Friendships changing in midlife can leave us feeling guilty, confused, or quietly sad — especially when there’s no fallout or drama to point to.

In this episode of our midlife podcast for women, I’m joined by Diane, a counsellor and psychotherapist, to explore why friendships naturally shift as we grow, and how to handle relationships that no longer fit the person you’re becoming.

We talk about people-pleasing, resentment, honesty, and how to let friendships evolve - or fade - without blame or unnecessary conflict.

If you’ve been questioning a friendship, struggling with guilt, or wondering whether it’s okay to prioritise yourself, this conversation will help you feel clearer and more reassured.

🎧 Coming up in the next episode: a necessary conversation about bladder leakage and pelvic discomfort with Dr Sharma.

A little note from me....

If you enjoy listening to Midlife Answers and you know others who would enjoy it too, I would really appreciate your help with the below -

1/ Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen by clicking HERE

2/ Please rate and review - it really helps Midlife Answers reach more people needing that extra support in midlife.

3/ Share the love! Share or tag @midlifeanswers on IG and I'll share the love right back - maybe even get a pic of yourself listening to Midlife Answers and I will repost it

Find Out More:

Podcast Editor - Mike Roberts: https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk

Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or constantly on edge in midlife, but slowing down just isn’t an option?

In this bite-sized episode of Midlife Answers, I’m joined by Suzette to talk honestly about midlife burnout - why it feels so intense, how it differs from stress and overwhelm, and what actually helps when rest feels impossible.

We explore the silent signs of burnout in women, the role of hormones and perimenopause, and share practical tools - including 3-minute resets and tiny stabilising steps - to help you feel calmer and less overwhelmed today.

In this episode, we cover:

• Burnout vs stress vs overwhelm
• Why burnout hits harder in midlife
• Hormones, perimenopause and burnout
• What to do when rest isn’t an option
• Simple 5-minute nervous system resets
• When to seek professional support

If you’re feeling close to the edge, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen now — and follow the link below to explore more episodes of Midlife Answers.
Don’t forget to follow and share with someone who might need this today.

Listen Here and Buy Me A Coffee:

https://linktr.ee/midlifeanswers

Find Out More:

Suzette Castle-Mackie:https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/suzette-castle-mackie

Editor - Mike Roberts: https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk

Shakti Mat: https://www.shaktimat.co.uk/

Is this perimenopause - or just life?

Perimenopause doesn’t always look the way we expect. It’s not just hot flushes or missed periods. For many women, the earliest signs are anxiety, low mood, exhaustion, poor sleep, brain fog, or a quiet sense that something just isn’t right…and these symptoms are often missed.

In this episode of Midlife Answers, I’m joined by Dr Sharma, GP and menopause specialist, to answer one of the most common midlife questions:
How do I know if I’m in perimenopause, and which symptoms shouldn’t I ignore?

Together, we break down how perimenopause really shows up, why women often wait too long to recognise the signs, and what practical steps you can take to look after your health and wellbeing.

In this episode, we cover:

• What perimenopause is and when it can start
• Can you be in perimenopause in your early 40s?
• Early and often-overlooked symptoms like anxiety, low mood, poor sleep, brain fog, and fatigue
• Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore, including heavy bleeding, palpitations, and persistent low mood
• Blood tests vs symptom-led diagnosis
• How to prepare for a GP appointment and advocate for yourself

Perimenopause isn’t something to push through in silence. Noticing changes early, and taking them seriously, can make a real difference.

Coming up on the next episode: Join me next week when I’ll be talking to therapist Suzette about burnout in midlife, and the importance of recognising the early signs, setting boundaries, and giving yourself permission to slow down before burnout takes hold.

If you found this episode helpful, follow or subscribe to Midlife Answers, and share it with someone who could use reassurance right now.

Listen Anywhere:

https://linktr.ee/midlifeanswers

Recommended Listening:

https://linktr.ee/midlifeanswers - Menopause 101 with Drs Sharma & Wright: a previous conversation with Dr Sharma and her business partner, Dr Wright, covering a wider range of topics including surgical menopause, testosterone, and sex and intimacy in midlife.

Find Out More:

Dr Sharma: www.spicedpearhealth.com

Mike Roberts: https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk