2 days ago
Special Podcast Episode: Menopause & HRT
Welcome to this heartwarming edition of our radio show, where we’re diving deep into Menopause & HRT. With me are some incredible guests: Fiona Catchpowle, Ailsa Petchey from our "Menopause Gang," and clinician Gitana Paskauskiene. This episode is filled with insights, laughter, and a special message—so keep listening!
And on a joyful note, Happy Birthday to Imogen Congdon on October 24th—sharing her special day with me! We’re thrilled to celebrate and send love to all our listeners, especially in these challenging times. Big hugs and endless support to each of you!
Exciting News & Events
• 17th October: What an incredible event! Thank you to everyone who joined us there.
• 20th November: Get ready for our festive Christmas at the gorgeous Dorothy & Marshall restaurant! Mark your calendars for Secret Santa fun and all the holiday cheer.
• 22nd January: We’re thrilled to launch a new group in Amersham & Chesham with the lovely Sheena King. Stay tuned for updates on our growing network of supportive members!
Meet Our Guests
Gitana Paskauskiene – Menopause Specialist and Clinician I’m Gitana, a menopause nurse practitioner and mum of two. With over 20 years in the NHS, my mission is to empower every woman with the knowledge to manage menopause confidently. I’m passionate about providing a relaxed, supportive environment where women can understand the health risks of untreated menopause and explore the best treatment options. I also run a private menopause clinic and am delighted to be part of this show during Menopause Awareness Month.
Fiona Catchpowle – Menopause Doula and Health Advocate Meet Fiona, our vibrant Menopause Doula and Menstrual Health Advocate! With her joyful laughter and infectious enthusiasm, Fiona champions menstrual health as the "5th Vital Sign." She’s a devoted grandma, science lover, and brings years of wisdoum and humour to support women at every life stage.
Ailsa Petchey – Wellness Coach and Author
Ailsa brings over 30 years of experience in health and wellness, supporting women through hormonal changes. She’s a Pilates instructor, menopause coach, and author of Don’t Sweat It! Manage Your Menopause in 21 Days. Ailsa is passionate about empowering women, offering workshops, and even a menopause walking group to help you along your midlife journey.
Questions from Our Listeners
Thank you to all the listeners who sent in these fantastic questions! Here are just a few:
• Jane from Orpington: “How do I know if I’m perimenopausal or menopausal? The terms are confusing.”
• Kate from Maidstone: “I asked my doctor about HRT, but they asked me which type I wanted. Isn’t it their job to know?”
• Candi from Trowbridge: “Menopause sounds scary. What can I do to prepare?”
• Sarah from Torquay: “I’ve tried HRT and exercise, but I still have symptoms.
What else can I do?” In reply to G Gitana …. - Fiona how your interest in women's health began?
What inspired her to focus on this area?”
My interest in holistic health and well-being comes from my longstanding interest in Human Biology. I'm 57 now, so that would be nearly 40 years!
When I completed my diploma in Applied Biology in Surrey, rather than stay on and do more study I decided to enter into the world of employment but couldn't find anything that suited me. I then decided to re-train as a Beauty therapist, with a special interest in massage therapy, and also took post-graduate studies in reflexology and aromatherapy. Shortly after I trained as a lecturer and gained my post-16 cert ed qualification. Since then I have taught all kinds of holistic therapy classes and also A-level biology in Spain to international students. I kept my hand in on the holistic side of things and took my massage couch to Spain with me. Having worked hands-on with women for 30 years when I recognized perimenopause in myself, I realized I had never learned about it, never taught menstrual health and also realised there was no one you could just book in with and say, 'bugger me this perimenopause is a bit tough, can you give me hand as I can't see the wood for the trees'.
Menstrual health is not covered under any clinical specialty. You don't ring your GP up and say I started my period, or I have really bad period pain. You are expected to manage on your own.
The same happens with perimenopause. So I have made it my mission to create as many touch points in the lives of menstruators where they can learn about and obtain safe, sensible and supportive advice about menstrual health across life stages.
Since then I have trained over 200 people to be menstrual health informed, including doctors and nurses, plus NHS health coaches and social prescribers.
I don't see it as women's health care. I see it as educating all people about their own biology, so they can make informed choices. Using the phrase women's health care is very outdated. It excludes and alienates people of all genders, when we should be focusing on intersectionality. I prefer menstruator and co-menstruator.
These are questions many women are navigating, and we’re here to provide real answers and support. A big thank you to Fiona, Ailsa, and Gitana, our incredible guests, and all of you who tuned in. See you next week, same time, with special guest Sheena King of the new group - 1230 TWC Amersham & Chesham. Until then, stay informed, stay connected, and remember, we’re here for you every step of the way! Take care…, same time, same place
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