Menopause and Heart Health: Why Midlife Women Need to Know Their Risk

In this second episode of my personal story, I’m talking about something that has shaped so much of my journey — being told that I carry the BRCA2 gene. At 27, I found out I was a BRCA2 carrier. My sister had already experienced breast cancer at just 29, so this wasn’t simply about a genetic result on a piece of paper. It meant confronting a very real possibility of what could happen to me too. In this episode, I share the journey that led me to make the decision to have a double mastectomy — from the fear and uncertainty, to weighing up my options, understanding my risk, and ultimately deciding what felt right for me. It wasn’t a decision I made overnight, and it wasn’t an easy one. I talk honestly about the emotions, the questions, the conversations and the process of coming to terms with choosing preventative surgery at such a young age. This is my story, my experience and my decision. I’m sharing it because sometimes hearing someone else’s story can help you feel a little less alone when you’re facing a difficult decision of your own. This episode is part two of my personal story on The Unpaused Living Podcast.

What happens when you find out you’re a BRCA2 gene carrier at 27? In this special introduction to Series 2 of The Unpaused Living Podcast, Dani Barnett will be sharing in series 2 the full story behind Unpaused. From discovering that her sister had breast cancer at just 29, to finding out she was a BRCA2 gene carrier at 27, Dani’s journey has included genetic testing, a double mastectomy, an oophorectomy, surgical menopause, and the many twists and turns in between. For years, she has shared parts of her experience, but never the whole story. Now, as Unpaused celebrates its first birthday and ahead of World Menopause Day on 18 October, Dani is sharing the experiences that shaped her, changed her understanding of women’s health and ultimately led her to create Unpaused. This short podcast series is about BRCA2, breast cancer, preventative surgery, surgical menopause, menopause, women’s health and the personal journey behind Unpaused — but most importantly, it's about sharing a story that might help someone else feel less alone. Welcome back to The Unpaused Living Podcast. This time… it’s personal.

I wanted to jump on and share a quick update with you.

Why Your Sex Drive Changes in Midlife (And What No One Tells Women About It) In this episode of The Unpaused Living Podcast, we’re having the honest conversation many women need but rarely get—about sex, libido, menopause, painful sex, desire, and intimacy in midlife. Because changes in libido during menopause are rarely about one single thing. We explore the physical, emotional, hormonal, and relational reasons sex can feel different in midlife—and most importantly, what you can do about it. As oestrogen declines, the tissues of the vulva and vagina can become thinner, drier, less elastic, and more fragile. This can lead to pain, regular UTIs and dryness. The most important message: painful sex is not normal, and it is not something you should just put up with. We discuss why vaginal oestrogen can be a game-changer for many women experiencing menopause-related vaginal symptoms. Libido isn’t just hormonal—it’s deeply affected by your nervous system and mental load. When your days are stressful and busy, it’s no surprise you don’t magically feel “in the mood” at the end of the day. Because desire requires mental space. It may not sound sexy—but planning intimacy can recreate the anticipation, build-up, and excitement many couples naturally had when dating. We talk about why intentional intimacy often works better than waiting for spontaneous desire in long-term relationships. Why many women need desire to build gradually rather than appear instantly—and how anticipation, flirtation, emotional connection, and mental preparation all help “fill the jar.” How body image changes in midlife can affect sexual confidence, presence, and pleasure—and why feeling attractive starts with changing the conversation in your own head. Not everyone gets turned on the same way. We unpack the difference between: Physical-first desire: when arousal leads to desire Emotional-first desire: when connection and mental readiness come first Understanding this can completely transform how couples approach intimacy. Many women believe libido is “gone” because they’re waiting to feel spontaneous desire. But in reality, many women—especially in midlife—experience responsive desire, where interest in sex builds afterintimacy begins. This is one of the most important shifts to understand if your libido has changed. For many women, foreplay begins long before the bedroom. Feeling: Appreciated Supported Listened to Connected Desired …can be a crucial part of accessing sexual desire. We discuss practical ways to open the conversation around intimacy, what’s changed, what you want, and what could feel better—without the awkwardness taking over. If your libido has changed in perimenopause or menopause… If sex feels different… If desire is harder to access than it once was… That does not mean something is wrong with you. It means your body, your hormones, your nervous system, your responsibilities, and your relationship dynamics may have changed. And with understanding, communication, and the right support, intimacy in midlife can become: More connected More intentional More fulfilling More pleasurable than ever before Because different does not mean diminished. Pillow Talks Podcast by Vanessa & Xander Marin Magnificent Sex by Peggy Kleinplatz If this episode resonates and you’d like support navigating the changes you’re experiencing in midlife, menopause, relationships, or intimacy, my 1:1 coaching may be a great place to start. Message me to book a discovery call and explore how we can work together.

Are you suddenly feeling more anxious than usual -overwhelmed by everyday life, struggling to switch off at night, or noticing heart palpitations and racing thoughts that don’t feel like you? In this episode, we explore why anxiety can appear during perimenopause, even if you’ve never experienced anxiety before. Many women in their late 30s and 40s begin to notice changes in their mood, stress tolerance and emotional resilience - often without realising that hormonal fluctuations may be playing a significant role. I break down what’s happening in your body during perimenopause, including the impact of declining progesterone, fluctuating oestrogen, and lower testosterone - and how these hormonal shifts affect your brain, nervous system, and overall sense of calm. You’ll learn: Why you may feel more anxious, overwhelmed or emotionally sensitive The connection between hormones and neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA Why your stress response may feel heightened during midlife Simple, practical ways to calm anxiety and support your nervous system This episode is designed to help you understand what’s happening, so you can stop questioning yourself and start responding with more clarity and confidence. If you’ve been asking “why do I feel so anxious all of a sudden?” - especially during perimenopause or menopause - this will help you make sense of it. You’re not alone, and more importantly - there are ways to feel more like yourself again. If this resonates with you and you’d like more personalised support, I offer 1:1 menopause coaching to help you navigate this stage with more calm, clarity and confidence. https://www.unpausedliving.co.uk