Wise Women Conversations

Soy! Is it good for me or is it bad for me? Join me for this episode as I talk about the benefits and risks of including soy in your diet, especially for women going through menopause. We'll look at the balances between nutritional science, cultural practices, individual health needs, the quality of the product, and a greater understanding of what Soy actually is and what you need to consider for your own personal health. Keen to learn more about how to support your health during the peri-menopause and menopause transitions? Register for my upcoming FREE online 4 Day Secret to Thriving in Menopause Workshop. Starts 20th May!

In this weeks episode of Menopause Conversations I cover Hormone Imbalance. What does it mean? What causes it and what can you do about these imbalances. Education is empowerment so take an active role in managing your menopause journey by becoming educated on hormone imbalances and the natural methods available to support your health. As you finish this episode, catch up on previous episode where I go into Using Seeds to Balance Your Hormones. Find out more by joining my upcoming FREE Menopause Demystified Masterclass. Register via this link.

In this episode I address the question I am often asked, Why do you promote against HRT? The short answer is, I don't. I am pro-choice and believe this should be each individuals choice, not my choice or that of a Dr but yours. It is important to be educated on the risks and benefits when making that choice as some women do need HRT, some simply can not take it, some women try it and it doesn't work for them, others choose not to take it and are looking for an alternative and naturopathic approach. This is where my scope of practice lies. Join me for the next 20 minutes as I dig deeper into the topic of HRT and in the context of what is actually happening to your body during this stage of life. I'll offer some information for you to consider to make the right choice for you. If you want to understand more about menopause, I am offering a free Menopause Demystified Masterclass (no sales pitches). You can register here: https://angelacounsel.com/menopause_webinar

In this episode we look into why diets don't work for Meno-Belly and why what used to work for you, has stopped working for you as you go through the menopause transition. The good news? I share a solution of what you can be doing to lose that dreaded meno-belly and continue to be fit and healthy as you move beyond menopause. Let's jump in and be sure to grab your FREE ebook resource at the end. https://angelacounsel.com/understanding_menopause_ebook/

Welcome to Menopause Conversations, in this week’s episode I am delving into the role that your environment plays on your hormones and health.  Let's begin by understanding the role of genes in our menopause experience. Our genetic makeup is what makes us unique individuals. While we all possess specific genes inherited from our parents, it is the environment that determines their activation and expression. Genes act as our body's potential, dictating how it could behave. However, they require external stimulation to be activated or deactivated. For instance, when we exercise, we stimulate specific genes related to muscle strength. Similarly, environmental factors can trigger or suppress certain genes, influencing our health and well-being during menopause. Moving on to nutrition, we discover a fascinating concept: our digestive system is actually external to our bodies. Visualize it as a big hose running through us, with the inside of the hose being external and the outside being internal. When we c

Welcome back to the Menopause Conversations Podcast! In this episode, we are going on a personal journey, sharing of experiences and discoveries in menopause. Get ready to be inspired and empowered as we delve into a story of transformation and importance of personalised health. I, a naturopath, kinesiologist, and personalised health coach, has dedicated my career to women's health and gut health. However, when it came to menopause, I found myseld unprepared and unaware of its true impact. Menopause was not given much attention during my naturopathic studies, and my knowledge was limited to common symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings. It wasn't until I experienced perimenopause firsthand that I understood the complexity of this transitional phase. During perimenopause, I had just given birth to my second child and attributed the physical and emotional changes to the demands of motherhood and a busy clinic. However, as my symptoms persisted and worsened, I began to connect the dots and realised th

In today's episode, we'll be discussing an intriguing topic: intermittent fasting for women in menopause. Menopause brings about various changes in our bodies, and exploring different strategies to support our well-being is essential. So, let's dive into the world of intermittent fasting and its potential benefits and considerations specifically tailored to women in menopause. Definitions Intermittent Fasting: Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and periods of eating. It involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, typically in specific time windows. The fasting periods are longer than the typical overnight fast and can range from several hours to a full day or more. There are various intermittent fasting methods, such as the 16/8 method (16 hours of fasting, 8 hours of eating) or alternate-day fasting, where fasting and non-fasting days alternate. Restricted Time Eating (also known as Time-Restricted Eating): Restricted time eating is a

This week’s episode of the Menopause Conversations Podcast is all about gut health and the role that your gut bacteria plays in balancing your hormones and supporting your brain health as you move through your menopause transition. We will be covering the following topics: 1 – why having a healthy gut is vital for balancing your hormones 2 – the importance of a healthy gut brain connection when it comes to moods and brain function 3 – some simple steps you can take to improve your gut function Let’s start with the role of specific gut bacteria required to balance your hormones. These bacteria are know as your Estrobolome.  The estrobolome refers to a group of bacteria in the gut microbiome that plays a crucial role in activating and regulating estrogen in the body. It influences estrogen metabolism and balance, which can impact various aspects of our health, particularly during menopause.  When the estrobolome is unhealthy or imbalanced, it can contribute to issues such as heavy bleeding, uterine fibroids, br

In this episode, we will address some of the misconceptions surrounding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and offer alternative approaches to navigating the menopause transition. Let's dive in and explore five key points from this episode: HRT is not a cure-all: I've noticed a lot of chatter on social media claiming that HRT is the only way to alleviate menopause symptoms and prevent conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia. However, it's crucial to understand that there is no definitive research supporting these claims. While HRT may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, there are other effective strategies for managing bone health that I discussed in a previous episode. Non-HRT options exist: Many women I speak with are hesitant to take HRT, either due to personal health concerns or simply a preference for alternative methods. I want you to know that there are numerous options available that can help you effectively manage symptoms, lose weight, and thrive during menopause without

In this episode of Menopause Conversations, we shine a spotlight on the crucial role of magnesium during the menopause transition. We will discuss the significance of addressing magnesium deficiency and highlights its benefits in restoring hormonal balance. Here are five key takeaways from the episode: Magnesium deficiency is common: Due to depleted soil, most of our food lacks sufficient magnesium. Coupled with high stress levels, women in perimenopause often experience magnesium deficiency. Supplementing with magnesium is essential for optimal health. Calming the nervous system and stress response: Magnesium plays a vital role in modulating the HPA axis, our stress response system. By ensuring sufficient magnesium levels, we can effectively manage stress and prevent a prolonged stress response, leading to improved overall well-being. Balancing blood sugar levels and insulin: As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, women may become insulin resistant, leading to weight gain and potential health iss

In this episode of Menopause Conversations, Angela addresses the common use of the term "oestrogen deficiency" and why it is misleading in relation to menopause. She highlights several key points that challenge the notion of menopause as a disease and emphasize the importance of understanding the natural process. Here are five key takeaways from the episode: Menopause is not a disease: Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the transition to the end of a woman's reproductive years. It is experienced by all women who have had a period, and it should not be considered a disease or disorder. Menopause is not oestrogen deficiency: While oestrogen levels do drop during and after menopause, it is incorrect to label menopause as oestrogen deficiency. The body naturally lowers oestrogen levels because it is no longer preparing for pregnancy. Oestrogen deficiency implies that there is something wrong with women, which is not the case. Symptoms associated with menopause: Many symptoms t

Welcome to the Menopause Conversations podcast. In today's episode, we'll delve into the fascinating topic of bone health during menopause. We'll explore the common misconceptions surrounding bone density measurements, the significance of osteopenia, the importance of bone strength versus density, and practical strategies to maintain strong and resilient bones as you age. So, let's dive in and unravel the complexities of bone health in menopause. Key Points: Bone Density Measurements: Bone density is commonly measured using a DEXA scan, which provides T-scores and Z-scores. T-scores compare bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old, disregarding age and other factors. Z-scores compare bone density to people of the same age, sex, and ethnic background, providing a more accurate assessment. Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a term used to describe lower bone density that is one to two standard deviations below the average for a healthy 30-year-old. It is not a medical diagnosis but indicates a highe

In this episode of Menopause Conversations, we delve into the topic of menopause and the shame that often surrounds it. As a female podcaster, I understand the importance of open discussions about menopause and aim to empower women through knowledge and support. Let's explore the key points discussed in this episode: Breaking the Silence: Menopause is often considered a taboo subject, leading to a lack of understanding and shame. Many women hesitate to even mention the word "menopause" due to societal stigmas and the fear of being judged. Changing the Narrative: While progress has been made in recent years, there is still lingering shame and misconceptions around menopause. Women's bodies are remarkable, capable of menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. Yet, the very process that allows for these miracles is often shrouded in shame and silence. Taboos Around Periods: The shame associated with menopause can be traced back to the secrecy and taboo surrounding periods. In the past, discu

In this episode, I want to touch on the topic of diet culture and its significant impact on the menopause journey for women. If you're a woman who is anywhere in the middle of the menopause transition (around 40 and above), this episode is especially relevant to you. I personally grew up in the era of low-fat and low-carb diets, where going on various restrictive diets was the norm in an attempt to lose weight. However, what many of us didn't realize is that these dieting practices were actually impacting our experience of the menopause transition. As a podcaster focused on supporting women through this transformative phase, I often receive criticism for seemingly perpetuating the diet culture that pressures women to conform to a certain body image. However, I want to clarify that my program is not about diets. It's about empowering women to reconnect with their bodies, listen to their bodies, and restore hormonal balance by truly understanding how their bodies work and what is best for them. I,

Welcome back to another episode of Menopause Conversations Podcast! Today we're going to delve into the fascinating world of genetics and how it influences your journey through menopause. We'll also explore the concept of epigenetics and why it's crucial, especially as you navigate the various symptoms of menopause. Understanding epigenetics empowers you to take control of your experiences. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's dive right in! In this episode: 1. Unraveling Genetics: We'll start by demystifying genetics and DNA. Genetics refers to your unique DNA sequence, the study of which provides insights into your physical health attributes, such as eye color, hair color, and height. We'll also explore genes associated with specific health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. While genes can predispose you to certain conditions, it doesn't mean you're destined to experience them. We'll debunk the myth that you have no control over your gen

In this episode, Angela shares her recent experience of moving to a new home in regional Queensland and the impact it had on her health. She talks about how the stress of the move caused her body to become imbalanced, resulting in symptoms such as insomnia, body aches, and a weakened immune system. She emphasizes that this experience is common for many women who are dealing with a lot of stress in their lives and not taking care of their health needs. Angela shares that once she was able to address the stress by eating the right foods and getting back into a routine, her symptoms disappeared, and she began to feel great again. She emphasizes that addressing stress is crucial for maintaining women's health and encourages listeners to identify what works best for them in terms of personalized health needs.

Welcome back to this week's episode of Menopause Conversations Podcast. This week's topic is metabolic syndrome, specifically insulin resistance, and its impact on menopause and weight gain. Key messages: · Metabolic syndrome is a medical condition that involves a group of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other health problems · Insulin resistance is a form of metabolic syndrome that can develop over time and has symptoms such as high blood sugar levels, increased hunger, and difficulty losing weight · Insulin is a hormone that helps the body take up glucose from food and store it in cells for energy · When the cells are full, insulin stores the excess glucose as fat, primarily around the waist · Insulin resistance occurs when the body continually puts glucose into the body through food, and insulin has to store it as fat after the cells are full · Low-fat diets and artificial sweeteners can trigger insulin resistance and lead to weight gain · Women

Welcome to this week's episode of Menopause Conversations podcast. In this episode, we discuss the importance of chronobiology and how understanding your personal biorhythm can positively impact your health, especially during menopause. Chronobiology refers to the study of the body's natural rhythms and cycles, including your sleep cycles, eating cycles, and movement cycles. As women, we are highly dependent on cycles, including your menstrual cycles, daily cycles, and seasonal cycles. Your personal biorhythms are essential to your health, and being out of alignment with them can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, sleep disorders, and hormonal imbalances. The host shares her personal story of discovering her natural sleep cycle and how making a simple change to her exercise routine improved her health. She emphasizes that each person is unique and that understanding one's personal biorhythm is crucial to living a healthy life during menopause. Angela also shares the story of one of her c

In this episode, we dive into the topic of menopause and the challenges that women face during this time. Our host shares her own personal journey and experiences with menopause, including symptoms such as hot flushes, joint pain, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping. She also touches on the importance of understanding the concept of bio individuality and how it applies to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Key Points: Our host experienced symptoms of menopause despite eating a healthy diet and taking supplements. She initially tried to lose weight through diets, but realized that diets do not work for everyone, especially during menopause. The concept of bio individuality suggests that every woman's experience of menopause is different, and therefore a generalized approach to diet and lifestyle does not work. The host suggests avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and hot chili foods to help with hot flushes and eating more vegetables to improve overall health. It is important to find an individual solution that w

In this first episode for 2023, we will be discussing Phytoestrogens, a natural way to regulate hormones during menopause. Introduction Welcome to Menopause Conversations for 2023 Introduction to the topic of Phytoestrogens and their role in regulating hormones during menopause Importance of understanding natural ways to manage hormones during menopause What are Phytoestrogens? Definition: compounds found in certain foods that mimic the effect of estrogen in the body Regulate hormones by filling up estrogen receptors in the body and clearing excess estrogens Common sources: soy, flaxseed, sesame seeds Benefits of Phytoestrogens Soybeans can reduce hot flushes, night sweats, improve vaginal dryness, and improve bone health Flaxseed can bring down hot flushes and improve cardiovascular health Sesame seeds are good for cardiovascular health, rich in zinc which is important for skin, bones, brain health, immune system and more. Research on Phytoestrogens A study published in the Journal o