The one where we write your mother [about vaginal estrogen!]

The episode kicks off with a relatable story from Shirley’s weekend: a text message asking her to explain vaginal estrogen to a friend’s mother. This sparks a deep dive into vaginal estrogen, genitourinary health (vulva & vaginal dryness, urethra & bladder changes, recurring UTIs) and the hidden danger of “silent UTIs” (or “silent symptoms of UTIs”) in older adults — including how untreated infections can mimic dementia and potentially escalate to sepsis. Jen delivers an impromptu primer on silent UTIs, while Shirley shares the personal story of her own mother’s history with chronic dryness and repeated infections.

From there, the conversation covers a wide-ranging Q&A:

• Gut and bowel changes post-menopause — Shirley recommends expanding your health team to include a registered dietitian, a pelvic floor physiotherapist, and a naturopathic doctor.
• Heavy bleeding — A comprehensive breakdown of causes (copper IUDs, perimenopausal hormone shifts, fibroids, and more) and the full menu of treatment options: ibuprofen as a temporary tip while at work or travelling, the Mirena™️ IUD, oral micronized progesterone, fibroid-reducing medications, ablation, and hysterectomy — with a cautionary note about jumping to surgery too quickly. Jen shares her own hysterectomy story and the power of showing up informed.
• Hormone therapy over 60 — A voicemail from Cheryl, 64, prompts Shirley to clarify that the “under 60 or within 10 years” guideline for initiating menopause hormone therapy is a guideline, not a deadline, and how to prepare for your health conversation with a few “script tips.”
• Vaginal estrogen dosing and timelines — Shirley walks through what to do when treatment isn’t working yet, including the four key questions every woman should ask at a medication review.
• Throughout the episode, the recurring theme is clear: menopause hormone therapy is an individualized protocol, not one-size-fits-all — and showing up curious, prepared, and informed can positively influence health outcomes.

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👉 JOIN the MENOPAUSE CHICKS PRIVATE COMMUNITY (Facebook)

This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.

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If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That’s how we create change.

ABOUT THE HOST

Shirley Weir is the founder of MenopauseChicks.com & its popular private community. She’s been a passionate advocate for women’s health education for 14 years. Shirley’s mission is to change the narrative around menopause, ensure everyone can speak the language of their health… so fluently…it will be impossible to be confused, or dismissed ever again!

🎙️ASK YOUR QUESTION: Join the podcast LIVE or leave us a voicemail: MenopauseChicks.com/podcast

Join the Menopause Chicks Private Community on Facebook:
👉 MenopauseCommunity.com

This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.

SHARE THIS EPISODE

If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.

ABOUT THE HOST

Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.