Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause
Welcome to Menopause Rise and Thrive! I’m Dr. Sara Poldmae, and this podcast is for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—women who are ready to embrace this stage of life with confidence and create a future that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Every week, I’ll walk you through the ups and downs of midlife, sharing helpful tips, real-world advice, and a space where you can feel heard and supported. Whether you’re dealing with hot flashes, weight changes, mood swings, sleep disruptions, or brain fog—or simply trying to make sense of the emotional shifts that come with menopause—you’re not alone.
Together, we’ll cut through the noise of misinformation and explore real, effective strategies for managing menopause symptoms, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics. Menopause Rise and Thrive is about more than just symptom management—it’s about stepping into your strength, prioritizing your well-being, and finding renewed purpose in this chapter of life.
More than anything, this podcast is about community—a place where women like you can connect, share experiences, and support one another. Together, we’ll challenge outdated myths about aging, celebrate our resilience, and approach midlife with clarity, strength, and empowerment.
Offering a unique blend of insights from my experience as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist, yogi, functional medicine practitioner, and women’s advocate, I’m here to help you reclaim your health and rediscover your passions. Every episode is designed to provide guidance, reassurance, and practical steps so you can navigate menopause with confidence.
Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause
83. Demystifying Hormonal Health for Women in Midlife with Dr. Cat Brown
Every woman will experience menopause, yet so many of us are left in the dark about what to expect?
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Cathleen Brown, also known as Dr. Cat is a board-certified OB/GYN and native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2004. After completing her residency training at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, she served on Army bases across the country, caring for female soldiers and female dependents of active-duty soldiers. She was honorably discharged from the Army, after 12 years of meritorious service. In her spare time, she loves traveling, gardening, and spending time with her three wonderful children! Dr. Cat has dedicated her career to women’s health education, which is what led her to Winona.
Dr. Cat shares her expertise in women’s health, discussing the importance of access to proper care, breaking down stigmas, and advocating for women during this transformative phase of life. We explore the symptoms of perimenopause, the benefits and misconceptions of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and why it’s crucial for women to educate themselves about their bodies and demand better care.
Whether you’re in midlife or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with empowering advice, practical tools, and resources to help women reclaim their health and thrive.
In this episode:
- What Winona offers and how telemedicine bridges gaps in women’s midlife care.
- Common symptoms of perimenopause and how to identify them.
- The truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and debunking fears surrounding breast cancer.
- Why birth control and antidepressants are not always the best solutions for menopause symptoms.
- The importance of self-advocacy and how to find a provider who listens.
- Practical tips for tracking symptoms and preparing for medical appointments.
- How estrogen impacts brain health and overall well-being.
Resources Mentioned:
The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi: https://a.co/d/1o8yK5W
PBS Documentary: The M Factor: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-m-factor-shredding-the-silence-on-menopause/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DrcatOBGYN
Website: https://bywinona.com/
Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:
Website: https://risingwomanproject.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae
Learn more about my upcoming retreat to Panama: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/
Ready To Take The Next Step To Thriving In Midlife? Download Your Free Hot Sheet With The Top 3 Things You Can Do Today To Rise + Thrive! https://risingwomanproject.com/contact/
Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!
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