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Health & Fitness

Afterpause

Jill Foos

Afterpause with Jill Foos is the menopause podcast for women who are done waiting for answers and ready to take action. Jill Foos is a Chicago-based National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach specializing in postmenopause and midlife women's health. Each episode delivers clear, evidence-based guidance on hormone health, sleep, sexual health, strength, metabolism, and skincare — featuring expert interviews with leading physicians and women's health specialists who tell you exactly what to do, not just what's happening. After menopause, women are left without a roadmap. Afterpause changes that. Whether you're navigating perimenopause, newly postmenopausal, or years into this stage and still looking for real answers — Jill gives you clarity, confidence, and control for the next 20 to 30 years of your life. New episodes every week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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  • 25 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 56 min
  • English

Episodes 25

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  • S5 · E131
    January 4 · 1 hr 4 min

    Perimenopause Confusion: Birth Control vs. Hormone Therapy Explained - #131

    So many women in perimenopause find themselves asking the same confusing question: Should I stay on birth control, switch to menopause hormone therapy, try both, or do nothing at all? And why does it feel like everyone has a different answer? In this episode, we unpack why perimenopause can feel like a medical gray zone. Symptoms can be intense and unpredictable, hormone testing isn't always clear, and many women are told they're "too young" or "just stressed." Add in social media opinions, antidepressants being prescribed first, and inconsistent medical guidance, and no wonder women feel lost. We break down the real science behind: • Birth control vs. Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) • How doctors decide what to recommend • Whether you can transition directly from the pill to MHT • What realistic symptom relief looks like • How long adjustments actually take • What to do if spotting or symptoms continue We also address the biggest myths, like: • "You can't be in perimenopause if you're on the pill." • "You have to wait until your period stops to use hormones." Plus, we shine a light on women who are often left out of the conversation: • Those with severe PMS or PMDD • Women in early menopause • Women after hysterectomy • Women wondering about testosterone, libido, brain fog & mood This episode is about clarity, options, and informed choice. Perimenopause is not a failure of your body, and confusion around hormones is NOT your fault. You deserve education, thoughtful support, and individualized care, not guesswork or fear-based advice. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. This conversation will help you understand what's really happening in your body and how to approach hormone decisions with confidence. Find Dr. Sarah here: Website: https://www.lumaniwellness.com/ IG: drsarah_menopausemd Stay connected to JFW: Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations If you're a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts. Our inaugural event is February 3rd, 2026, in Winnetka. Tickets are on sale now. Learn more: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org

  • S4 · E129
    Nov 29, 2025 · 10 min

    Navigating the Holidays with Health and Grace in Menopause - #129

    In this episode, I share a practical holiday health game plan for midlife women who want to enjoy the season without losing their energy, sleep, or momentum. You've been working hard to stay consistent, grounded, and motivated this year, and now the holiday temptations are everywhere. I explain how the holidays can trigger cravings, stress, and "all-or-nothing" thinking, then walk through 10 science-backed strategies to stay grounded, such as: Steadying your mindset with simple reminders and a long-term wellness vision. I offer you realistic tips. Plan like your future self by protecting a few key habits you've built this year. You don't have to pull all your healthy habits in. Give yourself grace, remembering that a few indulgent evenings don't erase months of consistency. My core message: the holidays are not about perfection, but about finding the balance between health and joy so you can feel strong, vibrant, and present. I kept this episode short and sweet, direct, and realistic. Take what you want, and leave the rest. Stay connected with me: Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

  • S4 · E128
    Nov 27, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min

    When Midlife Sex Changes: Tools for Navigating Pain and Pleasure - #128

    Many women notice real shifts in desire, arousal, and physical comfort during the menopause transition. Yet most of us were never taught how to talk about these changes, or how to support our sexual health as part of overall midlife wellness. Sexual pleasure is a key marker of health. It's linked to hormones, cardiovascular function, sleep quality, mental health, and even long-term longevity. Because of stigma and a lack of open conversation, too many women quietly accept pain, low desire, or the belief that sexuality fades after midlife. It doesn't. Menopause changes sex, but it doesn't end it. In this episode, we break down what really happens to the body during midlife, how pleasure evolves, and practical ways to rebuild a healthy, satisfying sex life on your own terms. As I often say, every woman has her own unique health equation, and that includes sexual pleasure. There is no single path that works for everyone. My guest today is Dr. Rachel Zar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, and advanced certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Zar is the Clinical Director at Avid Intimacy, a sex and relationship therapy practice specializing in evidence-based support for individuals and couples. Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Always consult your own physician for any medical concerns. This disclaimer also applies to any guests featured on the podcast. Find Dr. Zar: Website: https://www.rachelzartherapy.com/ IG: @rachelzartherapy FB: @rachelzartherapy Stay connected to JFW: Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

  • S4 · E127
    Nov 17, 2025 · 45 min

    Money & Menopause: Understanding Your Financial Health in Midlife - #127

    In this episode of the Health Trip Podcast, we take a fresh look at financial health as a critical part of women's well-being during and after menopause. For Gen X women, these years are supposed to be about preparing for an empty nest and building long-term security. Instead, menopause often brings hidden financial costs. Women in midlife spend billions each year managing symptoms, face higher medical expenses than their peers, and lose an estimated 1.8 billion dollars in work time annually. These realities shape earning potential and retirement planning more than most people realize. To dig into this, I'm joined by Dr. Barbara Provost, founder of Purse Strings. After decades in the financial industry, Barb saw how often women were underserved, dismissed, or left out of crucial conversations about money. Purse Strings was built to change that. Her work gives women the tools, education, and trusted connections they need to make confident financial decisions, especially during life transitions like menopause, career changes, caregiving, and planning for the next chapter. If you're navigating midlife and want to better understand how menopause intersects with money, career, and long-term planning, this conversation will give you clarity and practical direction. Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast. Learn more about Dr. Provost: Website: https://pursestrings.co/ IG: @pursestringsco FB: @pursestringsco Podcast: https://pursestrings.co/podcast/ Stay connected with JFW: Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

  • S4 · E124
    Oct 16, 2025 · 10 min

    Menopause Power Pack: Curate Your Custom Healthcare Team - #126

    In this empowering episode of the Health Trip Podcast, I dive into the essential blueprint for assembling your ultimate healthcare dream team during midlife, emphasizing that navigating menopause isn't a solo journey but a collaborative effort with specialized experts. I break down the core players: Start with a Primary Care Physician (PCP) as your quarterback, overseeing general health and coordinating referrals; an OBGYN for reproductive and hormonal insights; and a menopause care expert, like a certified menopause practitioner, to tailor treatments for hot flashes, mood swings, and libido changes. For heart health, which becomes crucial post-menopause, a preventive cardiologist or lipid expert monitors cholesterol and cardiovascular risks, while a dermatologist addresses skin changes like dryness or acne from hormonal shifts. Don't overlook a bone health expert, such as an endocrinologist or rheumatologist, to safeguard against osteoporosis through DEXA scans and nutrition advice. I review them all and add additional bonus players to round out a robust team for this second act of your life. Don't miss this episode - it's all about prevention. Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast. Stay connected to JFW: Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here: https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

Showing 21–25 of 25 episodes