No One Should Wait 3 Years for Menopause Care| S3E9 TTOM

Menopause isn’t a diagnosis, it’s a life stage. So why does getting care feel like pulling teeth? In this episode, Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, menopause-certified family physician and fierce advocate for equitable care, helps us cut through the confusion. From hormone therapy myths to why vaginal estrogen is still misunderstood, even by some providers , this conversation is about making midlife care work for you. We cover what your doctor might not tell you, how to speak up without feeling dismissed, and what inclusive, community-based menopause care looks like for Indigenous, Black, trans, and underserved women.

“Access isn’t about having a health card. It’s about feeling like you belong in the system.” — Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe

Grab a cup of tea and listen, it’s the kind of conversation we all deserve to hear.

Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical or professional advice from your healthcare providers.

Chapters:

00:00 What It Means to Actually Access Care

00:07:40 Bringing Menopause Clinics into Community Spaces

00:13:00 Talking Vaginas, Laughing Together, Healing in Groups

00:17:49 No specific billing Code for Menopause: The Policy Problem

00:21:00 The FOMO & Facts About Hormone Therapy

00:28:19 Vaginal Estrogen 101: Myths, Safety & Real Talk

00:36:00 What About Testosterone? What It Actually Helps with

00:44:10 The PARTNER Method: How to Advocate for Yourself

00:52:00 Final Word: Why Sexual Wellness is Health

01:10:08 SH!T I Like non-sponsored product review: The Lighter That Never Runs Out

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Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe handles and podcast:

IG: @drsheilaw @thedoctalkpod

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