Podcast Summary: Skincare Anarchy - "Breaking the Silence on Menopause with Tamsen Fadal"

Episode Information:

• Title: Breaking the Silence on Menopause with Tamsen Fadal
• Host: Ekta et al.
• Release Date: December 30, 2024
• Guest: Tamsen Fadal, Acclaimed Journalist, Author, Emmy Award-Winning TV Anchor, and Advocate for Women's Health

Introduction and Guest Welcome

[00:00 - 02:02] Ekta begins the episode with a brief promotional segment for Bon Charge's red light LED mask, highlighting its unique features such as the elimination of blue light and reduction of EMFs. She emphasizes the benefits of red light therapy for skincare and directs listeners to the Bon Charge website and her shop.

Shortly after, Ekta introduces the main content of the episode, welcoming Tamsen Fadal. Ekta expresses her admiration for Tamsen's work and advocacy, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on menopause.

Tamsen Fadal's Journey into Menopause Advocacy

[02:02 - 06:03] Ekta congratulates Tamsen on her documentary, "The M Factor," released in October, which delves into menopause. She inquires about Tamsen's career shift from journalism to women's health advocacy.

Tamsen explains that her transition was unplanned, driven by a recurring need she observed in her interactions with women. She emphasizes the growing personal connection to the subject and the necessity to share accurate information and resources. Initially intended for platforms like YouTube, the project organically expanded into a broader movement, including a book aimed at bridging experts and the audience.

Uncovering Hidden Aspects of Menopause

[06:03 - 09:02] Ekta highlights the unique aspects of Tamsen's documentary, noting that it addresses often-overlooked topics related to menopause beyond the commonly discussed symptoms like hot flashes. She questions how Tamsen uncovered these critical details and managed the research process.

Tamsen shares that participants were exceptionally willing to share their experiences, driven by a collective desire to disseminate information. She underscores the importance of community support and the willingness of experts to contribute without hesitation. This collaborative environment facilitated the exploration of multifaceted impacts of menopause, including mental health and dental health—areas seldom discussed.

Addressing Misinformation in Menopause Treatment

[09:02 - 10:31] Ekta brings up a significant study from 2002 that misrepresented menopause treatment options, particularly the fears surrounding estrogen causing breast cancer. She asks Tamsen how the documentary tackled this misinformation.

Tamsen responds by detailing the immediate backlash from women treated based on the flawed study. She clarifies that subsequent research disproved these fears, yet the initial misinformation has had a lasting detrimental effect on women's health and research progress. Tamsen poignantly shares her personal connection, mentioning her mother's and stepmother's battles with breast cancer, emphasizing the emotional toll and the urgent need to rectify these misconceptions.

Unexpected Findings and the Importance of Holistic Health

[10:31 - 14:12] Ekta reflects on similar challenges in the skincare industry, where outdated studies fuel fear and prevent open dialogue. She inquires about surprising discoveries Tamsen made during her research.

Tamsen reveals her astonishment at the lack of awareness regarding dental health issues related to menopause, an area previously unconsidered by both the public and healthcare providers. She observes the silence across generations and the critical gap in education for doctors, which perpetuates the neglect of comprehensive menopause care.

Ekta agrees, noting that dental health is often overlooked despite its significant impact on overall well-being. She transitions the conversation to Tamsen's holistic approach to health, recognizing her credentials as a holistic health coach and board member of Let’s Talk Menopause.

Personal Health Journey and Advocacy

[14:12 - 16:54] Ekta asks Tamsen how her personal health journey influenced her advocacy work. Tamsen explains that improving her own health was the catalyst for her broader mission. By prioritizing her well-being, she gained clarity on what matters most, distinguishing essential self-care from unnecessary stressors. This personal transformation fueled her dedication to educating others and bridging gaps in women's health information.

Ekta underscores the importance of lifelong education and self-improvement, commending Tamsen for her proactive approach to learning and advocacy.

Policy Changes and Future Hopes for Menopause Awareness

[16:54 - 19:07] The discussion shifts to policy changes. Ekta inquires about the most critical policy changes Tamsen is advocating for to enhance women's health.

Tamsen emphasizes the necessity for increased research funding focused on midlife women, highlighting that women have historically been underrepresented in medical studies. She advocates for better access to healthcare services and accurate information, arguing that these are foundational to improving women's health outcomes. Tamsen expresses frustration with the systemic neglect, such as the lack of approved female-specific testosterone treatments, underscoring the urgent need for tailored research and resources.

Ekta concurs, pointing out the broader issue of misallocated research funds, using the example of insufficient funding for menopause-related studies despite significant community interest and need.

Looking ahead, Tamsen hopes for menopause to become a normalized life stage discussion, free from stigma and ageism. She envisions a society where menopause is openly talked about, men are included in the conversation, and women are supported without prejudice in the workplace.

Men's Role and Societal Perceptions

[19:07 - 21:53] Ekta probes into men's roles in supporting women through menopause, seeking Tamsen's insights on how men can contribute positively.

Tamsen advocates for inclusivity, suggesting that men should not be segregated from these discussions. She believes that recognizing that men also experience bodily changes without ridicule can shift societal perceptions. By valuing traits such as emotion, wisdom, and care in women, society can move away from negative stereotypes and embrace the strengths that women bring during midlife. Tamsen stresses the importance of altering narratives to foster a more supportive and age-inclusive environment.

Encouraging Community Involvement and Advocacy

[21:53 - 22:11] As the episode concludes, Ekta invites Tamsen to offer advice to listeners interested in contributing to the movement. Tamsen advises starting with education and supporting those in need within one's community. She highlights the power of community in spreading awareness and suggests that individuals can advocate by ensuring access to resources, supporting research funding, and enacting workplace changes that benefit women in all life stages.

Ekta echoes these sentiments, encouraging listeners to reach out and get involved, acknowledging the challenge of finding genuine allies committed to making an impact.

Conclusion

Ekta wraps up the episode by thanking Tamsen for her invaluable contributions and reiterating the importance of her work. She reminds listeners to watch "The M Factor" documentary and stay tuned for updates on Tamsen's forthcoming book. Additionally, Ekta promotes the podcast's social media channels and shop, inviting the audience to engage and share their thoughts on the episode.

Notable Quotes:

• Tamsen Fadal on Starting the Documentary:

  "I think the more I peeled back the layers, the more I realized, like, wow, I've got to. This can't keep happening. It's just not okay." [02:35]

• Tamsen Fadal on Misrepresentation of Estrogen:

  "Imagine if you were one of those women that's being treated by your doctor and you, you see that now since then we've seen what the real story is... the data does not support what women were so, have been so afraid of for a long time." [07:26]

• Ekta on Menopause Conversations:

  "no one even considers that this is a lifelong thing that women go through" [05:21]

• Tamsen Fadal on Reinvention:

  "I don't know that we all know what our next chapter is going to be and exactly what we want to do and where we're going, but I think it's really important to take a little bit of time to think." [11:11]

• Tamsen Fadal on Community:

  "Community is the biggest part of everything right now that we have, and that's how we're getting the word out." [20:46]

Key Takeaways:

1. Comprehensive Understanding of Menopause:

   • The episode sheds light on the multifaceted impacts of menopause, including often-overlooked aspects like mental and dental health.

2. Combating Misinformation:

   • Addressing and debunking flawed studies is crucial for improving women's health outcomes and advancing research.

3. Importance of Community and Advocacy:

   • Building a supportive community and advocating for increased research funding are vital for advancing menopause awareness and care.

4. Inclusivity and Societal Shift:

   • Engaging men in the conversation and altering societal narratives can reduce stigma and promote a more inclusive understanding of menopause.

5. Personal Health and Lifelong Learning:

   • Prioritizing personal well-being and continuous education empowers women to advocate effectively for their health and navigate midlife transitions.

For More Information:

• Documentary: The M Factor by Tamsen Fadal
• Upcoming Book: Details to be announced on Skincare Anarchy's social media channels
• Social Media: Follow Skincare Anarchy on Instagram, TikTok, and X for updates and discussions.
• Shop: Explore featured products at Shop My Shelf linked in the podcast's show notes.

Engage with the Episode: Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts, experiences, and feedback through email or social media to continue the conversation and support the movement towards better menopause awareness and advocacy.