Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk

Heather Currie and Ruth Devlin

The podcast which we hope will become your go to for anything to do with the menopause & related topics.

Each episode will be packed with useful information & resources to help you make those more informed decisions.

We will provide information you can trust with no ‘flim flam’ or doom & gloom.

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If you have listened to our podcasts already, please complete our short survey, only 9 questions, at

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S5RGV8P

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Useful links & resources:

Women’s Health concern: www.womens-health-concern.org

Let’s Talk Menopause : www.letstalkmenopause.co.uk

Menopause Matters : www.menopausematters.co.uk

NHS inform: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health

The Menopause Matters;Let’s Talk Podcast is hosted by Dr Heather Currie MBE, founder of Menopause Matters & Ruth Devlin founder of Let’s Talk Menopause.

Heather is a gynaecologist with special interests in menopause, Premenstrual syndrome and cervical screening. She is a trustee and past chair of the British Menopause Society (BMS), Co-editor of post Reproductive Health, the journal of the BMS, Clinical advisor to Scottish government for the Women’s Health Plan for Scotland, and founder and MD of Menopause Matters, set up in 2001.

Ruth is a registered nurse, an educator, a reflexologist & has training in cognitive behaviour therapy. She is the founder & MD of Let’s Talk Menopause, set up in 2012 working & collaborating across all sectors. She published the book, Men…Let’s Talk Menopause.

Producer & audio engineer: Gregor Reid

Episodes of the Menopause Matters : Let’s Talk Podcast will land every week during Series 1 beginning 28 May 2024.

Additional resources:

·BMS : www.thebms.org.uk

·NICE guidelines : www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23

·Jackie Lynch/Nutritionist : www.well-well-well.co.uk

·Squeezy app : www.squeezyapp.com

·Daisy Network : www.daisynetwork.org

·The Eve Appeal : www.eveappeal.org.uk

·Endometriosis UK : www.endometriosis-uk.org

·The Royal Osteoporosis Society : theros.org.uk

·PCOS : www.womens-health-concern.org/shop-items/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/

·PMS: www.pms.org.uk/

·CBT self help guide : ‘Living Well Through The Menopause' & ‘Managing Hot flushes and Night sweats; A cognitive behavioural self-help guide to the Menopause’ by Myra Hunter and Melanie Smith: https://tinyurl.com/bde7f86k

Dr. Heather Currie of Menopause Matters and Ruth Devlin of Let’s Talk Menopause

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All the information given by Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk is protected by copyright and is not to be reproduced without our express permission. All information is as accurate as possible at time of recording and is for information purposes only. The information and support that the podcast Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk provides is for your own personal use. It is not intended to replace or substitute the conclusion and advice from any medical professional you may come in contact with. You should always seek advice from your healthcare professional regarding a medical condition.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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20 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Tuesday · 50 min
Let’s talk brain health… cognition and those psychological, emotional symptoms.
One of the most interesting and reassuring episodes to listen to when once again we sort out the facts from fiction. We were delighted to be joined by Dr Pauline M. Maki who gives us a better understanding about everything and cuts through all the misinformation. What is going on when we hit perimenopause, is it dementia – no – the symptoms you’re experiencing are a by-product of your hormones going wonky and your ovaries shutting down. Our brains don’t like hormonal changes, particularly fluctuating, unpredictable changes. So many questions get answered throughout this episode… Do symptoms resolve...what does the research say...do social disparities have an impact…which other symptoms can have an impact on your brain. Mentioned before in previous episodes…it’s the perfect storm going on for many women. Listen to understand how our brains adapt to the changes in estrogen and what is brain plasticity. We talk about optimising our brain health…why it’s important to treat other symptoms you may be experiencing first and why we need to be focussing on bringing the healthiest brain into menopause. Why it’s important to make sure you’re bringing an optimally resilient brain to your menopause transition and into the post-menopausal years. Why heart health is brain health…keeping an eye on your heart health will help to optimise your brain health. Then we talk treatments - why it’s so important to treat symptoms with evidence based interventions and not woo hoo products that have not been properly tested and aren’t recognised, accredited treatments. When to use HRT and when it’s not advised…listen to get clarity on the facts about HRT and dementia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 21 · 35 min
The Gut-Brain axis – what’s so important about this then?
This is a fascinating insight into the interaction between your gut and your brain. We were delighted to be joined by consultant gastroenterologist Dr Elena Eliadou to give us a better understanding about everything. Reassuringly Elena points out early on in this episode that it’s not your fault things can sometimes become a tad imbalanced. She has a fabulous metaphor which explains what happens when the interaction of various systems in your body go a bit wonky. Listen to understand what dyspyosis is and what the effect declining & fluctuating levels of estrogen can have on your gut. Elena importantly flags up the worrying increase in younger people presenting with symptoms of bowel cancer and highlights the alarm - the red flag symptoms, to look out for to enable early diagnosis and treatment. Getting back to the estrogen…what part does the microbiome play in recycling estrogen in the body and what’s the bio-psycho-social approach all about. Hear why it’s so important to invest time in yourself and your health and what is one of the easiest, most successful practical tools to learn which can help to combat chronic stress alongside giving you that sense of control back. We find out if there is a specific menopause diet and why it’s important not only what we eat but how we eat…then there’s gut-directed hypnotherapy and behavioural therapies …do they work? Make sure you listen to the end to find out Elena’s top 3 takeaway key messages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 14 · 34 min
The Truths about HRT
We continue the conversation about HRT – one not to miss With so much noise, misinformation and frankly rubbish about HRT on social media we thought an episode to clarify a few things was needed. To help us disentangle facts from fiction we invited Dr Olivia Hum along. Olivia is an experienced GP and a registered British Menopause Society Menopause Specialist. Gosh we get through a lot – as always, well worth a listen, especially if you’ve got a few unanswered questions. Listen to clarify the 3 main reasons for considering HRT, why there aren’t any tests that can tell you what you need and what are the most common reasons for it not working for some women. HRT is such a complex topic with many women not even sure why they’re taking it or what they’re actually on. You’ll get answers to common questions like…what is the best HRT…why am I getting unscheduled bleeding...and what about taking HRT when I’m over 60. Olivia gives an insight into the realistic challenges faced by GPs today alongside empathising about the many frustrations women face. We have our regular nugget of knowledge with Heather and look at why Menopause is considered to be a wake up call for many women…a turning point in women’s lives. And, why there’s been a shift to looking at your health-span rather your life-span. There’s a reminder about where to easily find trusted information and why that’s important instead of wading through the overwhelming noise on socials. We end with the key message about self care…keeping everything simple and looking after your long term health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 7 · 38 min
Menopause in the Workplace
Workplace support for menopause continues to evolve, but there is still a gap between what organisations believe is adequate and what employees actually need. In this episode, we welcome Deborah Garlick, founder and CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace and the driving force behind the Menopause Friendly and Menstruation Friendly Accreditations. Drawing on more than a decade of experience, Deborah shares practical advice on creating supportive, inclusive workplaces, highlighting the importance of listening to employees, recognising that every menopause journey is different, and moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions. Together, we explore how employers and managers can build confidence in supporting colleagues, encourage more open and multigenerational conversations, and foster lasting cultural change through strong leadership. We also discuss the introduction of Menopause Action Plans, the role they play in reducing the gender pay gap, and the steps organisations can take to create workplaces where people experiencing menopause can truly thrive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 30 · 34 min
Movement is One of the Essential Pillars of Life
Our bodies are designed to move, they need to move in order to stay healthy. If you’re trying to manage menopausal symptoms, movement can be a life changer. For the latest episode of The Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk Podcast, Julie Robinson from Move it or Lose it joins Dr Heather Currie MBE and Ruth Devlin. A former PE teacher, Julie has spent her career translating research into practical, inclusive exercise, inspiring everyone to move more. They chat about why doing a combination of movement and exercise is so important… what FABS mean and why everyone bangs on about balance and strength exercising. Throughout the episode there are sprinklings of fabulous practical everyday tips, all approachable at any level, which will have a positive impact on your bone, muscle and heart health, as well as your mental health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 23 · 43 min
Dispelling the myths and misinformation – getting clarity.
Menopause myths vs Reality Heather and Ruth cut through the misinformation and get the facts on menopause symptom management with leading UK endocrinologist Dr. Annice Mukherjee to separate sense from the "bonkers" advice out there. We recap on the menopause transition, understanding how hormones shift and eventually reach a stable equilibrium. We explore the bigger picture - why overall health, simple lifestyle tweaks and self care can be your best tools. We clarify the truth about HRT; why you need an individualised approach and why it’s not just about estrogen. Also, what do you need to know about the weight loss jabs and and the dangers of cherry picking advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 24, 2025 · 1 min
Xmas Myth #12: Menopause is the same for all women?
The last of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: Women experience menopause in the same way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 23, 2025 · 1 min
Xmas Myth #11: Testosterone?
The eleventh of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: Testosterone is the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle when it comes to HRT. Links: Testosterone. The Role of Testosterone and HRT : Menopause Matters and Testosterone… what you really need to know! - Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 22, 2025 · 1 min
Xmas Myth #10: HRT is expensive?
The tenth of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: HRT is expensive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 21, 2025 · 1 min
Xmas Myth #9: Either HRT or alternative?
The ninth of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: You have to choose either a complementary therapy, or an alternative option or HRT. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 20, 2025 · 1 min
Xmas Myth #8: Pregnancy?
The eighth of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: You can’t get pregnant if you’re taking HRT. Link: Contraception for older women before menopause : Menopause Matters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 19, 2025 · 1 min
Xmas Myth #7: HRT info has all changed?
The seventh of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: Everything is new with menopause, in particular HRT these days. It’s all changed. Links: 27-WHC-FACTSHEET-HRT-Doses-NOV2022-A.pdf and The basics about HRT and much more. - Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 18, 2025 · 2 min
Xmas Myth #6: Is it the end of a good sexlife?
The sixth of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: Menopause marks the end of a good sex life. Link: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/sexual-wellbeing-intimacy-and-menopause Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 17, 2025 · 1 min
Xmas Myth #5: HRT only for 5 years?
The fifth of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: You can only be on HRT for 5 years. Link: Estrogens in Menopause - What is HRT : Menopause Matters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 16, 2025 · 58 sec
Xmas Myth #4: Only in your 50s?
The fourth of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: Menopause only happens in your 50s. Link: Menopause Symptoms - what happens and when : Menopause Matters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 15, 2025 · 40 sec
Xmas Myth #3: Vaginal and Systemic HRT
The third of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: HRT only delays the menopause. Link: Vaginal dryness during menopause: Treatments: Menopause Matters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 14, 2025 · 1 min
Xmas Myth #2: HRT only delays menopause?
The second of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: HRT only delays the menopause. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 13, 2025 · 1 min
Xmas Myth #1: Libido?
The first of our 12 mini podcasts, debunking 12 menopause myths in the countdown to Christmas is: "All women find menopause affects their libido and sex drive for the worst." Link: Sexual wellbeing, intimacy and menopause | NHS inform Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 2, 2025 · 23 min
Community Pharmacists; their understated role in supporting Menopause
In this episode we discuss the important role that community pharmacists (CPs) play in everyday frontline healthcare. To help us take a deep dive into this multifaceted role we were delighted to be joined by Rebecca Wicks, a clinical Pharmacist who specialises in Menopause & Lifestyle Medicine. After listening to this episode you’ll realise why, at the start, we mentioned that the praises of these multitasking ‘ninjas’ are not sung nearly enough! There’s so much going on behind the scenes, which many will be unaware of, from dispensing, supporting staff, checking prescriptions, managing orders flying in, to then coping with the ever-increasing walk-ins seeking advice and information. Being easily accessible they can often be the first point of call resulting in a relentless juggling act trying to meet patient’s expectations alongside constantly trying to full fill their own. We cover what should be your reasonable expectations from a local pharmacy taking into account the natural disparity between pharmacies across the country. Menopause - wise, (at time of recording), within NHS run pharmacies there are no renumerated Menopause services. You will, however, often find pharmacists going the extra mile to provide information and options for managing symptoms. We clarify the difference between CPs & Practice Pharmacists. We revisit the ever-expanding minefield of the supplement industry and what about HRT reviews? Listen to realise the knock on effects which pharmacies experienced nationally when there was a sudden surge in raised awareness and requests for HRT. Absolutely fantastic to raise awareness but unfortunately resulted in triggering an unprecedented reaction for those working on the frontline…maybe a small nod in the direction of a collaborative conversation wouldn’t go amiss in future! By the end of this episode we hope you come away with a newfound respect for the role that CPs play as trusted health advisors and providers within our communities and a realisation that things like shortages of medications can be just as frustrating for them as for patients. As always an interesting listen and if you’re a CP seeking further training within the area of Women’s Health, we cover that too! Finally, listen out for our “nugget of knowledge”, with some important advice that is more relevant today than ever before! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 18, 2025 · 34 min
Migraines, menopause and HRT… what a combination!
Migraines are an incredibly debilitating symptom. What’s it all about, is there a link with the menopause transition and if so, what can we do about it? To help us make sense of everything we were delighted to be joined by Professor Anne MacGregor who specialises in headaches & migraines, alongside women’s health. During this episode Anne dispels myths and misinformation, breaks everything down into factual, relatable nuggets of information providing anyone listening with practical and logical ways to manage this symptom. A perimenopausal headache is debilitating enough but a migraine is quite a different matter, leaving you feeling like you’ve been ‘run through a mangle’…has to be the quote of the series! If you’re postmenopausal don’t worry that’s covered too. Did you know there’s more than one type? We cover migraines with aura, migraines without aura and then a migraine aura without a headache…I know, there’s a bit of a range. Being completely unpredictable, they can result in people not being able to function properly, can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and then there’s raised sensitivity to your bodies senses usually followed by feeling absolutely wiped out. Anne and Heather clarify what’s happening to your hormone levels during the perimenopause – back to the hormonal storm going on, with wonky hormones, and spiking hormones creating havoc. Unsurprisingly migraines are roughly three times more common in women than men! So, how do you cope with them…if you’re struggling with these symptoms this is really worth a listen. Anne covers lifestyle factors, highlighting how the brain reacts to these whilst knocking a few myths on the head. Interestingly, did you know migraines are linked to gut dysfunction? Heather and Anne also clarify the facts about the pros and cons of using HRT or the combined contraception pill to help manage symptoms. We touch on alternative, over the counter options and end with one of the most effective ways to manage this symptom…yes you’ll have to listen to find out! As always please share the link of our podcast to friends, family and colleagues who you know might find the topics we cover not only relevant but interesting. Thank you. Special Guest: Professor Anne MacGregor Anne is a Specialist in Headache and Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. She has a clinical NHS post at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, and an academic post in Neuroscience at Queen Mary, University of London. Her research and clinical work bridges neurology and reproductive healthcare and her Doctoral thesis explored the role of oestrogen in menstrual migraine. She has received the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Award, awarded to a woman whose work over time has made an extraordinary contribution to those affected by the burden of headache, the International Headache Society Special Recognition Award, and the 2022 American Headache Society Women’s Health Science Award. Audio engineer & Assistant producer: Gregor Reid Useful links & resources: National Migraine Centre https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/ Migraine Trust https://migrainetrust.org/ Women’s Health concern : www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/18-WHC-FACTSHEET-Migraine-and-HRT-NOV2023-B.pdf British Menopause society: thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians Menopause Matters : www.menopausematters.co.uk Let’s Talk Menopause : www.letstalkmenopause.co.uk NHS inform: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.