What the menopause

Your BFF for the years when you and your body go WTF!

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Episodes (13)

November 2, 2025 17 mins

The Sex Series: Part 03 with Karen Bester

In this episode, Mandy wraps up her conversation with Karen Bester, diving into how to get the help and support you need during perimenopause and menopause. From advocating for yourself in the doctor’s office to embracing the confidence and clarity of “menopausal zest,” this is an empowering finale to our three-part series. Expect: How to […]
September 1, 2025 17 mins

The Sex Series: Part 02 with Karen Bester

In this episode, Mandy continues her conversation with Medical Training Manager at Lamelle Research Laboratories, Karen Bester but this time looking at what we can do to keep intimacy alive in menopause and perimenopause. From lifestyle shifts to medical interventions, it’s about taking charge of your sexual health now to protect your future self. Karen […]
August 12, 2025 20 mins

The Sex Series: Part 01 with Karen Bester

In this episode, Mandy chats to Medical Training Manager at Lamelle Research Laboratories, Karen Bester, about sex, sexuality, and the menopause years and why our Gen X upbringing shaped how we think about intimacy, and what’s really going on with our bodies and brains. Expect: Why Gen X women grew up with a conservative view […]
July 20, 2025 25 mins

Sleep Series: Part 03 with Dr Alison Bentley

In this episode, Mandy and Tamsin wrap up the Sleep Series with Dr Alison Bentley, one of South Africa’s top sleep specialists and the woman who just might save you from another 2am internal TED Talk. Expect: The truth about the eight hours of sleep myth and why your brain might only want five How […]
July 8, 2025 13 mins

The Sleep Series: Part 02 with Dr Alison Bentley

In this episode, Mandy and Tamsin are back with Dr Alison Bentley for part two of the Sleep Series and this one is a total eye-opener. They’re talking sleep apnea, restless legs, and why bad sleep isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous. Expect: Why untreated sleep apnea can speed up diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and more […]

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Your BFF for the years when you and your body go WTF!
  • The Sex Series: Part 03 with Karen Bester

    In this episode, Mandy wraps up her conversation with Karen Bester, diving into how to get the help and support you need during perimenopause and menopause. From advocating for yourself in the doctor’s office to embracing the confidence and clarity of “menopausal zest,” this is an empowering finale to our three-part series. Expect: How to […]

  • The Sex Series: Part 02 with Karen Bester

    In this episode, Mandy continues her conversation with Medical Training Manager at Lamelle Research Laboratories, Karen Bester but this time looking at what we can do to keep intimacy alive in menopause and perimenopause. From lifestyle shifts to medical interventions, it’s about taking charge of your sexual health now to protect your future self. Karen […]

  • The Sex Series: Part 01 with Karen Bester

    In this episode, Mandy chats to Medical Training Manager at Lamelle Research Laboratories, Karen Bester, about sex, sexuality, and the menopause years and why our Gen X upbringing shaped how we think about intimacy, and what’s really going on with our bodies and brains. Expect: Why Gen X women grew up with a conservative view […]

  • Sleep Series: Part 03 with Dr Alison Bentley

    In this episode, Mandy and Tamsin wrap up the Sleep Series with Dr Alison Bentley, one of South Africa’s top sleep specialists and the woman who just might save you from another 2am internal TED Talk. Expect: The truth about the eight hours of sleep myth and why your brain might only want five How […]

  • The Sleep Series: Part 02 with Dr Alison Bentley

    In this episode, Mandy and Tamsin are back with Dr Alison Bentley for part two of the Sleep Series and this one is a total eye-opener. They’re talking sleep apnea, restless legs, and why bad sleep isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous. Expect: Why untreated sleep apnea can speed up diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and more […]

  • The Sleep Series: Part 01 with Dr Alison Bentley

    In this episode, Mandy and Tamsin kick off the Sleep Series with Dr Alison Bentley, GP, sleep specialist, and the woman who’ll finally explain why you’re wide awake at 2am plotting your grocery list and escape. Expect: Why your hormones aren’t the only reason you can’t sleep Restless legs, snoring, and the hidden epidemic of […]

  • The HRT Series: Part 03 with Dr Sumayya Ebrahim

    In this episode, Mandy and Tamsin are back with the final episode of the HRT Series with Dr. Sumayya Ebrahim to decode the chaos around bioidentical hormones, blood tests that don’t work, and tubs of cream with mysterious vibes. It’s the HRT chat that clears the fog (and confirms your rage is valid). Expect: What […]

  • The HRT Series: Part 02 with Dr Sumayya Ebrahim

    In this episode, Mandy and Tamsin sit down with Dr. Sumayya Ebrahim, gynaecologist, menopause warrior, and HRT expert, to pull apart the big fears and even bigger facts about HRT. Like, did you know the most-feared HRT study got a lot wrong? Or that modern oestrogen might actually help prevent breast cancer, not cause it? […]

  • The HRT Series: Part 01 with Dr Sumayya Ebrahim

    In this episode, Mandy and Tamsin sit down with Dr. Sumayya Ebrahim, gynaecologist, menopause warrior, and HRT expert, to ask the big questions: What is HRT? Do we need it? Will it make us grow beards or just help us sleep? Expect: Oestrogen in a patch, gel, or oral Testosterone for your libido and your […]

  • Sitting down with a GP: Part 02

    In this episode, we dive headfirst into the oestrogen void with Dr. Chrissy du Plessis and discover that menopause has no official end. Expect: Zombiefied lady parts (hello, atrophy) Brain fog and brittle skin Heel pain and itchy ears Mood swings courtesy of progesterone And zero fanfare when it’s theoretically over Basically, your body’s running […]

  • Sitting down with a GP: Part 01 Remastered

    In this episode, we bring in actual medical muscle — Dr. Chrissy du Plessis — to answer the big questions: what’s the difference between perimenopause and menopause, and why is your period ghosting you? Expect: Sleep chaos and rogue hormones Mood wobbles and menopausal maths Puberty flashbacks (sorry) HRT and hot takes While Chrissy is […]

  • Episode 02: What are perimenopause and menopause?

    In this episode, your hosts Mandy Collins and Tamsin Mackay try to figure out what menopause actually is with no medical training, but plenty of personal trauma. Expect: Brain fog and midnight wees The Golden Girls  The menopause stalk (not a typo) Saggy bits and survival skills Get in touch: whatthemenopause@gmail.com More chaos here: https://whatthemenopause.substack.com/

  • Episode 01: What is it?

    In this episode, your hosts Mandy Collins and Tamsin Mackay wonder if they’re losing their minds, their hormones, or just their patience. Expect: Doctors who say “It’s just stress” Estrogen vs Progesterone: Dawn of Confusion Get in touch: whathemenopause@gmail.com or visit us on Substack: https://whatthemenopause.substack.com/

  • Is alcohol doing more damage in midlife than you realise? – with Prof David Nutt

    Most of us know alcohol isn’t ideal for our health. But the specific ways it affects the brain, gut, hormones and our sleep, and why those effects become more pronounced as we age, are less well understood. Leading psychiatrist and neuropsychopharmacologist Prof David Nutt joins Liz to explain exactly what happens in the body from the […]

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    How to Find the Meaning of Your Life (From Harvard's #1 Happiness Expert)

    Arthur C. Brooks is a happiness expert, Harvard University professor, and best-selling author. You live a good life, but you still feel unhappy. You put yourself out there, but every relationship seems to fail. You have your dream job, but something feels off. What is going on? In today’s episode of The Tamsen Show, Arthur […]

  • Eps 400: Why Your Midlife Symptoms Aren’t Just Hormones with Crystal Andrus Morisette

    No one tells you that the real shift in midlife isn’t just physical… It’s personal. In this conversation, we’re unpacking something that doesn’t get talked about enough,  how so many of us have been taught to override our needs, push through, and take care of everyone else… until our body finally says “I can’t keep […]

  • Bonus: When hormones are missed in mental health

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by mental health nurses Jayne and Diane to discuss the often overlooked role of hormones in women’s mental health. Drawing on their experience working in mental health services, they share how hormonal changes are rarely considered when women present with symptoms such as anxiety, depression or mood […]

  • This Simple Mindset Shift Will Change the Way You See Your Life

    Life doesn’t always go according to plan.  And even the changes you choose can bring uncertainty, questions, and moments where you wonder what’s next.  Today’s episode will show you how to move forward and find something better on the other side.  In it, Mel sits down with Dr. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist, expert on […]

  • If Nothing Seems to Be Going Your Way, Listen to This

    Life doesn’t always go according to plan.  And even the changes you choose can bring uncertainty, questions, and moments where you wonder what’s next.  Today’s episode will show you how to move forward and find something better on the other side.  In it, Mel sits down with Dr. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist, expert on […]

  • “I wish I was chic-er!” Fearne on personal style and learning new skills

    What’s been going on for you this week? What are you happy about, and what’s making you not so happy? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her and the Happy Place team in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit rubbish …and Fearne has really really been feeling rubbish this week… This […]

  • S4 Ep198: Preventing Dementia: Estrogen? Testosterone? Prevogen?

    Preventing Dementia: Estrogen? Testosterone? Prevogen™?On November 10, 2025, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Marty Markary, along with the head of the FDA, RFK Jr, announced that hormone therapy would “reduce Alzheimer’s by 35%.” Where does that statistic come from? And should all women take hormone therapy to stave off dementia later in life? In […]

  • JoBeth Williams Returns to Talk Hollywood and Becoming a Grandmother

    JoBeth Williams returns to HFCT! We are thrilled to continue our conversation with actress and producer JoBeth Williams.  JoBeth is busier than ever with the movie, Not Without Hope, and producing the recent Actor Awards.  She also shares more great stories from her past movies including Kramer vs. Kramer. Her most exciting new position is […]

  • image of woman with dark hair named Mary Claire Haver

    Brain Fog, Memory Loss, and Alzheimer’s Risk During Menopause with Dr. Lisa Mosconi

    In this episode of unPAUSED, Dr. Mary Claire Haver continues her conversation with Dr. Lisa Mosconi, neuroscientist and associate professor of neuroscience in neurology and radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Mosconi directs the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program, including the NIH-funded Women’s Brain Initiative and the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic, and was recently […]

  • EP. 211 – Menopausal Skin Concerns and Rescue with Debbi Barber

    In this eagerly anticipated return to the podcast, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back skincare innovator, Debbi Barber, to share her experience treating our menopausal skin and give us her best tips to looking great, no matter your age. Their last conversation became one of the top three most downloaded episodes of last year, and this […]

  • Step Three to a Regulated Nervous System: Building your Capacity

    In this episode, I’m taking you into the third step of regulating your nervous system — and this is where things really begin to shift. We’ve already explored awareness and regulation, but if you’ve ever felt like you’re still getting pulled into stress again and again… this is the missing piece. Today, I’m talking about […]

  • Step Three to a Regulated Nervious System: Building your Capacity

    In this episode, I’m taking you into the third step of regulating your nervous system — and this is where things really begin to shift. We’ve already explored awareness and regulation, but if you’ve ever felt like you’re still getting pulled into stress again and again… this is the missing piece. Today, I’m talking about […]

  • 52 – Why psychiatrists must start thinking about hormones

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by consultant psychiatrist Dr Gareth Jarvis to explore the important, and often overlooked, connection between hormones and mental health.   Louise and Gareth discuss how hormonal changes can often contribute to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and severe mental illnesses. They also explore why psychiatrists are rarely trained to consider hormones […]

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    If You’re Going Through a Friendship Breakup You Need To Hear This

    If you have ever lost a friend and felt like you weren’t allowed to grieve it, this episode is for you. In this deeply personal solo episode, Tamsen opens up about one of the most painful experiences women carry quietly: the friendship breakup. Whether it ended with a blowup, a slow fade, or a silence […]

  • Eps 399: You’re Doing All the Sleep Tips — So Why Are You Still Awake?

    If sleep hygiene and all the “sleep tips” aren’t working for you… this is why. This is the final episode in our sleep miniseries, and I really wanted to bring everything together in a way that actually makes sense for your body. Because so many women are stuck thinking they just need more discipline, a […]

  • The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Sexual Health, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) & Menopause

    This episode is a MUST listen. Mel calls it one of the most important conversations she has ever had on The Mel Robbins Podcast.  Most women don’t know this, and this information could save the life of a woman you love.  If you are thinking you’re “fine,” while quietly suffering through symptoms that are treatable, […]

  • Ruth Langsford: “We all go through sh*t!” My life with divorce and dementia

    How do you cope when you’re going through a really rough time? Broadcaster Ruth Langsford has needed a balance of big cries, therapy, and just choosing to dust herself off and get to work. In this chat with Fearne, Ruth talks through the ways counselling and female friendships are moving her through the grief of […]

  • The beauty advice I got completely wrong

    After nearly 40 years researching health, beauty and wellness, Liz has learned that looking well and looking young are two very different things – and that the most powerful beauty advice she ever received had nothing to do with what you put on your skin.   Plus: why period pains can get worse in midlife, […]

  • The Truth About Weight Loss Injections In Menopause (GLP-1)

    Can weight loss injections help with menopause weight gain?In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by menopause specialist Dr Kari Nightingale to unpack one of the biggest topics in women’s health right now: GLP-1 weight loss medications. They discuss why weight can become so much harder to manage in perimenopause and menopause, how […]

  • Vaginal Biofilm: Stranger Than Fiction!

    Karen answers a listener’s question about vaginal biofilms. What are they and why do they make recurrent BV and yeast infections so hard to treat? She explains how these bacterial or fungal communities form protective layers that resist standard treatment, reviews options that may help break the cycle and looks at at-home microbiome testing. Visit […]

What the menopause

Your BFF for the years when you and your body go WTF!

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