Our 40s and 50s mark many life transitions and events, such as achieving financial success, owning a home, and having a stable career. 

Along with these milestones also come challenges, like hormonal changes, ageing and menopause.

Menopause is a complex transition for many of us because it's associated with psychological symptoms, like an increased risk of depression and mood swings. 

If you’ve been experiencing any of these, here are 11 ways to help overcome depressive periods during menopause.

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘hypnotherapy’?

Relaxation? A deep sleep? Or perhaps you’re imagining being taken into a trance-like state by a psychiatrist swinging a coin in front of your face.

Katie was joined on the podcast by experienced Clinical Hypnotherapist Sally Garozzo to explore the practice of hypnotherapy AND hear about how it could ease menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety and sleep disturbances.

Too often, women living with disability are left out of the menopause and midlife women's health conversation and, as a result, put their symptoms down to pre-existing health conditions, not realising that they could actually be entering perimenopause or menopause.

Katie invited Emma Livingstone, founder of Up – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement, to the podcast to share her own story and to explain why it is so important for women, in particular those with cerebral palsy, to have their own pathways within healthcare.

Emma talks about her own experience living with a long-term disability and why she was inspired to found Up and campaign for better understanding and support from the medical community and the wider community.

Katie welcomed author and pelvic floor specialist, Kim Vopni, to the podcast to talk us through probably one of the most uncomfortable and awkward conditions that can affect a woman, pelvic organ prolapse.
Kim explains exactly what a prolapse is, the most common causes and how commonly they occur. She also gives advice on treatment options, including how to do pelvic floor exercises effectively and also when surgery might be the best option.

Why is resistance training so important as we age, and how can we fit that into our busy lives with so much else to juggle?

Katie spoke with personal trainer Kate Oakley on the podcast about how we can increase strength and protect our bones and joints in midlife, as well as find ways to fit it into our day, even with only 5 minutes to spare.

Kate explains why we need to change the way we exercise at 40 plus, and how the right kind of training can do more than just help you “get through” the challenges that come with menopause but also be empowering and totally change your outlook on life.

Midlife bone health is a topic often overlooked. We don't feel our bones ageing, but just like the rest of us, they absolutely are. 

We talk a lot in The Latte Lounge about conditions like osteoporosis, but why is bone health so important, particularly as we age?

Menopause symptoms can be challenging to deal with, especially when you experience several at once. Fortunately, you can reduce some of the issues related to menopausal migraines by making a few lifestyle changes.

Is it possible to slow down ageing?! How can we give ourselves the best possible chance to live a long and healthy life?

Dr Alka Patel believes that our health is a ‘skill’ and is not something we’re just given; it’s something we have to work at.

Katie spoke with Alka on The Latte Lounge podcast to find out how we can all make compassionate lifestyle changes for a happy, healthy and long life.