One Year of Menopause: The Real Deal. The Biggest Myths, Facts, and Breakthroughs From the First Year

In this special anniversary episode, I’m taking a moment to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the past twelve months. From my first conversation to now, my mission has remained the same: to provide clear, honest information about perimenopause and menopause so that no woman feels she is imagining her symptoms or walking this path alone. In this very special edition I’ve revisited some of the most powerful lightbulb moments from my guests this year, and the insights that connect the dots between our hormones, immune systems, and emotional well-being. Whether you are just starting your journey or are well through it, I hope this retrospective reminds you that knowledge is your greatest power and that a supportive community is always right here waiting for you. You’ll Hear How fluctuations in oestrogen during perimenopause can up-regulate the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation, brain fog, and a fight or flight state. A clinical breakdown of how sex hormones, thyroid, stress hormones, and insulin are all interlinked Personal accounts of how menopause can impact career and family life, even when a woman appears fine on the outside while struggling with exhaustion and cognitive confusion. An exploration of how the body stores tension and trauma in the pelvic space and how reconnecting with our bodies through self-compassion can alleviate midlife anxiety. BEST MOMENTS "My immune system was very much on the brink of being over-reactive... it just took one little drop in the ocean, which was COVID... and it was like fireworks went off." "Inside, it was not me at all... I’m a worker, I've always been a worker, and although I looked okay from the outside, inside, it was not me at all." "75% of women feel symptoms of menopause. 25%—that's one in four—have really severe symptoms. And there's no amount of acrobatic learning that is going to improve that... the root cause is that your hormones have been whipped away." "I think midlife and menopause is a key stage... because our bodies are going through such significant changes... this is just a further invitation to reinforce that positive language." EPISODE LINKS Sarah Law Lucinda Weston Lindsey Lester Julie White HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk