Bendy Menopause: Impacts of Hypermobility on Menopause with Vanessa Weiland

  Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes menopause specialist and nurse practitioner Vanessa Weiland, founder of Phases Clinic and creator of Bendy Menopause, who also has hypermobile EDS and MCAS.   Their conversation covers why hypermobility symptoms can shift with hormonal changes, how perimenopause is driven by fluctuating ovarian hormones, and why blood tests are often unhelpful in perimenopause except in specific situations. They discuss HRT in perimenopause, contraception considerations, benefits and risks of modern hormone therapy (including heart and bone health), and the possible role of testosterone. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of individualized symptom-based care, and notes nuances like MCAS sensitivity and progesterone intolerance.   00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks 00:35 Meet Vanessa Weiland 01:16 Her Menopause Journey 03:53 Discovering hEDS 05:00 Hypermobility Meets Menopause 07:25 Why Symptoms Shift 10:35 Defining Perimenopause 12:48 Do Hormone Tests Help 14:26 HRT in Perimenopause 15:56 Tracking and Advocacy Tips 18:23 HRT Risks and Benefits 21:38 Bones and Brain Fog 24:58 Testosterone Talk 28:25 Avoiding Misinformation 33:36 Progesterone Intolerance 35:15 Where to Find Vanessa 36:02 Final Thanks and Wrap Up