Mad With The Menopause

Sharon Pendlington is a Menopause and Nervous System Specialist with a decade of clinical experience helping women to navigate the menopause transition, with less stress and more confidence. Sharon specialises in supporting people in midlife to sleep through the night again, stabilise their mood, and restore their sharp mental clarity. She's the founder of the 90-Day Perimenopause Nervous System Reset group program, and she works with organisations to create menopause-inclusive workplaces. KEY TAKE AWAYS: 00:00 - Introduction to Menopause Conversations 02:28 - Sharon's Personal Journey with Menopause 05:20 - The Role of Mindfulness in Managing Symptoms 08:12 - The Importance of Community and Shared Experiences 10:40 - Developing a Mindfulness Program for Women 13:28 - Practical Tips for Starting Mindfulness 15:53 - Connecting with Sharon and Resources for Women 18:30 - Final Thoughts on Self-Care and Menopause USEFUL RESOURCES: Want to know your Perimenopause Archetype and start feeling better today? Take the 3-minute Perimenopause Archetype Quiz Website: https://www.sharonpendlington.com/ Instagram: @sharonpendlington ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: info@madwiththemenopause.com

In today’s episode I have the pleasure of welcoming back, Ailsa Hichens, Leading Nutritionist and published author, of ‘Everything They Told You About Menopause Weight Loss is Wrong.’ KEY TAKE AWAYS: Supporting Immunity During the Holidays The Importance of Vitamin D and Movement Nutrition for Immunity: Foods That Help Navigating Winter Health: Strategies for the New Year Understanding Menopause Weight Loss Final Thoughts: Prioritising Health in the New Year USEFUL RESOURCES: Ailsa’s book is available: Amazon ‘Everything They Told You About Menopause Weight Loss is Wrong’ Dry January: TRY DRY app. Instagram: @foodfabulousnutrition ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: info@madwiththemenopause.com Instagram: @anel.quilliam DISCLAIMER: The views of mine and those of my guests are just that. I therefore urge you to take advise from your medical practitioner, who knows your medical history and can therefore provide advice specific to your needs. Tile Art by: Shawn Bennett (Rockingham Media CIC)

Today, we’re welcoming Caroline Bridge, who, captured the hearts of the nation, when she and her son Thomas won the recent series of BBC's Race Across the World. Caroline’s journey from feeling like she’d lost her purpose after her son grew up, to trekking 14,000 kilometres across Asia, is a powerful story of rediscovery. KEY TAKE AWAYS: The Journey Begins: Race Across the World Personal Growth and Family Dynamics Challenges Faced During the Race Overcoming Obstacles and Building Confidence The Relationship Between Caroline and Tom Navigating Different Cultures and Environments Competition and Race Strategy Reflections on the Experience and Future Aspirations Building Bonds and Overcoming Self Doubt The Thrill of Victory and Behind the Scenes Life After Winning: Changes and Challenges Finding Purpose Beyond Academics Keeping Secrets and Celebrating Success Adjusting to Life Back Home Paying it Forward: A Commitment to Charity The Journey of Self Discovery and Growth Future Adventures USEFUL RESOURCES: Instagram: @caroline_and_tom and @ruggarural Website to purchase imported rugs from India: https://www.ruggarural.co.uk/ ‘Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained’ Podcast: with Caroline Bridge and Rebecca Rees ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: info@madwiththemenopause.com Instagram: @anel.quilliam DISCLAIMER: The views of mine and those of my guests are just that. I therefore urge you to take advise from your medical practitioner, who knows your medical history and can therefore provide advice specific to your needs. Tile Art by: Shawn Bennett (Rockingham Media CIC)

Join me for an insightful conversation with Heather Jackson, CEO and Co-Founder of GenM, a company dedicated to empowering menopausal consumers, by uniting brands and retailers with the menopause-friendly MTick symbol. Heather’s own perimenopausal experience sparked the creation of GenM and the MTick, aiming to provide trusted product information and improve the overall experience for those going through menopause. KEY TAKE AWAYS: Introduction to Gen M and its Mission The Importance of Menopause Awareness Building Trust in Menopause Products Empowering Women Through Menopause Personal Journey and Motivation Behind Gen M The Birth of Moogle: A Solution for Menopause Understanding the Menopause Market Building Trust: The M-Tick Initiative Global Expansion and Retail Partnerships Creating A Legacy for Future Generations Empowering Women Through Education and Products Changing the Narrative Around Menopause Taking Control of Your Menopause Journey Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes for Menopause Living Our Best Lives Post Menopause USEFUL RESOURCES: Instagram: @genm_official ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: info@madwiththemenopause.com Instagram: @anel.quilliam DISCLAIMER: The views of mine and those of my guests are just that. I therefore urge you to take advise from your medical practitioner, who knows your medical history and can therefore provide advice specific to your needs. Tile Art by: Shawn Bennett (Rockingham Media CIC)

Charlotte is the powerhouse behind Pause Live, the UK’s leading menopause event. Fuelled by her own experience and a fierce commitment to change, she’s built a bold, inclusive platform that’s redefining how we talk about women’s health. Through Pause Live, Charlotte is turning personal insight into collective empowerment—one taboo-smashing conversation at a time. KEY TAKE AWAYS: The Birth of Pause Live! Navigating Menopause: Personal Experiences and Solutions Advocacy for Women’s Health Navigating Relationships and Menopause Menopause in the Workplace Building Support Networks The Joy of Dance and the Community Breaking Taboos: Open Conversations Education and Community Support Accessing Resources and Support Get your tickets! USEFUL RESOURCES: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pausemia https://www.instagram.com/pauselive https://www.pauselive.com/ Discount code: PAUSE10 ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: info@madwiththemenopause.com Instagram: @anel.quilliam DISCLAIMER: The views of mine and those of my guests are just that. I therefore urge you to take advise from your medical practitioner, who knows your medical history and can therefore provide advice specific to your needs. Tile Art by: Shawn Bennett (Rockingham Media CIC)

In today’s episode, Anél will be speaking with Dr. Shilpa McQuillan, founder and clinical lead of Berkshire Menopause Clinic, a dedicated specialist menopause and women's health clinic, based in Henley. Dr. McQuillan is a British Menopause Society accredited menopause specialist, NHS community gynaecologist and women’s health GP and British Menopause Society Accredited Specialist. In 2024, Shilpa was awarded as Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (FRCOG), the highest accolade awarded by RCOG. KEY TAKE AWAYS: Understanding Menopause: Definitions and Differences Common and Uncommon Symptoms of Menopause Menopause and Bone Health: Osteoporosis Risks Cardiovascular Health and Menopause HRT: Choices and Considerations Understanding HRT and Women’s Health Choices Merging Treatments in Menopause Management The Importance of Informed Decisions Impact of Hormonal Changes on Mental Health Correlation Between PMDD and Perimenopause Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare Self-care Strategies Celebrating Achievements in Women’s Health Connecting with Dr. Shilpa USEFUL RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@berkshiremenopauseclinic Website: https://berkshiremenopauseclinic.com/ ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: info@madwiththemenopause.com DISCLAIMER: The views of mine and those of my guests are just that. I therefore urge you to take advise from your medical practitioner, who knows your medical history and can therefore provide advice specific to your needs. Tile Art by: Shawn Bennett (Rockingham Media CIC)

Jo first became aware of the challenges women face during menopause, through the many coaching clients, who expressed feelings of reduced capability and confidence. Recognising the impact of these symptoms on their personal and professional lives, inspired Jo to create a solution and a space where women could find support and guidance. Jo is also the founder of ‘What the Fog?' Understanding Menopause & Perimenopause. Facebook group. KEY TAKE AWAYS: Journey to Menopause Coaching Defining Menopause Coaching Psychological Impact of Menopause Understanding and Normalising Menopause Strategies for Managing Menopause The Importance of Support and Education Self-Care and Personal Experiences Navigating the Emotional Turmoil of Perimenopause The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Relationships The Role of Hormones in Overall Health Finding Support: The Importance of Healthcare Providers The Need for Advocacy in Women’s Health Changing the Narrative Around Menopause Creating Community: What the Fog Facebook Group The Journey of Building a Support Group Addressing Misunderstandings in Menopause Discussions Holistic Approaches to Health During Menopause Connecting with Jo: Resources and Support USEFUL RESOURCES: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/740710540001100 Courage Coaching: https://courage-coaching.co.uk/ Email: Jo@courage-coaching.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: info@madwiththemenopause.com DISCLAIMER: The views of mine and those of my guests are just that. I therefore urge you to take advise from your medical practitioner, who knows your medical history and can therefore provide advice specific to your needs. Tile Art by: Shawn Bennett (Rockingham Media CIC)