Ep 050: Navigating Menopause: Fleabag, Sex and the City, and Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce
Today we’re talking with Dr. Sophia Lubin about menopause and perimenopause. Dr. Sophia has been a board-certified ObGyn for over 15 years and as a women’s health and well-being enthusiast, she spreads her knowledge and care through her “Dr. Sophia, ObGyn Podcast” where she helps women learn about their bodies and embrace themselves.
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Our conversation covers a wide range of information about what menopause really is, the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, how to ask for treatment, and what the representation of menopause looks like in film and TV. We deep dive into shows like Fleabag, Sex and the City, and Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce as well as conversations on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live!
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Music: Deppisch
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ABOUT OUR GUEST
Dr. Sophia Lubin has been a board-certified ObGyn for over 15 years. She currently practices at Symphony Medical providing a wide range of services, including routine obstetrical and gynecologic care, as well as surgical interventions. Being a women’s health and well-being enthusiast, she spreads her knowledge and care through her “Dr. Sophia, ObGyn Podcast” where she helps women learn about their bodies and embrace themselves.
The Dr. Sophia Obgyn podcast:
A caring and informative podcast where Dr. Sophia, a practicing ObGyn for over 15 years, openly helps women learn about their bodies, empower them, and embrace themselves. The podcast covers a broad range of health topics affecting women ranging from pregnancy, menopause, periods, sexual health, fertility, and so more – which are discussed with candor, depth, and heart. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes, Youtube, and Spotify and you can learn more about Dr. Sophia at www.drsophiaobgyn.com and through social media with the handle @drsophiaobgyn.
TAKEAWAYS
Menopause is defined as going through 12 consecutive months without a period, while perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause when symptoms may occur.
Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can include irregular periods, hot flashes, insomnia, joint pain, brain fog, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
Treatment options for menopause include hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet, and supplements.
Representation of menopause in film and TV is becoming more prevalent, thanks to celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Oprah Winfrey who are speaking out about their experiences.
It is important to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and to have open conversations about menopause to raise awareness and provide support. Perimenopause and menopause are natural transitions that every woman goes through, but the experience can vary greatly from person to person.
Individualized treatment is important, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing perimenopause and menopause.
Open and honest conversations about menopause are crucial to breaking down stigmas and providing support to women going through this transition.
Resources such as the PERRY app and the National Menopause Society can provide valuable information and help connect women with healthcare providers who specialize in menopause.
Menopause is not the end of a woman's vitality, but rather a chance for a new sexual revolution and a time to embrace oneself.
REFERENCES
Dr. Sophia OBGYN website
Here are some sources for TV and film that mention menopause:
Fleabag - Woman’s perspective; it’s bad, and then we are free
Sex and the City (Movie #2) - Samantha is taking control of her menopause “Hormone Whisperer”
Something’s Gotta Give (Movie with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson) - Menopause and the advantage of no birth control needed
Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce (TV series) - Hot flash, menopause, estrogen patch…confusion for the main woman character
And Just Like That - Charlotte’s experience with what she thinks is menopause
The following are less from a TV or movie standpoint, but from a media talk show perspective:
Viola Davis teaches Jimmy Kimmel about menopause - Jimmy says he knows nothing and Viola says it’s the worst
Oprah talks about Menopause
Other episodes you’ll enjoy:
You’re Not Alone: How Stigma Hurts Everyone - Episode 036
Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs, and Emergency Medicine- Episode 027
Investigating Inequality Across Film and TV - Episode 041
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