In episode two, Connect begins exploring treatment options for perimenopause and menopause with Dr Sonia Davison, endocrinologist at the Jean Hailes Medical Centre.

The range of treatments available can be overwhelming – hormone therapies, non-hormonal options, alternative therapies, lifestyle changes and more! Sonia will take us through the options, important considerations for those living with an existing chronic health condition or mental health condition and how you can put yourself and your needs first during these life stages.

Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Host and guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Sonia’s recommendations

• Australasian Menopause Society - Find a Practitioner - https://www.menopause.org.au/find-a-practitioner/
• Better Health Channel - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
• Endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/
• Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/

Trackers and score cards

• Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8
• Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf
• Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
• HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

Joined by Laura Riccardi, Sexual and Reproductive Health Lead at Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE), today’s episode starts our deep dive into the often overlooked, but important life stages of perimenopause and menopause.

From surprising symptoms to the impacts on a person’s health, wellbeing, work and relationships, perimenopause and menopause can look different for everyone and can be a confusing time, especially for those already living with a chronic health or a mental health condition. This episode will explore the 101 of perimenopause and menopause and where someone can go for affirming guidance and support

Tune in to this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and to feel empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Host and guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Women’s Health in the South East - https://whise.org.au/

Key websites

• Australasian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

Laura’s recommendations

• ‘The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence’ by Lisa Mosconi, PhD
• ‘It's The Menopause’ by Kaz Cooke
• ‘Preparing for the Perimenopause and Menopause’ by Dr Louise Newson
• The Dr Louise Newson Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-dr-louise-newson-podcast/id14596
• The Lancet series on menopause - https://www.thelancet.com/series/menopause-2024
• Health Direct - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/guide-to-menopause

Gender-affirming services and resources

• Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/
• Trans Hub - https://www.transhub.org.au/our-health/menopause-oestrogen-cessation/

Trackers and score cards

• Australasian Menopause Society Symptom Score Card - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=889f06fe-8b48-4140-9cac-a828400d7ea8
• Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause checklist - https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf
• Balance app by Dr Louise Newson - https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
• HER Centre Australia MENO-D (depression in menopause) tracker – https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3793488/2024_MENO-D.pdf

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

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

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

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

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

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