Menopause is increasingly understood as a whole-body transition, affecting physical health, mental wellbeing, sleep, temperature regulation, mood, and identity. At the same time, sauna is gaining recognition as a whole-body practice that influences circulation, thermoregulation, the nervous system, and stress response.

Despite growing public interest in both, there is currently little shared space in the UK to explore how sauna and menopause may intersect in an informed, responsible way. This webinar focuses on the current UK context, bringing together sauna practitioners, researchers, and healthcare professionals to explore emerging perspectives on sauna and the menopausal transition.

Drawing on lived experience, current research, and practice from UK sauna spaces, the conversation will examine what we know so far, where evidence is lacking, and what questions remain.

This event is open to all genders and welcomes anyone interested in sauna, health, research, or women’s wellbeing.

Host:
Emma O’Kelly, author of Sauna: The Power of Deep Heat (2023) and Wild Sauna (2025)

Panel:

• Lisa Zaidell, Research Scientist, London South Bank University

• Dr Freya Bayne, Doctor of Human Sciences, London South Bank University

• Dr Gillian Stokes, Associate Professor of Inclusive Social Research, University College London

• Kate Rawson, sauna operator of Sauna Pause

Format: Fireside style panel discussion with audience Q&A

Alongside the webinar, an online discussion space has been created to support learning and connection before and after the event. Open internationally, it invites participants to submit questions to help guide the webinar discussion, and provides an ongoing space to share knowledge, lived experience, and emerging or ongoing research.