What the menopause

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 weird-but-true ways to manage sleep apnea including jaw gadgets, mouth taping, and even cannabis
Restless legs syndrome decoded: what it really is, why it runs in families, and how to spot it (hint: it’s not a magnesium deficiency)
Simple, smart ways to figure out what’s really ruining your sleep before spending a cent on fancy gadgets or meds
This is the stuff every woman needs to know because sleep isn’t optional, and neither is your health.
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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 sleep apnoea in menopausal women
How your bladder, brain, and breathing all gang up on you at 3am
What insomnia actually is, and what it definitely isn’t
Sleep is not a luxury. It’s a medical issue and you deserve better.
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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 bioidentical really means 
Why most HRT blood tests are a waste of time
The truth about compounded hormones (and why no two tubs are ever the same)
How body fat and booze affect oestrogen after menopause
Quick, sharp and full of facts you wish you’d known years ago.Listen now and subscribe: whatthemenopause.substack.com
Email us on whathemenopause@gmail.com if you have any questions you want answered by an expert.

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?
Expect:
The 2002 HRT study unpacked and discussed
Brain fog decoded: Menopause isn’t just forgetfulness, it’s a full-on neurological remodel
Oestrogen as heart helper, bone builder, and diabetes dodger
Twenty-three percent lower risk of diabetes for women on HRT
Why your brain is showing up differently (not dying, just rewiring)
How to deal with doctors who still think it’s 2002
Estrogen Matters, Lara Mosconi, and the books that could change your mind
Beard hairs, grey eyebrow hairs, insomnia, and the sneaky war on your confidence
Why AI will lie to you (yes, we’re looking at you, ChatGPT)
Serious science, deeply unserious jokes.And the universal menopause truth: If you can’t remember what you were saying, make it up with conviction.
Get in touch: whathemenopause@gmail.comFind more: https://whatthemenopause.substack.com

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 deadlift
DHEA (basically the FBI of hormones)
Beard hair, bald spots, and witch hairs with friends
Serious science, deeply unserious jokes
And the universal menopause truth: Use your words. Or failing that, your ragey grunts.
Get in touch: whathemenopause@gmail.comFind more: https://whatthemenopause.substack.com

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 Windows 95 and no one’s rebooting it.
More chaos: https://whatthemenopause.substack.com/Email: whathemenopause@gmail.com

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 a qualified GP, this podcast is for info and laughs not medical advice. Everyone’s menopause journey is different, so if you’re dealing with symptoms or have questions, please speak to a healthcare professional. We’re here to share stories, not prescribe solutions!
Get in touch: whathemenopause@gmail.comMore chaos here: https://whatthemenopause.substack.com/

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.comMore 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/