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Jettevirdi

This is 40

A Sexuality , Health & Fitness and Education podcast

#184 in Sexuality · 🇮🇪
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About the show

Welcome to This is 40, a podcast dedicated to women in their forties who are done being told that what they are experiencing is 'normal and fine' (because we know we aren't!). Hosted by me, Jette Verdi, a single mum, Pilates teacher, and lifelong asker of uncomfortable questions.

Newest episodes

Eat More, Not Less: Nutrition in Your 40s with Claire Hester

35 min

This week I'm joined by Claire Hester, a qualified nutritionist and behaviour transformation coach with almost 20 years' experience, to talk about what we should actually be eating in our 40s. We cover why so many of us are not eating enough, how much protein and fibre we really need, and what happens to our gut and our bones as oestrogen drops. We also get into emotional eating, afternoon energy slumps and why food should never be seen as a "treat". It's a practical, judgement-free chat, and I came away with plenty to think about (especially the iron and fibre bits!). Key Takeaways Most of us aren't eating enough. Restricting leads to a cycle of bingeing, guilt and more restricting, so aim for three balanced meals a day. Protein matters more than the government guidelines suggest. Claire recommends aiming for around 100g a day as a minimum, with 20 to 30g at breakfast, and says variety (including plant proteins) is key. Fibre is the unsung hero of perimenopause. Aim for around 30g a day from lentils, pulses and a wide variety of plants to support your gut health, blood sugar and weight management. Afternoon energy dips are normal, but a sugar craving is often a sign that earlier meals lacked protein and fibre. Ask yourself what's driving it: habit, emotion or genuine hunger? Look after yourself too. Calming your nervous system matters as much as what's on your plate. Episode Highlights 02:00: How Claire became a nutritionist and why she now focuses on our relationship with food and energy levels 04:00: Simple protein sources, and why plant-based protein is just as good 07:00: Why eating less and moving more doesn't work, and how muscle loss from our mid-30s affects bone density and metabolism 13:00: The 3pm slump, blood sugar and what's really behind those biscuit cravings 17:00: Phytoestrogens, soy and hot flushes 20:00: Why fibre matters so much, and how oestrogen changes affect our gut microbiome 32:00: Claire's top tips for our 40s: prioritise yourself, ge...

Demystifying Medical & Surgical Menopause with Dr. Caz

29 min

Welcome back to This is 40 for our very first "GP consults" deep dive! This week, I chat with GP Dr. Caz to unpack a massive and often confusing topic: medical and surgical menopause. Whether you are navigating premature ovarian failure, managing menopause induced by treatments for breast cancer or endometriosis, or simply want to understand how modern HRT actually works, this episode breaks it all down. Tune in to learn how to advocate for your health, protect your body against long-term risks, and get the medical support you deserve. Key Takeaways Different triggers, similar abruptness: Medical menopause is usually induced by hormone-blocking treatments, while surgical menopause occurs when the ovaries are removed. Both cause a sudden, severe onset of menopause symptoms because the body doesn't get the gradual transition typical of perimenopause. HRT has evolved: Modern transdermal HRT (delivered through the skin via gels, sprays, or patches) is much safer than older oral tablets. It carries significantly lower risks for blood clots and strokes. Early menopause requires proactive care: Losing estrogen prematurely significantly increases the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Taking HRT during this "window of opportunity" is highly beneficial for long-term heart and bone protection. Always get a post-discharge plan: Before leaving gynecology or oncology, make sure you have a clear plan regarding whether you can or cannot take HRT, and what specific alternatives are available to treat your symptoms. Episode Highlights 01:20: The definitions and key differences between medical and surgical menopause. 03:15: Understanding the average age of menopause and how family history and ethnicity play a role. 08:00: Unpacking HRT: Why modern, transdermal options are much safer than older oral tablets. 10:30: The increased cardiovascular and bone density risks associated with going through early menopause. 14:15: Exploring herbal options, non-HRT medic...

Say "Vagina": Why Language, Consent and Listening to Your Body Matter

48 min

This week I'm joined by Naomi Gale, a pelvic health educator, former teacher and author of two books. Naomi specialises in nervous system-led holistic pelvic care, and we cover a lot of ground, from why we should all be using the proper anatomical words to what vaginal steaming actually involves. We talk about the pressure women are under to say yes when our bodies are saying no, why your symptoms might be feedback rather than a problem to fix, and how Naomi's first book ended up shadow-banned on Amazon. I loved this conversation, and I hope you leave it feeling a little more connected to your body. Key Takeaways Use the proper words. Knowing the difference between your vulva, vagina, labia and clitoris helps you explain what's going on to a doctor, and helps the next generation feel less shame. Learn what your body's "yes" and "no" feel like. Many of us are conditioned to say yes, in relationships and in medical settings, even when our bodies are bracing. Get curious before you label. Naomi's approach is that your body is responding intelligently to an overwhelming world. Before assuming a symptom is "just perimenopause", ask what else has been going on. Keep cycle tracking simple. A pen and paper is a great place to start. Naomi cautions against relying on apps whose predictions are based on other people's data, especially when it comes to avoiding pregnancy. Small practices count. Breathing light from your heart down into your pelvic bowl, or standing barefoot on the grass, are simple ways to start reconnecting. Episode Highlights 01:00: Meeting Naomi, and what holistic pelvic care and working with the fascia within the vagina actually involves 04:00: Why anatomical language matters, from talking to doctors to talking to our children 08:00: Vaginal steaming explained, and why Naomi sees it as a ritual of self-mothering 13:00: Conditioned to say yes: consent, smear tests and learning to feel your body's no 19:00: A simple practice to try at home, plus Naomi's...

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All episodes

Eat More, Not Less: Nutrition in Your 40s with Claire Hester

35 min

This week I'm joined by Claire Hester, a qualified nutritionist and behaviour transformation coach with almost 20 years' experience, to talk about what we should actually be eating in our 40s. We cover why so many of us are not eating enough, how much protein and fibre we really need, and what happens to our gut and our bones as oestrogen drops. We also get into emotional eating, afternoon energy slumps and why food should never be seen as a "treat". It's a practical, judgement-free chat, and I came away with plenty to think about (especially the iron and fibre bits!). Key Takeaways Most of us aren't eating enough. Restricting leads to a cycle of bingeing, guilt and more restricting, so aim for three balanced meals a day. Protein matters more than the government guidelines suggest. Claire recommends aiming for around 100g a day as a minimum, with 20 to 30g at breakfast, and says variety (including plant proteins) is key. Fibre is the unsung hero of perimenopause. Aim for around 30g a day from lentils, pulses and a wide variety of plants to support your gut health, blood sugar and weight management. Afternoon energy dips are normal, but a sugar craving is often a sign that earlier meals lacked protein and fibre. Ask yourself what's driving it: habit, emotion or genuine hunger? Look after yourself too. Calming your nervous system matters as much as what's on your plate. Episode Highlights 02:00: How Claire became a nutritionist and why she now focuses on our relationship with food and energy levels 04:00: Simple protein sources, and why plant-based protein is just as good 07:00: Why eating less and moving more doesn't work, and how muscle loss from our mid-30s affects bone density and metabolism 13:00: The 3pm slump, blood sugar and what's really behind those biscuit cravings 17:00: Phytoestrogens, soy and hot flushes 20:00: Why fibre matters so much, and how oestrogen changes affect our gut microbiome 32:00: Claire's top tips for our 40s: prioritise yourself, ge...

Demystifying Medical & Surgical Menopause with Dr. Caz

29 min

Welcome back to This is 40 for our very first "GP consults" deep dive! This week, I chat with GP Dr. Caz to unpack a massive and often confusing topic: medical and surgical menopause. Whether you are navigating premature ovarian failure, managing menopause induced by treatments for breast cancer or endometriosis, or simply want to understand how modern HRT actually works, this episode breaks it all down. Tune in to learn how to advocate for your health, protect your body against long-term risks, and get the medical support you deserve. Key Takeaways Different triggers, similar abruptness: Medical menopause is usually induced by hormone-blocking treatments, while surgical menopause occurs when the ovaries are removed. Both cause a sudden, severe onset of menopause symptoms because the body doesn't get the gradual transition typical of perimenopause. HRT has evolved: Modern transdermal HRT (delivered through the skin via gels, sprays, or patches) is much safer than older oral tablets. It carries significantly lower risks for blood clots and strokes. Early menopause requires proactive care: Losing estrogen prematurely significantly increases the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Taking HRT during this "window of opportunity" is highly beneficial for long-term heart and bone protection. Always get a post-discharge plan: Before leaving gynecology or oncology, make sure you have a clear plan regarding whether you can or cannot take HRT, and what specific alternatives are available to treat your symptoms. Episode Highlights 01:20: The definitions and key differences between medical and surgical menopause. 03:15: Understanding the average age of menopause and how family history and ethnicity play a role. 08:00: Unpacking HRT: Why modern, transdermal options are much safer than older oral tablets. 10:30: The increased cardiovascular and bone density risks associated with going through early menopause. 14:15: Exploring herbal options, non-HRT medic...

Say "Vagina": Why Language, Consent and Listening to Your Body Matter

48 min

This week I'm joined by Naomi Gale, a pelvic health educator, former teacher and author of two books. Naomi specialises in nervous system-led holistic pelvic care, and we cover a lot of ground, from why we should all be using the proper anatomical words to what vaginal steaming actually involves. We talk about the pressure women are under to say yes when our bodies are saying no, why your symptoms might be feedback rather than a problem to fix, and how Naomi's first book ended up shadow-banned on Amazon. I loved this conversation, and I hope you leave it feeling a little more connected to your body. Key Takeaways Use the proper words. Knowing the difference between your vulva, vagina, labia and clitoris helps you explain what's going on to a doctor, and helps the next generation feel less shame. Learn what your body's "yes" and "no" feel like. Many of us are conditioned to say yes, in relationships and in medical settings, even when our bodies are bracing. Get curious before you label. Naomi's approach is that your body is responding intelligently to an overwhelming world. Before assuming a symptom is "just perimenopause", ask what else has been going on. Keep cycle tracking simple. A pen and paper is a great place to start. Naomi cautions against relying on apps whose predictions are based on other people's data, especially when it comes to avoiding pregnancy. Small practices count. Breathing light from your heart down into your pelvic bowl, or standing barefoot on the grass, are simple ways to start reconnecting. Episode Highlights 01:00: Meeting Naomi, and what holistic pelvic care and working with the fascia within the vagina actually involves 04:00: Why anatomical language matters, from talking to doctors to talking to our children 08:00: Vaginal steaming explained, and why Naomi sees it as a ritual of self-mothering 13:00: Conditioned to say yes: consent, smear tests and learning to feel your body's no 19:00: A simple practice to try at home, plus Naomi's...

Healthy Gums Don’t Bleed: Dental Health in Perimenopause

53 min

This week I'm joined by my friend Jen Bianchi, a dentist with nearly 20 years' experience, to talk about something we hardly ever hear in the perimenopause and menopause conversation: our teeth. Jen explains why the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, what bleeding gums can tell us, and why getting the basics right beats any miracle product. We also dig into dry mouth, the sneaky sugars hiding in squash and herbal teas, burning mouth syndrome, and what we do (and don't) know about HRT and gum health. It's an honest chat about science, stress and why we so often put ourselves last on the list. Key Takeaways Healthy gums don't bleed. Gum health is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stress, so bleeding is worth acting on. Do the basics well. Brush twice a day for two minutes with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Spit, but don't rinse, and clean between your teeth. How often you eat matters as much as what. Keep sugar to mealtimes, choose savoury snacks, and stick to water or milk in between. Watch out for squash, herbal and fruit teas, and extra strong mints. The research on perimenopause, menopause and teeth is still limited. Busy lives, medication and dry mouth all play a part. If you have burning mouth or recurrent ulcers, ask your GP about iron, B12 and folate. Dentists aren't there to judge you. If life has got in the way of your check-ups, just book in. When it all feels like too much, start with one thing. Episode Highlights 02:00: Why dentists call the mouth the gateway to the body, and what gums can reveal about heart health, diabetes and stress. 04:00: The basics: how long to brush for, why you shouldn't rinse after brushing, and where mouthwash fits in. 09:00: What the research does (and doesn't) say about teeth in perimenopause and menopause, and how overload affects our dental health. 12:00: Why constant snacking keeps your mouth under acid attack, and what to eat and drink instead. 20:00: Burning mouth syndrome in meno...

Say "Vulva" Out Loud: Perimenopause with a GP

46 min

Perimenopause crept up on me, and I genuinely didn't know it was a thing until I was in the middle of it. So for this episode I've invited my friend Dr Caroline McKenzie Hill, known to me as Caz, to give us the GP's view.  We keep things broad today. We cover when perimenopause can start, how to tell it apart from burnout, the symptoms nobody warns you about, where HRT fits in, and how to prepare for a GP appointment so you feel properly heard. Please send in your questions too, as Caz will be back to answer them! Key Takeaways Perimenopause can begin in your thirties and last up to ten years. It's diagnosed from an accumulation of symptoms, not a single blood test. Not everything is perimenopause. Burnout, low iron and low B12 can look very similar, so it's worth getting checked. Track your symptoms and your cycle for a couple of months before you see your GP. It gives you evidence and helps you spot patterns. Symptoms go well beyond hot flushes. Think irritability, brain fog, low motivation, vaginal dryness, UTIs, skin and hair changes. Don't suffer in silence. Book a double appointment, or two, if you have a lot to cover, and lead with what's bothering you most. Episode Highlights 03:00: Why perimenopause creeps up on us, how long it can last, and what "menopause" actually means 10:00: How symptom and period trackers help you advocate for yourself 12:00: Caz's own story of mistaking burnout for perimenopause 17:00: The wider symptom list, from hot flushes and night sweats to irritability, brain fog and low motivation 23:00: HRT, contraceptive options in perimenopause, and why hormone blood tests aren't much help 29:00: Vaginal symptoms, libido, UTIs and why vaginal oestrogen can help 40:00: How to make the most of a short GP appointment About the Guest Dr Caroline McKenzie Hill is an NHS GP in Wiltshire with a diploma in family planning and sexual health and further training in perimenopause and menopause. Please note: this episode is for information onl...

Firm, Warm Boundaries and the Power of the Pause

51 min

This week I'm joined by Nikki, a much-loved old family friend, who has just turned 50. She's a former primary school teacher and senior leader who now supports women to show up in their lives in a connected, embodied and powerful way. Nikki shares how her forties turned into a deep invitation to come back to herself. We talk about learning to hold firm, warm boundaries, and about perimenopause as a paradigm shift rather than something to fear. We also get into why women still have to advocate so hard for themselves, and how the simplest acts of connection can be the most powerful. Nikki finishes by guiding us through a short somatic practice you can try at home. Key Takeaways Boundaries can be firm and warm. Nikki learned to hold them by listening to her body rather than getting tangled up in her thoughts. Perimenopause can be an opening, not an ending. Nikki sees it as a paradigm shift and the start of a "second season", and she's honest about the brain fog too. Small, simple things make the biggest difference. Eating together, being truly seen, dancing to a favourite song or taking a dip in a river all count. Your body gives you information. Noticing where a feeling shows up physically helps you name it, and pausing before you respond helps you communicate better. Community helps us advocate. The more women share their experiences, the easier it is to speak up for ourselves and each other. Episode Highlights 02:00: Nikki shares how her forties unfolded, including the health scare that made her put herself first 07:30: How kinesiology helped Nikki listen to her body and learn to hold "elite" boundaries 11:30: Perimenopause, brain fog and why Nikki sees it as a paradigm shift 20:30: Why women still need such high self-advocacy in healthcare, and how community can help 27:00: The power of simply being seen, and easy ways to reconnect with your family and yourself 35:00: Interoception explained: how to listen to your body's signals and name what you're feeling 45...

Forget Bulky, Think Bulletproof: A PT's Guide to Lifting in Your 40s

32 min

Everyone online is telling us to lift weights, but nobody seems to explain why. In this episode I'm joined by my friend Aoife, a personal trainer and group fitness instructor who specialises in strength training through perimenopause and menopause. I worked with Aoife before I'd ever picked up a weight, and her passion for helping women feel strong is completely infectious. We talk about what's happening with our hormones, why keeping our lean muscle mass matters so much, and how to fit strength work into a busy life without the guilt. We also get into bone density, jumping, pelvic floor health and the "I'll get bulky" myth. If you've ever felt unheard when you've said "something doesn't feel right", this one is for you. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Lifting weights isn't a trend. Maintaining lean muscle mass supports our strength, posture and independence, and helps us to live well for longer. - Something is better than nothing. The textbook says two to three sessions a week, but ten minutes counts, so don't set yourself up to fail. - Bones need impact as well as muscle. Bone density peaks around 30, and jumping (even off the bottom stair) helps. - Think "engage" rather than "brace" for your core and pelvic floor, and get your pelvic floor checked if you have any concerns. - Talking about perimenopause matters. Sharing stories helps us to advocate for ourselves, and you are worth showing up for. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS - 02:00: Why we should be lifting weights, and why perimenopause can begin as early as 35 - 04:00: Oestrogen "dipping and diving" like the sea, and why lean muscle mass is the goal - 08:00: How often should we lift? Aoife on why any amount beats none - 16:00: Bone density, the Aero versus Crunchie analogy, and why jumping matters - 19:00: Pelvic floor, breathing and core: why engaging beats bracing - 28:00: Busting the "I'll get bulky" myth and taking up space ABOUT THE GUEST Aoife is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor who specialises in strength tr...

Grief, Safety, and the Weight of Holding It All Together

16 min

Welcome back to This is 40. I’m by myself again today, we had a minor technical issue with my scheduled guest, Aoife, but I'll have her on the show next week!   In this solo episode, I share a deeply personal look into what's been happening in my world recently. Following my first therapy session to process the passing of my mother, I explore the invisible emotional labour we carry as women, the physical toll of stored emotions, and why we cannot truly step into our forties "f**k it" phase without first creating spaces where we feel safe enough to release. Key Takeaways Safety Enables Release: True emotional release—and stepping fully into your "f**k it" era. Can only happen when you feel safe enough to drop the weight of daily responsibilities. Listen to Your Body's Wisdom: Stored emotion can physically manifest; pausing to check in with how your body feels helps decode what you truly need. Boundaries Model a Legacy: Setting firm boundaries isn't just self-care, it teaches our children that their boundaries deserve to be respected too. Break the Unspoken Labour Cycle: Women often carry the bulk of invisible emotional and domestic labour, making it vital to deliberately reclaim space for ourselves. Episode Highlights 01:10 – Processing grief, relocating to Scotland, and crying for the first time since my mother's funeral. 02:40 – The invisible emotional labour of women and the challenge of finding a space to crumble when managing everything solo. 13:40 – Weekly Challenge: Setting one firm, unshakeable boundary for yourself this week. End Credits This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Changing Weight, Perimenopause, and Ditching the 20-Something Mindset

13 min

In this solo episode, I get honest and personal about the frustrating weight changes and body shifts that happen in our 40s. About the Host:  Follow me on Instagram: @jettevirdi Follow the podcast: @this_is_40podcast  Mentioned in the Episode Red Light Therapy Panels – Used for daily 10-minute relaxation, skin, and sleep benefits. Sarah – Guest from Episode 4 mentioned for her advice on taking "sacred pauses". Aoife – Personal trainer previewed for the upcoming Episode 6. End Credits This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Reclaiming Pleasure, Pussies, and Perimenopause with Somatic Sexologist Sarah

45 min

Welcome back to This Is 40! In today's episode, I am joined by my very first guest, my wonderful friend Sarah! Sarah is a somatic sexologist, a somatic experiencing practitioner, and a yoga teacher based in Moray. In this episode, we dive deep into what "somatic" actually means and how we can re-establish connection with our bodies as we enter our 40s and the perimenopausal phase.   We chat about dismantling the deep-seated shame surrounding female sexuality and genital terms, learning how to advocate for our health with doctors, navigating changing sex drives, and why pleasure isn't just about penetrative sex, it's a way of living and "flirting with life". To wrap up, Sarah leads us through a beautiful, grounding somatic practice that you can follow along with at home. Key Takeaways Somatic Connection Means Internal Felt Awareness: Somatic practices stem from soma (the body) and invite us to focus on our internal felt experience and inhabit our bodies fully. Language Builds Advocacy and Reduces Shame: Reclaiming non-taboo terms for our genitalia helps dissolve shame and allows us to communicate clearly and confidently with healthcare providers. Sexuality Experiences Seasons: Sexual desire fluctuates throughout our lives. Embracing "wintering" phases with compassion—and separating intimacy from the expectation of penetrative sex—can keep connection alive without pressure. Pleasure is More Than Genital-Based: True pleasure is our connection to life force energy. We can access "pockets of pleasure" throughout the day using simple sensory pauses and daily check-ins. Episode Highlights 00:00:52 – What does "somatic" actually mean? 00:06:40 – Reclaiming taboo words, understanding genital anatomy, and shedding female sexual shame. 00:11:00 – Practical embodiment exercises (like the "power pose") for clinic visits. 00:14:38 – Reframing body changes: Viewing our bodies through a relationship lens rather than a clinical one. 00:21:40 – Navigating low libido and "...

Navigating Clitoral Atrophy, Vulvodynia, and Advocating for Your Health

23 min

In this deeply personal episode, I share my candid experience with clitoral atrophy and vulvodynia. I highlight the systemic issues surrounding women's health education, the long delays in receiving accurate diagnoses, and the vital importance of advocating for yourself at the doctor's office. It's a personal but OH SO practical episode for all you peri-menopausers out there. Key Takeaways Advocate Relentlessly for Your Health: Do not settle for quick, off-the-shelf fixes like thrush cream if symptoms persist; push your doctor for clear answers and specialised care. Understand Genitourinary Symptoms: Conditions like clitoral atrophy and vulvodynia are common aspects of the perimenopause transition, yet they are frequently underdiagnosed or delayed due to a lack of education and clinical training. Break the Stigma: Open conversations about female anatomy, sexual desire, and bodily changes after 40 are essential for quality of life and proper medical support. Explore Treatment Options: Localised topical oestrogen, HRT adjustments, and testosterone are potential paths to explore with a healthcare provider to alleviate physical discomfort and support tissue health. Episode Highlights 00:04:00 – Explaining clitoral anatomy, oestrogen decline, and the reality of clitoral atrophy. 00:06:30 – Highlighting statistics around genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and diagnosis delays. 00:10:30 – Examining the cultural shame, vague language, and gaps in GP training regarding women's sexual health. 00:16:30 – Navigating shifting diagnoses, vulvodynia, and managing ongoing pelvic pain. 00:18:30 – Breakdown of non-hormonal and hormonal treatment options, including topical estrogen and testosterone. 00:21:00 – Reframing menopause as a "second springtime" and empowering listeners to advocate for their wellbeing. About the Host Follow me on Instagram: @jettevirdi Follow the podcast: @this_is_40podcast  Mentioned in the Episode Dr. Louise Newson: Women's health s...

How open and honest can we be in our forties?

16 min

In this episode, I delve into the often unsaid truths of entering our forties and the sudden arrival of perimenopause. From unexpected middle-of-the-night anxiety and shifting bodies to the fear of becoming invisible as we age, I discuss what is really going on beneath the surface. We break down the societal pressures that keep us from being completely honest with our GPs, partners, and friends, and why we need to stop suffering in silence. Key Takeaways Perimenopause can feel like an abrupt transition rather than a slow drift, often bringing sudden symptoms like weight retention, insomnia, and new headaches. Mid-night racing hearts and sudden anxiety are often driven by falling oestrogen levels, not personal flaws or stress alone. Social pressure and tight 10-minute GP appointments frequently prevent women from speaking up about their health concerns. We need to dismantle the shame surrounding women’s health to gain clarity, proper care, and authentic connection. Episode Highlights 00:00:43 - The struggle of identifying perimenopause symptoms without proper language or education. 00:03:15 - Audience responses: sex drive changes, menopause worries, and the fear of feeling invisible. 00:04:22 - Navigating sudden physical changes, sleepless nights, and unexpected headaches. 00:06:17 - Unpacking hormonal anxiety and the connection to dropping oestrogen levels. 00:08:15 - Why societal norms and heavy expectations keep us quiet about our health. 00:12:15 - Essential book recommendations to help navigate perimenopause and menopause. Mentioned in the Episode MenoPausing by Dr Naomi Potter and Davina McCall The Definitive Guide to Perimenopause and Menopause by Dr Louise Newson Cracking the Menopause by Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie Dr Louise Newson on Instagram (@menopause_doctor) Dr Naomi Potter Peri Community This episode was written and recorded by me, Jette Verdi, and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode pl...

This is 40: Who This Is For & Why I Made It

6 min

I’m Jette, your host, a single mama living in Scotland, and a Pilates studio owner. I am currently 43, and babe, things have changed. I didn't get a gradual transition into my forties; I woke up one morning and thought, what is going on with my body? From cellulite, mood changes, and weight gain to unexplainable headaches and clitoral atrophy, I found myself crying to doctors who simply told me, "You're just getting old. Welcome to perimenopause." In this inaugural episode, I share my personal story and set out the mission for This is 40. We are done being told that feeling this way is just something we have to accept. I want to create a collective, shared space where we dive into the language, tests, and self-advocacy tools we need to start feeling like ourselves again. We’re going to cover health, money, sex, relationships, and all the juicy stuff in between. Welcome to the ride! Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 – Welcome to Episode One of This is 40! 00:00:50 – Who I am: 43, single mom, Pilates studio owner, and living in Scotland. 00:01:20 – The sudden shift: Sudden physical changes, perimenopause symptoms, and doctor visits. 00:02:10 – The frustration of being told "You're just getting old". 00:02:40 – The mission of the podcast: Learning to advocate for our health and demand tests. 00:03:30 – Why women's health is severely under-researched. 00:04:10 – What to expect from future episodes: Experts, real women, money, sex, and health. 00:05:00 – Breaking the taboos: Experiencing clitoral atrophy in your 40s. 00:05:50 – Join the community and connect on social media. This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Welcome to This is 40: Honest Conversations for Women Done Pretending

1 min

Welcome to This is 40, a podcast dedicated to women in their forties who are done being told that what they are experiencing is 'normal and fine' (because we know we aren't!) Hosted by me, Jette Virdi, a single mum, Pilates teacher, and lifelong asker of uncomfortable question, this show dives into the real, raw topics your GP doesn't have time to explain and most podcasts are too polite to mention. From perimenopause and brain fog to sex, money, and identity, get ready for honest, expert-backed conversations without the wellness waffle. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome: Asking the questions you were too embarrassed to Google 00:20 – Meet me: Single mum, Pilates instructor, and podcast host 00:35 – Why This is 40 exists and who it is for 00:45 – The expert lineup: From neuroscientists to finance specialists 01:00 – The real topics covered: Perimenopause, sex after 40, brain fog, and identity End Credits: If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk).

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