Welcome to the Menopause Chicks Podcast where explaining all-things menopause is Shirley Weir’s "love language." She translates your real questions, curiosities and lived experiences into conversations that promise to clear up confusion, connect-the-dots and help you answer: "What does this mean for ME?" That's because this show is especially for YOU. Season 2 is a LIVE call-in video podcast where YOUR questions, requested hot topics & guest hosts set the agenda! Nothing is too minor or too awkward to ask—because guaranteed--someone listening has the exact same question!
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The one where menopause education at work starts the conversation
Season 2 · Episode 2
Monday, September 28, 2026 • Duration 51:55
Menopause Chicks Podcast — Episode 2 Show Notes
Shirley shares her experience speaking at a workplace menopause education event at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), where 100 people showed up 20 minutes early — and the gut punch of hearing a colleague say "I don't want anyone to have to go through what I went through."
This Week's Open: Welcome to the new Menopause Chicks Podcast format — formerly the "Ask Anything" Monday sessions, now recorded live and released weekly. Guest co-host Jen joins again.
Can you go 2 years without a period and not be in menopause? — It's possible, especially if contraception or an ablation is involved. Discussion and tips for investigating with your doctor.
85 days without a period, then spotting — do I start counting over? — Yes, if contraception matters. The International Menopause Society recommends extending contraception for 1 year after menopause (reach menopause over 50) or 2 years (under 50).
Debilitating joint pain at 45 in perimenopause — Could be related to fluctuating estrogen. Investigate other causes (arthritis, magnesium deficiency) and start exploring hormone health support.
Driving anxiety and progesterone after hysterectomy (Marian) — Progesterone isn't just for uterine protection; it supports mood and sleep as well as hundreds of other responsibilities. You can benefit from progesterone even without a uterus. Script tip: ask your doctor to work with you on a trial to see how you feel.
Estrogen patch shortage and switching to gel (Margaret) — Canadian Menopause Society has an equivalency chart at CanadianMenopauseSociety.org.
Switching from oral to compounded topical progesterone (Cindy) — Sensitivity to oral progesterone is real. Compounded progesterone is an option but isn't regulated. Check ferritin levels — fatigue and depression can also signal iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency after hysterectomy — Heavy bleeding leads to iron deficiency. Removing the uterus stops the bleeding but doesn't fix the iron deficiency. Check ferritin levels, understand difference between "normal range" and "optimal" and discuss options for supplementing (diet or supplement) or iron infusions.
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
SHARE THIS EPISODE
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.
ABOUT THE HOST
Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.
The one where we write your mother [about vaginal estrogen!]
Season 2 · Episode 1
Monday, September 21, 2026 • Duration 57:34
The episode kicks off with a relatable story from Shirley’s weekend: a text message asking her to explain vaginal estrogen to a friend’s mother. This sparks a deep dive into vaginal estrogen, genitourinary health (vulva & vaginal dryness, urethra & bladder changes, recurring UTIs) and the hidden danger of “silent UTIs” (or “silent symptoms of UTIs”) in older adults — including how untreated infections can mimic dementia and potentially escalate to sepsis. Jen delivers an impromptu primer on silent UTIs, while Shirley shares the personal story of her own mother’s history with chronic dryness and repeated infections.
From there, the conversation covers a wide-ranging Q&A:
Gut and bowel changes post-menopause — Shirley recommends expanding your health team to include a registered dietitian, a pelvic floor physiotherapist, and a naturopathic doctor.
Heavy bleeding — A comprehensive breakdown of causes (copper IUDs, perimenopausal hormone shifts, fibroids, and more) and the full menu of treatment options: ibuprofen as a temporary tip while at work or travelling, the Mirena™️ IUD, oral micronized progesterone, fibroid-reducing medications, ablation, and hysterectomy — with a cautionary note about jumping to surgery too quickly. Jen shares her own hysterectomy story and the power of showing up informed.
Hormone therapy over 60 — A voicemail from Cheryl, 64, prompts Shirley to clarify that the “under 60 or within 10 years” guideline for initiating menopause hormone therapy is a guideline, not a deadline, and how to prepare for your health conversation with a few “script tips.”
Vaginal estrogen dosing and timelines — Shirley walks through what to do when treatment isn’t working yet, including the four key questions every woman should ask at a medication review.
Throughout the episode, the recurring theme is clear: menopause hormone therapy is an individualized protocol, not one-size-fits-all — and showing up curious, prepared, and informed can positively influence health outcomes.
Menopause Chicks is recorded LIVE every Monday at 4 pm PT (7 pm ET) and YOUR QUESTIONS + CURIOSITIES design the program! Submit your question and learn more at Menopause Chicks.com/podcast Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and where ever you like to listen to your favourite podcasts.
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
SHARE THIS EPISODE
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.
ABOUT THE HOST
Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.
The JOY of Menopause [BONUS EPISODE]
Season 2
Monday, March 9, 2026 • Duration 50:54
The Power of Language
Why words like "joy" matter when discussing menopause
The jar exercise: How language literally changes outcomes
Why "menopause" + "symptoms" do not belong in the same sentence OR at the very least, require a deeper understanding
Script Tips™️ for preparing for your health appointment and Shirley's proven "G.A.P. + S.P.E.A.K." framework (if you can
Becoming Your Best Health Advocate
Women continue to be dismissed and that's not ok for us, or the next generation!
How to prepare for healthcare conversations effectively
The importance of stating your health goals clearly
Understanding what you DESERVE from your health--as well as your healthcare team
Generational Shifts in Women's Health
How information access has changed (and complicated) the conversation
What's different for Gen Z versus previous generations
The mixed blessing of online health information
Breaking inherited narratives about aging and menopause
Personal Stories
Keira's "Joy" tattoo honoring her grandmother
Shirley's mother Joyce and the undiagnosed/untreated UTI-dementia connection
Keira's PCOS diagnosis and journey to advocacy
The "Love Letter to My Period" project
Why removing stigma starts with honest conversation
Practical Takeaways
The GAP-and-SPEAK acronym for doctor appointments
How to articulate symptoms AND, most importantly, impact to quality of life
The importance of preparing for healthcare visits
Why we need to stop tolerating things that impact our quality of life + share what we learn with (minimum) 3 other people: someone older, someone younger and a peer/friend/sister/colleague
TIMESTAMPS
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
RESOURCES MENTIONED
SHARE THIS EPISODEABOUT THE HOST
It's About A Lifetime of Women's Health Research with Dr. Jerilynn Prior
Season 1 · Episode 14
Thursday, December 14, 2023 • Duration 39:25
What we discussed:
An endocrinologist’s explanation of both estrogen and progesterone
Hormone health, mental health–and considerations for the role of stress in our overall health, but especially in perimenopause
If you are going to track anything–track your menstrual cycle + both physical changes (such as breast tenderness, cramping, vasomotor symptoms) and emotional/mental health changes, such as mood. Dr. Prior explains the reasons why!
How hormone therapy traditionally focused on estrogen without acknowledging the critical role of progesterone too
Script tips for how to talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy!
Dr. Prior’s extensive progesterone research and her life-long commitment (she celebrated her 80th birthday this year!) to her work, and her legacy related to progesterone research will continue.
Links from this week’s episode:
CEMCOR - https://www.cemcor.ubc.ca/
BIG thanks to the following for sharing my passion for women’s health:
The story behind Intimate Wellbeing & why Cass and Leah are so dedicated to changing the conversation about sexual pleasure for midlife women.
How the Intimate Wellbeing brand has evolved from its initial concept of being an accessible online store to becoming a recognized sexual health education community
What happened when Cass & Leah started talking more openly about sexuality with their friends and how important they feel it is for women to have places to talk openly!
How Intimate Wellbeing is working with the Taboo Sex Show to create a space for midlife women to learn about sexual health without feeling overwhelmed or out of place at a sex show.
How they’ve made shopping for sex toys easier and more comfortable by curating a collection of safe, high-quality toys from brands they trust.
The origin of their brand of lubricant, Okanogan Joy, and how they’re changing the conversation about the benefits of using lubricant.
Plus! I share my review about the Dame Pom vibrator with Cass & Leah
Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Dr. Lori Brotto - Find it on or or
SHARE THIS EPISODEABOUT THE HOST
It's About Hormone Therapy & Heart Health with Dr. Bal Pawa
Season 1 · Episode 8
Sunday, October 22, 2023 • Duration 31:43
What we discussed:
How Dr. Pawa’s car accident was a catalyst in shifting her career focus to women’s health and hormones
Why the Canadian healthcare model is lacking when it comes to holistic, integrative, and preventative health and how led to a system where doctors are reimbursed for treating a symptom, rather than looking at the whole person
The ongoing struggle medical doctors face because time and resources are limited
Dr. Pawa shares her latest project: Creating a new preceptorship program for practitioners focused on women’s health with a subset for menopause specialists where the information is credible, consistent, standardized, and evidence-based
Why heart disease symptoms in women often go ignored, even though women’s risk for heart attacks are actually higher than men
How hot flashes, which are vascular events, should be viewed as a “check engine light” and an invitation to get to your doctor so you have the opportunity to be preventative around your heart health
The importance of treating (and not enduring) hot flashes
Dr. Pawa shares why the biggest question she gets asked is about hormone therapy and she explains both the short-term and long-term benefits of finding out if hormone therapy is right for you
Discover shows related to Menopause Chicks, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
SHARE THIS EPISODE
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That’s how we create change.
ABOUT THE HOST
Shirley Weir is the founder of MenopauseChicks.com & its popular private community. She’s been a passionate advocate for women’s health education for 14 years. Shirley’s mission is to change the narrative around menopause, ensure everyone can speak the language of their health… so fluently…it will be impossible to be confused, or dismissed ever again!
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.
Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.
(Select key moments)
00:00 - Introduction: Why this conversation?
04:30 - Keira's JOY tattoo story
06:45 - The jar exercise: How language shapes outcomes
15:00 - Why women leave doctor appointments disappointed
28:00 - The confusion of online health information
40:00 - Keira's PCOS journey and period advocacy
47:00 - The jar of 50+ goals for women's health before Shirley dies
50:00 - What gives us hope
"I deserve to feel amazing."
"Quality health information is competing with other health brands online - we're competing with the news and big brands like Four Seasons, Ford, Coca-Cola. We're ALL part of the attention economy, and only confident, informed consumers can decide what is meant for them."
"Women deserve quality information. They deserve quality explanations."
"Confidence is a decision that I'm making today."
The "In Her Words" study (BC Women's Health Foundation)
GAP-and-SPEAK framework for doctor appointments (Menopause Chicks
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.
Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.
Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.
Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.
Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.
Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.
Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.
This is where thousands of women gather to learn evidence-based content and ask questions/seek clarity to inform their health decisions.
If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with three people: someone older, someone younger, and a peer. That's how we create change.
Shirley Weir is the founder of Menopause Chicks and a passionate advocate for women's health education. She's on a mission to change the narrative around menopause and empower women to become their best health advocates.
