The JOY of Menopause [BONUS EPISODE]

The Power of Language

• Why words like "joy" matter when discussing menopause
• The jar exercise: How language literally changes outcomes
• Why "menopause" + "symptoms" do not belong in the same sentence OR at the very least, require a deeper understanding
• Script Tips™️ for preparing for your health appointment and Shirley's proven "G.A.P. + S.P.E.A.K." framework (if you can

Becoming Your Best Health Advocate

• Women continue to be dismissed and that's not ok for us, or the next generation!
• How to prepare for healthcare conversations effectively
• The importance of stating your health goals clearly
• Understanding what you DESERVE from your health--as well as your healthcare team

Generational Shifts in Women's Health

• How information access has changed (and complicated) the conversation
• What's different for Gen Z versus previous generations
• The mixed blessing of online health information
• Breaking inherited narratives about aging and menopause

Personal Stories

• Keira's "Joy" tattoo honoring her grandmother
• Shirley's mother Joyce and the undiagnosed/untreated UTI-dementia connection
• Keira's PCOS diagnosis and journey to advocacy
• The "Love Letter to My Period" project
• Why removing stigma starts with honest conversation

Practical Takeaways

• The GAP-and-SPEAK acronym for doctor appointments
• How to articulate symptoms AND, most importantly, impact to quality of life
• The importance of preparing for healthcare visits
• Why we need to stop tolerating things that impact our quality of life + share what we learn with (minimum) 3 other people: someone older, someone younger and a peer/friend/sister/colleague

TIMESTAMPS

(Select key moments)

• 00:00 - Introduction: Why this conversation?
• 04:30 - Keira's JOY tattoo story
• 06:45 - The jar exercise: How language shapes outcomes
• 15:00 - Why women leave doctor appointments disappointed
• 28:00 - The confusion of online health information
• 40:00 - Keira's PCOS journey and period advocacy
• 47:00 - The jar of 50+ goals for women's health before Shirley dies
• 50:00 - What gives us hope

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

"I deserve to feel amazing."

"Quality health information is competing with other health brands online - we're competing with the news and big brands like Four Seasons, Ford, Coca-Cola. We're ALL part of the attention economy, and only confident, informed consumers can decide what is meant for them."

"Women deserve quality information. They deserve quality explanations."

"Confidence is a decision that I'm making today."

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• The "In Her Words" study (BC Women's Health Foundation)
• GAP-and-SPEAK framework for doctor appointments (Menopause Chicks
• MenopauseChicksCommunity.com

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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.