In this episode of the Henpicked Lunch & Learn podcast, host Sally Leech is joined by menstrual health educator and speaker Talycia Nayee to explore why periods are still surrounded by silence in many workplaces.

Despite periods being a normal and natural part of life for millions of people, conversations about menstrual health often remain uncomfortable or avoided altogether in professional environments. This silence can make it harder for employees to seek support and for organisations to create inclusive workplace cultures.

In this discussion, Talycia shares insights into why the stigma around periods still exists, the barriers that prevent open conversations at work, and why greater awareness and education around menstrual health matters for both employees and employers.

The conversation also explores how workplaces can play an important role in supporting women's health by helping to normalise conversations around periods and ensuring employees feel able to speak openly about their health and wellbeing.

This episode is part of the Henpicked Lunch & Learn series, helping organisations build knowledge and confidence around women's health in the workplace.

(These work well on Spotify, YouTube, Libsyn and Apple Podcasts)

00:00 Introduction to the episode
01:00 Why periods are still surrounded by silence
02:40 The stigma and discomfort around talking about periods
04:10 How menstrual symptoms can affect daily life and work
06:10 Why workplaces should understand menstrual health
07:20 The wider conversation around women's health at work
09:30 The role education plays in breaking the silence
12:00 Creating more open and supportive workplace cultures
14:30 Key takeaways for organisations

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) remains one of the most talked-about — and often misunderstood — aspects of menopause.

In this expert-led Henpicked Lunch & Learn, Deborah Garlick is joined by menopause specialist Dr Clare Spencer to answer the most frequently asked questions about HRT — clearly, calmly and based on current medical evidence.

From understanding what HRT actually does in the body, to exploring risks, benefits, cancer concerns, blood clot history, different product options and what to do if the first type doesn't suit you — this episode provides practical, balanced guidance.

You'll hear:

• What HRT is and how it works during perimenopause and postmenopause

• Why some women need progesterone alongside oestrogen

• The different types of HRT available today (patches, gels, sprays, tablets and coils)

• The real risks of HRT — including breast cancer and blood clots — explained in context

• The proven long-term benefits for bone and heart health

• What to consider if you've had cancer, endometriosis or other medical conditions

• When to seek specialist referral

• Why finding the right type and dose can take time

This is a grounded, evidence-based conversation designed to help you separate myth from medical fact — and feel more confident discussing your options with a healthcare professional.

This episode features Dr Clare Spencer, GP and menopause specialist at My Menopause Centre.

Dr Spencer has extensive experience supporting women through perimenopause and menopause and is part of the clinical team at:

🌐 My Menopause Centre
https://www.mymenopausecentre.com/our-team/dr-clare-spencer/

📱 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mymenopausecentre/

My Menopause Centre is CQC-rated Outstanding and provides specialist, evidence-based menopause care.

Henpicked has been supporting women and working with organisations to create more inclusive, informed workplaces for over 13 years. Through expert-led Lunch & Learn sessions, accreditation programmes and trusted resources, Henpicked continues to drive menopause and women's health awareness in workplaces and beyond.

To join future free Lunch & Learn sessions, visit:
https://henpicked.net

Living With Adenomyosis is a Henpicked Lunch & Learn session focused on understanding a common but often misunderstood menstrual health condition that affects millions of women — yet frequently goes undiagnosed for years.

In this episode, Deborah Garlick, Founder of Henpicked, is joined by Henpicked's menstrual health expert Sally Leach to explore what adenomyosis is, how it differs from endometriosis, and why so many women are told their symptoms are "normal" — when they're anything but.

Adenomyosis can cause severe period pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, brain fog, bloating, and pelvic pain, with a profound impact on quality of life, mental health, relationships, and work. Despite affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women, awareness remains low — even among those living with it.

This conversation covers:

• What adenomyosis actually is and how it affects the uterus

• Common symptoms — and why they're so often normalised

• The emotional and practical toll of living with chronic pain

• Why diagnosis can take years, and how to advocate for yourself

• The range of treatment options, from hormonal support to surgery

• Practical, lived-experience tips for managing symptoms day to day

• Why education and workplace understanding matter so much

This session is part of Henpicked's commitment to opening up honest conversations about menstrual health, helping women feel informed, believed, and supported — at work and in life.

👉 You can also read Henpicked's in-depth article on adenomyosis here:
Understanding Adenomyosis – https://henpicked.net/menopause-hub/understanding-adenomyosis/

00:00 – Welcome & why this conversation matters
Why adenomyosis is painful, exhausting, confusing — and still widely misunderstood

02:20 – What is adenomyosis?
How it affects the uterus and how it differs from endometriosis

05:50 – How common is adenomyosis really?
UK and global prevalence — and why awareness is still so low

06:20 – Symptoms explained
Heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, fatigue, brain fog, bloating and pain during sex

09:30 – What counts as "heavy" bleeding?
Clear signs your period may not be normal

10:45 – "This is just part of being a woman"
Why symptoms are normalised — and the harm that causes

12:30 – The emotional impact of living with chronic pain
Mental health, relationships, isolation and unpredictability

13:50 – Why diagnosis takes so long
Dismissal, delayed referrals and being told you're "unlucky"

17:40 – Getting specialist support
When and why to ask for a gynaecology referral

18:10 – Treatment options explained
Hormonal treatments, pain management and surgical options

21:00 – Medically induced menopause (GnRH analogues)
What they are, how they work, and key considerations

23:10 – Living with adenomyosis day to day
Pain management tools, emotional support and community

25:00 – Lifestyle & self-management tips
Diet, movement, stress, rest and tracking symptoms

26:50 – Advocating for yourself at medical appointments
Four key questions to ask when discussing treatment

29:10 – Raising awareness & breaking the silence
Why talking about adenomyosis matters — at home and at work

30:00 – Closing thoughts & next Henpicked Lunch & Learn

Follow Henpicked:

• Website: https://henpicked.net/menopause-hub/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henpickednet/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/henpicked

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henpickedcommunity/

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it — awareness changes lives.

Prof Mary Ann Lumsden is Hon Professor of Medical Education & Gynaecology, at the University of Glasgow. She retired from active practice in Glasgow in 2021 due to commitments as CEO, International Federation Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FIGO), a global charity for improvement in women's health.

She was instrumental in setting up the first Menopause Clinic in Edinburgh in 1989 and involved in the care of women with Menopausal and Menstrual Disorders since.

Prof Lumsden has cared for women with menopausal and menstrual disorders (particularly those women with uterine fibroids) for over 30 years.

She has particular interest in mid-life women's health including chronic disease prevention (e.g. cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis) as well as women with medical problems who need advice on management of menopausal symptoms. Also, she has advised on the care of women after cancer both young and older.

Does taking the Pill affect your mental health? How do hormones change your brain through the menstrual cycle? How can you navigate change and empower yourself? This session tackles what you need to know…

Read up on Everything You Need to Know About the Pill by Kate Muir for more in-depth insights.

This session tackles one of the most frequently asked and often misunderstood topics around menopause: vaginal health. Whether it's dealing with dryness, discomfort, or changes that come with menopause, this will arm you with expert advice and practical solutions to keep you feeling confident and comfortable.

This podcast brings you up-to-date, expert information and top tips to help empower you to make informed decisions that are right for you: how you experience menstruation and menopause, manage symptoms and long-term health. It's time for change.

Support this Podcast by subscribing/following its FREE and really helps us produce more content just like this episode. If you enjoy this Podcast why not leave a 5 star review or rating.

https://henpicked.net/menopause-hub

One of the biggest questions we still get is: How do you get your employer on board? In this session, we heard from these trailblazing menopause legends. Discussed their top tips on convincing stakeholders, getting the conversations started, and, most importantly, keeping them going.

This podcast brings you up-to-date, expert information and top tips to help empower you to make informed decisions that are right for you: how you experience menstruation and menopause, manage symptoms and long-term health. It's time for change.

Support this Podcast by subscribing/following its FREE and really helps us produce more content just like this episode. If you enjoy this Podcast why not leave a 5 star review or rating.

https://henpicked.net/menopause-hub