Dear Menopause

Start the new year by joining me, Sonya Lovell, in exploring essential topics that shape our midlife journey.  Dive into a curated list of must-listen episodes that promise to inspire and inform as you set your goals for 2025.  I spotlight influential voices in the menopause sphere, including Dr Kelly Teagle, who empowers us to build healthy habits, and Sarah Rusbach, who challenges us to rethink...

Joined by Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, a leading clinical neuropsychologist, today we explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity, menopause, and women's mental health. Caroline opens up about her work at the HER Center, where she sheds light on how understanding brain changes and behaviour is crucial in addressing women's health issues. Gain insights into the evolving under...

Join Johanna Wicks and me in today's Hot Take as we unravel the complicated process of getting treatments added to Australia's PBS, sparked by a recent breakthrough announcement about endometriosis medication. We explore the pivotal, yet often misunderstood, roles that pharmaceutical companies and the government play in this process and why modern menopause hormone therapy (MHT) hasn&apo...

Ever wondered how self-advocacy can transform your healthcare journey (and even your GPs), especially during pivotal life transitions like menopause? Meet Julie Dutton, affectionately dubbed by her GP as "Patient Zero," after her strong advocacy reshaped Dr Ceri Cashell's career when it came to managing her patients' midlife hormone health. Jules' tale of moving from Engla...

In this Hot Take episode, Johanna and Sonya venture beyond the outdated "iron curtain" myth of Menopausal Hormone Therapy after age 60, revealing a new Australian research paper that could transform women's menopause care and longevity. We dive into the confusion that often surrounds vaginal estrogen because of misleading warnings on packaging. The exaggerated risks deter many from...

Dr Ceri Cashell's journey into improving the menopause care she gave patients, as a GP, was sparked by one patient's suggestion that she learn more about testosterone. This led her to explore and become a vocal champion for the essential role of sex hormones in women's overall well-being. Join us as we talk through the complexities of menopause care, especially from a GP's pers...

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Senator Marielle Smith as we explore the transformative Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause in Australia.  Over the past year, this Inquiry gathered insights from over 300 submissions, culminating in 25 key recommendations supported across political lines by the Liberal Party, Labor, and the Greens.  Senator Smith provides a behind-the-scen...

How does an experienced women's health advocate struggle to recognise her own perimenopausal symptoms? Join me as I explore Johanna Wicks' journey from confusion to advocacy, sparked by Dr. Ginni Mansberg's enlightening book, "The M Word." Jo's story reveals a significant gap in women's health education and sets the stage for her influential role in the national...

The question Dr Kelly Teagle has for women is what will it cost you if you don't create healthy habits and make meaningful lifestyle changes now , while you're still young enough for it to make a big impact?  In 10 to 20 years, will you be functioning well and still doing all the things that give your life meaning?   In this episode, Dr Kelly, a leading GP specialising in women's he...

As one of your guides through the ever-shifting landscape of menopause, I'm hitting pause on the podcast to recharge my batteries. But only for 3 short weeks!! Dear Menopause will be back with episode 94 on Friday 22nd March 2024. Make sure you're subscribed or following the podcast to ensure you are notified when the episode drops. While I'm off savouring the joys of travel and adv...

Menopause can leave many women feeling dry, itchy and irritated particularly when it comes to changes in skin health. Join me as Dr Shreya Andric, a leading dermatologist who also specialises in vulvar dermatology, shares her expertise on how declining estrogen and progesterone influence our skin during perimenopause and postmenopause. Dr Andric shares tips on embracing gentle skincare routines to...

In this episode, I share 3 essential tips for those days when perimenopause is really kicking your butt, that you can get started with today. The focus is on journaling to keep track of symptoms, how to find a supportive healthcare professional, and small mindful lifestyle changes. These steps are vital for taking back control of your health and choices at a time when you may feel completely out o...

Senator Marielle Smith joins Sonya to discuss the Australian Senate Inquiry into Menopause and Perimenopause. Hear how this Inquiry hopes to break the silence on a topic all too often overlooked. Marielle takes us through the Inquiry's mission to recommend both legislative and societal changes and set the stage for a new era of understanding and support for this area of women's health. W...

Have you wished that you could find a Doctor who weaves the wisdom of Eastern traditions with Western medical science? In this conversation with Dr Fatima Khan, we cover everything from hormone health to the influential role of our elders, reminding us that this phase is not just about changes but about adaptation and growth. Hormones can be a rollercoaster, and Dr Khan is no stranger to their ups...

Have you ever found yourself in that murky space where your drinking seems more habitual than social, yet not quite what you'd label as addiction? Join the conversation with Sarah Rusbatch, a distinguished coach navigating the intricacies of grey area drinking. Sarah peels back the layers of her personal narrative, from motherhood to moving abroad, and how these pivotal moments can silently s...

Have you ever felt like you're on the cusp of something extraordinary, but you're held back by the invisible chains of expectations? Esther Zeledon, the visionary behind Be Act Change, joins me to unravel the threads of these limitations and together, we tackle the nuances of going after your dreams, especially for those stepping beyond midlife. Transitioning from a career or even relati...

When Sheree Hargreaves was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency at just 15, it reshaped her teenage years in unexpected ways. Sheree, now 22, shares her courageous story, navigating early menopause symptoms and the complexities of hormone replacement therapy—a narrative that will both inspire and educate. Her candid insights put a spotlight on the urgent need to bridge the education gaps...

Who knew discussing periods could be so enlightening? You'll never see menstrual health the same way again after tuning in to this powerful conversation with Dr Talat Uppal, an obstetrician-gynecologist specialising in heavy menstrual bleeding. Dr Uppal helps us break down the wall of silence surrounding menstrual health, sharing her extensive knowledge on what constitutes heavy bleeding and...

Enjoy a heartfelt conversation with Dani Binnington, the inspiring founder of the Menopause and Cancer organisation, and a breast cancer survivor. Dani gives a raw and brutally honest account of her journey through cancer and menopause, offering invaluable insights and experiences. We touch on the societal and personal pressures that women often grapple with and the liberation that comes with brea...

The need for better management of symptoms for women in surgically or medically induced menopause is undeniable. In this episode, we navigate through the complexities of menopause and breast cancer, with Dr Corinne Menn, a board-certified OBGYN and a breast cancer survivor, shedding light on this often overlooked and too often dismissed topic. Not only does Dr Menn share her journey with us, but s...

Ever wondered why insomnia seems to be a constant companion when you hit perimenopause? Today, we unravel the mysteries of sleep, especially as it relates to women during the menopausal transition. I am joined by the incredibly knowledgeable Tracey Martin, a seasoned sleep coach who shares her insights on achieving optimal rest. Our enlightening conversation with Tracey takes us through the intric...

Ever climb a mountain in high-heels? Metaphorically, that's what it feels like navigating through menopause. We've all heard about it, but few are prepared when it hits.  But what's a journey without a travel buddy? Meet Grace Lam, our guest for this episode, who has transformed her menopause journey into a beacon of hope and advocacy. An icon in fashion, a Vogue insider, and now, a...

Have you ever reflected on the trials and triumphs of navigating through menopause? Well, this episode is a heart-to-heart with Tania Dalton who has journeyed through this phase of life and come out stronger. Tania shares her post-menopausal journey, discussing how it led her to reappraise her lifestyle choices, prioritise sleep, manage stress, and eventually improve her overall health. Tania&apos...

Join Kaz Cooke author of 'It's the Menopause', and me as we pull back the curtain on her exhaustive research, Kaz reveals the astonishing findings from her survey of nearly 9,000 women, exposing a shocking lack of awareness about perimenopause and menopause symptoms. So many women were astounded to learn that their symptoms were actually hormone-related. Kaz also challenges the trad...

What exactly should your plate look like during perimenopause? This week, Ange Clark joins me to unravel the complex world of perimenopausal nutrition. A powerhouse in the field we dive into the far-reaching effects of low energy availability on the female body, and how to tackle the inevitable midlife weight gain with the right diet and exercise balance. We don't shy away from discussing the...