Rena Malik, M.D. - Is Your Libido Slowly Fading During Menopause? ft. Tamsen Fadal
The podcast features Dr. Reena Malik and guest Tamson Fadal discussing menopause, focusing on its impact on women, especially in the workplace and relationships. Tamson shares her personal experience with menopause, highlighting the sudden onset of symptoms and the lack of awareness about perimenopause. The conversation emphasizes the importance of support from partners, friends, and employers, noting that many women suffer in silence due to stigma and lack of understanding. Practical solutions include workplace accommodations, open communication in relationships, and education about menopause symptoms. The discussion also touches on the importance of community support and the need for societal change to better support women during menopause.
Key Points:
- Menopause can start in the late 30s and is not just an 'old woman' issue.
- Support from partners and employers is crucial for women going through menopause.
- Open communication about menopause symptoms can improve relationships.
- Workplace accommodations can help retain valuable female employees.
- Education and awareness about menopause can reduce stigma and improve support.
Details:
1. 🚀 Demystifying Menopause: Early Onset and Misconceptions
1.1. Early Onset of Menopause
1.2. Common Misconceptions
1.3. Hormonal Changes and Symptoms
2. 🎙️ Expert Insights: Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
2.1. Podcast Introduction and Guest Overview
2.2. Discussion on Menopause and Workplace
2.3. Personal Experience and Diagnosis
3. 🔥 A Personal Journey: Navigating Menopause in the Workplace
- A billion women are expected to be in menopause this year, indicating a significant demographic undergoing this transition.
- Support for women in menopause should be prioritized not only in personal relationships but also in professional settings, as many women are at the peak of their careers during this time.
- Awareness across various areas, including workplaces, doctor's offices, and home life, is crucial to provide adequate support.
- Education and eliminating stigma are key strategies to improve support for women experiencing menopause.
- Menopause does not typically start at 50 years old, and the transition can last for a long time, requiring sustained awareness and support.
- Workplace strategies such as flexible working hours, access to healthcare consultations, and creating a supportive environment can significantly aid women during menopause.
- Case studies from companies implementing menopause-friendly policies show improved employee retention and satisfaction.
- Promoting open discussions and training managers to understand menopause can help reduce stigma and create inclusive workplaces.
4. 🏢 Empowering Women: Workplace Support and Advocacy
- Financially supporting employees through menopause is crucial as it avoids the loss of experienced employees whose skills are not easily replaceable.
- Inaction on menopause support can lead to significant costs for businesses, as these are valuable workers who contribute significantly to their organizations.
- Menopause workplace support doesn't necessarily require expensive measures; some actions are low-cost yet highly beneficial.
- Listening to and understanding employees' needs is essential for retaining talent and enhancing performance across different age groups.
- Practical measures like changing uniforms and installing fans in workplaces have been implemented with minimal cost but significant benefits for female employees.
- There is a growing trend of organizations offering menopause support through apps, counseling, and other services, making it easier for companies to provide needed support.
- Awareness within organizations is crucial so that women know and can take advantage of available benefits.
5. 💬 Communication is Key: Navigating Relationship Changes
- Many women in partnered relationships notice a decline in sexual desire, which can be challenging to discuss without being perceived as insensitive.
- Open communication about hormonal changes and menopause is essential; these changes can start as early as late 30s.
- Menopause should not be seen solely as an 'old woman issue'; early symptoms may occur in one's 40s.
- Understanding these changes can prevent feelings of invisibility and age-related stigma.
- Partners should be supportive and aware of the scientific reasons behind changes in intimacy to avoid feelings of rejection.
- Offering solutions and support to those experiencing menopause can improve relationship dynamics.
- Healthcare practices that offer personalized attention, such as Reena Malik MD, can provide patients with a better understanding of their condition and treatment options.
- Reena Malik MD specializes in issues related to sexual health, bladder, hormone health, and pelvic pain, providing hour-long consultations and accessible communication.
6. 🌱 Intimacy and Menopause: Overcoming Challenges Together
6.1. Personal Experience with Menopause
6.2. Men's Role in Supporting Partners
6.3. Physical Changes During Menopause
6.4. Communication and Solutions
6.5. Awareness and Relationship Dynamics
6.6. Body Image and Desire
7. 📉 Divorce and Hormonal Changes: The Hidden Strain
7.1. Impact on Personal Relationships
7.2. Workplace Dynamics and Awareness
8. 💪 Building Support Systems: Reducing Stress and Finding Community
8.1. Reducing Stress through Support Systems
8.2. Impact of Societal Pressures on Relationships
8.3. Understanding Gender Dynamics in Relationships
9. 🎭 Future Endeavors and Personal Growth: Looking Ahead
- Respecting boundaries and being aware is crucial for personal growth.
- Fear often prevents effective communication, but addressing unknowns can mitigate this issue.
- Upcoming podcast release expands personal brand and continues journalistic pursuits.
- Integrating projects like books and documentaries to drive change in medical schools, research, and workplaces.
- Understanding that things often work out naturally can reduce stress and improve focus.
- Daily outdoor activities and connecting with loved ones are essential non-negotiables for well-being.
- Improved sleep hygiene by maintaining consistent bedtime enhances personal health.
- The aspiration to perform on Broadway highlights the importance of passion and personal interests.