Ep. 32: Scrappy Menopause: A Candid Conversation to Empower Gen X Women with Suzanne Greiner
There's still so much life and so much for you to step into at 40 and beyond. ~ Suzanne Greiner
If you were born with ovaries, you will go through menopause. Many Gen X women are in the throes of peri-menopause and menopause right now. And, most men will know women who are going or will go through menopause.
Menopause is as much a part of life as other hormonal fluctuations we experience as teenagers or during or after pregnancy (for those who have children). Yet for decades, menopause has been stigmatized and mocked, leaving women to navigate this critical life shift in silence and often, shame.
Well no more! It’s time to get scrappy about menopause!
In the last five or so years, we’ve seen a shift around menopause. Conversations are now happening from social media to the doctors’ offices. There remains, however, a tremendous amount of misinformation about what menopause is, the numerous symptoms, and what women can do to support themselves through this transitional period.
For example, do you know the average age of peri-menopause?
Do you know that there are over 70 symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause? Or that 20% of women in peri-menopause and menopause do not experience hot flashes?
Or that Black women experience menopause (on average) for 3.5 years longer than white women?
And, most importantly, do you know that a 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study was responsible for abruptly ending many women’s use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on faulty data claiming that HRT leads to increased heart disease and breast cancer? And that this study has since been repeatedly debunked?
This week’s conversation with Suzanne Greiner will shine the light of knowledge on these and many other issues around menopause.
Suzanne is board-certified nurse coach in addition to being a registered nurse with over 26 years of nursing experience. Specializing in perimenopause and menopause, she combines her extensive clinical background with her passion for coaching to support women through this transformative era of midlife. Through her work, Suzanne educates, empowers women to advocate for their health, and encourages them to trust their intuition. Certified in menopause coaching, training in functional medicine, and cannabis nursing, she blends evidence-based practices with a holistic approach, helping women reclaim their health, well-being, and sense of self. A frequent podcast guest, Suzanne offers expert insights on self-advocacy, midlife wellness, and the power of informed, intuitive care. She hosts Peri-Vitality, a community for women going through perimenopause and menopause. She is a mom of three teenagers and lives in Thornton CO.
The intentions of this episode are to encourage women to listen to their intuition when they just don’t feel right, know the signs and symptoms of menopause, find your voice to speak up for the care you need, and feel empowered to have these critical conversations about menopause.
So, let’s get scrappy, Gen X-style, when it comes to reclaiming our power, our voice, and our vibrancy through menopause.
🗝️ Key Takeaways:
[36:08] Defining Peri-menopause and Menopause
[49:55] Talking to your doctor about menopause
[51:18] The M Factor Documentary Overview
[01:01:33] Racial Disparities in Menopause Experiences
[01:08:00] Hormone Replacement Therapy: Myths and Facts
[01:38:21] Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes for Menopause
🎧 WATCH/LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
⭐️ CONNECT WITH SUZANNE
Instagram: @suzgreiner
TikTok: @suzgreiner
Download Suzanne’s Free Guide: Navigating Perimenopause: Essential Tips for Talking to your Provider
Elevate - Perimenopause/Menopause Wellness Summit (Feb. 8, 2025)
📚 REFERENCES FROM THE EPISODE
Documentary - The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause
Black Girls Guide to Surviving Menopause
💗 SUPPORT THE PODCAST
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