The one where menopause education at work starts the conversation

The episode kicks off with a menopause conversation in Costco and a story about a hairstylist who listened. Jen shares how conversations about her changing hair inspired her salon to create a faster-drying gel, reducing the time clients spend under a hooded dryer. It’s an example of what becomes possible when someone understands menopause and gets curious about how they can make a difference.Shirley expands on why allies and advocates are the future of menopause care, sharing how participants in Speak Menopause are bringing their knowledge into healthcare practices, workplaces, community resources, and everyday conversations. From registered dietitians and nurses to pelvic floor physiotherapists, sexual health educators, and workplace leaders, these women are turning “I wish I’d known” into opportunities for others to learn sooner.From there, the conversation covers a wide-ranging Q&A with members of the Menopause Chicks Community LIVE!:Vaginal estrogen and recurring UTIs — What if someone doesn’t want to use a vaginal treatment? Shirley explores creams, inserts, and a vaginal ring that stays in place for three months. She also discusses the oral treatment Osphena™️, distinguishing its use for vaginal dryness from the role of vaginal estrogen in preventing recurring urinary tract infections.Progesterone timing and sleep — Is it okay to take progesterone in the morning instead of the evening? Jen and Shirley discuss bedtime instructions, individual responses, considerations for shift workers, and why your pharmacist is a valuable resource before changing your prescription schedule. Shirley also explains why persistent sleep problems deserve their own investigative conversation.Bleeding while using hormone therapy — A question from a woman who is 58 and four years postmenopause prompts a discussion about reviewing her estradiol patch and compounded progesterone protocol. Shirley shares four questions to bring to your prescriber: Am I taking the right hormones for my age and stage? Am I using the right doses? Is the delivery method appropriate for me? When should I book my next review? Jen adds a fifth: Am I taking my therapy as prescribed?Blood pressure and persistent symptoms — A live question opens a conversation about elevated blood pressure, concerns about kidney health, and sleep disruption, brain fog, and headaches that haven’t improved. Shirley helps identify what needs further explanation from the healthcare team and how to bring those overlapping concerns into the next appointment.Progesterone, IUDs, and hysterectomy — The conversation explores the distinction between progesterone’s role in uterine protection and questions about its potential benefits for other symptoms. Jen shares her experience discussing progesterone with her doctor after a hysterectomy, while Shirley demonstrates how Script Tips™ can help you explain your goals, describe your lived experience, and ask about an individualized treatment trial with a follow-up plan.Throughout the episode, the recurring theme is clear: menopause knowledge travels through relationships. Allies and advocates can help women understand their options, ask clearer questions, and arrive at health appointments better prepared. Sharing what you learn is one way to make that opportunity available to someone else.🎙️ ASK YOUR QUESTIONJoin the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail:👉 MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community:👉 MenopauseChicksCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That’s how we create change.ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of MenopauseChicks.com & its popular private community. She’s been a passionate advocate for women’s health education for 14 years. Shirley’s mission is to change the narrative around menopause, ensure everyone can speak the language of their health… so fluently…it will be impossible to be confused, or dismissed ever again! 🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

Menopause Chicks Podcast — Episode 2 Show NotesShirley shares her experience speaking at a workplace menopause education event at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), where 100 people showed up 20 minutes early — and the gut punch of hearing a colleague say "I don't want anyone to have to go through what I went through."This Week's Open: Welcome to the new Menopause Chicks Podcast format — formerly the "Ask Anything" Monday sessions, now recorded live and released weekly. Guest co-host Jen joins again.Sponsor Message: Menopause Chicks Vulva & Vaginal Moisturizer — goodbye dry, hello feel amazing. Visit MoisturizeYourVagina.comQ&A Topics:Can you go 2 years without a period and not be in menopause? — It's possible, especially if contraception or an ablation is involved. Discussion and tips for investigating with your doctor.85 days without a period, then spotting — do I start counting over? — Yes, if contraception matters. The International Menopause Society recommends extending contraception for 1 year after menopause (reach menopause over 50) or 2 years (under 50).Debilitating joint pain at 45 in perimenopause — Could be related to fluctuating estrogen. Investigate other causes (arthritis, magnesium deficiency) and start exploring hormone health support.Driving anxiety and progesterone after hysterectomy (Marian) — Progesterone isn't just for uterine protection; it supports mood and sleep as well as hundreds of other responsibilities. You can benefit from progesterone even without a uterus. Script tip: ask your doctor to work with you on a trial to see how you feel.Estrogen patch shortage and switching to gel (Margaret) — Canadian Menopause Society has an equivalency chart at CanadianMenopauseSociety.org. Switching from oral to compounded topical progesterone (Cindy) — Sensitivity to oral progesterone is real. Compounded progesterone is an option but isn't regulated. Check ferritin levels — fatigue and depression can also signal iron deficiency.Iron deficiency after hysterectomy — Heavy bleeding leads to iron deficiency. Removing the uterus stops the bleeding but doesn't fix the iron deficiency. Check ferritin levels, understand difference between "normal range" and "optimal" and discuss options for supplementing (diet or supplement) or iron infusions.Key Resources Mentioned:CanadianMenopauseSociety.org (estrogen equivalency chart)MenopauseChicks.com (blog articles and free resources)MenopauseChicks.com/podcast (submit questions via voicemail or text)Disclaimer: The Menopause Chicks Podcast is for education and information only, not a substitute for personalized medical advice.  🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

The episode kicks off with a relatable story from Shirley’s weekend: a text message asking her to explain vaginal estrogen to a friend’s mother. This sparks a deep dive into vaginal estrogen, genitourinary health (vulva & vaginal dryness, urethra & bladder changes, recurring UTIs) and the hidden danger of “silent UTIs” (or “silent symptoms of UTIs”) in older adults — including how untreated infections can mimic dementia and potentially escalate to sepsis. Jen delivers an impromptu primer on silent UTIs, while Shirley shares the personal story of her own mother’s history with chronic dryness and repeated infections.From there, the conversation covers a wide-ranging Q&A:Gut and bowel changes post-menopause — Shirley recommends expanding your health team to include a registered dietitian, a pelvic floor physiotherapist, and a naturopathic doctor.Heavy bleeding — A comprehensive breakdown of causes (copper IUDs, perimenopausal hormone shifts, fibroids, and more) and the full menu of treatment options: ibuprofen as a temporary tip while at work or travelling, the Mirena™️ IUD, oral micronized progesterone, fibroid-reducing medications, ablation, and hysterectomy — with a cautionary note about jumping to surgery too quickly. Jen shares her own hysterectomy story and the power of showing up informed.Hormone therapy over 60 — A voicemail from Cheryl, 64, prompts Shirley to clarify that the “under 60 or within 10 years” guideline for initiating menopause hormone therapy is a guideline, not a deadline, and how to prepare for your health conversation with a few “script tips.”Vaginal estrogen dosing and timelines — Shirley walks through what to do when treatment isn’t working yet, including the four key questions every woman should ask at a medication review.Throughout the episode, the recurring theme is clear: menopause hormone therapy is an individualized protocol, not one-size-fits-all — and showing up curious, prepared, and informed can positively influence health outcomes.🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE (Mondays at 4 pm PT) or leave us a voicemail👉 JOIN the MENOPAUSE CHICKS PRIVATE COMMUNITY (Facebook)This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That’s how we create change.ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of MenopauseChicks.com & its popular private community. She’s been a passionate advocate for women’s health education for 14 years. Shirley’s mission is to change the narrative around menopause, ensure everyone can speak the language of their health… so fluently…it will be impossible to be confused, or dismissed ever again! 🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

Menopause Chicks is recorded LIVE every Monday at 4 pm PT (7 pm ET) and YOUR QUESTIONS + CURIOSITIES design the program! Submit your question and learn more at Menopause Chicks.com/podcast Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and where ever you like to listen to your favourite podcasts. 🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

The Power of Language Why words like "joy" matter when discussing menopause The jar exercise: How language literally changes outcomes Why "menopause" + "symptoms" do not belong in the same sentence OR at the very least, require a deeper understanding Script Tips™️ for preparing for your health appointment and Shirley's proven "G.A.P. + S.P.E.A.K." framework (if you can Becoming Your Best Health Advocate Women continue to be dismissed and that's not ok for us, or the next generation! How to prepare for healthcare conversations effectively The importance of stating your health goals clearly Understanding what you DESERVE from your health--as well as your healthcare team Generational Shifts in Women's Health How information access has changed (and complicated) the conversation What's different for Gen Z versus previous generations The mixed blessing of online health information Breaking inherited narratives about aging and menopause Personal Stories Keira's "Joy" tattoo honoring her grandmother  Shirley's mother Joyce and the undiagnosed/untreated UTI-dementia connection Keira's PCOS diagnosis and journey to advocacy The "Love Letter to My Period" project Why removing stigma starts with honest conversation Practical Takeaways The GAP-and-SPEAK acronym for doctor appointments How to articulate symptoms AND, most importantly, impact to quality of life The importance of preparing for healthcare visits Why we need to stop tolerating things that impact our quality of life + share what we learn with (minimum) 3 other people: someone older, someone younger and a peer/friend/sister/colleague TIMESTAMPS (Select key moments) 00:00 - Introduction: Why this conversation? 04:30 - Keira's JOY tattoo story 06:45 - The jar exercise: How language shapes outcomes 15:00 - Why women leave doctor appointments disappointed 28:00 - The confusion of online health information 40:00 - Keira's PCOS journey and period advocacy 47:00 - The jar of 50+ goals for women's health before Shirley dies 50:00 - What gives us hope QUOTES TO REMEMBER "I deserve to feel amazing." "Quality health information is competing with other health brands online - we're competing with the news and big brands like Four Seasons, Ford, Coca-Cola. We're ALL part of the attention economy, and only confident, informed consumers can decide what is meant for them." "Women deserve quality information. They deserve quality explanations." "Confidence is a decision that I'm making today." RESOURCES MENTIONED The "In Her Words" study (BC Women's Health Foundation) GAP-and-SPEAK framework for doctor appointments (Menopause Chicks MenopauseChicksCommunity.com 🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

What we discussed: An endocrinologist’s explanation of both estrogen and progesterone Hormone health, mental health–and considerations for the role of stress in our overall health, but especially in perimenopauseIf you are going to track anything–track your menstrual cycle + both physical changes (such as breast tenderness, cramping, vasomotor symptoms) and emotional/mental health changes, such as mood. Dr. Prior explains the reasons why!How hormone therapy traditionally focused on estrogen without acknowledging the critical role of progesterone too Script tips for how to talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy!Dr. Prior’s extensive progesterone research and her life-long commitment (she celebrated her 80th birthday this year!) to her work, and her legacy related to progesterone research will continue. Links from this week’s episode: CEMCOR - https://www.cemcor.ubc.ca/BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health:VICHYFerapro IronFeel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal MoisturizerIntimate WellbeingOh Boy Productions©Menopause Chicks 🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

What we discussed: Sarah Kate’s mission and why she started her online publication, Some Good Clean Fun”Sarah’s transition from thinking she needed wine to cope with stress to enjoying the benefits of a “clearer head”Sarah shares her best shopping tips for non-alcoholic beverages online and at the store How to feel more confident (and less awkward) about ordering a non-alcoholic beverage when you’re out at a restaurant or bar with friends Notable differences about Gen-Z when it comes to alcohol consumption The latest guidelines from Health Canada and how they raising awareness for key health messages while also challenging social norms What you can expect when you visit Sarah’s website, Some Good Clean FunLinks from this week’s episode: Sarah Kate’s Website: https://www.somegoodcleanfun.com/Some Good Clean Fun on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somegoodcleanfun/Some Good Clean Fun Magazine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somegoodcleanfun_dotcom/BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health:VICHYFerapro IronFeel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal MoisturizerIntimate WellbeingOh Boy Productions 🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

What we discussed: Colleen’s change-making work in the area of volunteerism, the non-for-profit sectorHow we traditionally interpret words like “volunteer” and “menopause” and why that must changeChoosing to compromise vs what we will never compromise on when it comes to our  life’s work How important paradigm-shifting language is for rethinking how we see the world The power of language and the words we use Continuing to do our work even when we know we won’t necessarily live to see the impactBeing forward-thinking enough to ensure there is a way for others to continue the work we’ve startedWe explore the language of being a changemaker and how it makes us feel to use words like paradigm shift, social construct, and rhetoric Why using phrases like “forest person” and “tree person” is a preferable way of describing big and small picture thinking How things may be difficult or hard, but they don’t have to be impossible. BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health:VICHYFerapro IronFeel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal MoisturizerIntimate WellbeingOh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks 🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

What we discussed: The story behind Intimate Wellbeing & why Cass and Leah are so dedicated to changing the conversation about sexual pleasure for midlife women. How the Intimate Wellbeing brand has evolved from its initial concept of being an accessible online store to becoming a recognized sexual health education community What happened when Cass & Leah started talking more openly about sexuality with their friends and how important they feel it is for women to have places to talk openly!How Intimate Wellbeing is working with the Taboo Sex Show to create a space for midlife women to learn about sexual health without feeling overwhelmed or out of place at a sex show. How they’ve made shopping for sex toys easier and more comfortable by curating a collection of safe, high-quality toys from brands they trust. The origin of their brand of lubricant, Okanogan Joy, and how they’re changing the conversation about the benefits of using lubricant.Plus! I share my review about the Dame Pom vibrator with Cass & LeahLinks from this week’s episode: Intimate Wellbeing Website: https://intimatewellbeing.comShirley’s Picks: https://intimatewellbeing.com/pages/menopause-chicksIntimate Wellbeing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intimate.wellbeing/BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health:VICHYFerapro IronFeel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal MoisturizerIntimate WellbeingOh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks 🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.

What we discussedThe biggest questions Dr. Klein gets asked at her clinic like, “Am I normal?”The questions women have about wanting to be sexual with their partner and also being a professional womanThe pleasure gap, the masturbation gap, faking orgasms, shame, stigma & more!Why there’s a overfocus on intercourse in heterosexual couplesThe importance of educating women at a young age about their anatomy before they begin exploring it with a partnerThe physical and mental health benefits of masturbation and how women can talk about it more with their friend groupsOnline DISinformation about sexual health and how to find trusted, reputable expertsDr. Klein shares her red flags to look out for when consuming sexual content onlineWhat well-meaning parents should know about the research in favour of educating children about their anatomy early and how it benefits all of usLinks from this week’s episode: Follow Dr. Klein on InstagramLearn more about the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy hereBooks Dr. Klein recommends:Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski - Find it on Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca or Amazon.comBetter Sex Through Mindfulness by Dr. Lori Brotto - Find it on Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca or Amazon.comBecoming Cliterate by Dr. Laurie Mintz - Find it on Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca or Amazon.comBIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health:VICHYFerapro IronFeel Amazing Vulva & Vaginal MoisturizerIntimate WellbeingOh Boy Productions ©Menopause Chicks 🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcastJoin the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.