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 conversation on menopause in Australia. Through powerful initiatives, Jo has reshaped the landscape of menopause awareness and policy. ...
Nov 07, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 95
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 health, shares her expertise on how comprehensive menopausal health education, support and bedding down healthy habits e...
Mar 21, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 94
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 adventure, you can use the opportunity to head back into the episode archives to discover stories that you may have mi...
Feb 22, 2024•2 min•Season 2Ep. 93
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 maintain your skin's vitality and resilience. Our chat offers a compassionate guide for women to fa...
Feb 15, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 92
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 of control. Key Points Discussed: 1. Journaling for Symptom Tracking : I highlight the importance of ...
Feb 08, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 91
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. We delve into the heart of the Menopause Inquiry and the mechanics behind the submission process which invites ...
Feb 01, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 90
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 and downs. Sharing experiences of her hormonal imbalances, this honest conversation with Dr. Khan h...
Jan 25, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 89
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 shift our drinking patterns. We're cracking open the dialogue on the subtle yet undeniable signs of when a...
Jan 18, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 88
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 relationship that's comfortable to one that's driven by passion is akin to crossing a tightrope with your heart as y...
Jan 11, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 87
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 in women's health, especially for conditions like POI that are often shrouded in silence. In the re...
Jan 04, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 86
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 how it impacts a woman's life. Opening up about periods is not just liberating—it's necessary. Talat also...
Dec 28, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 85
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 breaking free from stereotypes. Self-care and mental health take centre stage as we discuss these signif...
Dec 21, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 84
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 she also highlights the urgent need for education in this area. Dr. Menn's unfiltered discourse on he...
Dec 14, 2023•57 min•Season 2Ep. 83
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 intricacies of sleep stages and the pivotal role they play in achieving deep, restorative sleep. We discus...
Dec 07, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 82
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 board member at Revelation Film Festival and the host of 'Me Not Pause', Grace has been there, done that. Listen in...
Nov 30, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 81
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's story isn't just about surviving menopause; it's about thriving. She redefines societal expectations b...
Nov 23, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 80
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 traditional narrative around menopause, as we venture beyond hot flushes and libido changes. As the conversation progre...
Nov 16, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 79
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 elephant in the room - the physiological, emotional, and mental effects of estrogen decline during perim...
Nov 09, 2023•56 min•Season 2Ep. 78
Alex Isaac is back this week to discuss her surgically induced menopause following a risk-reducing hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy and the benefits of starting immediate hormone therapy. We also discuss Sarah, Alex's sister and her fight for hormone therapy, due to her breast cancer history, and the life-changing impact when she finally found a GP who supported her. We debate the urgent need for medical professionals to have a much deeper knowledge of menopause treatments and hormone the...
Nov 02, 2023•19 min•Season 2Ep. 77
Would you undergo risk-reducing surgery to potentially save your life? My guest, Alex Isaac, faced this question head-on when she discovered she was a carrier of the BRCA genetic mutation at the age of 30. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster ride as Alex bravely recounts her family's journey into the world of genetic mutations, which started with her sister's breast cancer diagnosis at 33 and led to her own life-altering decisions. Alex doesn't shy away from the hard truths of her expe...
Oct 26, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 76
How much do you truly know about menopause? Do you know the struggles women face while accessing adequate care for menopause-related issues? I'm joined by a passionate advocate for menopause education, UK expert, Dr Louise Newson. She shares her journey and insights as a GP who identified significant gaps in the healthcare system for women going through menopause. Listen on as we unravel the layers of this complex topic. Our conversation takes a critical look at patient care, highlighting the pr...
Oct 19, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 75
Hold onto your headphones! The Dear Menopause podcast is back with a bang, ready to hit your airwaves on Friday, October 20th. I'm your host, Sonya Lovell, and I've spent countless hours preparing truly enlightening conversations and securing interviews with some industry legends for our second season. From taboo topics to extraordinary personal experiences, we're pushing boundaries in season two. So set a reminder and join us for our first episode, which promises to be a revelation. And while y...
Oct 12, 2023•3 min•Season 2Ep. 75
What if you could change your perspective and embrace menopause as a positive transition rather than dreading it? Buckle up, as we, Sonya and Roma, challenge the fear-based narrative often associated with perimenopause and menopause, particularly on social media. We delve into the confusion caused by brands misusing the term 'peri' and the dire need to educate and inform women, especially in their mid to late 30s, about the onset of perimenopause. We're not just stopping there; we're also standi...
Aug 29, 2023•43 min
Have you tried to transform the way you think about food and nutrition? Join Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt as we dissect the language we use when we talk about food and examine the emotional attachments we form with what we eat. Sonya kicks things off by challenging us to set aside those damaging 'good' and 'bad' food labels and understand how they contribute to a seemingly unbreakable cycle of guilt and shame. We'll also scrutinize the impact of energy sources like sugar, caffeine, and alc...
Aug 22, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 73
As we age, the importance of a balanced approach to exercise becomes paramount, but where does Pilates fit into this mix? In this chat with Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt, we venture down the path of women's health and longevity, discussing Pilates and its role in overall fitness. We share our experiences and highlight the differences between mat and reformer Pilates. But don't be fooled; Pilates is not a cure-all. We emphasise the importance of aerobic exercise in combating cardiovascular d...
Aug 15, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Have you ever wondered how your lifestyle choices impact your biological versus chronological age or thought about the implications of being able to delay menopause? Join Sonya Lovell and Roma van der Walt in the Dear Menopause sub-series, Atomic Health, as we dive deep into these intriguing topics. Through our lively discussion, we'll peel back the layers on the hot issues of women's health, longevity and the unique factors that influence these areas. Let's challenge traditional perspectives to...
Aug 08, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Are you ready for a sprinkle of change? After 70 incredible episodes and some delightful bonuses, I've decided it's time for an intentional pause. But don't worry. This is not a permanent goodbye. Just as everyone needs a little break, so does Dear Menopause. I'm taking a hiatus, gathering fresh ideas, and will return with a new spark. Is there something more? Yes, indeed! As I step back, a little surprise is in the works. I've been quietly collaborating on a sub-series of Dear Menopause. You'll...
Aug 03, 2023•6 min•Season 1Ep. 70
What if there was a way to navigate your menopause transition while still thriving in your career? In this podcast, I sit down with Grace Molloy, the CEO and founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, as she sheds light on the often-overlooked journey of menopause and its impacts on women in the workplace. Grace shares valuable insights from her personal and professional experiences, stressing the importance of awareness, support, and open conversations for women to flourish in this significant li...
Jul 27, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 69
What happens when a woman in her 40s, living a typical domestic life, suddenly decides to transform herself into an athlete? This is the story of Jo Pybus, a late-onset writer, feminist, and podcaster, who took on triathlons and endurance events while navigating the complexities of perimenopause. Her transformative journey and experiences dealing with not-so-informative GP visits and heavier periods shed light on the challenges many midlife women face. Jo is also an advocate. As a voice for midl...
Jul 20, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is a pioneering force in women's mental health. In this episode, Professor Kulkarni shares her knowledge of the urgent need for a revolutionary approach towards women's mental health treatments as the founder and director of one of Australia's most prominent psychiatric research groups. We also gain a deep insight into her groundbreaking 'HER Mental Health Campaign', a push towards elevating the conversation about mental health among politicians, bureaucrats, and the ...
Jul 13, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 67
