Effin Hormones

We can't quite believe it - but - the time has come, the end is near....It's time to say bye bye to Effin Hormones! Emma, Helen, Terri and Beena have a good old catch up about everything they've learnt about perimenopause, menopause and the power of talking about your Effin Hormones to your pals. Thanks if you've listened, love you lots gang!

"You'll never be younger or hotter than you are right now" Emma and Helen have a catch up with the slightly filthy and absolutely hilarious bestselling author, Marnie Riches. Marnie's out the other side of perimenopause and shares her thoughts on aging, health and relationships. Plus Emma and Helen reflect on the upcoming end of Effin' Hormones, with some heartfelt moments and of course - lots of laughter.

“I'll have a party when I've made it through!"Sue Devaney AKA Debbie Webster from Coronation Street, has ALWAYS been upfront about menopause. She was one of our first ever guests on Effin Hormones and was incredibly frank - and quite frankly inspirational about the difficulties she faced and how she got through it.  Sue has some really lovely news, which we couldn’t wait to update you about, plus there’s some motivational chat from Sue about where she’s at on her menopause journey right now.  This episode is all about menopause, mental health - and love!

Emma Goswell and her mates Helen and Beena (sadly without Terri) are back for a good old catch up. The gang tackle the media frenzy around menopause, share personal health scares, and explore alternative therapies like Reiki and gong baths. It’s all about the importance of prioritising one's health, the controversy surrounding HRT, and the power of sound healing—all with a healthy dose of humour and empathy. Connect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter 

"When you can see the cycle of life, everything changes"Hazel Showell is a business psychologist and coach, who has turned her personal struggles into a source of strength for others. She helps top executives learn to be happier. You might not be surprised to hear that she’s helped a fair few women at the height of their careers, to recognise that they might be going through #perimenopause and #menopause! In her own life, Hazel has experienced endometriosis; infertility, surgical menopause and a brain tumour.  Quite frankly - she wasn’t expected to still be here.  The fact that she is, is testament to her incredible resilience. Helen, Terri and Emma learn how integrating pain can help cope with the inevitable ups and downs of life, and how to accept life’s transitions in a way that makes you stronger.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking courage and clarity in the face of adversity.Connect with Hazel: WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter 

“Don’t accept it’s over, because it’s really not!” DJ Paulette has spun records and societal expectations into a legacy of empowerment and beats.  If you’ve ever been a clubber, you’ll know that the dance floor can be the background to personal, societal and cultural revolutions. DJ Paulette is testament to that, as a true pioneer of the Manchester music scene.  She started her career in early 90s Manchester, against the backdrop of Section 28, the AIDS crisis, and the Poll Tax riots. One of the Hacienda’s first female DJs, she catapulted to global superstar status, living and performing in countries the world over. Her memoir, "Welcome to the Club," is not just about the beats behind the decks but the beats of a heart navigating the complexities of race, gender, and the menopause maze. You’ll hear how she’s navigated the trials and tribulations of peri and menopause for over 15 years whilst maintaining her status as queen of the dancefloor.  Plus join in with the Effin Hormones gang as they pledge to move from “raving” to “grey-ving”! Connect with DJ Paulette:WebsiteXInstagramFacebookThreadsThis episode was recorded at Reform Radio in Manchester. Reform Radio is a social enterprise that supports young people into work through the power of radio. If you'd like to show them some support do check out their Kofi! https://ko-fi.com/reformradioThanks to Jamie our lovely engineer. Connect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter 

“We’d be sitting around the dining table having a sweat!”Happy International Men’s Day! Effin Hormones is celebrating with a candid, poignant - and of course funny - conversation with the one and only Richard Goswell - Emma’s Dad! Richard Goswell experienced symptoms that many menopausal women know about: severe hot flushes, night sweats and depression, due to having treatment for prostate cancer.  What was that like for him, and has that experience given him more insight into what it’s like to experience menopause? Richard opens up for Emma and the gang. He also shares how attitudes towards menopause have changed throughout his lifetime.  Connect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter 

Dr Stacy Sims is an internationally renowned exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist, specialising in sex differences. Her TED Talk, Women are not small men, explains why it’s so important for women to train around their cycle. Stacy’s pioneering work is all about how hormones impact our bodies during the menstruating phase of life, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. You’d be amazed - or maybe you won’t - at the lack of medical research that’s gone on down the years on women’s bodies.  That’s had a big impact on our understanding of how women’s bodies work.  Drawing from extensive research, Stacy will provide you with tailored guidance on exercise, nutrition and HRT optimised for perimenopausal and menopausal hormonal fluctuations. Her science-backed insights will revolutionise your approach to strength, HIIT, gut health and more.Connect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter 

Dr Liz O’Riordan is a breast cancer surgeon who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2015 aged 40. She started blogging about her experiences of being both doctor and patient, went on to give a TED talk and wrote the ‘The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer’ – all with the aim of helping other patients.  All of this led to her being ­nominated for a ‘Woman of the Year’ award in 2016. After her cancer returned in 2018 she famously dressed as Mrs Incredible for her final radiotherapy treatment! She really is an inspiration. This summer in 2023, her breast cancer returned a third time – just as her memoir 'Under The Knife' was being published.She’s working with the brilliant charity Maggie's on their menopause and cancer campaign.  In this episode, you'll hear about the support that Maggie's are offering when it comes to the menopause symptoms that cancer treatment can bring. Connect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter 

'light your candle with knowledge and light it on further'Dr Nighat Arif is a powerhouse when it comes to raising awareness and busting taboos around women’s health.  She’s a GP, who specialises in women’s health and family planning and she’s a medical educator too.  If you’re based in the UK you’ll have seen her on the TV. Dr Nighat is the resident doctor on BBC Breakfast TV and ITV’s ‘This Morning’.  She’s got her own radio show on BBC Three Counties radio. She does brilliant reels on instagram and tik tok, making women’s health really easy to understand. Her book “The Knowledge” is EVERYTHING you need to know about women’s health from menstruation to menopause - prepare to be enlightened and inspired! Connect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter 

"Sexuality is our life force energy"Dr Claire Macaulay is an Oncology Doctor, who also helps peri and menopausal women have the sex lives they want. Her dual career came about after one of her breast cancer patients told her that she didn't know which was worse - the fact that she was going to die of cancer one day or the fact that she couldn't have sex with her husband. Cancer patients can experience menopause as part of their treatment. Those menopausal symptoms can have a huge impact on people's ability to have sex.Claire realised that her patients really needed support and The Pleasure Possibility was born. She works with women who are in the perimenopausal or menopausal phase of life, whether naturally occurring or due to medical treatment.Hands up - the Effin Hormones gang were a bit nervous talking about this at the start... But Claire is massively down to earth, incredibly knowledgable and funny too. She really does break down some barriers and make this issue OK to talk about. You'll learn a LOT! Claire mentions a meditation, which you can access here: I want meditation Connect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter Connect with Claire: Website Mentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

"If one person feels heard, then that's important."Meera Bhogal is a menopause expert, personal trainer and fitness coach, who runs the platform Meera’s Made from Scratch, which includes training plans, clubs, and support with health, nutrition and exercise. Meera’s passionate about raising awareness of menopause, particularly with South Asian women. She has also spoken to people at Sikh Gurdwaras - helping to break down taboos about menopause in South Asian communities.  She’s even been to parliament to talk about it.  If you bought Dr Louise Newson’s latest book, The Definitive Guide to Perimenopause and Menopause, then you’ll have read about Meera, as she contributed to that too.  Do you want to take part in a research study about menopause? Meera mentions this global research study: The Menopause Millionand Terri mentioned this report on average ages in menopause in The Journal of Midlife HealthCheck out Meera’s Menopause Symposium, which is happening on 01.07.23! Connect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter Connect with Meera: Website Instagram Mentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

Why can't we get hold of #HRT? What protection do you have at work if you're off due to #menopause or #perimenopause symptoms? And -who's looking out for our interests? The gang get back together for a big old catch up about the politics of menopause. Hearing from campaigners like Carol Vorderman, Kate Muir, Carolyn Harris MP and Mariella Frostrup. Connect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter  Mentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better Help What's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

'Don't put yourself at the bottom of the pile'Sam Walker has wise words for you if you've been struggling through perimenopause and menopause.  Sam is an award winning broadcaster; podcaster and author. She worked on national radio in the UK, before upping sticks and moving to - Phoenix Arizona! Her award winning podcast Desert Diaries tells you the story. She’s now an audio consultant and podcaster.Emma and Helen hear Sam's perimenopause story, which was incredibly tough for her at times. Remember, if you're struggling, and you're in the UK and Ireland, the Samaritans number is 116 123. They’re always there, day or night. In the rest of the world please do look up your local mental health number. Sam got through it, thanks to HRT and has regained her health and her sanity. In fact, she's about to run the London Marathon! She's raising money for Breast Cancer Now and would be incredibly grateful for any support.  Donate by clicking on this link, or you can find out more on Sam's instagram. Connect with Effin Hormones, a podcast about perimenopause and beyondWebsiteInstagramTwitter Connect with Sam Walker: TwitterInstagram Mentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

"If a dinner lady from Swansea can make changes, anyone can."Carolyn Harris MP has been a dinner lady and a barmaid. Nowadays - she's an MP who's been doing INCREDIBLE work as the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause. If you're getting HRT on prescription in England, it's thanks to Carolyn that you're going to be able to pay for your prescription yearly. That means you're going to save a lot of money.  Carolyn breaks a LOT of the stereotypes of what you might expect an MP to be like. She's happy to have a good swear with the Effin Hormones gang; she dyes her hair all kinds of different colours - and most importantly she gets things done, with cross party support. She's as far away from a career politician as you can possibly imagine, but as she says, she's not doing anything that other people can't do.  The Effin Hormones gang get inspired to keep on raising awareness and influencing government policy. Hopefully you'll feel inspired too. Connect with Effin Hormones. A perimenopause podcast.WebsiteFacebook GroupInstagramTwitterMentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

Without Louise Minchin, there would be no Effin Hormones! Louise is a TV presenter, journalist and author. She's well known in the UK for being one of the presenters of BBC Breakfast, a job she’d had for years until announcing her departure in 2021. Louise was holding down that high profile job while going through perimenopause. At the time, she kept asking the production team to cover menopause - because she knew it would get a big response from viewers. In the end, her producer decided to cover it - for a whole week! Louise told her story as a part of it. Louise's openness had a huge impact on both the audience - and producer Helen, who came up with the idea for Effin Hormones after seeing the impact that BBC Breakfast’s Menopause Week was having. You'll hear all about that, plus you'll find out why Louise is so passionate that women experiencing menopause get the right information and support. Hopefully you'll also get some inspiration on taking up sport too. Louise credits her new passion with getting her through some trying times. Connect with Effin Hormones. A perimenopause podcast.WebsiteFacebook GroupInstagramTwitterConnect with Louise MinchinInstagramTwitter

Sarah Graham is an award winning health writer, whose book 'Rebel Bodies', is a manifesto for change when it comes to women's health. Find out why it's not all in your head, in this bonus Effin Hormones episode!

Has Emma solved her hot flushes with HRT? Has Helen finally worked out whether she's perimenopausal or not?!The gang have a couple of updates for you. Seeing as it's the start of a new year, Emma, Helen, Beena and Terri also put the world to rights and discuss what more needs to be done to improve menopause and perimenopause care for all. Connect with Effin Hormones. A perimenopause podcast.WebsiteFacebook GroupInstagramTwitter

Sharon and her husband JB are the first couple to chat to the Effin Hormones gang! What a brilliant couple they are too. They’re both very much in love, and a right laugh to hang out with. So - how did they cope when menopause hit Sharon like a ton of bricks? Sharon and JB discuss the impact menopausal symptoms have had on Sharon's career, her mental health and their relationship.  They also share some great tips on how to communicate with each other through what can be an incredibly challenging and frightening time.  They’ve managed to get through it together with their shared interests and a cracking sense of humour.  Connect with Effin Hormones. A perimenopause podcast.WebsiteFacebook GroupInstagramTwitter

"Companies collaborate in the menopause space to make a difference"Sally Mueller and Michelle Jacobs are the co-founders of Womaness - a new brand covering the menopause market in the United States. They've worked for huge US brands like Target, Pfizer and the shopping TV network HSN. But as Sally asks, "Why was I creating all these brands for millennials? Why am I not tackling this space for women like me?" They’re on a mission to spread some - as they call it - 'menopositivity' into the world.Plus, the Effin Hormones gang discuss the importance of checking your boobs and bits, to keep yourself healthy. Here are a couple of links to help with that: NHS: How to check my breastsCoppa FeelConnect with Effin Hormones. A perimenopause podcastWebsiteFacebook GroupInstagramTwitter

"Everyone should be able to get their hormones back on the NHS shouldn't they?"Dr Louise Newson is the UK's leading voice on menopause and perimenopause. Seven years ago, she set up a private clinic because she'd heard from so many women who were being offered antidepressants for their menopause, instead of HRT. Louise hadn't wanted to go down the private route - she had found that was her only option. Her aim, at first, was to be able to help a few people, but word spread and now her clinics see over 4000 women a month. Since then, she's set up the Balance website and app, specifically to help women who can't afford to go private, and she's set up The Menopause Charity, which is all about working with healthcare professionals and individuals, to help them through menopause too. The Effin Hormones gang discover what prompted Louise to campaign so passionately for an evidence based approach to the treatment of menopause, and how she managed to miss her own symptoms! Louise also answers questions from Effin Hormones listeners. You'll learn a heck of a lot in this episode, and hopefully find some inspiration too. Louise cites some research papers, which you can access here:Back to the future: Hormone replacement therapy as part of a prevention strategy for women at the onset of menopause Menopause and cardiovascular disease Menopausal hormone therapy: why we should no longer be afraid of the breast cancer risk

Chin chin from all the gang as we celebrate our win at the British Podcast Awards 2022! Effin Hormones won GOLD for the Best Wellbeing Podcast in those awards, so join the gang as we chink chink to our success - with prosecco, nosecco and.........a cup of tea. You'll hear what it's been like for Emma as a new mum, plus we give an update on the government's plans for women's and girls' health over the next ten years, with the Women's Health Strategy for England.

Yeah baby - we are gold! We've won Best Well-being in the British Podcast Awards! Here's a little message of thanks from Producer, Helen x

We’ve got some news!

It's the end of series 2, and in this episode you're going to hear some FABULOUS news from our host Emma! This episode is also all about representation. One of the reasons why we decided to start this podcast about #perimenopause and beyond, was because we hadn't felt represented. There's been a stereotypical image of the menopausal woman in the past, that just didn't fit with us.There are plenty more people who are experiencing this, who aren't often represented too. This #LGBTHistoryMonth, you'll hear a couple of stories from people who don't always get represented, and they need to be. Tania Glyde set up @queermenopause and has carried out research into the queer menopause experience. You'll also hear from Hendrix, a trans man who experienced male puberty and menopause at the same time. Connect with Effin Hormones. A perimenopause podcastWebsiteFacebook GroupInstagramTwitterConnect with Queer Menopause: Website InstagramMentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

Kate Muir is the journalist who brought you the TV documentary "Davina McCall: Sex Myths and the Menopause", in summer 2021. That TV programme had a huge impact on breaking down taboos when it came to talking about menopause and perimenopause.Kate and the Effin Hormones gang discuss that documentary, her next documentary with Davina McCall, and her new book, which is called "Everything You Need To Know About Menopause (But Were Too Frightened To Ask!)". Plus you'll get to find out exactly why Granny Orcas really are badass. Connect with Effin Hormones! A perimenopause podcastWebsiteFacebook GroupInstagramTwitterConnect with Kate Muir: Website InstagramTwitterMentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

Sync Your Cycle"I put my children's needs before mine. I realised to keep them healthy, I needed to keep me healthy" Jem Brooks is a personal trainer who works with women in mid-life, to help them get back their spark. Did you know, that tracking our cycle is key, when it comes to exercising effectively? Jem can tell you all about that Plus - you'll hear all about the best ways to exercise in mid life - and during perimenopause and menopause - with to how to get fit in your 40's and 50's. Connect with Effin Hormones! A perimenopause podcastWebsiteFacebook GroupInstagramTwitterMentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

"You're not on your own. It's nothing to be ashamed of." The Effin Hormones gang have had the actor Sue Devaney's words in their minds throughout this whole first series of the podcast about perimenopause and beyond. Sue's story - and everything she's triumphed over - is the starting point for a look back at some of the key lessons Emma, Helen, Beena and Terri, have learnt this year. You'll hear from the the amazing women who’ve been speaking out about menopause in 2021.  You’ll get to hear about the progress that’s been made in training GP’s; and you’ll also get a sneak peek of an interview with Kate Muir, the journalist who brought you THAT documentary, "Davina McCall: Sex Myths and the Menopause" Featuring; Totes Inappropes, Sue Devaney, Sam Simister and Heather Jackson from Gen M, Colette Walsh, Karen Arthur, Marnie Riches, Carmel Cardona and Kate Muir. Effin Socials:WebsiteFacebookInstagram Twitter

If you thought the Effin Hormones gang were always on point, then think again! It's often chaos. Beautiful chaos though, and if you think about it, that's quite a reflection of life with peri menopause and menopause too. Embrace the chaos that's what we say! In this special pre Christmas episode, you'll hear the gang mucking up, corpsing and getting the giggles. You'll hear some more NSFW conversation with the incorrigible Marnie Riches, who cracked us all up a couple of episodes ago!

"I love my body. Look what it's done, what it's got through! I'm so proud of it."Carmel Cardona can teach you a LOT about how to get through some of the curveballs that can end up your way at this time of life.  She's a resilience coach, and the founder of "Stitch Your Parachute" - an organisation that works with people and organisations through change and difficult times. Carmel herself experienced surgical menopause in her 30s, due to treatment for cancer. In this episode you'll hear how Carmel has managed to reclaim her sense of self after having treatment that changed her body completely. You'll hear about the impact that cancer treatments can have on libido, and how important it is that both the medical establishment and people experiencing this, feel able to talk about that. You'll also hear about what Carmel has learnt about resilience during her treatment, and how she's managed to carve out a new career for herself since then. We think she's fabulous!Connect with Effin Hormones! The perimenopause podcast:WebsiteFacebook GroupInstagramTwitterConnect with Carmel and Stitch Your Parachute: Carmel: Instagram Twitter Stitch Your Parachute: Instagram Twitter Mentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

"I'm not bothered about cellulite on my bingo wings...We're finally at a stage where we've accumulated all this wisdom"Marnie Riches is an award winning writer and tutor in the written word. She writes crime novels featuring cool, kickass women. She's very wise; very filthy, very sweary and VERY funny! Join Effin Hormones' host, Emma Goswell and the gang Helen Brown , Beena Khetani , and Terri Sweeney , as they find out from Marnie what it was like growing up in a very working class household in Manchester. She describes her late mum Jess, as an "alpha little fighter", so you'll hear what impact perimenopause and menopause had on her - and why that was an incendiary combination with the local gangs. Marnie also has a lot to say about some of the more positive things that happen as you get older. Connect with Effin Hormones! The perimenopause podcast:WebsiteFacebook GroupInstagramTwitterConnect with Marnie:WebsiteInstagramTwitterMentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

"I feel like I've got a private drug dealer! I got a higher dosage of oestrogen.And then I said, maybe I should try some testosterone as well? She said, okay."The Effin Hormones gang returns to talk perimenopause and menopause - with no taboos! Join host Emma Goswell  as she's joined by pals Helen Brown , Beena Khetani and Terri Sweeney  for more sweary, sweaty and supportive chat about peri and meno.Has Emma managed to get any sleep? Do Helen or Beena have any clue what's going on, or have they completely succumbed to brain fog? and - is Terri still insisting on having Enya on the Effin Hormones Spotify playlist?! Find out in this episode, the start of a new series, full of information and fun with a slight tinge of chaos... much like mid life itself. Connect with Effin Hormones! WebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebookMentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

"I'm sitting at my kitchen table, hot flushing...traumatised.”Karen Arthur began speaking out about her health and wellbeing after the murder of George Floyd in summer 2020.  She'd been struggling with all kinds of menopausal symptoms and was traumatised by the news.  As the Black Lives Matter movement grew, it led Karen to ask,‘How are other Black menopausal women coping with seeing people who look like me, being killed? How are they coping with that on top of menopausal symptoms and Covid?’So - Karen started her own podcast, Menopause Whilst Black. It's a wise, supportive, illuminating series. The Effin Hormones gang love it. Listen to Karen discuss her career as a fashion designer and how she recovered from a breakdown - or ‘breakthrough’ as she now views it.  We also discuss Karen’s contribution to 'Sex Myths and the Menopause', the recent Channel 4 documentary presented by Davina McCall which has helped ignite the peri- and menopause conversation in the UK.It's the final episode in this first series - thanks for listening! The Effin Hormones gang will be back! Connect with Effin Hormones! WebsiteInstagramTwitterMentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

'We should be able to access hormones over the counter'! "It should be as simple as a quick appointment with the GP, collect your prescription and start your hormone replenishment programme, as I call it."Collette Walsh is a journalist who specialises in women's issues, she’s also trained in holistic therapy, yoga and IFS psychotherapy.  She's got a lot to say about a woman's right to choose when it comes to treatment for peri and menopause. You'll hear about Collette's experiences of accessing HRT abroad, and what she thinks about the rise of so called "meno power" Plus you'll hear about the incredible affect testosterone has had on her strength, her mood, and - yes her libido! Connect with Effin Hormones! WebsiteInstagramTwitterMentioned in this episode:Effin Hormones is sponsored by Better HelpWhat's Better Help, we hear you cry?! It’s online therapy. Better Help matches you to one of 32 thousand licensed therapists, based on your location and your preferences. You can then access therapy from your laptop or your phone Effin Hormones listeners get 10% off their first month by heading to: betterhelp.com/effinhormones

Why is it so hard to find the products you need to help with peri menopause? Heather Jackson and Sam Simister are both hugely successful women, who had big plans for their 50's. Instead, perimenopause hit them both like a truck. Shocked at the lack of signposting from brands, they set up Gen M, a website bringing together the best of the menopause in one place, to help time pressed people find what they need.

The actor Sue Devaney has starred in some of the UK's biggest TV shows, from Casualty and Dinnerladies, to Coronation Street. But when peri menopause hit, she had to stop everything. Sue's really come through it, but she's come out the other side and has a wise, positive and inspirational story to tell you. The Effin Hormones gang also get the lowdown on collagen and find out what you can do to get the spring in your skin back. Connect with Effin Hormones! WebsiteInstagramTwitter

Remember those days when you went out for drinks with friends after work? That was the Effin Hormones gang.Fast forward ten years and one of them is a mum; two of them have dogs that wake them up stupidly early – and they're all waaaay too old and knackered to be heading out to bars on a school night.When perimenopause hit – NONE of them had heard of it before.Which is ridiculous right? This is something that happens to SO MANY women. So that’s why they decided to talk about it. A sweary, hot and supportive chat - with jokes - because we all need a laugh at this time of life. It's four strong women, one powerful fan and LOTS of laughter. Enjoy! Connect with Effin Hormones! WebsiteInstagramTwitter

What's the best way to cope with peri menopause? The Effin Hormones gang are big fans of connecting with other people who are going through the same thing.  Swapping stories helps you realise that you haven't made it all up - these symptoms really do exist and other people get them too.Bringing people together to swap stories is just what blogger 'Totes Inappropes' has done too; with her Facebook group for peri menopausal women, called 'Totes Merry Peri". It's got over 20 thousand members, who are all more than happy to have a good swear and a joke about it all too at times. You'll hear how Totes' anger and disappointment after a difficult visit to the doctors, ended up in something really positive, that's helped loads of women. You'll also hear about Totes favourite sport - wironing. You'll have to listen to find out what that is! You'll also hear - loudly - from her pug dog Trevor. Connect with Effin Hormones! WebsiteInstagramTwitterWebsite: https://effinhormones.com/Twitter and Insta: @effinhormones

Struggling with your Effin Hormones? You're in the right place. Emma Goswell, Helen Brown, Beena Khetani and Terri Sweeney are four mates who all hit their 40s and thought "What the HECK is happening to me? And why the HECK didn't anyone tell me about perimenopause? And - how long is this going to take before I finally hit menopause??"So - they're talking about it. A LOT. It's going to be sweary, it's going to be sweaty and it's definitely going to be supportive. And they're going to have as much of a laugh as possible, given that this time of life can be TOUGH. Come and join the gang!