In this empowering and deeply insightful episode, Dr. Carmen Nelson joins us to break down the complexities of women’s health, especially the often-misunderstood experience of menopause. Together, we explore the emotional, physical, and hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause and menopause—and how society’s framing of this transition often leaves women disconnected from their bodies and unsupported.

But Dr. Carmen has a message for all of us: menopause is not a failure—it’s a promotion.

We talk mental wellness, self-care, and how breathwork and exercise can support emotional regulation and joy. We also touch on how to prepare the next generation of women to step into their power and hormonal shifts with knowledge and compassion.

If you’re feeling alone or confused by the changes happening in your body, this episode is the reminder that you are not broken—you are powerful.

🔥 Sound Bites:

• “Menopause is not an end, it’s a new beginning.”

• “We have to reconnect women to their bodies.”

• “Menopause should be seen as a promotion.”

• “You’re the only one that can [take care of you].”

• “Breathwork is cumulative.”

• “We should have menopause parties.”

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Menopause is often misunderstood and retroactively diagnosed.

• Hormonal changes deeply affect mental health and emotional well-being.

• Society needs a new, supportive narrative around aging and womanhood.

• Self-care is not optional—it’s survival.

• Body positivity and mindfulness are essential during hormonal transitions.

• Knowledge is power: we must educate future generations to embrace these changes with strength and clarity.

• Women deserve to be seen, heard, and honored in the healthcare system.

🕒 Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Women's Health and Menopause

• 03:01 – The Disconnect Between Women and Their Bodies

• 05:58 – Understanding Menopause: A Neuroendocrine Transition

• 09:05 – The Impact of Hormones on Mental Health

• 12:04 – Menopause as a Promotion, Not a Failure

• 14:54 – Preparing the Next Generation for Hormonal Changes

• 18:01 – Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Voice

• 21:00 – The Importance of Self-Care and Understanding Hormonal Changes

• 23:52 – Reconnecting with Our Bodies and Embracing Change

• 26:58 – The Shift in Perspective: Aging Gracefully

• 29:59 – Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Womanhood

• 32:27 – Embracing Change: Self-Care and Body Positivity

• 39:31 – Navigating Menopause: The Importance of Mindfulness and Exercise

• 54:00 – Breathwork: A Tool for Emotional Release and Stress Management

🎧 Tune in if you're ready to:

• Rethink what it means to age as a woman

• Build a personalized self-care practice

• Learn how hormones impact your mental health

• Feel empowered through life’s hormonal transitions

• Celebrate menopause instead of fearing it

💬 Continue the conversation:
Have a menopause story to share or a question for Dr. Carmen? DM us on Instagram or leave a review—your voice matters.

This week, we're getting REAL about our hormones with the amazing Manhar Cheema, a pharmacist who has specialized in women's health for the past 5 years (after 17 years as a pharmacist!). Pour yourself a cup of tea (or wine, we don't judge!) and settle in for some serious talk about what's really happening with our bodies.

Perimenopause - The "Zone of Chaos"
Buckle up, friends! Those weird symptoms you've been having as early as 35? Yep, that's perimenopause knocking on your door. Manhar breaks down what's happening and why nobody warned us about this!

Testing, Testing, 1-2-3
Why hormonal testing is absolutely crucial (and why your doctor might not be suggesting it). Manhar explains how understanding your specific hormone levels can be a game-changer.

Food as Medicine
Ladies, FIBER is your new BFF! One tortilla can have 20g of fiber! We chat about how what you eat directly impacts your hormones and why protein in the morning can help with those stubborn weight issues.

Supplements We Should All Consider 💊

• Vitamin D (especially for those of us not living in sunny paradise)
• Magnesium for those nights when sleep is just a distant memory
• Calcium because our bones need some extra love during perimenopause

Exercise Reality Check
HIIT workouts are great but shouldn't be your only exercise. Manhar shares why mixing it up is so important for hormonal balance.

The TMI Section (But So Necessary)
We go there - bowel health and hormones are connected, and Manhar explains why your bathroom habits matter more than you think!

Hormone Therapy Truths
The difference between traditional and bioidentical hormone therapy, and why "your body, your choice" needs to be our mantra when talking to healthcare providers.

• Fiber-rich foods to add to your shopping list
• Questions to ask your doctor about hormone testing
• How to find a women's health specialist who actually listens
• Check Manhar onling:
  • https://manahealthcalgary.com/
  • @manahealthcalgary

1. Track your symptoms (yes, even the weird ones!)
2. Consider hormone testing if you're 35+ or experiencing symptoms
3. Add more fiber to your diet (aim for 25-30g daily)
4. Schedule a check-in with a healthcare provider to discuss your options

Follow us on Instagram @hornonal_human for daily tips and our favorite product recommendations!

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this podcast, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

Hey hormonal humans! Buckle up because we're diving deep into the juicy stuff today - orgasms, libido, and all things sexy time. Our guest Megan Rabby is spilling the tea on why your hormones might be cockblocking your good time (pun totally intended) and what you can do about it.

Let's be real - we're all thinking about sex (or why we're not thinking about sex), but who's actually talking about it? Between hormonal shifts, busy schedules, and that pile of laundry that somehow kills the mood, maintaining a healthy sex life can feel like another item on your to-do list. But here's the thing: your sexual health is just as important as that green smoothie you force yourself to drink every morning.

• Why faking it is so 1995 (and what to do instead)
• How your cycle affects your libido (hello, horny week!)
• The truth about scheduling sex (spoiler: it's not unsexy)
• Why your brain might be your biggest cockblock
• How to keep things spicy when life gets... life-y

"You're not dead inside - your hormones are just being jerks."

"Your vibrator should be your BFF, not your dirty little secret."

"Sometimes Netflix and actually chill is the foreplay you need."

• The connection between hormones and your sex drive
• Why communication is sexier than lingerie
• How stress is stealing your orgasms
• Ways to rebuild intimacy (clothes on and off)
• The power of prioritizing pleasure

1. Stop faking it (seriously, just stop)
2. Have an honest chat with your partner
3. Schedule some solo exploration time
4. Track your cycle and libido patterns
5. Give yourself permission to prioritize pleasure

Remember, hormonal humans: your sexual health isn't a luxury - it's a necessity. And yes, that orgasm is totally worth prioritizing over folding laundry.

Note: While we keep it real here, always check with your healthcare provider about your specific situation. We're here for the tea, not the medical degree.