In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, I’m joined by journalist and author Alice Smellie to talk about the confusion, marketing noise, and misinformation that so often surrounds menopause. From spotting red flags in wellness products to navigating the pressure to “go natural,” we explore how women can cut through the noise and get the support they need.
If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence-based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How to spot misleading advice and marketing
The risks of wellness trends that aren’t rooted in evidence
What to consider when weighing natural vs medical options
Why so many women still feel dismissed—and what to do about it
How Alice’s own experience shaped the way she writes about menopause
Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
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Guest: Alice Smellie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alice_smellie/
Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Menopause-Is-Hot/Mariella-Frostrup/9781668068977
In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we talk openly about vaginal health, painful sex, and how emotional and physical intimacy can shift during menopause. Hormonal changes affect more than your body—they also impact your nervous system, your arousal response, and your connection to your partner.
If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence-based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
What causes painful sex in menopause and why it’s so common
How hormonal shifts impact arousal both physically and neurologically
What vaginal oestrogen is, how it works, and why it’s safe for most women
How to start honest conversations about intimacy, without shame or pressure
Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
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Guest: Angela Wright
@spicedpeardrwright
@the_holisticsexologist
https://spicedpearhealth.co.uk/
In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we explore the role of hormone sensitivity during menopause with Paula Rastrick, women's health practitioner and founder of The Brain Body Method. Together, we break down how your body’s response to hormones—not just your hormone levels—can shape the intensity of your symptoms.
If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence-based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
What hormone sensitivity is and why it matters
How stress, movement, and diet affect your hormonal response
Why some women feel worse than others, even with similar test results
How to support your body to feel more balanced and resilient
How reframing menopause as change—not decline—can help
Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
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Guest: Paula Rastrick
Website: https://thebrainbodymethod.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrspaularastrick/
In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Zoe Schaedel, GP and menopause specialist at Myla Health.
We talk about what real choice looks like in menopause care. From different types of HRT to non-hormonal options, Dr Zoe explains what’s available and how to decide what works for you.
You’ll learn:
What “menopause choices” actually means
Why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work
What types of HRT exist today
A simple starting point if you feel unsure or overwhelmed
This conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to ask questions, explore your options, and take the next step that feels right for you.
Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
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Guest links:
Instagram:@mylahealth @drzoeschaedel
LinkedIn: @drzoeschaedel
In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into the causes of hair thinning and hair loss during perimenopause and menopause, breaking down the hormonal changes at play, how to tell what’s really going on, and what you can actually do about it.
If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence-based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How oestrogen, androgens and other hormones impact hair
The difference between hormonal and non-hormonal hair loss
What tests can help get to the root cause
What treatments actually work (and which ones don’t)
Thoughts on natural vs medical approaches to regrowth
Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
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Guest: Nadia Hussain
Website: https://www.hairloving.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairlovingco_
In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into the emotional and mental toll of parenting in midlife - especially when layered with the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause.
I’m joined by parenting expert and author Anita Cleare to explore the often invisible mental load carried by mothers, how it affects our resilience, and what we can do to reclaim our energy, balance, and self-worth.
If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, I share evidence-based guidance and real-life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
What the “invisible mental load” looks like for midlife mothers
How hormonal changes impact emotional regulation in parenting
Healthy boundaries that protect your mental health (without guilt)
Practical habits and mindset shifts for emotional balance
One powerful piece of advice for anyone struggling silently
Got questions or a topic you'd like me to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
Guest: Anita Cleare
Website: https://anitacleare.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitacleare_parenting/
Anita’s latest book ‘How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Bedroom’ is available from all good booksellers: https://amzn.to/3LDzBp6
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In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into the power of Pilates for recovery, hormonal health and nervous system support. Joined by movement and wellness expert Joanna Michaelides, we break down how Pilates differs from high-intensity training, how breath and alignment can support emotional healing, and why this form of exercise is so valuable during perimenopause and menopause.
If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why Pilates is uniquely supportive for recovery and hormonal health
How breathwork supports your nervous system
What proper alignment does for your emotional and physical wellbeing
A simple, sustainable weekly Pilates routine you can start right away
Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
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Guest: Joanna Michaelides
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannamwellness
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannamwellness
Perimenopause Support Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/perimenopausesupportforwomenover40/
In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into menopause and weight gain, breaking down the changes we go through during menopause, and what we can do to manage weight gain.
If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
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In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into the emotional and physical journey of recovering from cancer with special guest Sarah Newman founder of Get Me Back. We explore how movement not just exercise can play a powerful role in healing after treatment, and why rebuilding trust in your body is so important.
If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Sarah’s personal story of cervical cancer and recovery
Why “movement, not just exercise” matters
How to reconnect with your body after treatment
What safe, supported recovery really looks like
Where to begin if you're feeling disconnected from your body
Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
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Guest Sarah Newman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmebackuk/
Website: https://www.getmeback.uk
In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into the complex relationship between carbohydrates and metabolic health, especially for women navigating hormonal shifts. Together with special guest Pauline J. Cox, we break down the myths around carbs, uncover the reasons why women’s bodies respond differently to them than men’s, and explore how our needs change throughout the menstrual cycle and into perimenopause and menopause.
If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated and in control of your health.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How carbs impact women’s metabolic health
Why women need a different approach to carbs than men
How to support your body with the right carb intake throughout your cycle
What changes in carb needs to expect during perimenopause and menopause
One small but powerful change you can make today to feel better and support long term health
Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com
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Guest Pauline J. Cox
Instagram: @paulinejcox
Website: www.sowandarrow.com
Books: Hungry Woman and Primal Living in a Modern World
In this episode of Meera’s Menopause Podcast, we dive into menopause and cognitive function, breaking down how our hormones throughout menopause impact our brain
If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or supporting someone who is, Meera shares evidence based guidance and real life strategies to help you feel empowered, educated, and in control of your health.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Got questions or a topic you'd like Meera to cover? Reach out and join the conversation!
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Meera discusses the importance of fitness during menopause.
Why fitness counts during menopause?
What benefits can it include?
What exercises should we be doing and how often?
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Meera is joined by Kamalyn Kaur, a qualified psychotherapist, specialising in stress and anxiety. This podcast Meera & Kamalyn discuss tips and super useful methods to maintaining a logical mindset whilst managing stress and anxiety in our day to day lives.
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Meera is joined by Anne Nola to discuss how to make and break habits.
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Meera shares 5 easy habits that you can build to become the most productive you.
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Meera is joined by Helen Brooks, the founder of The Tummy Whisperer, to discuss the IBS: the implications, how to minimise digestion disturbances, and hypnotherapy.
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Meera discusses mood swings during menopause. Why do we get them? What’s the science behind it? How do we control or manage them?
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Learn more about our Don't Pause For Menopause Programme here: https://meerasmadefromscratch.co.uk/events/dont-pause-for-menopause-2/
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Meera is joined by founder of Hair Loving, a haircare brand specifically aimed at menopausal women.
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Meera's Menopause Podcast
Balanced Minds: Mindfulness Strategies for Menopause with Bridget Fitzpatrick
Series Two
In this episode, Meera unpicks the impact of Mindfulness on Menopause symptoms.
She’s joined by Bridget Fitzpatrick, a mindfulness, yoga and breathworks teacher from Manchester.
Bridget’s experience of anxiety and depression during menopause led her - a former sceptic - to embrace all things mindfulness, which helped her in a long-lasting way that other interventions hadn’t.
Bridget talks us through some mindfulness techniques to help with overwhelm that anyone can try, whether you’re at home, at work or even in the middle of a crowded supermarket!
Website: https://www.meerabhogal.com
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Meera's Menopause Podcast
Menopause Unwrapped: Education and Empowerment with Dr. Joyce Harper
Series Two
In this episode of Meera's Menopause Podcast, Meera sits down with Dr. Joyce Harper, award winning Professor of Reproductive Science at the Institute for Women’s Health, University College London.
Dr. Harper shares her wealth of knowledge on education and menopause.
Research by Professor Harper has shown that more than 90% of women were never educated about the menopause at school. Over 60% only started looking for information about it once they began to experience menopausal symptoms.
She’s teamed up with leading women’s health charities to design a new education and support programme for women across the country experiencing menopause- The National Menopause Education and Support Programme
Joyce shares her own experiences and insights from her book- Your Fertile Years and how menopause education should begin from a young age.
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