What the menopause

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 choose the right medical professionals for menopause and se...

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 also shares insight into Lamelle’s soon-to-l...

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 of sex (Scope was “for the stories”!!) The generational whiplash of pare...

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 to prep for your doctor’s visit like a sleep detective (clipboard optional, clarity essential) The su...

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...

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 a...

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 abo...

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: Menopau...

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 frie...

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: h...

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 medica...

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/

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/