Midlife Momentum: Menopause, Hormones & Weight Loss for Women Over 40

It can be easy to trash talk menopause.It's easy to do when we focus on the symptoms and less-than-desirable changes that midlife and the menopause transition can bring.But, if we're willing to look a little deeper, it's really not all bad.In fact, some of it can be pretty great.So, I wanted to highlight and celebrate the great parts of this time of our lives.And I'm sure there are more than these five...So, please let me know what's been great for you!And share this episode with another woman who needs to hear this good news for a change.Enjoy!DebbieIf you'd like to ask me more, or you're curious about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram...or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

Do the men in your life understand what you're going through?How can you talk to them about it?One answer to these questions is to direct them to Niki Woods' book, "The Man's Guide to Menopause."Most women, let alone men, are often in the dark about menopause, its symptoms, and how to feel better during this time of change.And as women, we can also be very sensitive and defensive when our male partners bring up the changes that are happening.Yet many men just want to understand and support us.So, having a resource that helps them "look under the hood", as Niki says, and get a grasp on what's happening to the women in their lives can be tremendously helpful.And it can also be a step towards having more open and supportive conversations.If you have a man in your life, listen to this episode to learn what he wants to know and how you can support each other during this time of change.Enjoy!DebbieP.S.: You can view this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/KWRe-ddh69INiki Woods is an international midlife wellbeing and menopause consultant working directly with businesses, and a personal coach who specialises in working with women in midlife. As a member of the British Menopause Society and International Menopause Society, Niki takes an integrative approach to improving women’s health, fitness, mindset and habits in midlife, which of course includes supporting them to understand and manage their menopause transition. Niki believes supporting men to be part of the menopause conversation benefits everyone and is a vital component of better interpersonal relationships both at home and at work. She also hosts a men-only free Facebook community called ‘The Man’s Guide to Menopause’, and has a published book of the same name, as she’s dedicated to providing a safe space for men to learn, ask questions, and give/receive peer support.To connect with Niki:To purchase her book, "The Man's Guide to Menopause": https://amzn.eu/d/7gJC4ZTWebsite: https://nikiwoods.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikiwoodsbestmidlife/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikiWoodsBestMidlifeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niki-woods/Thanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

Can you say VAGINA out loud?I mean can you say it without feeling queasy, uneasy, or uncomfortable?How about vulva or clitoris?If any of these words feel challenging, even in midlife, then getting the help you need for GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause) will also be challenging.In this episode, I'll be talking about these words, but also go more in detail about the symptoms of menopause related to our "lady parts".I also hope to normalize saying VAGINA as well as all the words that may still feel uncomfortable.When you can say these words, then you can have conversations that matter.And get not only the relief, but the pleasure, you deserve.Keep moving forward,DebbieIf you'd like to ask me more, or you're curious about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram...or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

Hot flashes, bloating, and UTIs, oh my!And these are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of symptoms we women experience during the menopause transition.In this episode, I'm going through many of the more than three dozen symptoms associated with our changing hormones.I hope that you'll share this episode with other women, especially those who haven't yet arrived at this time of life.I want us all to understand that not all women will experience these symptoms, some of us will have none.And some of us may be completely debilitated with one or several.But knowledge is power, and the more you know, the more you can do to help yourself ease current symptoms and even prevent symptoms in the future.I'm also listing the resources I mention in the podcast in the show notes below.Enjoy this episode, and don't forget to share it!DebbieIf you'd like to ask me more, or you're curious about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram...or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWBHere are the resources mentioned in this episode:"The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts", by Mary Claire Haver, MD"The Menopause Brain" by Lisa Mosconi, PhD"The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health With Facts and Feminism" by Dr. Jen Gunter"The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health During the Change" by Christiane Northrup, MD

How do you bounce back when diagnosed with fibromyalgia, or depression, or PTSD... or all three?My guest today, Christine Bernat, is here to talk about how she went from being diagnosed with all three (while going through the menopause transition!) to getting her health and vitality back.As a result of her diagnoses, Christine suffered a complete breakdown of body, mind, and spirit.In this episode she shares what she learned about self-regulation, trusting your inner wisdom, and reconnecting with your body and those you love, so you can find your way back to YOU.And she also shares a technique she created to help adults and children snap back into themselves.Enjoy the episode!DebbieP.S.: You can view this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Bd8O-HjYDg8Christine Bernat has faced many challenges in her life. In 2017, working as a teacher and in her early 50s, she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, depression, and PTSD. And in 2019, after battling these conditions, she was told she’d be on sick leave until her retirement. However, instead of giving up, she found answers as she became certified as a heart-centered stress mgmt. coach, an EFT Master Practicitioner, a Tollerra Energy systems and heart coach, and more. As a result, she’s created two proprietary techniques to help kids, parents, and educators use the breath and awareness to release stress and anxiety in seconds, and she’s made it her life’s mission to help others learn the power of self-regulation. And we’ll talk about all these things today in the podcast.To connect with Christine:Website: https://christinebernat.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine_transformation/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.efttransformationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-bernat-transformation/Thanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

I don't like being the bearer of bad news...But we - meaning us ladies in midlife - are drinking more than ever.We're actually the fastest growing demographic when in comes to alcohol consumption in the western world.And it's concerning.We've created a culture that normalizes wine and alcohol as a way to de-stress and deal with life's problems.However, we're paying for it with our health, especially during the menopause transition.And I know, from the clients I work with, and for myself, we don't want to be in this situation.So what can we do about it?I'm talking all about it in this episode.❤️DebbieIf you'd like to ask me more, or you're curious about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram...or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWBHere are some of the studies and links I reviewed for this episode:"The problem with women and middle-aged drinking", University of Auckland, December 2023"Strategies to support midlife women to reduce their alcohol consumption: an Australian study using human-centred design", Health Promotion International, December 2023"Through the wine glass: How biographical midlife transitions and women's affective interpretations interact with alcohol consumption", International Journal on Drug Policy, July 2023"The who and what of women's drinking: Examining risky drinking and associated socio-demographic factors among women aged 40–65 years in Australia", Drug and Alcohol Review, January 2022"Excessive Alcohol Use is a Risk to Women’s Health", Alcohol and Public Health, February 2024"Alcohol and drinking within the lives of midlife women: A meta-study systematic review", International Journal on Drug Policy, October 2021"How does alcohol affect menopause and perimenopause?", HCF, June 2023"More women in the U.S. are drinking themselves to death, research finds", NBC News, July 2023

When you aren't sleeping well, everything in your life is affected.And in midlife and through menopause, trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep is one of the top issues.So that's why I invited my guest, Xi Decker, to the podcast.Xi is author of the book, "Menopause: A Guide to Your Unique Journey", and she's also an experienced scientist in the the diagnostics industry, specializing in women's health.In this episode, Xi and I are kindred spirits, and we have a great conversation on menopause, hormones, sleep issues, solutions to help you sleep better, stress, and more.I know you'll get a lot out of this episode.DebbieP.S.: You can view this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/cPBQ8hnNdUoXi Decker is a dedicated women's health advocate with over two decades of experience in the life sciences and diagnostics industry, specializing in women's health, sexual health, and oncology. As she was living her own perimenopause journey, Xi recognized a significant knowledge gap in this critical life phase. So, her mission has become to demystify menopause, equipping women with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate this phase confidently and positively. That mission drove her to write the book “Menopause: A Guide to Your Unique Journey.”To connect with Xi:Website: https://sharedadmiration.myshopify.com/Freebie : Top 5 Strategies to Navigate Menopause with Fewer SymptomsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharedadmiration/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharedadmirationThanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

Do you feel like you're stuck in negativity?Or anxious a lot of the time?We all feel negative at least half the time, but when it feels like you're often spiraling out...You can learn to create a more positive mindset.No matter what your circumstance, you can get out of negative spirals and feel better.How do you do that?That's what I'm talking about today, the steps to gaining a mindset that's resilient and keeps you moving forward.Enjoy the episode!DebbieP.S. Want to join the 30-Day Get-Out-and-Walk Challenge? It's free and it starts Sunday, May 12th. Click on the link to sign up and join us!Thanks for listening!If you'd like to ask me more about managing stress, or you want to find out more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram...or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationor email me at: debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.comMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

Wondering if you might be neurodivergent?You're not alone.And in fact, many women are only diagnosed with conditions associated with neurodivergence, such as ADHD and autism. in midlife.Why is that? And what can you do if you find yourself with a diagnosis or suspect you many be neurodivergent?To answer these questions, I've asked Gail Seemann to the podcast.Gail is a counselor and coach, working with neurodivergent individuals, and she's also mother to a young-adult daughter diagnosed with autism and ADHD.She explains why ADHD and/or autism may only be diagnosed later in life for women, and how these conditions, compounded with changing hormones, can affect you during the menopause transition.I really enjoyed this conversation with Gail, and I hope you enjoy listening to it!DebbieGail Seemann is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 22 years of experience working with patients of all ages who have been diagnosed with mild to severe levels of trauma and behavioral issues. And as mother of a now young-adult daughter who has been diagnosed with ADHD and Autism, Gail has a passion for working with others with similar diagnoses and their families. She’s recently added coaching services to this end, helping her clients move forward in their lives beyond therapy.To connect with Gail:Website: https://www.lifestreamfamilycounseling.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/n-gail-seemann-6070392b0/Book a consult with Gail: https://hnwsmujgih.timetap.com/Thanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

There’s one thing I do that gives me the highest feeling of health and well-being and calm...It's walking outdoors.And there are many reasons for this, which I share in this episode.If you’ve been listening to this podcast, you know that one of the best things you can do in midlife, for all your symptoms including weight gain, is to manage stress.And walking outside, through movement and nature, does that better than most anything else.There's so much value in a daily walking practice.And I believe we'd all feel better through this crazy time if we had one.That's why, in just a couple of weeks, I'll be launching a walking challenge...More about this in today's episode and in the coming days... Stay tuned!Enjoy!DebbieThanks for listening!If you'd like to ask me more about managing stress, or you want to find out more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram...or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationor email me at: debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.comMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB