Mad With The Menopause

Our guest today is a leading voice in the ADHD community, specifically for women and girls. Kate Moryoussef is an acclaimed author, and the host of the globally top-ranked podcast, The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast. After her own late diagnosis, dedicated her career to helping women move past the shame and overwhelm that often follows a diagnosis, focusing instead on radical self-compassion and holistic wellness. She is here to help us rethink how we live with and thrive with ADHD. KEY TAKE AWAYS: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:12 - Realization of ADHD and Its Impact 02:33 - The Journey to Diagnosis 05:04 - Understanding the Diagnosis 06:41 - Stigma and Societal Perceptions of ADHD 09:04 - Transitioning to Advocacy and Awareness 11:21 - Writing the Book and Podcasting Journey 13:32 - Personal Insights and Practical Advice 14:49 - Navigating ADHD and Lifestyle Medicine 16:24 - Hormonal Changes and ADHD 18:06 - Understanding Perimenopause and ADHD 20:49 -The Intersection of Hormones and Mental Health 24:11 - Self-Advocacy and Education for ADHD 27:01 - Resources and Support for Women with ADHD USEFUL RESOURCES: Book: The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Toolkit Website: https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk/ Podcast: The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast. Instagram: @kate_moryoussef ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected]

Delighted to be speaking to Rebecca Penny, an Independent Financial Advisor, who helps women feel confident and in control of their finances during perimenopause and menopause, a life stage she is navigating herself, making her advice both relevant and relatable. With over 25 years’ experience, Rebecca understands how menopause can affect careers, confidence and earning potential, often leading to career breaks, reduced hours and significant pension gaps. Yet this financial impact is rarely talked about. Rebecca is one of the only advisers openly speaking about this overlooked issue. A trusted media voice, she has appeared on radio and podcasts and has been featured in national publications, sharing practical, jargon-free financial guidance that empowers women to protect their financial future. KEY TAKE AWAYS: 00:00 - Introduction to Menopause and Financial Planning 02:20 - The Intersection of Menopause and Financial Awareness 05:06 - Rebecca's Journey in Finance and Corporate Life 08:03 - Navigating Symptoms and Career Changes 10:56 - Starting a New Chapter: Setting Up a Financial Firm 12:32 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in a New Role 13:26 - Practical Financial Advice for Women 15:43 - Redefining Retirement and Financial Independence 19:35 - The Importance of Comprehensive Financial Planning 25:08 - Understanding Financial Behaviours and Patterns 26:56 - Navigating Financial Conversations and Mindsets 29:49 - Creating a Positive Spending Plan 32:56 - Engaging with Financial Guidance and Resources USEFUL RESOURCES: https://www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk/ https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-the-public-guardian https://planitfinancial.co.uk/ Instagram: @menopausemoney ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected]

In today’s episode, I am delighted to welcome Victoria Brookbank, a workplace wellbeing specialist and trained psychotherapist with over a decade of experience. As the founder of Minds That Work and co-founder of MenoMinds, Victoria bridges the gap between psychological expertise and corporate strategy. Victoria is dedicated to helping leaders build resilient cultures and supporting women navigating menopause in professional life. KEY TAKE AWAYS: 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Experiences 03:09 - Journey into Menopause Awareness 06:00 - Understanding Symptoms and Mental Health 09:13 - Emotional and Psychological Impact 11:59 - Community and Support Systems 15:01 - Navigating Strategies and Mindfulness 15:27 - Navigating Business Challenges and Personal Struggles 16:53 -The Golden Triangle: Self-Compassion, Community, and Gratitude 19:04 - Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Resilience 20:20 - Empowering Women Through Menopause Education 22:34 -Interactive Training and Community Support 25:19 - Strategies for Managing Menopause and Mental Health 26:42 - Embracing Change: Growth Through Menopause 29:37 - Changing the Narrative Around Aging and Wisdom USEFUL RESOURCES: Minds That Work: https://mindsthatwork.com/ MenoMinds: https://www.menominds.co.uk/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-brookbank-81089a125 ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected]

In today’s episode, I am delighted to welcome Dr Christina Papadopoulos, a GP, nutrition advisor, and British Menopause Society–accredited practitioner, with a special interest in perimenopause, energy, and burnout. Through both her clinical work and lived experience of perimenopause, she supports women who feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and unheard to better understand their changing bodies and rebuild energy using evidence-based lifestyle approaches. KEY TAKE AWAYS: 00:00 - Introduction 02:50 - Christina's Journey Through Perimenopause 05:56 - Experiencing Burnout as a GP 09:00 - Recognising the Signs of Perimenopause 12:01 - The Role of Nutrition in Recovery 14:58 - Transforming Eating Habits for Better Health 17:59 - Practical Breakfast Choices for Sustained Energy 19:12 - Exploring Nutrition: A Personal Journey 22:02 - Strategies for Navigating Perimenopause 26:36 - Consultation Insights: Supporting Women Through Change USEFUL RESOURCES: Instagram: @drchristinapap ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected]

In today’s episode, I am delighted to welcome founder of ‘Menopause and Cancer’, Dani Binnington. We are diving into a vital yet often overlooked intersection of women’s health: the journey of menopause after cancer. Dani turned her own life-altering cancer diagnosis at age, just 33 into a mission to ensure no survivor feels like part of a 'forgotten tribe.' Dani is the founder of the UK’s only non-profit dedicated specifically to this cause, the host of the globally top-ranked The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, and the author of the #1 bestselling book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer. A passionate advocate, impactful speaker, and a self-described ‘thinking partner’ for women navigating the medical system, Dani brings both evidence-based strategies and deep personal compassion to the table. KEY TAKE AWAYS: 00:00 - Introduction to Dani Binnington 00:39 - Personal Journey Through Cancer and Menopause 03:22 - Discovery of Breast Cancer 05:25 -Navigating Medical Menopause 10:45 - Finding Empowerment Through Research 13:43 - Establishing Support for Others 15:55 -The Menopause and Cancer Podcast 16:36 -The Importance of Wellbeing 17:14 -Creating a Community for Support 18:09 -Menopause and Cancer: A Unique Challenge 20:15 -Understanding Long-Term Symptoms 23:23 -Hormone Replacement Therapy: Access and Awareness 25:35 -Resources and Support for Women 26:56 -The Journey of Writing a Book 29:08 -Advice for Patients and Supporters USEFUL RESOURCES: Instagram: @dani_binnington Podcast: https://menopauseandcancer.org/podcast/ Book: https://menopauseandcancer.org/book/ ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected]

In today’s episode, I am speaking with Emma Neville, Founder of the online community ‘This is me’. Emma experienced an early menopause, aged just 40, after being diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Receiving this diagnosis encouraged Emma to research the topic and to gain an understanding of the phases of menopause. Subsequently, Emma then studied to become a menopause coach. Emma started an online community 'This is Me’ to share her story and to encourage everyone to talk about menopause and ultimately to change the rhetoric. KEY TAKE AWAYS: 00:00 - Introduction and Initial Thoughts 00:03 -Understanding Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) 02:48 - Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Help 06:06 - The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis 11:24 - Exploring Causes and Awareness of POI 13:17 - Building a Supportive Community 18:18 - Building Connections Through 'This is Me' 19:47 - The Emotional Journey of Sharing Stories 21:33 - Celebrating Community and Empowerment 24:04 - Embracing Change and Personal Growth 28:41 - Lifestyle Changes After Diagnosis 32:03 - Finding Balance and Self-Care Strategies 33:53 - Encouragement for Women: You're Not Alone USEFUL RESOURCES: Instagram: @emmanevillethisisme ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected]

In today’s episode, Professor Pooja Saini, professor at Liverpool John Moores University discusses with us, the link between our hormones and our mental health. KEY TAKE AWAYS: Understanding Emotional Symptoms of Menopause Research Insights on Menopause and Suicide The Role of Hormones in Mental Health Challenges in Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Personal Experiences with HRT Research Findings on HRT and Mental Health Qualitative Insights from Women on Menopause The Importance of Choice in HRT Training Gaps in Medical Professionals Support Systems for Suicidal Individuals Crisis Support and Community Resources Stigma and the Importance of Open Conversations Advocacy for Women in Mental Health Self-Care and Holistic Approaches Practical Strategies for Mental Wellbeing Community Engagement and Finding Purpose Final Thoughts on Seeking Help and Support USEFUL RESOURCES: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ https://hubofhope.co.uk/ Instagram: @poojauk ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected]

In today’s episode, Anél talks briefly about some of the symptoms that can be expected as we enter Perimenopause. KEY TAKE AWAYS: Understanding Perimenopause Navigating the Challenges: Symptoms and Solutions USEFUL RESOURCES: Symptom checker: https://themenopausecharity.org/information-and-support/symptoms/menopause-symptom-checker/ ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected] Instagram: @anel.quilliam DISCLAIMER: The views of mine and those of my guests are just that. I therefore urge you to take advise from your medical practitioner, who knows your medical history and can therefore provide advice specific to your needs. Tile Art by: Shawn Bennett (Rockingham Media CIC)

Dr. Helen Wall is a Senior GP Partner, GP Trainer in Bolton, and runs an NHS menopause clinic with a particular interest in the crossover of ADHD and hormones, including why symptoms of ADHD often magnify during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Helen is dedicated to helping women who are being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, and those who feel their hormonal symptoms are dismissed or misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. Look out for Dr. Helen’s forthcoming book, (out in 2026) Menopause and ADHD, explores this intersection. Dr. Wall is well-known as the resident GP on BBC Breakfast and a columnist for Woman magazine. KEY TAKE AWAYS: Understanding ADHD: A Neurodevelopmental Disorder The Impact of Perimenopause on ADHD Symptoms Recognising ADHD Symptoms in Women The Positive Aspects of ADHD Navigating the Diagnosis Process of ADHD Navigating GP Consultation for ADHD Practical Steps for Managing ADHD Medication and Its Role in ADHD Management Supporting Women with ADHD and Menopause Resources and Community Support for ADHD USEFUL RESOURCES: Website: https://adhduk.co.uk/ Good Read: The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Toolkit by Kate Moryoussef Instagram: @doctorhelenwall Website: https://tvhealthdoctor.com/ ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected] Instagram: @anel.quilliam DISCLAIMER: The views of mine and those of my guests are just that. I therefore urge you to take advise from your medical practitioner, who knows your medical history and can therefore provide advice specific to your needs. Tile Art by: Shawn Bennett (Rockingham Media CIC)

In today’s episode I have the pleasure of welcoming back, Ailsa Hichens, Leading Nutritionist and published author, of ‘Everything They Told You About Menopause Weight Loss is Wrong.’ KEY TAKE AWAYS: Supporting Immunity During the Holidays The Importance of Vitamin D and Movement Nutrition for Immunity: Foods That Help Navigating Winter Health: Strategies for the New Year Understanding Menopause Weight Loss Final Thoughts: Prioritising Health in the New Year USEFUL RESOURCES: Ailsa’s book is available: Amazon ‘Everything They Told You About Menopause Weight Loss is Wrong’ Dry January: TRY DRY app. Instagram: @foodfabulousnutrition ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected] Instagram: @anel.quilliam DISCLAIMER: The views of mine and those of my guests are just that. I therefore urge you to take advise from your medical practitioner, who knows your medical history and can therefore provide advice specific to your needs. Tile Art by: Shawn Bennett (Rockingham Media CIC)

Today, we are welcoming Laurence Finn, founder of ‘Men Meet Menopause,’ and we will be discussing an often overlooked but profoundly important topic. Looking through the lens of partners, husbands, and fathers who are supporting the women in their lives. Laurence shares his personal journey and explains why he created a platform dedicated to educating men on the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of menopause. Get ready for an open, honest, and truly educational discussion that aims to transform awareness into actionable support. KEY TAKE AWAYS: Understanding Menopause and Its Impact Navigating Misinformation and Seeking Help Navigating the Healthcare System for Women’s Health The Impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy Understanding Perimenopause and Its Symptoms Th Natural Journy of Women’s Hormonal Health The Reality of Menopause Symptoms Observing Changes in a Partner During Menopause Creating a Supportive Community for Menopause Awareness A Day in the Life of a Woman Men Met Menopause: A New Initiative Creating Conversations: Tools for Understanding The Importance of Communication Advice for Men Supporting Their Partners USEFUL RESOURCES: https://www.menmeetmenopause.com/ Instagram: @menmeetmenopause ABOUT THE HOST: Anel’s passion to help others, is evident from her professional life, having worked extensively within Recruitment, Human Resources, and the Third Sector. This passion is predominately the inspiration for her podcast. Blindsided by the perimenopause, when it took hold with a vengeance at the start of Lockdown, Anél is fiercely passionate about raising more awareness of the perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, and will tackle many taboo subjects head on, as she is a strong believer in ‘knowledge is power’. CONTACT ME: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252979209604673536/ E-mail: [email protected] Instagram: @anel.quilliam DISCLAIMER: The views of mine and those of my guests are just that. I therefore urge you to take advise from your medical practitioner, who knows your medical history and can therefore provide advice specific to your needs. Tile Art by: Shawn Bennett (Rockingham Media CIC)