The Pause That Rages: Real Talk About Menopause 📋 Episode Summary: Menopause is more than just hot flashes and night sweats—it’s a mind, body, and life shift. In this candid, funny, and unfiltered episode, Cindy and Anne-Marie unpack menopause in all its glory: the symptoms, the mental load, the sex life slump, and the changes no one prepared us for. Whether you’re in perimenopause, postmenopause, or still figuring it out, this episode is your reminder that you’re not crazy, not broken, and definitely not alone. ⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights 00:16 – Welcome & Episode OverviewWhy menopause is more than just a women’s health topic—it’s life-changing and universal. 01:04 – What is Menopause, Perimenopause, and Postmenopause?Understanding the phases, symptoms, and when the transitions typically begin. 03:11 – Our Personal Menopause StoriesCindy and Anne-Marie share when their symptoms started and what they noticed first. 05:29 – The Birth Control Mask: Unknowingly Delaying SymptomsHow birth control can delay noticing perimenopause signs. 06:22 – Hormone Therapy ExperiencesThe pros, cons, and complications with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and pellets. 08:54 – Mental Health and MenopauseThe link between hormones, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. 09:46 – Our Hormone Therapy RoutinesWhat therapies worked, including progesterone, testosterone shots, and more. 10:32 – Natural Alternatives & SupplementsWhat’s working for those who can’t take HRT and why “fake it till you make it” is real. 11:55 – Sleep Struggles, Fatigue & Brain FogHow menopause hijacks your sleep and memory—and why we keep walking into rooms forgetting why. 13:46 – Anxiety & Mood ChangesEveryday anxiety, overthinking, and catching yourself before spiraling. 18:53 – Mood Swings & RelationshipsHow menopause affects our interactions, friendships, and romantic relationships—including intimacy and libido. 21:56 – Coping Strategies That Actually HelpHow exercise, nutrition, magnesium, and lifting heavy help manage symptoms. 24:30 – Nutrition, Healthy Eating, and SupplementsThe Mediterranean diet, macros, and debunking intermittent fasting for menopausal women. 26:53 – Menopause Myths & MisconceptionsBusting the most common myths about menopause symptoms, pregnancy, and treatment. 28:18 – Is Menopause Still Taboo?Why our generation is more open about it—and where our moms fell short. 29:48 – Lack of Medical Support & Insurance CoverageWhy most doctors aren’t trained in menopause care and the frustration of paying out-of-pocket. 31:38 – Self-Prioritization & ReflectionThe emotional impact of body changes, self-worth, and accepting the new “normal.” 33:48 – Body Image & Physical ChangesHow our bodies change—fat in new places, joint pain, and accepting midlife changes. 38:29 – Medical Dismissal & Gaps in HealthcareWhy women don’t get the support they need—and what should change. 39:23 – What We Wish We Knew Before MenopauseGenetic testing, recognizing symptoms early, and how we felt unprepared. 41:20 – Advice for Women Entering PerimenopauseTips to track symptoms, advocate for yourself, and get the right doctor. 42:59 – Menopause Myths vs. Facts QuizA rapid-fire fact check of everything we thought we knew about menopause. 52:52 – What Kind of Menopause Queen Are You?A fun quiz to wrap things up—find out your menopause style! 53:11 – Why Does Every Problem Start with “Men”?A little humor to close out the episode! 54:17 – Final Thoughts & TakeawaysYou’re not broken. You’re just evolving. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. 55:00 – DisclaimerA friendly reminder that we’re not doctors—just two women sharing experiences. 👯‍♀️ Join the Conversation: We want to hear your menopause stories! DM us or tag us on Instagram:👉 @NoExpirationDatePodcast