This Time of the Month

How to set healthy boundaries without feeling guilty | S2E11 Part 1

In this Part 1 of Season 2, episode 11, Dr. Béatrice welcomes back Kirsten Frey, a Grief Recovery Specialist, to understand more deeply how to navigate the emotional burden carried by women in midlife.
If you missed our previous chat with Kirsten, you can get caught up with link below (we defined grief beyond the loss of loved ones, and recognized any loss or transition as grief:
https://youtu.be/0qTVt20mcdw
In this new episode, Kirsten shared the impact of grief on our relationships. Throughout the episode, practical advice and language recommendations are provided with real life examples for effectively communicating feelings and setting healthy boundaries. This episode highlights the importance of addressing grief and loss in a compassionate, radically honest, and open manner.
Additional topics covered includes:
* Shift from crisis to an awakening
* Establishing healthy boundaries and navigating pushback from self and others
* Misconceptions and societal conditioning affecting men and women
* Exploring intimacy and relationships
* Parallels between the emotional experiences of menopause and puberty
* How societal expectations of expressing emotions can differ for men and women
* And much more
Timestamp:
0:00 Intro
0:53 Introducing Grief Recovery Speciliast: Carrying the burden of everyone
4:38 How to create space during midlife chaos (with example)
9:53 What's the language we can use to set healthy boundaries?
11:52 Setting great example for your kids
14:49 The dynamics of spousal relationships during loss or grief
17:59 Two things you'd like for men to know about grief
20:54 How does lack of intimacy affect relationships?
24:48 Getting a coach or therapist isn't a sign of weakness
26:50 Top 3 takeaways from this episode
Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider(s) and other professionals.
RESOURCES:
Kirsten Frey www.tlclifecoaching.com
IG: tlclifecoaching https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/sites/default/files/cgrs-support-files/the_major_myths_about_grief_ebook.pdf

Are you integrating naturopathy in perimenopause? What you should know|TTOM S2E10

In this episode 10 of TTOM Season 2, Dr. Béatrice Séguin interviewed Dolores Fernandez, a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) and Naturopathic Doctor to understand the role of naturopathic medicine in women's health, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. ​ Dolores emphasizes evidence-based practices and individualized care, addressing topics such as hormone therapy, supplements, vaginal health, bone health, and the importance of consulting reputable sources. Tune in to gain valuable insights and make informed choices about your health journey.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:34 "What brought you to naturopathic medicine?"
4:20 Menopause Certified Practitioner: The Process
5:05 "We're have certain prescription privileges"
5:52 Hormone therapy: Naturopath's perspective
7:21 Naturopath's perspective on supporting women going through perimenopause
8:37 How naturopaths collaborate with medical doctors 9:35 How Naturopathic doctor's approach is complementary to medicine?
12:56 Wasting money on supplements due to lack of evidence 13:40 Vitamins from whole foods
18:13 usefulness or non usefulness of certain tests
19:12 "How to determine if we are in perimenopause?"
19:40 Misconceptions: Estrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue
21:39 How to deal with burnout? 22:05 Gaps in women's health
24:53 "What are 2 things women should remember from you?"
26:05 What makes you feel beautiful?
Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Dolores Fernandez, ND, MSCP social handles:
IG @drdoloresnd
Béatrice's outfit for this episode was graciously styled by Kristine and Karilynn check out their IG accounts @shop.with.kristine and @karilynnbianchi
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Un-diet yourself: break free of guilt & restrictions w/ Amanda Thebe | TTOM S2E09

On this episode 9 of TTOM Season 2, I sit down once again with Amanda Thebe. This time we talk about repairing our relationship with food. Amanda goes deeper on what to eat and how to eat, especially focusing on behaviour change and how to enjoy food.
Amanda is Amazon Best-Selling Author and Canada's First Menopause Workplace Educator. She is also a fitness and women’s health expert with nearly thirty years of experience in the fitness industry, she is the author of the Amazon best-selling book, Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too!
She is the co-founder and Chief Wellness and Branding Officer at Nyah Health, a complete healthcare solution for menopausal women in Canada. She provides on-site or virtual educational presentations in the workplace to improve productivity, retention and attendance for female employees through menopause.
Amanda is a popular guest on podcasts, radio, tv and online summits, and her health and fitness tips have been featured in media outlets like Oprah, Shape, Prevention, Health Line, CBC Radio, Global News Canada, The Doctors, and many more. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro: Eating food in front of tele?
2:20 Diet culture: They make money by instilling fear
3:33 You should get rid of restrictive ideas around food
5:25 Misleading celeb culture: Being thin & perfect
6:03 Myths: All carbs are bad?
11:51 Role of protein need in midlife
16:16 I'll ask my daughter to watch this segment
16:38 What types of supplement can help?
18:29 Two supplements I take...
22:06 Three big takeaways when it comes to eating
24:55 Sh!t I like: minute rice review
 
 
 
Amanda Thebe's Socials:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/amanda.thebe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandathebex
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandathebex
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-thebe/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AmandaThebex
Podcast: www.amandathebe.com/podcast

Hormone Therapy, Sexual Health & More: Q&A w/ Dr. Alida | TTOM S2E8

Recently, we received many questions from the TTOM community through text messages, email and comments across our social media handles.
In this episode, we're answering a few of those questions with our special guest Dr. Alida Pokoradi. She is an expert in OBGYN, GYN Oncology, and GYN Surgery, with a PhD focused on menopause.
Watch previous episodes (S2E3) with Dr. Alida for more in depth conversations.
Her academic journey, from the University of Toronto to the University of Aberdeen, has armed her with key insights into menopause's impact on health.
Now a gynecologic oncologist, her rich experience and extensive research make this episode an essential listen for those seeking a deeper understanding of menopause from a distinguished voice in women's health.
Timestamp:
0:00 Intro
1:35 If I had breast cancer, what can I do about hot flashes and vaginal symptoms
2:49 Is there a cut off age for hormone therapy?
3:29 I'm 61-62 years old, is it too late for hormone therapy?
5:14 Do I have to be 12 months without a period to get hormone therapy?
6:58 "Help! My coochie is so itchy, it wakes me up during night..."
11:30 What's Vulvodynia? How to recognize it? Differentiating it from other conditions
13:29 “I had my labs done, Dr says I'm not in menopause…”
14:51 “I started bleeding after menopause.” Dangerous?
17:54 If you are on systemic Hormone therapy...
18:44 Most common questions: Sexual health
22:44 The Proust Questionnaire
24:15 Product Review (Stuff I like)

3 Midlife Stories: Beauty, Aging & Empowerment | TTOM S2E7

Join Dr. Beatrice Seguin in 'This Time of the Month' for conversations with Stephanie, Helen, and Laurie on embracing beauty, confidence, and empowerment amidst life's challenges.
Stephanie Adams: Redefining Beauty in your 40s
Self-Care: Elevating personal well-being as a paramount priority.
Unity: Encouraging open sharing and mutual support among women.
Proactivity: Highlighting the importance of regular health screenings.
Style: Advocating for personal expression beyond societal age expectations.
Dialogue: Promoting transparent communication with healthcare providers.
 
Helen Tansey: Embrace True Beauty Essence: Valuing people beyond looks.
Narratives: Challenging society's aging and beauty standards.
Unity: Encouraging women to uplift, not judge.
Aging: Seeing aging as natural and positive.
Joy: Finding beauty in laughter, meditation, and connections.
 
Laurie Hunt: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Choosing Self.
Movement: Overcoming limits to unlock potential.
Growth Mindset: Embracing possibilities beyond age.
Daily Practices: Balancing mood, movement, and mental growth.
Small Shifts: Setting achievable goals to break barriers.
Self-Care: Prioritizing oneself for growth and service.
 
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:48: what's in episode 7?
2:41 Part 1: Stephanie - Beauty Standards
4:08 Can we own our standard of beauty past our 40s?
6:12 women judge each other a lot
7:58 I think women need to share beyond Instagram
8:30 affordable tips that gives you that sense of uplift
10:27 what turns you on in your 40s compared to 20s or 30s?
12:03 when they say, "Dress your age!"
14:36 "suffering in silence"
15:44 Part 2: Helen - how we changed narrative about beauty and aging
16:08 - how you see essence of a person? how do you do that?
17:00 how do you define beauty?
18:51 - Internal struggle
21:21 stop judging each other
23:46 my brother believed in me
24:44 what would you tell your younger self
27:56 Three things you want TTOM audience to know
30:09 I wish celeb would be more transparent
32:00 what makes you feel beautiful?
33:31 part 3 - Laurie - overcoming limiting beliefs
34:35 what’s the small shift to overcome limiting beliefs
36:10 "I'm too old to do this"
37:45 transformation is achievable for everyone?"
39:14 what you would want TTOM audience to leave with?
43:27 SIL – Sh!t I Like
Green dress worn with Stephanie was kindly styled by @jordananoelle.styling
Additional Links:
Helen Tansey https://www.sundariphotography.com
Laurie Hunt https://www.lauriehunt.com/blog/the-more-in-me-movement-story-part-1-what-is-it
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Feminine leadership and the burden of health advocacy| TTOM S2E6

In Episode 6 of TTOM Season 2, we dive into the often-unspoken world of perimenopause, with a focus on the experiences of women navigating this transformative phase of life. Our guest, Charity Kabango, co-founder and director of entrepreneurial solutions partners (ESP), shares her personal insights, underscoring the importance of open discussions and the need for accessible information and support. The episode covers topics such as the early signs of perimenopause, how it affects daily life, and the challenges women face in seeking understanding and care from healthcare professionals. It also emphasizes the power of community and shared experiences in navigating this significant life stage. Join us for an episode that promises to enlighten and empower women in their journey through perimenopause.
Topic Covered:
Awareness and Accessibility: Discussing the gap in open conversations about perimenopause
Healthcare Challenges: Addressing the need for respectful healthcare, especially for women of colour
Community Support: Emphasizing the importance of advice from friends and family in understanding health concerns like perimenopause
Identifying Symptoms: Exploring signs like menstrual changes and sleep issue
Feminine Leadership: Charity highlights the strengths of feminine leadership, emphasizing empathy and a nuanced understanding of one's environment as key leadership traits.
Brain Fog Struggles: Highlighting brain fog as a potential, yet overlooked, symptoms.
Seeking Clarity: Charity's quest for answers about her symptoms
00:00 Introduction 
00:31 What is TTOM and what's in it for you?
00:55 Before we talked, did you know the word "perimenopause"?
03:07 Have you been proactively approached by Primary Caregiver?
06:12 Is there any symptom that you most associate with perimenopause?
07:37 This can be 1/3rd to half of your entire life.
09:47 Experience with Primary Caregiver on menopause
13:25 "Busy professional woman, is it fair to ask you to figure it out?"
14:37 Trust in the healthcare system
18:31 Feminine Leadership for 14 years
23:00 Having pads in the office: vision for better workplaces
27:03 you can't access pain care as a black woman 33:11 Is there #1 takeaway from this episode?
34:00 What makes you feel beautiful?
35:44 What's next? To learn more about Perimenopause Watch ep 1
Additional Resources:
'Menopause Manifesto' by Dr Jen Gunter (book review): https://youtube.com/shorts/fX6nCj4lCpw
Episode 1 with Dr Jessica Green:
https://youtu.be/mnRdqakL_2E
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Reclaiming intimacy, midlife edition| TTOM S2E5

After 40, women may experience a slowdown in the frequency of sex. Result? It can impact relationships to a significant extent. In this episode 5 of Season 2, I continued my candid conversation with returning guest Monique Voorn, social worker and sexual health and wellness counsellor to unravel the intricacies of sexual wellness and intimacy in midlife. Monique shared the challenges couples face as they navigate changes in their bodies and desires. From understanding the importance of non-verbal cues to expanding the definition of intimacy beyond sex, Monique and I talked about it all.
Topics Covered:
The broadening concept of intimacy and sexual wellness in midlife. Strategies for maintaining connection without traditional forms of sex, including the exploration of "Venus" (Very Erotic Non-Insertive Sex).
The importance of non-verbal communication and the sensate focus exercise for enhancing intimacy. Navigating the challenges of erectile dysfunction and dryness with openness and creativity.
Overcoming guilt and redefining roles within sexual relationships.
Practical tips for expressing needs and desires to strengthen the partnership.
Additional Resources:
10 Tips for Low Sexual Desire from Alberta Health Services: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/cca/if-cca-low-sexual-desire.pdf
Better Sex Through Mindfulness workbook by Dr. Lori Brotto be found on her website:
https://www.loribrotto.com/
Come as You Are Come Together by Emily Nagoski: https://www.emilynagoski.com/home
OHNUT rings: https://ohnut.co/en-ca?gad_source=1&rfsn=6780991.9bb7a1e&utm_campaign=theOnlyReviews&utm_content=theOnlyReviews&utm_id=theOnlyReviews&utm_medium=theOnlyReviews&utm_source=theOnlyReviews&utm_term=theOnlyReviews
Dr. Rosemary Basson's work:
https://thischangedmypractice.com/author/robasson/
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

What causes lack of midlife sexual desire in women? | TTOM S2E4

Welcome to Episode 4 of TTOM Season 2, where we're joined by Monique Voorn, a Master's level social worker who specializes in sexual health and wellness counselling. In this episode, Monique shares her insights on crucial aspects of sexual health. We talked about practical solutions for vaginal dryness, exploring the role of lubricants in enhancing sexual activity. Monique addresses the often-sensitive topic of low sexual desire, discussing its causes and effective solutions. We also tackle the misconceptions around sexual intimacy and how it differs from portrayals on platforms like Netflix or Hollywood movies. From understanding the dynamics of stress and intimacy to exploring the concept of receptive desire, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone looking to improve their sexual well-being and debunk common myths about sexual health.
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction: Welcome to  TTOM
2:59 what causes vaginal dryness?
5:01 how to support women so she can discuss low sexual desire 6:31 effective tools for addressing low sexual desire
10:37 women’s sexual desire is different
11:05 why is stress bad for intimacy? 13:25 what is receptive (sex) desire?
16:01 Most unromantic thing to increase intimacy with your partner 20.00 types of lubricants
23:00 insufficient arousal: who’s to blame? You or your partner? 28:25 when woman is completely aroused…?
36:38 debunking the most common myths about sexual health
 
Additional Resources:
10 Tips for Low Sexual Desire from Alberta Health Services: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/cca/if-cca-low-sexual-desire.pdf
Better Sex Through Mindfulness workbook by Dr. Lori Brotto be found on her website: https://www.loribrotto.com/
Come as You Are Come Together by Emily Nagoski: https://www.emilynagoski.com/home OHNUT rings: https://ohnut.co/en-ca?gad_source=1&rfsn=6780991.9bb7a1e&utm_campaign=theOnlyReviews&utm_content=theOnlyReviews&utm_id=theOnlyReviews&utm_medium=theOnlyReviews&utm_source=theOnlyReviews&utm_term=theOnlyReviews
Dr. Rosemary Basson's work: https://thischangedmypractice.com/author/robasson/
Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Top 3 Tips for Navigating Menopause: A Prevention Perspective w/ Dr. Alida Pokoradi | TTOM S2E3

Join me for a compelling episode with Dr. Alida Pokoradi, an esteemed expert in OBGYN, GYN Oncology, and GYN Surgery, with a PhD focused on menopause.
Dr. Pokoradi's illustrious academic journey, from the University of Toronto to the University of Aberdeen, has armed her with groundbreaking insights into menopause's impact on health. Now a gynecologic oncologist, her rich experience and extensive research make this episode an essential listen for those seeking a deeper understanding of menopause from a distinguished voice in women's health.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to enrich your knowledge and perspective.
Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro: Welcome to TTOM
1:04 - Dr. Alida's Personal Story
4:35 - Why women fear menopause hormone therapy?
6:00 - New research findings on menopause hormone therapy
8:25 - Menopause Management: Is there proactive screening?
10:23 - types of hormone therapy based on menopause stages 15:50 Message to primary caregivers on menopause support
19:34 On behalf of breast cancer survivor...
22:36 - How do we create awareness around menopause?
25:20 - Top 3 Tips for Navigating Menopause: A Prevention Perspective
27:49 - Why Menopause Matters: Educating Women in Their 30s
30:03 - The Three Key Takeaways About Menopause You Shouldn't Forget 31:40 What makes you feel beautiful?
32:38 Outro – S#!t I Like Product Review (not sponsored, just obsessed)
Key Highlights:
- Understanding Hormone Therapy: What do we know now? Get up-to-date information on hormone therapy and its impact on health during menopause.
- Proactive Screening & Questionnaires: Discover the importance of early detection and the role of proactive screening in managing menopause symptoms.
- The Science of Perimenopause: Why recognizing the science of perimenopause is crucial for women's health.
- Hormone Therapy Variations: Learn about different types of hormone therapy based on your stage of menopause.
- Advice for Primary Caregivers: Essential takeaways for primary caregivers to better support those going through menopause.
- Menopause Management: From a prevention perspective, get expert recommendations on navigating through menopause optimally.
- Why Menopause Matters to All: Understanding why women not going through menopause should still be aware and informed.
- Top 3 Menopause Tips: Don't miss these three vital points to remember about menopause.
Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Unspoken loss, anger & grief in midlife? Resolve w/ Kirsten F, Grief Recovery Specialist | TTOM S2E2

In this TTOM episode 2 of Season 2. Dr. Béatrice welcomes Kirsten Frey, a Grief Recovery Specialist, navigating the complex emotions of midlife. Together, they uncover the often unspoken aspects of loss, anger, and grief that many experience during this transformative period.
Introduction to Grief Recovery: Kirsten Frey shares her journey to becoming a grief recovery specialist and how grief recovery differs from traditional therapy and counselling.
Topics covered include:
- Emotional Rollercoaster at 48: Personal story of discovering she was adopted and how it impacted her life, emphasizing the emotional complexities involved.
- Intellectualizing Loss is Not Enough: Intellectualizing loss helps, but it's a form of adapting. Kirsten recommends that one needs both adapting and healing to fully recover from a loss.
- What's Grief Recovery Process: An evidence-based educational program that provides tools to process and move through grief, differing from traditional therapy or counseling. Learn additional details in the episode.
- Recognizing and Dealing with Grief: The episode emphasizes recognizing grief through emotions like anger, which often masks deeper unresolved grief related to disrespect, boundary violations, or hurts.
- Exploring Midlife Changes: The conversation addresses various losses experienced during midlife, including menopause, with insights on the emotional impact and the sense of loss regarding femininity and life transitions.
Timestamp:
0:0 Intro 1:24 "I felt a lot of loss"
1:55 I didn't know grief recovery specialist existed
3:20 What is Grief and Loss? Definition and examples…
7:40 how do we recognize grief?
8:10 anger is your bodyguard… move through unresolved feelings
11:05 do you cry when you’re alone?
12:36 Grief recovery program
13:56 What led you to become a grief recovery specialist?
18:27 Grief recovery method vs therapy/counseling
20:28 Intellectualizing loss… Put it in a box and move on
23:03 acute loss is exhausting
27:00 what makes you feel beautiful?
Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.
RESOURCES:
Kirsten Frey www.tlclifecoaching.com
IG: tlclifecoaching
Grief Recovery method https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/sites/default/files/cgrs-support-files/the_major_myths_about_grief_ebook.pdf