shared regret I gained a profound insight that has helped me navigate the challenges of life and shape my path forward.
And we focus on how to transform failure into a driving force for personal development and fulfilled living.
With self-compassion and support, we can resource ourselves and live a fulfilled, joyful life without the need for perfection or validation.
So tune in to this week's episode, as I share practical insights and strategies that help women in midlife regain their momentum.
 
 
Jump on the waitlist for the next cohort of The Midlife Upgrade Course here
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/38/