Thriving In Menopause: Recent Episodes
Prevention Australia
At Prevention we know how confusing and truly overwhelming the changes caused by menopause can be. That’s why we’ve enlisted some of Australia’s best health experts to share simple ways to make midlife easier in our new podcast, Thriving in Menopause. We cover it all, from minimising those awful hot flushes, to easing mad-eyed mood swings, to managing sudden weight shifts, to handling your relationship. If you’re a woman in midlife, this series just for you!
From hot flushes and disrupted sleep to anxiety and fatigue, menopause symptoms can affect almost every aspect of daily life. While hormone therapy can be transformative for many women, it isn’t suitable for everyone – and some may be interested in complementary ways to manage their symptoms.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, host Zoe Meunier speaks with Kim Gatenby, Director of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association, about the role acupuncture may play in menopause care.
Kim explains how acupuncture works, what the current evidence tells us and why treatment is tailored to each woman’s individual experience. She also discusses the symptoms women most commonly seek help for, what to expect during a consultation and how to find a suitably qualified practitioner.
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Could your constant fatigue, brain fog or irritability be more than just the juggle of everyday life? For many women, the first signs of perimenopause arrive years before they expect them to – and are often mistaken for stress, burnout or simply being "too busy".
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier is joined by nutritionist, chef and WelleCo educator Zoe Bingley-Pullin, who shares her own experience of being diagnosed with perimenopause at just 39. Together, they unpack why this transition can begin earlier than many women realise, the symptoms to look out for and the simple, evidence-based lifestyle strategies that can help you feel your best.
From the importance of blood sugar balance and protein to the role of stress, sleep and movement, this conversation cuts through the online noise to focus on the habits that truly support hormone health – not just for today, but for healthy ageing in the years ahead.
Whether you're in your late 30s, already navigating menopause or simply want to future-proof your health, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your hormones – rather than letting them control you.
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For decades, Mary Coustas has made Australia laugh as the unforgettable Effie. But behind the sharp wit and larger-than-life persona is a woman whose own journey through midlife has been anything but straightforward.
In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Mary opens up about the realities of menopause, the frustration of feeling dismissed, and why she decided to turn one of life's biggest transitions into an opportunity to help other women. She shares how her own experience inspired her book Marypause and the creation of UnPause, a telehealth platform designed to give women better access to menopause care.
Along the way, we also talk about confidence, identity, finding humour in life's challenges and why it's never too late to reinvent yourself. Mary's trademark warmth and wit shine through, but so does her passion for making sure women feel informed, supported and empowered through every stage of midlife.
Whether you're approaching menopause, in the thick of it, or simply want to better understand what's happening to your body, this conversation is full of reassurance, practical insights and plenty of laughs.
Mary Coustas (and Effie!) will both be joining us later in the year at our World Menopause Day event. Visit worldmenopauseday.com.au to find out more!
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Menopause is often seen as the beginning of an ageing decline, but what if it's actually one of the greatest opportunities to improve your long-term health?
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, editor Zoe Meunier sits down with GP, author and women's health advocate Dr Ginni Mansberg to discuss her new book, The Longevity Handbook For Women. Together, they unpack the powerful connection between menopause and longevity, exploring why this life stage is a crucial window for protecting your future health.
From heart disease and brain health to muscle, metabolism, bone density and weight changes, Dr Ginni explains the science behind what happens during menopause and, more importantly, the evidence-based lifestyle habits that can help women thrive for decades to come.
If you've ever wondered how today's choices can shape your health in your 60s, 70s and beyond, this conversation is packed with practical, empowering advice.
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In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we’re talking about what it really takes to change the menopause conversation – and why that change is long overdue.
Prevention Australia editor Zoe Meunier is joined by Heather Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Gen M, the global movement behind the M-Tick – an initiative designed to help women more easily find trusted, menopause-friendly products and support.
After her own confusing and unsupported experience with perimenopause, Heather set out to tackle what she calls the “invisibility” of midlife women – bringing together major brands and retailers to better recognise, support and serve women at this life stage. Now, that movement is arriving in Australia.
Together, Zoe and Heather explore why menopause has been overlooked for so long, how fear and misinformation are shaping women’s experiences, and what needs to change – across healthcare, retail and society – to help women feel informed, supported and empowered.
From the idea of menopause as “the biggest marathon you’ll ever run” to the reality that most women can only name a handful of symptoms, this episode is a powerful reminder that preparation, education and open conversation can make all the difference.
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For many women, menopause isn’t just about physical symptoms – it’s a turning point.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we explore the often-overlooked psychological side of midlife, from identity shifts and emotional overwhelm to grief, relationships and the pressure of caring for everyone else.
Joining us is menopause support counsellor Melinda McKeown, who has spent nearly 20 years supporting women through major life transitions. After years working in perinatal mental health, Melinda now focuses on the emotional impact of menopause – helping women understand what’s happening beneath the surface, regulate their nervous systems, and feel more like themselves again.
Together, we unpack why menopause can feel like a reset – and how women can move through it with more clarity, self-compassion and confidence.
About Melinda
Melinda McKeown is a counsellor with close to 20 years’ experience in private practice. Her work has evolved from supporting women through pregnancy and early motherhood to guiding them through the emotional and psychological shifts of menopause.
With training in counselling, full-spectrum doula care and midlife mental health through the HER Centre (Monash University), Melinda specialises in helping women understand hormonal change, regulate their nervous systems and reconnect with themselves.
She also runs a peri- and menopause support circle in the Illawarra region and is developed an accessible online model of care designed to provide ongoing, real-world support for women navigating this stage.
To learn more about Melinda’s online model of care, visit The Hormone Edition: Supportive Community for Hormone Health.
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What if preparing for menopause actually started decades earlier?
In this episode, Prevention Editor Zoe sits down with triple Olympian Lisa Curry, co-founder of Happy Healthy You, one of Australia’s leading programs supporting women through perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
Together, they share how younger women can lay the groundwork now for a smoother transition later, from building metabolic and hormonal resilience to understanding the early signals your body may already be sending.
Founded in 2015, Happy Healthy You has supported more than 1.5 million women and was one of the first programs in Australia designed to work alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT), combining evidence-informed complementary approaches with conventional care.
Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or already navigating change, this conversation is packed with practical, empowering insights to help you feel more in control of what’s ahead.
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If your knees, hips, shoulders or fingers have started feeling stiff, achy or inflamed during perimenopause, you’re not imagining it — and you’re certainly not alone.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier speaks with exercise scientist and nutritionist Amelia Phillips about why joint pain often appears during the menopausal transition — and what women can do to support their bodies through it, with loads of practical, evidence-based advice to help you move with more confidence and comfort during this stage of life.
Amelia Phillips is an accredited exercise scientist, nutritionist, and one of Australia’s leading health and fitness experts. With more than 25 years of experience in the health industry and a familiar face in Australian media, she specialises in helping people improve their physical and mental wellbeing through sustainable movement, nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
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Sex, desire and intimacy can change during perimenopause and menopause – but too often, women are left navigating those changes with little information and even less support.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention Australia editor Zoe Meunier speaks with Dr Kelly Casperson, a renowned US urologist, international speaker and leading advocate for women’s sexual health. Dr Casperson is the author of the bestselling book You Are Not Broken and host of the globally popular podcast of the same name, where she challenges outdated narratives about female desire, pleasure and midlife sexuality.
Drawing on her clinical experience and deep understanding of the science behind hormones, relationships and sexual wellbeing, Dr Casperson explains why so many women feel confused or dismissed when their bodies change – and what they can do to reclaim confidence, comfort and connection.
From the role of hormones and vaginal health to the psychology of desire, this empowering conversation explores how women can move from frustration and uncertainty to knowledge, agency and thriving in midlife.
With her signature mix of science, honesty and compassion, Dr Casperson offers a refreshing reminder that midlife sexuality is not something women should quietly give up on – it’s something they deserve to understand, support and enjoy.
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During perimenopause and menopause, many women notice changes in their bodies – from shifts in metabolism and muscle tone to energy dips and increased hunger. One nutrient that can make a powerful difference? Protein.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we’re joined by clinical nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo, to unpack why protein becomes especially important during midlife, how it supports muscle, metabolism and hormone health, and how much women really need.
Sarah shares practical strategies to help women eat enough protein across the day, explains common mistakes she sees in midlife diets, explains how protein supports weight loss, and offers simple ways to boost protein intake without overhauling your entire routine.
Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, already in menopause, or simply want to feel stronger and more energised, this episode is packed with practical, science-based advice you can start using today.
About our guest
Sarah Di Lorenzo is a leading Australian clinical nutritionist and bestselling author known for her practical, no-nonsense approach to healthy eating. She is passionate about helping people use food as medicine and supporting women through the nutritional changes that come with midlife.
The Power Of Protein by Sarah Di Lorenzo is available in bookstores and online now (Simon & Schuster)
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In this raw, funny and deeply honest episode, comedian, writer, broadcaster and advocate Em Rusciano joins Prevention Editor Zoe Meunier to talk about her unfiltered experience of midlife, menopause and self-discovery – as shared in her new memoir, Blood, Sweat and Glitter.
Em opens up about navigating perimenopause, ADHD, and autism, and the reckoning that comes when your hormones – and your priorities – shift. With her signature mix of humour and heart, she describes this chapter of life as an “emotional exfoliation” – a painful but liberating shedding of everything that no longer serves you.
Determined to help the women who have reached out to her about their own peri and menopausal struggles, Em is eager to show that midlife isn’t a breakdown – it’s a breakthrough. As she puts it, menopause is “not the end of relevance but the start of real power.” Her story is both a rallying cry and a reassurance to every woman feeling like she’s losing her mind: you’re not. You’re evolving. Don't miss this powerful episode.
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How can workplaces better support women through menopause – and why does it matter for everyone?
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention Australia editor Zoe Meunier speaks with Grace Molloy, CEO of Menopause Friendly Australia (menopausefriendlyaustralia.com.au), the organisation helping employers create inclusive, understanding and supportive environments for midlife women.
Grace shares how the movement toward menopause-supportive workplaces is gathering momentum, why it’s good for both people and business, and how forward-thinking employers are taking real action to retain and empower experienced women. From practical initiatives and policy examples to the human stories driving change, this conversation shines a light on what true cultural change looks like.
Learn what it means to be a menopause-friendly accredited workplace, including the five standards of accreditation and how they help businesses support women.
Find out more about becoming a menopause-friendly workplace at menopausefriendlyaustralia.com.au
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Fertility is often one of the most confusing – and surprising – aspects of perimenopause. Your hormones are fluctuating, your periods might be irregular, but yes, you can still fall pregnant. For some women, that’s an unexpected joy; for others, a wake-up call. And for those trying to conceive later in life, it can be a time filled with questions, hope and uncertainty.
In this episode, we speak with reproductive endocrinologist Dr Devini Ameratunga (drdevameratunga.com), who specialises in hormonal and reproductive health, to unpack what really happens to fertility during perimenopause.
Whether you’re hoping to conceive, avoid pregnancy, or simply understand your body better, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance and expert advice to help you make informed choices about your reproductive health during perimenopause.
For more expert insights on thriving in midlife, subscribe to Thriving in Menopause and pick up the latest issue of Prevention Australia magazine.
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If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at 3am with a racing mind or drenched from a night sweat, you’re not alone. Up to half of women in perimenopause and menopause experience disrupted sleep – and it can affect everything from your mood and memory to your relationships and quality of life.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, we talk to Dr Giselle Withers, a clinical psychologist and founder of A Mindful Way. Giselle specialises in helping people reclaim restful nights through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and mindfulness – both proven, evidence-based treatments that work without relying on medication.
She explains why hormonal shifts, stress and “busy-brain syndrome” create the perfect storm for poor sleep, and how CBT-I – particularly when combined with mindfulness practices – can retrain your mind and body to sleep soundly again. Visit her website at www.amindfulway.com.au for further resources and information.
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If menopause has left you feeling foggy, forgetful, or like your brain has a thousand tabs open, you’re not imagining it. Cognitive changes are a very real part of perimenopause and menopause – and for women with ADHD, the impact can be even greater.
In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Deputy Director of HER Centre Australia at Monash University, explains how hormonal changes affect the brain, why menopause symptoms can overlap with ADHD, and what women can do to better support their memory, focus and mental clarity.
Find out:
- Why “menopause brain” happens
- How ADHD symptoms are influenced by hormonal changes
- The role of oestrogen in memory, attention and executive function
- Practical strategies – from medication to lifestyle habits – that really help
- The latest research on women’s brain health
Interested in research?
Caroline and her team at Monash are running studies on women, hormones, cognition and ADHD. To get involved, visit Monash HER Centre – Cognition and Hormones Group or email adhdinwomen@monash.edu.
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Do you sometimes feel your heart race out of the blue, experience dizzy spells, or even find yourself in the grip of a panic attack? These unsettling symptoms can be surprisingly common during perimenopause and menopause - but what’s really going on?
In this episode, we're joined by integrative medicine specialist and naturopathic physician Dr Karen Coates, co-author of new book Hormonal Harmony. Dr Coates will unpack why these symptoms occur, when to seek medical advice, and the practical strategies that can help you manage them. From understanding the role of fluctuating hormones to uncovering lifestyle triggers, Dr Coates shares her expert insights to help you feel calmer and more in control.
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Menopause is finally stepping out of the shadows, but what does the future of care really look like? In this episode, Prevention’s Zoe Meunier speaks with Dr Dev Ameratunga, a leading reproductive endocrinologist with a special interest in women’s hormonal health, about how advances in science, medicine and awareness are reshaping this life stage.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s next in menopause treatment and support – and how women can take charge of their hormonal health – this conversation offers knowledge, hope and a glimpse into the future.
Menopause is finally stepping out of the shadows, but what does the future of care really look like? In this episode, Prevention’s Zoe Meunier speaks with Dr Dev Ameratunga, a leading reproductive endocrinologist with a special interest in women’s hormonal health, about how advances in science, medicine and awareness are reshaping this life stage.
Dr Dev shares her expert insights on:
- Why personalized medicine is the key to effective menopause care
- The truth about hormone therapy, including bioidentical hormones
- Exciting new non-hormonal treatments and what they mean for women
- How technology – from telehealth to apps and wearables – can improve access and support
- What an equitable, future-ready menopause care system could look like
If you’ve ever wondered what’s next in menopause treatment and support – and how women can take charge of their hormonal health – this conversation offers knowledge, hope and a glimpse into the future.
Listen now to discover how menopause care is evolving – and what that means for you.
About our guest: Dr Devini Ameratunga is a Brisbane-based board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist (CREI) and Gynaecologist. Medical Director of Life Fertility Clinic, Devini is also an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland, Senior Medical Officer (Gynae/Fertility) at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and the Clinical Lead of QLD Health's Public Fertility Preservation Clinic. Visit drdevameratunga.com
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When it comes to women’s hormones, testosterone is often misunderstood – and frequently left out of the conversation altogether. But what role does it really play in women’s health? Does it drop at menopause? And can testosterone therapy actually help with symptoms like low libido, energy or mood?
In this episode, Thriving in Menopause host Zoe Meunier talks to Professor Susan Davis – one of the world’s leading researchers on women’s hormone health – to cut through the hype and misinformation around testosterone therapy.
Whether you’re curious about boosting libido, wondering about safety, or just want to separate fact from fiction, this conversation will help you make informed choices about your hormone health.
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How is perimenopause quietly pushing women out of the workforce – and what can be done to stop it?
In this powerful episode, TV presenter, journalist and fierce perimenopause advocate Shelly Horton returns to Thriving in Menopause to lift the lid on what she calls a “hidden workplace crisis.” Drawing on her personal journey - marked by burnout, depression, and nearly quitting a career she loved – Shelly shares how untreated perimenopause symptoms sidelined her professionally and emotionally.
Now the author of I’m Your Peri Godmother and founder of workplace education company Don’t Sweat It, Shelly is on a mission to make perimenopause support standard, not a surprise. From how to start the conversation at work to the workplace policy changes that really make a difference, Shelly breaks down the myths, the data and the practical steps every workplace should take.
Whether you're experiencing the transition yourself or leading a team, this is a must-listen conversation packed with honesty, empathy and evidence. Listen now and share it with a colleague, manager, or friend – let’s make menopause part of the workplace conversation.
Learn more about our amazing guest Shelly Horton at ShellShocked Media.
For more great menopause-related content, be sure to head to preventionaus.com.au and subscribe to Prevention magazine.
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What does it mean to reconnect with pleasure, intimacy and vitality during menopause? In this bold and insightful episode, we sit down with Adriene Cobcroft, a clinical sexologist, somatic psychotherapist and trauma therapist, to explore the powerful shift that’s possible when women reframe midlife as a time of sexual and emotional awakening – not decline.
Addie shares her wisdom on overcoming shame, the importance of body-based healing, and how emotional wellbeing and pleasure are deeply intertwined. She also unpacks the transformative potential of somatic therapy and how we can start feeling more confident, connected and turned on – no matter our age or relationship status.
What You’ll Learn:
- Common myths about libido, ageing and desire
- How shame and trauma get stored in the body – and what to do about it
- The role of somatic therapy in rekindling intimacy and self-trust
- Simple, empowering practices to reconnect with your body at home
- Why the best sex of your life could still be ahead of you
- How to navigate intimacy in both long-term relationships and new dynamics
About Our Guest:
Adriene Cobcroft is a clinical sexologist and somatic psychotherapist who specialises in helping women reclaim pleasure, autonomy and embodied wellbeing through all life stages. She’s also part of the sold-out Beaker Street Festival event Come Again: An Evening of Sex and Science. Learn more about Addie’s work via the Beaker Street Festival or her private practice based in Hobart (adrienecobcroft.com).
For more great menopause-related content, be sure to head to preventionaus.com.au and subscribe to Prevention magazine.
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Dryness, breakouts, sensitivity, dullness... if your skin suddenly feels like it’s going through a second puberty, you’re not imagining it. In this episode of Thriving in Menopause, Prevention editor Zoe Meunier is joined by Vanessa Gray Lyndon, founder of Vanessa Megan Naturaceutical Skincare, to delve into what’s really going on beneath the surface of our skin during perimenopause and menopause – and how we can support it naturally.
A formulation expert and passionate advocate for hormone-safe beauty, Vanessa explains how declining oestrogen affects skin health, from collagen loss and dehydration to increased sensitivity and pigmentation. She shares the science behind effective ingredients and which could be doing you more harm than good, as well as non-skincare treatments such as dermal massage and how it can help support your skin.
Whether your skincare needs a reboot or you're simply trying to decode all the new changes, this is an empowering listen that proves midlife skin can absolutely thrive – with a little know-how and a lot of self-kindness.
Links & Resources:
- Vanessa Megan Naturaceutical Skincare
- The Nasty Nine ingredients to avoid
- Apps for ingredient safety: Think Dirty and EWG’s Healthy Living
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe – and pick up a copy of Prevention Magazine for more expert advice on thriving through every stage of life.
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Stress can feel like a constant unwanted companion during midlife – whether it's the overwhelming mental load of family and work, changing hormones, or adjusting to the next chapter of life. In this insightful episode, we’re joined by clinical and forensic psychologist Kirstin Bouse, founder of All About Her, to explore how women can better manage stress during the menopause transition.
Drawing on decades of experience, Kirstin offers practical insights to help women build emotional resilience and make sense of the internal shifts that often accompany perimenopause and menopause. It's a validating and empowering conversation for anyone who feels like they’re running on empty.
About Kirstin Bouse:
Kirstin is a registered clinical and forensic psychologist with over 25 years of experience. She’s also the founder of All About Her, a hub where you can find health professionals and resources to support women through menopause.
A sought-after speaker, facilitator and writer, Kirstin combines deep clinical knowledge with a relatable and down-to-earth approach that resonates with women from all walks of life. She's passionate about helping women navigate life’s messier moments with clarity and compassion.
Links and Resources:
- Learn more about All About Her: www.allabouthercentre.com.au
- Connect with Kirstin on Instagram: @allabouthercentre; @kirstinbousepsych; @themidlifepsychologist
Connect with Us:
- Visit www.preventionaus.com.au
- Follow Prevention on Instagram: @preventionaus
- Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review - your feedback helps us reach more women navigating midlife.
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While menopause is typically a natural transition, medically-induced menopause is another scenario altogether, coming at a time in a woman's life when she is already undergoing serious health challenges.
To understand more on the subject, we’re joined on the podcast by Professor Martha Hickey, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne (since Feb 2010) and Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University, CT. She is the lead in a world-first study, What Happens After Menopause (WHAM), that explores just how women who experience medically-induced menopause are affected. The findings might surprise you!
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This episode of the podcast focuses on a menopausal symptom that is very common but can be quite distressing to experience - female pattern hair loss. From an ever-widening hair part to temples that are creeping backwards, the good news is there is much to be done to halt the thinning. Our expert to guide us through the options is Chelcey Salinger IAT, a consultant trichologist at the Australian Trichology Centre, Sydney and Adelaide, (www.hairlossspecialist.com.au) who specialises in hair loss, baldness, alopecia areata, hair breakage, hair damage, psoriasis and other scalp problems in women and men.
Chelcey is the executive director of the International Association of Trichologists (USA). She is involved in the education of Trichologists, tutoring students all over the world and supervising the clinical training of students in Australia. To find a registered trichologist, visit www.iattrichology.com.
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There has been an explosion of interest in recent years in the gut microbiome, but in contrast, the vaginal microbiome is largely undiscussed. Understanding this delicate habitat is never more essential than during perimenopause and menopause, when the microbiome can undergo significant changes, leading to a range of health conditions.
To help us learn more about how we can support our vaginal flora through this transition and optimise our vaginal health, we are joined by Dr Moira Bradfield Strydom (PhD), the founder of Intimate Ecology clinical and education services. A Naturopath, educator and researcher with over 20 years clinical experience, she has a passion for helping people experience optimal health in sustainable and sensible ways.
Clinically, she has a niche interest in recurrent vaginal infections, optimal vaginal and genitourinary health, hormones and the genitourinary microbiomes.
Moira completed a PhD through Griffith University which focused on the vaginal microbiome and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. She also holds a Bachelor of Naturopathy and a Masters degree in Acupuncture.
In addition to her role as a Naturopath, Moira has lectured extensively at a tertiary level and in the area of holistic genitourinary health, educating her fellow practitioners to offer support in an often-overlooked area.
Find out more about Moira and her services at www.intimateecology.com.au
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The mental health effects of perimenopause can be severe and swift - often arriving at a time in a woman's life when she may have no other symptoms and be completely unaware of what is happening to her.
Craig Gaunt became aware of this knowledge gap after losing his wife, Debbie, to suicide in 2019, following severe and sudden mental health issues that have since been partially attributed to the hormonal effects of perimenopause.
To honour Debbie, the Gaunt family set up the Debbie Gaunt Foundation, which works to fund projects aimed at providing a greater understanding of the mental health impacts of perimenopause and other conditions that affect women's mental health. To find out more, head to debbiegauntfoundation.com.au
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Meno belly, the accumulation of belly fat and increased weight in the mid-section that occurs during peri and menopause, can be one of the most bothersome parts of the transition for many women, especially when compounded by uncomfortable bloating. We unpack what causes both, and what steps women can take to lessen their impact.
To guide us through the subject is Dr Ceri Cashell, a GP from Sydney’s Northern Beaches who specialises in hormones and their impact on health, in particular for women during peri/menopause. She is also a co-founder of Healthy Hormones (www.healthyhormones.au), an online menopause community offering free learning and support for health professionals and all Australians.
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For a life transition that happens to 50 per cent of the population, menopause has no shortage of misconceptions and confusion surrounding it. To help us dispel some of the biggest misunderstandings about menopause, we're joined in this episode by Dr Sarah White. Dr White is the Chief Executive Officer of Jean Hailes for Women's Health (www.jeanhailes.org.au), Australia's leading non-governmental organisation providing women's health information and education to the general public and health professionals. She's also a member of the National Women's Health Advisory Council and the Therapeutic Goods Administration's Women's Health Products Group, and is still actively involved in women's health research today.
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Welcome to this special extended podcast in honour of International Women's Day, in which we are joined by three special guests to address a crucial issue: women's healthcare rights, and how we can go about closing the gender health gap. Helping us to unpack what the gender health gap is, how it impacts women and what is being done to close the gap, we are joined by the following inspiring women:
Dr Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women's Health, Australia's leading non-governmental organisation providing women's health information and education to the general public and health professionals; and member of the National Women's Health Advisory Council, which provides the Australian Government with advice and recommendations to improve health outcomes for women in Australia
Shelly Horton, TV journalist, keynote speaker and media personality, renowned perimenopause and menopause warrior, and co-creator of online courses about confidence, health advocacy and peri and menopause in the workplace.
Dr Romy Listo, Deputy Chair of the Australian Women's Health Alliance, and a 2024 Churchill Fellowship recipient investigating models to support and destigmatise reproductive health in the workplace.
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Professor Sharon Naismith is a clinical neuropsychologist from the Brain and Mind Centre and Charles Perkins Centre, who is leading a world-first project looking at the focus of sleep disruption in accelerating cognitive decline, which can lead to dementia. On today's podcast episode, Professor Naismith helps us understand why sleep problems are so rife during menopause and how we can ensure our sleep issues are put to bed before they go on to cause serious health issues later in life.
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When we're feeling fatigued, stressed and burned out - not to mention grappling with menopausal symptoms - carving out time for ourselves can seem like an impossible task. But as life coach Danielle Colley explains in this episode, ensuring that we are allowing ourselves the necessary amount of work, rest and play in our lives, is absolutely crucial for our health and wellbeing, and can even make our menopause journey smoother. She explains how we can go about it.
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In November 2023, an inquiry on Issues related to menopause and perimenopause was referred to the Senate Community Affairs Committee. Co-sponsored by Labor Senator Marielle Smith and Greens Senator Larissa Waters, the motion hoped to shine a light on menopause and the physical, social, economic, mental and wellbeing impacts for women. Lasting nine months and following 266 written submissions as well as public hearings in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth, the Committee reported its findings in September of this year. Today on the podcast, Senator Marielle Smith joins us to share the recommendations and what they could mean for women's health in the future. To see the full list of recommendations, visit www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause/Report
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In this podcast episode, we welcome back Michelle Bridges, fitness icon and mastermind of the 12WBT program and her new menopause-specific program, The Menopause Method. Today, we explore the many ways that exercise supports our bodies through the menopausal journey and focus on the kinds of exercise we should be doing to best support our health and wellbeing as we enter into this phase of our lives and beyond. If you need some motivation to kickstart you into moving more, you've come to the right place! 12wbt.com
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Sexologist Christine Rafe is a sex and relationships expert for Womanizer, a brand dedicated to supporting women's sexual health and pleasure. Womanizer recently teamed up with the Kinsey Institute, world renowned for its research on human sexuality, to conduct a fascinating new study that looks at the importance of both masturbation and sex as effective tools for helping to manage menopausal symptoms. In this podcast, Christine shares details about the study and how we can go about enjoying the benefits for ourselves. womanizer.com/au
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Accredited practising dietitian and bestselling author Jaime Rose Chambers has now written a new book, The Peri Diet. In this podcast episode, Jaime shares her best tips for eating for a happy and healthy perimenopause and beyond. Learn which foods can help to minimise your symptoms, control menopausal weight gain, combat the key hormonal changes that occur at this time of life and set you up to for a long, healthy future.
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Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM is a psychiatrist and researcher at Monash University, internationally acknowledged as a leader and expert in the field of women’s mental health, in particular, for her innovative work on reproductive hormones and mental illness. In this episode of the podcast, Professor Kulkarni will be discussing mental ill health during menopause, particularly depression and anxiety, and shares what needs to be done to help women experiencing these symptoms.
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'Menopause mouth' is a term that reflects the many changes and symptoms that can affect our mouths throughout the menopause transition, from dry mouth to 'burning tongue', to gum issues and bad breath. To talk us through how we can best combat these symptoms, we're joined in this episode by dentist to the stars, Dr Gamer Verdian, Chief Executive Officer at D-Group, which encompasses both the luxurious Dental Lounge in Sydney’s Double Bay, as well as Dental 99, which offers essential dental treatments for as little as $99. @DrGamerVerdian @DentalLoungeSydney www.dentallounge.com.au
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Dr Gemma Munro is an internationally recognised, award-winning speaker and presenter with a PhD in performance psychology. Through her talks with global audiences (including Google, Amazon and Paypal), as well as her online coaching program, she's a catalyst for immediate and sustained shifts in mindset, behaviours and results.
Dr Gemma sees perimenopause and menopause as a portal of transformation, encouraging women to harness the amazing power that comes with this stage of midlife to transform it into a catalyst for positive change, rather than a stage of life we need to "get through".
In this podcast, she shares how we can tap into this power and embrace a new way of living, no longer bound by the influence of others or society in general and able to embrace our own desires and dreams. drgemmamunro.com
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Professor Rodney Baber is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, and Past President of the International Menopause Society and Australasian Menopause Society. In this episode, Professor Baber explains what really happens inside our bodies when we experience hot flushes and night sweats, and the latest treatments available to minimise their impact on our lives.
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Dr Judy Craig is a GP, Cosmetic Physician and the medical director and founder of Natural Looks Cosmetic Medicine in WA (naturallooks.com.au). In this podcast episode, Dr Craig shares how women can overcome the changes and challenges presented by menopause, to continue enjoying a fulfilling sex life. This includes addressing a range of menopausal symptoms including vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, incontinence, delayed or impaired orgasm and reduced libido, all part of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).
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Bridget Foliaki-Davis is a Sydney-based/Auckland-raised award-winning chef, qualified nutritionist, and author of six cookbooks, who has cooked on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Faced with her own significant health challenges, including obesity, fatty liver disease and pre-diabetes, she learnt about the importance of gut health to assist her in managing her conditions. Not only did she lose weight and transform her health, she also vastly improved her debilitating perimenopausal symptoms.
In this podcast, she explains the importance of good gut health during menopause, and shares her unique no-exercise, food-based approach to weight management, gut health and mental stability, which thousands of people worldwide have followed to help them lose weight and gain health sustainably, via the Bridget’s Healthy Kitchen digital recipe books and ingredients and her 28 Day Boost Camp online gut health boot camp. Check out www.bridgets.shop for more
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Can the way we think about the menopause transition have an impact on our experience of it as a whole? And if so, how do we go about changing our attitude towards menopause to make this life change more successful?
In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr Emmanuella Noble shares helpful tips on how to reframe your perspective on menopause and, in doing so, make your menopausal experience both easier and more positive.
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Increasingly popular as a weight management tool, intermittent fasting is also an effective way to harness our bodies' own healing abilities to achieve optimum health, slow ageing and help manage our menopause symptoms.
Dr Mindy Pelz, author of best-selling books Fast like a Girl and The Menopause Reset, explains the most effective methods for women to follow a fasting lifestyle while working in harmony with their hormones. She also outlines how intermittent fasting, nutrition and lifestyle changes to help conquer our menopause symptoms, prevent disease and combat the dreaded menopausal weight gain.
A world-renowned women’s health expert on a mission to empower women, Dr Mindy's YouTube channel has garnered over 60 million lifetime views.
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With the changes in body composition that can often come about during midlife and menopause, dressing to accommodate and flatter our unfamiliar body shapes can require a change in strategy. Sally Manhire, a personal stylist specialising in midlife women, guides us through the steps we need to take to learn to love our wardrobes again and feel comfortable and stylish in our fashion choices, even in the midst of a hot flush.
Sally is a Gold Coast-based personal stylist and the co-founder of @HowTwoStyle_Midlife, who thrives on empowering women in their 40s and 50s to look and feel their best.
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There is undoubtedly a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding about menopause... starting with the simple matter of how the various stages of menopause are classified. Menopause expert Dr Kelly Teagle talks us through the different hormonal changes and symptoms of each menopausal stage and explains why it's so important to be vigilant with our medical screenings during these transitions. She also discusses the various menopause treatments.
A GP in Canberra specialising in menopause, at age 42 Dr Kelly Teagle experienced the severe symptoms of an early menopause, prompting her to create the WellFemme Telehealth Menopause clinic. WellFemme now has 17 doctors and thousands of grateful clients around Australia. Kelly recently launched the Next Phase Women’s Wellness program for women in the menopausal transition; she also writes blog articles and is a women’s health speaker.
Kelly has created a discount code for Thriving in Menopause listeners for $50 off the Next Phase women’s wellness program: simply use the code THRIVE at checkout. https://www.nextphasewellness.com/
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When menopause starts affecting our ability to perform our jobs, many of us feel we need to suffer in silence - or worse yet, leave our positions or take a lesser role. Talking about menopause within the workplace often seems like a taboo subject, but things are starting to shift. Recruitment expert Sarah Piper is a champion of flexible and inclusive workplaces. She explains our workplace rights and details what forward-thinking companies need to do to support menopausal women at work.
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We often don't think about the health of our bones until it's too late. Health expert Michelle Bridges explains why menopause is a critical time for bone health and how we can make sure our skeleton is as strong as it can be in later life. The mastermind behind the hugely successful 12 Week Body Transformation (12WBT) program, Michelle has now launched The Menopause Method, a diet, fitness and mindset program to assist women through this phase of their lives.
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Psycho-sexologist, scientist, and sex and relationship expert Chantelle Otten joins us on the podcast to discuss the reasons our sex lives and libido can be challenged during the perimenopause years, as well as advising on the options available to help us navigate this transition to achieve greater intimacy and satisfaction.
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Dr Ginni Mansberg has been a GP for over 30 years, specialising in women's health and menopause. In this episode, she shares her wealth of knowledge on how we can deal with one of menopause's more irritating symptoms, itchy and dry skin, in every imaginable part of our bodies!
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One of the UK's most influential menopause warriors, Dr Louise Newson is the founder of the Balance App and website, and her mission is to help women around the world get the best support and treatment for their menopause symptoms. She shares her valuable insights on the future of menopause care and why we need a total rethink of the way we look at and treat perimenopause and menopause.
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Dr Talat Uppal is a gynaecologist and the Founder and Director of Women’s Health
Road – an innovative, digitally integrated, multidisciplinary obstetrics and gynaecology centre. She is passionate about women's health and has a special interest in helping women navigate heavy periods, a common menopausal condition.
“Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common condition and is really a problem with many solutions, and I encourage women to proactively seek medical care, for such a fixable issue," she says.
“I consider it one of the biggest energy vampires robbing women of their quality of life. I
constantly hear regret as to why some of the best years of life were compromised for want of not knowing about the various treatments available or inertia to seek help in a timely way."
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Dr Gemma Sharp is a researcher and senior clinical psychologist at Monash University, specialising in body image and eating disorders. She lends her valuable insights into why and how our self worth is impacted by the changes that happen to us during perimenopause, which has led to a rise in eating disorders for women in midlife.
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Journalist and author Kaz Cooke surveyed more than 8000 women about menopause and their frank, fearless responses inform Kaz' new book It's The Menopause. Told with candour, amusing illustrations and practical advice, the book is an essential guide for every woman navigating midlife. In this episode Kaz discusses some of the highlights.
Grab a copy of Kaz' book at the Prevention Book Club on Booktopia here.
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Once your periods stop, do all those annoying symptoms vanish? In this episode, menopause specialist Dr Fatima Kahn returns to discuss how life feels after menopause. Dr Kahn treats women on both sides of menopause at the Agora Centre at Epworth Hospital in Melbourne. She also runs the informative Instagram page Menopause Specialist.
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Women's health physiotherapist Caitlin Dunsford explains why your bladder can become less reliable in your 40s and 50s; from suffering embarrassing little leaks when you laugh to waking up for the fourth time in the night with an overwhelming urge to pass urine. Caitlin discusses the reasons your bladder is letting you down, why it may be a symptom of other issues and what you can do about it.
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Jo Caminiti had no idea that what was happening to her had a name: perimenopause. And now she's determined to make sure other women know that menopause can come in many guises - and it's not always having hot flushes. Here she shares her story, and the signs and signals she didn't understand until much, much later. If you are in your 40s and your health is gets rocky, it's worth you and your doctor putting menopause on the table (despite how remote 'menopause' may seem). Here's the Australian Menopause Society's symptom checklist.
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Many doctors have little training in menopause. In fact they can fail to recognise the signs, and aren't equipped to help women through menopause. So in this episode Dr Sarah White, who is CEO of the Jean Hailes women's health clinics, talks about how to discuss menopause with your GP and get the help and support you need. You can find the Jean Hailes symptom tracker here. Using it can be an effective way to discuss your health problems with your doctor.
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When nutritionist Faye James hit her mid 40s she found herself piling on kilos around her belly. As someone who had always eaten healthily she was bewildered, and decided to investigate. The result is a cookbook, The Menopause Diet, which Faye and her photographer husband Darrin James have created, packed with very simple nutritious recipes that lean into the foods we need more of during menopause, and avoid ingredients known to trigger hot flushes and weight gain. In this episode Faye shares her story.
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Journalist Melissa Doyle and her best friend Naima Brown discuss how women can find confidence and pride in approaching our 50s. Their book How to Age Against The Machine explores many facets of life after 40, with a view to empowering others. In this episode Melissa and Naima candidly share how during the writing of this book they've reframed their own outlook on ageing and how they've come to feel great about midlife.
Grab a copy of How to Age Against the Machine from Prevention's Book Club here.
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It's surprisingly common for women to feel restless, disappointed or just less happy in our 40s and 50s. In fact, researchers have found that we tend to hit the bottom of the happiness curve in midlife. So how do we find our way back to feeling joyful and inspired by life again?
In this episode clinical psychologist Dr Emmanuella Murray shares how to set yourself on the path back to happiness and live your best life at midlife.
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Among the many roles oestrogen plays in our bodies, it turns out that it is important in cushioning our joints. In this episode Rebecca Sabine, senior physiotherapist at Adelaide's Vital Core Physiotherapy, explains what happens to our joints as our oestrogen fluctuates during perimenopause. She also offers valuable advice for what you can do to keep your joints strong and healthy at midlife.
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Female alcohol and binge drinking coach Kathryn Elliott shares her own journey to sobriety and discusses tips and tricks to help women drink less.
You can find Melbourne-based Kathryn Elliott at www.thealcoholmindsetcoach.com
Or, if you are looking for support from elsewhere in Australia, find coaches near you at www.alcoholcoachesaustralia.com.au
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It’s a fact that two thirds of women experience ‘brain fog’, during perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause. And it’s natural to wonder, is this the start of a slippery slope to dementia?
GP Dr Ginni Mansberg, author of Save Your Brain, discusses what causes women to start to feel fuzzy-brained during perimenopause, and if there's a link to dementia. She also reveals the important lifestyle changes in your 40s and 50s that can have a huge impact on your risk of developing dementia later on. Because studies now show that up to a third of dementia cases can be prevented entirely, and in the rest can be delayed by as much as five years by doing things now to protect your brain.
You can also purchase Dr Ginni Mansberg's great new book Save Your Brain here.
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What are the first signs of perimenopause? Unlike the much easier signal, years earlier, that you were having your first period, there's no specific sign or marker of this transition. And because the process starts many years before actual 'menopause' (which is, officially, 1 year after your last period) it usually happens in our early to mid 40s.
For TV presenter Shelly Horton it was an enormous shock when her doctor suggested she was perimenopausal. “I'm like, hang on a minute, I'm 46! I'm hot! What the hell?! Menopause is for old ladies with grey hair, clutching their pearls. And they have hot flushes and then their periods stop. That's all that happens. Right? Like I had no idea!"
It has led Shelly to become, a self-described 'peri warrior'. And together with GP Dr Ginni Mansberg she now offers webinars and workshops to support women through perimenopause, and also to teach businesses how to support their own staff. Find out more at Don't Sweat It. Plus, she's conducting a weekend-long retreat on Hamilton Island, from June 16-18 2023, for women to meet others and to learn and be inspired.
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Whether it’s about your clothes getting tight, or anxiety about your partner seeing you naked, you are not alone. In fact, this kind of body self-criticism causes many of us to have a troubled relationship with eating, says dietitian Lyndi Cohen, author of ‘Your Weight is not the Problem’. In this episode Lindy details tips and strategies to cut the negative self-talk and develop a healthy relationship with food and with your body.
Get Lyndi's book Your Weight Is Not The Problem through Prevention's Book Club here
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In this episode Dr Fatima Khan, a highly skilled menopause and perimenopause doctor, discusses the fundamental pillars every woman needs to be aware of in order to thrive during menopause. Over decades of treating menopausal women, she has found that there is no point taking a pill without addressing these underlying issues. Here, Dr Khan supplies daily management strategies for your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
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Why is it that some people manage to lose weight then see it slip straight back on, while others keep it off for good? Dr Gina Cleo has the answers. Gina is one of the world's leading habit change experts. In this episode she shares the surprisingly simple tweaks that will make it easy for you to stick with healthy habits, and recognise the unseen triggers that may be sabotaging them. Learn how to avoid mindless snacking (or that sneaky glass of wine after dinner) to making fitness a regular part of your routine and whatever else you hope to change to enjoy a healthy life during midlife.
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Confidence coach Mel Schilling is a former psychologist and currently the relationship coach on Married At First Sight in Australia and the UK. In this episode she shares powerful tips to build your confidence and navigate a positive outlook through the ups and downs of midlife.
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Find the questionnaire Mel discusses to define your personal strengths here
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Grab a copy of Mel's book The C Word (Confidence), here.
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Dietitian Susie Burrell joins us to chat about belly fat and how our nutrition needs change during midlife, and what you should be eating more of. She also shares which of the popular diets really work - is it keto, 5:2, low carb or intermittent fasting that's best for long-term weight loss.
You can hear more nutrition advice from Susie on her podcast The Nutrition Couch
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Taking us through gentle moves that can ease menopause symptoms is yoga teacher Justine Thompson, who runs workshops for perimenopausal women. Rest assured, there's no headstands or mantra chanting involved. Studies have proven that simple yoga moves and yoga-style slow, deep breathing can help us with the physical and emotional upheavals around midlife. You'll want to try these simple moves at home!
For more details about Justine and her workshops click here.
Here's what research has shown about the benefits of yoga:
Less hot flushes and better quality of life
Slower breathing lowers heart rate and creates calm
Deep slow breathing creates greater clarity and better decision-making
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This episode is essential listening for every couple. Get your partner to hear this one episode - it could be a game-changer for your relationship! GP and menopause expert Dr Ginni Mansberg discusses the healthiest way to navigate mood swings, night sweats and, most importantly, what you should both know about sex and intimacy during menopause. Straight-talking Dr Ginni shares important no-holds-barred truths. Note: this episode contains explicit content.
Dr Ginni Mansberg has written the comprehensive bible on menopause The M Word- you can purchase it at Prevention's Book Club on the link on book title.
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Dry, sore eyes...blurry vision... these are common problems in our 40s and 50s - and the good news is there are simple fixes. In this final episode of series 4, optometrist Greeshma Patel from Specsavers makes sense of the changes you might be experiencing in your peepers, and shares surprising insights into how you can protect your sight and keep scratchy, dry, red eyes at bay.
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Think of this as a bedtime story with a happy ending. If you wake up in a tangle of sweaty sheets, or find yourself staring endlessly at the ceiling, psychologist Dr Moira Junge, head of the Sleep Health Foundation, shares some practical advice to help you get a good night's sleep.
Here's more practical tips from our website:
- How to Get Better Sleep After 40
- 12 Natural Remedies for Better Sleep
- 10 Things that Sabotage Your Sleep After 40
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Accidentally weeing when you laugh... a urinary tract infection...a vagina that's painfully tight...these and other problems 'down there' happen to a surprising number of us! In this episode pelvic health physiotherapist Heba Shaheed comes to our aid. She explains the changes that happen to our pelvic floor as a normal part of going through our 40s and 50s, and the wide range of niggles and embarassing problems that can happen as a result. The good news is that with the right help, most of the time these problems can be completely fixed. Find out what you can do in this no-holds-barred episode.
Heba Shaheed is a Jean Hailes' Women's Health Week champion. You can find more useful resources about your pelvic floor, bladder and bowel health at the Jean Hailes website here.
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Our hair is a defining part of who we are, so if we notice it start thinning or if we find strands of shed hair all over the place, it can be really distressing. But it's very common. In fact, it happens to many of us after menopause, or after a course of medication. Doctors may prescribe sticky lotions that you need to use every day which is, quite frankly, a pain. But there are other, better ways. Trichologist Carolyn Evans-Frost specialises in treating hair loss and scalp problems. In this episode she shares valuable tips in how we can remedy hair thinning and possibly delay the greys as well!
Find out more about Carolyn and her Brisbane-based hair clinic Absolique Hair Health here.
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Good news! Neuropsychiatrist Dr Louann Brizendine is revolutionising the way we think about menopause, which she refers to instead as The Upgrade. She has been studying the changes that take place in our brains during and after menopause and says, “we are not defined by our declining hormones.” In this episode she explains how our brains really do change during and after menopause, and shares the science of why we get happier every decade of our life.
You can buy Dr Louann Brizendine's book The Upgrade through Prevention's Book Club here!
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Alison Brahe Daddo, who once graced the covers of Dolly and Cleo, drops into the studio for an unfiltered chat about her shifting hormones and changing body. As she muses…“Even the Kardashians will go through menopause!” She can laugh about it now, but some of her experiences will resonate with every woman. As a bonus we have an extract from her book Queen Menopause on the link here.
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Throughout history menopause has been shrouded in myth and superstition. Niki Bezzant, author of This Changes Everything, discusses some of the strange treatments and 'cures' that male doctors and healers have inflicted on women when they reached the end of their reproductive lives. From ancient Rome to as recently as the 1960s, these 'remedies' range from the odd to the tragic and, with our modern understanding, frankly infuriating.
Get Niki Bezzant's book This Changes Everything - The Honest Guide to Menopause and Perimenopause at a special Prevention discount through our Book Club here.
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That voice inside our head always seems to judge what we didn't do well, never what we did. So how do we reframe this? Melbourne author Madeleine Dore's book “I Didn’t Do the Thing Today” looks at the kind of productivity guilt we all suffer and she points up some of the simple traps that might be unwittingly making you less happy than you deserve to be.
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The skin doctor will see you now! Cutting through all the beauty industry hype, dermatologist Dr Shyamalar Gunatheesan discusses all the skin concerns that you may be wondering about: from dryness and age spots, to rosacea, frown lines and that 'tired' look you can't shake. And she explains the ABC of getting your glow back.
Dermatologist Shyamalar Gunatheesan is the founding dermatologist at ODE Dermatology in Melbourne. You can follow her on Instagram here.
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In this explicit episode, Dr Kelly Teagle delivers straight-forward answers to questions you probably don’t ask your girlfriends. We discuss how our changing hormones impact everything from the look of our sexual organs to the way they respond to sex. Menopause also affects arguably our most important sexual organ – the brain. And this impacts everything from our level of interest in sex to our ability to get aroused. Understanding all of this can help you find new ways to enjoy sex and possibly have the most satisfying and happy sex of your life.
Our guest Dr Kelly Teagle, is a GP who specialises in women’s health at her telehealth clinic Wellfemme. Wellfemme’s online assessment tool can help you highlight the health issues and treatments for your stage of peri/menopause. And you can watch her webinar: Sexual Problems at Menopause
WARNING: This episode contains explicit content
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Learn simple ways to shift unwelcome kilos – they're radically good, because they are so very doable, and don’t involve dieting! Nutritionist Michele Chevalley Hedge, author of Eat, Drink and Still Shrink, shares smart hacks to ‘nudge the dial’ towards better health, just by gently tweaking your regular daily habits into better, lighter ones. Michele will discuss her ‘gin and sonic’ and other not-so-guilty pleasures! As she explains, once you start making these small everyday changes, you’ll not only notice your waist band loosen, but you’ll also rediscover that youthful spark of energy and vitality.
Want to grab a copy of Michele’s book? Get it at a special price here at Prevention’s Booktopia Book Club!
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Brain fog – why can't I think straight?
It's a common fear when you start forgetting names, wondering why you just walked into a room, struggling to concentrate…that what if this is the start of dementia? It's a proven fact that this cloudy thinking becomes worse for many of us around perimenopause. But the good news is that most times these aren't early signs of dementia. In this episode Dr Caroline Gurvich, a clinical neuropsychologist at Monash University in Melbourne, discusses the research she is doing into menopausal brain fog and explains all: why it happens and what we can do about it.
Dr Gurvich is looking for recruits for her study. All that’s required is filling in a simple half-hour questionnaire. If you’re between 45 and 60, you can take this online questionnaire here.
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We're back with a new season that's packed with fresh inspo and info to help you thrive! Here's a sneak peak at what's in store when Series 3 launches on Monday, February 28.
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During menopause, this midway point in life, it's not uncommon for women to feel stuck in a rut, or perhaps a little bit disappointed by how life’s turned out at. So in this episode we help you clear the path to a really rewarding next chapter. Michelle Seelig, is a midlife transition counsellor and coach shares strategies to help you rediscover joy, and live a life you truly love.
Michelle Seelig runs the Live Well Playground in Melbourne. https://thelivewellplayground.com.au/about-michelle-seelig-midlife-counsellor-coach/
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Award-winning makeup artist Amanda Ramsay is ‘pro-ageing’. Her mission is to deliver confidence to women at midlife. Amanda explains the key changes that happen to our skin around menopause and the essential skincare regimen that can restore a healthy ‘glow’. Plus, she imparts smart tips for applying makeup so you look confidently polished and radiant. Don't miss this!
Amanda Ramsay offers online makeup masterclasses exclusively tailored to women 40+. Visit https://www.amandaramsay.com.au/
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Many of us go around judging ourselves and at the same time feeling wild outbursts of anger, frustration and sadness that can all brought on by our see-sawing hormones. What if there was a lighter way you could be – no medication required? Mindfulness coach Charlotte Thaarup shares tips for managing frustrating real life scenarios with grace and calm. And she coaches us through a simple technique to stop, pause and live in more in the moment. Learn how to swap the noisy destructive chatter in our heads with a life-changing sense of calm.
Charlotte Thaarup is a world-renowned, clinical mindfulness consultant and transformative educator. She is the director of The Mindfulness Clinic. Her Mindful Leadership program has been researched by Macquarie University and her Six Mindful Steps to Loving the Body and Freeing the Mind is currently being researched through Western Sydney University. Find out more about her mindfulness courses here: https://themindfulnessclinic.com.au/
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Amanda Thebe is a force of nature for women who are experiencing menopause hell and want to start feeling healthy and fit in their 40s and beyond. In episode 1 of this series she shared her own story, and in this episode she's back with a veritable toolkit of practical ways to look after your health at midlife. She explains how to avoid weight gain, overcoming emotional eating, soothe stress and anxiety, recharge your energy and rediscover the inner happy you.
Amanda's lively Facebook group is called Menopausing So Hard .
Buy Amanda's book Menopocalypse through Prevention's online book club by pasting this link: https://www.booktopia.com.au/books-online/prevention-book-club/l100673-p1.html
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Hot flushing when talking to your boss, a memory that now has more holes than swiss cheese... menopause can make us feel less confident in our jobs. In this episode workplace and wellbeing coach Thea O'Connor shares game-changing tips and tactics for when our hormones invade us at work. Learn how to sail through with confidence.
Learn more about Thea's online program The Change to help menopausal women thrive in their workplace here: https://www.thea.com.au/the-change/
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A subtle, progressive shift in our hormones can start as early as our late 30s, and it creates a raft of changes in our body and our brain. While it’s different for every woman, this can include mood swings, migraines, depression, loss of confidence and feeling like you’re not yourself anymore. Author and fitness coach Amanda Thebe dubs it the ‘Menopocalypse’. In this episode Amanda describes her harrowing journey through perimenopause, from her debilitating symptoms to how she behaved with her family (badly), and how she was able to claim back control, shed the symptoms and regain her confidence. It’s an inspiring story with many useful lessons for anyone who thinks they may be going (just a little bit) crazy during menopause.
RESOURCES Find a doctor near you who has a special interest in helping women through menopause via the Australasian Menopause Society: https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/find-an-ams-doctor
Use a symptom tracker: Download this resource by the Australasian Menopause Society to keep a record of the type, frequency and duration of your symptoms before speaking to your doctor, so they can determine the best treatment for you: https://www.menopause.org.au/images/stories/education/docs/AMS_Diagnosing_Menopause_Symptom_score_sheet_2015.pdf
Or try this friendly website with its free app lets you record your symptoms on your phone. It's based in the UK, but let's face it, menopause is universal: https://www.balance-menopause.com/
Amanda Thebe's Facebook group is called Menopausing So Hard.
Get Amanda's book Menopocalypse through Prevention's book club - just paste this link: https://www.booktopia.com.au/prevention/promo3538.html?irclickid=xwJ3vh2KPxyIW6D2YnW0fUvaUkBXf1z6TR8Pys0&bk_source=2713656&bk_source_id=2713656&irgwc=1&utm_campaign=Nextmedia&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Impact
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Season Two of Thriving in Menopause is on its way! The new series starts on Monday, October 18, 2021, which is World Menopause Day. Think of this 6-part series as your menopause toolkit. You'll learn practical tips for so many parts of your life, from how to manage embarrassing hot flushes in public, to how to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. And there's even professional makeup tips to boost your confidence and take years off. Most of all, in this season we'll dive into how, even when your hormones make feel like you're riding a bucking bronco, you can feel calmer, saner, and happier - and don't we all want that! Make sure you subscribe to this podcast season, and we'll have fresh episodes dropping weekly. In the meantime, grab a copy of Prevention magazine, where you can find so much more information about thriving in midlife. See you soon!
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In this final episode, comedian Julia Morris shares hilarious stories of her own menopausal adventures. She opens up about the professional counselling she went through to relieve her menopausal mood swings. “I wanted to stab people!” she says. Julia also shares some valuable advice on being kind to yourself at this sensitive time. Yes, there’s practical tools from Julia, along with a few great belly laughs to help us sail happily through menopause and beyond.
CREDITS Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE? Visit preventionaus.com.au
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Three out of four women suffer from a pretty crappy sex life during menopause – though it’s hardly something we talk about. Common symptoms are not feeling in the mood, suffering from dry or painful sex, and physical changes down there. But all is not lost as sexologist Tracey Cox, author of Great Sex Starts at 50, talks frankly and offers practical advice to maintaining a happy, healthy sexual relationship. Warning: this episode includes graphic content.
CREDITS Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE? Visit preventionaus.com.au
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The good news is that there are great treatments available to nip your menopause symptoms in the bud. They'll not just take away the hot flushes, but soothe the mood swings, restore sleep and make you feel like yourself again. GP Dr Ginni Mansberg, author of The M Word, talks about the latest the evidence around HRT: Is it really safe? What kinds of symptoms does it treat? And if you want an all-natural option, Ginni shares what science shows really works – you’ll be surprised!
CREDITS Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE? Visit preventionaus.com.au
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Yes, you may feel like you’re going a little crazy, but rest assured it’s not you, it’s your hormones. Psychologist Dr Emmanuella Murray talks about the common intense changes that our hormones can cause: If you feel like your normal happy self has been stolen, or if you suddenly want want to leap out and punch someone who cuts you off in traffic, you’ll know what we mean. Dr Emanuella discusses how it’s quite normal to feel overwhelmed by life, exhausted and lose any sense of fun. And she shares ways you can get out from under this emotional black fog. She also has some important advice on managing your relationship through this rocky time. It's a time when many women feel they need to ‘fix’ their lives by making radical decisions – quit a relationship, leave a job, or uproot their home in an effort find the stability and happiness that is missing. But before you do, Dr Emmanuella has some important advice.
CREDITS Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE? Visit preventionaus.com.au
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Why do so many of us notice weight creeping on - especially around our belly - during menopause? In this episode, Dr Joanna McMillan, leading nutrition scientist, author and creator of Get Lean, explains why our metabolism slows down. And she discusses why belly fat can be risky for our overall health, compared with 'bingo wings' and the other places we may have discovered added padding.
Dr Joanna guides us through how to curb weight gain without 'dieting'. She shares a range of simple 'tweaks' to your daily food choices and lifestyle habits, that will not only loosen that tight waist band, but can lead to feeling more energised, ease brain fog and boost your happiness.
CREDITS Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE? Visit preventionaus.com.au
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If you’re feeling overwhelmed by hot flushes, intense mood swings and exhaustion from another lousy night’s sleep, you’re not alone. In this episode GP Dr Ginni Mansberg, author of The M Word (Murdoch Books, $32.99), explains what's really going on with our bodies, and what changes you can expect as you navigate this roller coaster of hormones that take over your body somewhere between the ages of 40 and 60.
Dr Ginni answers the most common questions women ask, and shares down-to-earth advice for looking after of ourselves, soothing the symptoms, and caring for our mental health and happiness. Oh, and she has some nifty ways to ease hot flushes!
CREDITS Host: Andrea Duvall. Producer: Lizza Gebilagin. WANT MORE? Visit preventionaus.com.au
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Menopause can be a tricky time for a lot of us as strange things start happening to our bodies. From endless hot flushes, weight gain, sleepless nights, insane mood swings, and a barely-there libido. All of these symptoms can make it a really tough time.
Join Prevention's editor, Andrea Duvall, in this podcast series as she chats to some of the country's best health experts to discover simple ways to make midlife easier. Subscribe today to ensure you don't miss an episode.
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