Podcast
Making Sense Of Menopause
Hosted by Roberta Bass · EN
Welcome to Making SENSE of Menopause, the podcast for women in perimenopause and beyond who feel stuck, dismissed, or just not like themselves anymore.
I’m Roberta Bass, a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Menopause Mentor and CONTROL Practitioner. Inspired by my own sister’s experience of feeling lost in the healthcare maze, I created this show to give you the real talk, practical tips, and mindset shifts you need.
Here, we chat about everything from subconscious change and lifestyle tweaks to the SENSE method and the full spectrum of menopause support—from HRT to Hypnosis. It’s all about giving you a strong foundation and then exploring what truly works for you.
No cookie-cutter advice here—just real conversations, personal stories, and small, doable steps to help you start feeling better. Let’s make sense of menopause together, one conversation at a time.
🎥 Start with our free masterclass: www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk/masterclass
Or if you’d prefer one-to-one support, book a personal consultation at www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
“Just Get On With It?” The Lack of Support After Hysterectomy and Women’s Health Surgery
Mar 3000:13:52Tap to summarizeHave you ever been told to “just get on with it” after surgery?In this episode, I share a real patient story that highlights a much bigger issue in women’s health: the lack of support, follow-up, and education after major gynaecological surgery.This patient had a full abdominal hysterectomy and was placed into surgical menopause—yet received little to no guidance on recovery, long-term health, or how to manage her symptoms.And sadly, this isn’t unusual.Across my career as a women’s health physiotherapist, I’ve seen the same pattern time and time again: Women undergoing major surgery, then being left to manage recovery alone.Why this is a problemUnlike orthopaedic surgery (such as hip or knee replacements), where patients receive:Structured rehabilitationRoutine physiotherapyClear recovery milestonesOngoing follow-upWomen’s health surgery often comes with:Minimal or no follow-upNo routine physiotherapyLittle education on recoveryNo clear guidance on what’s normalThis includes:HysterectomyC-section recoveryOther gynaecological proceduresThe long-term impactRecovery isn’t just about the first few weeks.For many women, especially those entering surgical menopause, there are longer-term considerations, including:Pelvic health issues (incontinence, prolapse)Pain and functionBone healthHeart healthBrain healthManaging menopause symptomsWithout support, many women are left feeling:ConfusedFrustratedUnsupportedUnsure where to turnWhy this mattersEvery woman will experience menopause, and many will undergo some form of gynaecological treatment or surgery.Yet the level of support does not match the scale of the need.While the NHS provides incredible care under pressure, there remains a significant gap in:EducationFollow-upLong-term supportWhat you can doIf you’ve had surgery or are struggling with menopause symptoms:Don’t be fobbed offAsk questionsWrite things down before appointmentsAsk for referrals to specialistsSeek support if you’re unsureYou deserve proper guidance and support.💬 Need support?If you feel like you’ve been left to get on with it, you don’t have to manage this alone.You can reach out to me for support, either:In personOnlineOr I can help guide you to the right support locally.🔗 Connect with me👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveandshinewomenswellness/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveandshinewomenswellnessSend us Fan Mailwww.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.ukFree Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watchSupporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools.Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.
Transcribe →A Jigsaw: The Missing Piece to Switching Off (Stress Management in Menopause)
Mar 2300:11:48Tap to summarizeDo you struggle to switch off at the end of the day? Feel like your mind is constantly racing, even when you’re trying to relax?In this episode, I share how something simple—doing a jigsaw—has become a powerful way for me to switch off, reduce stress, and bring myself back into the moment.After years of not doing them, I recently found myself drawn back to jigsaws. What started as a bit of nostalgia quickly became something I now genuinely look forward to each day. But more importantly, it’s highlighted something we’re often missing in modern life: true mental rest.We spend so much time:On our phonesThinking, planning, and problem-solvingMoving from one task to the nextBut we rarely give ourselves time to slow down and let our nervous system settle.Why switching off matters (especially in menopause)Chronic stress doesn’t just affect how we feel mentally—it has a real physical impact on the body.When stress levels remain high:Cortisol (our stress hormone) increasesSleep can be disruptedEnergy levels fluctuateBrain fog can worsenBlood sugar can become less stableDuring perimenopause and menopause, this becomes even more important. As hormone levels change, the body relies more on other systems (like the adrenal glands), which are also responsible for managing stress.This means that ongoing stress can make menopause symptoms feel worse.The role of mindfulness (and why simple things work)What I’ve found with doing a jigsaw is that it forces you to:Focus on one thingBlock out distractionsBe fully presentThat’s essentially mindfulness—but without needing to sit still or “try to meditate”.It’s simple, practical, and actually enjoyable.And it doesn’t have to be a jigsaw.Other options could include:ColouringDrawing or paintingKnitting or crochetAny creative activity that brings you into the momentThe key is finding something that:Feels easyRequires focusHelps calm your nervous systemWhy this matters for your healthTaking even a few minutes each day to slow down and switch off can:Reduce stress levelsSupport better sleepImprove focus and clarityHelp manage menopause symptoms more effectivelyIt’s not about doing more—it’s about creating space to reset.Let’s make it practicalWhat could you do this week to give yourself a few mindful minutes?It doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be something you’ll actually do.💬 Let me knowI’d love to hear from you—what are you going to try this week?👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveandshinewomenswellness/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveandshinewomenswellnessCome and share what helps you switch off—or whether you’re a jigsaw person!Send us Fan Mailwww.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.ukFree Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watchSupporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools.Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.
Transcribe →Be More Like a Bear: Letting Go of Comparison in Perimenopause
Dec 2200:17:25Tap to summarizeWhat if you stopped comparing yourself to everyone else and simply allowed yourself to be? In this episode, Roberta explores a clip featuring Stephen Fry and Robin Williams, where Fry makes a striking observation: animals don’t try to be other animals — but humans try to be someone else every single day.During perimenopause and postmenopause, when identity shifts are already happening — physically, emotionally, and socially — comparison becomes even more damaging. Hormonal changes lower resilience, increase cortisol, and intensify symptoms such as anxiety, overwhelm, fatigue, hot flushes, and disrupted sleep. Trying to be your younger self, or trying to match the filtered lives you see online, only ramps up stress.In this episode, Roberta breaks down why comparison is so corrosive at this stage of life, how it feeds perfectionism and low self-esteem, and why this matters biologically — not just psychologically. More importantly, she explains how to step out of the comparison trap using her EESE Framework™, a practical process for exploring, evaluating, shifting, and embedding new subconscious patterns.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why comparison is heightened during perimenopauseHow cortisol, stress, and hormonal changes worsen symptomsWhy perfectionism and “keeping up” make midlife feel harderHow social media distorts reality and fuels low self-worthThe danger of comparing your “outtakes” to someone else’s “showreel”How to shift unhelpful patterns using the EESE Framework™Practical tools such as journaling, reframing, visualisation, and affirmationsWhy becoming “more yourself” — not more like others — is key to wellbeing in midlifeThis conversation is ideal for women who feel lost, pressured, or not “good enough” as their identity evolves in menopause. It offers both insight and practical, evidence-informed strategies to help you reconnect with who you truly are.Support Mentioned in This EpisodeIf you’re ready to change long-standing patterns and let go of comparison:Subconscious & Mindset Mini Course — learn the EESE Framework™ step by step https://www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk/sc-minicourse CONTROL Sessions — 1:1 subconscious work to shift unhelpful patternsMenopause MOT — personalised support for your symptoms, mindset, and overall wellbeingSend us Fan Mailwww.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.ukFree Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watchSupporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools.Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.
Transcribe →Laughter Is the Best Medicine: Why It Matters So Much in Perimenopause
Dec 1500:16:57Tap to summarizeWhen was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? In this episode, Roberta explores why laughter isn’t just something that “feels nice” — it has measurable effects on your stress hormones, nervous system, and emotional wellbeing. And during perimenopause, when life often feels heavier and your resilience drops, laughter becomes even more powerful.Drawing on real moments from her Pilates classes (including giggle fits, seal noises, and the one client who can’t stop laughing during relaxation), Roberta explains how humour plays a vital role in helping women reconnect, release tension, and feel lighter — even when symptoms like low mood, fatigue, anxiety, or overwhelm are at play.You’ll also hear how hormonal changes during perimenopause affect cortisol, inflammation, sleep, brain fog, and emotional regulation — and why laughter literally counteracts many of these changes.In this episode, you’ll learn:How laughter lowers cortisol and reduces the stress responseWhy perimenopause makes everything feel heavier — and how laughter cuts through itThe link between humour, connection, oxytocin, and emotional safetyHow shared laughter improves mood, cognition, and tension in the bodyPractical ways to bring more fun and silliness back into midlifeWhy adults laugh far less than children, and why that needs to changeReal examples from Pilates classes that show how movement + humour support mental wellbeingThis episode is perfect for anyone who feels overstretched, disconnected, or stuck in a cycle of stress and seriousness. A few moments of laughter won’t fix everything — but it gives your nervous system a break, tips a little water out of your stress bucket, and helps you feel more like yourself again.Support Mentioned in This EpisodeIf your stress feels constant or you’re struggling to lift your mood:Local Pilates classes for movement, connection, and a good giggleMenopause MOT for personalised supportCONTROL sessions for subconscious patterns that feed stress and overwhelmSend us Fan Mailwww.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.ukFree Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watchSupporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools.Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.
Transcribe →Odd Socks and Overwhelm: Why the Small Things Hit Harder in Perimenopause
Dec 800:16:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Roberta explores how the small, unnecessary pressures we carry every day—matching socks, tidy houses, perfect routines—quietly overload our stress bucket, especially during perimenopause when hormonal changes reduce resilience.Through a personal story involving her now-famous odd socks, Roberta illustrates how letting go of perfectionism and unnecessary decisions can create vital space for energy, health, joy, and the things that truly matter.You’ll learn:Why your “stress bucket” overflows more easily during perimenopauseHow invisible loads—like comparisons, guilt, and micro-decisions—erode resiliencePractical ways to remove unnecessary stressors from your daySimple changes that make room for movement, rest, and the things that support your healthWhy reducing small stresses makes it easier to manage symptoms and feel more yourself againIf your stress bucket feels permanently full, there is another way.Support Mentioned in This Episode:Menopause MOT – personalised assessment and supportCONTROL Sessions – to address subconscious patterns contributing to overwhelmSend us Fan Mailwww.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.ukFree Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watchSupporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools.Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.
Transcribe →Would Your Body Pass Its MOT? Understanding Menopause Warning Signs
Dec 100:14:37Tap to summarizeMost of us would never ignore a flashing light on the dashboard — yet many women ignore the early signs of perimenopause for months or even years. In this episode, Women’s Health Physiotherapist and Menopause Mentor Roberta Bass uses a simple but powerful analogy: if your body were a car, would it pass its MOT?Roberta explains why women often push through symptoms, how hormone changes can affect everything from sleep to mood to joint health, and why taking action early can make the transition far easier. She also talks through five simple “self-checks” to help you understand what your body needs right now, and what can happen if you leave symptoms until everything feels like it’s falling apart.If you’ve been feeling tired, achy, overwhelmed, or “not quite yourself,” this episode will help you recognise the early warning signs and understand why your body may need a different kind of care during perimenopause.Send us Fan Mailwww.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.ukFree Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watchSupporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools.Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.
Transcribe →