Menopause is often treated as a phase women simply have to endure, yet the reality is far more complex. As hormonal changes begin, often during perimenopause, many women experience symptoms that affect nearly every aspect of daily life, from sleep and mood to metabolism and overall well-being.
In this conversation, we speak with pharmacist, integrative women’s health coach, and certified menopause educator Victoria Byrd about what is really happening in the body during midlife. With more than two decades of experience in healthcare, Victoria shares how her own experience with early symptoms like night sweats and sleep disruption pushed her to seek better answers and ultimately focus her work on helping women navigate menopause with clarity and confidence.
We explore the wide range of symptoms that can appear during perimenopause, including hot flashes, mood changes, weight gain, brain fog, and irregular cycles. Victoria explains how fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone influence many of these changes and why symptoms such as joint discomfort, sleep disturbances, and metabolic shifts are often overlooked or misunderstood.
The discussion also highlights the gap many women face in traditional healthcare, where menopause education is limited, and symptoms are sometimes dismissed as simply part of aging.
Ultimately, the conversation reframes menopause as a transition that deserves attention, education, and open discussion — empowering women to better understand their bodies and take an active role in their health.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Understanding common perimenopause symptoms
- The role of estrogen and progesterone fluctuations in midlife health changes
- Silent menopause symptoms
- The gap in menopause education within traditional healthcare
- Lifestyle strategies, including stress management, sleep hygiene, nutrition, and strength training
- Open conversations about vaginal health, pelvic symptoms, and sexual wellness during menopause
- Exploring supportive options, including hormone therapy and natural tools like CBD
Resources from this Episode
- https://medroots.com
- Victoria Byrd’s Website – https://www.womenmasteringmidlife.com
- Victoria’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/msvictoriabyrd
- https://research.rutgers.edu/news/cbd-shows-health-benefits-estrogen-deficient-mice-model-postmenopause
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10177097/
- https://leafwell.com/blog/cbd-oil-for-menopause
- https://www.joinmidi.com/post/cbd-for-menopause
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-women-turning-to-cannabis-for-menopause-symptom-relief-202210242837#:~:text=The%20survey%20found%20that:%20*%2086%25%20of,not%20improve%20as%20much%20from%20cannabis%20use
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of MedRoots or the medical community at large. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare-related decisions.
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