If you’ve been feeling weaker, softer, or more exhausted in midlife — this is your wake-up call. What you’re experiencing isn’t laziness, lack of willpower, or “just aging.” It’s biology. And the good news? You can absolutely take your strength back.

In this empowering episode, we break down what’s really happening to your muscle, bones, and metabolism during perimenopause and menopause — and more importantly, what you can do about it starting today.

🎙️ 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 you feel weaker or more fatigued in midlife — and why it’s not your fault

✅ How hormone decline affects muscle, bone, metabolism, and energy

✅ The real definitions of osteopenia, osteoporosis & sarcopenia (and why every woman should understand them)

✅ The shocking bone-loss statistics every midlife woman needs to know

✅ Why muscle is truly “medicine” — from metabolism and blood sugar to heart health, cognition, mood, and longevity

✅ The role of nutrition in building strength: protein needs, carbs, fats, supplements, and the truth about fueling your StrongHER Era

✅ Five actions you can start today to protect your muscle, strengthen your bones, and support your future self

✅ How community, accountability, and support make strength sustainable — and why sisterhood matters more than ever

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

🩷 Join StrongHER Together

Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership:

👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/

💌 Stay Connected

Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox:

👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/

💪 Move With Me

Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel:

👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/

📲 Follow Along on Social Media

Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/

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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

00:50 - Introduction

01:56 - 5 Main Topics for Today

02:29 - What's Happening to Your Body In Midlife

08:43 - Definitions So We Can Take Action

08:49 - Sarcopenia - Loss of Muscle and Strength

10:06 - Bone Density Decrease

11:14 - Osteopenia

11:48 - Osteoporosis

14:35 - Muscle is Your Midlife Superpower

22:59 - Nutrition and Aging Well

31:15 - 5 Actions You Can Take Today

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. 💛

🩷 Join StrongHER Together

Get ongoing support, accountability, education, and the tools you need to feel stronger—inside and out. Use code VOICES for $25 off any membership:

👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/strongher/

💌 Stay Connected

Sign up for my email list to get blogs, classes, coaching updates, podcast drops, free workouts, and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox:

👉 https://getfitwithashley.com/signup/

💪 Move With Me

Enjoy free, beginner-friendly to advanced workouts any time on my YouTube channel:

👉 https://youtube.com/getfitwithashley/

📲 Follow Along on Social Media

Daily tips, real talk, behind-the-scenes, and encouragement for your StrongHER Era:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitwithashley2012/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfitwithashley2012/

--

⚠️ 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.

–

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!