149: Perimenopause, Pelvic Health & Resilience - What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Heidi Gastler

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Heidi Gastler, a pelvic floor physical therapist, cancer survivor, and host of Menopause Unscripted. Heidi shares her powerful journey from being a clinician treating pelvic health issues to becoming a patient navigating premature menopause, brain tumors, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.Through both professional expertise and lived experience, Heidi explains how pelvic health, hormones, nervous system regulation, and emotional resilience intersect during perimenopause and menopause. This conversation explores how women can reclaim agency over their bodies, build resilience through lifestyle and community, and find supportive care during major hormonal transitions.Key Takeaways:Resilience matters: Physical and emotional resilience can significantly influence how women experience hormonal transitions.Pelvic health is foundational: The pelvic floor is deeply connected to the core, nervous system, hormones, and overall wellbeing.Symptoms deserve to be heard: Many women are dismissed in medical settings, yet their symptoms often reflect real physiological changes.Lifestyle is powerful medicine: Movement, time outdoors, and supportive relationships are key pillars for nervous system regulation.Community reduces suffering: Connection with others helps women navigate menopause and major health challenges with greater strength.Dr. Heidi Gastler Bio:Dr. Heidi Gastler is a pelvic floor physical therapist with over 19 years of experience and the founder of Mountain to Sea Physical Therapy in Manhattan Beach, California. A Herman & Wallace–trained pelvic health specialist, she is passionate about helping women understand pelvic health, perimenopause, and menopause through practical, evidence-based education.After being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2020 and experiencing medically induced menopause during treatment, Heidi’s work took on a deeply personal dimension. As the host of the Menopause Unscripted podcast and creator of the Hey Dr. Heidi platform, she shares clear, research-informed guidance to help women navigate hormonal changes and feel more empowered in their health.Where to find Dr. Heidi Gastler:Website Hey Dr. Heidi: https://www.heydrheidi.com/ Link Podcast Audio Apps: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521218Hey Dr. Heidi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heydrheidiMenopause Unscripted Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@menopauseunscriptedInstagram Hey Dr. Heidi: https://www.instagram.com/heydrheidi/Instagram Menopause Unscripted: https://www.instagram.com/menopause.unscriptedTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heydrheidiPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/HeyDrHeidi?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyMore resources Understanding Perimenopause: https://acubalance.ca/blog/you-are-not-losing-it-just-changing-understanding-perimenopause/How to Survive Menopause: https://acubalance.ca/blog/how-to-survive-menopause/Low Level Laser Therapy for Menopause & Perimenopause Support in Vancouver: https://acubalance.ca/low-level-laser-therapy-menopause-vancouver/100 Days to Optimize Egg Quality Before IVF or TTC: https://acubalance.ca/100-days-optimize-egg-quality-acubalance/Low Level Laser Therapy for Fertility, PCOS & Women’s Health: https://acubalance.ca/low-level-laser-therapy-womens-health-fertility-vancouver/How to Develop Emotional Mastery & Resilience: https://acubalance.ca/how-to-present-moment-the-nac-approach/📧 For guest opportunities, collaborations or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne BrownLornebrown.comConscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:@coherence_code_podcast @acubalancewellnesscentre@lorne_brown_officialDISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Coherence Code Podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.