Bloating, irregular periods, weight changes, mood swings — these symptoms could point to several different conditions, and getting the right answer matters. In this episode, I sit down with fertility specialist and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Marjorie Dixon to break down two commonly misunderstood reproductive health conditions: PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and uterine fibroids.

We get into what each condition actually is, how they show up in the body, and — crucially — why their symptoms are so often mistaken for perimenopause. Dr. Dixon shares how clinicians distinguish between these diagnoses, what to ask your doctor, and why getting the right answer is the first step toward the right care.

If you've ever wondered whether what you're experiencing is "just hormones" or something else entirely, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• What PCOS and fibroids are — and how they differ
• The overlapping symptoms that can mimic perimenopause
• How a fertility specialist approaches diagnosis
• What tests and conversations to have with your doctor
• Why these conditions are underdiagnosed and what to do about it

Guest: Dr. Marjorie Dixon, Fertility Specialist

www.anovafertility.com

Instagram: @anovafertility

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

TECH AND AUDIO PRODUCER: DREW GARNER

PRODUCER: MELISSA GRELO

AGING POWERFULLY WITH MELISSA GRELO LIVE IN CALGARY!

May 16, 2026, Hotel Arts, Calgary, Alberta

Tickets available now: www.agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

Heart disease doesn’t always look the way we think it does — especially in women.

In this episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, I’m joined by cardiologist and women’s heart health expert Dr. Tara Sedlak to dismantle the biggest myths surrounding women’s cardiovascular health — and explain why so many women’s symptoms are overlooked, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed.

We discuss:



• why heart disease in women often looks nothing like what we’ve been taught
• the most common misconceptions about women’s heart health
• why women are more likely to be dismissed when reporting symptoms
• how heart risk changes during perimenopause and menopause
• conditions that disproportionately affect women, including scad and minoca
• the role of pregnancy, stress, inflammation, and hormones in heart disease
• what women should ask their doctors — and how to advocate for better care

This episode is empowering, eye-opening, and essential listening for women of all ages — especially those navigating midlife and beyond.

Listen now, share this with the women in your life and take charge of your heart health.

Resources:

Women's Heart Health Clinic at VGH (@Women__Heart)

Canadian Women's Heart Health Centre (@CWHHAlliance)

Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute (@DilawriCVI)

Episode supported by @StarbucksCanada Protein Drinks

https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/drinks/protein-beverages

Women are having babies later than ever — which means many are trying to conceive while also entering perimenopause. In this eye-opening episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, Melissa sits down with fertility specialist Dr. Kaajal Abrol to unpack what’s really happening in the body during this confusing overlap.

From irregular cycles and hormone swings to fertility testing, pregnancy risks, and assisted options, Dr. Abrol explains what women 35+ need to know if they’re trying, considering, or wondering whether pregnancy is still possible.

• How perimenopause affects fertility and ovulation

• Pregnancy symptoms vs. hormone symptoms

• What fertility tests can (and can’t) tell you

• When to see a specialist

• Options for conceiving later in life

• Realistic expectations for pregnancy after 35 and 40

Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner

Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

Women’s desire is often misunderstood — and oversimplified. In this candid, science-backed conversation, melissa sits down with psychologist and leading sexuality researcher Dr. Lori Brotto to unpack why libido changes, especially during midlife, perimenopause, and menopause — and why that doesn’t mean something is broken.

We explore the difference between desire and arousal, whether women’s sexuality is wired the same way as men’s, and why searching for a “pink pill” or quick pharmaceutical fix may miss the bigger picture. Dr. Brotto also weighs in on testosterone and libido, debunks common myths about women’s sexuality, and explains how desire can be cultivated through evidence-based approaches like mindfulness.

Dr. Brotto is the author of Better Sex Through Mindfulness and one of Canada’s foremost experts in women’s sexual health.

Where to find Dr. Lori Brotto: https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca/about/dr-lori-brotto/

This episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a powerful reframe for any woman who has ever wondered where her libido went — and what really matters when it comes to desire.

EPISODE SPONSORED BY: @StarbucksCanada (Instagram) Protein Beverages

Website: https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/drinks/protein-beverages

Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner

Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

Cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses any of us can face — and yet, it’s also an area of medicine where progress is happening at an extraordinary pace.

In honour of World Cancer Day, this episode launches a new two-part series on cancer for Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo. Melissa sits down with two of Canada’s leading voices — a leading cancer scientist, Dr. Lillian Siu, and a powerful advocate and CEO, Dr. Miyo Yamashita, from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five comprehensive cancer centres globally.

Together, they break down what cancer actually is, why survival rates have improved so dramatically, where prevention and early detection truly save lives, and how cutting-edge research — from immunotherapy to liquid biopsies — is transforming outcomes for patients in Canada and around the world.

This episode is science-forward, deeply human, and essential listening for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer — which, statistically, is all of us.

• What cancer is — and how it develops
• Cancer staging and how classification has evolved
• Why there is no single “cure” for cancer — and why that’s often misunderstood
• Which cancers are now considered highly treatable or curable
• Why cancer rates are rising as our population ages
• The concerning rise of early-onset cancers in younger adults
• Lifestyle, environmental, and genetic cancer risks
• What prevention actually means — beyond headlines and fear
• Screening and early detection: where it saves lives and where gaps remain
• Breakthroughs in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments
• The future of liquid biopsies and blood-based cancer detection
• Why philanthropy and research funding are essential to progress
• What gives cancer experts the most hope right no

Dr. Lillian Siu

Dr. Siu is a senior medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is the 2025–2026 President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s largest scientific organization dedicated to advancing cancer research.

Her work focuses on translating scientific discoveries into personalized cancer therapies, including precision oncology and liquid biopsy technologies. She has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and was awarded ASCO’s highest honour, the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award. In 2025, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in oncology worldwide.

Dr. Miyo Yamashita

Dr. Yamashita is President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canada’s largest cancer charity and the primary fundraising organization for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She leads national and global efforts to fund breakthrough research in precision medicine, immunotherapy, genomics, and patient-centred innovation.

Under her leadership, the Foundation has focused on accelerating the translation of discovery science into real-world clinical impact. She has been named one of the Top 100 Oncology CEOs globally — with Princess Margaret the only Canadian institution recognized.

• Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret
• Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation – https://thepmcf.ca
• Cancer screening & prevention in Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/cancer.html
• World Cancer Day – https://www.worldcancerday.org

**Always speak with your health-care provider about screening, symptoms, or personal cancer risk.**

Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner

Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

Cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses any of us can face — and yet, it’s also an area of medicine where progress is happening at an extraordinary pace.

In honour of World Cancer Day, this episode launches a new two-part series on cancer for Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo. Melissa sits down with two of Canada’s leading voices — a leading cancer scientist, Dr. Lillian Siu, and a powerful advocate and CEO, Dr. Miyo Yamashita, from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five comprehensive cancer centres globally.

Together, they break down what cancer actually is, why survival rates have improved so dramatically, where prevention and early detection truly save lives, and how cutting-edge research — from immunotherapy to liquid biopsies — is transforming outcomes for patients in Canada and around the world.

This episode is science-forward, deeply human, and essential listening for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer — which, statistically, is all of us.

• What cancer is — and how it develops
• Cancer staging and how classification has evolved
• Why there is no single “cure” for cancer — and why that’s often misunderstood
• Which cancers are now considered highly treatable or curable
• Why cancer rates are rising as our population ages
• The concerning rise of early-onset cancers in younger adults
• Lifestyle, environmental, and genetic cancer risks
• What prevention actually means — beyond headlines and fear
• Screening and early detection: where it saves lives and where gaps remain
• Breakthroughs in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments
• The future of liquid biopsies and blood-based cancer detection
• Why philanthropy and research funding are essential to progress
• What gives cancer experts the most hope right no

Dr. Lillian Siu

Dr. Siu is a senior medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is the 2025–2026 President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s largest scientific organization dedicated to advancing cancer research.

Her work focuses on translating scientific discoveries into personalized cancer therapies, including precision oncology and liquid biopsy technologies. She has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and was awarded ASCO’s highest honour, the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award. In 2025, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in oncology worldwide.

Dr. Miyo Yamashita

Dr. Yamashita is President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canada’s largest cancer charity and the primary fundraising organization for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She leads national and global efforts to fund breakthrough research in precision medicine, immunotherapy, genomics, and patient-centred innovation.

Under her leadership, the Foundation has focused on accelerating the translation of discovery science into real-world clinical impact. She has been named one of the Top 100 Oncology CEOs globally — with Princess Margaret the only Canadian institution recognized.

• Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret
• Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation – https://thepmcf.ca
• Cancer screening & prevention in Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/cancer.html
• World Cancer Day – https://www.worldcancerday.org

**Always speak with your health-care provider about screening, symptoms, or personal cancer risk.**

Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner

Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

In this very special and personal episode of Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo, I’m joined by my parents, Claire and Frank Grelo, to talk about something I never expected to experience so close to home: shingles. Before this experience, and like many people in their 50s, I didn’t know much about shingles or realize how common it is among adults who’ve had chickenpox. Did you know that adults who’ve had chickenpox have a 1 in 3 chance of developing it?1 I didn't.

In this episode, in partnership with GSK, we talk candidly about what shingles was like from my father’s perspective, how it impacted our family, and the lessons we learned about listening to your body, supporting loved ones, and staying informed about your health. This episode is a reminder that our health evolves over time, and how important it is to speak to your healthcare provider about proactive steps you can take to help protect your health.

SHINGRIX is a vaccine that helps protect adults against shingles (herpes zoster). 100% protection not guaranteed. Adverse reactions may occur. SHINGRIX does not prevent chickenpox or treat shingles or its complications. Ask your healthcare professional if SHINGRIX is right for you. Learn more at SHINGRIX.ca. To report an adverse event, please call 1-800-387-7374

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

©2026 GSK group of companies or its licensor.

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Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner

Producer: Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, @agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo)

For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com

1 SHINGRIX, Herpes Zoster Product Monograph. October 13, 2017.

In this deeply personal episode of Aging Powerfully, I sit down with Jann Arden to talk about her family’s journey through dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — with both of her parents. Jann shares the emotional realities of caregiving, the challenges of watching someone you love change, and how humour, resilience, and connection help navigate the hardest moments.

Together we explore:

• What it’s really like caring for parents living with dementia

• How caregiving reshapes identity, relationships, and family roles

• The emotional weight of the “long goodbye”

• Jann’s biggest lessons and hopes for other caregivers

• Why self-compassion and support matter for everyone involved

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about love, loss, resilience, and the power of showing up — even when it feels impossible.

Plus, Jann shares if she’s making new music and what and WHO is bringing her joy, love and happiness these days. Spoiler alert: Someone is getting married!

Support & Resources

If this episode resonates with you — whether you’re caring for a parent, partner, friend, or thinking ahead — know that you are not alone and there are supports available across Canada:

Alzheimer Society of Canada

• National hub of information on Alzheimer’s and other dementias, education, and support services; https://alzheimer.ca/en

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, reaching out to your local Alzheimer Society or caregiver support service can help you find practical tips, connection, and support tailored to your situation.

Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner

Producer: Melissa Grelo (@MelissaGrelo, @AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo)

For any partnership inquires, contact beverly@agingpowerfullywithmelissagrelo.com