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Episode Overview

Join Kristen Parise as she reconnects with her former McMaster University classmate, Dr. Natalie Perkins, who traded her VP role at a major telemedicine company to launch PAUZ Health, a revolutionary platform supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. From life-threatening health scares to marriage endings to career pivots, Natalie shares her raw, authentic journey of self-discovery and how it led her to create a much-needed resource for women navigating this life transition.

What You'll Learn

• How to recognize when perimenopause is calling you to pause and reassess your life
• Why "it's not selfish to be happy" and how to prioritize your own well-being
• The three pillars of PAUZ Health: education, clinical access, and curated products
• Essential health recommendations for perimenopausal women (spoiler: strength training tops the list)
• Why vaginal estrogen should be considered as routine as face cream
• How to advocate for yourself in healthcare settings when providers lack menopause expertise
• The importance of viewing perimenopause as "a gift" rather than a burden

Episode Highlights From Success to Soul-Searching: The Great Life Pivot

Natalie opens up about her "big kaboom" moments - realizing she was drowning in a 20-year marriage while climbing the corporate ladder, only to discover she didn't even know if she liked cheese, let alone what brought her joy. Her candid discussion about choosing happiness over societal expectations will resonate with anyone who's ever felt lost in their own life.

The Life-Threatening Wake-Up Call

During an Ironman race, Natalie experienced a cardiac episode that landed her in the hospital and fundamentally changed her perspective on life's finite nature. This brush with mortality became the catalyst for her complete life transformation and the eventual founding of PAUZ Health.

"Grab Life by the Ovaries": The PAUZ Philosophy

Learn why Natalie chose the name PAUZ - it's all about taking that crucial pause to reflect, educate yourself about your options, and then step boldly into the next phase of your life. The conversation explores how perimenopause can be reframed as an opportunity for course correction rather than something to endure.

The Healthcare Gap That Sparked a Business

With her digital health background, Natalie recognized that the lack of accessible, comprehensive menopause care could be solved through virtual platforms. She breaks down the three pillars of PAUZ Health: affordable education with world experts, access to specialized clinicians, and a curated marketplace of clean, effective products.

Top 5 Non-Negotiables for Perimenopausal Women

Natalie shares her evidence-based recommendations:

1. Strength training with heavy weights (8-12 rep range)
2. Protein first - make it the first thing you eat
3. Fiber focus for overall health benefits
4. Hormone therapy education - both systemic and vaginal estrogen
5. Sleep optimization - the foundation of everything else

Breaking the Taboo Around Women's Health

The conversation tackles the critical need for women to advocate for themselves, especially when healthcare providers lack specialized menopause training. Natalie emphasizes that women often know more about their bodies and available treatments than their doctors do.

Episode Chapters

00:00-05:58: Introduction and Natalie's Journey from Exercise Physiology to Healthcare Executive

05:58-09:07: The Birth of PAUZ Health and Its Three-Pillar Mission

09:07-11:53: The Challenges of Leaving Established Careers and Choosing Personal Happiness

11:53-14:52: Embracing Perimenopause as a Gift and Opportunity for Life Reset

14:52-18:05: The Intersection of Mental and Physical Health During Life Transitions

18:05-20:55: Navigating the Gray Areas of Life Decisions

20:55-23:54: Building Confidence and the Importance of Community Support

23:54-29:43: The Genesis of PAUZ Health and Its Core Philosophy

29:43-31:12: The Entrepreneurial Journey and Maintaining Joy in Business

31:12-32:49: Finding Balance Between Business Growth and Personal Well-being

32:49-34:52: Life-Changing Impact: Feedback from PAUZ Health Community Members

34:52-36:15: The Critical Importance of Education in Women's Health

36:15-39:16: Access to Care and the Need for Self-Advocacy

39:16-40:52: Shifting Mindset: Investing in Health vs. Managing Symptoms

40:52-45:14: The Power of Movement and Expert-Guided Exercise

45:14-49:22: Top Health Recommendations for Perimenopausal Women

49:22-50:33: Simplifying Health: Prioritizing What Matters Most

50:33-52:29: Exciting Developments at PAUZ Health

52:29-53:53: Understanding Non-PFA Products and Estrogen Disruptors

53:53-56:46: Connecting with PAUZ Health and Special Listener Offer

Connect with Dr. Natalie Perkins and PAUZ Health

Website: pauzhealth.shop Instagram: @pauzhealth Podcast: Available through PAUZ Health platform

Connect with The Hole Shebang

Website: BlueberryTherapy.ca Instagram: @blueberrytherapypelvichealth Upcoming Event: The Pleasure Principle Conference

Natalie's Theme Song for Her Life and Career

"Everything is Everything" by Lauryn Hill - embodying fierce female energy, resilience, growth, and trusting yourself through life's journey.

Key Takeaways

• Perimenopause is your body's alarm system telling you to pause and course correct
• It's not selfish to prioritize your happiness - everyone benefits when you're thriving
• Strength training and protein are non-negotiable for maintaining health through hormonal changes
• Vaginal estrogen should be considered preventive care, like face cream for your genitals
• You often know more about menopause than your healthcare provider - advocate for yourself
• Life exists in gray areas, and that's actually freeing once you accept it
• Small, consistent changes build confidence better than trying to overhaul everything at once

"Your happiness is worth it, and the price you pay to not listen and keep squashing that inner voice - it really is your health that you're compromising." - Dr. Natalie Perkins