Menopause isn’t one symptom. It isn’t “just hot flashes.” It’s a whole-body hormonal shift that affects nearly every organ system — and today, I’m breaking it down in a clear, relatable way so you can finally understand why you feel what you feel.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why is everything changing?” — your mood, your memory, your sleep, your weight, your joints, your skin — this episode is going to make it all finally make sense.

🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and the honest, expert-backed support they deserve.

Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate.

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In this episode, we cover:

✅ Why menopause symptoms can show up everywhere, from your skin to your joints to your brain — and why you’re not imagining it.

✅ The major symptom categories: vasomotor, cognitive, emotional, and physical — with real examples from my own journey.

✅ How identity shifts during menopause, and why so many women suddenly feel invisible, emotional, or unlike themselves.

✅ A system-by-system breakdown of what’s happening inside your body:

✅ Metabolism & body composition — why belly fat and muscle loss happen even when habits don’t change

-Cardiovascular health — how estrogen protects your heart and why symptoms change

-Brain, sleep & nervous system — what causes brain fog and chronic exhaustion

-Vaginal, bladder & sexual health — GSM explained and why help does exist

-Gut & digestion — why bloating and constipation become more common

✅ The truth about why every woman’s experience is different, and how race, genetics, lifestyle, and access to care shape your journey.

✅ The hopeful part: understanding your symptoms gives you back your power — and there are many ways to feel better.

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If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to keep supporting you on your StrongHER journey. 💛

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⚠️ Disclaimer:

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

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00:00 - Start

00:32 - Introduction

02:39 - Symptoms of Menopause

02:50 - Vasomotor Symptoms (AKA Hot Flashes!)

04:02 - Cognitive Symptoms

05:20 - Mood Changes

06:34 - Physical Changes

07:20 - Identity Changes

08:54 - You Are Not Alone

09:27 - Whole Body Impacts of Menopause

10:15 - Metabolism & Body Composition

12:05 - Cardiovascular Symptoms

13:37 - Central & Peripheral Nervous System Impacts

16:28 - Reproductive & Genitourinary Changes

19:51 - Every Woman's Menopause Journey is Unique

25:06 - Thank you for listening!