Gut Trouble, No Sleep, Zero Libido? It Might Be Trauma, Not Just Menopause

In this conversation, Jessica Badonsky explores the intricate relationship between menopause, childhood trauma, and overall health. She discusses how adverse childhood experiences (ACE) can significantly impact women's experiences during menopause, leading to heightened symptoms and challenges. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding one's ACE score and its implications for health, as well as the need for trauma-informed care. Jessica also touches on the complexities of sexuality in midlife, challenging the narrative that midlife women are universally experiencing a sexual renaissance. The conversation concludes with practical steps for managing menopause and supporting one's nervous system.TakeawaysMenopause is a series of distractions that can be overwhelming.Understanding ACE scores can provide insight into health risks.Childhood trauma can significantly affect menopause experiences.Women with higher ACE scores report more severe menopause symptoms.The nervous system plays a crucial role in managing stress and health.Caring for oneself is an act of self-preservation and resistance.Menopause is not just a hormonal issue; it's about overall well-being.Sexuality in midlife is complex and varies greatly among women.Support for the nervous system can improve menopause symptoms.Conversations about menopause should be open and inclusive."Your body becomes wired and tired.""Menopause is not just about estrogen.""Support your nervous system."Sound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Menopause and Wellness02:53Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma05:52The ACE Score and Its Relevance08:55Trauma-Informed Care in Menopause11:35Exploring the Connection Between ACE Scores and Menopause Symptoms14:32Racial and Contextual Factors in Menopause17:32Sexual Health and Menopause17:54Critique of Popular Narratives on Midlife Sexuality18:47Understanding Sexual Dysfunction in Midlife Women21:40Practical Steps for Managing Menopause24:13Conclusion and Future ConversationsRESOURCES:ACE ToolDisord Invite TheMenopauseAnarchist The Radical Pause Salon where we can create a space together. Felitti, V. J., et al. (1998).Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258.DOI: 10.1016/S0749-3797(98)00017-8DREAMS Study (Mayo Clinic, 2015–2016).Data Registry of Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality.Referenced in: Faubion, S. S., et al. (2021). Association of Traumatic Experiences With Menopause Symptoms and Quality of Life.Menopause, 28(4), 430–437.DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001721Saadedine, D., et al. (2023).Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sexual Dysfunction in Midlife Women: Is There a Link?The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(9), 101258.DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad053Mosconi, L. (2023).The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence.Publisher: Avery / Penguin Random House.New York Times Magazine (2023).Why Gen X Women Are Having the Best Sex of Their Lives.Author: Susan Dominus. Published: July 12, 2023.Link: nytimes.com (Search article title for access; may be paywalled.)Lorde, A. (1988).A Burst of Light: Essays.Quote referenced: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”