Ever felt like your world turned upside down overnight? When Dwania Peele, entrepreneur and founder of Canadian Small Business Women, received a breast cancer diagnosis during the pandemic, she found herself navigating not just cancer treatment, but severe menopausal symptoms. In this powerful conversation, Dwania shares her journey through cancer-induced menopause while running a successful business, and how it sparked her mission to advocate for better, culturally-competent healthcare. As both an author of "Tomorrow Is Another Day" and a vocal champion for women's health, she's breaking down cultural barriers and changing the conversation so that all women can learn to expect, and get, better care.

In This Episode

• How Dwania's breast cancer diagnosis led her to write "Tomorrow Is Another Day" and break cultural stigmas around health discussions
• The unique challenges Black women face during cancer-induced menopause and the importance of culturally competent healthcare
• Why quality of life conversations matter as much as treatment protocols
• Practical strategies for managing your wellbeing while running a successful business
• The power of compartmentalization and setting boundaries when facing multiple challenges
• Why we need to challenge the 'strong Black woman' stereotype and normalize asking for help

Plus, Dwania shares her vision for a more inclusive healthcare system and offers candid advice for women feeling overwhelmed by health and business challenges. Let Dwania's story inspire you to advocate for yourself, and others, and find strength in community support.

Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause

• Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
• Sign up for our weekly newsletter
• Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram
• Follow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook

Dwania Peele Bio

Dwania Peele is the Founder of Canadian Small Business Women and a multifaceted force in the entrepreneurial world. Alongside her roles as an Author, Public Speaker, Business Strategist, and Entrepreneur, Dwania has recently unveiled her latest literary endeavor, "Tomorrow Is Another Day," chronicling her courageous journey through breast cancer.

With a remarkable career spanning over a decade, Dwania has left an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape. Her influence extends far and wide, as she has graced numerous stages across North America as both a keynote speaker and panelist, captivating audiences with her insights and experiences.

Through her workshops, conferences, and seminars, Dwania has been instrumental in propelling the success of tens of thousands of entrepreneurs. Her dedication to fostering entrepreneurship has not gone unnoticed, earning her prestigious accolades such as The Alumni Ambassador Award from the University of Windsor, the Top 40 under 40 Award from the Brampton Board of Trade, the IWAA Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada Award, among others.

In addition to her latest release, "Tomorrow Is Another Day," Dwania has authored empowering works like "The Power Within: Inspiring Stories of Female Immigrant Entrepreneurs" and "Voices of Strength: Inspiring Stories of Female Entrepreneurs." Through her books and her actions, Dwania Peele continues to champion the success and resilience of entrepreneurs everywhere.

Links for this episode

Tomorrow is Another Day

Canadian Small Business Women Website

Is the DUTCH Test a reliable screening method?

In this Lume Minute, you'll discover:

• What the Dutch is
• Why it's not reliable for determining menopause status
• The test's popularity versus its clinical value
• Why tracking symptoms is more valuable than expensive testing

Lume Women + Health will be opening soon! They understand the unique challenges women face during perimenopause and beyond. Be sure to check out their dedicated menopause program that provides personalized support, medical guidance, and lifestyle optimization education to help you manage symptoms, improve your well-being, and thrive during this life stage.

Every other week, the team at Lume Women + Health will be dropping into our podcast to answer one of your questions. Be sure to follow our podcast so that you never miss these Lume Minutes. Find ‘This Is Perimenopause, the podcast’ wherever you listen to your favorites.

Have a question? Send us a message at hello@thisisperimenopause.com and we’ll get you an answer.

Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause

• Get our free guide, 10 Step for Better Menopause Care
• Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
• Sign up for our weekly newsletter
• Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram
• Follow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

DISCOUNT CODE: Want to try IRIS products? Use code TIP20 for 20% off at lovemyIRIS.com

Experiencing painful sex? Dealing with recurring UTIs and unexpected dryness? Burning or itching ‘down there’ that's driving you crazy? Feeling confused about changes in your vulva or vagina? Wondering if what you're experiencing is normal? This episode is your roadmap to better vulvar and vaginal health.

Join us for an honest, educational and super fun conversation with Dolores Fernandez, Naturopathic Doctor and founder of IRIS. She's transforming how we talk about, understand, and care for our bodies. Learn why knowing our anatomy matters and how to advocate for better care during perimenopause and beyond.

In This Episode:

• Why you need to know your anatomy - it's not all ‘vagina’
• The truth about genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and why it’s important to deal with these symptoms because they won’t just go away, they will get worse.
• How to choose between moisturizers and lubricants (and what ingredients to avoid)
• The truth about vaginal estrogen safety (even for breast cancer survivors)
• How to advocate for yourself with healthcare providers and start the conversation
• Simple ways to monitor changes in your vulvar health

Plus, Dolores shares the science behind her products and explains why conversations about vulvar health shouldn't wait until menopause.

Links for this episode

IRIS

Personal Lubricant

Vulva Moisturizer

Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause

• Get our free guide, 10 Step for Better Menopause Care
• Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next.
• Sign up for our weekly newsletter
• Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram
• Follow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook

Dr Dolores Fernandez Bio

Dr. Dolores Fernandez is a naturopathic doctor dedicated to transforming the way we talk about menopause, vulvovaginal health, and overall wellness. As a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, a Naturopathic Doctor, and the founder of IRIS, Dolores combines clinical expertise with a mission to make vulvovaginal care a natural and stigma-free part of self-care routines.

In her clinical practice, Dolores focuses on supporting individuals with a range of vulvovaginal concerns, including menopause-related changes, vaginal dryness, vulvodynia, recurrent infections, and other intimate health challenges. Her approach integrates evidence-based treatments and compassionate care, empowering patients to take charge of their health.

IRIS was born out of Dolores’ recognition of a significant gap in intimate health care—too often, these topics are not talked about, leaving many underserved. She’s working to change that narrative with the belief that “skin is skin.” The skin on our vulvas deserves the same care as any other part of our bodies, and IRIS provides science-backed solutions focused on hydration, pH balance, and osmolarity to make intimate care accessible, effective, and empowering for everyone.

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Today’s question for Dr. Sarah Shaw is:

What Can I Expect from a Menopause Appointment with My Doctor?

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What a good review of symptoms looks like
• The importance of your medical history
• That blood work is not always necessary
• You should expect a variety of treatment options, shared decision making and personalized treatment options

Lume Women + Health is now open! They understand the unique challenges women face during perimenopause and beyond. Be sure to check out their dedicated menopause program that provides personalized support, medical guidance, and lifestyle optimization education to help you manage symptoms, improve your well-being, and thrive during this life stage.

Every week, the team at Lume Women + Health will be dropping into our podcast to answer one of your questions. Be sure to follow our podcast so that you never miss these Lume Minutes. Find ‘This Is Perimenopause, the podcast’ wherever you listen to your favorites.

Have a question? Send us a message at hello@thisisperimenopause.com and we’ll get you an answer.

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

In this episode, Stefanie Peachey delves into the complexities of intimate partner violence, highlighting how abuse can be psychological, emotional, and financial; not just physical. She shares the challenges that victims face in recognizing abusive relationships and the dangerous realities of leaving.

Stefanie also addresses misconceptions around intimate partner violence, the isolation many victims experience, and the importance of support services for both survivors and perpetrators. Sharing her personal story, she offers insight into the emotional toll of IPV and the importance of safety planning for those at risk.

In this episode:

• Definitions and examples of intimate partner violence, including financial abuse
• The challenges of leaving an abusive relationship
• The misconceptions about intimate partner violence
• Stefanie’s personal experience with intimate partner violence
• How to get help

Episode Links

Email Stefanie at stefanie@peacheyconselling.ca
Peachey Counselling Intimate Partner Violence Resources
Canadian Family Violence Resources and Services By Area
Resources (by province) for Women Experiencing Domestic Violence
Peachey Counselling
Peachey Counselling on Instagram

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Today’s question for Dr. Amy Louis Bayliss is:

I don't get periods anymore. I have an IUD or I've had a hysterectomy. How do I know if I'm in menopause?

In this Lume Minute, you'll discover:

• Why menopause diagnosis may not matter
• Key menopause symptoms/markers
• FSH blood testing explained
• If your period return after you remove your IUD

Lume Women + Health is open now! They understand the unique challenges women face during perimenopause and beyond. Be sure to check out their dedicated menopause program, which provides personalized support, medical guidance, and lifestyle optimization education to help you manage symptoms, improve your well-being, and thrive during this life stage.

Every other week, the team at Lume Women + Health will be dropping into our podcast to answer one of your questions. Be sure to follow our podcast that you never miss these Lume Minutes. Find ‘This Is Perimenopause, the podcast’ wherever you listen to your favorites.

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

We promise this conversation will change your life. Tired of diets that leave you hungry, deprived, and right back where you started? Meet Gina Livy, founder of The Livy Method, a game-changing program that's revolutionizing weight loss - and trust us, we've seen it all!

This isn't your typical diet. No weighing food, no counting calories, and no deprivation (wine lovers, rejoice!). The Livy Method succeeds where others fail by focusing on rebuilding your relationship with food and teaching you to trust your body again.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why traditional calories-in-calories-out diets set you up for failure.
• A new approach to weight loss that leaves you energized instead of deprived.
• How to listen to your body's natural hunger signals.
• The reason your body might be holding onto weight.
• How to break the yo-yo- diet cycle with simple strategies to create lasting change.

With over 250,000 pounds lost by program participants, The Livy Method proves that sustainable weight loss is possible. Whether you're dealing with perimenopause or just tired of yo-yo dieting, Gina's practical, compassionate approach might be exactly what you've been searching for.

Connect with Gina Livy
The Livy Method
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Dr Ruth Kane’s Research Report

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Are you dealing with endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain or painful sex? Then tune into this candid, inspiring conversation with Rachel Bartholomew. Diagnosed with cervical cancer at just 28, Rachel's world was turned upside down. But she turned her experience into a company that is revolutionizing pelvic health care.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The shock of a cervical cancer diagnosis at 28 and the importance of regular check-ups
• Navigating the complexities of surgical menopause and its far-reaching effects
• How a glass Pyrex tube became the catalyst for innovation in pelvic health
• The birth of Hyivy and its game-changing device for pelvic health therapy
• Why quality of life should be at the forefront of healthcare decisions
• The power of self-advocacy in getting the care you deserve

Plus, Rachel offers hope and practical advice for women struggling with these conditions.

Links for this episode

Hyivy Health
Femtech Canada
Hyivy Health on Instagram
Femtech Canada on Instagram

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!