Scents & Making Sense of Menopause

Send us Fan MailRecording outdoors in Glenelg (with a few distractions, dogs, babies and all), we dive into a topic we keep coming back to, fragrance.From that moment when perfume hits the back of your throat, to public toilets that feel like a full chemical assault, we’re talking about how scent isn’t just a preference, it’s something we’re often exposed to without a choice. A bit like secondhand smoke.We unpack what’s actually hiding behind the word “fragrance” or “parfum”, and why it can be hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including hormone-disrupting compounds. It’s not just perfume either, it’s in cleaning products, candles, skincare, tissues, air fresheners, basically everywhere.We also talk about how sensitivity can shift over time, especially during perimenopause and menopause, and why that might not be a bad thing.This leads into a bigger conversation around menopause itself. What if it’s not something to fix, but a natural transition into a new phase of life? One where women step into more clarity, stronger boundaries, and the role of the “wise woman”.We chat about the pressure to mask symptoms, the rise of HRT (and why it works for some but isn’t the only option), and the importance of actually supporting the body instead of overriding it.There are also plenty of practical ideas, from simple natural cleaning swaps to creating your own home scents without the chemical load, and how small changes can make a big difference over time.As always, we’re not about perfection. Just awareness, options, and having real conversations.What we cover:00:00 Outdoor setup in Glenelg 00:49 Why fragrance hits so hard 01:31 Sensitivity, tolerance and exposure 05:03 What’s really in “fragrance” 05:59 Public toilets and air fresheners 06:49 How scent is everywhere 07:19 Candles, diffusers and alternatives 08:12 Greenwashing and making better choices 09:56 DIY natural home scents 14:11 Incense and car fresheners 16:30 Natural perfume options 17:01 Essential oils and simple swaps 17:26 Natural cleaning ideas 19:06 Fragrance and hormones 19:32 Rethinking menopause 23:04 HRT, nuance and personal choice 25:19 Supporting your body naturally 29:14 Where did the village go? 31:39 Mentorship and wise women 32:45 Herbal support and tea blends 33:55 Final thoughts Support the showLaughing with us? Learning with us? You can support the show.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2490371/supportCatch Tina in the OmMade Wellness Hub for all things natural skincare, herbal teas and natural health. https://www.instagram.com/ommadewellnesshub/See what Lauren is up to at Eco Play Therapyhttps://www.instagram.com/ecoplaytherapy/Let Cassie Concierge your life at Soluna Concierge. https://www.instagram.com/soluna_concierge/