Making Sense Of Menopause

What do burst water mains have to do with perimenopause? More than you’d think! In this episode, I share why ignoring small signs — like poor sleep, brain fog, or hot flushes — can lead to bigger problems down the line. Acting early makes symptoms easier to manage and prevents them from becoming chronic. You’ll learn: The link between small problems and bigger health issues Why perimenopause sympt...

Forgetting words mid-sentence? Walking into a room and not remembering why? Brain fog is one of the most frustrating menopause symptoms — but there are reasons it happens and ways to improve it. In this episode, I explain the role of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone in cognition, and how sleep, stress and lifestyle choices make a difference. I also share simple strategies to sharpen your m...

Still unsure about HRT? You’re not alone. This episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health cuts through the confusion with an up-to-date, evidence-based look at Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Whether you’re considering HRT, already on it, or looking for alternatives — this is your essential guide. We’ll cover: What HRT really is and how it works Body-identical vs bioidentical vs synthetic hormon...

Sitting all day? It could be why you're stiff, tired, or sore. In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health , I dive into realistic, evidence-backed strategies to help you stay active, reduce discomfort, and protect your long-term health — even if you spend most of your day at a desk. You’ll learn: Why posture isn’t everything — and what matters more Easy stretches and movements to do at...

In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health , I break down everything you need to know about plantar fasciitis — a common and frustrating cause of heel pain that affects many women, especially during hormonal transitions like perimenopause or postnatal recovery. We’ll cover: What plantar fasciitis is and how it presents Why women are often more vulnerable (hint: hormones play a role) Common...

Hot flushes and night sweats are two of the most common — and often most frustrating — symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, affecting around 80% of women. But even though they’re common, there’s still a lot of confusion about what causes them, when to seek help, and what actually works. In this episode, Roberta explains: What hot flushes and night sweats feel like — and why they happen How...

Low back pain affects millions of women — from postnatal recovery to menopause and beyond. In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health , Roberta Bass breaks down the many causes of back pain, including disc issues, joint dysfunction, pelvic floor problems, prolapse, endometriosis, and more. You’ll learn how to identify what might be causing your pain, when to seek medical help, and what prac...

Episode Summary: Menopause supplements are everywhere — but how do you know which ones are helpful, and which could be a waste of money (or even unsafe)? In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health , Roberta Bass breaks down some of the most popular supplements marketed to women in midlife and menopause. You’ll hear what the evidence says about supplements for hot flushes, brain fog, sleep,...

In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health , Roberta Bass explores the science and benefits of creative expression for stress relief — especially for women navigating perimenopause, postnatal recovery, or everyday overwhelm. Discover how creative activities like theatre, art, journaling, music, crafting , and even cooking can help lower stress hormones, support emotional resilience, and giv...

Episode Summary: In today’s episode, Roberta dives into one of the most common — and frustrating — concerns brought up by clients during perimenopause and postmenopause: brain fog . You’ll learn what brain fog actually is (and what it isn’t), the role of hormonal changes in cognitive function, and the lifestyle and evidence-based strategies that can make a real difference. Roberta explains why thi...

Fibromyalgia can leave you feeling exhausted, foggy, and overwhelmed — especially if you haven’t yet received a clear diagnosis. In this episode, Roberta breaks down what fibromyalgia really is, how it’s diagnosed, what conditions can mimic it, and how to manage it with a gentle, holistic approach. Whether you've been diagnosed or suspect fibromyalgia may be behind your symptoms, this episode...

In honour of Stress Awareness Month, Roberta shares three powerful case studies from real women who used the CONTROL method to transform their health — by addressing the subconscious patterns holding them back. This episode explores how stress, anxiety, emotional eating, sleep issues, and perfectionism often have roots in the subconscious mind — and how working with those patterns can lead to last...

Do you feel constantly tired, bloated, or foggy — and wonder if your gut might be to blame? In this episode, Roberta explores the link between gut health and energy , particularly during perimenopause and midlife , when hormonal changes often make digestive symptoms worse. She explains why symptoms like bloating, sluggishness, and food sensitivities can become more noticeable during this time — an...

In honour of World Health Day, this episode explores how movement can be used as a powerful tool to support women’s health through every life stage — from perimenopause and postnatal recovery to ageing well and managing fatigue or pain. Roberta Bass, Women’s Health Physiotherapist, shares the evidence-based benefits of regular movement and addresses the common barriers women face — including low e...

In this essential episode, Roberta Bass — Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Pilates Instructor, Menopause Mentor, and founder of Thrive and Shine Women’s Wellness — highlights the pelvic health warning signs no woman should ignore. From postmenopausal bleeding to unexplained pelvic pain, Roberta shares what different symptoms might mean, when to seek medical advice, and what support is available if...

Do you feel like everything has to be perfect before you can feel happy, worthy or successful? If so, you’re not alone — and you may be trapped in perfectionism . In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health , Roberta shares her personal experience as a recovering perfectionist and explains how perfectionism doesn’t just affect your mindset — it also takes a serious toll on your physical heal...

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women , yet it takes an average of 7 to 9 years to get diagnosed. Many women are told their pain is ‘normal’ or ‘just bad periods’ — but endometriosis is much more than that. In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health , Roberta explains: What endometriosis actually is and why it causes so much pain. Why pelvic pain doesn’t always stop after surgery . How centra...

This week is Sleep Awareness Week , so it’s the perfect time to understand your sleep — not just why it matters, but what’s actually going on in your body while you sleep. In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health , I explain: The 4 essential stages of sleep — and why you need each one. How hormonal changes during your cycle , pregnancy , perimenopause , and menopause disrupt sleep. What s...

In this episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health , I’m diving into knee pain — something I see regularly in clinic. And here’s the thing — women are more prone to knee pain than men, but why? It’s not just down to exercise or aging. It’s about hormones , pregnancy , postnatal recovery , and menopause all having a direct impact on your knees. I’ll explain: How hormonal changes across your menstrua...

Have you ever noticed that when you're stressed, your pain feels worse? Or when you're in pain, your stress levels go up? That’s not just in your head—it’s a real biological response. Pain and stress are deeply linked, creating a vicious cycle that can be hard to break. In this episode, I explore: How stress triggers physical pain and keeps the body in a state of tension Why chronic stre...

Have you ever felt like you're not good enough or constantly second-guess yourself? You’re not alone. In this episode, I explore what self-esteem really is, how it’s shaped over time, and—most importantly— how you can start strengthening it at any age . We’ll dive into: ✅ The difference between confidence and self-esteem ✅ How low self-esteem affects your health, relationships, and daily li...

In this episode of Making Sense of Women's Health , Roberta Bass dives into the complex topic of emotional eating —something many of us struggle with, especially during times of stress, boredom, or overwhelm. Roberta explains why emotional eating isn’t about willpower. Instead, it’s driven by hormones, stress, sleep patterns, and deeply ingrained subconscious habits . She shares insights into...

In this episode of Making Sense of Women's Health , Roberta Bass highlights the critical topic of women’s heart health during National Heart Month in the UK. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the UK, and it's not just an issue for older women. Roberta explains how hormones like oestrogen play a protective role in heart health, how risks increase after...

In this episode, Roberta Bass introduces the CONTROL system, a groundbreaking method for communicating directly with your subconscious mind. Developed by Tim Box, CONTROL empowers individuals to make lasting changes without relying on traditional hypnosis. What You’ll Learn: Why CONTROL is different from other hypnotherapy approaches. How the conscious and subconscious minds interact. What the cri...

This episode of Making Sense of Women’s Health focuses on cervical health during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (January 20th–26th, 2025) . Host Roberta Bass breaks down everything you need to know about cervical screenings, common symptoms, and how hormonal changes like menopause can impact cervical health. Roberta also highlights why smear tests are so crucial, how to recognize symptoms of cerv...