Today, we’re diving into a topic that many parents may face but rarely talk about openly: navigating menopause while raising young kids. If you’ve been wondering how to balance parenting with the changes menopause brings, this episode is for you.
In our first interview on Menstrual Cycle Awareness, we explored how menstruation impacts our lives. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome back our wonderful guests, Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, for a second interview focusing on menopause. Alexandra Pope, Co-Founder of Red School and Co-Author of Wild Power and Wise Power, is a pioneer in menstruality education and awareness. With over 30 years of experience, Alexandra believes that each stage of the menstrual journey—from the first period to menopause and beyond—holds a unique power. Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, also Co-Founder of Red School and Co-Author of Wild Power and Wise Power, is a psychotherapist and menstrual cycle educator. She is passionate about helping people understand and honor their natural rhythms, using menstrual cycle awareness as a tool for self-care and empowerment.
In this conversation, they’ll share their insights on embracing menopause as a time of empowerment rather than something to simply endure. They introduce us to their concept of “Wild Power,” a strength that arises from understanding and honoring your body’s natural rhythms through every stage of life.
When we have kids a bit on the 'later' side, we may find ourselves dealing with perimenopause - when our body prepares for menopause - as we're raising young children. This experience can bring challenges, like feeling more tired or dealing with mood changes, but it also offers us new ways to grow and find our inner strength. Alexandra and Sjanie show us how we can be more understanding and open with ourselves and others as we go through this time of change.
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Jump to highlights:
00:03 Introducing today’s episode and featured guests
00:52 Understanding menopause and it's stages
03:02 Introduction to menopause terminology: perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause
05:34 Phases compared to seasons, each with unique emotional and psychological developments
06:44 Defining menopause and it's psychological impact
08:51 Importance of self-care and preparation for menopause
09:59 "Quickening" phase introduces a creative energy shift
17:43 Navigating menopause as a parent
18:15 Challenges for parents in their 40s during menopause
21:00 Importance of self-acceptance, setting boundaries, and receiving partner support
24:44 Symptoms and self-care in menopause
34:29 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and it's implications
44:16 The role of the inner critic in menopause
54:18 Final thoughts and resources