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, while Professor Jayashri Kulkarni sheds light on the critical intersection of menopause and mental health. 

These episodes are packed with actionable insights and are perfect for anyone seeking clarity in the new year.

As I take a two-week summer break, I extend my deepest gratitude for your support and wish you warmth and meaningful connections during the holiday season. 

Here's to a year filled with growth, joy, and powerful conversations.

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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 neurodivergent is becoming increasingly important in modern healthcare.

Caroline dives into the complex relationship between perimenopause and ADHD symptoms as she explains how hormonal changes can exacerbate or reveal previously masked ADHD symptoms in women, sometimes leading to late-in-life diagnoses that offer clarity and improved management options.

You will hear stories of women navigating the emotional journey of an ADHD diagnosis after years of misdiagnoses, often resulting in a newfound sense of relief and understanding.

Learn about the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals during periods of significant hormonal shifts, emphasising the need for more comprehensive research and personalised treatment options.

This episode is packed with information and empowering strategies aimed at enhancing women's cognitive health and wellness, encouraging listeners to reflect on and embrace their own personal growth journeys.

Links:
HER Centre
HER Centre - Cognition and Hormones
MENO-D Assessment Scale to detect depression in menopause

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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-identical progesterone and critique the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee's (PBAC) tendency to group these therapies together. This sheds light on the broader issue of insufficient research funding in women's health.

As we look forward, our anticipation builds around the government's response to the Senate Inquiry report and its potential impacts on women's health policy, especially with an upcoming election.

Will Australian women receive an early Christmas gift from the Government? We hope so!

Jo shares about attending Em Rusciano's impactful "Outgrown" show. And to wrap the year up, have you checked out our creative "Menopause Myths Advent Calendar 2024" on Instagram — a fun, festive initiative aimed at busting menopause myths with a sprinkle of Christmas joy.

Thank you for your continued support and here's to more insightful discussions in the new year!

Links:
Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)
Em Rusciano
The Holderness Family - Instagram Christmas Reel
2024 Advent Calendar - Instagram

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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 understanding perimenopause, offers more than just a narrative—it's a testament to the power of understanding your own body and standing up for yourself in healthcare settings.

During this generously candid conversation, Jules shares stories of her triumphs and challenges in her mental and menstrual health.

We explore the intricate dance between hormones and lifestyle choices as an unexpected ADHD diagnosis is also tied to her hormonal fluctuations like PMDD, PND and Perimenopause, and the decisions Jules has made, such as quitting alcohol for her well-being.

Jules and I discuss why symptom tracking and seeking second opinions are vital tools in navigating hormonal changes.

With a focus on reshaping the narrative around menopause, this episode encourages you to champion your health stories and leverage your relationship with your doctor to drive change in women's healthcare.

Links:
The Balance App by Dr Louise Newson
Confidence in the Menopause Online Course
For more on women's mental health and neurodiversity - Monash University HER Centre

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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 anticipated "So Hot Right Now" event at the Sydney Opera House in early 2925.

With renowned voices like Dr's Louise Newson, Vonda Wright and Kelly Casperson sharing their expertise with an Australian audience, this event promises to continue to elevate the vibrant dialogue on menopause.

Links:

Research Paper
Taylor S, Davis SR. Is it time to revisit the recommendations for initiation of menopausal hormone therapy? Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024 Oct 14:S2213-8587(24)00270-5. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00270-5. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39419045.

You Are Not Broken Podcast Episode with Dr Kelly Casperson and Dr Corinne Menn- Apple

Unboxing Menopause Campaign

Australian Journal of General Practice: Volume 53, Issue 5, May 2024 "Safety of vaginal oestrogens for genitourinary symptoms in women with breast cancer"

"Vaginal estrogen use for genitourinary symptoms in women with a history of uterine, cervical, or ovarian carcinoma"

So Hot Right Now event tickets

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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 globally.

Ceri shares her takeaways from the recent International Menopause Society Symposium we both attended and also shares her reaction to the recommendations tabled from the recent Senate Inquiry.

We delve into exciting innovations in menopause healthcare, including the benefits of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) for bone, cardiac, and mental health. We also unpack the need for progressive healthcare changes in Australia, specifically improving equity and accessibility to good menopause care and affordable, if not free, medications.

Learn about the new platform for both patients and practitioners that Ceri has co-founded, called Healthy Hormones which is changing the face of menopause education and support for all Australians.

Links:
Healthy Hormones website
So Hot Right Now event - Sydney Opera House 1st March 2025

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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 this critical life stage. Discover the collaborative efforts that brought diverse voices to the forefront, highlighting the essential need for enhanced support and resources for women.

We address the stark gaps in medical education and societal support, probing why many women rely on unregulated online sources for vital menopause information. 

The discussion extends to the broader societal issue of how women's health concerns tend to be sidelined after childbirth and the push for a national awareness campaign to normalise menopause discussions. 

Celebrating the passionate advocacy of women who have tirelessly worked to keep menopause in the public eye, we underscore their crucial role in fostering ongoing dialogue and driving change. 

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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.

We'll take you behind the scenes of a groundbreaking event at Parliament House, where collaboration became the cornerstone of impactful change. Thanks to the support of the Parliamentary Friends of Women's Health, this initiative transformed into a successful Parliamentary Roundtable. Hear about the diverse voices that shaped the event, including Dr Ginni Mansberg and Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, and how their insights resonated with parliament members. These efforts laid the groundwork for ongoing meetings with experts and officials, paving the way for perimenopause to gain recognition at a national level.

As advocacy goes global, we're urging you to leverage your voice and voting power to push for the implementation of 25 Senate inquiry recommendations on menopause. With an upcoming election, public pressure is key to ensuring women's health moves to the top of political agendas.

We highlight the need for broader government action, such as a public awareness campaign for younger generations. Our conversation underscores the evolving narrative of menopause, from a hidden issue to a mainstream movement, fueled by passionate advocates and influential media initiatives.

We wrap the episode up with the introduction of a new segment in which Jo and I unpack what's happening in the menopause zeitgeist in real time!

Links discussed in this episode
Email Template for sending to government, opposition and local members provided by Wellfemme
Article in The Guardian UK by Kate Muir on bone health
The (M) Factor Film by Tamsen Fadal
The M Word Book by Dr Ginni Mansberg

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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 early makes for a smoother menopausal transition.  

You can also return to the library to listen to Episode 31 which is my last conversation with Dr Kelly.

Resources:

Next Phase Women’s Wellness Program
* For $50 off the Next Phase Program, use Discount Code: DEARMENO

Wellfemme

Wellfemme on Instagram

Wellfemme on Facebook

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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 missed.

Don't forget to leave your mark with a review or rating, and if you're puzzled by midlife's mysteries, take The Midlife Quiz.

See you soon!

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