This Is Perimenopause: Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

Better Sex in Perimenopause with Dr. Lori Brotto and Elayne Wandler: Women’s Health, Perimenopause and Menopause Journey

This Is Perimenopause: Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

Show Notes

More pleasurable and satisfying sex is all in your mind.

If you’ve been struggling with low libido or sexual anxiety then this episode’s for you.

Dr. Lori Brotto, renowned psychologist, sex researcher, and author of "Better Sex Through Mindfulness," and Elayne Wandler, CEO of eSense Health are on a mission to transform our sexual health. They’re sharing insights on how mindfulness can help women tune into their bodies to have more fulfilling intimate experiences.

In this episode: The science behind mindfulness and its impact on sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction How to overcome common roadblocks like distraction, self-judgment, and sexual pain The difference between responsive and spontaneous desire, and why it matters for your sex life Why "neutral to arousal to desire" is common and perfectly normal Practical tips and mindfulness exercises to enhance your sex life and relationships A sneak peak into eSense, a digital platform that’s going to revolutionize our sexual health landscape

Whether you're single, partnered, or anywhere in between, this episode will arm you with the insights and strategies you need to develop a more present, connected, and pleasurable approach to sex and intimacy.

Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause Subscribe to our Substack 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 Lori Brotto Dr. Lori Brotto is a renowned figure in women's sexual health. A Professor in the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, she holds a Canada Research Chair focused on developing safe, accessible treatments for sexual concerns in women. Committed to equity, she champions digital health technologies to broaden access to care.

Dr. Brotto also serves as Executive Director for the Women's Health Research Institute, supporting nearly 700 members across BC in advancing all aspects of women's health research.

She has appeared in the media, including Netflix's "The Principles of Pleasure," CBC Gem's "The Big Sex Talk," and a Masterclass on the Magic of Menopause. She has authored two mindfulness-focused books: "Better Sex Through Mindfulness" (2018) and "The Better Sex Through Mindfulness Workbook" (2022), and the 2018 book appears in the New York Times top 8 sexual health books (2024). She has received a UBC Public Education Through Media award (2023).

As a Registered Psychologist in BC, Dr. Brotto works with individuals seeking to enhance their sexual well-being and believes in the power of lived experiences to shape science. An advocate for women's leadership, she encourages young women to pursue careers in STEM and engages with the public via social media (@DrLoriBrotto and @ubcshr).

Elayne Wandler Elayne is a seasoned life sciences executive with over two decades of experience bringing medical innovations to market. As CEO of eSense Health, she leads the company's mission to close the gap in women's sexual health through evidence-based, accessible digital care.

Her career began at Abbott Laboratories (now AbbVie), followed by commercial and communications roles at QLT Inc., where she helped launch Visudyne—the first treatment for age-related macular degeneration. She later served as Director of Corporate Development and Marketing at Sonic Incytes, and in a leadership role at Accel-Rx, supporting early-stage Canadian ventures.

Combining strategic insight with a strong track record across life sciences, Elayne is passionate about challenging stigma, unlocking access, and driving impact through science and storytelling. Under her leadership, eSense is now entering commercialization following successful clinical validation and growing recognition.

Links for this episode Follow Dr. Brotto on Instagram Follow eSense on Instagram Learn more about eSense Buy the book - Better Sex Through Mindfulness

Hosted on Ac

More from This Is Perimenopause: Menopause, Perimenopause and Women's Health in Midlife

Oct 14, 2026

Your doctor offered you the pill for your perimenopause symptoms but said no to MHT. Why? It's one of the questions we get most. Dr. Jen Zelovitzky is back to explain how these treatments differ and the factors that should be considered when exploring each of these options for symptom management in perimenopause. She also explains why the one-year-without-a-period rule shouldn't be the gatekeeper for your treatment. In this episode: Why so many women are offered the pill but not MHT in perimenopause When the pill is the right tool, and why it can stop working as well How an IUD or progestin-only pill can be paired with estrogen Why there's no age or time limit on MHT What the Women's Health Initiative missed about women with symptoms What LOOP events are, why you might get them, and what you can do about them Dr. Jen's bottom line: there is no woman out there who doesn't have an option. You deserve a good quality of life. And don’t miss a LIVE This Is Perimenopause podcast recording with Dr. Jen Zelovitzky at the National Menopause Show on Sunday, October 18 at 2:10 p.m. on the podcast stage. We’re talking about Breast Cancer and all the choices available to survivors who are suffering with through menopause. This is just one of the incredible expert speakers lined up. Tickets are only $35/day or $45 for both days. Buy your tickets today! Connect with Mikelle & Michelle at This is Perimenopause Subscribe to our Substack Become a TIP Insider Email us and let us know what you think of the podcast and what topic you want us to cover next. Follow This Is Perimenopause on Instagram Follow This Is Perimenopause on Facebook Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky is a certified Menopause Specialist and the Clinical Director of Women’s Health at Medcan Toronto. Follow her on socials @DrJenZelo where she helps women better understand their bodies and advocate for their needs in the Canadian Healthcare system. She is also the mom of 2 amazing daughters and 3 fur babies. Links for this episode Dr. Jen Zelovitzky on Instagram Medcan Women’s Health www.drjenzelo.ca Read Dr. Jen’s Blogs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 2026

Where did this belly suddenly come from? And is a GLP-1 the answer?

Sep 22, 2026

Rushed appointments. Leaving your doctor’s appointment with no real answers and more questions than before. Have you thought about seeing a nurse practitioner?

Sep 16, 2026

This episode will change how you think about that itch you've been ignoring down there.

Sep 2, 2026

We know Gina Livy as the weight loss expert. So when she told her community she was writing a book, we assumed we knew exactly what it would be about. We were wrong.

See all episodes →