As the head of health programs at CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, Nicole Pritchard shares how their new Menopause Plan leverages a decade of research to address the unique nutritional needs of perimenopausal and menopausal women. At the heart of the program is a powerful yet simple nutritional philosophy: emphasise high-quality protein, choose low glycemic index carbohydrates, and prioritise fiber-rich foods. This approach directly addresses the physiological changes occurring during menopause, from...
Jun 12, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 125
When Professor Odette Best, Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy) at UniSQ discovered she was experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, she turned to her healthcare provider for answers, only to find a glaring absence of research, resources, and support specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. "The last lot of research that we did or was done in Australia was about 12 years ago, and it was done by a group of non-Indigenous women and there were 10 women that they ...
Jun 05, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 124
What if your menopause journey could be a celebration of your skin's resilience rather than a battle against it? Elizabeth Barbalich, founder and CEO of Antipodes Skincare, shares this refreshing perspective as she joins us to discuss how natural ingredients can address the unique challenges of menopausal skin. From her kitchen table to a global brand sold in over 40 countries, Elizabeth's story embodies the power of female entrepreneurship guided by genuine purpose. She reveals how winning the ...
May 29, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 123
A captivating conversation between Sonya and Jo explores the rapidly evolving landscape of menopause healthcare, research, and politics in Australia. In this episode we begin by unpacking the viral podcast between Dr. Rachel Rubin and Dr. Peter Attia – a two-and-a-half hour deep dive into menopause, vaginal health and GSM that's being celebrated as "the best podcast that has been recorded to date on this topic." What makes it exceptional isn't just the content but the peer-to-peer dynamic betwee...
May 22, 2025•33 min
What happens to marriages and long-term relationships during menopause? Clinical psychologist Kirstin Bouse returns to the podcast to tackle this powerful question, revealing why 70% of midlife breakups are initiated by women. The menopause transition triggers not just hormonal changes but profound psychological shifts. Neuroplasticity during this period reshapes women's brains, often leading to significant evolutions in identity, values, and what they're willing to tolerate. As Kirstin explains...
May 15, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 121
Your brain is undergoing a massive renovation during menopause, and Neuroscientist Dr Jennifer Hacker Pearson is here to help you understand the how and why. With nearly three decades studying neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change itself, Dr Jen offers revolutionary insights into why perimenopause affects every woman differently and how you can harness this transformation. When estrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause, your brain essentially panics. There are estrogen receptors th...
May 08, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 120
We need to talk about the glaring inequity in Australian healthcare that's affecting millions of women. After 18 months on menopause hormone therapy, testosterone has transformed my life, restoring my vitality, sharpening my focus, lifting my mood, and reawakening my sexuality. Yet accessing this life-changing treatment reveals a troubling gender bias in our healthcare system. While nine testosterone products for men are subsidised through the PBS, Androfeme - the only female-specific testostero...
May 01, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 119
Postmenopausal bleeding can be an alarming experience, especially when you've gone years without a period. What causes this unexpected bleeding? When should you be concerned? Dr Ceri Cashell joins me to demystify this common but often distressing symptom. We dive into the definition of postmenopausal bleeding - any bleeding that occurs after 12 months without periods - and explore the various causes, from hormone imbalances to more serious conditions that require immediate attention. Dr Ceri use...
Apr 24, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 117
Have you ever wondered why weight creeps on during menopause, despite your best efforts? Dr Lucy Burns pulls back the curtain on what she calls the "metabolic triad of menopause" – a perfect storm of declining estrogen, rising cortisol, and increasing insulin resistance that creates the ideal conditions for stubborn weight gain. As a GP who retrained in lifestyle medicine after experiencing her own health challenges, Dr. Burns offers a refreshingly honest perspective on why traditional approache...
Apr 17, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 117
The relationship between menopause and neurodivergence remains largely unexplored territory in women's health—until now. In this groundbreaking conversation, neuropsychologist A/Professor Caroline Gurvich shares fascinating insights into why cognitive symptoms during perimenopause may signal more than just typical hormone fluctuations. For many women, perimenopause becomes the unexpected moment when long-overlooked neurodivergent traits suddenly demand attention. "About 98% of people said their ...
Apr 10, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 116
Supplement confusion is at an all-time high, with social media feeds flooded with miracle promises targeting menopausal women. But how do you know what you actually need, what works, and what's just expensive snake oil? Pharmacist and nutritionist Sarah Gray brings her dual expertise to this conversation, offering practical guidance for navigating the overwhelming world of supplementation. Unlike most health professionals who specialise in either conventional medicine or natural approaches, Sara...
Apr 03, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 115
In this popular episode, Dr. Talat Uppal, an obstetrician-gynecologist specialising in heavy menstrual bleeding, shares her expertise on a condition affecting one in four women yet rarely discussed openly. This eye-opening conversation sheds light on how women often normalise suffering through periods that drastically impact their quality of life. The discussion reveals shocking statistics: 25% of women experience heavy menstrual bleeding, yet more than half never seek medical help. Dr. Uppal pr...
Mar 27, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 114
Updates on the rapidly changing landscape of menopause care in Australia and globally, focusing on revolutionary PBS changes making hormone therapy more affordable and the growing momentum around women's health initiatives. • Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) now includes Estrogel, Prometrium, and Estrogel Pro (as of March 1st), with Slinder joining May 1st • PBS prescriptions require specific coding - you may need a new prescription to access subsidised pricing • FDA removed warnings from te...
Mar 20, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 113
What happens to our sexuality during menopause? Far from signalling an end to pleasure and intimacy, this transition offers an unexpected opportunity for sexual rediscovery and deeper connection. Psychologist and sexologist Laura Lee joins me in this episode to masterfully unpack the evolution of desire through midlife, challenging our cultural fixation on "loss of libido" by revealing how desire simply changes form. Sexual communication can feel particularly challenging during menopause, when c...
Mar 13, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 112
How do you navigate life after cancer when everything feels different? Join me for a raw discussion that dives deep into the emotional and physical realities of cancer recovery. In this episode, Shari Todd and I share similarities in our vulnerable journeys through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and what life looks like on the other side. And what it took for us to get there. You will hear a candid conversation about the weight of expectations, mental health struggles, and the often-overlooked cha...
Mar 06, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 111
Delve into an exciting new era for women's health in Australia, highlighted by a $573.3 million investment. Join my conversation with Ged Kearney, the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, who passionately shares insights from her extensive background in nursing and women's health advocacy. As we explore the various components of this funding package, Ged discusses critical advancements aimed at transforming menopause care, addressing gender disparities in the health system, and fostering...
Feb 27, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 110
Enjoy this captivating conversation with Dr. Louise Newson, a renowned Uk based expert in the field of menopause. With her extensive background in evidence-based medicine and a passion for translating complex medical data into practical insights, Dr. Newson sheds light on the evolving landscape of menopause awareness, specifically in Australia. You will hear about her journey from a career in pathology and cancer medicine to becoming a leading advocate for menopause education. Together, we discu...
Feb 20, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 109
Join me today to dive into the intricacies of vaginal and sexual health with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a leading figure in female sexual health and hormones. We unpack everything you need to know about Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), highlighting the critical need for understanding and treating these symptoms beyond conventional methods like antibiotics for urinary tract infections. We dissect the FDA's boxed warnings on estrogen medications, which we also have here in Australia, leading t...
Feb 13, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 108
Could a $573.3 million investment revolutionise menopause health in Australia? Tune in to discover how this historic commitment from the Albanese government is set to transform menopause and perimenopause care across the nation. With bipartisan support ensuring the longevity of these initiatives, we explore the Senate Inquiries and Budget Submissions that paved the way for these groundbreaking developments and the profound impact they promise for countless women. This episode sheds light on how ...
Feb 10, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 107
Leanne Mulheron takes us on an incredible journey from her life on super yachts to becoming a menopause and PMDD specialist therapist. Her personal experience with perimenopause symptoms, like hot flushes and mood swings, became the catalyst for a career pivot aimed at supporting women in similar situations. Throughout, we highlight the societal need for education and understanding about menopause, ensuring future generations are not caught off guard by its onset. Leanne's narrative powerfully u...
Feb 06, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 106
Join me for a fun and insightful conversation with Despina Kamper, a respected naturopath and nutritionist, as she shares her journey of addressing stress management for women over 40. Discover how stress, rather than just diet, plays a pivotal role in overall health, as Despina highlights the critical brain-gut connection. Learn from her experience conducting anxiety awareness workshops and retreats designed to help women manage stress and improve their quality of life. We explore the significa...
Jan 30, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 105
In our first Hot Take of 2025, Sonya and Jo share updates from Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and how consumer advocacy was pivotal in the PBAC's decision to recommend Estrogel, Prometrium and Estrogel Pro for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. With a personal milestone, Sonya shares her new role as the ambassador for Menopause and Cancer in Australia and New Zealand. This initiative seeks to fill the glaring void in post-cancer menopause care, echoing alarming statistic...
Jan 23, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 104
Tara Eglington generously shares her unexpected journey through perimenopause from the age of 37, highlighting its profound impact on her mental health and daily life. By discussing the challenges she faced—including anxiety, panic attacks, night sweats and an unexpected OCD diagnosis —Tara emphasises the importance of storytelling, awareness, and seeking support in navigating this often isolating time of life. During our conversation, you will learn about: • Tara's path to advocacy • The sympto...
Jan 16, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 103
Start the new year by joining me, Sonya Lovell, in exploring essential topics that shape our midlife journey. Dive into a curated list of must-listen episodes that promise to inspire and inform as you set your goals for 2025. I spotlight influential voices in the menopause sphere, including Dr Kelly Teagle, who empowers us to build healthy habits, and Sarah Rusbach, who challenges us to rethink our relationship with alcohol. Nutritionist Ange Clark offers her expertise on supplements for midlife...
Dec 26, 2024•4 min•Season 3Ep. 102
Joined by Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, a leading clinical neuropsychologist, today we explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity, menopause, and women's mental health. Caroline opens up about her work at the HER Center, where she sheds light on how understanding brain changes and behaviour is crucial in addressing women's health issues. Gain insights into the evolving understanding of menopause and cognition, and how recognising neurodiversity's spectrum from neurotypical to neurod...
Dec 19, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 101
Join Johanna Wicks and me in today's Hot Take as we unravel the complicated process of getting treatments added to Australia's PBS, sparked by a recent breakthrough announcement about endometriosis medication. We explore the pivotal, yet often misunderstood, roles that pharmaceutical companies and the government play in this process and why modern menopause hormone therapy (MHT) hasn't yet made it to the PBS despite public demand. Delving deeper, we contrast MPA, a synthetic progestin, with body...
Dec 12, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 100
Ever wondered how self-advocacy can transform your healthcare journey (and even your GPs), especially during pivotal life transitions like menopause? Meet Julie Dutton, affectionately dubbed by her GP as "Patient Zero," after her strong advocacy reshaped Dr Ceri Cashell's career when it came to managing her patients' midlife hormone health. Jules' tale of moving from England to Australia while pregnant, overcoming postnatal depression and then educating her own GP on the importance of understand...
Dec 05, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 99
In this Hot Take episode, Johanna and Sonya venture beyond the outdated "iron curtain" myth of Menopausal Hormone Therapy after age 60, revealing a new Australian research paper that could transform women's menopause care and longevity. We dive into the confusion that often surrounds vaginal estrogen because of misleading warnings on packaging. The exaggerated risks deter many from reaping the health benefits these products offer and many doctors from prescribing it. And we chat about the antici...
Nov 28, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 98
Dr Ceri Cashell's journey into improving the menopause care she gave patients, as a GP, was sparked by one patient's suggestion that she learn more about testosterone. This led her to explore and become a vocal champion for the essential role of sex hormones in women's overall well-being. Join us as we talk through the complexities of menopause care, especially from a GP's perspective. Ceri is passionate about the need for real-world solutions that cater to the diverse and real needs of women gl...
Nov 21, 2024•32 min
Join me for an enlightening conversation with Senator Marielle Smith as we explore the transformative Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause in Australia. Over the past year, this Inquiry gathered insights from over 300 submissions, culminating in 25 key recommendations supported across political lines by the Liberal Party, Labor, and the Greens. Senator Smith provides a behind-the-scenes look at how these recommendations aim to improve women's healthcare and workplace conditions during...
Nov 14, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 96
