Welcome to Insight into Health, my radio show on listener-supported KSVY 91.3, where I explore ways to make healthy living realistic, enjoyable, and sustainable. I am your host, Allison McKeany, and these are the show notes for the live radio show that aired on February 16th, 2026. Jennifer Briscoe was my co-host for this episode.
Be sure to check out my upcoming in-person events at the end of this post :)
Listen to the episode:
Beyond the What: Menopause
Menopause is having its moment right now. It has become a common topic across websites, podcasts, best-selling books, and everyday conversation1.
For good reason, because women will spend ~10% of their life in the menopause transition (perimenopause) and nearly 40% in menopause.
Until a few years ago, I’m embarrassed to say that the only thing I knew about menopause was that it signaled the end of menstruation and caused hot flashes. I wasn’t sure how hot flashes fit into the mix, but I didn’t question it.
I was inspired to do a deep-dive into everything menopause when I was asked a question about menopause and sleep during a presentation. I immediately set out to read the best current resources, including checking out a stack of books from my local library. This prompted my husband to delicately ask, “Is there something I should know?”2
Here is some of what I’ve learned:
The transition to menopause (perimenopause) can last up to 10 years, starting as early as the beginning of the 40s.
There is no test to determine if a woman is in perimenopause. In fact, the menopause transition is characterized by erratic hormone (especially estrogen) levels, so a test at a fixed moment in time wouldn’t tell the whole story.
Menopause can only be determined retroactively, as it is defined as the absence of a period for 12 months.
Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause go way beyond hot flashes because estrogen is involved in several processes throughout the brain and body:
Hot flashes & night sweats
Headaches
Fatigue
Brain fog
Mood changes
Difficulty sleep
Joint & muscle pain
Changes to skin & hair
Decreased libido
and so many more…
Menopause isn’t just about inconvenient and annoying symptoms; it is a time when women see increased risk of several medical conditions:
Heart disease
Osteoporosis
Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease
Depression
Type 2 Diabetes
Urinary Tract Infections
and so many more….
While the transition into menopause is fraught with many symptoms and risks, there is a growing body of research that shows that the other side of menopause often brings an improvement to mental health, contentment, and quality of life.
Let’s Talk: Willow Taraja
Willow Taraja is a trained end-of-life doula and death literacy community educator with Cancer Support Sonoma. We talked about her important and unique work supporting individuals through the practical, logistical, social, and emotional aspects of end-of-life, where she offers thoughtful and individualized support to the dying and their loved ones from initial diagnosis through bereavement.
What’s Feeling Alive: Laughter
Jennifer shared a story of a recent trip and how she and a friend shared many a belly laugh during it. She and I talked about how laughter is often lost in adulthood as responsibilities leave little time for silliness and playfulness. But making space for it can relieve stress, improve mood, and foster connection.
What makes you laugh?
My upcoming in-person events:
Vintage House Sonoma — February 19, 2026
Sonoma Community Center — February 21, 2026
Cancer Support Sonoma - February 26, 2026
Brannan Center Calistoga — February 28, 2026
Please remember that this information is meant to inform and inspire and is not personal health or medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare team about what is right for you.
Book: The New Menopause, Mary Claire Haver
Book: The Menopause Brain, Lisa Mosconi
Book: The Menopause Manifesto, Jen Gunter
While I am not yet at that stage of life, I am grateful to have a partner who is curious and willing to learn!