In this episode of Transform Your Menopause, I’m joined by Kirstie Blanchette (Beyond Breast Cancer Coach), who shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 35 and the journey that followed. From navigating a double mastectomy to experiencing surgical menopause, Kirstie talks about the challenges of post-treatment life and how these experiences inspired her to coach other women in similar situations. We discuss the practical steps women can take to manage health and well-being during this difficult time.

Takeaways You’ll Love:

🎙️Being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age is life-changing.

🎙️Post-treatment life often feels like stepping off a cliff—leaving many women feeling lost.

🎙️Support from people who “get it” makes a world of difference.

🎙️Advocating for your own menopause care is often necessary.

🎙️Clear communication with friends and family about what you need is key.

🎙️Lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, can transform how you feel in menopause.

🎙️Breathwork and meditation are incredible tools to ease anxiety and stress.

🎙️Access to reliable menopause information has improved but there’s still work to do!

Listen now, and don’t forget to share this episode with anyone who might need a little extra support with menopause after breast cancer. 🔗Links and Guides Discussed in this Episode:

👉Get Kirstie's free workbook: A guide to wellness in Cancer induced menopause Follow Kirstie on Instagram: @breastcancercoaching & Facebook: The Beyond Breast Cancer Coach

Breast Cancer Now Forum

MacMillan Breast Cancer Forum

Breathwork Episodes you might like to explore:

🎧20 Minute Rest & Reset: Breathwork for Menopause 🎧Find Your Focus: Guided Breathing Practice for Menopause

Follow me on IG @essexmenopausecoach

Find out more about my Menopause Support Services on my website: www.essexmenopausecoach.com

Anxiety - one of the most common struggles during menopause. I talk about why anxiety affects so many women at this stage, how hormone changes play a role, and, most importantly, what you can do to feel better.

From practical breathwork techniques that calm the nervous system to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and simple dietary changes, this episode is packed with my Simple solutions to help you feel like yourself again.

What You'll Learn:

• How common anxiety is during menopause—affecting about half of all women.
• The link between hormone changes and increased anxiety and stress.
• How breathwork helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calm and relaxation.
• Why HRT might be a solution for managing anxiety symptoms.
• How simple dietary tweaks can boost your mental health during menopause.
• The power of hydration in reducing anxiety and lifting your mood.

>> The Guided Breath Awareness Session I mention in this episode

>>Find out more about having a 121 Breathing Assessment with me

>>Say hello on IG for regular updates & insights

Julie (Essex Menopause Coach) and Christina Avraam (Be Stylish, Be Seen) explore the power of personal style, especially for women navigating midlife changes.

Christina shares her journey from a corporate background to becoming a holistic style coach, emphasising the importance of confidence and self-expression through what you wear.

📣"Who wants to look like everybody else anyway?"

We discuss practical tips for women experiencing body changes, your evolving personal style and how to embrace your unique identity. But more importantly, the joy of dressing to feel good.

Takeaways

✨Christina's mission is to help women stay visible and confident.

✨Midlife changes can impact confidence but style can help reclaim it.

✨Personal style should evolve with life experiences.

✨Clothing can be a powerful tool for self-expression.

✨Comfort and style can coexist in fashion choices.

✨Small changes in wardrobe can lead to significant confidence boosts.

✨It's important to dress for your current body shape.

✨Mindset plays a crucial role in how we perceive ourselves.

🌟Every woman should feel like the star of her own show.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Holistic Style Coaching

04:14 Christina's Journey

06:34 Navigating Midlife Changes

10:36 Embracing Personal Style and Confidence

12:11 Practical Styling Tips for Women

17:06 The Power of Clothing

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If you would like to carry the conversation on with Christina you can find her on:

👉Instagram: @queen.c111

👉www.queen-c.co.uk

👉Email: christina.avraam@queen-c.co.uk I hope you enjoyed this conversation and are inspired to use your wardrobe to your advantage.

I'm Julie, I help menopausal women go from anxious & overwhelmed to confident & thriving using my unique 'Simple Solutions' method

Find out more: essexmenopausecoach.com

If you enjoyed this episode you might like to listen to this one next: ▶️Understanding Skincare During Menopause

This 20-minute guided breathwork session is designed to help you rest and reset, especially during (peri)menopause. This calming practice uses gentle breathing patterns to send signals of safety to your body, helping reduce feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and stress. Whether you need a quick reset, a way to manage anxious moments, or simply want to find calm, this session is here to help. You’ll learn subtle, effective techniques like belly breathing and rib expansion, which can help lower your heart rate and improve digestion. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a moment of peace—whether you’re lying down on a yoga mat or seated comfortably. This practice is especially beneficial for those in perimenopause & menopause but it’s suitable for everyone. Allow yourself to pause, breathe, and find focus whenever you need it. Did you enjoy this session? This is the first time I’ve recorded with background music—how did you find it? Let me know in the comments! 👇 If you enjoyed this, you might also like: 🌬️Breath Awareness Session 🌬️Find Your Focus (5-minute reset)

Don’t forget to subscribe for more menopause breathwork and wellbeing content. Visit my website https://essexmenopausecoach.com/ for more resources or connect with me on Instagram or Facebook

In this episode I chat with Amy from Amy Cox Face and Body about skincare during menopause. We discuss the changes that occur in the skin during menopause and the impact of factors like sun exposure and pollution.

We also touch on topics like adult acne, dull skin and the effectiveness of collagen supplements. And why personalised consultations and skincare routines are the way forward to address individual needs.

Key takeaways:

• During menopause, the skin undergoes changes such as loss of collagen and elastin, leading to volume loss and less elasticity.
• Factors like sun exposure, pollution and smoking can further impact the skin's health and appearance.
• Skincare needs during menopause can vary, with some experiencing dryness and others experiencing increased oiliness.
• Consultations with skincare experts can help determine the best treatment options based on individual needs and concerns.
• Collagen supplements - are they worth it?
• What a basic skincare routine should look like

I hope you enjoy this episode, I know we certainly had a giggle recording it! I would love to hear your comments.

If you are enjoying the podcast, I would love it if you could support my work by sharing with someone you know or by rating the show. 🙏

✨Follow Amy on Instagram @midlifethrisis or check out her website amycox.co.uk (don't forget your discount if you book!)

✨Come say hello to me on Insta @essexmenopause coach

If you enjoyed this episode you might enjoy:

Luxopuncture: Relief for Menopause Symptoms?

The Rest Revolution in Menopause in Menopause Relief

In this episode, I discuss the impact of menopause on women and how to navigate this time of life. You don't need expensive supplements or expensive diets! Simplicity is key! Simple dietary and lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on menopause symptoms, including staying hydrated, balancing meals and supporting gut health. I'll also highlight the role of stress management and the option of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Use this episode to focus on one change at a time and feel the difference. Takeaways: ✔️Menopause can be a transformative time, despite the symptoms experienced by many women. ✔️The wellness industry often promotes expensive supplements and restrictive diets but simple changes can have a significant impact on menopause symptoms. ✔️Dietary changes, such as staying hydrated and balancing meals, can improve energy levels, mood swings and sleep. ✔️Supporting gut health through a diverse plant-based diet and probiotics can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. ✔️Stress management is crucial during menopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an option for some women. ✔️Focus on one change at a time and prioritise self-care and well-being. #nationalsimplicityday #menopausetips #perimenopause __________________________________________________

👋Say hello on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essexmenopausecoach/ 👋Say hi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/essexmenopausecoach 🚀Work with me: https://essexmenopausecoach.com/

In this episode, I'm joined by Maria from Firefly Hypnotherapy. She's a certified clinical hypnotherapist and we discuss how hypnotherapy can help with menopause symptoms. Maria explains that hypnotherapy combines talking therapy with hypnosis and how it's all based on neuroscience. She goes on to highlight how it’s important to understand how our brain functions so we can use this to our advantage and positively impact our emotions and behaviours.

We also talk about the effects of menopause on mental health, like increased anxiety and low mood and how hypnotherapy and simple diet and lifestyle changes can improve not just our mood but our sleep patterns and overall well-being too.

Key points we talk about:

• Hypnotherapy is a combination of talking therapy and hypnosis, underpinned by neuroscience.

• Understanding how the brain works can help individuals be kinder to themselves and make positive changes.

• Menopause can lead to heightened anxiety and low mood and hypnotherapy can help alleviate these symptoms.

• Improving sleep patterns is crucial for mental health during menopause and hypnotherapy can be effective in achieving better sleep.

• Simple lifestyle changes, such as staying hydrated and practicing positive thinking, can have a significant impact on menopause symptoms

Links & Free Download

🤳Chat with me on Instagram

🤳Follow Maria on Instagram

✨Get your FREE HYPNOSIS TRACK (scroll to the bottom of the page)

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I help menopausal women go from anxious & overwhelmed to confident & thriving using my Simple Solutions Method - want to work with me?

👉Find out more about my services

👉Book in a call with me at a time that suits you

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Other episodes you might enjoy:

🎙Alcohol-Free Alternatives: My Top Picks for Menopausal Women

🎙Perimenopause: From Overwhelm to Action

Today I'm exploring alcohol-free alternatives to help you manage menopause symptoms while still enjoying social moments.

I share my personal experiences and top recommendations for refreshing drinks that won't exacerbate anxiety, low mood or hot flushes.

Discover why reducing alcohol intake is crucial during menopause and how to find alternatives you genuinely love. Whether it's low/no alcohol beer or my other suggestions, there's something for everyone.

Tune in and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle during menopause.

👉Don't forget to join my mailing list for more tips and updates!

👉Message me on Instagram or leave me a voice note with your thoughts.

References & Links

Influence of moderate beer consumption on human gut microbiota and its impact on fasting glucose and β-cell function

Mother Root Ginger Switzel

LA Brewery Kombucha

If you enjoyed this episode please share with your friends or leave a rating. I will be ever so grateful.

Thank you as always for listening and for your support.