This Dormant Chromosome Activates at Midlife (Women's Longevity Superpower) with Denise Pines

In this episode, Jacqueline is joined by tech leader turned innovator Anastasia Sartan, the Founder & CEO of The Cycle. After spending a decade building companies and working as a product director at Snapchat, Anastasia quietly battled severe PMDD. When traditional medicine left her without quick answers, she applied her data science background to medical research, leading to the creation of the first functional beverage formulated for female hormonal health.Together, Jacqueline and Anastasia discuss how the body absorbs liquid nutrients faster than powders, the hidden power of sea buckthorn, and how a surprise order from Sprouts changed Anastasia's career trajectory forever. They dive into a live taste-test of the formulations and envision a world where women's biology is celebrated, from menstruating Barbies to cycle-accommodating lifestyle hotels.Welcome to MENO with Jacqueline Buckingham, the authority on menopause, perimenopause, and wherever you are on the pause spectrum. IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER: ➡️ From Snapchat to Fem-Tech: Anastasia's experience navigating a high-stress corporate tech environment as a female leader, and how severe PMDD symptoms sparked her entrepreneurial mission. ➡️ The Problem with Powder Supplements: Why traditional pill supplements often require three to five months to show results due to low absorption rates and low functional dosages, and how liquid extracts offer immediate data points for your body. ➡️ The Magic of Sea Buckthorn Juice: The science behind this underappreciated ingredient—the only natural source of Omega-7—and how it acts as an anti-inflammatory that targets midlife dryness. ➡️ The Retail Breakthrough: How a hobby project consisting of an initial 8,000 cans secured a massive nationwide launch in all 500 Sprouts stores within three months of production. ➡️ The Pause Spectrum Demographics: Analyzing early nationwide sales data that reveals how period and perimenopause support lines are driving modern consumer demand. ➡️ Functional Herbs for Hormonal Health: A breakdown of phase-specific liquid organic herbs, including black cohosh for cooling comfort, sage for brain function, hops flower for anxiety reduction, and nettle leaf as a natural source of iron. ➡️ Rewriting the Instruction Manual on Biology: A critique of the lack of menopause and lifestyle education in traditional OB/GYN medical schooling. ➡️ Wild Dreams for Corporate Normalization: Anastasia shares her ultimate vision board goals, including a history-making collaboration for a menstruating Barbie, period wellness hotels, and the public debut of an upcoming sea buckthorn iron lemonade. RESOURCEShttps://onthecycle.com/https://www.instagram.com/epysartan/ABOUT MENOMENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support.https://joinmeno.com/https://www.instagram.com/join.menohttps://www.tiktok.com/@join.menoFollow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckinghamDisclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Jacqueline Buckingham sits down with Denise Pines—a Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, co-founder and CEO of Tea Botanics, and founder of WisePause Wellness. As a global leader in the fem-tech and midlife space, Denise shares her personal journey from experiencing her first unexpected hot flash to completely disrupting how society views and handles midlife women's health. Together, they dive deep into the lack of research in women's healthcare, the global impact of Denise's groundbreaking menopause documentaries, and the exciting upcoming additions to the Wise Paws Wellness lineup. Grab a cup of tea and join the conversation as they celebrate this powerful chapter of life! Welcome to MENO™ with Jacqueline Buckingham, the definitive destination for perimenopause, menopause, and everything on The Pause Spectrum™. IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER: ➡️ The Gaps in Women's Health Research: Why critical issues like PMS, endometriosis, and menopause have historically been left on the shelf due to a lack of funding and male-dominated research decision-making. ➡️ The FemAging Project: How Denise spearheaded research focused specifically on midlife women and women of color to drive modern fem-tech innovations. ➡️ The Power of Menopause on Film: The hurdles Denise faced pitching the first menopause documentary, and how its ultimate release generated a global phenomenon with over 1,500 screenings across 50 countries. ➡️ Changing Corporate and State Policy: The shocking data revealed by pre- and post-documentary surveys, and how the film acts as a tool to help change workplace benefits and state legislation. ➡️ The Active Midlife Superpower: The fascinating scientific discovery surrounding the dormant "X" chromosome that activates at midlife, and the desperate need for more funding to explore women's longevity. ➡️ Empowering the Clinical Conversation: How a massive shift in where women seek information—moving from clinicians first to family and friends first—is helping patients enter doctor appointments more prepared. ➡️ WisePause Wellness and Legislation: A preview of the upcoming Wise Paws event focusing heavily on perimenopause, alongside a celebration of California Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan for passing landmark bills expanding menopause healthcare coverage and physician education. ➡️ The Science of Hot Flash Tea: The creation of Tea Botanics alongside Dr. Pay, and how ingredients like GABA, black cohosh, and wild yam work naturally to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and naturally reduce hot flashes and brain fog. RESOURCES: https://www.birthingjustice.com https://femaging.com/ https://wisepause.com/ ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support. https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, we sit down with Dr. Sameena Rahman, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN and menopause & sexual medicine expert, and podcast host of "Gyno Girl". After pivoting from academic medicine at USC to a private practice where she could treat patients on her own terms, she now solves the isolating problem of women "not feeling like themselves" due to hormonal chaos. We explore the deeper "why" behind midlife—reclaiming agency by refusing to normalize discomfort, addressing the mental toll of the "perfect storm" of life stress, and understanding how to stop your hormones from stealing your essence. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: ➡️ The Truth About Perimenopausal Rage: Why your "short fuse" is actually a cellular reaction to estrogen receptors from head to toe. ➡️ HSDD 101: A guide to Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and the "Biohacking" tools—like testosterone and neurochemistry shifts—used to revive your libido. ➡️ The "Karen" Myth-Busting: Why many midlife outbursts labeled as "Karen" behavior are actually untreated hormonal dysregulation. ➡️ The Rage Ritual: Why we need to ditch "aging gracefully" for cathartic releases like primal screaming and "letting it rip" to maintain sanity. RESOURCES GynoGirl.com @GynoGirlTV ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You aren't broken—you've just been lied to. Most women believe they should have "Spontaneous Desire," but for the majority of us, desire is Responsive. Board-certified urologist and international podcast powerhouse Dr. Kelly Casperson joins us to dismantle the myths that make women feel defective in the bedroom. From the "Orgasm Gap" to the clinical truth about midlife hormones, we are providing the science-backed roadmap to reclaiming your pleasure without the guilt. Welcome to MENO™ with Jacqueline Buckingham, the definitive destination for perimenopause, menopause, and everything on The Pause Spectrum™. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: ➡️ Responsive vs. Spontaneous Desire: Why your body needs a "reason" to want sex. ➡️ The Orgasm Gap: Why sexual satisfaction is a medical and social justice issue. ➡️ Novelty & Curiosity: Practical tips to maintain interest in a long-term partner. ➡️ Low Libido vs. Unsatisfactory Sex: Identifying if the problem is your drive or the experience. ➡️ The Hormone Connection: The role of estrogen and testosterone in midlife intimacy. RESOURCES: Follow Dr. Kelly: @kellycaspersonmd Dr. Kelly's Website: kellycaspersonmd.com ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of MENO with Jacqueline Buckingham, we sit down with Board-Certified Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist Dr. Rachel Rubin to discuss why hormone therapy is a fundamental element of women's healthcare. Dr. Rubin challenges the historical stigma surrounding hormones, explaining that past concerns were often based on flawed data from synthetic products that are no longer standard practice. She advocates for an individualized approach to hormone therapy where patients are empowered with information to make the best decisions for their specific goals, whether they are seeking relief from hot flashes, prevention of osteoporosis, or improvement in libido and sexual function. The conversation delves into the specific benefits of various hormone treatments: ➡️ Vaginal Hormone Therapy: Dr. Rubin describes low-dose local vaginal hormones (estrogen or DHEA) as highly effective, evidence-based treatments for symptoms like dryness, pain, and urinary urgency. She notes these treatments are safe for most women and can reduce urinary tract infections (UTIs) by more than half. ➡️ The "Female Viagra": Dr. Rubin refers to vaginal hormones as the equivalent of "female Viagra" because they improve blood flow to sexual organs, enhancing arousal and making orgasms better. ➡️ Systemic Hormone Therapy: The discussion covers whole-body hormone therapy—including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—which can be administered via patches, rings, or creams to address a broader range of menopausal symptoms. ➡️ Mental Health Connection: Dr. Rubin highlights the "amazing benefit" of hormone therapy in managing anxiety and depression that often emerges during perimenopause. ➡️ Bioidentical Hormones: She clarifies that there are FDA-approved bioidentical hormones available that are both safe and often covered by insurance. ➡️ Jacqueline and Dr. Rubin also discuss pelvic floor rehab, the neurological connection between the spine and sexual organs, and how patients can find knowledgeable specialists to build their own "medical pit crew". RESOURCES The Menopause Society: menopause.org ISSWSH (International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health): isswsh.org American Physical Therapy Association (for Pelvic Floor Therapy): apta.org ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop settling for "normal" discomfort. Whether it's pain during exercise, feeling "too loose" after childbirth, or noticing changes in your clitoris with age—you have options. Board-certified cosmetic gynecologist Dr. Michael Reed breaks down the surgical and non-surgical secrets to female empowerment "down there." Welcome to MENO™ with Jacqueline Buckingham, the definitive destination for perimenopause, menopause, and everything on The Pause Spectrum™. In this episode, we cover: Labiaplasty vs. Vaginoplasty: The difference between aesthetics and function. The "Clitoral Shrink": Why it happens with age and how to reverse it. Pelvic Laxity: Why "splinting" or "bulging" means you might need a specialist. The Hormone Connection: Testosterone, Estrogen, and the "Female Viagra." Finding a Surgeon: Questions you MUST ask before going under the knife. RESOURCES: Dr. Michael Reed: https://drmichaelreed.com/ ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to MENO — your go-to for perimenopause, menopause, and everything in between. Stop guessing and start sequencing. 30% of women have Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) at any given time, yet standard medical tests only look for a handful of microbes. Priyanka Jain, founder of Evvy, is using whole-genome metagenomic sequencing to close the gender data gap and help women reclaim their vaginal health. From recurrent infections to the hidden link between your microbiome and IVF success, we're decoding the 700+ microbes that dictate your reproductive well-being. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: - The Standard Culture Failure: Why your "negative" test result still feels like an infection. - Microbiome & Fertility: The shocking impact of vaginal health on IVF and preterm birth. - Whole Genome Sequencing: How Evvy identifies pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and biofilms. - The "Lactobacilli" Defense: How beneficial bacteria create a protective barrier against STIs. - The Gender Research Gap: Why women have been historically ignored in clinical data. Welcome to MENO™ with Jacqueline Buckingham, the definitive destination for perimenopause, menopause, and everything on The Pause Spectrum™. RESOURCES: Get Tested with Evvy: https://www.evvy.com/ Follow Priyanka Jain: @priyankajain ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to MENO™ with Jacqueline Buckingham, the definitive destination for perimenopause, menopause, and everything on The Pause Spectrum™. Stop suffering in silence. Whether it's "sneeze-peeing," recurring UTIs, or the sudden urgency of perimenopause, bladder health is sexual health. In this episode, Board-Certified Urologist Dr. Anika Ackerman breaks down the surgical and non-surgical secrets to reclaiming your pelvic floor. WE COVER: The UTI Mystery: Why they keep coming back and why cranberry juice isn't the cure. Perimenopause & The Bladder: How dropping estrogen levels change everything. Stress vs. Urge Incontinence: How to know which one you have. Modern Fixes: From Botox and Bulkamid to the ""Kegel Throne"" (Emsella). RESOURCES: https://uqora.com/ Instagram @dr.anika.ackerman Tiktok @dr.anika.ackerman ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to MENO — your go-to for perimenopause, menopause, and everything in between. Is your sexual health stuck in the past? NYC's top plastic surgeon, Dr. Yael Halaas, explains how "face-grade" technology is being used to biohack women's sexual longevity, treat incontinence, and even enhance orgasms into your 90s. IN THIS EPISODE: 11,000 Kegels: How the Emsella chair works for pelvic floor health. The "Vagina Facial": Using CO2 lasers and Radio Frequency for younger tissue. G-Spot Myths: The truth about female ejaculation and pleasure. Hair Loss Solutions: Why hormones, stress, and weight loss are thinning your hair. Orgasms at 90: Why your sex life shouldn't have an expiration date. LINKS: Follow Dr. Halaas: https://www.instagram.com/drhalaas/ ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to MENO — your go-to for perimenopause, menopause, and everything in between. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Allie Sharma, a Cornell-trained psychiatrist and Co-founder of Being Health. Dr. Sharma's backstory includes working with trauma survivors in post-conflict countries like Afghanistan and marginalized populations in the South Bronx. Despite her elite training, she reveals she learned zero about menopause in medical school—a gap she now solves through an integrated mental health model that bridges the gap between hormones and the brain. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: -The 40% Surge: Why the risk of depression can be 40% higher in perimenopause than premenopause. -Neurotransmitter 101: How estrogen directly impacts serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine metabolism. -The GABA Connection: Why progesterone acts as a natural "calming" hormone on the brain's GABA pathway. -The Truth About the Pill: Why standard birth control may not be the right solution for perimenopausal mood shifts. -Biohacking with Ketamine: How infusion therapy facilitates a "neuroplastic window" to treat resistant depression. -The SSRI Libido Myth: Navigating sexual side effects and finding alternative treatments like SNRIs or Wellbutrin. -Ancient Medicine, Modern Results: Why the WHO endorses acupuncture for treating depression. -CBT for Menopause: Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to manage the psychological distress of hot flashes. RESOURCES beinghealth.co Dr. Allie Sharma on IG @alliesharmamd @mentalhealthcoalition @beinghealthcare ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices