The JOY of Menopause

The Power of Language Why words like "joy" matter when discussing menopause The jar exercise: How language literally changes outcomes Why "menopause" + "symptoms" do not belong in the same sentence OR at the very least, require a deeper understanding Script Tips™️ for preparing for your health appointment and Shirley's proven "G.A.P. + S.P.E.A.K." framework (if you can Becoming Your Best Health Advocate Women continue to be dismissed and that's not ok for us, or the next generation! How to prepare for healthcare conversations effectively The importance of stating your health goals clearly Understanding what you DESERVE from your health--as well as your healthcare team Generational Shifts in Women's Health How information access has changed (and complicated) the conversation What's different for Gen Z versus previous generations The mixed blessing of online health information Breaking inherited narratives about aging and menopause Personal Stories Keira's "Joy" tattoo honoring her grandmother  Shirley's mother Joyce and the undiagnosed/untreated UTI-dementia connection Keira's PCOS diagnosis and journey to advocacy The "Love Letter to My Period" project Why removing stigma starts with honest conversation Practical Takeaways The GAP-and-SPEAK acronym for doctor appointments How to articulate symptoms AND, most importantly, impact to quality of life The importance of preparing for healthcare visits Why we need to stop tolerating things that impact our quality of life + share what we learn with (minimum) 3 other people: someone older, someone younger and a peer/friend/sister/colleague TIMESTAMPS (Select key moments) 00:00 - Introduction: Why this conversation? 04:30 - Keira's JOY tattoo story 06:45 - The jar exercise: How language shapes outcomes 15:00 - Why women leave doctor appointments disappointed 28:00 - The confusion of online health information 40:00 - Keira's PCOS journey and period advocacy 47:00 - The jar of 50+ goals for women's health before Shirley dies 50:00 - What gives us hope QUOTES TO REMEMBER "I deserve to feel amazing." "Quality health information is competing with other health brands online - we're competing with the news and big brands like Four Seasons, Ford, Coca-Cola. We're ALL part of the attention economy, and only confident, informed consumers can decide what is meant for them." "Women deserve quality information. They deserve quality explanations." "Confidence is a decision that I'm making today." RESOURCES MENTIONED The "In Her Words" study (BC Women's Health Foundation) GAP-and-SPEAK framework for doctor appointments (Menopause Chicks MenopauseChicksCommunity.com Join the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:👉 MenopauseCommunity.comThis is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change. ABOUT THE HOSTShirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.