The Real Deal on Menopause: Debunking Myths and Sharing Real Stories

In this first episode, Michelle shares her personal journey of the challenges she has faced through perimenopause and menopause. She highlights the physical and emotional struggles she faced, including weight gain, skin changes, mood swings, and memory loss. Michelle recounts her transformative moment of discovering the term "perimenopause" and the lack of awareness surrounding it among health professionals. She emphasises the importance of understanding menopause and the various ways women can manage their symptoms, from dietary changes to hormone replacement therapy. With a mission to break the stigma and provide support, Michelle introduces the podcast's format, which will feature expert guests, personal stories, and practical tips to empower women navigating their menopause journey.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Michelle shares her own struggles with perimenopause, including unexpected weight gain, skin changes, mood swings, and memory loss, which led her to seek answers and ultimately discover the term "perimenopause." There is a significant gap in awareness and understanding of perimenopause among health professionals, as the host notes that none of her doctors mentioned it during her years of experiencing symptoms. Research into anti-inflammatory diets revealed that dietary changes can help alleviate menopause symptoms, prompting the host to write a book with accessible recipes and information for women. Michelle emphasises the importance of providing support and education to women experiencing menopause, aiming to break the stigma and myths surrounding it through workshops, online courses, and this podcast. The podcast aims to create a community where women can share their experiences and learn from each other, highlighting that menopause affects everyone, not just those going through it directly. BEST MOMENTS "I had the worst panic attack ever over whether I was going to get the right cereal." "It was like a light bulb moment: it was something natural. But nobody had mentioned it." "I wanted other women to know about these diets that I'd had to research so they could have something that was easy to read with nice, easy recipes to follow." "There's just a lack of understanding and inadequate support in general because there's still such a stigma." HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson  Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a  Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal  My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag  Website www.panaceapause.co.uk