Best podcasts that bring menopause to the forefront of discussions
Menopause is a natural phase of life affecting roughly half the world's population, yet it remains shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and silence. In recent years, podcasts have emerged as powerful platforms to demystify this transition, offering expert insights, personal stories, and practical advice. These shows empower women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause with science-backed information, humor, and community. Whether you're seeking symptom management tips, hormone therapy discussions, or tales of thriving midlife, these top podcasts put menopause front and center.
1. The New Menopause with Dr. Mary Claire Haver
Hosted by board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Mary Claire Haver, author of the bestselling book The New Menopause, this podcast delivers cutting-edge medical advice tailored to real women's experiences. Episodes cover hot flashes, weight gain, brain fog, and libido changes with evidence-based strategies, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Why listen? Dr. Haver's no-nonsense approach debunks myths and advocates for personalized care. Guests include top researchers and celebrities sharing unfiltered stories.
Standout episode: "The Truth About Weight Loss in Menopause."
2. Hit Play Not Pause
Selene Yeager, a science journalist and former pro cyclist, teams up with physiologist Stacy Sims, PhD, to explore how menopause impacts athletic performance and overall health. This show targets active women but appeals broadly with fitness, nutrition, and mindset hacks.
Why listen? It's motivational and practical, emphasizing that menopause isn't an end but a pivot. Expect data-driven tips on training through "the change."
Standout episode: "Menopause and Muscle: What Happens and How to Fight Back."
3. The Happy Menopause Podcast
Dr. Louise Newson, a UK-based GP specializing in women's health, hosts this uplifting series. She discusses HRT, mental health, sleep issues, and societal attitudes toward aging, often with celebrity guests like Davina McCall.
Why listen? Newson's empathetic style makes complex topics accessible, blending science with personal anecdotes to promote "happy menopause" through informed choices.
Standout episode: "Hormones and Happiness: Managing Mood Swings."
4. Fierce Not Flushed
Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith, a menopause expert and founder of the Menopause Society of America, leads conversations on everything from vaginal health to career impacts. Her bold, unapologetic tone challenges taboos head-on.
Why listen? Perfect for those wanting straightforward medical guidance without fluff. It includes listener Q&As and expert panels.
Standout episode: "Sex, Intimacy, and Menopause: Keeping the Spark Alive."
5. Menopause Mandala
Kiva Brooks and Shannon Ellis, creators of the Menopause Mandala app, host this holistic podcast blending Eastern and Western perspectives. Topics range from acupuncture for symptoms to mindfulness for emotional shifts.
Why listen? It offers a refreshing, non-pharma-focused view, ideal for those exploring integrative wellness alongside conventional medicine.
Standout episode: "Hot Flashes: Beyond the Western Medicine Model."
6. This Is Menopause with Dr. Jen Gunter
The "world's most famous feminist OB/GYN," Dr. Jen Gunter, tackles misinformation with wit and rigor. Episodes dissect social media trends, supplements, and medical controversies.
Why listen? Gunter's myth-busting expertise is gold for skeptical listeners. Short, punchy episodes make it easy to stay informed.
Standout episode: "The Great Menopause Supplement Scam."
Why These Podcasts Stand Out
These selections prioritize hosts with medical credentials, diverse viewpoints (from fitness to holistic), and engaging formats. They foster open dialogue, reduce isolation, and equip listeners with tools to advocate for themselves. Most release episodes weekly or bi-weekly, with free access on major platforms.
In a world finally awakening to midlife women's needs, these podcasts are essential listening. Tune in, share with friends, and reclaim the narrative around menopause.
Links to Get Started
- The New Menopause with Dr. Mary Claire Haver on Apple Podcasts
- Hit Play Not Pause on Spotify
- The Happy Menopause Podcast
- Fierce Not Flushed on Apple Podcasts
- Menopause Mandala
- This Is Menopause with Dr. Jen Gunter on Spotify