Understanding Pelvic Health through Menopause with Francoise De Smet

I sit down with women's health practitioner Francoise De Smet to pull back the curtain on a topic far too many of us have been taught to suffer through in silence: pelvic floor dysfunction.  For years, women have been told that leaks and heaviness are just part of aging, but Francoise is here to flip that narrative on its head. We dive deep into the crucial distinction between a weak and a hypertonic pelvic floor, explaining why traditional kegels might actually be making your symptoms worse. By learning to manage internal pressure through lateral breathing and posture, you’ll learn to reconnect with your core and reclaim a sense of strength and function that you might have thought was gone for good. Francoise Reveals Why many pelvic issues, like leaking when sneezing or coughing, are actually caused by a hypertonic or overactive pelvic floor  How hypopressives use lateral breathing and specific postures to manage internal pressure, lifting and restoring the entire core Why internal pressure management is key. When the diaphragm and abdominal walls are tight or dysfunctional, every cough or jump sends pressure downward, forcing the pelvic floor to compensate or fail. Who symptoms like lower back pain, a persistent urge to find a bathroom, or even post-void leaking are often dismissed but can be early indicators of pelvic floor dysfunction or prolapse. BEST MOMENTS "Go and get stronger! It’s a total pressure on women that we've got to be able to handle it all." "Your pelvic floor is sending you signals that your entirety and your nervous system isn't coping. And that is a good opportunity for you to give yourself a little break." “That softness, that pause, and that gentleness is going to be so incredibly impactful." “Collectively there is something wrong, and that is the misinformation that we have. By raising awareness, we can fix it for all of us." EPISODE LINKS Demonstration from episode video https://youtu.be/B_wzsYUB_HM  https://www.hypocore.co.uk  https://www.instagram.com/speakingfrank  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