What challenges and insights arise from navigating menopause, maintaining health, and balancing creative pursuits?
Selene Yeager doesn’t shy away from topics other might avoid; in fact, she is leading the conversation around menopause. She shares her journey into creating a podcast about menopause, and her own experiences with menopause. Selene explains her thoughts on diet, nutrition, health tracking, and cycling. She discusses her relationship with writing, and what she’s currently reading.
Women drop out at the other end of the spectrum just as much, because they’re alone, their bodies are changing, and it’s worse; you feel like Carrie. It’s almost like Carrie. Remember that Stephen King book? No one is telling you these changes that are going to happen.
~ Selene Yeager (8:30)
Selene Yeager is a professional health and fitness writer, cycling and nutrition coach, personal trainer, athlete, and podcast host. She has written articles for many publications, including Bicycling Magazine, Runner’s World, and Men’s and Women’s Health, in addition to authoring, co-authoring, and contributing to over 2 dozen books. Beyond writing, Selene is the host of Hit Play Not Pause, a podcast focusing on menopause for athletes.
The conversation explores the complexities of menopause, emphasizing the intersection of physical changes, societal stigmas, and personal identity. Selene discusses her journey of embracing menopause as both a challenge and an opportunity, using her experiences to inspire and educate others. Topics such as hormonal fluctuations, their effects on mental and physical health, and the lack of open discourse surrounding menopause are examined.
In addition to menopause, the conversation highlights the speaker’s multi-faceted career as a writer, athlete, and podcaster. She shares insights into maintaining creative energy, managing time, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Discussions also touch on broader health themes like intermittent fasting, its specific impact on women, and the importance of listening to one’s body for optimal well-being.
Takeaways
The transformational journey of menopause — Women can navigate menopause as an empowering phase of self-discovery and growth despite societal stigma.
The interplay of science and storytelling — Communicating complex health information in relatable ways fosters understanding and action.
Challenges of aging athletes — Physical changes can lead to disconnection from familiar identities, but adaptation and support networks are crucial.
The pitfalls of intermittent fasting for women — Unlike men, women often experience adverse effects due to physiological differences.
Balancing creative and physical pursuits — Structuring time around energy rhythms can help sustain productivity and joy.
Supportive communities for menopausal women — Finding a network of peers can significantly ease the challenges of life transitions.
Resources
Hit Play Not Pause — Selene’s podcast focused on menopause for athletes, hosted by the speaker.
Feisty Menopause Community — Menopause guidance for active women.
Roar by Stacy Sims and Selene Yeager — A book addressing the unique needs of female athletes.
North American Menopause Society — Offers resources and certifications for professionals specializing in menopause care.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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