How to close the "Bedroom Gap" - Ted Talk by Maria Sophocles

             

            

            Someone close to me shared this very informative and insightful Ted Talk.  

In her TED talk, Maria Sophocles, a gynecologist and sexual medicine specialist, sheds light on the often-neglected sexual issues that women face during menopause, referring to it as the "bedroom gap." She discusses how the loss of estrogen during menopause affects vaginal health, leading to symptoms like dryness and discomfort. Sophocles contrasts the availability of medical options for men with erectile dysfunction, like Viagra, with the lack of comparable treatments for women. She advocates for better education, communication, and advocacy to address these issues and ensure equal sexual pleasure for men and women.

Key Takeaways:

1. Menopause can bring about significant changes in women's sexual health, including symptoms like vaginal dryness and discomfort, which are often overlooked or under-addressed.

2. The disparity in available medical options for men with erectile dysfunction versus women with menopausal symptoms widens the "bedroom gap," leaving women with limited treatment options.

3. Sophocles emphasizes the importance of education, open communication, and advocacy to bridge the bedroom gap and promote equal sexual pleasure for both genders.

4. She calls for improvements in sex education, medical training, and societal attitudes toward menopause and sexual health to empower women to seek appropriate care and support.

Below is a link to the Ted Talk and the related description

"Menopause isn't just hot flashes, says gynaecologist and sexual medicine specialist Maria Sophocles. It's often accompanied by overlooked symptoms like painful sex or loss of libido. Shedding light on what she calls the "bedroom gap," or the difference in sexual expectations of men and women in midlife due to societal norms, Sophocles advocates for education, medical advancement and a new understanding of menopause — because sex should be pleasurable and comfortable for everyone."

My Heartfelt Midlife Musings: how I first stumbled upon the topic of "Menopause"

 

Picture Credit: Pixaby 

Hey How's it going?!

  If you have been following my blogs you will notice what a big fan I am of Christiane Northrup. 

I actually got introduced to her by chance a few years ago while searching for resources related          menopause for a dear friend who was going through that phase. I was probably in my later thirties and didn't consider myself anywhere close to Menopause. Needless to say I had no clue about perimenopause and that it was a thing at all. 

Anyhow, the more I read and heard Christiane the more "awakened" I became. 

Firstly my perspective about "older" women totally changed. 

Secondly while it felt like I will always remain young and vibrant and thought that a thing like Menopause is something that happens to others I realised that I will go through that phase one day for sure. 

Thirdly, I decided that no matter when that happens , I will embrace my Midlife with passion, vigor, vitality, positivity, knowledge and awareness; and take other women along. I committed to  working on myself starting then and there to give these gifts to my older self. 

And oh boy ! Am I glad I did that :)

While many of us might not go through such epiphanies, I believe it is never too late. Below is a video interview with Christian Northrup about her book "Goddess's Never Age" that could give you the right , much needed inspiration and guidance to reclaim your vibrance and make the rest of your mid-life the best ever!

Incase you need a helping hand, don't hesitate to reach out to me here or book a session for a one-to-one support through coaching or Rapid Transformation Therapy.  

With love and vibrancy,

Shabnoor

Embracing Femininity: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Sensuality

 

Hey there!

Have you ever felt like you were losing touch with your femininity and sexuality while striving to compete in a male-dominated world? I know I have. It's easy to get caught up in the drive for success and forget about the softer, more sensual aspects of ourselves. But lately, I've been on a journey of self-discovery, and I've realized just how much I've sacrificed in the pursuit of "making it."

While listening to a recorded interview of Christiane Northrup, she shared about the pressure and experiences of feeling like we had to be men in a woman's body to succeed in our respective fields. It was a wake-up call for me to reassess what I had lost along the way.

One of the biggest conflicts I faced was between being sexy and being smart. In my mind, it seemed like an either/or situation – I couldn't be both. But as I delved deeper into my beliefs, I realized that these concepts didn't have to be mutually exclusive.

In her book "Goddesses Never Age," Christiane explores the idea that sensuality is inherent in all of us. She reminds us that our bodies are wired for pleasure, and there's nothing wrong with embracing our sexuality. But it's essential to redefine what sexy means to us personally.

Christiane advises against using sex as a commodity or a means of manipulation. Instead, she encourages us to embody our Aphrodite power responsibly – to be in touch with our desires and pleasures without fear or shame.

As I continue on this journey of self-discovery, I've come to understand that being a woman means embracing all aspects of myself – the soft and vulnerable, the sensual and intuitive. It's about navigating life's curves with grace and grounding myself in the wisdom and strength of womanhood.

And you know what's been surprising? The more I embrace my feminine energy, the more I attract masculine energy into my life. It's a beautiful dance of balance and harmony.

So, if you're feeling disconnected from your femininity or struggling to embrace your sensuality, know that you're not alone. It's never too late to rediscover the goddess within you and reclaim your power.

Here are some quotes from "Goddesses Never Age" to inspire you:

• "Women wrestle with how to be sensual, strong, feminine, and confident in their bodies and their self-expression." – p155
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• "A fulfilling sex life begins first with your thoughts and beliefs. As you start to feel sexier, you soon become more attractive on the outside." – p154
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• "Sexuality is power. It’s our connection to the creative life force." – p157

One practice that Dr. Northrup suggests trying is to imagine a sexy woman pressed up against your left side as you walk – breathing in her sensuality and sexuality, and allowing her energy to infuse you with life force.

I'd love to hear about your experiences, challenges, and advice as we navigate the beautiful complexities of embracing our femininity together. Let's create a space for open dialogue and support. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

So, here's to embracing our feminine energy, reclaiming our sensuality, and living life with passion and pleasure. You deserve it!

With love and vibrancy,

Shabnoor

What Midlife Women Should Know About Their Health - Interview with Dr. Tara Allmen

 

Great Interview with Dr. Tara Allmen, author of 'Menopause Confidential,' joins Know Your Value's Mika Brzezinski to share advice on how midlife women can maintain their overall health through the menopause transition, starting with perimenopause.

Get Your Copy of the book "Menopause Confidential"

EU Link - Menopause Confidential: A Doctor Reveals the Secrets to Thriving Through Midlife (English Edition) Kindle Edition

India Link : Menopause Confidential : A Doctor Reveals the Secrets to Thriving Through Midlife (English Edition)

Exploring Women's Health in Midlife: Navigating Menopause and Beyond

 

In her book "Middle Aging: Development in the Third Quarter of Life," Nancy Avis delves into the intricate topic of women's health during midlife, with a particular focus on the significant milestone of menopause and its long-term implications.

Avis's chapter provides a comprehensive review of women's health at midlife, shedding light on the diverse experiences women encounter during this transitional phase. It becomes evident that the physiological and hormonal changes associated with menopause affect each woman differently. Factors such as cultural influences, behavioral patterns, psychosocial dynamics, and individual physiology all play crucial roles in shaping a woman's response to menopause.

Interestingly, Avis highlights the correlation between a woman's experience during menstruation and her menopausal journey. Women who face challenges during menstruation may find menopause to be more challenging as well. However, it's not all gloom and doom. Following menopause, many women experience a newfound sense of growth and vitality, accompanied by increased energy levels.

Looking ahead, Avis emphasizes the importance of future research in this area. There is a need to explore how women from diverse ethnic backgrounds experience this life transition, understand the long-term health changes directly attributed to menopause versus those attributed to aging, and gain insights into the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy and its alternatives.

As we navigate the complexities of women's health in midlife, it's essential to recognize the uniqueness of each woman's journey. By understanding the multifaceted factors at play and embracing a holistic approach to wellness, women can navigate menopause and its aftermath with resilience and grace.

KEY FINDINGS

Key findings from Nancy Avis's chapter on women's health in midlife include:

1. Diverse Experiences: Women's responses to menopause vary greatly due to cultural, behavioral, psychosocial, and physiological factors.

2. 
   

3. Impact of Menstruation: Women who experience difficulties during menstruation may face more challenges during menopause.

4. 
   

5. Post-Menopausal Growth: Many women experience a period of developmental growth and increased energy following menopause.

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7. Future Research Needs: Further exploration is needed to understand how women from diverse ethnic backgrounds experience menopause, differentiate between health changes attributed to menopause versus aging, and assess the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy and alternatives.

Source: Book: Middle Aging: Development in the Third Quarter of Life Author: Nancy Avis