Kwavi’s Story: On thriving and redefining yourself through menopause

Women's Health: menopause: unmuted

November 6, 2024 ∙ 26 mins
Episode 36

About

In this inspiring episode, Kwavi shares her journey of redefining life after 50 and helping other women do the same. As a certified life coach, she encourages women to see midlife as a time of growth, joy, and self-discovery. Kwavi discusses her own experiences with menopause and aging, challenging societal expectations, and embracing this stage with confidence.

Kwavi highlights the importance of self-care and self-acceptance during midlife, when many women question their identity and purpose. Listen in for Kwavi’s insights on breaking free from limiting beliefs, prioritizing self-love, and celebrating the unique opportunities that midlife brings.

Useful Links: 

  • Find more information and resources on menopause and certified menopause practitioners at The Menopause Society: menopause.org
  • Learn more about sex and menopause in one of our previous episodes An Intimate Menopause with Dr. Laurie Mintz
  • Are you interested in sharing your menopause story on the podcast? You can pass your contact details to the production team for further consideration by filling out this form.

Disclaimer: menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.

_______________

Women's Health is your destination for compelling, stand-out series that touch on all aspects of women's health. While each series may focus on a different topic, they're united in their commitment to candid conversations that destigmatize women's health issues and highlight real life people. Learn more about each series below:

  • menopause: unmuted is honest, hopeful, life-affirming, and features real women talking candidly about their menopause, and its impact on relationships, friends, family, and work. Each episode shares deeply personal accounts of the different emotional and physical symptoms experienced. Our host, leading women’s health expert Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, provides an expert perspective, busting myths and offering evidence-based information.
  • Tales from the Uterus is a podcast series exploring the stigma associated with women’s health issues. Forthright, emotional, and sometimes gritty, this series explores issues of stigmatized conversations, normalized pain and heavy bleeding, and the stories of women standing up and seeking help. This podcast is a must for all women, menstruators, and those who care for them. Moderated by leading women’s health expert Dr. Charis Chambers, this series provides real stories and offers a fresh perspective on the reasons we still can’t talk about uterine health openly.

These podcasts are not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option. This podcast feed is powered by Pfizer.

Information

Podcast

Women's Health: menopause: unmuted

Episode

36

Date

November 6, 2024

Length

26 mins
You may also like
US
pfizer-womens-health

Women's Health

Women’s Health is your destination for compelling, stand-out series that touch on all aspects of women’s health. While each series may focus on a different topic, they’re united in their commitment to candid conversations that destigmatize women’s health issues and highlight real life people. This channel features the following podcasts: menopause: unmuted; Tales from the […]

Health & Fitness Medicine
Australia

Joint Action

Joint Action is a podcast hosted by David Hunter. As a consequence of isolation, those living with osteoarthritis related disability may become less fit, more depressed and anxious, more socially isolated and gain weight. It is critical at times like this that people with osteoarthritis have their burden and disability minimised and their knowledge of […]

Health & Fitness Medicine
UK

Happy Place

Fearne Cotton talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health & Fitness Mental Health
UK

The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show

Welcome to The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show, the podcast helping all women have a better second half. I’m Liz Earle and, with so many of us living longer than ever before, I’m on a mission to help women thrive in later life by investing in our health and wellbeing today. This means picking up good […]

Arts Education
UK

The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

Gabby Logan is middle-aged and unashamed.But what does it mean to be at the halfway stage of your life? Here, Gabby talks candidly to well-known faces about their own midlife challenges and expectations, drawing on the advice of experts from sleep gurus, nutritionists, and doctors specialising on hormone treatment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for […]

Education Fitness
US
Office Hours by MiM Menopause

Office Hours by MiM Menopause

Welcome to Office Hours. This is a podcast where we talk about menopause, perimenopause, and other things that you should be talking to your doctor or health care professional about but probably aren’t. Come on in. No appointment needed. Visit us at heymim.com

Health & Fitness Medicine
UK
The Menopause Space

The Menopause Space

The Menopause Space is a weekly, discussion-based podcast which provides a toolkit for the community to better understand the issues surrounding perimenopause and menopause. Our goal is to break down the taboos surrounding menopause in Hong Kong, with expert advice and insight from some of the territory’s leading experts on the topic. Through a series […]

Health & Fitness Nutrition
Canada

Making Space For Menopause

Menopause is a time for us to make space. Space for things like joy, and the things that make our life full. It’s about our health, yes, but also about nourishing ourselves in whatever way we see fit. When we move into the fall of our lives, it’s time to accept who we are, by […]

Alternative Health Education
Ethiopia

Pause for Menopause

Welcome to the Pause for Menopause Podcast. Menopause has far-reaching emotional, physiological, psychological, and sociological consequences for every woman of a certain age group and those close to her. In response, Pause for Menopause is here to inform, empower, and encourage women of all ages – and men – not just to prepare for, understand, […]

Alternative Health Health & Fitness
UK

Postcards From Midlife

Are you living in a hormonal hothouse, feeling a little overwhelmed and in need of some positive, uplifting and comforting guidance on how to lead a more magnificent midlife? Well, you’re not alone and this podcast is for you. Hosts Lorraine and Trish chat with celebrities and experts on all things midlife, from menopause and perimenopause […]

Health & Fitness Kids & Family

  • Maricia’s Story: On finding purpose and joy post-menopause

    In this episode, Maricia offers a candid look at her menopause journey, which has unfolded over decades. Despite dealing with hot flashes in her seventies, Maricia continues to approach this stage of life with positivity, showing women that aging can be a time of empowerment and reinvention. With warmth and humor, she discusses her approach […]

  • Edi’s Story: On accepting the invitation of menopause

    In this episode, Edi shares her powerful story of navigating menopause and the growth she experienced through this transitional life stage. Beginning her journey at the start of the pandemic, she faced physical symptoms, including hot flashes, stiffness, and vertigo, in addition to significant emotional changes.  Rather than feeling defeated, she used these challenges to […]

  • Kwavi’s Story: On thriving and redefining yourself through menopause

    In this inspiring episode, Kwavi shares her journey of redefining life after 50 and helping other women do the same. As a certified life coach, she encourages women to see midlife as a time of growth, joy, and self-discovery. Kwavi discusses her own experiences with menopause and aging, challenging societal expectations, and embracing this stage […]

  • Patty’s Story: On becoming bolder through menopause

    In this episode, Patty shares her journey through perimenopause and menopause, highlighting the physical and emotional symptoms she faced, such as night sweats, migraines, and anxiety. Initially unaware of the menopause connection, she sought medical advice that helped her understand her changing body. She also found that many of her friends and coworkers were going […]

  • Darlene & Ben: On age-gap love through menopause

    In this episode, Darlene and Ben share their unconventional love story, which was challenged and strengthened by Darlene’s menopause experience. Although Ben is 20 years younger than Darlene, he has proven to be an exemplary partner and source of support for Darlene as she struggled with menopause symptoms. In addition to the broader impact of […]

  • Stephanie & Karen: On friendship through cancer and menopause

    This episode shares the stories of Stephanie and Karen, two friends based in the north of England. In addition to both experiencing menopause, Stephanie and Karen both battled with breast cancer. The two have supported each other through “the really big stuff” and underscore the importance of strong friendships in midlife. This episode demonstrates that […]

  • Suzanne & Becky: On sisterhood, freedom, and embracing change

    This episode features sisters Suzanne and Becky, as they reflect on their menopause journeys. Although they have similar outlooks on this stage of life, Suzanne entered perimenopause after undergoing surgery to manage symptoms due to uterine fibroids. In the episode, Becky and Suzanne recount their mother’s avoidant approach to menopause and more broadly, on differing […]

  • Karen & Mark: On good communication through marriage and menopause

    The debut episode of this season features couple Karen and Mark, who got married in the midst of Karen’s menopause journey. Tender, uplifting, and honest: their story captures how good communication through the menopause experience can help strengthen a relationship. Karen has used her own experiences to help other women, and Mark adds an invaluable […]

  • Share your story

    Do you have a menopause experience that you’d like to share? Go to https://bit.ly/menopauseunmuted to share your contact details with our production team, who may be in touch.  Seeking guests for our next season of menopause: unmuted! And this season, we’re giving guests the opportunity to invite a loved one, to help share their menopause story. This […]

  • Tales from the Uterus​: In Charge But Not in Focus

    Dr. Kathryn Clancy—feminist scientist and author of Period, The Real Story of Menstruation—and Dr. Barbara Riegel—professor of nursing and co-director for the International Center for Self-Care Research—join host Dr. Charis Chambers to explore why women deprioritize their own health while being the primary caregivers for their families, and the importance of implementing health-focused self care […]

  • Tales from the Uterus​: Dialogue on Disparities

    Tanika Gray Valburn, founder of the White Dress Project, and board-certified OB-GYN ​Dr. Veronica Gillespie-Bell join host Dr. Charis Chambers for a forthright and honest conversation about uterine fibroids in Black women and the disparities in medical care that they face.​ _______________ Women’s Health is your destination for compelling, stand-out series that touch on all […]

  • Tales from the Uterus​: She Copes Therefore She Is

    Social worker and endometriosis patient advocate Casey Berna joins host Dr. Charis Chambers to discuss how women with period health issues often cope with their symptoms rather than seeking help, and how you can break the coping cycle.​ _______________ Women’s Health is your destination for compelling, stand-out series that touch on all aspects of women’s […]

  • Tales from the Uterus: Sticking it to Stigma

    Anita Diamant—journalist and author of 12 books including The Red Tent and Period. End Of Sentence—and Rebecca Dimyan—author of Chronic, a novel about her experience with endometriosis—join host Dr. Charis Chambers for a candid and emotional conversation about period stigma, its negative effects, and what you can do to challenge and/or overcome it.​ _______________ Women’s Health […]

  • Introducing: Tales from the Uterus

    Tales from the Uterus is a podcast series exploring the stigma associated with women’s health issues. Forthright, emotional, and sometimes gritty, this series explores issues of stigmatized conversations, normalized pain and heavy bleeding, and the stories of women standing up and seeking help. This podcast is a must for all women, menstruators, and those who […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Menopause in the workplace

    It’s time to talk about menopause in the workplace. In this final episode of the season, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin welcomes guests Barbara Brooks (founder of SecondActWomen) and Dr. Nikki Shaffer (Head of Colleague Wellness at Pfizer) for an in-depth discussion on the topic of menopause in the workplace. The ladies bring their expertise and life […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Deborah's Story

    Deborah’s story is one of determined hope and her commitment to carving her own path through life is inspiring. Deborah discusses her complex medical history, and her battles with endometriosis, surgically induced menopause, and migraine. She captures the emotional pain of struggling to conceive and accepting life without having kids. Despite these challenges, Deborah chose […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Gina's Story

    In this episode, Gina shares the challenges and opportunities that she faced in midlife. While going through her menopause transition, Gina was met with a cancer diagnosis, and a move across the country. Gina also goes into detail about working in a competitive environment, and how she navigated menopause symptoms and feeling “not cool” in […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Sateria's Story

    In this episode, Sateria paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to live with uterine fibroids. She brings a unique perspective to the conversation around menopause, getting real and vulnerable about her decades-long struggle with fibroids, navigating the healthcare system as a Black woman, and becoming an advocate for women across the globe. Sateria […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Deanna's Story

    In this episode, Deanna talks candidly about relationships, sex and becoming a health coach in midlife. She discusses the realities of going through a divorce while experiencing menopause symptoms, with sleep issues particularly adding stress to this transitional period of her life. Deanna also describes the impact that lowered libido can have on marriage, and […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Today is World Menopause Day

    Another season of menopause: unmuted is coming to you soon. And it’s no coincidence we’re sharing this announcement today, which is World Menopause Day. Get caught up now on past seasons of the podcast, and make sure to subscribe or follow the show to keep updated when new episodes drop. Thank you to our menopause: […]

  • menopause: unmuted: A Calm Menopause with Dr. Pauline Maki

    Bonus Episode: A Calm Menopause with Dr. Pauline Maki Dr. Pauline Maki, Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, joins this season’s final bonus episode with host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin to talk about managing the emotional symptoms related to menopause, how to reduce stress and help have a “calm” menopause. The experts unpack […]

  • menopause: unmuted: An Intimate Menopause with Dr. Laurie Mintz

    Sex psychologist Dr. Laurie Mintz joins the series host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin to discuss the joys and challenges of maintaining a healthy sex life during menopause. Dr. Mintz helps address some common questions and misconceptions around sex and menopause, talking about desire, comfort, and communication. This episode explores how women can work to reframe […]

  • menopause: unmuted: A Strong Menopause with Susan Niebergall

    In this bonus episode, host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin sits down with online strength coach Susan Niebergall to talk about fitness, particularly strength training, and how it helps support women in midlife. Susan explains ways in which strength and resistance training can help improve muscle mass and bone density and why this is particularly important […]

  • menopause: unmuted: A Nourishing Menopause with Dr. Jenn Salib Huber

    In the first of our new bonus episodes, host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin is joined by Registered Dietitian and Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Jenn Salib Huber to discuss diet and nutrition during the menopausal transition. Jenn shares her extensive knowledge of how diet interacts with body weight and shape, and bone and cardiovascular health. The conversation […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Susan's Story

    In this episode Susan shares her pragmatic approach to menopause and how she deals with night sweats and a lack of sleep and the impact of these on her mood, her family and her job through talking and laughter.  Susan is a great advocate for finding comfort in knowing you aren’t the only one, in […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Barbara's Story

    In this episode we hear from Barbara, who has dealt with symptoms shared by many women, namely hot flushes, night sweats, and heart health issues, that occur all too frequently as we get older. She found a lack of opportunities to talk about menopause and build a support network meant she had to deal with […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Mary Beth's Story

    E2: Mary Beth’s Story In this episode, Mary Beth reflects on how family attitudes and her experiences growing up and going through puberty have impacted her own mid-life journey.  Mary Beth discusses the defining symptoms of her menopause (heavy periods, and bone loss) and how they led her to change her career, becoming a yoga […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Marilyn's Story

    E1: Marilyn’s Story In this episode, Marilyn’s story explores the power of family relationships and self-care in supporting a positive menopause.  Marilyn shares her experiences of how open communication within her family de-mystified menstruation and menopause right from the time of puberty. Conversations with her female relatives gave her strength and guided her to approach […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Speak Up

    The final episode of Season 2 brings different healthcare professional perspectives on menopause. Series host, Dr Mary Jane Minkin, is joined by women’s health nurse practitioner, Dr Shelagh Larson, and behavioural psychologist, Dr Sheryl Kingsberg. In a lively conversation, the three women’s health experts delve deeper into the breadth of symptoms and experiences shared by the […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Carla's Story

    From working out five days a week to not wanting to go to the gym at all, fitness devotee Carla talks about how she “had to figure out a way of getting back” from the low mood and loss of energy she experienced in menopause, and how setting realistic goals helped her find her way […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Catherine's Story

    In her own words, Catherine “crashed into menopause.” It made her feel off-balance both physically and emotionally.  Candidly, she describes the hot flashes, night sweats, and skin changes that characterized her menopause and why she feels a responsibility to talk about it. Catherine  Is the founder of a global online community of midlife women and […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Chenoa's Story

    Chenoa describes herself as an emotional and soul intelligence expert. She considers her menopause journey as a powerfully positive time of renewal to “create the things that work for me.” In her episode she speaks honestly about the effect her menopause had on sex and intimacy, and how open discussion with her husband helped her […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Shauna's Story

    Fashionista and midlife social media influencer, Shauna describes the intense hot flashes and uncontrollable periods that defined her menopause journey.  She explains how her doctor “helped me realise what was going on in my body.” She challenges women not to fear menopause, but to talk about it and embrace it. menopause: unmuted is designed to […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Sharing Stories

    “However, you experience menopause, it’s so important to remember you’re not alone.” In the the final episode of season one, Dr Mary Jane Minkin shares some of her story highlights. menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Rebecca's Story

    E5: Rebecca’s Story Of all the symptoms she experienced, Rebecca felt powerless to combat the weight she gained. Rebecca’s story is about switching focus to celebrating the power and capabilities of a woman’s body and sharing her experience with her two teenage girls. “I found if you bring the people who are closest to you […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Kathie's Story

    E4: Kathie’s Story Kathie experienced menopause in her 30s, induced by a partial hysterectomy. Now aged 54, her story is about becoming a cheerleader for her friends experiencing menopause and being there to talk and help them stay positive throughout this next phase of life. “I’m able to give them a sense that it’s not […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Charlene's Story

    E3: Charlene’s Story With the sudden onset of menopause, Charlene’s story is about her taking control, changing the way she worked to help manage hot flashes, and finding ways to manage her anxiety. In hindsight she wished she’d been more vocal. “There’s usually someone that’s listening. So, don’t stop talking.” menopause: unmuted is designed to […]

  • menopause: unmuted: Rachel's Story

    E2: Rachel’s Story From feeling invisible to invincible, Rachel’s story is about trying to navigate the emotional turbulence and physical changes associated with menopause, while managing other personal pressures. “I’m a badass … and badassery just gets more creative as you get older.” menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. […]

  • Symptoms of Breast Cancer (YouTube Video #389)

    Symptoms of Breast Cancer In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Barbara 'Menopause' Taylor reveals a surprising truth—most breast cancers have no early symptoms. She debunks common myths, especially the widespread belief that breast pain signals cancer, and explains the difference between signs and symptoms. Learn why relying on symptoms alone can be dangerous, and how early […]

  • Sherri Dindal – Being The Real Slim Sherri and new beginnings in Midlife & Menopause

    Many of you will know The Real Slim Sherri from Instagram and TikTok – she is well known for her no- holds barred, unfiltered truths around growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, midlife, life as a Gen X woman and menopause.  I have loved her page ever since I discovered it and so was […]

  • What Stem Cell Therapy Taught Me About Recovery, Mindset, and Reinventing Downtime

    In today’s episode, I share my personal experience with stem cell therapy—and the unexpected lessons that came from being forced to slow down. Whether you’re choosing a procedure like stem cell therapy or suddenly dealing with an injury or illness, time off from your normal routine isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a major mental and […]

  • 193 Can Color Heal You? Dr. Deanna Minich Thinks So 🎨🧠🌿

    Forget everything you thought you knew about nutrition. This episode gets wildly colorful—literally. Dr. Deanna Minich joins Sally to decode how COLOR—yes, actual colors—can shift your health, your hormones, and even your mood. From purple carrots to chlorophyll, this convo goes deep on how to nourish your body and your energy. We’re talking:✨ Yellow for […]

  • Ep #152: Overcoming Gender Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry with Captain Reyné O’Shaughnessy

    In this episode, Andrea Donsky, nutritionist, published menopause researcher, menopause educator, and co-founder of WeAreMorphus.com, talks to Captain Reyné O’Shaughnessy. She is a veteran commercial airline pilot with over 34 years at a Fortune 50 carrier and more than 10,000 heavy-jet flight hours, including being among the first women qualified on the Boeing 747. She's […]

  • 219 How to Support Your Mental Health and Stop Menopause Weight Gain

    Menopause is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. I’ve experienced the exhaustion, the thinning hair, the mood swings—and the confusion that comes when you feel like your body is changing faster than you can keep up. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey with menopause and the lessons I’ve […]

  • S4 Ep178: Mid-life Nutrition: Tips and Tricks From a Dietician with Dr. Alexandra Filingeri

    Any mid-life woman knows that once you hit your 40s, 50s, or 60s, things will not go well if you eat the same way you did when you were 20. But it’s confusing to know what to eat, and how much to eat, without downloading multiple APPs and carrying around a calculator  My guest, Alexandra […]

  • 164: Emotional Eating in Menopause – The Psychology Behind the Cravings

    Do you get cravings for the foods that make your soul feel fuzzy but your body feel icky? In this episode, Adele explains the psychology behind those cravings, how to make steps away from those cravings and how to be more mindful with your eating. Check out Adele’s FREE symptom assessment here: https://adelejohnstoncoaching.com/free-copy-of-our-symptom-assessment/ Adele is […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Writing a Book

    This week on Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I dive into a juicy conversation all about her brand new book Shiny Happy Singles — or Thrive Solo if you're tuning in from the US. We chat about the inspiration behind the book, what it really means to thrive on your own, and why this message is […]

  • From Midlife Crisis to Midlife Chrysalis: Chip Conley’s Roadmap to Reinvention

    In this episode of Hello Menopause, Stacy talks with entrepreneur, author, and Modern Elder Academy founder Chip Conley about what it really means to navigate midlife. Drawing from his own experience with prostate cancer and hormone therapy, Chip shares what it felt like to go through “male menopause” and how that informed his vision for […]

  • Bladder Issues in Menopause – The Hidden Bacteria You Need to Know

    If bladder issues in menopause are keeping you from jumping for bone density or for jumping for joy. Or if laughing and sneezing or a need to consider hydration needs against access to a bathroom are real life and every day concerns you… we’ve got you today.  Bladder issues in menopause don’t need to keep […]

  • Ep 176 -Restoring Blood Flow for Brain, Heart and Hormonal Health with Cathy Eason

    In this week’s episode,  Dr. Fiona Lovely speaks with Cathy Eason, a certified holistic nutritionist and clinical educator, about nitric oxide (NO), often called the “miracle molecule” for its vital role in blood flow and thus, overall health.  We talk about the groundbreaking findings from a pilot study on nitric oxide’s impact on women’s sexual […]

  • Ep 481: The 5,000-Year-Old Secret to Stopping Emotional Eating

    I’m showing you how ancient Buddhist wisdom can help you break the cycle of emotional eating with more awareness, compassion, and ease—just like I teach my clients. Get the full show notes and information here: https://drdebbutler.com/481

  • #129: 7 Essential Habits to Move Through Menopause with More Ease

    Midlife doesn’t have to be a crisis — it can be a genuine metamorphosis. In this episode, I’m not talking about just surviving menopause.I’m talking about moving through it with more ease, clarity, and actual calm. You’ll hear a segment from a training I recently ran, where I shared seven essential habits that helped me […]

  • 13 – HRT after 60: myths, facts and finding your own path with Ann Newson

    In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her mother, Ann Newson, for a candid and deeply insightful conversation about HRT after 60, as requested by some ofour viewers.  Together, Dr Louise and Ann address the persistent fears around breast cancer and HRT, revisiting data from the controversial 2002 WHI study. They also explore the […]

  • Grading and Staging of Breast Cancer (YouTube Video #388)

    Grading & Staging Breast Cancer – Know the Hidden Dangers In this episode, Dr. Barbara 'Menopause' Taylor breaks down the critical differences between grading and staging breast cancer—and exposes the hidden dangers that often leave patients confused or misinformed. Learn how cancer cell "grades" reflect aggressiveness, how "stages" indicate spread, and why stage 0 (carcinoma […]

Women's Health: menopause: unmuted

Women’s Health is your destination for compelling, stand-out series that touch on all aspects of women’s health. While each series may focus on a different topic, they’re united in their commitment to candid conversations that destigmatize women’s health issues and highlight real life people. This channel features the following podcasts: menopause: unmuted; Tales from the […]

00:00
/
00:00