Estrogen, Atrophy, & Awkward Conversations with Laura Blundo
In this week’s episode, we talk with the grounded and deeply wise Laura Blando about her very real (and very relatable) journey through perimenopause, menopause, and all the bodily WTFs in between.
We chat about:
What it’s like when no one tells you about periods, sex, or menopause
The emotional side of menopause—and yes, grief is a thing
Vaginal atrophy (it’s real, it’s painful, and it’s not just “in your head”)
The Mona Lisa Touch, radiofrequency treatments, and other (sometimes painful!) interventions
Finding the right doctor who takes menopause seriously
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)—bioidentical, pellets, creams, and more
Whether your vagina is whispering “WTF” or your libido has RSVP’d “no” to the party, this one’s for you. Grab a tea (or a tequila) and let’s talk about the stuff nobody ever warned us about.
About Laura Blundo:
Laura is a NH girl, woman, from head to toe, going back to the 1700s. She’s now in her early 60s, and coming into her children’s weddings, becoming a new grandparent, all while embarking on a move to a new area this past December. In her personal world, she loves her family and friendships, she loves gardening, hiking, boating, skiing—pretty much all that nature has to offer. As a professional, she is a Relationship Coach, working with couples as well as individuals in helping them become more loving, respectful, nurturing humans. She specializes in Betrayal Trauma recovery as well as the traumas experienced in childhood, which directly affect how people show up in their relationships today.
Laura’s Links:
Laura’s website: https://www.relationshipawakenings.com/
We are now the stewards of an 1840s farm house with a GIANT red barn! It’s exciting, and daunting at the same time. It’s called “Joy Farm”, which will be incorporated into my coaching practice with workshops and intensives.
Resources Mentioned:
MonaLisa Touch
A fractional CO2 laser therapy used to treat vaginal atrophy and symptoms of GSM (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause).
https://www.monalisatouch.com
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
A treatment using your own blood plasma to rejuvenate tissue—sometimes used in the clitoral/vaginal area to improve sensation and tissue health.
BioTE® Hormone Pellet Therapy
A form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) delivered via subcutaneous pellets.
https://www.biotemedical.com
Vaginal Estrogen Options Mentioned:
Vagifem® – estrogen vaginal tablets
Estring® – estrogen vaginal ring
Topical Estrogen Creams – prescribed for vaginal dryness and atrophy
Dr. Laura Jones
Mentioned as a New Hampshire-based doctor who specializes in hormone balancing and women’s health
Alchemy Clinic (Manchester, NH)
Mentioned as the clinic Laura is using for her BioTE hormone therapy
Dr. Drella (Bedford, NH)
A urogynecologist referenced positively for her work with the MonaLisa Touch and postmenopausal vaginal health
Podcast: “We Can Do Hard Things” by Glennon Doyle
Specifically the episode covering hormones and women’s health that inspired Laura to seek out more specialized care
Podcast: “The Goop Podcast”
Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness brand podcast, noted as a place Laura discovered new ideas about gynecological care and hormone therapy
Book Mention: Our Bodies, Ourselves
Book: The Wisdom of Menopause by Dr. Christiane Northrup
Review all resources for Perimenopause here.
*Information shared on this podcast is not medical advice. If you have a concern about your physical or mental health, please seek support from a professional.
