HRT, Burnout, Brain Fog: Menopause Support Strategies That Actually Help

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Sarah — a former gardener turned academic turned menopause coach — for an honest and inspiring conversation about burnout, brain fog, and finding your way through menopause while doing a PhD.Together, they explore how nature and the outdoors can be a powerful tool for managing menopause symptoms, and why giving women agency — through workplace menopause plans and access to outdoor spaces — can be truly transformative. Sarah shares her deeply personal journey through perimenopause, loss, and exhaustion, and how all of it ultimately led her to train as a menopause coach with Women of a Certain Stage.They also dig into the real difference between academic study and coach training, why authenticity matters when building your coaching practice, and how small, considered steps — not big dramatic leaps — are often the most powerful way forward.And yes — there's a moment early on involving an ironing board and some kitchen utensils that perfectly captures the spirit of getting the work done, whatever it takes.00:00 Introduction & Behind-the-Scenes Chaos01:12 Sarah's Background: From Gardener to PhD02:17 Experiencing Menopause During Academic Study03:25 The Woman Who Worked Outside — and Why It Stuck04:30 Discovering Menopause Coaching as a Career05:16 Why Sarah Chose Women of a Certain Stage06:38 Taking Time to Be Ready: No Pressure, No Rush07:57 The Decision-Making Journey08:52 Burnout, Grief & Mental Bandwidth10:00 Comparing PhD Study with the Menopause Coach Diploma13:08 Advice for Anyone Sitting on the Fence15:04 Flexibility, Autonomy & Reaching More People15:28 What's Next: Website, LinkedIn & Getting Out There16:19 Showing Up Authentically in Your Practice17:28 Johari's Window & Self-Awareness in Coaching18:27 Brain Fog, the Woods & Talking to Yourself Like a Coach19:49 Working with Businesses: Outdoor Menopause Plans & Legislation20:41 The Science Behind Nature & MenopauseMeet your host Lauren ChirenLauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.About Women of a Certain StageWe are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them.Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/Connect with LaurenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren