Connect Talks

Hearing the voices and stories of those living with endometriosis is a powerful way to build community awareness, reduce stigma and misunderstandings, connect with others experiencing the condition and help others feel less alone. In this episode, we are joined by multi-media professional and experienced television presenter Julie Snook as she shares her personal journey of endometriosis, experien...

When it comes to treating pelvic pain, it can be overwhelming to know what the treatment is, or what treatments are available to you. Associate Professor Pav Nanayakkara returns to Connect Talks to unpack and help us understand the various treatments options available for someone experiencing pelvic pain. In this episode Dr. Pav will discuss medicinal, psychological, physical and surgical treatmen...

The diagnosis of a pelvic pain condition isn’t always easy, with many experiencing years of misdiagnosis or even no diagnosis. So, how does having a team of healthcare professionals affirming your experiences impact the journey? Associate Professor Pav Nanayakkara joins us for an information-packed episode to help individuals at all stages of their pelvic pain experience understand just how import...

Today we start our exploration into pelvic pain with Dr Shamitha Kathurusinghe, a highly sought-after specialist gynaecologist with expertise in complex gynaecological surgeries. Join us as we learn about a range of pelvic pain conditions, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and adenomyosis. Dr Shami also discusses with us who lives with these conditions, what symptoms someone may...

Cancer, perimenopause and menopause – living through one life change can be challenging enough, but two can flip your world upside down. This was the reality of Sonya Lovell, who at 47 was diagnosed with breast cancer and pushed into medically-induced menopause. In this powerful episode, Sonya will share her experiences, advice and story– one which those experiencing a chronic health or a mental h...

Major life changes and work don’t always go hand-in-hand, but the experience doesn’t have to be difficult one. In this episode, Thea O’Connor - expert on all thing's perimenopause, menopause and work - will help us navigate the challenges many of us face. We will cover common barriers and stigma, advocating for a more inclusive workplace environment and more! Tune in to this episode and the rest o...

As we’ve discussed, there’s a range of treatment options available when navigating perimenopause and menopause but sometimes lifestyle changes can be just as effective as medical options to help you get a handle on it all. In this episode, holistic General Practitioner (GP) Dr Michelle Woolhouse dives into the lifestyle factors that can influence perimenopause and menopause. From the best foods to...

From brain fog and forgetfulness, to anxiety and depression, perimenopause and menopause can play havoc on our mental health and wellbeing. It can be a difficult journey, but there is support and treatment options out there. Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, expert in psychiatry and women’s health, is passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of those in the life stages of perimenop...

Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) has received a lot of interest over the years – both good and bad – which means there is a lot of information out there, making is hard to decide what the right choice is. Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, expert in psychiatry and women’s health, will help us debunk the myths, understand the facts and empower us to make informed decisions to ease the perimenopause and...

It can be difficult to feel like you have autonomy when going through perimenopause and menopause – major life changes, non-affirming care and unexpected symptoms can take the control out of your hands. In this episode Dr Sonia Davison, endocrinologist at the Jean Hailes Medical Centre, will be helping us take that control back. Learn about the power of preventative screening, where to access affi...

In episode two, Connect begins exploring treatment options for perimenopause and menopause with Dr Sonia Davison, endocrinologist at the Jean Hailes Medical Centre. The range of treatments available can be overwhelming – hormone therapies, non-hormonal options, alternative therapies, lifestyle changes and more! Sonia will take us through the options, important considerations for those living with...

Joined by Laura Riccardi, Sexual and Reproductive Health Lead at Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE), today’s episode starts our deep dive into the often overlooked, but important life stages of perimenopause and menopause. From surprising symptoms to the impacts on a person’s health, wellbeing, work and relationships, perimenopause and menopause can look different for everyone and can be a c...

Get a sneak peek into our upcoming season where we will be deep diving into all things perimenopause and menopause. In each episode, the Connect team will chat to an expert special guest and focus in on one area of these important life stages. Explore everything from treatment options to lived experience insights and feel confident and supported to navigate perimenopause and menopause.

Join us as we chat to Connect's newest team member, Kass, as she tells us about what led her to her passion for accessible health communication and what to look out for when you're accessing health information.

Anxiety can be tricky to navigate but the Anxiety Recovery Centre Victroia (ARCVic) provides free support services for those needing help. ARCVic is a state-wide, specialist mental health organisation, providing support, recovery and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders. Join us as we chat to Kelli Benjamin, the Support Group Coordinator at ARCVic.

Are you waiting to access mental health services, or finding that you need someone to speak to between appointments?  Partners in Wellbeing  is here to help. Learn more in this month's Let's Connect episode.

Have you heard of the  Feelix Children's Library ? This fantastic service from Vision Australia offers free, tactile storybook kits and more for children with vision loss. Find out more in this feel-good Let’s Connect.

Sarah Joyce is a distinguished advocate for disability and meningococcal. Listen to our chat as she walks us through her inspiring story and answers questions about living with a chronic health condition and its impacts on her life.