{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Perimenopause, Pleasure Principles and Purpose: Menopause On MY Terms with Shirley Weir","description":"&quot;Normal is a setting on your dryer\u2014not a standard for your health.&quot; In this episode of The Gritty Nurse, we\u2019re joined by Shirley Weir, the &quot;Vagina Health Evangelist&quot; and founder of Menopause Chicks. Shirley didn't just start a community of 50,000+ women; she started a revolution against the &quot;Mokita&quot;\u2014the things we all know but refuse to discuss. As nurses, we see patients every day who dismiss their own suffering because they\u2019ve been told it\u2019s &quot;just part of being a woman.&quot; Shirley challenges this narrative head-on. We dive into the systemic gaps in women\u2019s health research, the &quot;pleasure gap&quot; in genitourinary care, and the grit required to navigate a healthcare system that was never designed with midlife women in mind. We\u2019re breaking down:   The Perimenopause Pivot: Why your late 30s are the most critical time to start paying attention.   The &quot;Script Tip&quot;: A literal sentence you can use when a doctor tries to dismiss your symptoms.   The Investment Phase: How to prioritize brain, bone, and heart health for your &quot;second half.&quot;   Systemic Advocacy: Why nurses are the ultimate bridge between clinical research and patient empowerment.   Stop &quot;sucking it up&quot; and start advocating. This isn't just an ending\u2014it's a milestone for celebration and a window for health investment. Guest Bio: Shirley Weir is a celebrated women\u2019s health advocate, author, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Menopause Chicks.Since 2012, she has been on a mission to dismantle the silence surrounding perimenopause and menopause, reframing this life stage as a milestone for celebration rather than a season of suffering. Through her private online community of over 300,000 women, Shirley empowers her audience to get curious about their hormone health and provides them with the evidence-based tools they need to advocate for themselves in the exam room. Find Her Here: Official Website   MenopauseChicks.com   Social Media Handles   Instagram: @menopausechicks   Facebook: Menopause Chicks (This is her highly active community hub).   LinkedIn: Shirley Weir   YouTube: Menopause Chicks YouTube Channel   Community &amp;amp; Resources   Private Facebook Group: Menopause Chicks Community (The &quot;go-to&quot; private forum with over 60,000 members).   TEDx Talk: The Mokita of Menopause   * Listen on Apple Podcasts \u2013 : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts&amp;nbsp;  https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/ca\/podcast\/the-gritty-nurse\/id1493290782 * Watch on YouTube \u2013 &amp;nbsp;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@thegrittynursepodcast Stay Connected:  Website: grittynurse.com Instagram: @grittynursepod TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100064212216482 X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse  Collaborations &amp;amp; Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com\/contact Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse! www.hospitalnews.com&amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"The Gritty Nurse","author_url":"https:\/\/www.grittynurse.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40894565\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/40894565"}