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

·S3 E15

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

March 4
39 mins

Episode Description

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



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.

 

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